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1: Tubes Asylum, RE: Shuguang for Nagra 845 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-09-11, 19:02:11 (69.227.165.171)
The 845C will be very bright but fast and extremely clean. Not sure you'll be able to adjust for that tube's lower dissipation. The 845B is better balanced, more powerful and easily biased. Phil ::: T .......
2: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Mcintosh MC1.2KW (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-07-03, 22:18:49 (72.235.180.154)
I've heard the MC1.2kw briefly and it repeated for me an experience I had listening to the MC1201 monoblocks at length. The 1201s yielded an absolutely effortless, toneful, musical sound duplicated on .......
3: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Phono stage suggestions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-06-20, 11:48:39 (69.227.173.226)
Look for a used Jasmine LP2.0 or LP2.0SE. Or you can buy a new LP2.0SE direct from China via eBay for $500 + shipping . I occasionally see these units used in the $350 - $450 range. This is a true hig .......
4: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Exile On Main Street LP very disappointing (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-06-01, 20:12:34 (69.227.164.80)
"Exile" has about the same mastering quality as Bob Dylan & The Band's "The Basement Tapes." It is what it is. But there's some great tone to be pulled off "Tapes," just as there is from "Exile." I'll .......
5: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Has anyone heard a Denon 103D and a Zu 103 in the same setup? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-22, 15:47:00 (69.227.163.16)
Aaron- Nothing to doubt, there. If you didn't like the Zu more than stock or UWE...well you just didn't. On the next iteration of the Zu project, I want to see material that will yield perhaps 10.5-11 .......
6: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Has anyone heard a Denon 103D and a Zu 103 in the same setup? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-22, 13:18:52 (69.232.32.192)
I'm wondering about the tonearm you used with the Zu103. The Zu version is quite a bit heavier than the UWE-bodied cart or stock. Is there any chance your arm was heavy enough to begin with that the Z .......
7: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Phil do you know if there are many differences between the D and S versions? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-22, 13:07:57 (69.232.32.192)
I have a 103S as well. The S debuted around 1974, couple of years before the D. At the time, it was often mistakenly believed that the S was a Shibata diamond. Not so. In any case, the 103D is a furth .......
8: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Thanks for the writeup Phil! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-22, 10:45:37 (69.232.32.192)
Happy to help. I did notice on second reading this morning that, having quickly tapped out my answer to your question late and under influence of a choice bourbon on a Friday night, and distracted by .......
9: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Thanks As Well........... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-22, 10:28:22 (69.232.32.192)
Yes, I have one of each. The Zu encasement affects both the 103 and 103R in the same way, and the difference between the two remains the same, both similarly elevated from prior stock performance. But .......
10: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Has anyone heard a Denon 103D and a Zu 103 in the same setup? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-22, 01:23:49 (69.232.32.192)
Yup, I have both DL103D and Zu103 running in my Luxman PD444s right now, in two-arm installations and each cartridge in an appropriate headshell so I can hear each in same or optimized arms. I've been .......
11: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Stupid... Smart... Brain Dead... You Tell ME (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-05-19, 14:41:49 (69.232.59.122)
Spend less. And you may want to isolate or couple. After a solid week comparing a wide range of isolation/coupling products representing a spate of techniques, by far the greatest benefit under a turn .......
12: Vinyl Asylum, RE: What you don't realize (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-30, 18:28:50 (69.232.37.99)
Yup, I realize it. It's a known risk, not significant enough to worry me. Phil .......
13: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Interesting "almost" transaction on Audiogon (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-30, 14:00:05 (69.232.37.99)
Never understood why any seller would refuse to pay the 2.9% paypal fee. You're selling. The buyer is the customer. Seller pays credit card fees, not the buyer, in any normal transaction. Buyer can se .......
14: Vinyl Asylum, RE: As always Phil-thanks so much! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-29, 19:21:23 (69.232.37.99)
The wood trim side slats are veneered plywood. Corners and edges are fragile. If you turn the table over, or get to it from underneath, you'll see they are attached by metal tabs through which small s .......
15: Vinyl Asylum, RE: How thick do you recommend the boards? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-29, 17:44:57 (69.232.37.99)
If you use Aurios, the composition of the maple slab becomes much less important. My PD444s are on 4" of maple comprised of 2" boards bonded together with woodworker's glue. I know people who have 3-1 .......
16: Vinyl Asylum, RE: You're a butcher block fan I think (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-28, 21:04:11 (69.232.37.99)
Butcher block is acceptable but thick maple boards, glued in layers, is a better sounding gear surface, tabletop or otherwise. I don't use butcher block. Phil .......
17: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Thanks again Phil! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-28, 18:17:00 (69.232.37.99)
>>the Thorens is demonstrably better than my Kenwood KD-770D, Denon DP-59L with straight or S-Wand, Ariston Forte with Sumilo Premire MMT tonearm or Basis 1400 with OL-RB300. I agree the Thorens 2010 .......
18: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Thanks again Phil! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-28, 11:04:25 (69.232.37.99)
Assuming everything is sorted and in good condition, the Luxman PD444 will *easily* outperform the Thorens 2010. I've heard a Thorens 2010 and a 2030 against the 444, both with Rega RB1000 and Denon 1 .......
19: Vinyl Asylum, RE: PING 213Cobra-got to say thanks for all the info and advice!!!! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-28, 08:31:18 (69.232.37.99)
Happy to help. Many listeners who are familiar with the Denon 103 mistakenly assume that the same rules apply to the 103D. But the 103D is closer in compliance to many of today's moving magnet cartrid .......
20: Vinyl Asylum, RE: it's a joke..... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-26, 01:25:34 (69.232.37.99)
>>...but I'd like to see a video of it at work. Me too. -Phil .......
21: Vinyl Asylum, RE: it's a joke..... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-26, 00:29:57 (69.232.37.99)
Look at the attachment point for the suspension "cord" to the headshell -- it's above the stylus. Just like the pivot in the headshell of the RS-1 tonearm or the RS Labs headshell for standard tonearm .......
22: Vinyl Asylum, RE: My solution: three systems (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 23:49:43 (69.232.37.99)
Open plan house, full SET/Hi-Eff system in the living room; slightly smaller full SET/Hi-Eff system in the dining/family room; small SET/Hi-Eff system in the office; electrostatic phones in a quiet sp .......
23: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Not sure I agree, but you have an interesting take on things. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 16:46:52 (69.232.37.99)
I've never seen a mainstream living space I couldn't get satisfying sound from. This is the point. We've become so intolerant of compromised sound that we've made hi-fi arcane, irrelevant, anti-social .......
24: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I also agree with the premise of your post... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 16:33:35 (69.232.37.99)
Well, I can't argue with a man who wants his own domain. But whether that's where the primary sound has to go, is another thing. >>I would like a dedicated listening room that I can acoustically treat .......
25: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Used cartridge prices getting absurd.... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 15:45:57 (69.232.37.99)
No, not absurd. I don't think we'll be seeing Bernanke & Geithner warning about "The Cartridge Bubble." With eBay and Audiogon, it's a global market. Two years ago the global economy was sliding inexo .......
26: Vinyl Asylum, RE: We agree more than we disagree. Man cave may have been the wrong term. Let me tell you about me (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 14:45:29 (69.232.37.99)
I used your post as a spur to take a few minutes to get an opinion out in the open, again. I'm four years behind you, and I identify with the pickup thing. In my early hi-fi years I got a point where .......
27: Vinyl Asylum, RE: great post! /nt (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 13:32:04 (69.232.37.99)
Thank-you. I forgot to mention that the dangling headshell also incorporates, in a different way, the rotating headshell idea elemental to the RS Labs RS-1 tonearm. When you consider the number of ava .......
28: Vinyl Asylum, tell her she's wrong: hi-fi belongs in the living room (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 12:11:25 (69.232.37.99)
Want to see who's responsible for the death of hi-fi? Look in the mirror. Every one of you giddy to amp up the man-cave and close the door. The man-cave is the number one (or number two -- Krell might .......
29: Vinyl Asylum, RE: tonearm for all you fisherman (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 11:04:28 (69.232.37.99)
This is in some key respects a further extrapolation of ideas introduced by Transcriptors in the Vestigal Tonearm 35 years ago. The Vestigal was an excellent tracker and pulled great sound from even a .......
30: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Some questions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-25, 09:48:33 (69.232.37.99)
The 103D is a medium-high compliance cartridge, unlike the 103. It's more than twice as compliant as the 103. It's fine with the straight wand. There are no headshell alternatives for the XK50, but yo .......
31: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Does everyone here feel that the newest tonearm designs are superior to the designs of the late 70's to 80's? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 19:44:22 (69.232.37.99)
The Signet XK50 is an excellent tonearm for high compliance cartridges, regardless of its age. Arguably, the headshell should be more rigid, but that's a nit. I sold them 30 years ago when I worked in .......
32: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Quad 405 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 19:23:58 (69.232.37.99)
11 ohms or 15 ohms, the higher-than-usual impedance of the LS3/5a is friendly to solid state amps, and generally allows them to sound better than most people hear them. For awhile I ran a Marantz 240 .......
33: SET Asylum, RE: Linestage for 300b amp (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 18:59:37 (69.232.37.99)
I heard a Valvet preamp in an unfamiliar system. The L2 is a dead-simple 6sn7 design, which is a reliable route to a great preamp, and it's well made. I will hear one in my own systems in a couple of .......
