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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 3, 2018 20:22:48 GMT -5
So, I recently acquired a new pre-amp and and new Dac. I do not get a chance everyday to listen to my system but over the last week I have MADE time even giving a listening at midnight.
Before I give MY impressions which will be unbiased LOL, I want to preface my post by saying I don't want to get into the pro's and cons of tubes or SS nor the differences between the two, dampening factors, distortion or the music being colored just to name a few.
This is entirely how I hear my system. What it does for me and how it presents itself in a few genres that I enjoy.
I had over the few years paid more attention to the placement of my speakers. I always had them toed in to the listeners ears in a preferable sitting position. Thanks to a friend, a good friend that gave me the instructions on how to set up speakers in the correct way and told me what to expect.
"Speaker placement" is imperative he told me, like a teacher to a student. That's okay b/c I wanted to learn. In many speakers I have had in my lifetime there never was a correct method in the placement of speakers. That is not to say my friend is the author of correct speaker placement but absolutely was the instructor that helped me implement the right way to listen to music and get the most out of your system no matter what the speaker, receiver, or pre-amp one owns.
My new additions include a custom SP14 tube pre-amp and the Audionote 4.1LE Tube Dac.
Break in time was nominal for me since both units were in kit form I had them broken in for awhile from the person who professionally assembled them. However, I do feel the units have not reached there peak performing abilities. The bass is strong and tight. Now I will admit that listening to my favorite band members John,Paul,George and Ringo I like to raise the bass volume a tad. I connected my Fathom 110 to the SP14 but not at a moderate level but at a very low level...when I said a tad I mean the subwoofer turns invisible.
Today I listened to SPLHCB...I was blown away at the detail. "Fixing a Hole"is so underrated but the SP14 and the Audionote combo allows me to imagine George in in the room. Presentation is real and LIFELIKE! Soundstage has improved as my speakers are only separated by a mere 8' and only 6" from the side walls but almost 6' feet from the back walls. Yet with this new combination my stage is full...three dimensional sound BUT the stereo imagery is still there but unlike what I was listening before now everything is blended together. It's one unit in sound but with individual parts which I believe made a more real and inviting presentation to my music.
Horns and piano are to die for as well as guitar. From Bruce Forman, Eric Alexander to Dave Stryker and finally the vocals of Diana Krall makes my mouth water.
I am also running Bob Latino mono blocks in Pentode mode and surprisingly that mode has a different maybe better output signal in reproducing music and I think that may be b/c of the Audionote dac.
Whatever the reason it is doing the job giving me goose-bumps while sitting here listening to Albert King "Born Under a Bad Sign".
Although in Pentode mode and it's reputation of not being very linear with a higher output rating than Triode mode and lots of gain it's is easy to drive.
65watts per channel never sounded so SWEET and 35 watts in Triode is no slouch in sound reproduction.
Hope you enjoy the review.
bluemeanies
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Post by dasanto2 on Jun 3, 2018 21:40:28 GMT -5
Any pictures of your set-up? Congrats on the successful set up!
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Post by monkumonku on Jun 3, 2018 21:56:46 GMT -5
So, I recently acquired a new pre-amp and and new Dac. I do not get a chance everyday to listen to my system but over the last week I have MADE time even giving a listening at midnight. Before I give MY impressions which will be unbiased LOL, I want to preface my post by saying I don't want to get into the pro's and cons of tubes or SS nor the differences between the two, dampening factors, distortion or the music being colored just to name a few. This is entirely how I hear my system. What it does for me and how it presents itself in a few genres that I enjoy. I had over the few years paid more attention to the placement of my speakers. I always had them toed in to the listeners ears in a preferable sitting position. Thanks to a friend, a good friend that gave me the instructions on how to set up speakers in the correct way and told me what to expect. "Speaker placement" is imperative he told me, like a teacher to a student. That's okay b/c I wanted to learn. In many speakers I have had in my lifetime there never was a correct method in the placement of speakers. That is not to say my friend is the author of correct speaker placement but absolutely was the instructor that helped me implement the right way to listen to music and get the most out of your system no matter what the speaker, receiver, or pre-amp one owns. My new additions include a custom SP14 tube pre-amp and the Audionote 4.1LE Tube Dac. Break in time was nominal for me since both units were in kit form I had them broken in for awhile from the person who professionally assembled them. However, I do feel the units have not reached there peak performing abilities. The bass is strong and tight. Now I will admit that listening to my favorite band members John,Paul,George and Ringo I like to raise the bass volume a tad. I connected my Fathom 110 to the SP14 but not at a moderate level but at a very low level...when I said a tad I mean the subwoofer turns invisible. Today I listened to SPLHCB...I was blown away at the detail. "Fixing a Hole"is so underrated but the SP14 and the Audionote combo allows me to imagine George in in the room. Presentation is real and LIFELIKE! Soundstage has improved as my speakers are only separated by a mere 8' and only 6" from the side walls but almost 6' feet from the back walls. Yet with this new combination my stage is full...three dimensional sound BUT the stereo imagery is still there but unlike what I was listening before now everything is blended together. It's one unit in sound but with individual parts which I believe made a more real and inviting presentation to my music. Horns and piano are to die for as well as guitar. From Bruce Forman, Eric Alexander to Dave Stryker and finally the vocals of Diana Krall makes my mouth water. I am also running Bob Latino mono blocks in Pentode mode and surprisingly that mode has a different maybe better output signal in reproducing music and I think that may be b/c of the Audionote dac. Whatever the reason it is doing the job giving me goose-bumps while sitting here listening to Albert King "Born Under a Bad Sign". Although in Pentode mode and it's reputation of not being very linear with a higher output rating than Triode mode and lots of gain it's is easy to drive. 65watts per channel never sounded so SWEET and 35 watts in Triode is no slouch in sound reproduction. Hope you enjoy the review. bluemeanies Nice review! Just a couple of things - one, which version of Sgt. Pepper was it? And two, aren't your monoblocks 125 watts per channel pentode and 60-65 in triode? They're M125's, aren't they? |
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Post by bitsandbytes on Jun 4, 2018 2:27:57 GMT -5
That is an outstanding review, bluemeanies! Excellent description on the fullness, detail and realism of your sound. And above all, your excitement and enthusiasm at listening to music through your new setup. The latter is what this hobby is all about  Your hard work and choices have paid off. Congrats on a great system! Walt |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,222 
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Post by novisnick on Jun 4, 2018 2:31:52 GMT -5
Great review! Makes me want to jump in my car and drive without sleep till I can plop my butt down in front of your speakers and soak up all the joy and fun your having! Thanks so much for sharing.
