Tom,
Interesting isn’t it? Our systems share no common components yet have similar sound presentation. I’m curious to know if this may possibly influence 300b tube preference. I’ve had the Royal Princess (RP) in my amplifier and thought it was very good although ultimately I preferred the EML. Given your different system the choice could be for the RP. No doubt these two 300bs have distinct characteristics that might favor one system (Synergy once again) over the other. So I look forward to your upcoming listening impressions.
As we discussed when I came to visit, I’m a huge fan of the Duelund CAST copper foil capacitors and believe this is a very wise upgrade decision for your pre and power amplifiers. So far every change you’ve made in your system has resulted in undeniable improvement. The Duelunds will continue this successful trend.
Charles |
The reviewer makes his comparative points so clearly and openly, it seems he’s trying to be very diplomatic toward B&W without appearing to denigrate it relative to the Tekton. He suceeded.😊
Charles
|
Listening to Steve’s Tekton review comments I did not infer that he leans toward a "colorful " sounding speaker. In comparison to the B&W 705SE he seems to find the 705 SE good in a "B&W way" implying a specific brand sound signature.
It seems clear that he found the Tekton much more "real" sounding (his own words) reproducing piano. He clearly said there was more realistic weight, scale,dynamics, presence and gravitas via the Tekton. He said it wasn’t merely a "shadow" of a piano.
His description of the Tekton demonstrates to me pretty convincingly he seeks and appreciates realistic reproduction. He also noted the good reproduction of orchestra music and percussion details. He certainly is suggesting/implying that the B&W 705 SE by comparison is more polite and smaller scale in its sound reproduction. Having heard the Tekton Double Impact and SE versions in a very fine audio system I agree with his listening impression of exceptional realism and sense of life/vitality. This isn’t a speaker with a recessed, polite small scale signature.
Charles |
Hi Tom,
I am nappy to know that the EML XLS worked out for you. It’s a superb tube IMO. Your audio system is very high resolution and you have an excellent 300b SET amplifier. Given this I was confident you’d easily hear the attributes of this tube and you did😊. This tube is exceptionally robust and will last for thousands of hours.
BTW the Duelund CAST capacitors you plan to install will only further enhance your (already) fine sound quality and listening enjoyment.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
I have a gut feeling that you're going to be very happy with your new speakers. Will you listen to them with both the Art Audio amplifier and the Lyngdorf or is the Art Audio gone now? Either way congratulations.
Best wishes,
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
Good grief, sorry to hear about your troubles with this particular vendor. I hope it all works out in your favor ultimately.
Well in terms of power amplifier selection you are certainly at two polar ends of a broad spectrum (wattage and topology), that is for sure. I do look forward to your listening impressions.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
How fortunate you are. You can't go wrong with either of the two amplifiers, nice!
Charles |
343mps,
I believe that mac48025 (Tom) early on used this amplifier with the Double Impacts.
Charles |
Hi jcarcopo,
Congratulations!
I'm uninterested in your initial listening impressions.
Charles |
The Star Sound Apprentice platforms are excellent. I have them beneath my Coincident Total Eclipse II speakers and all of my audio components. They improved the sound quality of every single piece. Effective vibration management makes a very noticeable difference for the better.
Charles |
Jazz for aficionados, 12951 posts and growing. |
Hi jcarcopo,
Congratulations on acquiring your new speakers. It is indeed a welcome discovery to realize that they sound fabulous straight out of the shipping boxes. I get the sense that these speakers have already exceeded what I presume were high expectations. It’s nice to read they sound so well with your 6 watt Diavolo SET amplifier. I suspect that you’ll also be very pleased with your higher powered class D amplifier driving them as well. I’m glad the purchase of these speakers has worked out so well. You emphasize the "natural " sound quality you are hearing. This suggests that the speakers are very transparent and with little/low coloration thus allowing the true beauty of your amplifier to be displayed, very nice 😊.
