Tubes -vs- Class A SS...the shootout!!!

12346»

Comments

  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,646
    edited May 2011
    I have some new cables in the rig Tom you will really like - this I can guarantee you
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2011
    What are they, Trey? Do tell....
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,646
    edited May 2011
    Its a SUR-prizzzzzeeeee

    In two weeks it shall be DONE!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2011
    In two weeks it will be done or you have heard it in your rig? If so, which pair of speakers?

    Quit pulling my leg, Trey. Throw me a bone...
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2011
    Yeah, is it really that exciting?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,646
    edited May 2011
    They are running right now -

    Been running for a few days on the Taylos and Super Towers
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2011
    I'm really starting to dislike Mother Nature. Those that are in the know....well, know.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,646
    edited May 2011
    Nah I dont want to talk about my new cables yet as I have not spent a ton of time with them yet and my Super Towers are not done yet either so I want to wait before I say anything - there will be a formal informal review written attention to Doro when finished I assure! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited May 2011
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Hmmm, I have always discounted Kimber due to a listening session in Raleigh with some Martin Logans. It may be time to reintroduce them. When I listened to them last time, the distinct thing I remember is that they seemed to "throw down" the sound stage about a foot or two. That's the last thing I need in the rig I currently have. I take it that you did not experience this?

    When I switched from Kimber Hero XLRs to the MIT Shotgun S1.3 XLRs the soundstage literally expanded right in front of me. It was that obvious.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2011
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Hmmm, I have always discounted Kimber due to a listening session in Raleigh with some Martin Logans. It may be time to reintroduce them. When I listened to them last time, the distinct thing I remember is that they seemed to "throw down" the sound stage about a foot or two. That's the last thing I need in the rig I currently have. I take it that you did not experience this?

    Thanks for the suggestion and to let you know, I'm not in any way dogging Kimber....just sharing what I experienced with them in the past. Like I said, I'm open.

    I find soundstaging capability to be more a function of speakers and source equipment, in my own experiences. I think the lower midrange body (moreso with Hero than PBJ) sometimes gives the illusion of a narrower soundstage. PBJ may be a better choice, as it has a little more "presence" where Hero is more neutral in that regard. While "presence" can make a cable sound more open, it does so, sometimes, at the expense of smoother treble at higher playback levels.

    To answer your question, my speakers disappear in the room, so I haven't experienced what you mentioned about Kimber. For reference, I run Hero and 8TC. I think PBJ is a better value, because it does 98% of what Hero does, at much lower cost.

    PBJ: Good if your system leans to being a little too dark/laid back sounding.
    Hero: Good to maintain synergy that you already have, or to tame an overly bright system lacking midrange drive.

    I haven't heard any of the MIT line, so I can't comment on that.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2011
    With regards to my MF A3CR preamp, at the time I owned this piece I was running AQ Copperhead. It may have been the cable or the pre, I'm not sure, but the A3CR tended to push upper midrange/treble forward a bit at higher levels. I never ran the MF with Kimber, but my guess is, it would have been a much better match.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited May 2011
    Tom,

    I have a set of PBJ's you can check out this weekend!
    ..... ><////(*>
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2011
    That's cool but I won't be bringing my speakers, so it won't really do me any good. It will be nice to audition them in your rig, though. I'll be bringing down some IC's and PC's for you to play with as well. I need to get in touch with you sometime in the near future and finalize plans, get your address, etc...

    Well, back to the subject. Guess what came in today? You guessed it. The pair of Transparent cables I have been expecting. Gonna go and install them here after I catch up on the forum for a short stint. *crosses fingers*
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,646
    edited May 2011
    Tom you need to try my Shotgun speaker cables in your rig - I currently have them unplugged so you can borrow them for a week or so unless they sell (which I hope they do soon)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2011
    Trey, I'd like to take you up on that. They may not be coming back, though. I am going over ways to pay for them as we speak.

    Well, it turns out that out of all of the IC's I had? None of them fit the bill between the Dodd and the Musical Fidelity. This Transparent cable, while I wouldn't necessarily say that it's transparent, it's just what the doctor ordered. It brings out the best of what this amplifier has to offer. No bloated bass. The bass is in line with the rest of the frequencies. Not too much, not too little. Just right. The top end is not slightly rolled off and all details that should be there you do not have to strain to hear. The midrange is spectacular with it's texture, nuances and detail.

