2. amps-preamps
  3. 1035330326

Opinions on why this system is uninvolving

I have just upgraded my system in a number of ways from Snell Type A/IIs to Revel Studios; from Audible Illusions Modulus 2 to Hovland HP-1; and from the earliest EADs to Metronome Technology DAC and transport. I find the system uninvolving much of the time. I also find it lacking in dimensionality, find it sometimes hard sounding and I notice image wander. Here's the whole system:

Revel Studios
Hovland HP-1
MFA 200C mono amps
Metronome DAC and Transport
Shunyata Hydra on amps
Power Wedge I on other components
Various high end cords incl. Top Gun, Shunyata Mamba and EMI whales
Tara Prime (or perhaps 1800) speaker cables (bi-wiring)
Audioquest Ruby interconnects between amps and pre amp (about 30-foot run)
Hovland interconnct between DAC and preamp
Siecor optical AT&T between DAC and transport

Any thoughts on how to arrest these problems would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking about trying solid state amps like the Pass 250 or 350, the McCormack DNA line, Proceed or Rowland, but I'm not really sure that will make a sginficiant difference. I know it could change the sound signficantly, but not necessrily for the better (which I realize is completely subjective anyway).
znak_m

Showing 4 responses by kana813

kana813
956 posts
 
Sounds like the Revels might not be broken in yet.

Having owned MFA 200s, you should check the front
tubes if they haven't been serviced in a few years.

Don't know how good the Hovland is at pushing that long
cable run. Have you tried a shorter run?

Aloha.
kana813
956 posts
 
Znak m- Your MFA 200 uses octal base front end tubes 6SL7 or the mil spec version 5691, if I remember correctly. If
you've never replaced these tubes, you should try some new ones. They last longer than the output tubes, but they do
wear out.

As I posted above, not all tube preamps can drive long
cable runs. The Hovland's high output impedance of 2500 ohms can cause interactions with long cable runs, unless
it sees a high input impedance on the amps. Their amp's
input impedance is 680K ohms.

I'm not suggesting you replace your 30' cable run with another brand of cable, just try a shorter run between the
preamp/amp and see want happens.

If you need help with the MFAs, suggest you contact Scott
Frankland.
kana813
956 posts
 
I really get a kick out of you folks that think changing
around some power cords will solve Znak_m's issues with
his already excellent system.

No amount of money spent on some fancy power cords can make up for a system mismatch between a preamp and power amp.

Znak_m, the Revels are great speakers, please seek out
my friend Scott Frankland and discuss the the interface
of your new Hovland to the M200s.

Aloha.

Maui Dan
kana813
956 posts
 
Bwhite - if the EAD T-7000 & Audiomeca DAC are so good, why don't you use them in your system?

Do they need $3K power cords to sound good?
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