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Post by paintedklown on Jul 16, 2013 15:59:10 GMT -5
I'm hopeful that maybe Emofest will have some surprises for us in this regard! At the very minimum, you can probably expect to see Carver branded tube gear on display. Emofest is drawing close for this year, so I am not thinking there will be any Emo branded tube gear on display already...however I could be wrong.  |
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Post by brubacca on Jul 16, 2013 16:21:38 GMT -5
I doubt that emotiva branded gear will be on display, but I'm hoping that a couple of savvy lounge members corner big Dan, ply him with bourbon and get him to spill on future products both tube and non.  |
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Post by paintedklown on Jul 17, 2013 15:13:56 GMT -5
I doubt that emotiva branded gear will be on display, but I'm hoping that a couple of savvy lounge members corner big Dan, ply him with bourbon and get him to spill on future products both tube and non. LOL! That's what we are ALL hoping, followed by a full report to us here on the lounge.   |
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Post by Ian on Sept 23, 2013 11:31:58 GMT -5
My introduction to tubes was the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 Tube Stage Buffer I purchased years ago and installed it in the processor loop of my preamp. With the signal passed through the loop it was easy to do an A - B comparison and the sound with tubes really impressed all who heard it. I was about to purchase the XSP-1 but at the last minute opted for a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium Preamp instead, yes it was the tubes. I think a tube buffer with at least two tubes and the capability to roll them would introduce more people to the sound of tubes. Then seal the deal by offering a reference quality tube preamp that is affordable.
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Post by subdusted on Sept 25, 2013 10:20:24 GMT -5
Totally agree with pretty much everything in the 7-th post. I would actually love to see two preamps, say 500 and 1000 dollar ones with a few extra options like tube choices, phono section or built in DAC or headphone amp.
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Post by jmasterj on Sept 25, 2013 12:29:11 GMT -5
My introduction to tube sound was the exact same Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube buffer. It was back in 02, or 03. Mine was connected between my then Sony ES AVR receiver and the Carver TFM-35 power amp I had running my main speakers in my home theater. Pryor to adding the Carver amp and tube buffer my sound was veiled I couldn't hear the music like before when I had a all Carver two channel system. I've had some kind of tube buffer since. Currently have the Grant Fidelity B-283, connected to my hybrid tube integrated amp. I'm about to go all tube in a week or so. That's if those clowns in Washington don't shut the government down.
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Post by ocezam on Sept 25, 2013 15:13:23 GMT -5
My introduction to tube sound was the exact same Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube buffer. It was back in 02, or 03. Mine was connected between my then Sony ES AVR receiver and the Carver TFM-35 power amp I had running my main speakers in my home theater. Pryor to adding the Carver amp and tube buffer my sound was veiled I couldn't hear the music like before when I had a all Carver two channel system. I've had some kind of tube buffer since. Currently have the Grant Fidelity B-283, connected to my hybrid tube integrated amp. I'm about to go all tube in a week or so. That's if those clowns in Washington don't shut the government down. Awesome! what amps are you getting? .... |
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Post by jmasterj on Sept 26, 2013 4:14:51 GMT -5
I'm getting the Yaqin MC30L
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Post by jmasterj on Sept 26, 2013 4:24:20 GMT -5
I'm getting the Yaqin MC30L with the blue tubes just like the one Villock here on the forum had. He use to have a picture of it but now he has a Melody Astro Black 50 integrated amp. He and I have been corresponding via personal message about the Yaqin so when I saw he had the Melody I had to ask if there was a problem with the Yaqin that led to the change to the Melody. He said that there was nothing wrong with the Yaqin he liked it. He said " to be honest there was not that big a difference between them". He said "that he just liked the way the Melody looked" The Melody Astro Black was three times the price of the Yaqin even with the deal he got it for, go figure. I know how it is, I've been in the buy sell trade phase.
Back in the day I use to buy equipment keep it a while then sell it and upgrade. I've been evolving in this hobby 40 years. Been through the buy the biggest, and loudest I could afford phase with A Carver M1.5t and C-2 and Polk Audio SDA-2's, the home theater surround sound multi channel music phase where I spent a lot of money on equipment, speakers, Blu-Ray DVD's, SACD's, DVD Audio, Original Master Recordings, the whole gambit. It was fun. Now that I'm older I don't do that anymore. I buy at a certain price point, and each piece of equipment I purchase now I plan to keep until one of us goes up in smoke.