    Here's why I say they are not transparent. They seem to have a slight coloring of the sound. While it is an overall great IC, something is different within the sound. Now, it might be because all of my other IC's had color and this didn't or it might be that this IC actually does color the sound. Do not get me wrong. It sounds great but there is an element in the midst that is definitely not like any of the other 25 or so IC's I have tried.

    The reason I mention this is because I would like to talk about it. Could it be that maybe the tubes are the coloring in the rig at this time or is it just the IC? I'm kinda thinking it's the IC because none of the other ones had a coloration in it, even a slight one. Maybe some of you already know that this is a common observance with Transparent cables. I don't know, that's why I ask. I have heard from some others that MIT has a slight coloration as well and seeing as how the cat at Transparent worked for MIT? I'm just kinda putting two and two together at this point. What have your observations been with those of you that have had experience with Transparent or MIT? Where are your thoughts at concerning this?

    I still haven't critically listened due to the wife and my son being home, so I haven't had the time to concentrate on the actual sound stage yet but as I said, this is what the doctor ordered. I feel I have tweaked this rig to it's fullest with the gear I have at my disposal and I have found something that I haven't had in over three years.

    Synergy. :eek:

    That's a pretty bold statement for someone who hasn't even paid that much attention to the sound stage and localization of things yet, which is [after frequencies] THE single most important thing to me. Sound stage aside, this rig sounds really nice. I mean, really nice. Everything I have put in so far sounds so musical and enjoyable that it makes me just smile.....kinda like this dude >>> :biggrin:

    As far as the coloration goes, it's not bad. Just different to these ears. If that's what brings out the smooth frequency response all across the board, I'll take it all day long and twice on Tuesday compared to all of the other IC's I have tried. Hmmm, I just had a thought. I actually sat down to do some evaluating today and it did not even dawn on me to check the sound stage and localization of things [it obviously wasn't bad].

    I actually just sat back and enjoyed the music.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,646
    edited May 2011
    Tom - I have the whole week off next week... you should come over one day listen to the rig - nab the MITs and use them for a bit..

    As far as bringing the MF over - I really do not want to swap any more electronics out at this time. I am done with electronics for the foreseeable future...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited May 2011
    I'd like that, Trey. I'll be down in Atlanta/Florida this weekend so it won't happen until next week. It's cool about the MF, I just like razzing you. Well, that and I don't want you to catch my amp on fire. :eek: :biggrin:

    Back to the topic....OK, the sound stage is neither improved, nor diminished. Localization is so slightly improved that it may just be due to the power grid being better because folks are going to bed. That's about how much of a change it is.

    That said, I am enjoying the music! :cool:
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited June 2011
    What's the latest on this shootout??

    Is there a winner or is your bed big enough for both? :biggrin:

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited June 2011
    Well, the Anthem's are repaired already. I just have to plan the logistics to go pick them up down in Atlanta. I have actually been talking and planning this within the past two hours. I will also be picking up my LP player and Nitty Gritty that's been on loan to a good friend. Lookin' forward to that!

    Soon. I'm guessing within 2 or 3 weeks. Hopefully sooner.

    Whichever one loses the battle gets a free ticket out the door. :eek:
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited June 2011
    Goody! Karma

    I'll take it!
    ..... ><////(*>
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited March 2013
    Just ran across this thread searching for something. Looks like I'll finally be getting around to letting you all know the results of the shootout.....even though it took slightly more than 2 or 3 weeks. To make a long story short? The Musical Fidelity has won the slot for amplification in my rig and the Anthem's are gone. I have dabbled with some other things and new gear since this thread and I can say that this journey has been a lot of fun. Looking forward to my next big project to be completed. Whoo-Hoo!

    SS Wins the Shootout!!!

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Loud &amp; Clear
    Loud &amp; Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited April 2013
    Had a Jolida 801 in my system for a little over a year. Popped in an inexpensive Yamaha A-S500 for fun ... wow. Blew the Jolida out of the water. It tought my speakers how to reproduce bass. Bass they never knew they had. Of course it's always going to be about synergy. A tubed CD player and vinyl for sources make this work. Speakers are tipped back ever so slightly, with a dome midrange and a fabric tweeter. So Solid State rules the day in my world.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited April 2013
    Spam reported.

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter