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Post by julesd68 on Dec 24, 2016 21:35:30 GMT
I think something stronger than that is required...
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 11, 2017 14:47:31 GMT
Finally made some progress!
I now have the quartet of TAD tubes installed and right from the off there is a marked improvement across the board, primarily in rez and focus.
Will be interesting to see if these can improve with some decent hours under their belt.
Certainly very good value for money, the only minus so far is I find them just a *tad* noisier than the previous set. Nothing to notice when music is playing though.
Next up will be the Toshiba GZ34 ...
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 11, 2017 15:50:13 GMT
Finally made some progress! I now have the quartet of TAD tubes installed and right from the off there is a marked improvement across the board, primarily in rez and focus. Ah yes, I'm afraid that is what you have to expect from one of my reccies - I do like my rez and focus! --- TADs usually excel in the whole soundstaging thing, ime.
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Post by MartinT on Jan 12, 2017 11:04:02 GMT
I do like my rez and focus! On that we agree!
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 14, 2017 11:45:31 GMT
hmm - I must admit that the system isn't fully to my taste just yet!
The sound isn't what I would normally call 'bright' or 'forward' but I guess I'm finding the rez just a little overwhelming.
Let's see what the other GZ34 brings to the party ...
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Post by jandl100 on Jan 14, 2017 19:57:17 GMT
Ah, well, whoops! - if you don't want a seriously hi-rez system then don't take any notice of my recommendations!
I like to hear what is going on in a recording. Some folks do find my system too much and prefer a more romantic, less explicitly revealing approach.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 15, 2017 13:14:27 GMT
LOL - don't worry Jerry, I know that you are the King of Rez ...
I need to spend some more time with the current system before deciding whether to try another power amp - no rush!
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 20, 2017 12:59:18 GMT
Yikes - one of the brand new 6SN7's has expired this morning after making some disturbing noises - barely had an hour or so on it!
Let's hope the retailer is decent about it ... Swapped it out for one of the old ones so at least I've got something to listen to in the meantime.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 20, 2017 13:11:25 GMT
Not all bad news though, especially as I thought I might have trashed the amp!!
Listening to Foreigner 'Waiting for a girl like you' - Lou Gramm's vocals are almost palpable ... love that song.
Same story going onto Richard Marx 'Keep coming back' with masses of space and air in this superbly produced 12".
Very beguiling. Suggests that the Toshiba GZ34 is a decent and superb value upgrade over the later Mullard that it has replaced and will be staying in for sure.
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 7, 2017 14:06:20 GMT
Today the latest incarnation of my system is sounding and its very best ... The replacement 6SN7 arrived from Germany yesterday and the benefit is obvious with four in the system. Greater overall transparency and a nice boost to the bass. It is sounding very fine indeed.
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Post by MartinT on Feb 7, 2017 15:08:02 GMT
Jules, I may have missed it but did you write about your Philips DC380?
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 7, 2017 15:17:44 GMT
Hi Martin, I gave my initial thoughts here - theaudiostandard.net/post/77110/threadSince then it has responded very well to the preamp tube rolling I have done. In terms of outright value for money, at just over £200, it is right up there with my very best purchases. As Jerry says, it's a very clean, open window to the music. You just need to feed it quality material. I'm still working on getting the very best out of my preamp so it's all a bit work in progress ...
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Post by MartinT on Feb 7, 2017 15:40:20 GMT
Ok, thanks. I think I missed it (as in didn't fully absorb it) the first time around.
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 13, 2017 16:46:34 GMT
Some interesting vintage tubes just landed chez moi ... I've read that it can pay dividends mixing up the 6SN7's so intend to try 2 vintage tubes with 2 of my TAD new production tubes. I managed to bag one of the legendary Ken-Rad black glass 6SN7's at a very advantageous price - the problem is going to be finding another one without spending £50 or so that they habitually go for ... These tubes are reputed to have the best bass of any 6SN7. I've also bought a pair of the amusingly named and cute 'Mickey Mouse' ear 6SN7s made by Tung-Sol - check out the picture, you'll see what I mean! These tubes are quite rare but can be found for a good price as not everyone knows what they are so just sell them as a regular Tung-Sol 6SN7. I'll report back after some listening tests ...
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Post by jandl100 on Feb 13, 2017 17:43:52 GMT
I managed to bag one of the legendary Ken-Rad black glass 6SN7's at a very advantageous price - the problem is going to be finding another one without spending £50 or so that they habitually go for ... These tubes are reputed to have the best bass of any 6SN7. Ah, now that is an interesting statement! I've previously owned a KenRad black glass 6SN7 expecting great things based on its high reputation, and I wasn't impressed at all. But that last sentence may indicate why - I am about as far from being a bass-head as you can get. Great bass is great, but is low down on my priorities. If the mids don't sing, then it ain't my thing! I await your findings with high curiosity.
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Post by MartinT on Feb 14, 2017 13:05:10 GMT
I'm with you, Jerry. I've often said if it can't do female voice then it's junk.
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 14, 2017 15:50:58 GMT
It's all about what works best in combination of the three very different tubes I have.
Four Ken-Rad may be overkill but mixed with other tubes could well produce results. I will simply keep what works best to my ears and sell on whatever I'm not so keen on. I've no idea what will be best and am keeping an open mind.
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 20, 2017 12:19:00 GMT
Today using a combo of the Tung-Sol 'mouse ears' and the TAD tubes.
An obvious dollop of warmth added to the midband - initially pleasing but I think I'm most likely missing the transparency and more neutral approach of the all TAD set up.
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Post by robbiegong on Feb 20, 2017 13:32:56 GMT
Nice one Jules, Love it ! Trying new bits / changes is a buzz. Like you, Have had some big changes and a couple more to come. All will be revealed including piccies etc when everything has come together. By the way you cant beat a tall rack so good on you fella. Keep us posted !
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Post by julesd68 on Feb 21, 2017 12:24:17 GMT
Nice one Jules, Love it ! Trying new bits / changes is a buzz. Like you, Have had some big changes and a couple more to come. All will be revealed including piccies etc when everything has come together. By the way you cant beat a tall rack so good on you fella. Keep us posted ! Ah - you're teasing us now Rob! C'mon get a system thread sorted out so you can show it us in all its glory ... I'm guessing your monster PSU is on the way courtesy of a pallet delivery and maybe some Spendors??
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