Main system: tower speakers, tube preamp (based on Ultraverve III), solid state DAC, tube or SS amps; sources are DIY intel nuc based streamer and CD transport.
2023 updates: added Holo Audio Spring DAC KTE; Vicoustic diffusion on sides and ceiling. Removed some dampening from ceiling.
Fall 2022 updates: Added a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC and a 6SN7 DIY preamp. A Pass XA-25 amp now alternates with my QS mono blocks.
March 2022 updates: System now showing Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers with RAAL tweeters and custom made audio rack from Clay Street Woodworks (Morrison, CO).
Spring 2021: Added photos with mixture of deflectors (boards), diffusors (GIK, bookshelves), absorbers (ATS, GIK), and bass traps (Real Traps), along with some DIY (utilizing OC 703, OC R38 pink fluffy).
Holo Audio Spring DAC Level 3 "Kitsune Tuned Edition"
Acquired used in December 2023; replaced Schiit Bifrost 2/64
DIY Preamp, roughly like DeHavilland Ultraverve 3 Ultraverve 3
Local designer
Quicksilver Mono 60s
2020 model.
Pass Labs XA-25
Pass Labs XA-25 stereo amplifier.
Audience Adept Response AR-2p
Shunyata Research Venom Defender
Wiremold Legrand Power Strip
Nothing fancy.
Porterhouse Audio Porter port
Outlet plug.
Analysis Plus Inc. Copper Oval-In
Various other AP wires, connects here.
AudioQuest Type 4 Speaker Cable
GIK Acoustics Tri Traps, HF Limited Bass Traps, Q7D Diffusors
RealTraps Mondo Traps
NOT IN USE NOW Acopian power supply feeding modified Node 2i Bluesound Node 2i
I swapped in a power supply board from PD Creative and then added an Acopian power supply purchased on Ebay from Florida Industrial. Good deal and a real improvement.
NOT IN USE NOW Bluesound Node 2i
2020 model
Quicksilver SOLD Line Stage Preamplifier (upgraded caps)
I did ask Kent about Firstwatt options, specifically F8. His suggestion if it was going to be your "main" SS amp go XA25, safest and more universal option. Interestingly, I do have 2 pair of the Tokin SIT transistors Nelson used in the SIT-4. Need to get some chassis ordered and build up my SIT amp.
Will take a look at those other amps you suggested, but yes at this point I am trying to make this move as budget neutral as possible. Used XA25 plus new Mid mono is only about 1K more than what XA30.8 should sell for. Part of the allure of the QS was being able to explore some of "less powerful" output tube options, think Sylvania 6L6GAY, real Tung Sol 5881, GE 7581A. Thats on the question list for Mike also.
Thank you for the quick response! You may find this offending but I'm that other UT, Go Big Orange.....
I was at the Florida Audio Expo this past weekend and spoke to Kent English about the possible XA30.8 to XA25 move. He agrees, very special Pass amp and with unique presentation. He said its like getting a big warm hug.
Moving toward 97dB, horn based speakers, flat impedance load that does not go below 6 ohm. So Mid Mono should be more than enough (at least that was Mike at QS suggestion in an email) and even open up playing with 6L6 based tubes. Which KT77 are you favorites?
Seems like having these 2 amps, with the right speakers, would give you great options for playback depending on musical choice or mood. Too much fun.
Hello, Will echo what others have said, nicely laid out and presented room. Love the little details everywhere.
I had a question about your experience with the QS amps and Pass XA25 amp. I currently have a XA30.8 that is for sale. Was looking to get back into tubes now that my children are older and far less likely to grab to the pretty glowing spheres. My current plan was to replace the XA30.8 with a XA25 to keep a SS amp and also get a pair of the current QS Mid Mono amps to scratch that tube itch. Was completely ignorant of them till researching options, and they seem to be real sleepers.
So, are you still using both amps? Do they compliment each other, ie each do things well but different (which was my hope)? Which QS amps do you have, "Sixty Watt"? Guessing you changed out the coupling caps in the QS?
Thanks for any input, needle in the haystack to find someone using exactly what I'm thinking of doing.