34: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Quad 405 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 17:59:50 (69.232.37.99)
Sure. Anything Zu. The simpler Silverlines, SR11, 12, 16, 17. Almost anything Spendor and of course Harbeth within your price range. 405 is a musical solid state amp but not the nth-degree-of-resoluti .......
35: Vinyl Asylum, Damon & Naomi "More Sad Hits" (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 17:54:41 (69.232.37.99)
Chimey vaguely recast woozy psychedelica with gorgeous electric guitar tone in vinyl. Phil .......
36: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Quad 405 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 16:36:34 (69.232.37.99)
A tube amp is better for that speaker, but the 405 is nice. New Stirlings have a colder sound than the original LS3/5a but are still reasonably "correct." However, it's a speaker capable of higher res .......
37: SET Asylum, RE: Linestage for 300b amp (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 16:00:22 (69.232.37.99)
A Valvet L2 will be perfect for you. 6 inputs, remote volume. 6SN7 circuit. Beautiful. You might also consider a Music First TVC. A bang-for-buck option: Audio Research SP16L. All will sound forthrigh .......
38: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Quad 405 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 15:56:11 (69.232.37.99)
I used a Quad 405 with LS3/5a 30 years ago, with great satisfaction. It was one of my few forays out of tube amplification. I also later replaced the 405 with a 405-2. Like the 303 before it, the 405 .......
39: Vinyl Asylum, RE: How many DL103 variants do we need ? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-24, 15:35:04 (69.232.37.99)
The DL103SA is a legitimate variant. I bought one and sold it because at its price it could not match a Zu103, but with Zu out of production, the SA is the closest option available as stock from a man .......
40: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-103D mounted---color me impressed! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-16, 18:02:28 (69.230.41.14)
I run my 103d *slightly* tail-up. Always have. It gets quieter and focuses the tone. I *don't* do this with a 103R. Listening now to a 103D in a Vitor UA7045 arm with vernier height adjustment, to Ry .......
41: Vinyl Asylum, RE: interesting and encouraging (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-15, 08:54:30 (64.81.56.243)
I didn't say the 103D sounds like a Koetsu, but that it was a peer sonically. They have their differences. I was referring to the early Koetsus of the late 1970s shortly after the company was started. .......
42: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Hmmm... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-15, 07:59:33 (64.81.56.243)
Me too, but the 1977 date first surfaced for me around 1999 when I noticed the current wave of interest in the 103 begin building, on the internet. Phil .......
43: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Whoops... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-15, 07:42:29 (64.81.56.243)
I've heard this before, but it's wrong. Of course, now this is more than a third of a century ago. In fact I do have a 103S from 1974; still have the very cartridge. I was working in hifi retail then. .......
44: Vinyl Asylum, RE: So how good is the Denon DL-103D really? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-15, 01:12:14 (64.81.56.243)
I bought my first 103D in 1974 and have bought enough to have been able to have them in continual presence in my systems since then. I still have a stash and will have this model in my analog rotation .......
45: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 13:18:42 (69.236.25.237)
Oh, you should see the list of such people. It's appalling how foolish and happy they are. Absolutely unconscionable. Phil .......
46: Vinyl Asylum, RE: I disagree, from my experience with the Shure (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 12:35:39 (69.236.25.237)
>>For me the Shure has been a great cart, and of the three it is the only one I have used. >>In my system the Shure presents an easy soundstage well beyond my speakers in height, width and depth. >>I .......
47: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 10:18:58 (69.236.25.237)
OK, now I'm laughing out loud. I haven't assumed nor taken the position that everyone else agrees with me. I've yet to see the topic in audio for which anyone can believe "everyone else agrees." Furth .......
48: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 09:37:36 (69.236.25.237)
It happens in this case they're one and the same. Phil .......
49: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 09:28:28 (69.236.25.237)
I was an informal collaborator on the Zu103 project, having already been a loudspeaker and cable customer, and the person who introduced the founders to the DL103. I still have some DL103D cartridges .......
50: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Yes, I know. I wanted to experience it on my own (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 08:47:59 (69.236.25.237)
The pogo sticking is immediate evidence that the system is too heavy for the cartridge. By the time you add a heavy shell and then a heavier counterweight to the 750, you no longer have a mere 20g arm .......
51: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 08:12:25 (69.236.25.237)
Subjective opinion and fact aren't mutually exclusive. The OP asked and I answered. Phil .......
52: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-09, 00:24:51 (69.236.25.237)
I've said as much in previous threads on this. You were misled on the advice to over-mass the 750 config. You don't need both a 20g eff mass arm + a heavier headshell. The Denon 103R weighs 8.5g. If y .......
53: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-08, 20:46:13 (69.236.25.237)
A Dyna 17 isn't a Dyna 23. I understand why you like it. A Denon DL103R will generally sound warm and smooth, but it you hear it as "...a little muffled, not very detailed and slightly rolled-off up t .......
54: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Witch is best choice?: Denon DL-103R, Dyna Karat 23R, Shure V15 VMR (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-08, 18:11:03 (69.236.25.237)
Well, sure, it depends. But let's be serious. Shure V15vmr: Great tracker that will mine the groove but it's tonally thin and spatially unconvincing. Just not an engaging cartridge. Dynavector Karat 2 .......
55: SET Asylum, RE: Pioneer Blu-Ray (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-04, 01:24:18 (69.236.25.237)
Dennis, No doubt the BDP-09 D/A can be improved on with any number of outboard DACs. However, it's not a change to be made willy-nilly. There aren't very many musically relevant DACs on the market, mo .......
56: General Asylum, RE: How much of the "high end" is a scam? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-03, 20:41:18 (69.236.25.237)
My first reaction, looking at the list of gear you heard, was to think, "well, obviously you won't get anything resembling music from that stack." But I realize that, by itself, doesn't help. Now, rea .......
57: SET Asylum, RE: Pioneer Blu-Ray (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-04-03, 12:15:43 (69.236.25.237)
I own two of these BDP-09 players, both in SET widebander systems (Zu Audio) also incorporating Elite 60" panels. Initially I thought I'd save some cash buying an Oppo BDP-83 for my secondary system b .......
58: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Cart recommendations for Tecnoarm under $1500 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-03-31, 00:30:27 (69.236.25.237)
By ascending expense: Denon DL304 Denon DL-S1 47 Labs MC Bee Phil .......
59: Vinyl Asylum, RE: TT footer advice. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-03-30, 18:58:25 (69.236.25.237)
What's your turntable? Suspended or non-suspended may affect my answer. For the moment, I'll assume non-suspended. I went through an extensive eval recently of several isolation/coupling/decoupling me .......
60: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Abby owner curious about Zu Druid mk iv (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-03-28, 10:50:59 (69.236.25.237)
Fascinating.... Zu Druids lack bass, can't do what's claimed of them, aren't nearly as efficient as rated, and yet here they are 9' in front of me pushing out sound exactly as claimed. I bought Druids .......
61: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Spikes/Cones for your Technics SL1200 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-03-27, 20:55:37 (69.236.25.237)
Using only spikes or cones under a turntable, mated to a solid platform in turn spiked or coned to a hard surface in a slab house has its sound character but pretty quickly you're listening to the pla .......
62: Vinyl Asylum, RE: NeoLev suspension feet for turntables, etc? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-03-27, 15:26:39 (69.236.25.237)
I spent a solid week auditioning several upgrades in turntable seating. I have two Luxman PD-444 turntables with dual tonearms and moving coil cartridges. I tried magnetic levitation using Yeil Spike .......
63: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Phono pre price points question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-03-26, 19:45:24 (69.236.25.237)
I've heard everything recommended in this thread, and all are good suggestions, fully credible. But track down a Jasmine LP2.0se for well under $1,000 and you can pretty much ignore anything else belo .......
64: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 20:53:01 (69.227.161.240)
Blake- No doubt stylus profile is only part of the equation. I have a Zu103 and a stock DL103D on one my Luxmans simultaneously right now, and I can use both on either of the tonearms on that table. .......
65: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 15:10:42 (69.227.161.240)
Yes, an elliptical re-tip should retain the original sound. Replacing the cantilever with another material will introduce changes. 103Ds do show up now and then but much less often than before the 103 .......
66: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 15:03:51 (69.227.161.240)
I agree. I've seen multiple conflicting specs on the tip size over the years which didn't make sense, and many cases where (not in Denon's literature) the .2mm shank size and the 16.5 micron tip size .......
67: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 14:33:01 (69.227.161.240)
Back in the day when it was current, the 103D was the more popular version compared to what we called the "C" version, at least in high-end retail. As for the D's portion of Denon's overall volume I c .......
68: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 14:27:34 (69.227.161.240)
I'm not sure that's true for everything still in the channel. I hadn't looked at Denon's web site lately but I've seen NIB 103 with the .2 size conical, which is also what's listed on my most recent s .......
69: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 12:50:05 (69.227.161.240)
I haven't heard the Highphonic Pro. I should buy one. The compliance is only slightly higher, still short of the old 103D, but the output is up to .35mv and the conical stylux is slightly smaller than .......
70: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-21, 12:37:49 (69.227.161.240)
Ron- The 12g headshell will be fine. More than a specific mass, consider experimenting with headshells of different materials in the 10g+ range. The Yamamoto cherry and ebony shells are between 10 - 1 .......
71: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 13:19:58 (69.232.48.47)
Ron, The 103r at 14 ohms output impedance is betwixt and between the regular 40 ohms Denons and the very low impedance Koetsu and similar that are in the 1 - 5 ohms range. So transformers with input i .......