Nick
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 4, 2018 6:32:20 GMT -5
So, I recently acquired a new pre-amp and and new Dac. I do not get a chance everyday to listen to my system but over the last week I have MADE time even giving a listening at midnight. Before I give MY impressions which will be unbiased LOL, I want to preface my post by saying I don't want to get into the pro's and cons of tubes or SS nor the differences between the two, dampening factors, distortion or the music being colored just to name a few. This is entirely how I hear my system. What it does for me and how it presents itself in a few genres that I enjoy. I had over the few years paid more attention to the placement of my speakers. I always had them toed in to the listeners ears in a preferable sitting position. Thanks to a friend, a good friend that gave me the instructions on how to set up speakers in the correct way and told me what to expect. "Speaker placement" is imperative he told me, like a teacher to a student. That's okay b/c I wanted to learn. In many speakers I have had in my lifetime there never was a correct method in the placement of speakers. That is not to say my friend is the author of correct speaker placement but absolutely was the instructor that helped me implement the right way to listen to music and get the most out of your system no matter what the speaker, receiver, or pre-amp one owns. My new additions include a custom SP14 tube pre-amp and the Audionote 4.1LE Tube Dac. Break in time was nominal for me since both units were in kit form I had them broken in for awhile from the person who professionally assembled them. However, I do feel the units have not reached there peak performing abilities. The bass is strong and tight. Now I will admit that listening to my favorite band members John,Paul,George and Ringo I like to raise the bass volume a tad. I connected my Fathom 110 to the SP14 but not at a moderate level but at a very low level...when I said a tad I mean the subwoofer turns invisible. Today I listened to SPLHCB...I was blown away at the detail. "Fixing a Hole"is so underrated but the SP14 and the Audionote combo allows me to imagine George in in the room. Presentation is real and LIFELIKE! Soundstage has improved as my speakers are only separated by a mere 8' and only 6" from the side walls but almost 6' feet from the back walls. Yet with this new combination my stage is full...three dimensional sound BUT the stereo imagery is still there but unlike what I was listening before now everything is blended together. It's one unit in sound but with individual parts which I believe made a more real and inviting presentation to my music. Horns and piano are to die for as well as guitar. From Bruce Forman, Eric Alexander to Dave Stryker and finally the vocals of Diana Krall makes my mouth water. I am also running Bob Latino mono blocks in Pentode mode and surprisingly that mode has a different maybe better output signal in reproducing music and I think that may be b/c of the Audionote dac. Whatever the reason it is doing the job giving me goose-bumps while sitting here listening to Albert King "Born Under a Bad Sign". Although in Pentode mode and it's reputation of not being very linear with a higher output rating than Triode mode and lots of gain it's is easy to drive. 65watts per channel never sounded so SWEET and 35 watts in Triode is no slouch in sound reproduction. Hope you enjoy the review. bluemeanies Nice review! Just a couple of things - one, which version of Sgt. Pepper was it? And two, aren't your monoblocks 125 watts per channel pentode and 60-65 in triode? They're M125's, aren't they? Monk, SPLHCB-remastered via TIDAL Power output (4 X KT88) 125 watts from 17 Hz to 32 KHz at less than 1% THD in ultralinear - 65 watts in triode Power output (2 X KT88) 65 watts from 17 Hz to 34 KHz at less than 1% THD in ultralinear - 35 watts in triode |
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 4, 2018 6:33:02 GMT -5
Any pictures of your set-up? Congrats on the successful set up! Will post soon. Off to work |
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cgolf
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 4,613
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Post by cgolf on Jun 4, 2018 7:55:00 GMT -5
Any pictures of your set-up? Congrats on the successful set up! Will post soon. Off to work  |
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Post by pedrocols on Jun 4, 2018 8:18:06 GMT -5
Will post soon. Off to work WORK is OVERRATED....😁 |
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Post by monkumonku on Jun 4, 2018 10:25:32 GMT -5
Nice review! Just a couple of things - one, which version of Sgt. Pepper was it? And two, aren't your monoblocks 125 watts per channel pentode and 60-65 in triode? They're M125's, aren't they? Monk, SPLHCB-remastered via TIDAL Power output (4 X KT88) 125 watts from 17 Hz to 32 KHz at less than 1% THD in ultralinear - 65 watts in triode Power output (2 X KT88) 65 watts from 17 Hz to 34 KHz at less than 1% THD in ultralinear - 35 watts in triode Thanks. So you're using 2 power tubes instead of 4. Enjoy! |
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Post by geeqner on Jun 4, 2018 12:22:28 GMT -5
I think that any good SYSTEM is greater than the sum of its parts - sometimes, a particular combination of Source, Amps, and Speakers achieves a "Synergy" that a particular trained set of ears likes.
