yawn...
121 responses Add your response
| Post removed |
@ghasley Good to hear Shindo does rock well. That makes sense actually. Thanks for your comments. |
I found the ref5se was a more visceral, tactile preamp with a little more flesh. I also disliked strongly the volume on ref6 which came on entirely too strong out of the gate. Zero was no sound, 10 was VERY loud. Its my understanding the ref6se update addressed this.
I’m not so sure Shindo and NS5000’s have ever been in the same system LOL. Did I miss your amplification in a prior post? In any case, I doubt anything I could add to the discussion would be of value as I have no familiarity with with your interconnects or speakers. Shindo shines when properly matched but I can’t imagine Shindo and Yamaha coexisting harmoniously. |
You should check out the CODA #7x preamp that I just sold. It is soon going to be upgraded with a separate power supply. It was too tubey for me but likely the perfect sound for you. It is a SS preamp so no tubes to change unless that is a negative for you. It was great with all the amps I tried it with. |
@ghasley I am using this for my ns5000 speakers. Cabling is from QED.. the xt40s and kimber hero interconnects. Dac is denafrips terminator with v2 board. I would like to hear the shindo for sure. Impressive you liked ref5se more than ref6 ! Did you find the ref5se more rich / musical and ref 6 too analytical ? Have you explored VAC at all ? |
I’ve owned the Ref5se three times through the years, simply an extraordinary preamp that bridges the gap between the ARC of yesteryear and the ARC of today. In fact, I preferred it to the Ref6.
I have also owned in the past several versions of the Shindo Aurieges and Monbrison preamps including the most recent versions of the Monbrison and Aurieges. What amplification and speakers are you planning on using? In addition, I haven’t owned a vinyl setup in years and it never bothered me that my preamp had a phono stage. It won’t hold you at gunpoint and force you to get a turntable nor will it refuse to work if you don’t LOL.
The current version of the Aurieges exceeds the performance of the previous Monbrison in my opinion and may be one of the great values in high end preamplifiers, however, it all depends on you amplification and cabling. When matched appropriately, there is simply nothing like the Shindo sound. When NOT matched appropriately, you will wonder what all the fuss is about.
The comment about Shindo not being appropriate for rock and roll is incorrect. A properly configured and set up Shindo system just plays music exeptionally well. It isn’t euphonic, it just sounds like music. It doesn’t “bloom”, it just gets tone, texture and tempo better than most anything. Full disclosure: I have owned alot of gear through the years and there is alot of great gear out there. I enjoy Audio Note and Shindo and Leben. |
| Post removed |
I would also recommend Aric Audio. I have the Motherload 2. I love it, but thought “what would no preamp sound like?” I got a Benchmark and listened. The benchmark is very neutral and clean, but no more than Arics. I expected to at least hear a little further into the music, but Aric already had me there. Plus The Motherload is far more dynamic, just as transparent, and adds beautiful tube coloration. |
@ghdprentice its just too bad all the shindo preamps have phono stage. I prefer pure line stages since I don't use vinyl. |
I think you are right on track here with CJ and Shindo. If I had the space and money I would really like to build a system around Shindo… the descriptions have always been intriguing to me and in line with my desired aesthetic, but so far off from where I was, I could never go there. But from what you have said… on target for you.
Also, I have lived in Japan for a couple years. I really love Japan and the Japanese, their reverence for really fine craftsmanship, nuance and iterative improvement has got to have created the magic of Shindo… not for rock and roll… but for a completely zen wholistic recreation of music. I am jealous of your objectives… I really hope you go this route… but you will have to go speakers as well. If you do, I’d love to hear it.
|
| Post removed |
ghdprentice"ARC... tube amps are very neutral and natural not remotely syrupy. Your description of what you wanted described it perfectly. Also, ARC gear is very synergistic… the more in the signal path the better it sounds... I never realized how important this synergy was until I added an ARC amp and then an ARC DAC… wow… that was a jaw dropping moment..." Agree... I have been using the ARC Ref 5se as a preamp with various SS amps... and... while it sounds fine... it didn’t really have that "tube magic," until I mated it with the ARC Ref 150se amp. That combo added the detail resolution, air, and atmosphere that had been missing. However, I would not say it is as "tubey" sounding as... say... McIntosh, or maybe some others. If you’re looking for that "phat" sound of tubes... that may not be found in ARC amps, which seem to focus more on "high resolution." That is also my impression of my Atma-sphere M60’s - which, seem to me to have a more neutral, high resolution sound. I would go hear some ARC and other setups with matching components, before you decide what to do. It will be harder to find "miss-matched" setups to demo, but would be best if you could find them to demo. Otherwise, you’re likely going to be searching (via trial and error) for a while. |
@smodtactical many of the nice tube preamps mentioned so far could be good, even better with upgraded tubes and higher quality caps in them. Some providers offer their own optional upgrades when purchased new. Or, when buying used components, finding a good local tech to install / test common upgrades can be another recommended option for consideration. Watch out, replacing and hearing a better quality tube or a better quality cap, can be addictive for all future components. :) |
@avanti1960 Based on what @decooney said I feel I might actually really like the Cary sound. |
I also have a Zesto Leto. It is an incredible sounding piece. Zesto support is top notch, I just had George do the ESP power supply mod. It replaced a Conrad Johnson Classic 2SE , the difference was pronounced. The Zesto is so life like , it is voiced perfectly. If I had the cash, I would buy the latest Leto II Ultra. Best sounding component I have ever owned , used ,or demoed. |
Re; The Cary SLP-05, I have not heard the ultimate upgrade but everything you mention about the SLP-05 is right on. Cables and tubes can make a huge difference. The other important factors are gain adjustment, rectifier and balanced inputs and outputs. Gain adjustment is critical for having the cleanest and the most dynamic sound. There seems to be a large tolerance but it needs to be considered and not just cranked all the way as a default.
