Pic of the "New" System

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited August 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
Nope, I'm not trying to compete with Solidsqual. He wins hands down. And nope, I ain't gonna proclaim this to be my last major upgrade for a while (I got somethin' brewin' already...). And to all of you haters out there who thought I was crazy for selling off half of my system -- I'm glad I did it. Now I'm much closer to what I really want, and the net cost is only about $200.

Anyway, I sold my preamp, amp, and transformer buffer, and replaced them with a Placette Audio RVC and a pair of Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks. That's right -- 120 watts of tube power per channel -- 42 pounds of sound per speaker.:cool:

Below is a pic of the temporary setup. I listened to a couple of cuts this evening and the wife and I were impressed. The system has gotten much closer to the emotional epicenter of the music. I'm looking forward to some more listening in the next couple of days. Of course, I'll need to do a little tweaking and tube rolling, but I ain't goin' hog wild this time. Maybe roll the EH 12AU7's, play around with speaker placement, etc. That's it.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
003.JPG 380.2K
Post edited by Early B. on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    Whoa! Nice hat trick! How long you had this planned. I love Rogue gear. My Metis preamp was my first taste of hifi.

    I highly recommend the Rogue Audio Perseus with those monoblocks if you have the cash to spare. It's an amazing companion pre and a joy for tube rollers. It also comes with an HT bypass.

    Those puppies put out some good heat. I hope you're not worried about air conditioning bills.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Terrax
    Terrax Posts: 483
    edited August 2008
    Then let me be the first to say...You go man! Congrats and enjoy. Also, I don't think anyone was a hate'n on ya. Just interested and courious I would guess.

    Well.... 2nd, lol Solid beat me to it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited August 2008
    Very nice! If I ever decide to go to tube amps, the Rogue M-120's would be on the short list!

    Now we have to talk about the 3 way power plug in the wall socket :confused:
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Now we have to talk about the 3 way power plug in the wall socket :confused:

    Ha ha. Like I said, it's temporary. Not sure what I'm gonna do yet. Those tube amps may need some type of surge protection.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Whoa! Nice hat trick! How long you had this planned.

    I've had this planned for about 12 hours.;) It was a local purchase.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited August 2008
    Super sweet. Glad to hear you got what you want. Now that will make you drool.

    Congrats Early B.,
    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited August 2008
    congrats Brad. ;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited August 2008
    Take more pictures, before they are gone :)

    Congrats. And the extra cooling bill will be offset by the lower heting bill.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited August 2008
    Very nice tube amp. Congrats, EB. 120w tube is a lot of power, there. How do they sound?
    -?¿-
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    haimoc wrote: »
    Very nice tube amp. Congrats, EB. 120w tube is a lot of power, there. How do they sound?


    So far they sound great. Tube amps -- I should have done this a long time ago. Female vocals are heavenly. A more thorough review is forthcoming.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited August 2008
    Tube amps...never heard one.

    Hope I never do or I could be in trouble! :D
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2008
    I bet that sounds silky smooth---nice!
    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
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited August 2008
    I thought passives didn't have enough gain for you, the Placette doesn't have gain does it? Unless the Rogues input sensitivity is much higher then whatever amp you had when you had the Promitheus it will still be a issue.

    So did you do any comparisons or just blindly sell off everything and start new? I guess you couldn't continue doing your reviews if you were content.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited August 2008
    Take lots of pic, all around the and and pre. Love them from afar. I would have sold the Emotiva for those also

    Congrats,
    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited August 2008
    I have a monster 5100ss power conditioner in the Flea Market. Not saying you should buy that from me, but you should buy something!

    Look at MIT Z-series stuff. You can get it cheap on Agon or eBay from time to time. It will match your gear well and give it protection without limiting current. As previously mentioned, Furman is good stuff as well.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited August 2008
    Boy you reload quickly.

    Nice lookin amps ,try to enjoy these for atleast week.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    Gaara wrote: »
    I thought passives didn't have enough gain for you, the Placette doesn't have gain does it? Unless the Rogues input sensitivity is much higher then whatever amp you had when you had the Promitheus it will still be a issue.

