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Anyone optimized their ModWright Transporter yet?

Wondering if there are any other ModWright Transporter owners out there? if so:

* What are you using for tubes? I'm very impressed with the sound stock using the 5U4 rectifier and the 6N1P triodes. Any positive experience tube rolling?

* any other tweaks effective? Tube dampers? What are you supporting it with? I've been using Herbie's feet, but wonder if cones or myrtle blocks might offer advantages?

I'm a vinyl guy, so this whole digital thing has been a revelation to me. I've never heard a CD player that came anywhere close to delivering the sound quality and "you-are-there" feeling that the MW Transporter delivers. Not that there isn't better stuff out there, but I've never heard it. So I'm looking to get the best out of it that I possible can.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!
dfhaleycko
soundqcar
78 posts
 
I'm running 6H30-DR Supertubes as my two signal tubes, and a 1955 Mullard metal-base GZ34 as my rectifier.

A knockout combo to be sure!
bigfish8
3 posts
 
I am currently running a Mullard GZ-32 Rectifier and 6H30DRs for the signal tubes. Also have changed both standard fuses to HIFI Tuning Fuses and am using a Black Sands MKV PC. Everyone has there own preferences for sound quality but all I can say is this expensive piece of gear delivers. If you take the plunge plan on buying some NOS tubes as they truly improve over what is delivered by the stock supplied tubes. My plans are to try a Tung-Sol 5U4G and Mullard GZ-34 as rectifiers before settling on my favorite combinations.
rodneymarion's avatar
rodneymarion
5 posts
 
Hello Bigfish8,

Good day to you.
I hope you don't mind me asking the following.

What are the HIFI Tuning Fuses that you purchased, have you noticed an improvement in sound and if so, where can I purchase them?

As for the original post:
When I first received the ModWright Transporter I did not like the sound at all. It took a little work and some time to change that. Now it sounds quite amazing and nothing I have used as a source component prior to this, including the Audio Research CD-7, can compare to what I am now hearing.

The changes involved simply giving it time to burn in and switching out the stock tubes.

So far the best sounding tubes are NOS 1950's 5ar4's / gz34's. I will be trying a variety tubes over the next few weeks to see if some of the more affordable tubes can compete.

I really love the Mullard 1957 5ar4/gz34 metal base tube with the 5h30p-dr's. The problem with this selection of tubes is that they are hard to come by. If anyone can recommend an affordable source to purchase these from please email me. The current prices on these tubes are outrageous, if you can even find them.

I am currently using the Classe' CAM 400 monoblocks and the new H-Cat preamp. Upgrading to the Shunyata Taipan Alpha Helix power cords on the preamps with a little better Shunyata PC on the source and preamp also has improved the sound.

When I say that I love the sound that I have finally obtained I am understating my satisfaction with this setup. Many components have come and gone over the past 8 years but none of them have given me the quality of sound that my current components are providing, ModWright Transporter included.

The NOS Mullard gz34 Metal Base as the rectifier has been an eye opener as to how important the rectifier tube really is. The 5h30p-dr's are unbeatable as output tubes.

Any tips, tweaks or suggestions that can be offered on what has worked for others with the ModWright Transporter is appreciated.

To everyone here, take care and have a great day.

Sincerely,

rodneymarion@mindspring.com
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