I've gone back to the Limitless on the site in lieu of the Transcend unit, as the majority of inquiries I had were looking primarily for a line stage (where the previous Transcend unit had a full tubes phono stage which added substantially to the cost). The Limitless has a competent solid state phono stage that's fed into the main tube line stage, so it fits the general needs of my clients better. If anyone wants a full tubed phono- that will be offered as a standalone unit.
@fusionout - Thanks for the kind words! If you have your eyes on the Enigmatic push/pull amps, send me a message and I can work with you on price since you're a 2 time repeat customer. Those amps are literal powerhouses, with the functionality of turning it into several different amps via the flip of a switch and swapping tubes and they can drive any speaker out there!
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Thanks guys! I believe being able to optimize the whole system together is like matching the engine to the transmission. I've got a larger set named "Animus" that's in the works now featuring a quad array of midranges flanking a ribbon tweeter. The low end will be handled by a high efficiency 12" driver. Two more amplifiers are in the works as well. Aric
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Initial testing of The Motherlode preamplifier is complete! This unit was designed to fill the niche left by "The Dude" (which was a high end 6SN7 based preamp using all film capacitors and tube regulation in the power supply). This is a "no hold barred" design that was spawned between A'goner laaudionut and myself over the course of the last couple of months. He originally wanted to purchase a "Dude" only to find the owner/designer had regretfully passed away and the use market was becoming scarce for this gem. Flash forward to today, and I believe I have a unit that will compete on all levels AND includes a full tube phono stage as well. This is on my own personal "Got to have it" list as of today! |
@grannyring much respect to "The Dude" and thank you for the insight on it’s uniqueness! In terms of similarities the ML has the breaker power switch, an exclusively film capacitor power supply and robust storage + PI filter stages. I’ve also employed SS rectification using dual series UF diodes per leg with snubbers across them in a full wave bridge, and perhaps a difference (not knowing the Dude architecture myself), is a large 5H choke after the first filter cap stage for smoothing. This uses a more conventional Mu-Follower stage with a 6SL7 as the amplification. TKD volume potentiometers, and Duelunds on the outputs (Jupiter PIO’s are used in the phono stage section). It’s fairly straightforward but does use a pair of OC3 regulators snubbed with small film capacitors to drop the excessive voltage at the tail end of the B+ before it hits the plate resistors. While there are many differences I’m sure, and this is not out to "clone" the design, I would more respectfully say this pays homage to The Dude in it’s basic structure. Best regards, Aric |
I'll be able to post more a bit later- perhaps Monday as I had some company arrive for the weekend. Real quick though, is anyone aware of an easy way to post pics on this forum without having to upload them to another site and post a URL?
Aric |
I'm not sure if you all have or use Facebook at all, but it's the only website I could find to post some quick pics of it. Eventually I'll have it up on my own site, but in the meantime, here's a sneak peak (well not too sneak I suppose) of the Motherlode pics, and pics of the power supply and preamp internals as well: https://www.facebook.com/AricAudioSystems/posts/1769537846429578Best, Aric |
Thank you Bill, I really appreciate that! Those Jupiter caps sound gorgeous by the way, as do the Duelunds. It's very satisfying to be able to work with parts of this caliber. Best wishes, Arc
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Thanks Mike- it's much appreciated! |
Thanks! As far as relay-activated- that wouldn't be prudent to the design as it goes against the "completely hand-wired" and no solid state components in the signal path. Generally a relay is "PCB architecture". This has a manual switch, and the volume control is manual as well. A digital preamp, I could see a relay input selector on. |
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While the Transcend and Special SE's have enough guts to drive most speakers (even my older 89 db 1W efficient speakers), I'm still thinking that careful design of a single-chassis push-pull amp that has less to the signal path can be the answer to lower sensitivity speakers. I'm working out a couple of proto-types currently, and so far- the results are very good! I've got a set of KT88's being driven from a LTP 6SN7 with a single 6SN7 gain stage in front of it. Listening has been on-going for about 10 hours now and I'm so far not wanting to change a thing! Best, Aric |
Just an update. Further testing of the new push-pull amplifier using some pretty inexpensive Electro-Harmonix KT-88's has been very positive! This new circuit is producing the best of both worlds- the smooth, cohesive realism of a single-ended, and the additional power and "slam factor" of a push pull. Less is more in this design, and I'll be working on the second draft of the prototype next week.
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Just another follow up: This "less is more" circuit is what I believe if giving me the magic I'm hearing with this new PP design. There are only two coupling capacitors per channel in the entire amplifier- which greatly lessens the chances of "phase" issues in each stage. It also ensures the balance between output tubes will be tighter and they'll operate more cohesively. It's generally thought that Push Pull sound too "clean" or too close to solid state, but that is definitely not the case here. There will be two models listed- the "Transcend" version (which will use very reliable, and excellent "bang for the buck" components), and the "Special" version, which will be a no holds barred version using an exclusive film capacitor power supply, "True Copper" coupling capacitors- and many other upgrades! Stay tuned.