72: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Impressive work.... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 12:59:44 (69.232.48.47)
The Aurios Classics are 1-5/8" dia., with a circular indent on top of just over 1-1/2". If you have Mapleshade cones rather than the 3-point footer, then any cone or spike receptor that fits in that i .......
73: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Impressive work.... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 12:38:59 (69.232.48.47)
Sure, here: http://cgi.ebay.com/BBC-Large-Audio-Gold-Isolation-Metal-Pro-Cones-NEW_W0QQitemZ390059189343QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad156e45f Jason is completely reliable and promp .......
74: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Great info, thanks... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 12:26:45 (69.232.48.47)
Yup, the 103D is the 103 version to have. That's why I hoard mine. I figure all the folks who are new to the 103 in the past 10 years are both fortunate for having been turned onto it, and only hearin .......
75: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Impressive work.... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 11:49:26 (69.232.48.47)
>>What else?" Dan- Some time ago I took a week out of my year to futz with my turntables. My two 30+ years old Luxman PD444s had been performing nicely and were stable for a very long time, with only .......
76: Vinyl Asylum, RE: A question for Cobra/Phil (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 10:49:22 (69.232.48.47)
You have a light-medium mass tonearm, so you have range of choice but you quickly end up borderline in either Denon situation. The DL-304's rated compliance is 14 @ 100Hz. The tricky part is, what's t .......
77: Vinyl Asylum, RE: A question for Cobra/Phil (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-20, 09:58:31 (69.232.48.47)
My short answer is, any. Now, the longer version: You can do this yourself by the numbers, or take advice experientially. Let's see that the two aren't really so different. Denon once had some range i .......
78: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-19, 23:43:47 (69.232.48.47)
>>Do you have any experience with re-tipped 103/103R's, specifically with something like Soundsmith's LC styli or Expert Stylus' paratracer, and, if so, how would they compare to something like the DL .......
79: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-19, 20:05:45 (69.232.48.47)
OK, you'll have no lack of audible evidence of the DL-S1's higher resolution in your system. 47 Labs + OTL must be fun. Whether you prefer that over the tonal density of the 103 engine in the SA, only .......
80: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Denon DL-S1 vs DL-103SA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-19, 19:05:43 (69.232.48.47)
I've been using Denon moving coil cartridges continually (but not exclusively) since buying my first DL103D in 1974. I've had or listened at length to pretty much everything they've made since, in a w .......
81: SET Asylum, RE: Opinions on Metal Plate 845s vs. Carbon plate...... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-02-16, 10:54:24 (69.232.48.47)
I have 845B, 845C and the short-lived 845M tubes, which I use selectively in Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblocks. No doubt, each sounds different. I evaluate them on Zu Definition 2, Zu Druid 4.08 and .......
82: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Have you heard the Zu 103? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 19:11:40 (69.232.41.41)
Happily, then, you're doing it correctly. I lost count of the number of contemporary newbie 103 installations by owners who complained of mediocre sound only to get proper results with a few minutes o .......
83: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Have you heard the Zu 103? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 18:01:42 (69.232.41.41)
This is correct. The only thing I'll add is that everything rebop writes about the Zu103 is available from a well-installed stock 103, just not as much of it. I've always gotten fast, energetic, dynam .......
84: Vinyl Asylum, RE: One more thing (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 16:40:02 (69.232.41.41)
I'll add one more thing on getting dynamic life out of a Denon DL103x: Notwithstanding some of the ire here directed to Tom Port at Better Records, he's right about one thing -- Aurios Media Bearings .......
85: Vinyl Asylum, RE: FWIW... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 16:15:26 (69.232.41.41)
No Denon DL103 iteration has ever sounded the least bit "dead" in any arm/table combination I've personally used them in. I have heard some such installations, wherein the problem was the turntable (t .......
86: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Two totally opposing views!! Very interesting.... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 15:48:10 (69.232.41.41)
I have so far 37 years of experience continually using Denon DL103 in its various iterations. I still have NOS DL103Ds in my stash. That is to say, since 1973 my audio systems have never been absent s .......
87: Vinyl Asylum, Bel Canto Phono1, Jasmine LP 2.0, Audion Silver Night Phono (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 13:08:32 (69.232.41.41)
Bel Canto Phono1, Jasmine LP 2.0. Both are quiet, stable, loaded with tone, very much alike. These are both solid state units that have the dimensionality, dynamics and full-bodied tone expected of tu .......
88: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Zu 103 and tonearms (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-17, 12:20:46 (69.232.41.41)
The cartridge mass becomes part of the moving mass of the tonearm as a whole. The Zu 103 works fine in Rega arms and the Technics SL1200. If you upgrade your tonearm, do it to get better bearings, mat .......
89: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Phono stage recommendation (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2010-01-05, 20:10:13 (69.232.43.216)
Many quality options within your $1400 allocation, but I'd buy the Jasmine LP2.0SE, or the cruzeFIRST upgraded unit. http://www.cruzefirstaudio.com/gallery1.htm Phil .......
90: General Asylum, RE: Hi-Fi stores in northern LA. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-12-25, 23:44:36 (69.232.42.90)
Shelley's Stereo on Topanga Cyn in Woodland Hills is a McIntosh dealer, and they have both tube and solid state gear from that line. Also, while not "northern L.A.," Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monic .......
91: SET Asylum, Audion (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-11-30, 01:26:51 (69.227.174.171)
DeHavilland, Mastersound, Art, Dared, Ming-Da and Consonance all have excellent 845 amps within their respective prices. Also, the Sophia 845, which I have not heard, should be taken seriously given i .......
92: DVD-Audiobahn, RE: I don't understand your contention, if via HDMI. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-09-29, 16:30:56 (69.227.165.60)
I didn't say the Oppo is restricting dynamic range. I said it is a bit less explosively dynamic than the BDP-09, even via HDMI. I don't know why and haven't bothered to investigate further because it' .......
93: DVD-Audiobahn, RE: "All listening was via 2ch analog outs from the players." (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-08-19, 17:07:03 (69.232.33.85)
Having heard both on the same movie via HDMI, I have to disagree. The Pioneer 09 is the audibly (though not by a big margin) more explosively dynamic deck. Of course, this is audio, so others -- someo .......
94: DVD-Audiobahn, RE: "All listening was via 2ch analog outs from the players." (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-08-19, 13:50:20 (69.232.33.85)
Well, perhaps. I've heard the Oppo on multi-channel via HDMI, just not in my room on my gear. It meets or exceeds expectations. Put another way, it does a great job of delivering multi-channel fidelit .......
95: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Any setup/alignment experts near L.A., Glendale area? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-08-18, 20:45:04 (69.232.33.85)
I'm in LA. I'll send an email. -Phil .......
96: DVD-Audiobahn, RE: So how does the bdp-83 sound? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2009-08-18, 20:24:49 (69.232.33.85)
I have a Pioneer Elite BDP-09, the Oppo BDP-83, and an NAD M55 Universal with excellent audio and SD video. I also just had a chance to listen to the NAD M5 CD/SACD for audio comparison. Systems are b .......
97: SET Asylum, Quad; Audion SET (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2008-10-24, 00:24:48 (69.227.169.29)
I'm a former Quad ESL57 owner with many years of experience with that beautiful speaker, and I am currently an ongoing owner of Audion PSET, SET and Premier preamp electronics. I haven't used them tog .......
98: SET Asylum, RE: SET at the office? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2008-10-20, 23:03:29 (69.232.32.55)
ICL-Softone 300B amp with Zu Crescendo speakers, all fed by a vintage Pioneer Elite PD65 CDP. .......
99: Digital Drive, RE: A weighty full bodied CD player any recommendations under $1700 used? nt (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2008-10-20, 22:48:35 (69.232.32.55)
NAD Master Series M5. The M55 universal player would easily qualify but if you don't need DVD-Audio, the M5 is better still. It's a $5,000 CD player in an $1800 package, new. Phil .......
100: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Zu Druids - any one heard the upgraded drivers ? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2008-04-13, 11:30:42 (69.227.161.220)
I don't know whether Zu will make the drivers/network upgrade available for user installation. It's straightforward, so I assume they will. I'm not sure about the discrete driver/network upgrade cost .......
101: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Zu Druids - any one heard the upgraded drivers ? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2008-04-11, 01:19:00 (69.227.161.220)
I heard the upgraded Zu Druid this past weekend. The basic nature of the speaker and its many stellar attributes remain intact, while evolutionary and incremental sonic improvements are pervasive. Dru .......
102: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Zu Druids Demanding Placement? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2007-11-25, 13:15:14 (69.232.43.78)
If you're buying new Druids, the factory break-in will leaving them pretty well limbered up. If you're buying an older pair used, it's hard to say whether the prior owner drove them hard enough for br .......
103: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Interesting idea (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2007-09-22, 18:25:38 (69.232.48.201)
The SET 845 amp won't have quite the headroom of the 40 - 50 w/ch push-pull KT88, but it won't have the subtle push-pull grunge either. Midrange is uncannily pure compared to p-p. The bass will go equ .......
104: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: low powered tube amps with slam! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2007-09-14, 23:44:48 (69.227.174.95)
For slam from modest power (not flea power) you need an 845 SET amp. The Dared VP 845 integrated is excellent for relatively modest cost, and will give you a solid 25w/ch that sounds like more. You ca .......
105: DVD-Audiobahn, Re: Any Experiences With Denon Versus Pioneer Universal Players (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2007-04-21, 00:15:16 (69.236.26.105)
I went through this decision of Pioneer Elite vs. Denon for universal players a couple of years ago, and since I was buying for two separate systems I split the difference and bought one of each, an E .......