    There are no gain issues at all with the Placette.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited August 2008
    I haven't had any issues either, all my sources, to include TV sound has had plenty of output.
    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
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    I'm assuming you placed vibrapods beneath the the feet of that tea table?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited August 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    There are no gain issues at all with the Placette.

    So what else changed? Since both your TVC and Placette are both passive with no gain if you were maxing out one you would max out the other (0db) so either A) Your source has more gain B) Your amp has a higher input sensitivity C) You listen at lower volumes now. Just curious.
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I haven't had any issues either, all my sources, to include TV sound has had plenty of output.

    Reason I ask is he had a passive before and sold it due to gain issues, so I found it odd he was going for another passive. I use various passives in all my rigs and never had gain issues either, even with .2v output sources.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited August 2008
    Congrats of the monoblocks! Plenty of Rogue power that's for sure. I'll look forward to your review.:)
    Carl

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited August 2008
    Looking mighy fine there Early. Man, you sure don't let any grass grow under your feet. Congrats & enjoy.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited August 2008
    That was a fast rebound! I thought that it was a ballsy move to sell half your gear and start over. Glad to hear that you are getting closer to what you really want and for only $200 out of pocket cash- you can't beat that!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    OK, time for an update -- I hate these damn amps and I'm gonna sell 'em!!!


    Just kidding....


    The amps sounded good the first few days, but I knew they could sound better because I heard them in the previous owner's home. Here's what I did -- I switched from ultralinear mode (120 wpc) to triode mode (60 wpc) and this was a dramatic improvement. Much more tubey (i.e., lush midrange), detailed and laid back (I like the laid back sound), although to my surprise triode mode still maintained 95% of the dynamics of ultralinear.

    Next, I swapped out the 12AX7 tube from a Tungsol to a Groove Tube (Mullard re-issue), and the sound improved once again right out of the box.

    Finally, I added a BPT power strip to replace a temporary $30 power conditioner and the noise floor dropped tremendously.

    These cumulative changes have resulted in a fantastic listening experience. I have the tube sound, lots of power, plenty of dynamics, and the cleanest bass I've heard. The most impressive aspect of the system is the faithfulness to the orginal recording. Yeah, I know -- how can someone make such a claim? Well, you really can't. However, the reason I mention it is because I heard a live performance of one of my favorite singers recently, and this system provided the most faithful reporduction I've heard. I didn't claim that it sounded "better," just different. But it's good to know the capabiliy of your own system.

    In short, I'm very content with the system and look forward to playing my music on it.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    EarlyB,

    Did you get the Pure Power Center for $199? I've been looking into that myself in order to feed my gear straight juice. I'm also considering having them make me a Clean Power Center with four plugs with no filtering or anything and the rest for my other components. Not really sure if that's worth it though considering my pre is battery powered. The filtering would just be for my CDP.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    EarlyB,

    Did you get the Pure Power Center for $199? .

    Yep. It's on sale for $169 through the 'gon. I added surge protection because we have frequent power outages in our area. It's awesome. I didn't expect it to actually clean up the sound because there's no line filtering, but it does anyway. Something about the use of copper to virtually eliminate EMI/RFI. Fast shipping, great customer service. Go for it.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    Oh man! Thanks for the tip!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited August 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    Yep. It's on sale for $169 through the 'gon. I added surge protection because we have frequent power outages in our area. It's awesome. I didn't expect it to actually clean up the sound because there's no line filtering, but it does anyway. Something about the use of copper to virtually eliminate EMI/RFI. Fast shipping, great customer service. Go for it.

    Are you referring to the BPT PPC? Aside from the extra outlets, is this any better than the PS Audio Power ports, or more comparably to the Juice Bars?
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    Are you referring to the BPT PPC? Aside from the extra outlets, is this any better than the PS Audio Power ports, or more comparably to the Juice Bars?

    I dunno. I never used the PS Audio Power Ports or the Juice Bar. However, I once had a PS Audio UPC-200 and the BPT is superior, IMO. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked -- metal vs. plastic housing, Furutech receptacles, lower cost, lower noise floor, customizable, 6 outlets vs. 4 on the UPC-200, etc.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited August 2008
    Do you have the BPT PPC now? Can you post a pic? The one on the Gon and BPT site are the same, but the one in the 6moons review's site looks different.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter