Great review. Sounds like an awesome piece of audio gear.
Regarding the Motherlode preamp, given its “cost no object” design premise, my only suggestion is if a more sophisticated source selector option could be explored. I don’t know how much it may add to the cost or the design complexity but something like a relay actuated input selector would definitely make this preamp a world class contender.
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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. |
Thank you Aric for the explanation. I figured there was a good reason for avoiding such complexity otherwise you would have considered it in your design.
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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.
Aric |
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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I just happened to stumble upon this thread and thought I would add some color to it, as I am the extremely proud and excited owner of The Motherlode that has been mentioned to date. I originally discovered Aric and Aric Audio on the Tekton Double Impact thread and have posted a few times about Aric and The Motherlode specifically, so in the interest of efficiency, I have copied one of most recent posts.
During the last couple of weeks as I have been thoroughly enjoying the break-in process of Aric Audio’s, The Motherlode, I have had many private inquiries about the piece. I have tried to reply to all of them, but in the interest of efficiency, I have cut and paste my latest response.
Now again, I am far from a reviewer, so you will have to excuse my lack of use of audio superlatives. First and foremost, Aric is fantastic to work with! He could have easily said, "look, I have several preamps in my lineup to select from that I know punch well above their weight", but he didn’t. He was happy to work with me and take his background and knowledge in what works and apply that, coupled with a grade of components that AG member, grannyring had suggested that would rival that of The Dude. I have never even heard The Dude, but I knew that my Pass preamp was not doing it for me. So I have a bout 150 hours on the tubes, Dueland and Jupiter caps, and it sounds nothing short of amazing! Big, expressive, detailed yet rich, huge 3 dimensional soundstage with great separation between instruments, dead silent in all line levels and phono stage. It is by far the best preamp that I have had in my system and listening room, and I have had and borrowed a lot of high end, expensive gear...it just sounds Natural and LIVE! Here is what I would say that best describes my thoughts on what I am hearing from this piece to date(and it is not even close to being broken in yet), if this piece had a $15K price tag on it, I would consider it an audio bargain... And I only paid $4800! I am not a paid spokesperson for Aric Audio, but what he is putting out in terms of tube gear, should have the likes of Audio Research, Ayre, Atma-sphere, and the like, rethinking their approach to the business. I will never again buy from a mass produced company...in fact, Aric is very likely to see more of my audio investment funds in the near future!
Cheers and Happy Listening!
Brian |
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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Aric, I just wanted to follow up on my last contribution to this particular forum by saying this: The Motherlode is completely broken and is in full bloom. Without the use of hyperbole and audio superlatives, I would happily pay triple the price of what I paid originally! ! It is a true sonic masterpiece! |
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 |
Laaudionut tell me more about your motherload lm the one you contacted on usaudio.com. have you heard the zesto leto 1.5? Contact me |
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I just pulled the trigger on an Unlimited pre in cobalt blue from Aric. I have one of his earlier pre's,its roughly the 3.5? maybe. I picked it up on the used market a couple of years ago. Great sounding unit,with a very lush,3D sound. Plenty of gain when I match my Nola Boxer 2's with my First Watt F5. The main reason for the upgrade was the addition of the useable second pair of outputs.
He is great to deal with,and responds very quick to any inquiries. He notified me that it should be built inside of two weeks.
I am very much looking forward to getting this in my system. Updates to follow. |
rocray, congratulations, you'll enjoy the Unlimited. Mine is now fully broken in with upgraded tubes and capacitors and it sounds wonderful. He is indeed a great guy to work with. Keep us posted. |
I'm with kalali. Mine is now a little over three years old and I can't determine which is the most important piece of equipment, within the system, to the overall sound: it, or the Special SE that it supports. They are both incredible. I do run select NOS tubes in both, but other than that, it all comes from the Aric Audio Bench. It's a nice road to travel. |
I am very much looking forward to getting my ears on this pre! |
@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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Thanks Aric. I certainly am looking forward to your Unlimited. This will be the first brand new piece of gear I have purchased since 1982!! Everything currently in my system I have picked up on the used market. |
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 |
I'm looking forward to updates!
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@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 |
Aric! I am so glad to hear that! I'm very excited!!! How long for break in?