106: Digital Drive, Re: Which Universal Player would you upgrade? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2007-04-20, 23:53:35 (69.236.26.105)
I've been disappointed with every modded universal player I've heard. All the Denon-based mods make you pay for the gains by accepting something taken away or disturbing overall balance. Better, I thi .......
107: SET Asylum, Re: Which 300B SET has best synergy with Zu Druid? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2007-01-14, 17:52:40 (69.227.161.33)
It's difficult to get a truly bad 300B amp, but the best synergy with Zu Druid in a 300B is Audion. They are uniquely fast SET amps, sound beautiful, with a minimum of 300B bass bloat. The Silver Nigh .......
108: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Best MM Phono Stage for around $1200 for Technics 1200 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-12-13, 18:12:27 (64.60.30.242)
Two excellent phono stages around your budget: 1/ Tube - Wright Sound WPP200C. This is not sloppy or euphonic like so many tube phono stages. Objective, incisive, excellent, simple. 2/ Not many people .......
109: SET Asylum, Re: SET and HT system (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-12-13, 17:43:23 (64.60.30.242)
I use Zu Definitions driven by Audion 845 amps. The Definitions limit vertical dispersion to reduce floor and ceiling effects, while increasing horizontal dispersion for both 2 channel soundstaging in .......
110: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Power Conditioning for Amplifiers (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-06-15, 20:20:15 (69.232.52.68)
A prosaic but effective choice for power amp power conditioning is the Panamax 5510/5510 Pro. It has a pair of high current outlets with no inductors in the path and works with amps quite well, while .......
111: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Way too hot for tube amps!!! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-06-07, 00:33:58 (69.238.57.27)
I'm in SoCal too, San Fernando Valley where heat is no stranger. I don't change from tube amps in the summer, and don't notice any difference. I often have both tube systems on at once, one idling. Bu .......
112: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Nagra MRA vs VPA (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-06-07, 00:28:13 (69.238.57.27)
I've listened to both Nagra amps. Nagra has accomplished the same thing as McIntosh -- they have created a family sound irrespective of amp topology. Their tube and solid state amps produce a closely- .......
113: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu druid complementing sub ? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-06-03, 17:37:17 (69.232.52.245)
A Zu sub is the only thing quick enough to keep up with their FRD. All the other establised alternatives are just too slow. Method or the new MiniMethod are the ticket. Otherwise, you're better off us .......
114: Hi-Rez Highway, Re: SACD players around 1500/1800 dollars (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-06-02, 00:09:15 (69.232.52.245)
$1799 and there IS video inside, but nothing touches the NAD M55 Master Series universal player in that price range. You could buy it competitively for its Redbook quality alone, but SACD and DVD-A ar .......
115: Digital Drive, Re: NAD M55 Universal Disc Player -- First Impressions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-21, 10:08:52 (69.232.39.67)
I haven't directly compared the NAD to a Sony EX machine, but it is on SACD where I find the least difference between it and other good players. I have had a couple of Sony EX SACD machines through my .......
116: Digital Drive, Re: DTS ... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-17, 08:47:33 (69.232.39.67)
I only care about 2-channel. Even on movies. DTS, Pro-Logic...all of them in 5.1 screw up the sound of films or music, IMO. However, I'm in the minority. I don't have or want any of these decoders and .......
117: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Heavy bass/midbass from Denon 103 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-16, 01:20:01 (69.232.39.67)
While it certainly sounds like you have an acute acoustic feedback problem, the difference between the D and the straight 103 is a little suspicious, though their rated compliances are a bit different .......
118: Digital Drive, Re: one question about bass rsponse... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-14, 19:22:08 (69.232.39.67)
On bass response, I said my speakers are flat and defined down to 16Hz and therefore are revealing of the character of bass. The NAD M55 has the best bass sound of any universal disc player I've heard .......
119: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Cary SPL-98L against Audion Premier 1.0 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-14, 16:01:18 (69.232.39.67)
The Audion Premier 1.0, like a lot of Euro electronics, is designed to drive amps with high input sensitivity. Audion's own power amps have about 0.7v input sensitivity to attain full power out. So de .......
120: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: TVC preamps and ATC powered speakers - synergy or not? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-14, 15:49:02 (69.232.39.67)
The Bent TVC uses S&B transformers. The output of your source determines whether a TVC is sufficient to drive your speakers' amps. If your ATC active speakers have ~1v input sensitivity, then with mos .......
121: Digital Drive, Re: NAD M55 Universal Disc Player -- First Impressions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-14, 13:11:07 (69.232.39.67)
>>Blah, blah blah... christ, I can't remember when I last read such a boring load of crap. What a windbag. Hmmm....but you read it, didn't you? >>And the "231Cobra" moniker makes you sound like a dick .......
122: Digital Drive, Re: NAD M55 Universal Disc Player -- First Impressions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-14, 10:46:34 (69.232.39.67)
If the M3 isn't doing it for you in the midrange, try a step up to a McIntosh integrated. The 6300 or 6500. Grail would be the 6900 but it's a big step up in price. I haven't heard the M3 yet. A frien .......
123: Digital Drive, NAD M55 Universal Disc Player -- First Impressions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-13, 14:59:03 (69.232.39.67)
NAD M55 Master Series Universal Disc Player System used with it: Pioneer 1120HD Plasma Zu Definition loudspeakers Klimo Merlino tube preamp Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblock amps Audiopax 88 monoblock .......
124: SET Asylum, Re: Emission Labs 300bs (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-09, 18:20:18 (69.232.39.67)
EML 300Bs are internally well-made tubes with beautiful glass and hard vacuum. How they sound on a comparative basis with other 300Bs is highly dependent on the amp they're used in and the tube a give .......
125: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audion Golden Dreams (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-09, 01:40:34 (69.232.39.67)
Review here: http://www.dagogo.com/AudionGoldenDreams.html Phil .......
126: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audion Black Shadow 845 vs. Cary 805C (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-09, 01:20:13 (69.232.39.67)
The PA D80 is a good speaker but faced with that choice, I'd go with Cremona. Both speakers are similarly disadvantaged by being 4 ohm systems. Very few amplifiers today can sound their best into 4 oh .......
127: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audion Black Shadow 845 vs. Cary 805C (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-09, 01:09:50 (69.232.39.67)
I've heard the Golden Night 300B in my system and chose Black Shadow over it because the 845 bass is more controlled and realistic compared to the ripe bottom of the 300B below ~80 Hz. Otherwise, the .......
128: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audion Black Shadow 845 vs. Cary 805C (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-09, 00:28:38 (69.232.39.67)
By the way, I don't think either of these amps have enough power for Sonus Faber Cremonas. It will work, given their 92db/w/m efficiency, but Cremonas really don't sing at that power level. If you hav .......
129: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audion Black Shadow 845 vs. Cary 805C (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-09, 00:15:34 (69.232.39.67)
I own a pair of Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblocks, and I've heard Cary 805C many times in the past. I chose the Black Shadow. Both are very fine triode amplifiers, so I am describing them comparative .......
130: SET Asylum, Re: were the old AV32B's reliable? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-03, 23:40:25 (69.232.36.99)
Have any VV302B tubes? I need 1 pair. Phil .......
131: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: mc252 bridged to mono blocks vs mc 501 monoblocks (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-03, 23:13:21 (69.232.36.99)
I agree the MC252 is a sleeper. I think the 402 is discernibly better, but whether it's worth the extra cost is a personal decision. The 501s are definitely worth it, in my view. More tone, bigger sou .......
132: SET Asylum, Re: what is the best 845 amp up to $8000 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-03, 19:43:54 (69.232.36.99)
I've heard most of the 845 amps on the market, and the best has been the Audion Black Shadow monoblocks, which I bought. They are rare, and nearly unheard of in the US. Now this is not to say that the .......
133: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: mc252 bridged to mono blocks vs mc 501 monoblocks (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-05-03, 19:30:03 (69.232.36.99)
The bridged MC252s are pretty good but that amp does not have McIntosh's "double-balanced" or "quad-differential" topology. It makes a difference. A pair of 252s are cheaper but if you can swing the d .......
134: Vintage Asylum, 2 channel is enough! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-03-18, 00:09:06 (69.227.171.118)
Two-channel is enough for home theater. In fact, it's preferred. If you properly set up 2 channels for stable, focused music imaging, you will end up with perfectly stable and clear dialog, if your sp .......
135: General Asylum, Re: Putting a Transcriptors "Vestigial Arm" onto an AR turntable... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-03-17, 23:52:13 (69.227.171.118)
Hmmm.....I must have done at least 30 installations of Vestigal tonearms on AR turntables back in the '70s. It seemed perfectly sane and rational, not to mention successful for the owners, then. Phil .......
136: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Nagaoka vs. Garden Variety Lint Roller (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-25, 08:12:23 (69.237.101.204)
Occasional use of a Nagaoka roller combined with routine use of the Decca brush will be effective at maintaining the listenability of your vinyl and will do a better job than a Decca brush alone. Phil .......
137: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Perfectly stated (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-25, 08:09:33 (69.237.101.204)
Actually, the Nagaoka Roller does reach inside the groove. This is easily discernible by both sound and inspection of the roller after it is used on a record that has been surface cleaned. I've heard .......
138: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Nagaoka Rolling Cleaner? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-25, 08:04:42 (69.237.101.204)
Been there. Done that. The benefits are smaller than the effort suggests. I frankly have excellent stylus longevity and persistently low noise. My point isn't to say that wet cleaning doesn't clean, b .......
