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Post by julesd68 on Apr 7, 2017 14:23:26 GMT
Mine is like a simpler Q5 - no remote or digital inputs but that's fine with my current set-up...
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 8, 2017 20:10:04 GMT
Got to grips with my platter this evening - looking much better! Next job will be to polish plinth and then lid ...
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Post by ChrisB on Apr 8, 2017 21:56:10 GMT
Wow. It does look rather sumptuous!
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 8, 2017 22:36:52 GMT
Cheers - it doesn't get done too often, so might aswell do a good job...
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 9, 2017 15:01:40 GMT
Time for an update! I've gone back to using the Consonance pre and I'm very happy with its performance using the TAD 6SN7s and Toshiba GZ34. The only thing I want to try now with it is the black glass Ken-Rad 6SN7's. These can go for silly money but managed to find one for sensible money, now looking for another so can try a pair of these with a pair of TAD's. I've been tempted by the 'dark side' - bought this interesting Wireworld mains cable or 'power conditioner' as they call it ... It looks like a flat ribbon speaker cable and has silver plated IEC & plug. Foo aside, for the short time I have been using it I noticed a worthwhile improvement in overall clarity of the system.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 14, 2017 13:43:04 GMT
Just managed to acquire a second black glass Ken-Rad 6SN7 - will be interesting to see if these are the legends that people say they are ... Hopefully get these in the system tomorrow.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 15, 2017 10:49:08 GMT
The Ken-Rad tubes are now rocking the house.
The most obvious change is the legendary KR bass which is all present and correct. The other thing is that the tubes have a very strong ‘presence’.
Darker than the all TAD combo, not quite as open in the top end ...
Next thing to do is to swap out the TADs and try a Ken-Rad / Tung-Sol combo before deciding who stays and who goes ...
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 16, 2017 9:25:51 GMT
Ah, KenRad 6SN7 - to bass or not to bass, that is the question. Can't say I'm much bothered - which is I guess why the closed in top end and lack of sparkle was (far) more important for me. My One Word Review (1WR TM) would have been 'meh', but I can understand that others have different priorities. Sounds like you are having fun, Jules.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 16, 2017 9:49:47 GMT
Heh, heh. You don't get these 'issues' with transistors.
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 16, 2017 10:08:31 GMT
Nope, you are stuck with whatever the designer or manufacturer chooses to put in. Often minimum cost as an 'invisible' way of reducing rrp or maximising margin. Of course, you can always upgrade caps in solid state. Mundorf, Black Gate, Nichicon anyone? Re-wiring. Oh, those cheap RCA sockets have got to go .... Having said that, I do have sympathy with Martin's view. It's just more "stuff" to play with that gets in the way of the music.
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 16, 2017 11:33:38 GMT
... and then there's power cords and cabling and equipment supports and room treatment. Of course, those are just to get the most out of equipment. Or maybe to tune the sound to our liking.
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Post by MartinT on Jun 16, 2017 12:57:59 GMT
My mantra: the best sound is when the system does least to the signal.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 16, 2017 15:11:29 GMT
I would agree with you to a point Martin.
Problem is, I haven't heard a solid-state pre that I prefer to tubed ...
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 16, 2017 15:14:20 GMT
Ah, KenRad 6SN7 - to bass or not to bass, that is the question. Can't say I'm much bothered - which is I guess why the closed in top end and lack of sparkle was (far) more important for me. My One Word Review (1WR TM) would have been 'meh', but I can understand that others have different priorities. Sounds like you are having fun, Jules. LOL - the Jerry review is on the money again - your description is absolutely spot on ... I can't say you didn't warn me previously! In fact, I might as well wait for you to try absolutely everything in the world of audio and then I'll get your best buys - could save myself a lot of time and money!!
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 16, 2017 15:54:48 GMT
I would agree with you to a point Martin. Problem is, I haven't heard a solid-state pre that I prefer to tubed ... Waaay back when I promised myself I'd never buy any pre but a valve one. At the time, they just seemed so much better. Many valve and solid state preamps have been and gawn since then. But I do have a (hopefully) interesting valve pre on its way, currently in the (hopefully) gentle hands of ParcelForce.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 16, 2017 16:23:05 GMT
What was your conclusion about the Bel Canto in the end Jerry?
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 16, 2017 23:22:02 GMT
I still like it, a lot. Still using it! Not yet got around to going back to my old flame, the Philips 270, to see how that seems now (I sure did love the thing!). But a certain valve pre came along with rather a good rep, and I couldn't resist. Should be here Monday. Watch out for my system blog updates.
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 19, 2017 10:56:14 GMT
I would agree with you to a point Martin. Problem is, I haven't heard a solid-state pre that I prefer to tubed ... My new valve pre has just arrived and been plumbed in, and I am coming around again to your way of thinking, Jules. My goodness, there's a vibrancy and tactility to the sound that is seldom fully there with solid state preamps!
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 21, 2017 13:32:14 GMT
Thank god - no more tube rolling for me I hope for some time!!
The quartet of TAD's have gone back in. Hope to spend more time listening to music now then opening the top of my pre!
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 21, 2017 14:27:45 GMT
TADs rule.
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