I bought an RDL-1 for $850.00 and sent it straight to SMcAudio for the 2012 platinum mod (it changes with time) for $3K. Why? Well, I like the basic sound of the MAP-1 and DNA-225 that I owned and Steve's reputation. I really liked the basic layout and build quality of the MAP-1 / RLD-1, too. I didn't say "fancy" I said quality.
I'll report back on my findings but I suspect that this will be a real nice spot to relax awhile and enjoy the music. The pre-amp is to ship about the 15 of March 2012. |
Dawg, congrats on the Dodd, but I would suggest going to the Dodd website and reading Gary's latest notes on battery charging in order to get the best results. I ended up getting rid of my Dodd because of battery reliabiity and charging issues, but I did so reluctantly, because it was certainly one of the best sounding units I've ever owned. |
Just to add something to this old thread: I have a McCormack ALD-1 w/Steve's A+ revisions (separate power supply, full reworking of the internals, basically upgraded as much as possible) and on a lark, just purchased a used Dodd through the 'gon. Once I get it fired up, I will let you know how it sounds. FWIW, the ALD-1 (which obviously isn't the RLD-1 platinum, but is very similar performance-wise when it has the top level of revisions) is a very special preamp. I borrow or buy a preamp (used) now and then to see if something beats the ALD-1. Last 3 challengers were an ARC LS-26, McIntosh C2300 (w/Telefunken Smooth plates), and Modwright Signature 9.0, all of which came up short. Hoping the Dodd bests them and gives the ALD-1 a run for it's money, and for what I paid for it, I will probably keep it as a different "flavor" of a pre, even if it doesn't exceed the ALD-1's performance. Will report back..... |
Read the review at Stereomojo.com.
http://www.stereomojo.com/Dodd%20Audio%20Preamp%20Review/DoddAudioPreampreview.htm |
What I love about the J is NPs decision to give it that very high input impedance (242kohm) specifically for the purpose of making it an easy load for tube preamps - a smart idea as the combination of a good tube preamp with the J is as Glenn now knows is a killer "low cost" combination; it would also proabably be very receptive to a passive preamp like a Bent Tap X. The one caveat with the J is you need "tube friendly" speakers for it to work best (highish and smooth impedance) - like the Merlins. With more "difficult" speakers I would make the move to the Pass XA30.5 with the Dodd - while the XA30.5 is not as easy a load for tube preamps, the Dodd has a very low (200ohm) output impedance for a tube preamp making it very capable of driving most SS amps - even the 15kohm XA30.5. |
Gsherwood53
I am very happy that your search for "Holly Grail" has come to the point where you can enjoy the music ones again.
"Poor Man's Reference".....I am not sure.
Money do help to make dreams come true but it is not the answer for everything.
While auditioning gear costing gazillions and those raved about brands by audiophile magazine writers (reviewers) , I came to conclusion that well advertised products with gift wrap reviews (in most cases) sound like crap.
No, no, no.......I did not say bad, no. Simply speaking the value performance ratio was of.....wayyyyy of.
Milking the naive or stupid.
Finding the real gem is all about the sound and luck.
Luck, becouse gems are not easy to find and those who found them are silent.
Dodd among few others are the few that would qualify as such and it is a shame that it does not get the exposure it deserves.
But what do you expect........
As to your amp choices.
Well Aleph J might be your best bet.
Edge is a fine amp but it just might not give you what you are looking for. Modding Edge ???? Maybe but make sure that the person in charge is You. Be clear as to what do you expect from his mods.
Good luck
Mariusz |
I thought I had "graduated" from separates with my Plinius 9100 (in one setup) and a 8200 MKII (in another). Also tried Audio Analogue Puccini 70...all with the Merlins.
But I still couldn't quite get the sound promised by Merlin TSM-MMe's. Merlins are so revealing and transparent...and I wasn't getting that. So back to separates. First my modded BC 21.1 (I always liked that pre), my Audible Illusions L2, and then the Dodd (after reading Mariusz rave about it). With amps, it was a McCormack DNA 125, Rotel 1062, a B&K, and then finally the Pass Aleph J.
The Dodd, Aleph J, and the Merlins seemed to jump out with all the soundstage, musicality, warmth, etc. I was looking for. So I have my (as I said before) my "poor-man's-refernece" system.
Can one achieve this with an integrated amp? Maybe with a Pass, Edge or Accuphase integrated for $8-12,000. But I'm not sure.
My final "tweak"...I have an Edge G6 amp which I sent to Tom for his mods and I will them compare that amp with the Pass Aleph J. Looking forward to that.
