Description

I wanted to build a tube system around the highly sensitive Focus HD's, which present a very stable 4 ohm load. With the NEO250's optimized for a 5 ohm load, I thought it would be a good match. The HD's havent hit the 300 hour mark yet, so the transformation hasnt started yet. The amps currently have less than 50 hours on them as well. However they are starting to mesh well. Thinking about upgrading into the new Fosgate Signature tube phono stage, which is dual mono. Some tweeks here and there left, such as room treatments, that should keep me busy for awhile.Oh, and chasing those ground loops...
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Components Toggle details

    • Manley Laboratories Jumbo Shrimp
    Preamp With Remora Remote
    • Jolida JD-100
    Sylvania 12AX7 outputs
    • VPI Industries Classic
    with Ginko dustcover
    • SoundSmith Aida
    medium compliance
    • Fosgate Signature
    phono preamplifier, tube rolling at its best.
    • Manley Laboratories NEO 250's
    Each powered by dedicated PS Audio Premier.These sound better everyday
    • PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    powers NEO250's, one each channel
    • PS Audio P-500
    powers all sources
    • Signal Cable Silver Resolution
    good budget cables
    • Legacy Audio Focus HD
    Focus HD's. The long road to break in.
    • Signal Cable Ultra
    biwired
    • PS Audio Soloist
    Wall outlets
    • PS Audio Juice Bars
    Model 1 & 2
    • May-Tec Aluminum
    Custom fabrication, Formica wrapped MDF shelves, Timbernation Maple TT platform
    • Ground Zero Star Grounding System
    Helped somewhat, I think, however could never get rid of the ground loop hum between the NEO's and the Premiers, had to lift grounding plugs on PS audio AC cords.
    • Walker Audio Precision Motor Controller
    Decided on this over the VPI SDS-never looked back.
    • Richard Gray 600S
    Parallel inductors, paralleled with each wall outlet duplex on each channel. Next step RGPC 4000W Substation Pro.

Comments 31

Showing all comments by zephyr24069.

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Jay: I just noticed I never responded to your question on 02-15 for which I apologize though by this time I'm sure you already know the answer in that everything tightens up and gets better....bass gets super-tight, fast and more accurate both tonally and w.r.t. attack, etc...the mids become sweet (but not overly so), more accurate, the imaging and high frequency click into place. How are the HDs playing for you these days?

BTW...I recently traded my HDs to Legacy for a set of SEs in Black Pearl. The SEs are fantastic and remind me of just how good the HDs were already but with many noticeable improvements.

zephyr24069

Once you hit the 300+ hour mark, you will be amazed at what starts to happen. I believe (owning them myself) that you are going to love those speakers! Shakti Hallographs are a worthwhile tweak to investigate. They simply work and allow tons of flexibility...

zephyr24069