Sweet Sounds

Just had a listen to a Unico CD player with Prima Luna Prologue2 Amp and some PMC floorstanders - blows away my exisiting system of Cyrus CD8x, 8vs amp+PSXR and Monitor Audio Silver 9is!!!

Hmmm think I might be seduced by the sweet sounds of valves...( or bottles or whatever it is you aficcionados refer to them as)

 

They were GB1

Re bake-off would love to but seems like you already have circa 9people

 

Where are you based?

I run a tube phono stage, pre amp and power amp and you are most welcome to visit. I'm in Walthamstow E17 and I'll even post you a bullet proof vest for the journey

Rob.

PS: it might be tube but it ain't warm and cuddly, oh no.

 

Hi Rob
I am in Greenford, UB6. Been to Walthamstow so I would have to take you up on that body armour

 

Ping me a PM and we can sort something.

 

Hi Kmac

If you want to check out more valve amps, in case you are unaware your nearest shop is probably Walrus.

http://www.walrus.co.uk/

Its only a few tube stations from you.

Cheers
Chris

 

Kmac,

I'm in Harrow so a bit closer ,valve power, and DAC.

Maybe we could arrange summat

Jeff

 

Audiologic 24MXL DAC

Jeff, Would love to hear this one day.

Internet reviews look favourable, and WM mentioned you'd moved to it from your CAL dac, which I currently use.

What are your overall impressions of the differences between the 2 DACs?

 

Chris, if you're ever my way or want to come down for a listen do let me know, yr always welcome.

As for the differences between the AL and the CAL, now I've got the AL back from Tone (it's been repaired and heavily breathed upon ) I'll have to set em up and do an A/B. Might have time to have a go this Fri eve cos I've got the hoose to meself.

Must confess I've never really compared the two, just kinda moved on but several CAL users on Agon had gone from the CAL to the AL so I took a bit of a punt and I'm very satisfied that I did - even moreso now it's been Tonyfied.

I will try to get to do an A/B and let you know.

Jeff

 

yes please!

I do like my CAL, after living with it for so long I would find it hard to enjoy another DAC so much, especially a non-valve one... so I am especially interested in more recent valve dacs.

 

Chris,

Know how you feel, I was somewhat apprehensive about moving from the CAL too. I'll see what I can do about the A/B!

One thing I would mention is that the tubes in the AL do make a huge difference to the sound but you've probably found that with yr Sigma. Can't remember what the stocks were in mine but I've tried several different Amperex (USN white label, orange globe, bugle boy etc) and am currently sticking with the orange globe.

Did recently manage to acquire a couple of Siemens CCa (at a more realistic price than on Agon ) which I stuck in the Audions. Now they were a whole different kettle of fish compared to the Amperex. I'd be really interested in getting hold of some other Siemens at some stage.

Jeff

ps Tony mentioned that you might know someone who does tube testing? I've got a couple I'd like tested if you do.

 

hiya.

upon quizzing, I could only find two 'sellers' of valves that tested and rated their valves in a multitude of different ways... (like tests for microphony, vacuum, output etc)

Most people just box them up and ship them out like lightbulbs at B&Q.

Take a bow CVC (chelmer valve company).

You have to speak to the old boy there really, the girl on the phone is only really good for taking orders. Their rated and tested valves are sold as ''premium''.

I don't know if they could/would rate and test your valves for you if you already own them.

(I'd love to try more vintage valve brands, but I am completely sold on the measured performance of a valve as being THE overiding factor in making a choice. Now if I could find somewhere that SOLD vintage valves AND measured them thoroughly for performance criteria then I would be one happy (but probably very poor) chap).

 

watford electrically match tubes, don't know about vacuum and microphony but generally better tubes are less microphonic anyway. I've not had a problem with them other than price, they aren't cheap.

 

hiya!

I agree that more expensive valves have a better 'hit or miss' rate.

It's always galled me that I could be charged tens or even hundreds of pounds for a valve that measures poorly, simply because it has the right badge kudos.

If capacitors had a sample variation of 15% in an important electrical parameter, people would insist on stringent quality control....(and that's all I'm talking about here - quality control ) but valves somehow seem to be missed out of that loop....

I think the heart of the problem is the buyer, not the seller.

People buy 'premium rate' valves without questioning the measured performance of a valve.. so they get what they ask for..

(*edit* I do think premium branded valves often sound better, but I want my cake and to eat it too!)

 

Anex - what are the details of the place in Watford you refer to please?

 

http://www.watfordvalves.com/

 

Steve,

whats the verdict then? Do you prefer the new DAC?

Also, do you know if it can simultaneously take 2 inputs? (like a transport and a squeezebox?)

Cheers!
Chris

 

I'm very tempted to just go out an get the Prima Luna Prologue 2 I liked the sound that much. Is this too impetuous - should I be looking at a few alternatives? Was thinking of keeping my MA Silver 9i and Cyrus CD8x.

Any advice appreciated.