|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
73.215.192.8
New guy here, figured I'd see if anyone uses one of these. Picked up a completely built SP9 preamp with the PH6 phono board and factory case with remote volume and switching but alas, no remote control. How do folks lose these? Anyway, it's an absolutely beautiful build inside and out and is quiet as a church mouse.
The line stage uses four 12AX7 tubes and it was filled with JJ brand tubes. I pulled them out within 30 seconds, sounded like crap and looked at my stash. I found two used Tele's that went into the rear two sockets and two NOS JAN Sylvania's for the front two sockets. Wow, what a difference. I put on some Dire Straits and started hearing instruments that before were just blended together. Everything about this was a major step up from anything that I have heard before.
I use a CDP as a source, Mac MC40 monoblocks and my speakers are HeathKit AS101's, basically Altec Valencias in much nicer cabinets. They have been modded with Model 19 crossovers and the horn drivers changed out to 902's.
I'm sure that I didn't hit the sweet spot with tubes yet, has anyone had experience rolling tubes in one of these? Can it actually get better?
Thanks
BillWojo
Follow Ups:
I take it there are no VTA owners on this board. A pity as there preamps really are that good.
BillWojo
I own the Vacuum Tube Audio SP14. It replaced my $5800 Pass Labs X1 line-stage. I upgraded the tubes with Sylvania Chrome Domes and it's the best sounding preamp I've ever owned.
Wow, I'm impressed that it beats out a $5K line stage but than everything I read about these indicates that it will perform like that. I lucked into this, purchased it finished for less than 1/3 the cost of the kit price.
From what I have read, it sounds like the SP14 and possibly the SP9 are designed similar to the Aikido line stage designed by John Browski (SP) that have great reviews.
Interestingly enough I have an older Glassware labs Aikido octal stereo line stage kit that I have been gathering parts for. I'm planning on building it with a remote power supply and have been collecting both 6SN7 and 12SN7 tubes as it can be wired either way. Should be interesting comparing them.
I know the soundstage of my SP9 is incredible with separation like I have never heard before. Can't wait to hear the octal tubes.
BillWojo
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: