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.
You will have to chat with Robert about that. I have no clue. I depends on what stand type you chose. I think they are close to being available. An audio buddy just ordered a set of new monitor stands and they are shipping this week...
Andrew, I haven`t ordered them(didn`t know they were available yet).Given my satisfaction with Star Sound productucts,the stands will be seriously considered. What is their cost?
Palasr, Thanks for your input.One thing I can say for sure, the TE aren`t anemic sounding in my home.They are very dynamic,lively and big in scale and overall presentation.The new Star Sound speaker stand could be an improved option(they could very possibably be better).I prefer a wide base for these tall speakers. Regards,
I agree with Chayro; my Total Eclipses sound better without the outriggers, and I have tried several different spike styles in them, as well as different affixing hardware (stainless steel hex bolts and washers are far superior to the supplied steel Allen bolts which are a pain). While I appreciate the added stability, the outriggers make the speakers slightly anemic sounding in my application. I am on hardwood over double thickness T&G 3/4" plywood.
I'm actually using all the tubes that came with the amp at this time. The 300B's are EH's. I have NOS replacement Tung-Sol 6BX7GT, Sylvania 6SN7, and CV 378, along with the JJ 300B's.
I'm thinking of seeing how it sounds with new tubes, but I'm letting all the new caps and resistors break in for a while first. Upgrading the output tubes is something to look forward to later, though. I'm loving this little old amp.
Hi Gary, The two Takatsuki versions sound identical to me (superb) the only difference is cosmetically with the new black and yellow base.Amtrans really came through with their warranty coverage for these expensive tubes. Regards,
Dan, The frequent goosebumps moments you alude to is what got me hooked on 300b SET amplifiers. The beauty of the circuit ot these amps is their simplicity, that's why you really hear the true character of your output tube, it's all out in the open to hear.If you like your SET with the JJtubes, you're off to a good start. Regards,
I didn't read every post, but I noticed you were considering the Star stands. When I had my Partial Eclipses, I found they sounded better with the spikes from the outriggers screwed directly into the cabinet rather than using the outriggers, which IMO, allowed a bit of play. I realize that the footers' effect on the sound is totally room dependant, but I only mention it as you might want to try this free solution before spending extra money.
I'm glad to hear the new tubes are working so well for you. Whether they would be a waste of resources for my modest SET 300B is in question. I will say, though, ever since putting it in, I haven'e felt the need or desire to go back to my VAC.
I have been truly amazed by this amp, no matter what music I play. I've also experienced more goose-bumps with this amp than any I've ever had. It must be doing something right. Maybe better tubes might be worth it, after all. Only 9Wpc, such a surprise.
I got my new pair of Takatsuki-TA300bs and have to say they are the best sounding tube in my amplifier. The AVVT is close and in some aspects equals the Japanese 300b. The essential differences are that the Takatsuki reveals more humanity and soul or the heart of the music.The AVVT doesn't lack these qualities they're just less when directly compared. Dynamics, transparency, clarity etc. They are oh so close. TheAVVT has a strong authoritative presentation with exceptional control and extension. It does have an organic feel. Relative to the Takatsuki it is less so(but not absent), perhaps a tad stiffer (but only in direct comparison).There's more fluidity, ease, ebb and flow and at least for me, more emotion is felt with the Japanese tube.
AVVT is a true top tier tube and no doubt, what differences I note could vary with the amplifier used and certainty other ears. It's close in performance for much less money.The Takstsuki just connects with me more deeply then any other tube I've ever heard.I wish they were more affordable so more 300b amp owners could take advantage. Regards,
Hi Brf, I received the EMLs 2 days ago but haven`t tried them yet.I would guess they`re similar although not identical to the AVVT given a partial shared lineage.I`ll find it hard to remove the AVVTs out of the amplifier.They sound so good. Regards,
Hi Charles, I am glad you are enjoying the AVVT tubes, although I must admit, I am not surprised. Did you ever get the EML 300B XLS that were exchanged for the meshplates?
