Bada....come to papa

Norm Apter
Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
edited April 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Well, after waffling over the choice of a new CDP for my 2 channel for several months, I finally decided on one and pulled the trigger...Yep, just ordered a new Bada HD-22SE from Pacific Valve. Technically, they are out of stock right now but told me they expect a shipment in this week so hopefully it will be on its way by the end of the week. This will be replacing my Marantz CD-5001.

This will also be my intro to tubes (actually just one tube -- I upgraded to the GE 5670), so I hope it plays nice with my Parasound SS gear.

Actually, all the way up to these last couple of weeks I was leaning toward the Jolida JD100 or Rotel 1072. I'm sure those two are fantastic sounding players (based on what I've read here), but...call it an impulsive move...I just have a good feeling about this Bada and went for it (well, that and the fact that folks here have had good things to say about it and Affordable Audio has a nice little write up on this one). Maybe I'll regret it...who knows? But the only way to find out is to give it a shot. After going through a phase of upgrading my ICs, I'm now excited about a change on the front end.

Norm
2 Ch.
Parasound Halo A23 Amp
Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

HT
Denon 2808ci AVR
polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
Post edited by Norm Apter on
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Comments

  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited April 2009
    Congrats.....Nice CD player:D
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited April 2009
    You won't regret it. The Bada can walk side by side with the Jolida.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2009
    Superb player...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.
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited April 2009
    I was just going to PM to see what was up. Congrats on the purchase and I think you'll be pleased. Mine will go before the RAS in about two weeks. I'm really itching to let them get their ears on it.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2009
    The Bada is a bad ****, brotha. Good choice. It'll outperform a stock Jolida.
    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."
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited April 2009
    Congrats! You're in for a real treat.

    I've had my Bada for 3 months now and couldn't be happier, well that's not totally true. I don't like that there is no random track feature. Oh well. It more than makes up with it's high resolution. It made my NAD C-542 sound veiled and flat in comparison, but I never knew that until the Bada bing.
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited April 2009
    Great, Norm! I hope you'll give us a write up. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on the Bada as well.

    Did they give you any kind of a deal?

    & What made you want to upgrade to another tube & how much did that cost?
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited April 2009
    BottomFeeder wrote: »
    Great, Norm! I hope you'll give us a write up. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on the Bada as well.

    Did they give you any kind of a deal?

    & What made you want to upgrade to another tube & how much did that cost?

    No, unfortunately they would not cut me any kind of deal. I asked about throwing in the upgraded tube ($10) and installation (they charge $15 for installation) for free, but the CS rep on the other end wouldn't even go that far. (Another member here, though, told me that they did do this for him, so if you order from Pacific Valve, you should at least try). Who knows...maybe its the luck of the draw?

    As for upgrading the tube, I first noticed that they strongly suggested getting a GE 5670 in the video demo on their website. In the Affordable Audio write up (Nov. 2006, BTW) the reviewer also remarked that he switched out the stock (Chinese) tube for the GE 5670 with greatly improved results. This move (switching to the GE 5670) was also backed up by two other members here at CP (both of whom have already contributed to this thread and may wish to comment further...or maybe not). So, I ordered the GE 5670 ($10) along with the player and still put in a request for free installation...we'll see if they're willing to do so.

    Maybe there are other good tubes to consider -- again if Bada owners want to chime in, feel free -- but the GE is the only one I've read about.

    The player has been out of stock for roughly 3 weeks. I was ready to purchase two weeks ago, but when I e-mailed Pacific Valve at that time they told me to check back in 10 days (i.e. last Friday). So, I checked back on Friday and they said hopefully these would be shipping this week, and noted that if I wanted to get to the top of the wait queue, I should just complete the transaction as if I were buying it and they would charge me only when it ships. If you'd like, I can let you know when it ships to me (According to the website they are still out of stock).

    Norm
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited April 2009
    Good call Norm...I'm sure you will be in for a pleasant surprise.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited April 2009
    Congrats Norm. It will be interesting to hear what you think of the player. Enjoy.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited April 2009
    Congrats Norm,,I'm anxious to hear your impression
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2009
    Norm Apter wrote: »

    As for upgrading the tube, I first noticed that they strongly suggested getting a GE 5670 in the video demo on their website. In the Affordable Audio write up (Nov. 2006, BTW) the reviewer also remarked that he switched out the stock (Chinese) tube for the GE 5670 with greatly improved results. This move (switching to the GE 5670) was also backed up by two other members here at CP (both of whom have already contributed to this thread and may wish to comment further...or maybe not). So, I ordered the GE 5670 ($10) along with the player and still put in a request for free installation...we'll see if they're willing to do so.

    Maybe there are other good tubes to consider -- again if Bada owners want to chime in, feel free -- but the GE is the only one I've read about.


    Yeah, the GE5670 tube is the one you want. Ten bucks for the tube is not unreasonable, but don't pay $15 for installation. Do it yourself. It's as easy as changing a light bulb. You just need one of those star type screwdrivers to remove the top plate.
    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."
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited April 2009
    I've used the GE5670 with good results, it was an improvement over the stock. It was the first tube change I ever made....oooh the memories.

    I used the Bendix 6385 for quite a while. This tube is Euphoric with a sparkling top end and plenty of space/air. I really enjoyed it for awhile but it was almost unnatural. You probably couldn't find one and if you did it wouldn't be cheap. I took a chance and bought a batch from a guy in Japan for not too much. I had them tested only to find most weren't good.

    I now use Ericcson 396A Gold Pin I got from Brent Jesse. It sounds great not as sparkly and airy as the Bendix yet maintains some of those attributes just not as accentuated. It's clear and balanced top to bottom. I think of it as more natural but still toobey.