139: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Nagaoka Rolling Cleaner? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-24, 00:29:15 (69.237.101.204)
I have never used wet or vacuum cleaning on my own records. I used to be in the high-end audio business and had plenty of experience with the various wet and mechanized methods on other people's recor .......
140: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Nagaoka Rolling Cleaner? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-23, 19:36:55 (69.237.101.204)
First, I've been buying records since I was a kid in the early '60s. I still have most of them. I've never used wet cleaning nor a record cleaning machine. I've seen nothing but long-term problems wit .......
141: Vinyl Asylum, Turtle Wax Chrome Polish (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-22, 22:30:54 (69.237.101.204)
Turtle Wax Automotive "Chrome Polish & Rust Remover". It's a white cream in a white plastic bottle available in auto supply stores and department or hardware stores with automotive sections. No abrasi .......
142: SET Asylum, Re: Zu druid (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-22, 22:19:41 (69.237.101.204)
The Zu Definition can be used within a couple of inches of a wall behind them with no problems. I don't place mine THAT close, but with toe-in, the corner nearer to the wall behind is 8" away, with no .......
143: SET Asylum, Re: Compact floorstander for use with SET amps (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-17, 15:43:10 (64.80.121.226)
Zu has several color options on a matte/satin finish, apart from their black and "tokyo frost." You can't get wood grain, but you can get some very nice colors for a variety of domain aesthetics. Then .......
144: Tubes Asylum, 7119 & 6900 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-17, 12:30:50 (64.80.121.226)
The 7119 is an interesting sub for a 5687, which introduces a leaner more extended sound compared to a TungSol 5687. Dutch and US Amperex variants are commonly available and cheap. However, the best 5 .......
145: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Which reasonably decent Thorens models have auto/lift? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-17, 12:07:40 (64.80.121.226)
There is now on Audiogon a Thorens TD520 with the TP90 tonearm. It is an excellent turntable, has a Euro standard 10" arm, and a good implementation of the 1980s Thorens leaf spring suspension. This v .......
146: SET Asylum, Two (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-17, 12:02:18 (64.80.121.226)
Zu Druids - 101db/w/m, 12" x 12" base footprint, 50" tall, column is only 6" deep. Easy to place and proximity to walls is not a problem. Also, the Reference 3A L'Integrale Nouveau. Smaller, and only .......
147: Vinyl Asylum, new one (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-16, 21:56:18 (70.237.88.166)
Check out jasmineaudio.net. The LP 1.0 is $350.00 plus air shipping to the US. The LP 2.0 is $650 plus air shipping. Chinese and it looks like they are paying attention to the right things. I can tell .......
148: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: McIntosh 275 IV - as monoblocs (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-10, 12:07:33 (64.80.121.226)
It's a trade-off. I've heard the 275 on Auditors and dual 275s as monoblocks. The monoblocks will give you a just-discernible improvement in dynamic effortlessness, but at a slight loss of focus cause .......
149: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Any iMPAMP owners here? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-09, 16:47:36 (64.80.121.226)
I don't own an iMPAMP but I've listened to one on my systems. It is an intriguing little bugger and ingratiatingly cute, it's little tubes pushing out 3/4 - 1 watt per channel. When you listen to the .......
150: Amp/Preamp Asylum, VPA () Cremona: Great, but together? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-09, 16:37:40 (64.80.121.226)
You are considering two excellent products in the Nagra VPAs and the SF Cremonas, so the primary question is whether they should be used together. On the face of it, they should be quite compatible. 5 .......
151: SET Asylum, Re: thinking of going SET - opinions wanted (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-08, 01:29:21 (69.238.57.171)
It depends on the size of your room and its acoustic properties. I went from push-pull tube amps to 7/7 watts 300B SET in a single transition on 88db/w/m Silverlines 3 years before finding a high effi .......
152: Tubes Asylum, Re: OTL vs. SE?ZuDruid. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-05, 14:13:29 (69.238.57.171)
OTL amps in general work very nicely with the 12 ohm Druids. As a further step, you might consider using a pair of Zero autoformers in their 2x position to take the impedance to 24 ohms. The quickness .......
153: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Druid with Sun audio? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-05, 10:48:31 (69.238.57.171)
Yes, Sun + Druids will work fine. Even rock. But for rock, with few exceptions, a 300B yields to an 845 amp. If you're rock-centric, you might like a good 845 amp better, irrespective of whether you u .......
154: Vinyl Asylum, Re: No such thing -- let's be fair (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-02-04, 18:46:54 (69.238.57.171)
The Audion ad on Audiogon for demo amps with warranty is posted by the FORMER importer for Audiogon in the U.S., Randy Bankert at OSS Audio. Equipment Randy is selling was legitimately brought into th .......
155: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Amplifier Question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-31, 00:45:27 (69.238.57.171)
Your room is small and depending on your music choices and your dynamic expectations, the Tom Evans or the Audiopax can give you clean reasonable SPLs. I didn't know your room dimensions when I made t .......
156: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Amplifier Question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-29, 11:37:08 (69.238.57.171)
Yes, with a ribbon tweeter and a light banana pulp cone mid-woof, I'd expect your TLs to sound fast and transparent. The Audiopax Stereo 88 is perfect and should do fine in a 12' x 15' room. It too is .......
157: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Amplifier Question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-28, 19:42:54 (69.238.57.171)
The Tom Evans Linear A is a good amp, certainly. I have limited experience hearing it and not in a way that allowed me to isolate it from the preamp being used. However, looking around for some data t .......
158: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Melody SHW 1688 II pre amp. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-28, 14:34:39 (69.238.57.171)
Mick, Someone else here said they thought the Eastern Minimax is competitive. I think that isn't nearly accurate to say. I wouldn't even consider the two preamps in the same league. I listened to the .......
159: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Melody SHW 1688 II pre amp. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-28, 11:41:43 (69.238.57.171)
You do get two gain choices on the Melody preamp, by way of high and low gain outputs. High gain is 25 or 26 db gain if I remember correctly, and low gain was unspecified but I estimate it to be about .......
160: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Amplifier Question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-27, 18:20:21 (69.238.57.171)
Yeah, or you will need some intermediate attenuation to practically use a 22db gain preamp with a power amp that has an input sensitivity of .8v for full power out. At least with most sources. Audiopa .......
161: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Melody SHW 1688 II pre amp. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-27, 18:14:12 (69.238.57.171)
I am waiting for a Melody 1688. I was able to listen to one in my own system a couple of months ago and my immediate and sustained impression since is that it is the best line-level preamp I've heard. .......
162: SET Asylum, Re: Audion 300B: PSE or PP? What tubes are best? Hum! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-21, 00:21:04 (63.172.212.135)
I have a number of Audion amplifiers and am familiar with the line. If your Audion monoblocks, first-generation vintage are 18 watts each, it argues for them being PSE (parallel single-ended). If they .......
163: SET Asylum, Re: Audion 300B: PSE or PP? What tubes are best? Hum! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2006-01-21, 00:15:43 (63.172.212.135)
I have a number of Audion amplifiers and am familiar with the line. If your Audion monoblocks, first-generation vintage are 18 watts each, it argues for them being PSE (parallel single-ended). If they .......
164: Vinyl Asylum, Bel Canto,Trichord, Wright-Sound (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-27, 12:14:48 (69.227.171.6)
I'm a long-time tube user but the Bel Canto solid state Phono-1 is revealing, musical, quiet and dynamic. It plays above its price class. Same is true for the Trichord phono sections, especially with .......
165: General Asylum, redbook suggestions (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-21, 22:10:54 (71.128.20.30)
1/ Jorane, "The You & The Now"; Six Degrees Music. Female composer and cello player who brandishes her cello like a weapon. Regular redbook CD, astonishing recording and sensational music. If your sys .......
166: General Asylum, Re: Best Power Conditioner? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-19, 23:08:21 (69.232.41.205)
I've heard the consequences of a lot of power conditioners. Very few are sonically beneficial, IMO, other than reducing noise. One decidedly not esoteric alternative that works very well in all respec .......
167: General Asylum, SixMoons.com preview link (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-19, 08:50:54 (69.232.41.205)
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/melody/1688.html .......
168: General Asylum, Re: What is the Aussie pre amp that is Chinese made? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-18, 21:14:00 (69.232.41.205)
Melody SHL1688W. It uses 6sn7, 6sl7 and 101D tubes, transformer outputs. Sensational. Best linestage I've heard anywhere, ever. And it has lots of gain to drive my low voltage gain Audiopax monoblocks .......
169: Vinyl Asylum, Luxman PD441 - 25 years (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-18, 14:40:22 (69.232.41.205)
Several different tonearms have been on the table during that time. The Luxman has co-existed with several interlopers along the way, but has outlasted Linn, Transcriptors, VPI. Phil .......
170: General Asylum, personal responsibility (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-18, 14:28:54 (69.232.41.205)
Precisely. Look for country of origin before you buy and then make your purchase an informed decision. It's ass-backwards to say that if you were earning more in your job, you'd be able to afford high .......
171: Vinyl Asylum, just bought one (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-17, 17:36:19 (69.232.41.205)
I just bought one. After using a Music Mat on a Luxman PD441 (Platter Matter clone) since about 1982, I got in the mood to experiment with mats. Also found a vintage Nagaoka Crystal Mat. And I have th .......
