New preamp arrived!
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SCompRacer wrote: »Congrats on a stellar pre amp Joey. The new production 6h30 tubes are actually very good. If you go the 6H30 DR's, make sure they are the real deal before plunking down that much cash. I retubed from Upscale.
How to spot the real deal.
http://webboard.createhouse.net/index.php?topic=220.0
What’s the 6h30dr? Is that a nos tube type?Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
SCompRacer wrote: »Congrats on a stellar pre amp Joey. The new production 6h30 tubes are actually very good. If you go the 6H30 DR's, make sure they are the real deal before plunking down that much cash. I retubed from Upscale.
How to spot the real deal.
http://webboard.createhouse.net/index.php?topic=220.0
What’s the 6h30dr? Is that a nos tube type?
@ joey_v here you go my friend.
https://www.thetubestore.com/russian-6h30p-dr
theses are 6dj8 replacements.
EH makes a 6h30pi and sovtek makes on for a lot less.
i use the sovtek in my tube dac and it sounds great.Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Puritan PSM156 -
SCompRacer wrote: »Congrats on a stellar pre amp Joey. The new production 6h30 tubes are actually very good. If you go the 6H30 DR's, make sure they are the real deal before plunking down that much cash. I retubed from Upscale.
How to spot the real deal.
http://webboard.createhouse.net/index.php?topic=220.0
What’s the 6h30dr? Is that a nos tube type?
@ joey_v here you go my friend.
https://www.thetubestore.com/russian-6h30p-dr
theses are 6dj8 replacements.
EH makes a 6h30pi and sovtek makes on for a lot less.
i use the sovtek in my tube dac and it sounds great.
Wait... Marvin... is that $299 each??Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
I just checked... I have ten of them in this package....
Dear Diary,
Jackpot!
Sincerely,
JVMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Initial thoughts:
It’s definitely a solid performer.Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
SCompRacer wrote: »Congrats on a stellar pre amp Joey. The new production 6h30 tubes are actually very good. If you go the 6H30 DR's, make sure they are the real deal before plunking down that much cash. I retubed from Upscale.
How to spot the real deal.
http://webboard.createhouse.net/index.php?topic=220.0
What’s the 6h30dr? Is that a nos tube type?
Dear god my man, do you not research anything, or does it just have to be expensive ??
I'm one that looks into some piece of gear so deep they're usually on version 2 by the time I've made my mind up. If it has tubes I research the snot out of them to see what substitutions I may or may not be able to use and how hard are NOS tubes to find for it?
That's a very nice pre, some it would be end game. -
I watched a video of a little old lady soldering boards at the ARC! I've always loved their pieces.2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout.
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SCompRacer wrote: »Congrats on a stellar pre amp Joey. The new production 6h30 tubes are actually very good. If you go the 6H30 DR's, make sure they are the real deal before plunking down that much cash. I retubed from Upscale.
How to spot the real deal.
http://webboard.createhouse.net/index.php?topic=220.0
What’s the 6h30dr? Is that a nos tube type?
Dear god my man, do you not research anything, or does it just have to be expensive ??
I'm one that looks into some piece of gear so deep they're usually on version 2 by the time I've made my mind up. If it has tubes I research the snot out of them to see what substitutions I may or may not be able to use and how hard are NOS tubes to find for it?
That's a very nice pre, some it would be end game.
Haha
No time man. I read reviews and ask others for their opinion. At some point, doing all the research for the minutiaes isn’t worth my time or attention span.
Read about the Ref 40 for a long time, but never got into what tubes they use since most people stick with stock tubes on ARCs as they are matched etc.
I somehow landed a set where the owner rolled some Russian tubes and I asked for it as part of the deal.
Figured that I resigned that this would be my end tube preamp regardless of the ability to roll nos tubes.
There’s a saying in my profession, if it doesn’t change management, then no need to do it.
I was going to get the ARC 40 regardless of tube rollability. So it didn’t make a difference to do any more research into the tube type and choices.Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
At some point you should get out of the 19th century technology, and move into the 21st century. Pass is a good starting point.
Enjoy.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. -
At some point you should get out of the 19th century technology, and move into the 21st century. Pass is a good starting point.
Enjoy.
Haha
Yeah next timeMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Hey Joey when you get sick of that thing let me know. I'll swap pre's with you so you can hear what "Simply Perfect" sounds like.
Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
Hey Joey when you get sick of that thing let me know. I'll swap pre's with you so you can hear what "Simply Perfect" sounds like.