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First, I wanted to say thank you to laaudionut for the kind words and review! Also, for any following this thread, a head's up that the Transcend Push-Pull will be added to the website later next week. The proto-type has been a success and is providing that midrange "meat on the bones" we all love about a SET, and with lots of power and headroom to boot. I received the first order this week and the unit will be getting shipped with JJ Blue Glass KT88's and Tung Sol 6SN7's. Options will be on the amplifier for Triode/Ultra-Linear mode and variable negative feedback. Best wishes, Aric |
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Hey laaudionut! Thanks for the excellent update! I'm glad those high end parts loosened up and settled in nicely! I'm still looking forward to pulling off some high end build for my own personal vessel using those Duelunds which are the best capacitors I've ever come across! New RND at the shop has been a luxury version of the PP amp mentioned below, and next- either a KT150 PSE, or a PP 300B, so many projects.....so little time ;-) Aric |
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@rocray - Lots of R&D, and subsequently the upgrades and tweaks that result from it, have been put into the Unlimited since the days of the numbered units (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, etc.) that I started building 11 years ago. Thanks again for coming to me for your new preamp- I think you're going to love it!
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You got it! By the way, the chassis and parts arrived today so I'll be working the build this afternoon. Stay tuned! Best, Aric |
@rocray I have a gorgeous cobalt blue Unlimited on the bench testing right now- and she's singing perfectly! I always burn in these units for at least 12 hours before I ship, so I expect to have her out on Thursday! Best wishes, Aric |
@rocray - That's great news she showed up in good order, and I'm glad you're enjoying what you're hearing thus far! Please do keep us posted on you impressions. Best wishes, Aric
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Hey Ray, Thanks for posting your impressions of the Unlimited and I'm glad she's blooming into your system! I wanted to post a link to the new Special series Push-Pull amplifier that's just been added to the site for anyone who may be interested. This one is based on the same platform as the Transcend Push-Pull amplifier that's being reviewed right now but has the build quality of the "Motherlode". http://www.aricaudio.com/products.php?product=SPEKT150PPBest wishes, Aric |
Thanks Xenophon for the kind words and detailed review of the ML. I believe that unit has a great synergy with the combination of high end parts used throughout. I collaborated at length with Laaudionut when we were designing the first build for him (and he with grannyring). I had the circuit already down in my drawings and it was then deciding where and what to build out, upgrade and implement to get the absolute best performance out of the Motherlode. I believe she'll only get better and open up more the more hours you put on her. Best wishes, Aric |
Much appreciated on the post Mike! I also wanted to let anyone who may read this, and is interested, that there will be a review of the Transcend Push-Pull coming up soon on Home Theater Review. This is likely one of the best bargains in a high powered tube amplifier that is reliable, well-built, uses high quality components and offers the harmonics, depth and midrange typical of only a SET amp. Stay tuned! Best wishes, Aric |
Thank you very much- it's greatly appreciated! Aric |
Thank you David- you beat me to the punch :-) |
@llovette1 you're very welcome, and thank you for coming back and giving me a shot to build you a preamp from my current flock! I'm glad you're enjoying the upgraded performance level! |
I just want to say that I greatly appreciate all of the positive words posted here. Building this gear is what I've wanted to do for most of my life- ever since I was bitten by the audio bug as a child, watching my Dad jam to his Pioneer rack system in the 70's. I take pride in building gear that people will continue to enjoy for years to come! Thank you all for your patronage. Aric |
Hey Mark, Thanks for the kind words! I also wanted to mention, that from now until the end of October Aric~Audio will be running a site wide 10% off sale including all of the Transcend, Special pieces, cables and speakers. Anyone interested in taking $350 off a Transcend Push Pull- now is the time! It's easy- just use the Contact Us form on my website and let me know which model you'd like, and your zip code for shipping. As always, color options are available as well as modifications/upgrades (10% off does not apply to upgrades as those are charged at actual cost). http://aricaudio.com/tube_gear.phpThanks to all who post, and I look forward to any and all new orders as well. Best wishes, Aric |
@jtcf you're very welcome my friend and I'm glad that you're enjoying the Transcend Push-Pull amplifier as much as you are! Things will only settle in more with additional break-in which should add additional focus on soundstage and transparency as well. Much appreciated on the review! Best wishes, Aric |
I just wanted to share this here in case anyone was on the fence and just needed a small nudge to push them over ;-)
Up for sale is a custom version of my Transcend Push~Pull amplifier featuring a 12AU7 front end! Tubes are included as is the full warranty! This unit is in mint condition and has only been lightly used by myself- not fully broken in yet! I would of course prefer to sell outside of eBay to avoid their large take. Feel free to contact me to make an offer! Best wishes, and thanks for looking. https://www.ebay.com/itm/153352829914
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I just wanted to follow up that this item has sold to an Audiogon member! Thanks for all who took a look. Best, Aric |
