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In Reply to: RE: Transformers, transformers, transformers, transformers,....., transformers posted by Frihed89 on June 29, 2009 at 00:21:35
There are many paths to audio nirvana. Experiences along my path have led me to develop sonic goals that I value, but I do not expect that others will share all of them. I share your assessment of the wonderful iron offered by Audio Note. While apparently expensive, I feel that they offer real sonic value.
OTOH, I find that parts upgrades can provide a very substantial improvement in sound quality. The Audio Note tantalum resistors and oil caps really deliver the sonic goods. I've no doubt that the upgrade from Level B to Level B Sig is a big jump in sound quality.
With respect to the upgrade options available to the OP, I would not discount the entry level EI core trannies offered in the standard Level C kit. Their design and materials quality place them at a very high quality level for what they are. They definitely provide the basic benefits of transformer coupling: remarkable dynamics and musical flow, deeper, tighter bass, greater definition and greater HF extension. I’ve no doubt that the HiB double-C core trannies sound significantly better. The wire upgrade is also well worthwhile. The trick is to keep the overall quality within the sound system balanced and generally to start system upgrades at the signal source, then to follow the signal out to the speakers.The high B trannies and upgraded wire will definitely improve the sound quality, but the full sonic benefit of their addition will not be realized until the associated parts are upgraded to a similar level (1-2w tants and copper or silver oil caps).
Regards,
Bob
I don't doubt what you say: that to realize the true potential of a transformer upgrade, you need to upgrade the other stuff. But, with a budget, I'd do the transformers first and I'm not sure I wouldn't go higher than HiB.
You're right, I don't much about the "base" level kit transformers.
"Live free or die"
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