Posted by Frank Mena (A) on June 14, 2006 at 16:48:19

Just out of curiosity (no real reason) is it possible to obtain the phono kit with a tube rectified power supply? I really love the "triode sound" and listen to Jazz, acoustic guitar, soul and the occasional pop album.
Thanks
FM

• Re: Phono Kit question - Queg 16:26:43 06/21/06 (1)
  In Reply to: Phono Kit question posted by Frank Mena on June 14, 2006 at 16:48:19:

  I own a version outfitted with tube rectification.
  Kevin cleverly built it with a socket that allows you to swap between tube and solid state. To be honest, I first fired it up with tube rectification and immediately loved it so much I haven't even bothered to try it with solid state. (My system was already more on the soft side - Zyx Fuji cart, Nottingham Spacedeck, Rogue KT88 amp in triode mode).

  Tell you what: I'll swap it to solid state this evening, spin a few familiar sides, and post here again with my impressions.
  
  

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  • Re: Phono Kit question - Queg 11:11:31 06/22/06 (0)
    In Reply to: Re: Phono Kit question posted by Queg on June 21, 2006 at 16:26:43:

    For what it's worth, after an evening of comparing ss vs tube rectification in my K&K Phono Pre, solid state wins. At this point, I don't see myself going back to tube rectification with this unit.

    I heard better rhythmic pacing, palpability and dynamics with ss rectification. In fairness, tube rectification, with its softened edges and lush sound, is more forgiving of recording quality and vinyl condition.

    Again, this in my room, my system, my ears, one evening.
    
    

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• Re: Phono Kit question - GlassBottles 04:53:10 06/15/06 (5)
  In Reply to: Phono Kit question posted by Frank Mena on June 14, 2006 at 16:48:19:

  Hi Frank,

  I spoke with Kevin the AM (he's on vacation this week) and he said yes, it is possible to provide a tube rectified power supply for the phono kit. It involves a custom tube socket for the rectifier and some additional wiring etc. Of course, it also involves extra cost associated with all the extras.

  Kevin will be back in a day or two and he can give you all the details and cost.

  Cheers !

  Joe
  
  

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  • Re: Phono Kit question - Frank Mena 16:51:59 06/16/06 (0)
    In Reply to: Re: Phono Kit question posted by GlassBottles on June 15, 2006 at 04:53:10:

    Thanks very much!!!

    Cheers.
    Frank Mena
    
    

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  • Re: Phono Kit question - Doc Jr 8156 14:47:48 06/16/06 (3)
    In Reply to: Re: Phono Kit question posted by GlassBottles on June 15, 2006 at 04:53:10:

    Joe,
    Do you think adding this tube rectification to the SE phono will yield a significant improvement in the sound? Can we retrofit? I love my SE Phono as it is. Godspeed.
    
    

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    • Re: Phono Kit question - KevinC 11:09:12 06/17/06 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: Phono Kit question posted by Doc Jr 8156 on June 16, 2006 at 14:47:48:

      The tube rectifier softens the edges of the note attacks just a bit. Call it slightly smoother, if you like. If your cartridge or system tends toward edgy, then this should be a significant improvement. Otherwise, leave it the way it is. In general I find it more productive to mess with the catridge resistive loading and VTA in trying to balance the sound.
      
      Kevin Carter
      K&K Audio
      www.kandkaudio.com
      
      

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    • Re: Phono Kit question - GlassBottles 09:02:47 06/17/06 (1)
      In Reply to: Re: Phono Kit question posted by Doc Jr 8156 on June 16, 2006 at 14:47:48:

      Well, retrofitting an existing phono is really a question for Kevin but I believe the answer would be "yes" for the phono kit. There is some re-work involved and I don't know how many parts, if any, could be recycled in the tube-based PS.

      Also, while I have heard the phono with tube rectification I've only heard it briefly and did not have the ability to directly compare it against the SS version but suffice it to say that I did not notice an immediate difference that would make me want to run out and rework mine.

      My suggestion is that if you love your SE Phono as is then enjoy it as I do mine. Why tinker with success ?

      Cheers !

      Joe
      
      

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      • Re: Phono Kit question - Doc Jr 8156 18:13:41 06/18/06 (0)
        In Reply to: Re: Phono Kit question posted by GlassBottles on June 17, 2006 at 09:02:47:

        Silly me. Thanks for the insights. I'll spin more vinyls! Godspeed.
        
        

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