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In Reply to: REVIEW: Bryston 4B SST Amplifier (SS) posted by NeuGeo on April 10, 2007 at 21:34:46:
imagine you had never noticed the valve-clicking before? I own the cd you mention, and "Ask Me Now" is a great piece. It indeed starts off with a five-minute sax solo, after which the piano comes in.The thing is, on my system I have always noticed the valves of the sax opening and closing very clearly. It really adds to the intimate and revealing atmosphere of the piece. It's a stunningly beautiful recorded track, like the rest of the cd by the way.
Now, my audio system consists of a Unison research Unico integrated amp, Tannoy D300 loudspeakers and a Sony CDP X303ES cd player upgraded with AD826 op-amps. Clearly a lesser system than yours price-wise, hence my surprise.
I'm not doubting you in any way, but I have a hard time believing the valve-sounds would be inaudible on any correctly installed audio platform. What was your setup before the Bryston?
Follow Ups:
everyone had such an open mind when it comes to tube rolling. It sometimes seems that (especially in the US) there exists quite a bit of brand loyalty (or even snobbery?) among some.I for instance have found some RCA's to be at least on par with e.g. Mullard or Telefunken in the 12AU7 category. I gueuss the perceived superiority of the latter brands is partly due to them being "European"? I really cannot see myself paying upward of $50 for any of these considering one can have NOS RCA black plates for $5...
Anyway, good to see people like you judging by performance alone.
Here's a bit of wisdom from our collective.Stereophile, May 2006, Vol.25 No.5
Letters to the Editor, from P.Schubert..."Within this hobby there are extremists on either side of this debate.
And,like all extremists-political,religious or otherwise-these individuals are usually myopic, narrow-minded, self-serving, and irrational. I suppose (and would hope)that a greater number of audio enthusiasts, myself included, occupy more of a middle ground in which truth and beauty are equally valued and the 'correctness' of any playback system rests soley on the enjoyment it brings to the listner."
My previous setup included the Bryston 3Bsst,and before that the Classe' CA-101. It would be futile to attempt to assure you that my experience was genuine. That said,I know what I hear.
I just never noticed those clicks before.
Also, don’t sell your amplifier short, isn’t it Component of the Year
(as per Sam Tellig)?
I have no doubt in my mind that your story is accurate and genuine.I guess, if anything, my simimlar experience to yours is a confirmation of the importance of system synergy.
And yes, I know the Unico is a better amp than its price suggests. Even more so with the RCA 5963 black plates I replaced the stock tubes with.
Also, the Tannoys are quite a bit better than they should be. Thanks for your thoughts.
I totally agree that tube tweaks do "take it up a notch"
Two years ago I sent my preamp back to CJ for a tune-up(specification and performance evaluation)
they re-tubed with Mullard 6GK5.
Definitely an improvement over the Sylvania's that they replaced.
Later(3 mos.) on one of the Mullards went microphonic. While trying to find it, I dropped and broke another Mullard.
Fortunately I had two RCA's on hand (eBay). They worked out okay. Still using 'em today.
I've since purchased more Mullards but haven’t felt the need to install them.
I’m considering Hitachi brand. They’re inexpensive, and preferred by some, hated by others.
I feel that a competently manufactured electronic component can work well with any tube brand.
Rolling tubes as a tweak is a personal endeavor. As your results may vary.
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