My final remark...I assumed one got synergy with int. amps...but I did not find that. Even with fairly good gear (Plinius). |
Spencer, I totally agree on the importance on neutrality/transparency to the source as the guiding principle for building a system - otherwise you end up with mix and match synergies that is more like a bandaid approach to getting good sound and you end up having to take a new system approach when you change pieces and what "helped" in one system may too much or too little woth a new component. I think the Dodd and Merlin (and the CAT gear) follow the principle of basic neutrality without too much flavor, in either case if you need mathcing colorations neither may seem to work just right, but in combination they make for a very good pairing indeed. I notice there are now at least 4 Dodd/Merlin pairings (including us) which seems like a lot given there can't be that many Dodd sold yet. Neutrality also seems to be one of the secrets to the Atma/Merlin, CAT/Merlin, and Berning/Merlin combos - none are overtly colored and all highly resolving while musical. Paul. |
Pubul,
I think there are only a handful of us using Dodd & Merlins, and don't really think there is any magic here. Both pieces tend to be very transparent and when any good transparent gear is used together, it tends to be synergistic. The trouble in many systems is that by constantly trying to offset flaws in one piece with opposite flaws in another, many get away from a long term truer solution; a transparent system. IMO the closer you get to SOTA, the more transparent the gear is, and that's part of why diminishing returns set in at the very top $$$ end of the spectrum. Cheers,
Spencer
PS: If new fees continue, see you on Audioasylum. |
Interesting how many folks are using Dodd with Merlins. I wonder what the connection is? Glenn, great SS is almost always Class A, and Class A is always hot, but the J really isn't too bad, you should have felt the Aleph 3. At least you can get buy with 30 watts:) |
GSherwood, we have similar systems. I have the Dodd and Merlin TSM-MMe's as well. For amps, i am using VAC 70/70 Monoblocs. The clarity and detail with this combo is quite remarkable. |
Wanted to add my experience with the Dodd pre.
Bought it after reading threads by Mrjstart and others. Compared the Dodd with my Aud. Illusions L2 and modded Blue Circle 21.1. The amp was the RWA 30.2. I agree that the RWA does much better with a pre. (BTW, I have Merlin TSM-MMe's). I thought the Dodd bettered the other pres in most every respect. I was very pleased with the Dodd...and it looks great.
Also tried these pres with my McCormack with same result...Dodd was better. And RWA bettered the MC.
Then I got a Pass Aleph J from another A'gon member, and that amp with the Dodd made my system. I now have my "poor-man's-reference" system. The RWA and Dodd were excellent...the Aleph J with Dodd even better. The Dodd and Aleph also bettered my Plinius 8200 MKII.
While the Dodd/Aleph combo is terrific...I have one problem with the Pass amp. It runs quite hot so that may be a problem for my small apartment in Florida. So I am getting my Edge G4 amp upgraded and I hope the Dodd/Edge combo comes close to the Dodd/Aleph J system (now in my CT place).
Getting back to the Dodd pre with tha Aleph J, friends can't get over the sound from the Merlins. My daugher walks into my den while I'm listening to classical guitar, and stops in her tracks...she thought she was in a recording studio. |
The rest of the system please as well as your friend's preferences & tubes used........we all have one and choice of tubes is also important to paint the whole picture.
As to your comparison between the two...in short - yes, RWA is a bit warmer. Slow......? I am not sure what do you mean by it though. (I might have missed your point)
I made my own comparison useing the same components, speakers, wires and tubes in side by side face-off.
Differences between the two are not in fact small and I do agree that it is a matter of taste and component synergy.
Did you had a chance to evaluate the buid-in DAC as well?
Also ,how do you voice your own system, so I can better understand where you stand - preference wise?
Thanks
Mariusz |
I recently went to audition Isabella/Isabellina at a friend's home. I would agree that the Isabella/Isabellina is 'warmer' than Dodd battery preamp. The difference between the two are not subtle.
I think if you already own a Dodd and feel that your sound is too bright, then you may want to try Isabella. Vice versa, if you own Isabella and think that the sound is too 'thick' and 'slow', you may want to try a Dodd.
