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I need help, please? Listening to my system through music!

Hey all,

Please indulge me as I'm having an audio/identity crisis of sorts here. Maybe you can empathize, maybe it's just first world problems.

So, for several years up until earlier this summer, I was more or less happy and content with my audio set up:
  • Acoustic Zen Adagios
  • LSA Statement integrated (I tube rolled it)
  • Jolida JD9 Mk2 phono
  • Oppo 105 BDP
  • VPI HW19 Mk4 with Benz Ace cartridge
  • AZ and Decware cabling

It was my steady system for about 3 years after going through different many speaker/amp/tt/ combinations.

And then, based on several conversations with AZ founder Robert Lee and several Audiogon members, I became convinced that I needed to go the SET route for my Adagios. I auditioned Steve Deckerts' Decware amps and liked what I heard, but Mr. Lee recommended Triode Corp. amps, so when one popped up on Audiogon I grabbed it and sold my LSA Statement.

Now, the LSA is an understated star in the integrated world; it's a hybrid, dual-mono platform, perfected by Larry Staples and John Tucker of Exemplar Audio and delivers 150w of transparent power. The Triode Corp is a pure tube, 35w SET design with good reviews and Mr. Lee's endorsement. I tube rolled the input tubes in the Triode and then let it burn in for a while, even though I bought it used from a reputable Audiogon dealer.

Result? The bass the LSA delivered is missing. There's also clipping/distortion on the higher end. I took it to the local audio shop who biased everything and checked connections, etc. and gave it the thumbs up. But same result. It's a different sound than the LSA. It's not bad, per se; it's just not a full or comprehensive or satisfying. had I not had the LSA, I would have been pretty happy with the Triode.

You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

MAYBE as a result, I really don't listen to music as much as I used to, if at all. I can't remember the last time I went on Discogs or to the local music store or even ordered any music on Amazon. I can't remember the last time I went down to my listening room and just enjoyed a recording. So, my questions are:

  1. Am I just over-reacting? And should I just sell the Triode and go for another amp and get over it? I'd rather not get the LSA again; I hate gong back to something I once had.
  2. Is hi-end audio, a hobby for the last 20 years, receding like many things do in our lives and now is no longer as paramount as it used to be?
  3. Is this a classic case of someone using music to listen to their system?
  4. Anyone else have these audiophile mid-life crisis issues?

Thanks for your patience and insight.

Warm regards,

Simao




simao

Showing 7 responses by simao

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
Thank you all, for the sage advice and questions. The Triode in question is a Triode Corp TRV-88SE. It’s a push-pull design, not an SET and, based on all the advice and evidence, it looks as if it just may not be powerful enough for the Adagios. Mr. Lee said anything 35wpc or over would suffice, but it’s still a huge decrease from 150wpc, especially if that 45wpc of the TRV-88SE is PP and not SET.

Idk; I’m probably talking out of my a-- here. I do know, though, that the sound is def. not as easy or full as before. I wonder if it’s also a poor match for the Jolida phono? I’ve tried all the different loadings the Jolida offers, though the Benz is rated at 47K ohms.

Ironically enough, my very same LSA Statement is now for sale here on Audiogon from the buyer I sold it to, though I’m not in a financial position to buy it this month.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
Oh, any thoughts on the Conrad Johnson CA-150 or ET-250?
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
@hifiron -- I walk the line between clinical and holistic: I like pinpoint imagery - like knowing exactly where each tom is on the drumset and hearing the bassist' fingers slide down the strings. I also want warm nuances and enveloping presence. And pigs will fly eventually considering my budget.

@elevick I don't know. It wasn't a question of the LSA being deficient by any means. More so just wanting to see how another sound was.

@inna Yes, I think that's what happened.

Again, the Triode is a fine piece. With properly sensitive speakers, it should sound beautiful. I've listed it with confidence. Thank you for all your sound advice.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
@hifiron - Yes, I agree with your assessment of Decware equipment. I visited Steve up near Peoria and spent a pleasant afternoon with him auditioning the Torii and his Styx cables.  I've since bought the Styx cables but have yet to take a chance on the Torii. If/when the Triode sells, I may return to it.

@steakster Thanks for the feedback. I agree with your perception of Mr. Lee - he was such an accommodating and real person when we were doing business!
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
Hey all,

So, I sold my Triode Corp and was a bit sorry to see it go as it performed so well with more efficient speakers. But now I'm out an amp. I could return to the LSA, but what other 100wpc+ amps could you recommend (tube or SS)? My budget is $2K-$3K used or new. I've outlined my listening habits and preferences earlier in this thread. Speakers are AZ Adagios.

I'm not worried about auditioning a piece first. Most of my components I bought based on advice and have been very happy with. If I'm not happy I can sell it and try again.

Thank you,

S
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
So - an update:

I went with a Hegel H160 integrated, my first completely solid state amplifier in years.

It sounds wonderful; lives up to the reviews and mates well with the Adagios. The Triode simply didn't have enough power for them, though it was a wonderful little tube gem in its own right.

So, I'm happy with the Hegel - a brand I hadn't even thought of until I started researching and asking questions.

Speaking of which, is there a way to bypass the Hegel's DAC in favor of my Oppo 105's DAC? I assume the latter is better than the former?

Thank you again,

s
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,886 posts
 
Hi @atmasphere . I've had an ARC VS-110, an LSA Statement (hybrid), and Rogue Audio Magnum M120 monos. I've loved them all but had to part with them over the years for reasons both financial and fickle. I've been curious about your amps, though; haven't heard a single detrimental thing about them on this board.
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