Charles |
Hi jcarcopo,
It seems that despite your fondness for SET amplifiers the 400 watt Nord is the better overall match with your new Tektons. Congratulations on achieving such a fine pairing. I believe that you'll be very happy for years given your considerable satisfaction at this initial stage.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
I appreciate the kind words from your friend. I bet he's getting very good sound from the Tekton Lore and 300b Manley amplifier pairing.
Charles |
Hi jcarcopo,
Thanks for the additional clarification regarding your two amplifiers. Undoubtedly both of them are excellent but each revealing their individual sonic attributes via the Tekton Encores. It’s wonderful to have the option of swapping amplifiers as you desire.
No amplifier is flawless across the board (obviously) but I’ll always select the audio component that is the more emotionally involving every single time. You are on the mark in regard to the choice of 300b so it isn’t surprising the improvement provided by the terrific Elrog tube. I suspect that you’ll be very pleased with the EML XLS via the Encores. As I’ve written before it is a fantastic 300b and I’ve enjoyed it immensely in my amplifier the past 4 years. As you know it is very robust and utterly reliable. Jcarcopo I always enjoy reading your comments and listening impressions.
BTW I agree with your assessment of the XLS compared to the EML meshplate as I’ve heard both in my SET amplifier. The mesh plate version has beautiful finesse and air but the XLS will come closer to the Nord in terms of dynamics, bass and authority.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
Looking forward to your EML XLS listening impressions with the high resolution Encores.
Charles |
Hi jcarcopo,
Based on your comments I get the feeling that you'll regard the Encores as one of the best audio related purchases you've ever made. It's very clear that you find them to be simply outstanding! Excellent buying decision my friend. The intriguing aspect ( at least for me) is that their performance in all likelihood will improve further with additional hours of use. Think about that. You are going to have many deep into the night listening sessions in your future. I see no way you'll be able to avoid this 😊.
Charles |
Hi David,
Yes I understand your point (probability of further system upgrading). In the case of jcarcopo I'm not so sure. He already has a very mature and well sorted out system. It could very well be that the Tekton Encores represent in fact the finishing touch. Time will tell.
Charles |
Hi David,
Okay, " finding the correct balance" I see your point. That could very well be a possibility. Jcarcopo seems so happy currently that if he doesn’t make a single additional change at this point and going forward I believe that he remains exceedingly content for the long term. Just an observation.
Charles |
fetguy,
Well you obviously know him better than I do but he's been "faithful" with his Art Audio Diavolo. I can vouch for that. I think he'll be hard pressed to beat the Encores given his listening impressions.
Charles
|
David,
I’m game for the culinary wager but what exactly are the stipulations/criteria? I’d expect jcarcopo to experiment with amps/ audio products he already has in his possession (various tubes, cables etc.). My point is that I doubt he’d do any "significant " upgrades of components such as you and Tom did. Let’s clarify what the wager entails.
Charles |
Bill,
In addition to the Coney dogs there were some well regarded barbeque and "soul food" establishments in the heart of the city. Famed Detroit jazz club Baker's Keyboard Lounge has/had a terrific kitchen(haven’t been there recently post new ownership). Back in the day it was a true training ground for my ears with all the live jazz, sigh.
Charles |
Jonathan,
You win the wager if you do what?
You lose the wager if you do what?
Charles |
David,
Does a complete cable loom change count as a major upgrade or just component changes? Want to be clear on the stipulations.
Charles |
Jonathan,
Got it 😊
Charles |
Hi David,
Exactly why I’m trying to get a sense of what constitutes a meaningful change in the system following the Encore insertion. For example he already owned the mentioned 300b tubes as well as the Nord amplifier. These were used with the Double Impacts so really no change in behavior doing so with the Encores. Bigger impact, cable loom or a new line stage? Opinions will indeed vary here.
But yes all in good fun and I’m fine with Jonathan deciding the parameters. 8 to 13 watts is still well within the realm of low power tube amplifier particularly in the context of comparison with a 400 SS watt amplifier. Jonathan what’s your perspective?