Thanks again Aric!
Ray |
What I meant was,will I need any additional break in? Or will my ears need to be burned in? Lol! |
I corresponded with Aric yesterday. He was able to send me a pic of my new baby! As he stated earlier in this thread,he'll get it out Thursday.
Aric is definitely a class act,and takes time out to help his clients. He always responds very quickly. That is a HUGE plus in my book! |
You’ll love your new preamp. After you use it for a while, ask him about the tube upgrades that he recommends and later consider have him do other internal upgrades, capacitors, etc., to take the preamp to a higher level. I’ve done both and I can tell you it will compete against preamps that are priced several times more. Keep us posted. |
Thanks for the heads up kalali. That is funny you mentioned tubes. That is one of the questions I asked him yesterday. He gave me some good recommendations. I have some 12ax7,and some t7's I'll try. I hope to have the pre at the beginning of next week. I'm out of work for another 2+weeks,so that will give me plenty of time to play!!
As far as internal mods,I will probably wait until upgradus gets the best of me! |
Well, I finally have the Unlimited in my possession. Aric shipped it out last Thursday as he said he would,and according to tracking I was to have it on Sat. the 26th. The USPS had different plans. After having taking a tour around the upstate NY area,it's here!
This will be brief,as I only have about 45 minutes of saddle time with it. After first connecting it in my system,one channel wasn't working. I started to panic a bit. I had just removed my Promitheus Audio TVC passive, and everything had been working. I started to check wiring,and low and behold,an interconnect had gone bad. Unbelievable! I switched the defective cables out and Shazam,two channel music! The first thing that was quite obvious,is it appears my listening room just grew larger. Wider and deeper than I have ever experienced before. So far,I'm so excited,I can hardly contain myself. Tomorrow I will have a few hours to really sit and do some listening at a bit more spirited volume. With that being said,more to follow.......... |
Congratulations. It should get better as the capacitors (and the tubes) break in. Coincidentally, there is a thread discussing the differences in the sound quality between using a passive (or direct connection) vs. an active preamp and your experience mirrors mine when I put the tube preamp in the audio chain. Keep us posted as you put more audio miles on the unit. |
@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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rocray -- As kalali makes note, it will get better as everything settles-in (and I know that's hard to believe! But it's true.) That's an inherent element of this tube world -- and the overall experience changes us. Like everything, it's a good news, bad news ordeal. The good news is: a little over three years in, I still find myself breath-taken; the bad news is: in order to experience any more Aric Audio magic, I'm going to have to buy a bigger house. Congratulations, my friend. |
Thanks 1gertrude,I had a little issue yesterday with a sub cable that wasn't making nice in the sandbox. Now that this is taken care of,some quick impressions.
Here's a quick rundown of my gear. Right now I'm running a pair of Hornshoppe Great Horned Heils, a First Watt F5. Streaming Spotify through a Bluesound Node. CD's are handled by an inexpensive but trusty Onkyo C-7030. Vinyl is spun on a Pro-Ject RPM 9.1,with a Pro-Ject Tube box II,a Denon 301mkII. Lower frequencies are handled by 2 HSU stf-1'sup front,and a HSU vtf2-mk3.Connecting this all together are,Anticables,Analysis Plus,Audioquest,Dyson Audio,Kimber,and Signal Audio. And last but not least,the new kid in town,The Unlimited pre. At the end of the weekend,I will try to swap in my Nola Boxer 2's. My listening room is a small 9x13x8,with a bit of acoustic treatments.
The pre I was running before the Unlimited,is a Promitheus Audio TVC. This is a very competent pre. I really love the F5 with the Nola's,but the F5 is not big in the gain department. The first thing that I found to be highly useful with the Unlimited,is the adjustable gain. This little feature lets me to match this pre perfectly to whatever configuration I happened to be running. I forgot to mention earlier when listing my gear,was a pair of Monarchy Audio SM70-mkII's.(these are much higher gain than the F5)
Another thing that grabbed me immediately,was the increased width,and depth of the soundstage.Wow!! My tiny room suddenly grew tremendously. The separation of instruments is incredible. Having used a passive for about 3 years,I found it to be very detailed in my system. Not bright,but detailed. Aric's pre gives me the detail that I love,but adds more body to everything I listen to.
