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C-Core transformers on Audio Note kits

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Hi all
I have the Audio Note kit 3.1 DAC and read with interest about the C-Core output transformers now offered with the DAC 4.1. I note these are also offered with the higher level amplifier kits and the Hifi Man Headphone amp.

Has anyone bought any of these products, and if so, a review of the sound on offer would be great. I am currently saving for my next kit purchase!

http://www.audionotekits.com/DAC4_1.html

Follow Ups:

RE: C-Core transformers on Audio Note kits - koa 08:40:28 05/17/13 (10)
I have the L4 preamp with triple c-Core, DAC Kit 4.1 with triple c-Core and just upgraded the interstage and output transformers in the Intestage PSE 300B Monoblocks from EI Core to the new Audio Note Kits c-Core.

I have had several expensive preamplifiers in my system. The last preamp I had prior to the L4 was the Esoteric C-03 which retails for $13K. Compared to the Esoteric, the L4 has better extension and it is airier in the highs, it is overall more detailed and livelier (the esoteric sounds flat relative to the L4. The L4 is better in some of the classic audiophile ares (imaging, soundstaging and transparency), but what sets the L4 apart is the musicality. It sounds more like real music.

The last DAC I had was an Audio Logic 34 MXL DAC which had been modified by Noble Electronics with black gate caps, Audio Note Copper Foil output caps, Electra Print silver interstage transformers, Mundorf Silver and Gold hook-up wire, Vishay resistors and WBT silver rcas. We compared the Audio Logic to the Spectral SDR - 4000 in a friends system and it made circles around the Spectral DAC. While I can not tell the difference between the DAC Kit 4.1 and the DAC Kit 3.1, I can say that the DAC Kit 4.1 gives me everything I liked about the Audio Logic, extended highs which sounding harsh or bright, detailed without sounding analytical, extended bass with rythm and pace, together with all the audiphile stuff, the DAC Kit 4.1 has a weighty midrange which tends to being everything together and gives a very balanced presentation.

I originally oredered the Interstage Monoblock PSE 300B with Audio Note Hi-B c-Core transformers. After waiting for months and months for the Hi-B c-Core, Brian suggested that I start with the EI core and then change it to the Hi-B c-Cores when he gets them. I never got the Audio Note Hi-B c-cores. Brian called me a few months ago and told me that he has new c-Core interstage transformers and output transformers and wanted me to try them on my monoblocks. I guess that makes me uniquely qualified to tell the difference between the EI core and the c-Core

I loved the Interstage PSE Monoblocks with the EI cores on my Tannoy Canterbury SEs. They were by far the best amplifiers I have had in my system and I have surely had my share of high end amplifiers (Border Patrol, Viva Aurora, Plinius SA 250 MK IV etc). Adding the c-Core brought my system a notch above the sound with the EI core. The highs have better extension, is more detailed and much more airier sounding. Voices are a little more realistic and give you the reach out and touch the singer feeling. On some familiar recordings, I can hear addtional voices the I had never heard before. The base has much better extension and control. I couldn't be much happier with the c-Cores. I am as happy as the proverbial pig in mud.

The combination of the L4, 4.Dac and PSE monoblocks has breathed life into my system. BTW, I am not your classic DIYer, I have never built anything. All these were assembled for me by Digitalpete. The build quality of my components and exquisite, and I will put them against any commercialy assembled units.
- Photos? - jusbe 19:46:43 06/01/13 (9)
  Koa,
  
  I wondered if you had any photos of your amps with their new C cores that you could share?
  
  big j.
  
  "... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
  - RE: Photos? - AudioNoteKits 09:52:44 06/05/13 (3)
    sneak preview!
    - Wow! - jusbe 22:49:41 06/05/13 (0)
      Wretched choice! I convinced myself that a c core EL34 was the route ahead.
      Does that modular c core affect the sound? It certainly looks clever.
      
      big j.
      
      "... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
      
      Edits: 06/05/13
    - RE: Photos? - Bones13 11:38:29 06/05/13 (1)
      Quad C Core?
      
      You are almost out of real estate on those shortened chassis.
      - RE: Photos? - AudioNoteKits 11:44:49 06/05/13 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Photos? posted by Bones13 on June 05, 2013 at 11:38:29
        
        another angle! plenty of room!
  - RE: Photos? - koa 18:22:38 06/03/13 (4)
    Here are some pictures
    - Thanks! - jusbe 00:38:00 06/06/13 (0)
      An impressive appearance. They promise much on looks alone.
      
      big j.
      
      "... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
    - RE: Photos? - koa 18:24:35 06/03/13 (2)
      - RE: Photos? - koa 18:26:30 06/03/13 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Photos? posted by koa on June 03, 2013 at 18:24:35
        
        Additional pictures
        
        RE: Photos? - Bones13 09:57:53 06/04/13 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Photos? posted by koa on June 03, 2013 at 18:26:30
        
        Nice amps !
RE: C-Core transformers on Audio Note kits - dpetr 13:57:51 05/15/13 (5)
Astrostar59 - I have the new triple C-cores in both my L4 preamp and L4 amp and I am very happy. I have the AN Hi-B transformers in my DAC 4.1LE, and Brian has suggested "upgrading" to the triple Cs. I haven't yet, but I'm tempted.

I can't make a direct comparison with and without the Triple Cs, but they perform extremely well in my system.

Dave
- OT -ish - jusbe 22:27:33 05/31/13 (4)
  Many seem to use SETs with AN speakers. What made you choose the EL34 amp, if you don't mind me asking?
  
  big j.
  
  "... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
  - RE: OT -ish - dpetr 08:42:22 06/01/13 (3)
    Big J - I have never owned an SET amp. Before building the EL34 kit, I'd owned 3 other push-pull amps in the 30-40 watt range and I thought, possibly incorrectly, that the lower power SET kits wouldn't drive the way I was accustomed to. My speakers are high efficiency Audio Note AN-E SPe SE Signature, and they are relatively easy to drive, but the EL 34 kit, to my ear, is a fantastic combination of low-end authority and a sweet mid-range, and far better than my previous push-pull amps. With my taste of music (heavy rock, blues) I doubt that an 8 watt SET can compete. But I do plan to build a Kit 1 this summer, and I am very interested in hearing the difference.
    
    Dave
    - RE: OT -ish - jusbe 21:16:27 06/01/13 (2)
      Thanks Dave.
      
      It's a perennial question of mine - building around a low-powered SET or using a nice EL34 PP on high sensitivity speakers. I currently have a nice vintage British amp to try (Gresham transformers) but have recently been drawn back to ANK's offering on account of their own C-Core iron.
      
      Justin.
      
      big j.
      
      "... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
      - RE: OT -ish - dpetr 16:11:06 06/02/13 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: OT -ish posted by jusbe on June 01, 2013 at 21:16:27
        
        Justin - This is my 3rd EL34 amp, and its by far the most pleasing to my ear. But I have upgraded a bit on my own, with Jensen silver foil caps and Black Gates, which I think are partly responsible for the mid-range performance. Right now, I couldn't be happier.
        
        Dave
        
        Tx -t - jusbe 04:23:24 06/03/13 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: OT -ish posted by dpetr on June 02, 2013 at 16:11:06
        
        big j.
        
        "... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
RE: C-Core transformers on Audio Note kits - Bones13 12:52:31 05/15/13 (0)
I have the double C Core on my L4 (EL34 PP) amp and the triple C Core transformers in my DAC 4.1

They sound great, but they came with my kits, so I can't compare anything for you.

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