The 5AR4 / GZ34 rectifier can be upgraded to a NOS f32 made by Mullard off label for ~ 150. Best 150 I have ever spent- more open and dynamic. I recommend using the balanced connections if at all possible, especially the balanced out to the amp even if the amp is single ended, use a neutrik adaptor. the dynamics and sound stage are so much better using the balanced out vs. the single ended. not even close ! |
When I had recently received the Freya and festooned it with NOS GEs (a while back...maybe 132 years?) some friends and I had a little shoot out festival with a couple of ARC tubed preamps (one was a "reference" model), a Cary SLP 98, and a VTL something...my Freya stood its ground against all challengers and amazed the gang of audio geeks as a FAR less expensive alternative to the other precious items...possibly why its in Class A now. |
@wolf_garcia thats great man, have you compared to any other tube preamps? |
@retiredfarmer thanks |
I'm running a Schiit Freya with NOS GE 6SN7GTB tubes into a Pass XA25 with astonishing results...the Freya is too inexpensive for many here, and that's fine...a Stereophile Class A Rated brilliantly designed terrific sounding preamp that out performs and has more features than nearly anything out there...too bad it doesn't cost 5 grand... |
@everyone who's commented based on actual experience with my builds, or myself I want to say Thank you. Word of mouth has been integral in keeping me building these products for the past 15 years and I greatly appreciate it.
@smodtactical No worries, and it's much appreciated! On that amp, I don't know how much of that went to the chassis he had Core Audio custom build for him either. FWIW, we started with my baseline amplifier and the client then chose all of the parts he wanted to upgrade at actual manufacturer's cost per part over stock. He demo'd my stock piece which is what inspired him to go over the top on these amps. In my opinion, there's definitely a point of diminishing returns WRT parts cost versus increased performance, which may be why they have not sold. I'm just guessing here... However I have seen my standard Super 300B SET sell several times, for a decent percentage of MSRP (after not being listed for very long). I'm always forthright with suggesting where to put money as far as component upgrades to gain audible improvements, as there are those components which do not always exceed expectations.
Best regards, Aric |
@retiredfarmer not seeing that 4 chassis pre. |
@aricaudio thanks for the clarification and sorry you are right msrp was $11,500 on the 300b amp. I have nothing but respect for you and your work. |
Have a look at the old and new top of the line Canary preamplifiers. Right at the moment there is a new old stock four chassis 803-804 preamplifier for sale on eBay. Each power supply is in its own box as well as each channel is in its own box. Rectifier tubes larger transformers. One of the best in the world in my opinion.
Regards |
Last summer I was on the hunt for my forever preamp. I figured I would purchase new,since this was going to be the one. I had it narrowed down to Don Sachs, Supratek Chardonnay, or an Aric Audio Transcend 6SN7 Line Stage. I decided against the Sachs solely on the wait time. Now it was down to two choices. The only other new piece of gear I’ve ever purchased was Aric’s Unlimited preamp. I had decided at that point I was going to reach out and order from Aric. Literally,right after making that decision,a Motherlode II came up for sale on this site. It was a bit of a stretch budget wise,but it was definitely the right decision. Aric has always been responsive to any questions. His gear is top notch. I differ from most folks. When I purchase gear,I look at how the gear will improve my enjoyment only. Some look at resale in six months,because there is always that itch to scratch. Aric has been around long enough where his gear is getting the reputation it deserves. I feel he makes true high end gear,at human prices. I’m not saying that there aren’t other great manufacturers out there,because there certainly are. If folks are only interested in getting as much as they can on resale, I think they are already making a compromise. Remember,you might be ruling out the better gear,simply because there aren’t tens of thousands of used sales records in which to refer. Ray |
I own two of Aric Audio products. One the Special preamp which I purchased from Aric as a demo and the other the Transcend KT88 PP bought used here on AG for ~30% of current retail. I love both as highly valued great sounding pieces. My experience is that Aric is most congenial in his dealings, honest about his products, transparent in his advise, generous with his time and knowledge, and enjoyable to talk with. Should I ever own a truly efficient speaker I would not hesitate to purchase one of his SET amplifiers. I believe that his products will hold value as well as any. Customer support is as good as any. It is known by most in this hobby that if one orders a made on demand, one of a kind component, that it would have limited resale market value should it be put up up for sale.
