My objective is to duplicate the sound of a good jazz venue as best I can. I'll never match it but getting close is fine. I've had various audio components through the years and tubes particularly DHT tubes/ASSET have gotten me the closest. So this is where I will settle down and appreciate.
Balanced AC power is fantastic !! 1800va balanced isolation transformer/conditioner. All aspects of music reproduction are improved for every single component.
Tripoint Tripoint Troy.
A wonderful grounding box component. When added to my system it increased the sense of natural sound quality and emotional engagement. The Troy has a humanistic and “soulful “ quality to it.
Coincident Speaker Tech Total eclipse 2
This wonderful speaker is transparent,open and involving. It`s large yet completely disappears as the source of sound within the room. Very easy to drive,94db and 14 0hm impedance (Minimum 10 ohm). I replaced the stock Solens capacitor with the Duelund CAST in the crossover.
Coincident Statement linestage
Superb performance. In my opinion , a masterpiece by Israel Blume. As would be expected, a wonderful match with its sibling the Frankenstein MK II.
Coincident Speaker Tech Frankenstein mark 2
A terrific 300b SET amplifier that is the foundation of my system. The EML XLS 300b tubes are a superb match with this amplifier.
Acquiring these 300b SET mono blocks changed the course of my music listening experience. They elevated the emotional engagement, tactility and “breath of life “ realism.
Yamamoto YDA-01
Wonderful music lover's DAC that has a very natural/organic sound quality. Duelund CAST addition(output coupling capacitors) makes it sound even better. It has a very minimalist circuit/design that was implemented well.
Ocellia Silver Reference IC
Very natural and pure sounding with excellent tone and timbre preservation.
Ocellia Silver Reference Speaker Cable
Same qualities/ comments as the IC.
Star Sound Technologies Sistrum Apprentice component platforms..
These Star Sound platforms are mandatory in my system. Effectively managing resonance and vibration leads to a very noticeable sound improvement with every component and especially the speakers. Excellent product.
High Fidelity CT1 Ultimate Digital cable
A highly impressive digital cable that mates beautifully into my system. Contributes to the natural sound presentation.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems CD Box RS2T
This is a superb Redbook CD playback transport. It’s both high resolution and impressively natural.
. I’m using the excellent Fidelizer Nikola II LPS. Splendid pairing.
Lavricables Grand and Master series Power Cables.
Pure silver wire and unshielded power cables. These are used with all of my audio components. They are very open, transparent, high resolution with beautiful natural tone and timbre presentation.
Abbas Esoteric Audio 3.2SE
Built by renown Ukrainian Abbas Zulfugarov. NOS DAC utilizing the classic Phillips TDA 1541 multi bit chip. Two 6080 tubes in the analog stage. 5 various rectifier tubes in the power supplies.
3 separate toroidal transformers (And 2 chokes ) for the power supplies.A very serious and successful upper tier DAC implementation. Using with the Abbas SPDIF and power cable.
Charles and Bill, I always enjoy reading of each of your both system improvements in sound quality and I do fully believe that those findings are very real and as perceived. You both had moved (improved) to much lower power amplification, of which I consequently endorse. You both obviously have no musical or sexual size inadequacy compensation issues. I have a pair of 45's, btw.
Hi Charles, Been looking at SETs and pretty much settled on the Franks. Could you apprise me of the possible benefits/drawbacks of using the 20 watt XLS tubes. Not having heard the Franks and knowing how much I enjoy the dynamics of the Zu Defs, I'm a little hesitant to go with 8 watts. Nice system you have there. I've enjoyed the discussions of nuance in your tube rolling exercises and having tuned my MC 60s to good effect realize the value of a good glass bottle and not the least, what it contains. Thanks, Tom
Bill, I imagine that your system as presently configured sounds devine, your happiness shines through via your posts. I must give you ample credit for what you've done. Going from 500 watt transistor amplifiers and Maggies to an 8 watt SET with very different and high efficiency speakers is a drastic change of direction (no kidding huh?). I am genuinely gratified this has gotten you closer to the sound you sought and increased your music listening pleasure/involvement. Charles,
Charles, Thanks for the comments on the Jupiters. At a certain point, that kind of upward step is about all that is left for us. It could be argued that that the only "transformative" tweak would be a live performance.