172: SET Asylum, Re: 845 SET MONO AMPS (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-17, 17:11:37 (69.232.41.205)
Be on the lookout for a pair of Audion Black Shadow 845 monoblocks. Scarce but excellent. Or you can buy the new 3-chassis replacement, the Audion Elite. This update has audio circuitry monoblocks wit .......
173: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: McIntosh Sound -- Tube & SS models? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-17, 16:59:14 (69.232.41.205)
The McIntosh autoformer solid state amps are fully competitive in the high-end market, especially the double balanced line, MC402, MC501s, MC602, MC1201s. I haven't heard the new 2kW amps yet. But the .......
174: General Asylum, Re: If you know anything about room acoustics please read and help, thanks in advance. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-13, 00:01:51 (69.232.41.205)
It's difficult to give a credible recommendation about the room setup without knowing a lot more about the room and what's in it. But I have two suggestions for changes in equipment that will address .......
175: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Phil, thanks for the detailed descriptions of the Luxmans, and others. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-12, 17:35:00 (64.80.121.226)
Kenwood L07D is what I meant to type. Excellent if you can find one. But as good as it is, I think the Luxman 44X tables are musically satisfying in a wider range of systems, although the Kenwood will .......
176: Vinyl Asylum, owned more belt drives, but a DD has stayed the longest (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-11, 20:23:47 (69.232.41.205)
I've been in the audiophile ecosystem since the early 1970s. In my formative audio years I was audience to the belt-drive-is-better dogma and compared to the vast majority of DD turntables available t .......
177: Vinyl Asylum, I have both (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-09, 18:37:19 (64.80.121.226)
I have the both D and S versions of the 103 with original paperwork. In both cases, Denon describes the diamond as "special elliptical." The differences are specified as in the moving part of the gene .......
178: Vinyl Asylum, 103S & 103D diamond shape (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-06, 23:40:48 (69.232.33.45)
I have both 103S and 103D cartridges. Now, I have to say that when I was in the business in the 1970s, the Denon rep always contended that the 103S had a Shibata diamond. But Denon's own spec sheet do .......
179: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Thanks for sharing the story of your tonearm development experience... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-05, 17:40:11 (64.80.121.226)
Yeah, I haven't tried that combination of bi-axial and vacuum hold-down. When I have listened to vacuum hold-down in the past I have not found it to be beneficial or it was available on turntables tha .......
180: Video Asylum, Re: Pioneer Elite Plasma vs Fujitsu 50 in (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-04, 01:59:46 (69.232.41.229)
I compared the Fujitsu and Elite 50" plasmas side-by-side earlier this year before choosing the Elite. On PQ, the Fujitsu was very good but more video than film-like. The Elite was the opposite. The c .......
181: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Thanks for sharing the story of your tonearm development experience... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-04, 01:47:40 (69.232.41.229)
The Rega 600 I am using now is a standby while I figure out my next significant TT choice. I am considering a DV 507, a Hadcock, a Graham Phantom and even the Michell Tecnoarm variant on the Rega, as .......
182: Vinyl Asylum, bi-axials (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-03, 18:44:52 (69.232.41.229)
I first saw and heard the original Dynavector DV50X tonearm in 1976 or 7. It made perfect sense to me because I was already using a bi-axial tonearm -- the Transcriptors Vestigal. The Dynavector was a .......
183: Vinyl Asylum, Trichord (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-12-02, 23:23:08 (69.232.41.229)
The Trichord Dinoand Diablo phono stages give you up to 74db of gain for MC sources. You have options for power supply. If you have the funds, go for the "never connected" power supply for either one. .......
184: SET Asylum, Re: De cappo i, Spendor 1/2, 2/3 or Proac 1sc -- Best to transition to SET? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-30, 19:31:59 (69.232.41.229)
For best transition to SET, get in the 90+db range for efficiency. But few affordable speakers give you the tonal accuracy you're accustomed to in that efficiency range. However, there are some very f .......
185: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: My VTV Audio Expo Report - (long) (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-27, 23:43:20 (69.232.41.229)
Glad you liked the Zu experience. Sean and Adam always have a fun demo going and the iMPAMP makes a specific impression about how 101db/w/m speakers free up some options in system configuration. Randy .......
186: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Denon AU 250 Step Up Trans Question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-26, 20:33:50 (69.232.41.229)
Relative to the DL103 being the strong point in your chain, the weakest point is the Pioneer 800 table, first due to the tonearm. The Denon transformer is the next weakest link and is the place to upg .......
187: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: McIntosh MC 402 as monoblock? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-24, 11:27:14 (69.232.41.229)
I have listened to the MC402 in stereo. It's excellent in all respects. For an average room where the 3db difference in power isn't critical, I'd rank your choices this way: 1/ MC501 monoblocks. These .......
188: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: McIntosh MC 402 as monoblock? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-22, 17:48:55 (64.80.121.226)
I have listened this comparison in a dealer system, not my own. MC501 monoblocks are marginally better sounding than dual 402s used as monoblocks, IMO. However, if you have a strong functional prefere .......
189: General Asylum, Re: Sorry...I'm one woman who... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-22, 00:23:32 (69.227.173.69)
Well, Miss, you don't have to get blue. You can do anything. Even mahogany. You don't even have to limit yourself to duPont Chroma process either. But until you've seen the Chroma process directly rat .......
190: General Asylum, Re: Starting over - need advice. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-20, 13:48:20 (69.227.173.69)
Here's a suggestion: Zu Definition speakers, $9,000/pair. Spring for another $1,500 and get them finished in the high-gloss duPont Chroma Sytem automotive color of your choice. Any car color you can n .......
191: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Turntable Roll Call (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-18, 00:30:26 (69.236.26.233)
Luxman PD441, Rega RB-600, Denon DL103D, Bel Canto Phono 1 .......
192: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Wright Sound (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-13, 10:20:05 (69.236.26.233)
One of the best tube phono stages at any price is the Wright Sound WPP-200C (wright-sound.com). 60db gain. He also sells and discounts a Sowter core step-up transformer if bought with the preamp. The .......
193: Vinyl Asylum, Julie, Jamie, Ry (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-13, 01:38:34 (69.236.26.233)
Julie London "Her Name is Julie"; Jamie Brockett/2; Ry Cooder "Paradise & Lunch" .......
194: Tubes Asylum, Re: Brand new set of tubes (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-12, 17:30:26 (69.236.26.233)
Swap the power tubes and see whether the noise follows the tube to the other channel. If it does, you have a noisy tube, for any of several reasons. Also, try your old input and driver tubes with the .......
195: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Setup 'error' with Denon 103R (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-11, 14:59:47 (64.80.121.226)
Denon 103 cartridges have always had a lot of latitude in optimal VTF. In 30 years of using the 103, mostly in D form but also S and C, soon to try an R, I have found optimal VTF to vary considerably .......
196: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Heck, the way you describe it ... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-08, 23:39:51 (69.236.26.233)
Certainly, the essence of the 103 design is fully realized in the standard 103 (used to be referred to as 103C years ago). The D's elliptical diamond does retrieve appreciably more detail than the sta .......
197: Vinyl Asylum, Re: And what do you do when your Ds wear out? VDH? [nt] (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-08, 14:44:57 (64.80.121.226)
I have 6 NOS 103Ds remaining in my 103 stash, plus one on my turntable just installed with only 50 hours on it so far. The D has effectively disappeared twice in the last couple of decades, and each t .......
198: Vinyl Asylum, Re: A Denon 103 question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-08, 13:34:44 (69.236.26.233)
The Denon 300 series cartidges sound more contemporary than the 103, which is understandable since the 103 is over 40 years old now. However, contemporary isn't always an advantage. The 301 will sound .......
199: General Asylum, Re: recommendation for power conditioner: Accuphase, Isoclean, Jena? what that really works? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-06, 23:59:03 (69.236.26.233)
I generally have not liked having power conditioners supplying AC to my power amps, but when I moved earlier this year, I found for a variety of reasons I had to consider it. I found one combination t .......
200: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Druid question (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-06, 02:12:10 (69.236.26.233)
The Soundstage test measurements are irrelevant to actual performance. The test procedure was wrong for the speaker. How? For the test, the Druid was suspended in mid-air in a test room. Unfortunately .......
201: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Welcome to the ZOO...eh Zu (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-11-06, 02:05:59 (69.236.26.233)
The Zu Druids are exactly what you already know them to be, Klaus. I own them and every day marvel at their coherence, aliveness, tone, tonal accuracy and range. The Soundstage measurements are wrong .......
202: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Druid soundstage mag. measurements are wrong (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-29, 14:47:22 (69.236.26.233)
"Audiophile-in-training" is correct. How many times and places do I and other Zu owners have to point out the irrelevance of this erroneous Soundstage graph? The test procedure suspended the speaker i .......
203: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Anybody here owns the "DJANGO" from DIY HI-FI Supply?? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-08, 19:45:56 (69.227.171.129)
I have a Django. It's built around the Stevens & Billington TX102 multi-tap transformers for use as TVCs. It's "passive" yes, but nothing like a resistive unit. It also allows you to switch in a tap f .......
204: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Advice: looking for speakers to transition into SET system (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-06, 00:52:41 (69.227.171.129)
Zu Druid or else Tones on really good stands. You'll get warm and lush from the Druids after they are broken in and the Tones have the same basic signature, with half an octave or so less bass respons .......
205: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: I wonder about the so-called 101db efficiency.. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-06, 00:47:24 (69.227.171.129)
The Zu guys are patient and quite willing to answer all questions from skeptics. Disbelieving the 101db/w/m efficiency rating is the most common first objection of informed audiophiles who have never .......
