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.
Hi Gary, Thanks for the music recommendations, that particular Holy Cole I'm familiar will but check out the other. Gary I'm curious to hear a genuine woven mesh plate as opposed to the punched plate Chinese version (fake). The Takatsuki is my ultra standard reference point. I hear many good things about EML, especially the mesh, no one else makes this type of tube anymore. Regards,
Charles - In this you and I disagree. Unless someone tells me that EML mesh is better than the Takatsuki, I have no interest in experimenting. However, I do have a couple of jazz recommendations for you if you like female vocals. Holy Cole Don't Smoke in Bed and Youn Sun Nah Voyage. (Hopefully, I did not already suggest these to you.)
Onemug, I'm curious to try the EML mesh and the XLS version 300b.How are your mesh plates coming along and have you heard the XLS ? I get the feeling the mesh "may" be more organic and fluid and perhaps the XLS more dynamic, robust and more bass. How do you find the mesh in terms of dynamics? I wonder about the longevity of the delicate mesh compared to the solid plate XLS. Regards,
Andrew, If someone were to ask my advice for cost effective upgrades, I`d suggest the following.If a budget is relatively limited yet someone wants true unquestionable sound quality improvement. 1)Star Sound brass points under all components. 2)Synergistic Research Quantum fuses(be patient with burn-in). These will yield meaningful results in improving one`s overall system sound.I feel confident stating this. Regards,
I have to mention that the Synergistic Research Quantum fuses are really making their presence felt.With additional hours the sound is very natural and fluid with definitely increased transparency and lower level information awareness. I could`nt begin to explain why these fuses have this effect,ultimately I guess it does`nt matter.They are a clear benefit in my system and I`m glad I tried them.Tis is one of the very few products I`ve used that went from intially unimpressive to very impressive with burn-in. Regards,
Hi Rok, Yes I have quite a few Miles recordings myself.I just ordered some Fats Navarro CDs, he IMO is one of the true greats of jazz trumpet, a stunning bop player who died too soon (age 26!).When I listen to Clifford Brown (who also died at 26) I can hear some Navarro influence though he certainly had his own sound. I found a CD live recording from the late 1940s that features Charlie Parker, Navarro and the great Bud Powell. Needless to say I can't to hear these icons together.
Regarding the DSO, their performance of the Ninth was very fine and I hope you'll have the chance to view it. Charles,
I youtubed the DSO. I could not find the beethoven music, but they did talk about the festival. I think it's goes until the 24th, maybe thats why I could not see it yet.
I did hear Nutcracker, Bloero and William Tell. You are right, the Hall is very beautiful. It must have been quite a night.
I see where Saltkin wore a black suit with black shirt and a red necktie during one of the performances. Must be Detroit!! But it was all so great to watch. I will check back later for Beethoven's 9th. It's one of my favorites. Classical music is so much better to hear when you can see the orchestra / performers. Next best thing to being there. Even thru computer speakers.
Miles? Yep, got him workin' and walkin' and relaxin' and steamin' and just about everything else. All great stuff.
Last night a friend and I were fortunate enough to attend a performance at Detroit Orchestra Hall(what a beautiful interior! the epitome of good taste and decor). They`re doing a Beethoven festival this week and we heard the Ninth Symphony performed with full orchestra and a large choral and individual soloists. This was very well performed and impressive, the music and sound were simply excellent.Very different from my frequent jazz club visits but still I certainly enjoyed this experience.I love jazz(always) but find i`m beginning to include more classical music in my listening.I like it but can`t say it moves me to the same degree as jazz does. I look forward to attending other classical music performances in the future. Regards,
Rok2id, "Bags Groove" is a classic! Milt, Monk and Miles.Then you have Percy Heath's bass keeping it all tied together, I love it.If you like that I'll assume you must like "Walkin" by Miles Davis done that same year.This features beautiful tenor saxophone by the very under appreciated Lucky Thompson .
