Yes on the ATC-2. Really not much to upgrade there.

Please keep us posted on how the Tungsol 6550 turn out. I have order a set for my amp.

the_smokester October 26, 2004 13:03

Samuelg,
I am using a Conrad Johnson Premiere 16LS Series 2 linestage. I have had the Nagra PL-P in my system and there is no comparison...the Nagra is so much better (including the integrated phonoamp). So at your system's level of play I would not recommend the CJ. I should have purchased the Nagra instead and have been looking for a different linestage for some time now.

It is hard to do head-to-head comparisons with the Callisto Signature in one's own system since the Signature is a bit of a monster to transport and accommodate but I have heard it many times in a couple of different systems and it is undoubtedly first cabin. The VAC I know only by reputation...very good.

I note that the prototype Wavestream phonoamp can be compared to the Aesthetix Io Signature in the setup at The Analog Room in San Jose. In my listening the Wavestream more than holds its own in that comparison. I don't fully trust "casual" listing on any system other than my own so final judgement will await until mine comes home. Also, the production models will have five tubes instead of the four that the prototype has. Still, it's impressive that Scott's one-box solution can go head-to-head with the three-box Io.

I have a Wavestream Stereo V8 amplifier. Based on my experience with that amplifier, my expectations for the other components that Scott Frankland is designing are very high. I am lining up for the Wavestream linestage which they will be coming out with "soon". If you are getting their phonoamp why not wait and see how it performs and then maybe consider their linestage, too?

Finally, I was doing comparisons of the new SACD RCA's and the original LP's yesterday on a system with Air Tight ATM-2 amplification. The ATM-2 had newly installed "Tungsol" 6550 power tubes made recently in Russia! We all agreed that, regardless of the difference between SACD and LP, those newly-minted Tungsol's transformed the ATM-2 to an even higher plane. I use GE 6550A's in my amplifier and recently they have become more scarce and even more outrageously expensive. For $35 these new babies may be the answer to our tubey audiophile dreams. Maybe you should give them a whirl in your amp.

the_smokester October 23, 2004 19:11

Samuelg
Nice system.

I expect my Wavestream phonoamp within the next few days. You know it's going to be good.

the_smokester October 15, 2004 18:05