I got my telefunkens installed last night. I was very happy with what I heard. They added both sweetness and texture in the strings, and there was something mighty nice in the vocals going on. Was it a transformative tweak? No, but it was easily worth the $270 the tubes cost me.
On the other hand, I recently added Audio Magic umbilicals to carry DC from the power supplies to the players, and that tweak was substantial enough that it was nearly transformative, so I keep my eyes and ears open for those rare opportunities to get a jump in performance.
Meanwhile, I look for opportunities to address whatever minor aberrations in timbre may remain. I will certainly keep the Jupiters on my list and make that happen when the time is right.
Bill, I don't want to present to big a deal about the Jupiter capacitors. I've enjoyed the Franks immensely for 5 years with those stock Solens caps on board. The Jupiter is a definitely "solid" upward move but I won't go overboard and say they're transformative(they aren't). The stock Frankenstein is superb. Adding better tubes,fuses and capacitors are just fine tuning and squeezing more performance from this fine amplifier. Charles,
Bill, I look forward to trying the Mullards based on your rewarding experience with them. Israel was emphatic in saying that the CV 378 is the "best" rectifier tube for his Frankenstein creation, who am I to argue? Charles,
It has a nice run down of a lot of tubes that might be used in the Franks. The fat and skinny bottle CV378s are compared. It is hard to know if the difference in performance is consistent tube to tube, amp to amp, and ear to ear, if you catch my meaning. Really, where is that tube lending library when you need it? If I were still rolling in the big bucks, I might give them a try. Cue the violins, here comes the living on a fixed income speech. No, maybe not, but retirement does present its mindset adjustment hurdles. I think I will hold that $600 investment for my 300Bs when the time is right.
I do hope you find your skinnies to your liking. They are doing some nice things in my system. I got my telefunkens for the ModWright Sony today, and I have about an hours worth of mundane whatevers to do before I get to do some listening.
Luan, I spoke with the Canadian Mullard vendor who I purchased from. He says the fat bottle CV 378 is expensive due primarily to their rarity, he said only 2, 000 were ever manufactured. He believes that the skinny (Blackburn plant) CV 378 is very close or equal sonically. Now I know this is just one man's opinion and you've heard both and have your own opinion. At this time it's a moot point, he is out of the fat bottle tubes. You're fortunate to have these apparently rare tubes. Charles,
As always Charles, thanks for the tip. I actually have a few Jupiter caps I bought a while back with the intention of using them in my preamp and Big 7. The consensus has been very positive, so I'll have to get around to it in the near future.
I'm sure the skinny CV378 will add to your current enjoyment, but once you have a grasp for its contribution, if you have an itch to try out its fatter cousin shoot me a PM:)
Hi Shawbros3, Just in case you're interested in doing this one day. I recently changed input coupling capacitors in my Frankenstein.The Solens 0.47uf cap at the 6em7 tube(driver tube) location. I upgraded to the Jupiter copper foil(1 cap per mono block) the pair cost 170.00 USD. This is less than a pair of the Mullard CV 378 rectifier tubes(250.00 one pair) for this amplifier. It is a very worthwhile upgrade. The longer they're in the Frankenstein the more apparent is their positive contribution. Excellent sound is further improved for a very reasonable cost. Charles,
Shwbros3, Thanks for your comments on these Mullard tubes. The fat bottle CV 378 seems quite special based on your experience. Well, at least the skinny CV 378 is a solid step up above my 5u4g rectifier in the amplifier. Charles,
I asked Israel which tubes could be safely rolled into the Franks. I have always assumed that one could use the 5u4, 5u4g, and 5u4gb, but in the past Israel told me only to use the 5u4gb. I had no idea he was selling the CV378 as upgrades to the Franks. I wish I did, because I used to use the skinny version in my preamp and still have them to try. So I asked him if I could also roll in the GEC U52 or WE 422a or 5ar4. He just responded that only the CV378 or 5ar4 could be used and nothing else.