    Good luck! enjoy!
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited April 2009
    Ha, I forgot, ask Brad I sold him one of those Bendix tubes...the readings were good but he never was able to get it to work for him.
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2009
    phipiper10 wrote: »
    Ha, I forgot, ask Brad I sold him one of those Bendix tubes...the readings were good but he never was able to get it to work for him.

    Yeah, the Bendix sounded glorious. But for some reason, it got too hot after a while and the player shut down. I hated to part with it.

    I love to compare the 22SE with mine, which is an earlier version. It's a different design. The SE has fewer caps and a different transport mechanism.
    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."
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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited April 2009
    phipiper10 wrote: »
    I now use Ericcson 396A Gold Pin I got from Brent Jesse. It sounds great not as sparkly and airy as the Bendix yet maintains some of those attributes just not as accentuated. It's clear and balanced top to bottom. I think of it as more natural but still toobey.

    Is the Ericson 396A widely available? Can you find them on Ebay? If not, where might be a good place to look? As I mentioned, I already purchased the GE for now, but down the road it would be fun to do a comparison.

    I just got word that my player will not ship for 1-2 weeks. Patience is a virtue, but I'm really anxious to throw this in the mix. The propects of this player, along with word (in another thread here) that the entire Beatles catalog is being digitally remastered and will be available in early September has me wondering just how good they will sound compared to what I'm used to with the current setup.
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited April 2009
    I don't believe the Ericsson Gold Pins are readily available but you could try the WE 396A for a pretty inexpensive alternative to the 5670. Those are frequently found on ebay. Just to change a couple of tubes and do it cheaply.

    FYI -
    Tube Section of Brent Jessee's site.

    http://www.audiotubes.com/audtube.htm#aud%20list

    He apparently has no more of those Gold pin Ericssons. What does the gold pin do for the sound???? No idea and maybe nothing in comparison to the Nickel pins.
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited April 2009
    I can't believe they're charging you. I guess I rode them pretty good about the price for a week so they probably got tired of me and just gave them to me. I cannot comment on the difference in tubes since I've never heard the stock.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited April 2009
    Mine came with the stock ones and they were dissapointing. There was a big improvement when I rolled in the GE's. Haven't tried any others yet. I'm content for now.
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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited April 2009
    daboyz wrote: »
    I can't believe they're charging you. I guess I rode them pretty good about the price for a week so they probably got tired of me and just gave them to me.

    Yeah, I know. You know, I even mentioned you. Well, of course not you by name, but I said "my friend" got this kind of deal, so how about giving it to me? I also sent several e-mails...however, I think the key difference now is that they are out of stock so I'm kind of in the weaker position...I'm more desperate to get my hands on this thing than they are to unload it so I don't have much in the way of bargaining power (i.e. holding out).

    Let us know what the RAS (Rockford Audio Society?) thinks when you debut it in front of them. That might take place before mine actually arrives.
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited April 2009
    There's a link for this cdp on Audiogon which allows one to "make an offer." I wonder if this might help or hurt an attempt to get a better deal?

    Thoughts?
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited April 2009
    Once you click on it it says that the price is firm.:( I believe there was an option for split shipping though. I was local pick up so that may have helped me.
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited April 2009
    Thanks for letting me know. Interesting that they'd say "Make an offer" then say the "price is firm."

    Nice.
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited April 2009
    The "Make an offer" is an Audiogon standard; you can't choose not to have it.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited April 2009
    Oh! Thanks!

    I'm very much an Audiogon rookie.
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited April 2009
    The Bada HD22SE arrived today...I've only had a chance to listen to it for about an hour or so...mighty impressed. More on that later...but here are a few shots of it with the Parasound Halo gear...don't worry; I usually don't stack components like this. I just wanted to bring the rig out to the living room for a better (initial) listening experience.


    IMG_0697.jpg

    IMG_0694.jpg

    IMG_0692.jpg
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
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  • fossy
    fossy Posts: 1,378
    edited April 2009
    nice looking gear ya have there.Bet it sounds very good. Enjoy. I want a tube CDP when I grow up......
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2009
    Cool. Looking forward to your review.
    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."
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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited April 2009
    Early B. wrote: »
    Cool. Looking forward to your review.

    Certainly. I still need to do a few things before I can do any critical listening, I think.

    a) In the owner's manual they suggest at least 50 hours of playing time for CDP burn in.

    b) I ordered the GE 5670 which came with it, but Pac. Valve did not install it for me...was hoping they would. I actually don't have a star wrench on hand so I will have to make a trip to the hardware store (I guess) to pick one up. Dave (daboyz) noted strangely that to him and the others at the RAS gathering, the tube output (with the GE 5670 in there) and the SS output sounded identical...hmmm. Up to now (just a few hours), I have only used the SS output (as the stock Chinese tube is still in there). Once I achieve burn in, I'll be interested in comparing SS vs. stock Chinese tube and then SS vs. the GE 5670.

    c) A new pair of ICs arrived the day before. I had just about broken in a pair of M-3s that I bought off A-gon through 6 weeks of use. But there was a mixup...I sent those back to the owner and the S-3s arrived on Thursday (day before CDP) and they have less than 20 hrs. on them according to the owner. I'm using them for the CDP to PRE connection so its back to the drawing board with burn in.

    In an effort to further complicate matters, do you (EarlyB) or any other Bada owners have any experience with upgrading PCs with this unit?
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2009
    Norm Apter wrote: »
    In an effort to further complicate matters, do you (EarlyB) or any other Bada owners have any experience with upgrading PCs with this unit?

    I automatically upgrade all of the power cords on my gear. I use this one on my Bada: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?powrcabl&1243715483&/Iego-L70530--Power-cable--cust
    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