I've noticed that you have changed amps several times since I became aware of you here on the forum. You're obviously having fun with your equipment. My evolution has led me back to two cannel audio. I don't aspire to have the biggest or the best or the loudest now. Now my goal is to have three systems one solid state, one hybrid with a tube preamp with solid state power amp, and one with a all tube integrated amp. Three different types of speakers, a pair planers, floor standers, and a pair of bookshelf speakers.
The challenge here is to get the best I can get but at a certain price point. I have the Planer speakers Maggie MMG's, and the floor standers Tekton Designs M-Lores, I have the hybrid amp Bada DC-222, and the source ERC-1. Next week the all tube integrated the Yaqin MC30L, after that I'll get the bookshelf speakers and stands, then finally a solid state amp Emotiva XPA-2 haven't decided on the preamp. I can't wait to get everything so I can enter change the amps speakers for different setups. At 57 I'm still evolving in this hobby. Now finally my first all tube amp.
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Post by ocezam on Sept 26, 2013 22:55:05 GMT -5
Yeah, I went through an XPA-2, Red Dragon mono class d, and my current tubes. I'll have these for several years unless Emotiva blows me away with some killer budget tube amps. But, I mean they'd really have to blow me away with power and price because I am very happy with these. I've got my keeper amps and speakers now.
Anyway, congrats on the new amp, I'm sure you'll love it. And your Yaqin will go great with the M-Lores I think.
Peace
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Post by jmasterj on Sept 27, 2013 3:02:36 GMT -5
I think it will go great with the M-Lores as well as the EMP Tek E5Bi bookshelf speakers I'll add around Christmas. Now tell me how would you compare the sound of the pair of Jolida JD502P vs the XPA-2, vs the Red Dragon mono's you had ?
I've been waiting on Emotiva for six months to come out with an affordable tube amp but nothing so far. I figured Bob Carver would already have plans for something like that. Now I'm thinking that they don't want to build anything cheaper that would undercut the price of the Black Magic 20 so I gave up hope. I've owned Carver magnetic field power amps and though they were not cheap their price dollar to watt was hard to beat back then.
I don't figure they will come out with anything that will again under cut the price of the Emotive amps which now represent the best value dollar for watt on the market. If you're selling a 20 watt/ch tube amp for $1690.00 that was reduced in price from $2400.00 I don't think you're going to come out with a say 50 watt/ch tube amp for less than that.
Not trying to be funny I doubt that Emotiva will come out with any tube amp that will compete with the pair of Jolida JD502P's mono's that you have they are rated at what about 60watts right. For about $2200.00 What you currently have is three times the power of the Black Magic 20 for about $500.00 more.
I'm starting to be realistic about the Carver Emotiva marriage we will probably see a entry level tube preamp, and I don't think Emotiva will be able to, or want to come in at a price around $500.00 for that. That leaves me looking at the Xiang Sheng 728A for $373.00 plus free shipping. Then they will maybe add a reference level tube preamp for the high end amps in there line up, and maybe a tube headphone amp. That's probably as far as that is going to go. I'm a little disappointed so close but still out of reach. I'll keep you posted.
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Post by milsap195 on Sept 27, 2013 6:17:17 GMT -5
I wish they would give us more insight on what was happening with carver. I read that he is working on a new amp with the kt150 tube. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on some cherry 180s but want to make sure he does not come out with a bunch of new products.