I am not sure if he has tried the fat version of the CV378. But if the results of my trials of both versions in my preamp then the fat bottle will sound killer with the Franks. It cost a lot more (~3x) but IMO, well worth the marked improvement. I'll report back soon...
Bill, Good logic regarding the 300b, your current tube is well above the average level and is considered to be a very good 300b. The proof is that you're obviously enjoying your music and these tubes are contributing. Charles,
Charles, I agree on the Franks being keepers. I will certainly be holding mine, at least until Israel releases MK III. :) Once one gets a piece worth holding forever, it makes sense to spend some cash equipping it with the best tubes one can find. The Wagner operas I listened to last night just came alive. I think my Mullards are improving with burn in.
I'm going to wait a year before replacing my 300Bs. I'd like to get a feel for how the Psvane WEs and Elrog tubes stack up against the best current offerings. The statement from Elrog that their target is to be at least as good as the original WEs got my attention.
You are a brave soul, testing the ebay waters.
I've got some Telefunken EC88s coming in for my ModWright HAPZ1. Can't wait to get those going. I really expect great things out of them. Things should be sounding pretty good once those are burned in.
Bill, With both you and Israel so enthusiastic about the Mullard CV 378 rectifiers it has gotten my attention. I'll look to Ebay to find a pair sometime this week. I may as well put the best tubes I can find in the Frankensteins. This is likely the last power amplifier I'll own. After 5 years of nearly daily use, my appreciation for its abilities continues to grow.
Bill, the W.E. Replica 101Ds are burned in now and this is an exceptional sounding tube. Just beautiful music reproduction with these in the CSL,an example of money well spent. Charles,
Charles, Update on the CV387s. I do really like these tubes very much. I listened to Das Reingold and about half of Die Walkure tonight. Glorious, glorious, brass, wonderful texture in the strings, Oh, my! I'm going to stick my neck way out here, and agree with Israel. These tubes are a must have item. Let me know if you (when you) acquire a pair.
I've been lurking in the background on your Jazz recommendations. May try to pick up a few of these myself. Good music is good music. Genre is a consideration for librarians.
Bill, A couple of more Frank Morgan CDs. 1) "Twogether"(spelled this way) features the wonderful pianist John Hicks. 2) "Mood Indigo" plenty of Frank's beautiful alto saxophone front and center playing mostly ballads. Charles,
Here are a couple of suggestions that are not widely known
Voyage by Youn Sun Nah. Korean, but sings in English. IMHO this is her best CD; her others do not compare. I heard her once is a small venue in NYC; too self-effacing in public.
The Paul Robeson Legacy by Sir Willard White. Tremendous bass voice that really sounds like Robeson although the selections are more spiritual than jazz and the arrangements are more White than Robeson.
Bill, Yes, Frank Morgan and kenny Burrell are a formidable musical pair, glad you enjoyed them. I think you'll like the above recommended Kenny Burrell with the legendary Coleman Hawkins. Bill, there's much good jazz I can recommend for you covering a multitude of instruments. Jazz is blessed with many superb musicians past and present. Charles,
Charles today I listened to Charlie Rouse Unsung Hero. I also like this CD. However the second one I listened to is my favorite to date. Frank Morgan Listen To The Dawn. Thus far I like his sound and style the most. He is very smooth, clean, and flows with ease and speed!
Like the guitar work also on this CD. I really like Frank's style. The flow is so beautiful and pleasing.
Bill, Here are a few of Tenor saxophone CDs I think you'll enjoy. 1) Coleman Hawkins "The Hawk Relaxes" Features Kenny Burrell. 2) Kenny Burrell "Bluesy Burrell" features Coleman Hawkins. This two flip group leader role but both are given much space to play. Very good Prestige label early 1960s jazz. 3) Oliver Nelson "Nocturne" Gorgeous. Charles,