Andrew, The fuses are really quite good at this point. If they continue to improve up to 300 hours all the better, this was money well spent. Regards,
I have a lot of Milt Jackson and a lot of MJQ, but no Bags with Trane. I will correct that today. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I do have him with Miles on 'Bargs Groove'
Rok2id, You're welcome and thanks for your comments.Billy Eckstine had one of the great voices in jazz and his pairing with Sarah Vaughan and his big band of the1940's-50's are timeless. You mention Milt Jackson, wow, one of my favorite musicians ever.I enjoyed him more when he played without the MJQ, he was restrained and held back to fit that group's style.when he played, bop, ballads and blues he was as communicative and expressive as one could be.He was a first rate musician and had a long and illustrious jazz career. Rok, take a listen to the CD "Bags and Trane" milt and coltrane really sound good together and features Hank Jones on piano. Regards,
I have Manhatten Moods and the Hartman / Coltrane CD. The Manhatten Moods is sure aptly named. This is late night romantic music. Like you might hear in a movie scene taking place in some swank apt in manhatten. Hutcherson plays in the same manner as milt Jackson. His playing on the tunes 'Blue Monk' and 'Porgy' was really great. Quite a contrast to my other favorite vibe player, Lionel Hampton. Old hamp sings along as he plays.
It was nice to hear Coltrane play like he does on the Hartman CD. You are correct, great songs and a great voice. Whatever happened to Hartman?
I will amazon Eckstine and check him out. I have nothing by him. Thanks for posting your recommendations.
The Synergistic Research fuses have really come into their own now.Burn-in was a necessity, they unquestionably improve openness, clarity and overall detail. They and the Star Sound products compliment each other fabulously. The best part is that the organic and holistic character of the music reproduction is completely preserved. I'd recommend these two products to anyone with full confidence. Just give the fuses time to break in. Regards,
Jazz alert, I have to recommend these CDs, I've had them quite a while but play them frequently as they're so engaging and involving. "Manhatten Moods" a duet with Mycoy Tyner (piano) and Bobby Hutcherson(vibraphone).Wonderful playing, I play this CD then repeat it again.It's something as these two instruments can fill a room.You feel as though you're in the studio with them.
Billy Eckstine , "Imagination"with a big band recorded in 1957 or 58.Beautiful capture of his great voice and instruments. He was definitely still in his prime years.
"Johnny Hartman," from the early 1960s.Done with a variety of musicians including John Coltrane, just a beautiful voice and selection of songs. Regards,
Onemug, When Israel introduced the Frankenstein the KR 300b was his favorite.He loved its sound but found the tube unreliable with too many failures in the field. He was not happy with the lack of support from KR in addressing the replacement of defective tubes.He now offers the Black Treasure series(BT) as his top choice and he has`nt had any failures.The BT is a very reliable tube(I had zero problems with mine) and sounds good also.A year ago I tried the Takatsuki and there`s no going back(granted the Takatsuki is far more expensive).
I do appreciate the fact that Israel designed the Frankenstein in such a very conservative fashion.It`s easy on the 300b for extended tube life and the transformers are over specified.They only run at 30% of their rated capacity. Regards,
Charles, Nice spec on the Franks. Whatever tube you run in them will have a nice long life. Kudos to Israel.
The Comparison: I've always enjoyed the sound of the Sophia Princess mesh (pp). The EML mesh is better in all the areas you mentioned. Brand new, the harmonic center was a little north of the Sophia but as they got some hours on them it came down. I'd be happy if it stayed where it is but I have a feeling it will get even better.
I'd also describe them as....clearer??? I would have never described the others as microphonic or having a resonance, but like with "our" capacitor findings, when you put something in that gets "less" in the way, then you hear what what the previous was doing.
The meshes do something special but may not be to everyones tastes.
Curious, I read that Israel really liked the KR Balloon in his amp. Have you ever tried them?
Onemug, The Frankenstein runs at 26 watts of dissipation, Israel runs the 300b in a relatively conservative manner.I`m glad the EML true woven mesh tube worked out fine for you. How would you compare it to your Sophia Electric 'perforated' plate?How do they differ in tone,timbre and harmonics? One mug, I get the impression you listen to music as often as I do. Regards,
I'm very pleased with the EML meshes. I liked them right out of the box and much more so with some hours on them.
Before you think of buying a pair, make sure you ask Mr. Blume what he runs the Franks "plate voltage" and "bias" at. Meshes can't dissipate as much as a solid plate and you could lose their 1 year warranty if the tubes are ran too hot. They explain it on their website. Basically, for warranty, they require the tube be ran between 22 and 28 watts dissipation. My amp runs 350v at 60mA which multiplies out to 21. I think you are going to be fine but make sure.
I`m a deep admirer and lover of jazz music. Three CDs I`ve been listening to a lot recently are really a joy.All rhree are live recordings,just in case anyone is interested.
1)Carmen McRae, "The Great American Songbook" this feaures Joe Pass on guitar. 2)Theloneous Monk, "Live at the It Club" 3) Roger Kellaway, "Live at the Jazz Standard"
They`re all different,but all three are excellent.(if you like jazz). Regards,