I will leave it at that. Neither is better, is all about the "elusive' system synergy. |
I took them out and looked at them and they are the earliest version with just Amperex EC88 written on them with "Made in Holland" labeling. They predate the Bugle Boy production run from early 1958. I have no idea if they are the "best of the best", but they sure do sound very musical and three-dimensional. I've ordered some Ameperex Orange Globe 6dj8 "A-Frame" that others have also recommended. I think some warmth in my pre serves my amp and speakers well. I also have an Atma-pre and amp and I tend to prefer the RCA 12au7 Blackgates in the pre to Siemens 5814 - another case where I prefer a bit of warmth to absolute linear sound. |
Then I'm ptetty sure mine are not "Bugle Boy" as I think these were made prior to the Bugle Boy marketing campaign. I think Andy said they were from 1958 they year Amperex introduced the 6dj8 to the market. |
Guys, yes the Amperex BugleBoy has a cartooned bugle-playing character etched on the glass (orange colored). Try reading "Joe's tube lore" on audioasylum to get good info on the many 6922/6dj8s etc.
FWIW, I agree the BugleBoys are nice but a tad warm, but not as warm as Mullards. The Siemens, as well as Telefunkens are more on the transparent, cool, side.
Some preamps will highlight these differences more than others. For example, my CAT pre sounded dramatically difference w/each tube change. Cheers,
Spencer |
It took 8 days to get the tubes. He does take longer than some, but they actually seem to be matched and quiet. My only gripe is that the prices posted on the website seems to be a few years old; he should either keep it up to date or post no picing at all. Not sure how they compare in terms of dynamics or extremes; so far it is just my oberall impressi8on of a much more realistic and beleivable presentation. I ne4ed toto go back to analyze the differences a bit more. But my gut reaction was that I defintely preferred the Amperexs, and in my system not too warm. |
Pubul57, How do they compare in the frequency extremes and dynamics to the JJ's?
I believe the bugle boys have the little cartoon on the tubes but not on the box.
Your right the Dodd is one of the best especially when you consider the price of $2600. |
57,
VTS took over 5 weeks to send my Amperex tubes. I hope you fair better than I did.
To me five weeks is way to long to wait on two tubes. I sent them back. |
I'm not sure if it is called Bugle Boy. It is the first 6dj8 that Amperex made and it has D Getter, and is made in Holland. It is the very first tube listed on Andy's stock list, and not cheap. I'm using the Dodd with a Music Reference RM9 Special Edition which is quite nuetral tonally and Merlin VSMs so if the Amperex is generally warm it would be a good match for my system. If the Siemens are like other Siemens, it will certainly leaner (more linear?) than the Amperex. I wish I bought these tubes at the drugstore when the $1 :). |
Pubul57, is this Amperex 6dj8 that you have also called "Bugle Boy"??
I did try a pair of "Bugle Boy" from Andy Bowman, but I found it a little too warm to my taste, probably because I already have a tube amplifier which is already warm enough. So I switch back to the JJ tubes on the Dodd. I'm waiting for Andy to send me a pair of Siemen 6922. |
Well, what I ended up getting are a matched pair of Amperex 6dj8s from 1958 made in Holland with the "D" getter. All I can say is that any comments about the Dodd must be made with regard to the tubes being used. As good as the Dodd is with the JJs, the Amperexes really take it up a notch in an obvious manner. Smoother, more textured, and much more holographic - in other words fantastic. What is certain is that the Dodd is a SOTA preamp platform for letting whatever tubes you use in it shine. I'm sure there will be debates between the Dodd and RWA contingents, and though I'm a curious audiophile that likes to try equipment more than I should, I'm keeping the Dodd for a while, at least:) At $2,600 (the new lower direct price, was $3,300), this preamp is perfectly capable of taking on much more expensive competitors - many of which I have owned. Try some NOS tubes in this thing, I don't think you will be disappointed. |
They will be White Label 6922s with the D-Getter (late 50s?)from Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services. Should arrive shortly. |
Pubul57 what type of amperexes are you trying?
I find the Dodd to be very neutral, with strong dynamics, good at the frequency extremes. My speaker cables and interconnects were all zcable. I actually switched one of the interconnects to a Ram silver interconnect which gave better base definition and overall air around instruments and performers.
Very interested how the amperexes sound compared to the stock JJs.
I'm using the Dodd in conjuntion with Dodd 120's generation 2. Using virtual dynamics nite pc on the 120's and zcable lighting on martinlogan sl3s. |
Yeap, he went direct for a while now.. I have just noticed the price adj. Cool, but he should still offer the 30 days in home audition with money back to ease the decision making for those interested in his products.
RWA has no questions asked policy. If you do not like it, just ship it back. No restocking fees , non of that nonsense.
And you are right, 99% of Dodd users ends up keeping it.
As far as I know, only a hand full of Dodds were sold on used market. They usualy sell in a day or two though.
Another Dodd user that I know, sold his piece because he chose to go directly from his CDP to his amps.