206: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: FAB Audio Model 1 review at 6moons (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-06, 00:22:21 (69.227.171.129)
"...Steve would be too if he had a better listening room and better upstream components, including CDP and speaker cable . . ." Everything dysfunctional and alienating about audiophilia is succinctly .......
207: SET Asylum, Re: Those are last generation tubes (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-05, 16:37:45 (64.80.121.226)
Yes, what I'm using are last generation tubes, which I pointed out in my post. Nevertheless, they sound seriously improved over the 845B and given the higher dissipation of the pending revision, I ful .......
208: SET Asylum, yes, am using 845M for the past 4 months. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-05, 00:50:28 (69.227.171.129)
Yes, I have 845M tubes in my Audion Black Shadows. The difference over the graphite 845B isn't subtle and all differences are improvements to me. There isn't a single characteristic in which I prefer .......
209: SET Asylum, Re: help with chosing a 300b amp needed (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-04, 15:52:11 (69.232.42.125)
I'd characterize these three amps this way: The Wright is the Calvinist among them -- ascetic and analytical. It has a "white", objective sound, which is a trait of every one of Wright's designs. This .......
210: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Definition speakers. I just heard them at RMAF and am surprised at the prior comments here (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-10-04, 15:12:05 (69.232.42.125)
I have Definitions and Druids, on two separate systems. You didn't hear the Definitions up to their potential at RMAF, but you could get their essence. The Definition is broadband and exceedingly reve .......
211: Tubes Asylum, additional search turns up EAT (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-26, 15:34:38 (64.80.121.226)
Poking around Google, I find that the sonically excellent but formerly buggy Tesla Vrosovic KT88 is essentially reborn as the EAT (Euro Audio Team) KT88 Diamond. http://www.euroaudioteam.com/en/kt88di .......
212: General Asylum, Build around an anchor for quality (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-26, 15:20:51 (64.80.121.226)
First, imagine where you'd like to end up, systemwise. You will probably spend additional money on the system as time goes by and your interests and income grow, especially if you assemble something " .......
213: Tubes Asylum, Re: Amp for Rogers LS3/5a (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-26, 01:15:02 (69.238.58.59)
Yeah, you know I forgot about an OTL. Perfect for the LS3/5a. In fact, for awhile in the '70s I ran double Rogers LS3/5as wired in series for 30 ohm load, powered by Julius Futterman's H3aa monoblocks .......
214: Tubes Asylum, Re: Thanks! (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-26, 01:09:37 (69.238.58.59)
Penta was Chinese-sourced. Not sure they are still in business. Valve Art sources from Shuguang. I am not sure whether the KT88-98 is exactly what Valve Art is sourcing. Probably Ken at ATSI can tell .......
215: Tubes Asylum, Re: Which current KT88 has the closest sonic to GEC KT88? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-24, 20:07:11 (69.238.58.59)
Given the uncertainty of whether the Emission Labs KT88 (update to the short-lived Tesla Vrosovic/KR KT88), I have to suggest the Cryo'd Valve Art KT88 sold by ATSI. I have a number of NOS GECs and ha .......
216: Tubes Asylum, Re: Amp for Rogers LS3/5a (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-24, 09:58:36 (69.237.27.138)
The Quad Two-forty monoblocks are stellar on LS3/5a. A pair are listed for sale on Audiogon right now. You couldn't do much better than this. Also, if you can find them, a vintage pair of Luxman 3045B .......
217: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Rega rb300 will sing with Denon 103 ?? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-24, 00:44:20 (69.237.27.138)
I've been using Denon DL103D cartridges for over 30 years, in arms with lower and higher effective mass than the RB300, and the RB300 itself. That's been my main arm/cart combination for the last 8 ye .......
218: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Independent measurements (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-22, 18:19:18 (69.237.27.138)
(Rolling my eyes...) This graph has been discredited on various threads here on AA, AC and AG. For this test, an earlier version of the Druid was suspended in the middle of an acoustic space and measu .......
219: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Druid with Big SS Power (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-18, 20:38:43 (69.227.174.0)
How about a response from someone who actually owns Zu Druids? I own both the Druids and the Definitions and can confidently venture that people who do not believe the range and efficiency claims have .......
220: SET Asylum, Re: Thanks for the experienced insight... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-17, 13:12:36 (69.227.174.0)
If the CCa is a expensive for you, an E88cc is also often an improvement over a 6922. If you can find a 6900 for the 5687 spot, one is probably enough for a couple of decades, but if that eludes you, .......
221: Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Druid MK4's (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-17, 08:58:50 (69.227.174.0)
The 6moons review of the Druid MkIV is an accurate appraisal of the speaker. I own them and found nothing to disagree with. You can find extensive comments on Druids on Audiocircle.com under both the .......
222: Speaker Asylum, Re: Ever hear the Zu Tone monitor? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-16, 02:29:12 (69.227.174.0)
The Tone is as close to the performance of the Druid as you could possibly expect a smaller, cheaper speaker to be. It certainly has less bass output than a Druid but I don't agree that it lacks punch .......
223: SET Asylum, Re: Picked up a used Audion Sterling ETSE EL34 integrated this weekend... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-09-16, 00:57:22 (69.227.174.0)
I have several Audion amps, including the KT88 integrated version of the Sterling ETSE. Also have a Silver Night 300B integrated, a pair of Audion Black Shadow 845s, an Audion Premier 1.0 preamp and I .......
224: Hi-Rez Highway, Re: Anyone enjoying SACD through Single Ended Triodes? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-08-26, 00:11:04 (69.227.173.160)
I use a pair of Audion Black Shadow monoblock SET amps, using the 845 tube, at 24/24w with SACD. The key is the speaker. This system has Zu Druids, which are 101db/w/m efficient. Getting 101db from th .......
225: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Cable Druids v4 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-07-24, 12:38:04 (69.227.165.207)
I own a pair of Druids. I have been trying to find the time to write a user review, but the 6moons evaluation nails the speaker spot-on, so I wonder if it's worth the time. Really, the Druid Mk4 is ev .......
226: SET Asylum, Re: 8 watts? need a recommendation on speakers... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-07-24, 12:15:43 (69.227.165.207)
Check out the new Zu Tone. It's a 101db/w/m monitor, 16"h x 11"w x 9"d, essentially performing like the Zu Druid Mk4 above 50 Hz or so. To get an idea of what that might be like, read the recent Zu Dr .......
227: Tubes Asylum, Re: Why would anyone... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-06-11, 14:18:01 (69.232.37.238)
I haven't heard the EAT KT88 but I do have a stash of earlier Tesla Vrosovics and also some KRs made by TV. Certainly the EAT looks to be the same tube. I also have NOS British Gold Lion KT88s that I .......
228: SET Asylum, Re: Good SET amplifiers in the $ 3,000-$4,000 price range (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-19, 10:46:55 (69.232.56.247)
Audion. They make 300B and 845 SETs, and excellent EL34 and KT88 single-ended amps and integrated. Their 300B amps come in multiple grades and all are unfailingly musical, reliable, and unusually dyna .......
229: SET Asylum, Re: Stand-mount Speaker for Audiopax (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-19, 10:42:33 (69.232.56.247)
I have the Audiopax 88 mono amps. Also an Audion KT88 single-ended amp about the same power as the Audiopax 88 Stereo, on another system. I have three suggestions: 1/ Silverline SR17 - 90db and 15/15w .......
230: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audiopax / Art Audio with Sonus Faber (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-07, 12:23:24 (69.237.100.165)
Your SLP-98 preamp should drive the Audiopax amp with CDs. Where its gain may be insufficient to drive an output voltage sufficient for the input sensitivity of the Audiopax is movie soundtracks on DV .......
231: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Druids and Omega and Merlins (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-05, 02:05:18 (69.237.100.165)
I have a pair of Druids and have heard the Omegas. The Merlins are not in the same efficiency class, so should be disregarded in this context. The Omega has a rich midrange, but the Fostex driver has .......
232: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Zu Cable Druid (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-05, 01:54:21 (69.237.100.165)
I own a pair of Druids and a pair of Definitions by Zu. Perhaps a James subwoofer is quick enough to mate with a Druid, but surely most subs would intrude. The distinguishing characteristic of the Dru .......
233: SET Asylum, Re: Air Tight/Acoustic Masterpiece M-101 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-05, 01:21:03 (69.237.100.165)
I've had an Acoustic Masterpiece M101 for a few years. I initially bought it as an amp for Stax headphones, for which it was excellent, and have used it on speakers from time to time as well. I'm a 30 .......
234: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Audiopax / Art Audio with Sonus Faber (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2005-05-05, 00:57:33 (69.237.100.165)
You will just make it with the APax 88 stereo, IMO. I have Audiopax 88 mono amps, which are 30 watts each and sound considerably more dynamic than that. I know the sheer quality of the Audiopax design .......
235: SET Asylum, Re: Some SET advice please (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2004-05-16, 01:06:57 (64.169.111.37)
There's nothing wrong with your Audion amps. I use Audion Golden and Silver Night amps in two different systems and couldn't begin to trace "lack of clarity and lifelessness" to Audion designs. One of .......
236: SET Asylum, Silverline SR16s (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-11-19, 00:53:06 (64.169.110.22)
I have 3 single-ended amps, 1 is SET. The Acoustic Masterpiece M101 is 8/8w per channel and the Audion Sterling KT90 is 18/18 wch; both are single-ended KT88 amps. The Audion Silver Night 300B is an S .......