This ,I assume,is that tube"magic". I find this very addictive!
If this is Aric's entry level pre,I can't imagine what his "Motherload" sounds like. It has to be stunning! That's all I have right now. I'll report back after I have some more saddle time in,and work the Nola's into the mix.
Ray |
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 |
I came I came across Aric Audio on the Tekton Double Impact thread. I’ve been researching an audio upgrade for quite awhile and I started with the Double Impacts with upgrades. A few weeks ago I pulled the trigger on Arics Motherload. I took delivery Friday before last and I could not be happier. I’m not a reviewer but I wanted to give a shout out on this wonderful pre. The first song I played was from David Grier’s Evocative album. He’s a great flat picker from right here in Nashville. The very first thing I noticed was a dramatic increase in in overtones, decay and dynamics. These are attributes the DI’s are known for but it took the Mother Load to bring it out of them. The sound is crystal clear through all frequency’s with no high end glare. I even got an increase in low end punch which I was not expecting. Unfortunately I had to go out of town for work on Monday and did not get to spend more time until the weekend. The sound stage is really started coming together. Imaging is tightening up with sounds becoming more precisely staged and spaced. Deminsionality is strengthening. I was listening to the song Mr Tillman by Father John Misty and there is a bell part in the background from the right speaker. The bells sounded like they were coming from the back of the hall. The hallway is about two feet away from the right speaker. I think the sweet spot may have expanded. I’m having a lot of fun and enjoyment with the addition of the Mother Load. I’m out of town working again and I am missing my music. At this moment I estimate I have about 25 hours on it. I’ve been told that the Duelund capacitors don’t even start to open up until 50 hours of break in so I am really excited to hear what is to come. I also want to thank Aric not only for the great craftsmanship but for the great customer service. He kept me updated through all stages of the build and beat my expectations on lead time. I knew I was not buying an off the shelf item. Aric is a great guy to do business with and great guy in general. If any one one is considering a tube preamp I would definitely recommend considering the Mother Load as a contender.
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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 |
Hello all -
If any Audiogon members in the Chicago area are interested to Hear/See the Aric Audio pre-amp and amplifier combination (Special 6SN7 Line Stage & Special KT88/120/150 SE) we have them setup for demo!
Thanks!
Mike
Audio Archon - Dealer |
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 |
Guys, I wanted to add myself to the long line of happy Aric Audio customers. When I was looking to tubes to add musicality to my system, it was this very thread and your feedback that made me decide Aric was the right way to go.
I emailed Aric, and he kindly offered to jump on the phone with me even though he was on his vacation. Over the next week or so, we discussed and finalized the build on a Trascend 6SN7 Linestage to the exact spec and functionality I wanted. He was patient with all my questions and "what if"s. After all the parts arrived, he put it all together in record time. I was saying how it would be great if it arrived before the weekend, and Aric shipped it out in 2 days to make that happen.
Now the sound. By 20 hours, you can really start to hear the magic of this thing. By 60 hours, it's doing exactly what I wanted it to do. I used to cringe at the older, poorly recorded albums on Tidal because it sounded very harsh. Now no matter what the music, The Transcend brings a level of fluidity and polish to it without sacrificing any detail or seeming veiled. And this is about 100 hours in on the stock tubes. I have asked for a HT bypass switch on the back and have used it to A/B the music with/without the preamp in the chain. I vastly prefer it with.
Overall I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Big thanks to Aric, who was a great guy to deal with. If I had more efficient speakers, I'd be seriously looking at his amps too. Can't wait to try some different tubes at some point and see how much more magic that unlocks. |
Congratulations, Aric is a genuine craftsman and a real gentleman
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Thank you very much- it's greatly appreciated! Aric |
I've had the Unlimited plugged into my system for about 2 1/2 months. I've logged about 300 hrs so far. Every time I fire my rig up,it brings a huge smile to my face. It's sooo non fatiguing,and sooo delightful to listen to. I've read about upgrades,however I just can't wrap my head around this thing sounding any better!