Mariusz |
Looks like he selling direct now, and lowered the price to $2,600. I'm not sure what the "returns" experience is for those providing 30-day trials (Placette, Red Wine,etc.) But it seems that dealer sales as a model is at the very least being challenged for 2-channel audio; I've got to believe most are surviving on HT and installations. It seems to me that if your going to sell direct, you can cover "returns" after 30-days as a cost of doing business (should there be damage etc.) with no middle man to take a piece of the pie. |
Yes. Reviewer's commends or even our own impressions should be used as the basic guidelines. That's the way I see it. And even if such a think as neutral, colorless component existed it doesn't guaranty the ultimate in performance. There is always the weak link and compromises must be made. But in my system with the Music Reference amps, the Dodd sounded better to me facing a fairly strong lineup of preamps - it is no doubt a very good preamp worth auditioning, no matter what you are willing to pay for a preamp. Will it be your cup of tea? No substitute for listening. I absolutely agree with your statement and reference to your own judgment as the final and only step to be 100% sure. As to Dodd and its competition. I agree and will also add that it is more flexible then others in regards to tailoring the sound to your taste. A simple tube rolling is not only fun but useful tool in fine tuning the sound to your ear and your system. That is the beauty of tubes and simple but still innovative design of Dodd that makes it special. Those that are sceptical about its value, quality, overall performance, lock of dealers, direct sells and unfortunate inability of auditioning it at home with 30 days money back guaranty (like other do).... hold on to your wallets and buy whatever it is that makes you smile. But believe me, you can do a lot worst and spend a lot more. Mariusz |
Very true. And interesting how much audio reviewing focuses on an individual piece of equipment with little focus on system context and combinations. For example if I were reviewing the Atma-sphere M60s with a Dodd versus the Atma pre, I would ascribe very different attributes to the M60s. Makes the good, better, best questions regarding equipment obviously difficult to answer. But in my system with the Music Reference amps, the Dodd sounded better to me facing a fairly strong lineup of preamps - it is no doubt a very good preamp worth auditioning, no matter what you are willing to pay for a preamp. Will it be your cup of tea? No substitute for listening. |
In this case the Dodd might be the "better choice".
Then-
There is no better or worst, just what works best in particular system and depending on individual taste & preferences. |
The Amperexes are locked in my mail room so no go this weekend. But, I'm getting the sense that the Dodd is on the warm side of neutral, which suprises me a bit as some comments regarding the Isabella speaks to an even smoother, sweeter presentation; for me, that might be too much of a good thing as the Dodd seems just about right to me used with the Music Reference RM9 (might be a different story with other amps) and I noticed the same sonic signature the Dodd is used with the Atma-sphere M60s (which are more neutral and transparent in a very natural way when used with the MP-3). Of course, some people think the Atma-sphere stuff is lean, I think it is very accurate and real sounding. |
I do not see the problem of trying it out. Vinnie is pretty down to Earth kind of a gay and will be happy to loan you his preamp or/and Sig.30.2. There is no restocking fees or any deductibles....just shipping.
But, get to know your Dodd so you can really grasp the differences between these two.
I have audition very nice sounding speakers from CarderSound (single-driver speakers that use Fostex drivers) but I think Rethms Saadhana is a better speaker.
I might try to audition the Lamhorn 1.8 but, it is a long shot and it might prove to be just over my budget.
It would be helpful to have two pairs of the same tubes to evaluate and compare the Dodd to Isabella. I am sure it will be very, very interesting experience. When you do.......let as all know of your thoughts. In the mid-time, enjoy your new Dodd and music.
I should have Isabella by next weekend and will share some more details when it settles in.
Mariusz |
Good one Sbank. Nice chuckle for Saturday morning. |
You guys need to spend more time in used record stores. ;-) |
I suspect there is no way to try Isabella and not feel compelled to give the 30.2 a try. Well, with a 30 day trial it might make sense - oh no.... I'm going to give the Dodd some time with the Amperex, and then... well, you can see it coming. |
Pubul57
Please DO NOT.....just pretend it does not exist.:0
It turned my World upside down.
My beloved speakers will go up for sell.
I do not know what to do with my CD player now. It seems silly to use it as a transport (but I might keep it).
My other gear is all up for sell........and that is only for one reason...............Devil takes no breaks.
Pubul57
My system is getting a complete make-over because of Isabella and I do not recommend it if you want to keep your sanity.
Rethm Saadhana as well as Sig.30.2 amp (along with Isabella will hit my door steps in few short weeks)
Speakers there after.
Es347 was right . We are nuts.....or at least I am. hahahah!!!!!!