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Post by ocezam on Sept 27, 2013 7:07:25 GMT -5
Now tell me how would you compare the sound of the pair of Jolida JD502P vs the XPA-2, vs the Red Dragon mono's you had ? In a nutshell, both the Dragons and Jolidas are warmer than the XPA-2. The Jolida's midrange is slightly better than the Dragons. The dragons had slightly better bass than the Jolidas. Now I'm thinking that they don't want to build anything cheaper that would undercut the price of the Black Magic 20 so I gave up hope. I don't figure they will come out with anything that will again under cut the price of the Emotive amps which now represent the best value dollar for watt on the market. If you're selling a 20 watt/ch tube amp for $1690.00 that was reduced in price from $2400.00 I don't think you're going to come out with a say 50 watt/ch tube amp for less than that. I was feeling the same way, that's why I've bought the Jolidas, but I haven't given up hope. Not trying to be funny I doubt that Emotiva will come out with any tube amp that will compete with the pair of Jolida JD502P's mono's that you have they are rated at what about 60watts right. For about $2200.00 What you currently have is three times the power of the Black Magic 20 for about $500.00 more. Actually, with the upgrades, and running bridged, my amps are about 140w per channel for about $2200 total. I'm starting to be realistic about the Carver Emotiva marriage we will probably see a entry level tube preamp, and I don't think Emotiva will be able to, or want to come in at a price around $500.00 for that. That leaves me looking at the Xiang Sheng 728A for $373.00 plus free shipping. Then they will maybe add a reference level tube preamp for the high end amps in there line up, and maybe a tube headphone amp. That's probably as far as that is going to go. I'm a little disappointed so close but still out of reach. I'll keep you posted. Time will tell... |
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Post by jmasterj on Sept 27, 2013 8:50:14 GMT -5
I didn't know that you could bridge the Jolida JD502P that really makes it interesting. At first I thought you had two because they were mono blocks. Then when I saw that it was a stereo amp I thought you had your speakers bi-amped. That was a really smart way to get 140 watts per channel tube power at a really reasonable price.
I also find it interesting that you would go with the XDA-2 as a preamp for your tube amps. If you don't mind my asking how did that come about? Did you even consider the Jolida JD5t tube preamp at $525.00, or the Xiang Sheng at $373.00 ? If I remember correctly someone here of the forum has or had one a spoke very highly about it. Just wondering ?
This has been a very insightful conversation for me. I'll still move forward with the Yaqin purchase next week. It's an affordable way for me to venture into an all tube integrated amp. Get my feet wet so to speak. If I decide I really like the tube amp sound, and want to invest more you've given me a way to purchase more tube power with out spending a lot of money. Thanks J
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Post by ocezam on Sept 28, 2013 8:58:52 GMT -5
I didn't know that you could bridge the Jolida JD502P that really makes it interesting. At first I thought you had two because they were mono blocks. Then when I saw that it was a stereo amp I thought you had your speakers bi-amped. That was a really smart way to get 140 watts per channel tube power at a really reasonable price. Thanks. I enjoy them more every week. They have more headroom than I need with my new Polks. You can read a little about it here: emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/31793/new-jolida-502p-power-ampsI also find it interesting that you would go with the XDA-2 as a preamp for your tube amps. If you don't mind my asking how did that come about? Did you even consider the Jolida JD5t tube preamp at $525.00, or the Xiang Sheng at $373.00 ? If I remember correctly someone here of the forum has or had one a spoke very highly about it. Just wondering ? I actually owned the Xiang Sheng 728A for about a year. I thought it was a great tube pre for a great price when used with my solid state amps. But it didn't sound good with my Jolidas. I really can't explain it. It was like there was a tiny bit of reverb in everything. Maybe an impedance mismatch. The Jolidas hooked to the XDA-2 they are incredible. I don't know if I'll bother with a preamp. This has been a very insightful conversation for me. I'll still move forward with the Yaqin purchase next week. It's an affordable way for me to venture into an all tube integrated amp. Get my feet wet so to speak. If I decide I really like the tube amp sound, and want to invest more you've given me a way to purchase more tube power with out spending a lot of money. Thanks J You're welcome. I'm sure you'll move the Yaqin. Depending on your speakers sensitvity, it may be all the amp you need. Peace |
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KeithL
Administrator 
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Post by KeithL on Sept 28, 2013 10:19:30 GMT -5