Charles |
Hi mig,
That’s my sense as well as to the probability of any significant changes at this juncture. You say that the Diavolo sounds like live music and Jonathan has written several times the Diavolo is the more emotionally involving amplifier. These are high compliments and quite revealing observations (what is more flattering than such comments ?). This is what can lead to very long term satisfaction with one’s audio system. Actually it seems as though the Encores are functioning as a truly transparent conduit and further exploiting the innate excellence of the Diavolo. My suspicion is that Jonathan has recognized this outcome as well.
BTW for jazz lovers I’m currently listening to "George Coleman At Yoshi’s" a well know jazz venue in Oakland, CA. Coleman on tenor saxophone leading a quartet. It’s good!
Charles |
Mig,
Thank you. I'm sure Jonathan is going to enjoy hearing your Tekton Lore and Manley Parallel 300b amplifier pairing. What 300b are you currently using in this amplifier?
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
The Tekton Encores and Art Audio Diavolo pairing must be genuinely sublime. Congratulations on obtaining this level of sound quality in your home. I can tell that you appreciate what you have accomplished.
Charles |
Triumphtt02,
Congratulations on acquiring the Double Impacts and it's good to read that you're so happy with them. I believe that you'll enjoy an increase in sound quality using the 8 watt Nelson Pass class A amplifier. Yes, fewer watts than your current amplifier but IMO increased watt quality.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
David was right and I was wrong. Given your description of immense joy with the Encores and Diavolo I mistakenly thought you would be content and just enjoy the music. I understand, we all have our unique quests, behavior and personality. I look forward to reading your listening impressions of the new components. I should have listened to fetguy 😊.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
The Benchmark and Art Audio Diavolo are such different amplifiers I'm curious how they compare sonically. Of course its very possible that you could enjoy both amplifiers equally for what may be contrasting presentations.
Now it would be very interesting if they actually sound quite similar despite different power,topology and output devices.
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
Certainly there’s the Spector of synergy to factor in. Benchmark DAC with your Diavolo is a good match. Perhaps an all Benchmark signal chain is a different story. Numerous variables and possibilities to contemplate as always with audio.
I wish I could send you my Coincident Statement Line Stage to try with the Diavolo. My suspicion is it’d be a very good match and send an excellent signal to your Encores. Exceptional resolution and transparency coupled with a beautiful organic presentation.
Charles
|
Jcarcopo,
I’ve only heard the Benchmark DAC once and thought the overall system was a bit dry and 2 dimensional. I wouldn’t know how much to attribute to the DAC. A friend of mine who has more familiarity with the Benchmark products feels they are somewhat sterile and clinical (Yet some listeners find them dead on accurate and neutral). Very little emotion conveyed, again I don’t know from personal encounter/listening.
They could potentially improve with further burn-in but based on your early impressions they’d have to make substantial gains. Who knows?
Charles |
Jcarcopo,
No problem, stuff happens.
No doubt that the sound quality improves.
I look forward to further listening impressions.
Charles |
+2 Corelli. Tom glad to read that you' continue to be happy with your current system.
Charles |
Walter,
As I’ve written before I believe that you’re enjoying exceptional sound quality with your Double Impact SE and LM 508ia pairing3. Have you given serious consideration to trying the Lyngdorf ?
I believe you have very good ears and taste and think I have a pretty decent feel for what you like.. I’d be very interested in your impressions of this admired component "if" you ever choose to go this route 😊.
Charles |
Chris,
Do you get the feeling some of us here are pushing you toward buying the Lyngdorf? 😁.
Charles |
Hi jcarcopo,
As with Chris (waltersalas) I appreciate you taste and listening impressions. I look forward to your opinion of the popular and highly praised Lyngdorf. I've had the feeling that at some point you were going give it a try.
Charles |
Well over 5,000 posts on this thread and the respectful and mature decorum has been maintained. This is an admirable accomplishment.
Charles |
Hi Tom,
For clarification is this new amplifier parallel SET(using 2 output 300bs running full single end mode). Or are the 2 300bs per channel a push pull (PP) circuit? At 25 watts I suspect probably PP. Either way congratulations.
