Posted by koa (A) on May 17, 2013 at 08:40:28

In Reply to: RE: C-Core transformers on Audio Note kits posted by astrostar59 on May 15, 2013 at 05:39:19

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.