Breaking in the AVVT SL 32b tubes has been very enjoyable, this is a music lover's tube, such a natural sound, just devoid of hifi artificiality. Looking forward to the new Takatsuki and comparisons, theTakatsuki has been the best in my system so far.But this AVVT will be a worthy competitor without question. Last night I listened to 1) "Soul Brothers/Soul Meeting" this is Ray Charles and Milt Jackson, very bluesy jazz. 2)" Doin' Alright" Dexter Gordon and also Freddie Hubbard. Straight ahead Bop and Ballads. 3)"You Go to My Head" Doug Raney guitar.An under appreciated but beautiful player.
4)"The Hawk relaxes" Coleman Hawkins and also Kenny Burrell.
The AVVT 32B SL has a life expectancy of 40,000 hours according to Jac Van de Walle of JAC Music. This is a fabulous sounding tube. One of my Takatsukis developed a leak.Takatsui decided to send me a new pair under warranty replacement.I look forward to comparing these excellent examples of 300b tubes.
I have put the AVVT 32b tubes in my amp today.The last batch was made in 2001 by the extraordinaryly talented Alesa Vaic. well, this is just a splendid 300b tube, it`s obvious straight out of the box.This was also true of the Takatsuki-TA and the EML mesh plate. These tubes have one purpose and that is to bring beautiful,involving and natural music into your home.Unfortunately I can`t use the EML mesh any longer but what a special tube it is.The AVVT is just as special but with its own presentation.
My reference is the Takatsuki and it`s too early for any comparisons.I can say this much,The AVVT won`t be embarressed by it or any other tube.One thing is patently clear, Alesa Vaic knew what he was doing.I`m going to put 100 hours on this tube and then contrast the differences with the Takatsuki. Regards,
Hi Brett, A high percentage of 300b SET are auto bias and tube rectified, it must be for a good reason.many knowledgeable people recommend the EML tubes for both 45 and 2A3 amplifiers, solid plate and mesh plate versions. Brett I know you're enjoying wonderful sounding music with your system.
I received my High Fidelity Cable -CT1 Ultimate digital today.I can't say I throughly understand the magnetic conduction cocept of this cable but the sound of it is remarkable. As natural and real as can be. They really reproduce the true reasonance and nuances of instruments convincingly. Hope to get my AVVT and EML tubes next week. Regards,
Charles, I also chose auto-bias amplifiers. (Wavelength, to other readers) I very much enjoy reading of your refinements to your system. You are assembling a very nice stable (harem) of 300B tubes! My SRP (for other readers) I am happy with. I am looking forward to your post of the EML XLS. I have my 45 (Wavelength) amps to consider for power tube upgrade. EML Globe limited edition when I pull the wallet trigger.
Brf, I don`t know what the bias is set at.I have a local tech who`s very competent and communicates directly with Israel.He trusts and is satisfied with this technician`s level of skill/experience. Regards,
Onemug, Gon member Germanboxers recently got a Frankenstein MK II and is using the EML mesh without any problems just as I was able to do pre revision.
Onemug, The mesh tubes sounded beautiful initially. Then the auto bias circuit was revised to lower the stress on the output 300b even more (was already easy on them).Since the revision the volume of the mesh tube is very diminished (cut in half it seems).I definitely believe there's less overall stress now, the transformers are hardly even tepid to the touch after being on 5 hours (they use to get mildly warm at most before, never hot).Just one of those things I guess. The sound has improved subtly with the solid plate tubes.
If you want to use the mesh tube then I'd skip the revision. I supect the revision will extend the tube life as promised . I'll be fine with the three tubes mentioned in the earlier post. Onemug I feel you'd really enjoy the Frankenstein in either version. I hope you'll be able to try them out. Regards,
I've been thinking of getting a pair of Franks in the near future. I want to make sure I understand you correctly. You had the Franks updated/revised "after" you got the EML's and that's when the output of the meshes went south. Is that correct? and besides the output, I'm guessing the sound went with it?