Deal!Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
I really like how thick the traces are on the PCBs. Definitely a piece of audio art. -
SCompRacer wrote: »Congrats on a stellar pre amp Joey. The new production 6h30 tubes are actually very good. If you go the 6H30 DR's, make sure they are the real deal before plunking down that much cash. I retubed from Upscale.
How to spot the real deal.
http://webboard.createhouse.net/index.php?topic=220.0
What’s the 6h30dr? Is that a nos tube type?
Dear god my man, do you not research anything, or does it just have to be expensive ??
I'm one that looks into some piece of gear so deep they're usually on version 2 by the time I've made my mind up. If it has tubes I research the snot out of them to see what substitutions I may or may not be able to use and how hard are NOS tubes to find for it?
That's a very nice pre, some it would be end game.
Seek not to know all of the answers, but to understand the questions.Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears -
Good quote @SIHABMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
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Listened to it last night, had it warm up for a couple hours.
Man it sounded good. Very dense imaging. It seems to want to be turned up. But I'm more interested in low level listening. More trials ahead.Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Wait... Marvin... is that $299 each??
I just checked... I have ten of them in this package....
H E A V Y _ H I T T E R _ A U D I O P H I L E !
2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2 -
Haha
I like to refer to myself as a value minded audiophileMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Good to see you back on here.
How is the Covid battle going?
How are your kids doing??Pio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
Good to see you back on here.
How is the Covid battle going?
How are your kids doing??
Hey buddy,
I think the numbers are down since mask mandate in Texas. I’m getting better and better at PPE combos for myself.
Kids and I wear a mask when we are in public places but I am not as restrictive as before. We have gone to 3 hotels for mini vacations this summer.
We just mask up and use hand sanitizers.
Kids are 6, 3, 2.
All enjoy Dad’s upgraded stereo. They have requests every night. The boy requested Harry Styles Watermelon Sugar “Pie” (he cant say “high”) yesterday.
Kids love the focal and Sonus Fabers too.
When I go to Best Buy to audition sound bars for the master bedroom, the girl was asking... why are you listening to that weird speaker?Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Congrats on the new preamp Joey! Enjoy!Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
Listened to it last night, had it warm up for a couple hours.
Man it sounded good. Very dense imaging. It seems to want to be turned up. But I'm more interested in low level listening. More trials ahead.
Benchmark LA4 is a great preamp choice for low level listening, due to the way that they implemented the volume control.
Worth a shot if the Audio Research doesn't work out! -
Congrats on the new Pre Joey, still have the Cary 05?
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Very nice preamp.
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Glad to hear all of the good news, and see you back on the forum , Joey!"Sometimes you have to look to the past to understand where you are going in the future"
Harry / Marietta GA -
VERY COOL Joey! Enjoy!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
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Listened to it last night, had it warm up for a couple hours.
Man it sounded good. Very dense imaging. It seems to want to be turned up. But I'm more interested in low level listening. More trials ahead.
Benchmark LA4 is a great preamp choice for low level listening, due to the way that they implemented the volume control.
Worth a shot if the Audio Research doesn't work out!
Haha
I tested the low level listening last night.
It was superbMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Mike Reeter wrote: »Congrats on the new Pre Joey, still have the Cary 05?
No longer buddy
This one is significantly better in every measure of a preamp
Also corrected the errors of the ARC 5se as wellMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
VERY COOL Joey! Enjoy!
Thx Steve!BlueBirdMusic wrote: »Glad to hear all of the good news, and see you back on the forum , Joey!
I’m just glad to be aliveVery nice preamp.
Thx Indy!Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound -
Stayed up till 4am, gonna go back and take a nap cuz I’m kinda tired on my day off...
... but yes, the report is that this preamp is superb. Hi level and low level listening is just about what I’d expect a preamp if this caliber to be. It is different from the ARC 5se in that it is more complete, meaning I don’t hear that strident treble and that “forced” nature of the sound. Some people may call it immediate, I call it fake turbos. Rather have a naturally aspirated 700hp v12 Lamborghini motor loafing along.
Against the Cary 05, the Cary 05 I felt was overall brighter and while the Cary was really good at certain aspect of the stage (moreso than the Cary SLP98), such as bringing the singer out infront and center, the Cary was not as dense of an image as the Ref40.
I always felt like the middle of the mouth of the singer on the Cary 05 was taller than it should be, hence looking up when listening from a seated position... for me.
Also, even though the Cary 05 was able to highlight the singer, it was as if there was a tail of audio imagery behind them.
The 40, it was eerie because you could literally see nothing behind the singers image. The singer appears independent from the rest of the music.
If that makes sense...
Anyway, this was on stock cords. The Cary had the audioquest welsMagico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