|
@rocray If I could have gotten motherlode used I would have to for sure! |
@smodtactical If I too may offer a supportive angle about value and quality of sound some of the smaller lower-volume production builders offer. When we lock into a special preamp or special amplifiers, immediate resale value becomes less relevant because we choose to keep these units and listen them over decades vs. years. Looking at photos inside of Aric Audio amps and preamps some can see what’s going on there and what makes it extra nice in terms of parts, hand-made layout, construction. Something most of the mainstream manufacturers won’t offer due to higher labor costs. Lifting the hood and looking underneath, comparing, comes next once you learn more. Even the lower priced (Aric Audio 6SN7 Linestage) is nice, can use different tubes for different sound and presentation, another option if you don’t like tube swaps in your current ARC ref5se. And, we’ve got the designer/builder right here on this forum. This is value-add $ for those of us who seek out the better boutique builders. I’ll go out on a limb to say its likely Aric can get you closer to the sound you seek. Another reasonably affordable option if the your existing preamp does not work out for you.
|
I’m going to back up @aricaudio with his statement about the value of his used gear. How can I do this? The reason I can is because I purchased one of the two Motherlode II’s that have come up on the used market. At the time,it was the only one I had ever seen. I stretched my budget a little,and it was worth every penny. |
Maybe they want to want neutrality…they want to want “the mic feed in the studio”. The reality is far different. I want to lose track of time, I wan to listen for long periods without dissecting the sound, to stop fretting over the gear. Its almost like many in the hobby (I have been guilty as well) want to buy a salty dish, tame the saltiness with an extremely unsalty preamp or dac or cables, etc, etc. Its really hard to guess, especially without demos. Why is it so hard to get this right? They are random interactional outcomes.
Aric likely designs his preamps and amps to interact wonderfully together. Audio Note is a fine example. Shindo as well. How many posts do we see where some says “ Iheard some amazing speakers, I just melted…but I got them home and they dont sound right. “ Take a system approach, respect the designers intent and buy with this in mind. Far too many want to force a fit…the sooner we abandon the bolt on tweakiness, the sooner we find audio happiness. |
Just to be accurate: The amp on USAudiomart was one the customer was determined to choose each and every part, and it was nowhere near $14K. It’s not a reviewed piece, and is not one I currently offer. I would not spend $200 on an IEC jack if it were my choice. Motherlode II sales (the two I’ve seen) were 30% less than MSRP. The two Transcend PP amps I’ve seen sell recently- 30% off MSRP. Let’s at least keep it factual. Peace out. |
@bhvf you got it bud. Theres a 300b beautiful looking Aric power amp that someone has been trying to sell for a good 2-3 years I think. Originally for $8k and now hes down to $5500 ish and apparently msrp was $14k. It is really brutal and risky. |
@smodtactical I've talked with Aric and emailed back and forth. His stuff looks great and apparently sounds great but I can't get over what you said. Resale would be lucky to be 50% on a barley used piece. That's thousands of dollars in a matter of weeks. I'm not just talking about Aric's equipment alone, any of the more obscure builders will have the same issue until you get to Don Sachs or Supratek levels of hype. I wish they would offer a home trial, even if it had a small restocking fee (a couple hundred dollars at most). I suppose business is good enough without the trial so why would it be needed? A local Pass dealer I know sells the VTL preamps mostly, rather than Pass' own. I can't imagine one really needs to warm up a Pass amp as it's already designed towards the warmer side but maybe try a used VTL 5.5 preamp. There's one on another classified website for $5k right now. No idea who the seller is or have any affiliation. |
@smodtactical Only because this is a public forum that many people read and extrapolate conclusions, I want to put this out of here. I’ve heard resale being a concern, however I see the occasional Motherlode II, as well as others of my preamps (when available) selling for right about the same percentage of MSRP as many other brands. Example: New Unlimited II which sold for $1250 two years ago selling for $950. The only things I don’t see selling well are custom pieces that the customer wanted to choose colors to match their system and then wonders why nobody wants a yellow preamp (this is a made up example). I understand it's not as easy of a sale, unless the buyer is familiar with the brand and gear however. Best wishes, Aric |
@laaudionut issue with aric is resale value is not too good so if i end up not liking it im screwed. Maybe i can try one of his lower end preamps. |