237: Tubes Asylum, Re: 5687s > 6900 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-10-31, 16:39:34 (64.80.121.226)
I find the Tung-Sol NOS 5687 to be exceptional. But better yet -- and it is relatively expensive -- is the 6900 tube. It's dead quiet, very robust and intoxicatingly superb sounding. There is a vendor .......
238: Vintage Asylum, Re: "cheap" tuner that works well (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-10-30, 17:20:09 (64.80.121.226)
Look for a Luxman T110 or, second best, a T88. The T110 is one of the greats, in league with Tandbergs but they never achieved the same price cachet. On eBay they can go for as little as $100 and seld .......
239: Tubes Asylum, Re: How much for NOS 6SJ7GT Tubes? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-10-09, 17:26:33 (64.80.121.226)
Don't know about Sylvanias. There is a guy in Pennsylvania on eBay who has NOS GE metal can 6SJ7s at a Buy It Now price of $17.99 per matched pair. Also this company, http://www.boiaudioworks.com/ has .......
240: Vinyl Asylum, Re: Moving Coil Newbie Sees/Hears The Light (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-10-06, 18:48:01 (64.80.121.226)
I have been using the Denon 103D continuously since 1975 when I bought my first one. I have an inventory stashed to get me through the rest of my active audiophile life. Everything I audition expectin .......
241: General Asylum, Re: Guitar Musicians advise needed. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-10-05, 14:40:13 (67.114.247.196)
Guitar is one of the easiest instruments to learn to play casually and one of the most difficult to master. Countless people have tried and abandoned the instrument because the guitar they first tried .......
242: SET Asylum, Re: If you can locate a used Audion Silver Night... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-10-03, 17:45:18 (64.80.121.226)
I'll second the recommendation on the Audion Silver Night 300B integrated. I have on and it is excellent. There are 2 of the single-input-with-volume-control versions on Audiogon right now, but the in .......
243: Hi-Rez Highway, Re: denon 2900 takes long time to burn-in? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-27, 15:38:42 (67.114.245.179)
I didn't have your experience with my Denon DVD2900. It sounded quite good if a little bright right out of the box, surpassing my expectations. I leave it in standby power mode and use it a few hours .......
244: Vintage Asylum, Re: harmon/kardon 330B (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-27, 15:18:41 (67.114.245.179)
My Mom is still using an HK 330B I bought her in 1974. It has never required service. At the time, I was working in the business and HK receivers weren't as bulletproof that the Marantz and Kenwood pr .......
245: Tubes Asylum, Re: Audion Silver Night and Svetlana 300b tubes (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-27, 03:29:27 (67.114.245.179)
Arturo, There are some 6900 tubes on eBay right now: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dllViewItem&item=3048005109&category=3284 The gentleman selling them has many pairs after these are gone in a day .......
246: Tubes Asylum, Re: Audion Silver Night and Svetlana 300b tubes (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-25, 13:25:35 (64.80.121.226)
Arturo, In my single-ended Silver Night, I have tried a Siemens e88cc, and it is very good. For me a CCa is a little more spacious, smoother yet extended. Even a Sylvania CCa improves things a bit. Ho .......
247: Tubes Asylum, Re: Audion Silver Night and Svetlana 300b tubes (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-25, 01:01:24 (67.114.245.179)
I have an Audion Silver Night 300B. I don't yet have it long enough to comment on reliability, but I also have an Audion ETSE single ended KT88 amp that has been flawless in its operation for the 2 ye .......
248: Vintage Asylum, Re: SS amp and tube pre for Original Advents. (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-23, 01:27:03 (67.114.245.179)
Back in the '70s when I was selling Advents, I sold many, many systems with Audio Research SP3a-1 preamps driving a Crown D150A power amp. The ARC tube pre mellowed the Crown's dry top end and the Cro .......
249: SET Asylum, Re: SET newbie looking for a 300B amp? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-22, 23:21:02 (67.114.245.179)
The Audion Silver Night 300B integrated amp has 4 relay-switched inputs, a tape monitor circuit, and remote control for switching plus volume. It has been replaced by a new model and the US distributo .......
250: SET Asylum, Re: Advise needed please from the SET experts regarding Audio Physic Virgo III (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-21, 20:50:44 (67.114.245.179)
Among the most perfect fidelity I've ever heard from a stereo was produced by Audio Physic Virgos driven by a VAC Avatar integrated P-P amp running in triode mode mode. The room was great and contribu .......
251: General Asylum, Re: CARS! Luxury and High Performance...To start it off... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-19, 18:30:31 (64.80.121.226)
It looks like a Pontiac. It doesn't matter what mechanicals the 6 series has, coupes must be beautiful and this one isn't. It has several admirable lines individually that add up to visual cacaphony. .......
252: Hi-Rez Highway, Re: Dylan SACD to avoid: "Desire" (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-19, 17:16:47 (64.80.121.226)
The original vinyl release of "Desire" sounded awful. Later pressings didn't improve it. Cassettes of the album sounded the same. All CD versions have the same sonic flaws only worse. The problem is i .......
253: SET Asylum, Re: 6900's (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-12, 12:11:15 (64.80.121.226)
I have a couple of Tung-Sol 5687 and while they sound quite good, the 6900 rolls right over them. The 6900 is a heavy-duty device, built for use in early missile guidance, as I understand. The envelop .......
254: Hi-Rez Highway, Re: Best sacd performance on a universal player under $2000? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-08, 20:12:21 (64.80.121.226)
Best SACD on a universal (as opposed to an SACD+Redbook) player under $2000 is from a Denon DVD-2900. SACD is excellent right out of the box. Redbook improves progressively with break-in to the point .......
255: SET Asylum, Re: better KT88? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-08, 17:57:39 (64.80.121.226)
Ooops...KT99 reference should say KT88. .......
256: SET Asylum, Re: better KT88? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-08, 17:55:05 (64.80.121.226)
Also note that my comments above are all the result of listening to tubes in single-ended KT99 amp designs. I do have lots of prior experience with KT88s in ARC Dual-76A, Dyna Mk III, Luxman 3045 conv .......
257: SET Asylum, Re: better KT88? (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-08, 17:26:16 (64.80.121.226)
In my current KT88 stash I have: -Original GEC Gold Lion KT88 quads I bought new in 1979 and 1980 -Late production GEC Gold Lion circa 1985/6 -Svetlana -Air-Tight burned, matched, selected Chinese -Te .......
258: Digital Drive, Re: I don't disagree with the sonic conclusion... (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-04, 01:07:18 (66.124.164.104)
Yeah same here. I bought a Sony DVP 7000 from among the first shipments into California. It's coming up on - what - 6 or 7 years and 2 moves without even a hiccup ever. And its performance remains goo .......
259: Speaker Asylum, Re: American autos HAVE come a LONG way...why (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-03, 23:58:39 (66.124.164.104)
Uh...no. Not because they bought non-domestic designs and plants. Ford, GM and even Chrysler's truck/SUV business is North American designed and produced. Customer satsifaction is very high. The Ford .......
260: Speaker Asylum, Re: American cars sell well (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-03, 18:26:46 (64.80.121.226)
I agree with this assessment. US auto companies did squander their brands for quite awhile, but it was during a time when car quality everywhere on the planet pretty much went to shit. A 1980 Porsche .......
261: Speaker Asylum, Re: Mercedes, Germany and Taxis (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-03, 15:15:04 (64.80.121.226)
Are you kidding me? A Mercedes or BMW taxicab in Europe is typically FAR from a luxury car. I often noted that Americans' perception of exclusivity and luxury are quickly undermined when they walk out .......
262: Speaker Asylum, Re: American cars sell well (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-03, 14:33:16 (64.80.121.226)
Microsoft builds the best operating system that has achieved mass distribution and as operating systems go, XP is pretty good. Don't talk to me about operating systems that haven't achieved mass accep .......
263: Speaker Asylum, Re: SR-15 tweeters (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-03, 00:17:25 (66.124.164.104)
Sounds like you enjoy your speakers very much, modified. We do agree that the 12, 15, 16 all sound different and I am sure the 17 is different again still. 40 w SE is a great tube match. Must be very .......
264: Speaker Asylum, Re: SR-15 tweeters (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-02, 18:22:34 (64.80.121.226)
I have to say that I completely disagree with any assessment of the SR-16 tweeter as "crisp" or as having unsuitably "tight dispersion". These descriptions simply don't correspond in the slightest wit .......
265: Speaker Asylum, Re: Re: (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-02, 18:09:26 (64.80.121.226)
First, given what you've communicated, I believe the Silverline 16 is a good bet. I will be interested in your reaction. Let me add that for this or any speaker of its size, a proper stand is essentia .......
266: Speaker Asylum, Re: thanks for the useful reply (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-01, 16:17:14 (66.124.164.104)
I have listened to the SR16s wired to solid state amps. I have listened to them with an old Marantz 240, a Bedini 25/25 and a Quad 405. These are 125/125w, 25/25w and 100/100w respectively. Also an Al .......
267: Inmate Systems, 213Cobra's Too Much Stuff Becoming Less Stuff (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-01, 15:14:41 (66.124.164.104)
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268: Speaker Asylum, Re: Silverline SR-16 (0.00)
Posted by 213Cobra on 2003-09-01, 11:49:46 (66.124.164.104)
More than half of this post is contextual. If you just want to read what I say about the SR16 itself, go to the last 3 paragraphs. I own a pair of Silverline SR-16s. About a year ago, after many years .......
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