I don't have any specific experience with either product you had, but I think I do know what happened.... "Tube sound" is a specific "flavor" that is added to the sound (the important point being that it is additive). Some modern tube amps (like our Carvers) only add a little "tube flavor", and most tube preamps add even less. HOWEVER, some modern tube equipment is specifically designed to emphasize this characteristic, and some of it adds a lot of "tubeyness" to whatever you play through it. If you combine two pieces of tube equipment that are both designed to emphasize that particular aspect of the sound, the combination may be... overwhelming. It's sort of like wearing dark sunglasses behind dark tinted windows. (My guess is that the "reverb sound" was simply a massive amount of second harmonic distortion.) If you already have a tube power amp (or tube preamp), and you find "the degree of tubeyness it adds" to be just what you like, I would suggest you consider pairing it with a solid state power amp (or preamp, as the case may be). Being neutral, the solid state component should enable you to continue to hear just the tube sound you're already happy with - without overdoing it. (BTW, if you want to hear what too much second harmonic content sounds like, find the old Linda Ronstadt album with Blue Bayou on it. That album was processed with a piece of studio equipment called "The Aphex Aural Exciter" (their spelling) - which works by adding second harmonic distortion - and which is known for emphasizing and smoothing vocal tracks and adding an echo-ey sort of effect to them. The Aphex is quite popular - and is still sold today. However, it was set WAY too high on that album, and makes it sound "sort of echo-ey and overdone" to most people.) I didn't know that you could bridge the Jolida JD502P that really makes it interesting. At first I thought you had two because they were mono blocks. Then when I saw that it was a stereo amp I thought you had your speakers bi-amped. That was a really smart way to get 140 watts per channel tube power at a really reasonable price. Thanks. I enjoy them more every week. They have more headroom than I need with my new Polks. You can read a little about it here: emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/31793/new-jolida-502p-power-ampsI also find it interesting that you would go with the XDA-2 as a preamp for your tube amps. If you don't mind my asking how did that come about? Did you even consider the Jolida JD5t tube preamp at $525.00, or the Xiang Sheng at $373.00 ? If I remember correctly someone here of the forum has or had one a spoke very highly about it. Just wondering ? I actually owned the Xiang Sheng 728A for about a year. I thought it was a great tube pre for a great price when used with my solid state amps. But it didn't sound good with my Jolidas. I really can't explain it. It was like there was a tiny bit of reverb in everything. Maybe an impedance mismatch. The Jolidas hooked to the XDA-2 they are incredible. I don't know if I'll bother with a preamp. This has been a very insightful conversation for me. I'll still move forward with the Yaqin purchase next week. It's an affordable way for me to venture into an all tube integrated amp. Get my feet wet so to speak. If I decide I really like the tube amp sound, and want to invest more you've given me a way to purchase more tube power with out spending a lot of money. Thanks J You're welcome. I'm sure you'll move the Yaqin. Depending on your speakers sensitvity, it may be all the amp you need. Peace |
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Post by jmasterj on Sept 28, 2013 12:23:53 GMT -5
Thanks ocezam,
I'm very sure we will continue this conversation on this very interesting subject. My M-Lores have a 95db efficiency so I'll probably be able to stay in class A while listening to it with them. I'm not at all sure what to expect with the MMG's we'll just have to see. I'm currently listening to the MMG's have had them out since August so they will be first up.
Thanks KeithL,
that was a good point. I'm using a Grant Fidelity B283 tube buffer between my ERC-1 and my Hybrid tube integrated so it stands to reason that because I have a solid state power section instead of tubes that's why I haven't experienced the reverb sound. I'll keep that in mind when I get the new Yaqin. I may have to remove the tube buffer from the equation. Getting excited boys and their toys.
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Post by ocezam on Sept 29, 2013 9:22:00 GMT -5
Some modern tube amps (like our Carvers) only add a little "tube flavor", and most tube preamps add even less. HOWEVER, some modern tube equipment is specifically designed to emphasize this characteristic, and some of it adds a lot of "tubeyness" to whatever you play through it. If you combine two pieces of tube equipment that are both designed to emphasize that particular aspect of the sound, the combination may be... overwhelming. It's sort of like wearing dark sunglasses behind dark tinted windows. (My guess is that the "reverb sound" was simply a massive amount of second harmonic distortion.) I actually owned the Xiang Sheng 728A for about a year. I thought it was a great tube pre for a great price when used with my solid state amps. But it didn't sound good with my Jolidas. I really can't explain it. It was like there was a tiny bit of reverb in everything.The Jolidas hooked to the XDA-2 they are incredible. I don't know if I'll bother with a preamp. I think that's a valid theory, more than likely true. The Tube pre added A LOT more tube sound to the equation. The power amps, not so much. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Sept 29, 2013 9:36:24 GMT -5
The question is "how SOON can I buy an Emotiva tube preamp?"
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Post by novisnick on Oct 31, 2013 22:36:49 GMT -5
The question is "how SOON can I buy an Emotiva tube preamp?" Yes, When? Peace, Nick |
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