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profbrookes

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In Reply to: Yes! My Kit 2 is finally done! posted by QuadESL63 on January 12, 2006 at 06:10:51:

It's a great feeling finishing off a project.
What options did you go for?
I always find it interesting to listen to the changes that the amplifiers go through during the first few hundred hours (especially if there are any Black Gates involved).

Follow Ups:

Upgrades - QuadESL63 09:00:45 01/12/06 (5)
Got the Black Gates on the tag strip (they are standard issues according to Brian). I also got the AN-V from the RCA sockets to the driver board. Didn't get any paper in oil caps for the driver board or anything else.
Yes, it is a relieve. I thought I screwed up something big (e.g. inter-boards wiring) but it turns out I didn't solder the AN-V on the RCA socket for the left channel properly ;-) I must say my soldering skill is a hit and miss. So, it is the simple thing that got me after all.
Listening to music through the Kit 2 last night and it is already performing pretty well. I will have to wait and see how much better it can get.
- Re: Upgrades - Kamigo 19:27:23 01/13/06 (4)
  Congratulations! Don't be too upset, AN-V is very tricky to solder. My Kit 2 also has AV-V and it's wonderful.
  First upgrade recommendation: Shuguang GEKT88 tubes. AWESOME. I think I like them better than my (original) Tung Sol 6550s.
  - Shuguang GE KT88... - QuadESL63 21:04:51 01/13/06 (3)
    How does it compare to NOS GE 6550 and the new Winged "C" 6550? GE 6550 is my favorite NOS beam power, but too bad it has gone up in price recently. BTW, what do you like about the Shuguang?
    - Re: Shuguang GE KT88... - Kamigo 14:49:23 01/14/06 (2)
      I really didn't like the GE 6550 in my Kit 2. I found it was too bass heavy and a little overpowering overall (YMMV). I haven't tried the Winged "C".
      The Shuguang is very well balanced overall. It has strong tight bass, very clear mids that make vocals come across beautifully without being forward or overly warm, and a nice and clear top end free of sibilance. Detail is excellent. With the Shuguang's in I think my system sounds the best it ever has. For what they cost, they are a steal. I highly recommend them to anyone looking long term for a NOS replacement. Just for reference sake, they are joined by a Sylvania Chrome Top 6SN7, a pair of Sylvania 12AX7WAs and a Tung Sol 5U4GB.
      FYI, I bought an unmatched pair from Penta Labs. If you're in Canada, DO NOT order from Penta as they only ship UPS Express (another $55.45 USD) which I found out the hard way. The company's web site at the time (December!) said "FREE" shipping and so the money was refunded to me, but I doubt they'll do that again.
      Another good though a little more expensive source of the GEKT88 (this is the solid black plate version of the KT88) is supertnt.com
      - BTW, have you tried the Tube Store in Canada? - QuadESL63 20:02:40 01/14/06 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Shuguang GE KT88... posted by Kamigo on January 14, 2006 at 14:49:23:
        
        Yes, I'm from Canada (Calgary, Alberta). I have had shopped @ the Tube Store online: http://www.the-tube-store.com
        Ok prices (not many choice for NOS, though) but very reliable.
      - Re: Shuguang GE KT88... - QuadESL63 19:59:06 01/14/06 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Re: Shuguang GE KT88... posted by Kamigo on January 14, 2006 at 14:49:23:
        
        I have not used the GE and the Winged "C" on my Kit 2 yet, but I have had them on my ARC (D-90 & Classic 60) and VTL (ST-150).

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