Thanks much, Jet it means a lot, coming from you.

islandmandan May 20, 2014 19:23

Dan, Much admiration coming from my corner!

jetrexpro May 20, 2014 15:23

Thank you, Raymonda. I feel I have nearly unobtainium performance at a very real-world price, plus the added enjoyment of using my spare time, doing something I love.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan May 19, 2014 19:24

Charles, I couldn't agree more. I just wish I was able to share what I hear daily with like-minded folk that appreciate good sound.

I really do feel fortunate to be able live with this system.

Thanks, and regards,
Dan

islandmandan May 18, 2014 21:01

Dan,
SET amps and a good active line stage are a match for excellent sound.Your system has evolved into something special and has elevated your enjoyment/engagement substantially it seems.
Charles,

charles1dad May 18, 2014 20:31

System edited: I built a VH Audio Flavor 2 AC cord for use with the Transcendent Sound GG preamp. Not sure what has made the most difference, the Clarity Caps MR 450 output caps, the NOS Amperex 12AU7's, the Goldpoint attenuator, or the mil-spec silver hook-up wire, but I've never heard my system sound as good as it does right now. This little DIY preamp is mind-blowingly good, and has earned a permanent home in the system. I think my long association with TVC passive linestages may be over. Regards, Dan

islandmandan May 18, 2014 19:37

Nicely done. I'm really digging your table. It is beautiful and I bet it sounds fantastic.

raymonda May 18, 2014 11:43

Charles, right now the active is what's to my liking. There is a difference in presentation, the Grounded Grid seems a bit easier to listen to, and hear into the music.

I think the passive, though, presents the most pristine signal, but I must like what the 12AU7's are doing. I am having fun, though.

Thanks and regards,
Dan

islandmandan May 11, 2014 16:52

Dan,
You seem to be having much fun with your system, keep it up!
Do you prefer the active or passive line stage with your SET amplifier?
Charles,

charles1dad May 11, 2014 13:35

System edited: Yesterday, the Clarity Caps 1.0uf MR caps arrived, so I replaced the output caps in the Transcendent preamplifier, along with an additional set of RCA inputs. I don't know if these caps have a long break-in period, but they sound great, right from the start. I'm really beginning to enjoy this preamp, especially with the Goldpoint attenuator, NOS Amperex 12AU7's, and Bent Audio remote volume control. I don't know if furthur modifications will be done, but I'm pretty happy with this kit. Regards, Dan

islandmandan May 11, 2014 03:07

Hello Dan

The GARRARD/Dynavector/copper mat combo is a beautiful sight. Aesthetically just perfect unit, particularly the match between the red plinth and the copper.

I´m glad you like the LPM320 now replacing the Dynavector.
Beautiful. Congrats.

Cheers

harold-not-the-barrel May 06, 2014 15:56

System edited: I finished building the Transcendent Sound preamp. It sounds very nice, I'll probably do some cap and resistor upgrades at a later date. Using NOS Amperex 12AU7's, mil-spec silver hook-up wire, and Goldpoint attenuator (with Bent Audio Remote Volume Control) helped to make this preamp sound good, and it's quiet as a tomb.

islandmandan May 05, 2014 17:21

I was inspired by Harold-Not-The-Barrel's thread yesterday, to have a listen to my Acutex LPM M320 III STR again. I hadn't used it for several months, my two MC's were in rotation. A trip to the hardware store was necessary though, as I had to get some kind of flexible adhesive to affix (though not permanently!) the removable stylus assembly.

I could not nail down overhang, as the stylus kept moving in and out, due to being loose, as these Acutex carts are known for.

Finally got everything set up, and was again reminded just how good this cartridge is. And actually, even better than it has been, due to better, more accurate set up, and recent improvements in arm location and more precise, and solid, mounting procedure.

Bass is tremendous, as has always been the case with this cartridge, but it's much more textured and nuanced than before. All frequencies, though, were better than has been the case. Impressive.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 26, 2014 18:11

System edited: Had a few days before my preamp project begins, so I decided to further refine the 401 plinth with much more sanding, and rounding of all corners. I like it better this way, I had been thinking about this as I did the first remake, so to the router table it went. I think it's an improvement. On to the next project. Regards, Dan

islandmandan April 22, 2014 18:49

Dan,
My line stage is a mixture of what you'll be comparing (sort of). It's an active unit (two 101D DHT tubes) but it has transformer volume control for sonic purity (according to the builder/designer). The overall concept is very simple- minimalist circuit like your Transcendent.
Charles,

charles1dad April 19, 2014 01:57

Dan,
I believe that the minimalist designed active Transcendent could be a very good fit with a good 300b SET such as yours . I look forward to reading your impression and comparison, should be fun and interesting.
Charles,

charles1dad April 18, 2014 23:58

I will, I'm looking forward to it. It should be educational to see the differences between my current transformer-based passive, and an active linestage which I haven't had for five years or more.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 18, 2014 22:25

Dan, Sounds like your in for an adventure! I use a Goldpoint attentuator in my amp but have not tried the Bent Audio remote control. Keep us posted on your progress.

jetrexpro April 18, 2014 22:17

Just ordered the Transcendent Grounded Grid preamp. Also, a Goldpoint stepped attenuator, and Bent Audio Remote Volume Control, Amperex E80CC (12AU7) tubes.

It's time to build something.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 18, 2014 21:41

System edited: Added First Watt M2 amp, deleted VAC PA 35.35, which has gone to a new home. New system photos added.

islandmandan April 10, 2014 20:41

Nice system Dan! I'll take that little VAC off your hands! ;^)

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2 April 08, 2014 01:08

Dan,
You're obviously doing quite well with your current 300b SET based on the attributes you describe and joy it provides for you. Although there are diminishing returns the SET performance goes with the output transformer quality for the most part ( and of course power supply). It's the naturalness/realism that seperates SET from the others in my own experience. I can't live without this characteristic now that I've become accustom to it.
Charles,

charles1dad April 08, 2014 00:51

Charles,

I don't think that's going to happen. I briefly hooked up the SET 300B for a listen, and again was astounded at the amount of musical information it provides.

I need someday to try and hear a cost-no-object SET 300B amp, just to see if I'm missing out on anything, but maybe it's best I don't. I do wonder how much better than this it can get, though.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 07, 2014 18:48

First Watt and SET, simpler class A circuits with fewer parts wins again. Both of these will keep you happy for many years. Dan when you find an amplifier more natural sounding than a good SET let me know.
Charles,

charles1dad April 06, 2014 04:08

Right now, I seem to be getting more from listening to the M2, but it's certainly not a night/day kind of difference. The VAC can be compelling to listen to, and is, actually, but not to the degree the SET or the M2 is.

I think I was due for a change too, I enjoy having different experiences in music listening, and I can't go anywhere else to do it, unless I want to drive 2 1/2-6 hours for the privilege.

I really am enjoying the First Watt, I've been putting it through its paces the last couple of days.

I guess I've made up my mind, so the M2 it is (and the SET 300B).

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 05, 2014 23:44