Cheers
Mariusz |
Of course I have not stopped thinking about the Isabella, as the Dodd sounds so good in my system I'm starting to feel the need to compare the two based on the comments above -- darn! Not sure which I would prefer, but I sure get the sense that both may SOTA. |
I am really close in my search for the cure......and in my case it isn't RLD-1 which would be like Advil PM ..........it could get me trough the night for few days but .....It does not cure the bacteria that eats through my pockets.
Somebody call the ambulance!!!! |
Nirvana? Perhaps, but more likely a sickness...a very expensive sickness. |
Not so in my experience......it was more like yea,yea....yes, yea, yea YES, wow, WOW......Breath..:)
I thought that my system is finally stable......, I was so wrong. I found something new...but I think it has more to do with me personally then the gear. I found the system (including new speakers) that lets me relax and forget about the components , synergy, quality, trends etc. Is it the audio Nirvana ? Well....for now it is. But you know how it goes.:)
Cheers
Mariusz |
Mrjstark..
Just about anything audio puts a smile on my face. I'm after that ear-to-ear grin. Will let you know where all this ends up. |
Well, go with your gut feeling but keep your ears open.......you never know what can awaits you just around the corner.
I am glad that some of you found the info on Dodd or Isabella useful since both preamps are very highly recommended and will connect with music like few others in their price range and above......way above.
Just like you, I took a chance with Dodd and was sceptic at first. But I had to find out what the buzz was all about. I am glad I did and I hope that my comments weren't misleading........which would really be a bummer.
Es347
I hope you will enjoy your new preamp, whatever it is that you will end up with. If it puts the smile on your face......that is all that matters.
Cheers
Mariusz |
Back to the original thread...I have had the RLD-1 in my system for several days now and have found that it sounds much better when its been on for a long time. I am "warming up" to its sound...it definitely has a warmer sound than my ARC and it throws a much wider soundstage. Maybe not quite as dead-on accurate but very pleasing to the ear. If it sounds that good with its cheaper internals, I am really intrigued what it could be with Steve McCormack's mods. That $1400 is starting to burn a large hole in my pocket. |
I'll have to live with 10:00, at least with the RM9s (1.1v sensitivity), good thing is that unlike the CAT SL1 which had large steps, the Dodd volume control is pretty granular in steps so it easy to find the right volume level. Whether not going further along the attenuator makes any significant different in impedances I don't know, but it sure sounds good as is. |
One of the reasons that swayed me against the Dodd was the high gain. However that was when I had an extremely high gain solid state amp in my system. With that amp most preamps, with the exception of a passive, gave me little wiggle room on the volume control, nine or ten o'clock was normal listening volume. I'm curious now as to how it may sound with my tube monoblocks.
Pubul57 - it may be possible to strap resistors across the outputs to lower the gain (Vishay's or Audio Note Tantalums could be a nice touch). It's a typical tweak and better than using external attenuators like Rothwell. Another solution is to integrate the resistors in your cable. I think Luminous Audio, IIRC, actually sells cables with resistors that will lower the gain by 10 - 14 db. |
They're referring to the Home Theater pass-thru. |
I read in the sixmoons review, "The preamp is remote controlled and offers 2 outputs for biamping or adding a subwoofer, as well as having a passive pass-thru that operates with the unit in the off position. " Does that mean it can be used as a passive pre? If so, how do you do that? |
I would like to thank Mrj for all the info on the Dodd and how it helped me buy and try it out in my Audio Note system. It smokes the AN M3. |
The gain switch would be a fantastic feature to add to the Dodd. I can run passive with no gain issues, it would very nice to have 0, +6db, +16db (or someting like that) toggle switch, but alas. I do agree that it would be a pretty important feature for use with different front ends and/or amps. I asked Gary if I could reduce the gain, giving me more play with the volume control, but it does not appear it can be done - unless I misunderstood him.
I would like to thank Spencer (sbank) for recommending I try the Dodd; I'm glad I did. |
Yep, Dodd's impedance is quite low for tube design.
Isabella on the other hand (keep in mind that Dodd and Isabella are very similar if you compare the facts)
output at just under 1K. You might acctualy have a better luck matching Dodd with whatever your heart desires.
One of the features the Dodd is missing and which Isabella includes on back of the unit, is the gain switch(12db+). That will makes it easier to integrade with most systems. While we tried to find out if it had any negative effect on the sound quality, I must honestly say that if there was, I didn't sense any.
Pubul57,
like you said....it is system dependent and matter of taste.
But Dodd in my book is an easy recommendation and very well balanced preamp. Unless you are looking for certain coloration and want to use your preamp as the tunning tool. |