I wonder if that quality Tube equipment is "smoothing-out" the supposed harshness that some digital front-ends can exhibit?
(And they OBVIOUSLY like your speakers, whatever you're using...)
Sometimes, it's just better to smile and enjoy / listen, than to over-objectify things!
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 5, 2018 5:45:12 GMT -5
Any pictures of your set-up? Congrats on the successful set up! If you tap on the picture you will have a better you..photographer I'm not😂 To everyone who addressed this thread...THANK YOU. There are many people who like and feel comfortable being on the same road but I like thinking outside the box and I appreciate acceptance of that role even if YOU are on a different path. So thanks for being open minded. bluemeanies |
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 5, 2018 6:08:00 GMT -5
Monk, SPLHCB-remastered via TIDAL Power output (4 X KT88) 125 watts from 17 Hz to 32 KHz at less than 1% THD in ultralinear - 65 watts in triode Power output (2 X KT88) 65 watts from 17 Hz to 34 KHz at less than 1% THD in ultralinear - 35 watts in triode Thanks. So you're using 2 power tubes instead of 4. Enjoy! Quite right...Mr.Monk! FOOTNOTE: I am driving a pair of B&W803diamonds that when purchased I was told the usual..."you wIll need 300-500watts per channel to achieve maximum performance" FUBAR! My room is not the biggest especially for a huge SOUNDSTAGE. Admittedly I wish I had a bigger room BUT it is a dedicated room and so I am fortunate. "You can't have everything" my mother use to say 😂 This system gives me a better soundstage then I had with my former pre-amp dac (GRACE DESIGN M920) monitoring system, which I still will recommend. I had that 3dimensional sound with the Grace but I attribute that with speaker placement in combination with the m920. This NEW combo FILLS the front of my room better. Is it the SP14? Is it the Audionote? Or is it the combination? I don't know for sure but if I was pressed for an answer I will say it's a combination of all of the above. Have a good day monkumonku |
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Post by 405x5 on Jun 5, 2018 7:21:50 GMT -5
300 to 500 is the right number in deed.
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Post by garbulky on Jun 5, 2018 9:38:02 GMT -5
Enjoyed your review! I thought you were using an SP14 preamp. Do you like the new Cary better?
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Post by bluemeanies on Jun 5, 2018 9:45:02 GMT -5
I think that any good SYSTEM is greater than the sum of its parts - sometimes, a particular combination of Source, Amps, and Speakers achieves a "Synergy" that a particular trained set of ears likes. I wonder if that quality Tube equipment is "smoothing-out" the supposed harshness that some digital front-ends can exhibit? (And they OBVIOUSLY like your speakers, whatever you're using...) Sometimes, it's just better to smile and enjoy / listen, than to over-objectify things! Agree! B&W 803diamonds |
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Post by monkumonku on Jun 5, 2018 10:29:51 GMT -5
Thanks. So you're using 2 power tubes instead of 4. Enjoy! Quite right...Mr.Monk! FOOTNOTE: I am driving a pair of B&W803diamonds that when purchased I was told the usual..."you wIll need 300-500watts per channel to achieve maximum performance" FUBAR! My room is not the biggest especially for a huge SOUNDSTAGE. Admittedly I wish I had a bigger room BUT it is a dedicated room and so I am fortunate. "You can't have everything" my mother use to say 😂 This system gives me a better soundstage then I had with my former pre-amp dac (GRACE DESIGN M920) monitoring system, which I still will recommend. I had that 3dimensional sound with the Grace but I attribute that with speaker placement in combination with the m920. This NEW combo FILLS the front of my room better. Is it the SP14? Is it the Audionote? Or is it the combination? I don't know for sure but if I was pressed for an answer I will say it's a combination of all of the above. Have a good day monkumonku Well there's no need to ask how happy you are with your new system.  You and I are both sold on the SP14. Paired with the ST-120, I love that combo. |
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Post by audiobill on Jun 5, 2018 11:12:03 GMT -5
Gar, it is an SP14, but in alternate case available on ebay.
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