This is one of the best audio purchases I have ever made. |
Wanted to echo rocray's comments with one minor change, in my case I would change the 2 1/2 months to 2 1/2 years. I long ago lost track of the hour count, but I'm retired and spend most of the day, every day, sporting that "huge smile" borne of an ever so rare sense of complete satisfaction. When Aric described his process to me as "building amps the way they used to be built but using the best parts available to us today" I liked the way it sounded; when I'm listening to his equipment, the "listening" becomes a different experience altogether. |
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Thank you David- you beat me to the punch :-) |
Aric- Thank you for your talented craftsmanship. I love my Unlimited.
Where do I start!! I am not an Audiophile, but I do love to HEAR the music . My 20 year-old equipment is what I listen to and that is what I can afford. It was good enough but I knew it could be better. 4 years ago, I took a chance on a Aric Expressions tube preamp as my first foray into tube sound. I really liked it, but I still could not "hear" all of the music. It sounded boring!! 2 weeks ago, I thought what the hell, I want another preamp. Screw the bills!! It needed to be done!! So I FINALLY took the plunge and contacted Aric. He was so patient with my questions and requests!!
Yesterday I received my burgundy-colored Unlimited. When I unboxed the amp I just stared at how beautiful it looks and how well constructed it was!!! 1 hour later I had everything rewired and turned everything on. The longest 5 minutes EVER!!! I loaded my favorite song onto Jriver, pressed start, and turned up the volume!!
Now, after 20 years listening to this particular song, I thought I knew every note, that there is nothing new the Unlimited will show me!! How wrong I was!!! I heard cymbals that "finished" their run. The bass notes were so clear and defined. Not artificial boominess! When the singing started, I just closed my eyes and could "see" the soundstage!! Where the musicians lined up!! I have never once heard that from my equipment!! This is out of the box, with new tubes. No burn-in.The joy and the sense of "searching for the sound" was happening in MY living room. I kid you not!!
Well, 3 hours flew by as I listened to Miles Davis, Donny Hathaway, The Dead, Phish, Aretha, Allman brothers, JRAD, Little Feat "Waiting for Columbus" (Felt as if the band stopped by for a private concert), The Unlimited is opening up some, soundstage is so delicious. I can go on, but don't want to bore you!!!
If you are on the fence about getting the unlimited Preamp, Lovingly hand made by Aric, take the plunge and don't look back!!!
2 things I have in my life that are totally mine is my name and my promise. I don't give promises lightly, but I promise you this. Get the Unlimited an you will not regret it!!
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@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 too am a satisfied listener of one of Aric's unlimited preamps. I would love to match it with one of his Transcend amps but my checkbook always has a way of ruining my desires! I replaced the supplied JJ 12ax7 tubes with some Tungsol tubes that I had that were broken in already and I like it very much. To be fair I didn't give the JJ's time to break in but they are being broken in in another source and I'll swap em back in to the unlimited when they are to compare. Aric recommended also the JJ gold pin 12ax7 as an upgrade. I don't know what I would do to improve or upgrade the unlimited as it nice as it is. It is so nice dealing with a small outfit that has a human face to their business! The Unlimited was money well spent imo Aric was a pleasure to deal with.
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I for one am so glad I found Aric Audio Systems. I first got his Limitless preamp and that made my music sound better than ever (so I thought). I use 2 Cifte 12au7 tubes. I later got his Transcend push-pull stereo amp which he designed for me to use 12au7 tubes. The 3 12au7's I use in it are a Valvo, RCA command 5814a and Brimar cv491. I have 4 Sophia Electric EL34 power tubes in triode mode. Holy crap folks is all I can say. Aric's equipment has given my music such life and the 3d sound is quite awesome. His prices are great for what you get that's for sure. What he builds and how he builds is what sets them apart from others. He is so easy to deal with and is always there to help you. Give him a try and put a smile on your face.
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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 |
As an extremely happy owner of Aric's KT120, 300B SET and 6SN7 Linestage I just have to chime in here. Aric is such a pleasure to deal with and his products and service are superb. I've had the pleasure of having many great components in my system over the years but haven't enjoyed music more than I am now. I'd encourage anyone looking for great sounding, well designed and built components at very reasonable prices to give Aric a shout. You won't go wrong, but beware......you may be swept up in Aric's unbridled enthusiasm and passion in providing the best sounding components for your music needs. |
