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Model: Power Supply Unit Category: Amplifier (Tube) Suggested Retail Price: 506.38 toÊ 846.81 Pounds Sterling Description: This is a power supply unit to fit to valve amps. Manufacturer URL: BorderPatrol Manufacturer URL: BorderPatrol
Review by clicker on June 04, 2002 at 11:52:47
IP Address: 63.206.195.5Add Your Review
for the Power Supply UnitA little bit of background –I started caring about "hifi" components, but more importantly the music coming out of them almost two years ago. With all of the dialogue about tubed audio on the internet I decided to drop a couple hundred and see what all the hype was about. On a whim, I bid a couple of hundred bucks on an integrated tube amp I found on ebay. I ended up winning the amp, an Audio Innovations Series 500. It didn’t take long to recognize the weaknesses of the amp and I was soon looking at an upgrade path.
I was curious to see what improvements could be made by swapping tubes, power cords and interconnects. While the changes were audible, what remained was the overall sense of a compressed presentation and lack of clarity. These faults became glaringly obvious when I auditioned a Rogue Tempest Magnum and a Manley Stingray. I was blown away by how dynamic and articulate these integrateds were, particularly the Tempest Magnum. I was really envious of how both of these amps so effortlessly etched unmistakable impressions of the performers. Needless to say my amplifier paled in comparison and I started saving pennies for a used Rogue or Manley.
In the weeks I was searching for the Rogue or Manley I began conversing with another Audio Innovations owner who had augmented his amp with the Border Patrol power supply. He went on and on about how this or that was improved and how I was doing myself a disservice by not ordering the power supply. After a few emails to Gary Dews at Border Patrol I figured what the hell and I placed an order for the first power supply to be shipped to the U.S.
A big problem was fitting the unit to my amp as I couldn’t find anyone local who’d agree to perform the surgery. I ended up posting on the Asylum and Jon Curl graciously answered my post agreeing to help me with the soldering since I live a few blocks from him. You’re the man Jon! Anyway, with his supervision it didn’t take very long, even though I had to redo a couple of my less than stellar solder attempts – in hindsight its actually pretty simple to do, the hardest part is drilling a 10mm hole in the chassis to accommodate the umbilical. Yikes!
Brought the amp back to my house and let it cook for a couple hours. I started with a cd, Ryan Adams "heartbreaker" and immediately it was apparent there was a change - a very positive change. Everything became more robust. The music had real strength to it. It was unmistakable, from the kick drums to the pluck of the guitar there was a dynamic quality that simply was lacking before the addition of the power supply. Vocals floated effortlessly from a darker background. On track five "Oh My Sweet Carolina" Emmylou Harris’ haunting backup vocals are precisely etched in space, a few feet to the right of Ryan Adams and a couple of steps back. By comparison without the BP supply her vocals were present but somewhat blurred and definitely less defined. When the drums and harmonica kicked in on the track "Call Me On Your Way Back Home" I smiled. The impact of the power supply on the bass is BIG! Not sock you in the gut bass like some popular SS gear but bass with realistic shape and texture.
As I’m listening now I would have to say the single most positive aspect of the sound is the ease with which this amp communicates music. The timing is fantastic – music starts and stops like the Rogue and Manley. The soundstage is significantly larger and more three dimensional than before. There is an undeniable increase in resolution without any of the grain and glare that burdened this amp before the BP. In terms of performance, I feel like I’m at the level of the Manley Stingray. Hopefully with the replacement of some of the passive components, mainly the addition of Black Gates electrolytics and a switch from polyester to polypropylene caps, I can hear the magic I heard with the Rogue Tempest Magnum.
I guess the hardest part about ordering the Border Patrol power supply is coughing up the $750 dollars when there are so many great deals to be had on mint used equipment. My advice to anyone that has a decent older amp which they are planning on holding onto for a while and is compatible with the BP supply – Take the leap man! It really is a phenomenal improvement. I can't stress enough how every aspect of the sound this amp made has fundamentally changed for the better. Would I do it again if instead I had the chance to pick up the Rogue or Manley gear used – unequivocally - especially with the help of generous people like Jon Curl. (The glorious realm of DIY has been revealed!)
I’m already saving pennies for the bigger MB supply!
Kian
Product Weakness: The cost, then again the performance makes up for that. Product Strengths: See above
Associated Equipment for this Review: Amplifier: Audio Innovations Series 500 w/ Border Patrol PS Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rotel RCD-991 on homemade seismic sink Speakers: Soliloquy 5.0’s on matching stands w/ S-10 Subwoofer Cables/Interconnects: Kimber 4VS/ 8VS Biwire, Kimber PBJ’s Music Used (Genre/Selections): everything Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 12 x 8 Room Comments/Treatments: 4 14" x 4’ DIY Basstraps Time Period/Length of Audition: 24 hrs Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: BorderPatrol Power Supply Unit Amplifier (Tube) - clicker 11:52:47 06/04/02 (2)
- BorderPatrol Power Supply Unit Amplifier (Tube) - H2O 20:52:20 06/06/02 (0)
- Nice work John - Metralla 21:33:59 06/04/02 (0)
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