Charles |
David,
you have acquired an acknowledged , all out assault and state of the art 2A3 SET amplifier. It is designed, implemented and built to the uppermost level.
Given your stated objective and purpose/intentions with this amplifier I think you are going to find it stunningly good with the appropriately chosen speaker match. Congratulations on getting this world class power amplifier.
Charles |
1 "Overbuilt design" aspect of the Found Music 2A3 is an understatement 😊
2 I wouldn’t throw frisbees in the vicinity of the this amplifier. With awareness and common sense I believe all will be fine. Mercury retifiers in the driver stage as well as the output stage. This is a serious approach if there cever were one. Scott Sheaffer wasn’t playing around 😊.
3 Direct coupled 2 stage circuit surely accounts in a significant way for the raves regarding the amp’s purity and naturalness. Looking forward to David’s initial listening impressions. I want to know how Dexter Gordon, Coltrane, Johnny Hartman et al sound with this amplifier in the signal chain. .
Charles |
Tom,
I believe the Truth Line Stage is the genuine truth😊. No doubt that it is as excellent sounding as you and Arthur Salvatore report.
Charles |
David,
We discussed the Found Music 2A3 Music 2A3 SET (FM) at great length prior to your purchase. As you know I’m not the least bit surprised with your dare I say amazement with its sucess pairing with your Tekton SEs. To be fair this is far beyond even what one would consider a ’good quality 2A3 SET. Your FM 2A3 is a world Class and genuine SOTA amplifier. Even though on paper not an ideal match for the 4 ohm Tektons (this particular FM amp was built to drive 6 to 8 ohm impedance speakers) you have experienced nothing less than superb sound quality. This is the result of a very gifted desiner/builder, superior part quality, superb power supply and extraordinary implementation.
Just imagine what you’ll experience with the intended speakers you ultimately acquired the amp to drive. You decision to pair this amplifier with the unquestionably SOTA Grandinote Genesi was a very wise one.IMO there’s absolutely no surprise for the stunning sound quality provided by the Found Music 2A3 and Genesi pairing. This 3.5 watt amplifier is excelling with genres of music you simply didn’t believe possible. Another example of quality over quantity (power).
Charles |
I agree with the rationale of jcarcopo.
The Line Magnetic 216ia isn’t a SET amplifier. It’s a class AB push pull with KT 88 output tubes. It can be switched between Ultralinear and Triode mode but topology remains push pull. Nonetheless I believe that it would pair well with the Moabs. IMHO this would be a very solid foundation for a 2 channel audio system.
Charles |
2psyop, I have a friend who had the double Impacts and then got the SEs (Same sensitivity and speaker load impedance). I drove his speakers with my 8 watt 300b SET Coincident Frankenstein mono blocks with ease. He has a moderate size room and the music filled the space with beautiful sound.
You 30 (Roughly) watt KT 88 will be as David says a very fine match. These speakers are not difficult to drive at all. What’s far more relevant is the ’quality’ of the amplifier driving these speakers. You have a good quality amplifier. I don’t anticipate any problems for you given my experience with the DIs. Charles |
Hi jcarcopo, Wow! That's interesting the Allnic allows you the ability to use only 1 tube per channel. Given your listening impressions it seems you are not losing much at all (If I'm reading you correctly).
I have been using the EML XLS in my amps for several years and I find it superb (8 watts, my amp doesn't have the circuit design to extract the addition power this tube can provide). I'm curious as to what you hear when you drive the 16 ohm impedance. It will be an even easiler load for your single output tubed Allnic. My speakers are 14 ohm impedance and my SET just seems to cruise effortlessly. Charles |
Hi jcarcopo, What you’ve written makes perfect sense. Amplifiers would be under less stress driving an easier speaker load. So the sense of "loafing" is logical. Limiting the number of output tubes to only 1 per channel ’should’ result in increased sonic purity as you’ve simplified the signal chain. Your listening impressions are on the mark. Stating that "My system has never sounded this good" is quite a compliment considering prior use of both the Art Audio and Lyngdorf amps you’ve had in your audio system. Charles |