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Hey Joe, Thanks for your post and I'm glad that you're enjoying the 6BQ5 Push-Pull! It always amazes me how those little tubes can be such powerhouses. And they sound really darn refined to boot! Best regards, Aric |
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Thanks @david_ten !! I agree that if the reviewer had the Unos with the SET 300B, that things may have gotten even more interesting :-) On that note, @mac48025 's build is the most superlative example I have built or heard thus far to date. I'm glad he's still psyched with his 300B SET! Best wishes, Aric |
Thanks for the heads up @david_ten and for the kind words @mac48025 ! @xenophon yes sir that's the second in a new chassis option I'll be offering on some models. I'll be revamping several of the current product line with this chassis and also offering a pre-fab Walnut chassis. The custom one in the 6Moons preview is a layered curly-maple and walnut chassis that was heavily inspired by Mac's amplifier. If anyone is on Facebook, my business page has both pictured (below):
https://www.facebook.com/AricAudioSystems/
Best regards, Aric |
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Hey guys! @rocray , the 5U4GB (not 5U4 or 5U4G) can safely be used in the Unlimited as the first filter cap it requires can be no larger than 40uf, whereas the 5U4 is much lower (the Unlimited uses 33 uf). Using it will lower the B+ voltage just a bit, so just make sure the regulators light consistently. If you find they are going out, then use one OC3 and one OD3 when the 5U4GB is in place. I agree with Tube Power on his choice for a favorite 5U4GB. For 5AR4s I’ve only ever used new production- either the Sovtek, Tung Sol or Mullard reissues all sound really good! Best, Aric |
You're very welcome Ray, and much appreciated on the kind words! When switching over to the 5U4GB, the presentation will be slightly more laid back due to the higher internal resistance of the 5U4GB versus the 5AR4, but you may find this is a good thing! The reason why an OC3 and OD3 regulator may need to be subbed when switching to the 5U4GB is there is an additional 20 volt drop in the power supply output when using the 5U4GB, and depending on your wall voltage, may be just enough of a drop for the dual OD3's to not stay lit reliably. In that case, when you go to the OC3 and OD3 pair, the B+ voltage will be dropped to around 275 volts instead of 300 volts which is still right in the range for the Unlimited to operate and sound its best :-) |
Awesome! You're very welcome and please do let us know how it works out! Best regards, Aric |
@kalali I would not recommend a pair of OC3s as the regulators as they'll drop too much voltage which will cause the dropper resistor to absorb too much current and run very hot (hotter than it's rated). Using the 5U4GB I would recommend the OC3 and OD3 which will provide a much more ideal voltage to other components in the preamp. It will drop very little voltage, and provides a slightly more laid back presentation :-) Aric |
@rocray hey, thanks for the follow up post, that's awesome! Offhand, I can understand the soundstage possibly "fleshing out" more using the 5U4GB, for whatever reason it seems to have a more organic presentation than the 5AR4. The gain shouldn't have really changed at all however in theory, so that is a little bit baffling to me, but perhaps there's some other synergy that is occuring here between the preamp and amp due to this change? At any rate this is all good news and I'm glad to hear that you're digging it! Best wishes, Aric
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Hey guys, It's very cool to hear on the tube tweak upgrade! I will be letting others know about it as another option to tailor the musical presentation towards a slightly less "upfront" character (perhaps to help mellow an overly sibilant or bright amplifier?). @rocray - Thanks for posting your impressions! @kalali - Thank you as well, and on the quicker igniting of the regulators- this is due to the 5U4GB being a "directly heated" rectifier- meaning that it conducts as soon as it is powered up. Alternatively, the 5AR4 is an "indirectly heated" rectifier and it takes 10-11 seconds before its heater comes up to temp, which then allows the cathode to conduct. It's often used as a "turn-on delay" or soft-start, but is not needed in the Unlimited. Best regards, Aric |
Hello! I wanted to chime in regarding the remote. I do offer a remote control option on all of my preamp models. It is based on an ALPS blue velvet pot with a motor behind it, controlled by Phillips microprocessor which are mounted on a small PCB. It is a $165 option. On the Transcend 6SN7 Line-stage it is a $185 option- as I also need to add a separate 12 volt power supply to power the remote processor board (the 6SN7 operates on 6.3 volt heaters so I need another power source). The remote controller itself is a simply 2 button remote controlling Vol Up and Vol Down. You are more than welcome to ask here, and also feel free to contact me if you have any other tech or build questions! Best regards, Aric
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@rocray - I definitely second what Kalali posted regarding the equipment on either side of the stream having a large bearing on what tubes may sound best in the Unlimited. I want to also suggest the Gold Lion 12AU7, and 12AX7 (I haven't tried the GL 12AT7, and am not sure if they make one.....they must though?). The Gold Lions I've tried so far have had very good definition to them- without leaning towards too much emphasis on one frequency or another. I found they have a very balanced presentation, however each does provide just a little "coloration" which I find to sound very complimentary so long as the rest of the system is fairly balanced/neutral. I hope this helps! Aric |
