The Devil is in the Cartridge Setup (and a good phone pre)...

Stevecham, 

Your question assumes what it seeks to prove:  that I think Manley doesn't know what it's doing.  On the contrary... I love Manley.  I think the Chinook is an amazing piece of gear.  In fact, it's the last piece of gear I'd ever sell.  So, I have no idea what you're talking about.  

Next: I have no intention on ever selling the Manley.  It's that good. I do, however, have curiosity and realize this is a hobby.  

 I have tinkered with electronics since I was a kid.  I'm 44 now.  I've built 3 tube amps.  I'm not sure what your perspective is or experience in this area is so I'll be sensitive.  Op amp removal and install is perhaps less involving than changing speaker cables over and over during the life of a component.  Sometimes an op amp can be soldered.  Other times, and I think IMHO, usually they are drop in.   The takeaway--op amps are no different than fuses.  Would you say that a user made a terrible mistake by swapping fuses?  What if the fuse goes out?  

As far as making many changes in a row, thank you for stating the obvious.  That's exactly what I did and knew it.  Life is busy.  

But above, all, I'm super curious as to why folks drop in to voice opinions in this way.  

And finally, on the issue of modifications.  The amps that I've built have never had one issue and I've swapped in and out caps, resistors, output transformers, power transformers, and so on.  But I've bought some expensive gear and had to have it repaired on multiple occasions--usually with good service from the manufacturer.  

In no way am I suggesting that modifications are better or always safe or don't have an effect on resale (maybe for the better).  What I am saying is... why did you drop in here?  

@teoaudio,  I agree 100%.  And when I built or modded I started to realize the cost of things.  They often seem cheap to an audiophile who's doing a single build. "Why not use Mudorf caps, and try Clarity, Auricaps (cheap but brilliant), etc?" 

Your point is spot on.  The manufacturer has the advantage of economy of scale on one hand (or maybe it doesn't if it's small), but each piece adds up very, very quickly--especially when making multiple units. 




 

A couple other things....

What Nora Jones albums are poorly recorded?  I have a personal opinion of quality ranges for each in her portfolio, but I I wouldn't any are poor in general. 


Thanks for the recommendation on Stylast.  I use the onzo product and I don't clean it as often as I should. Off to buy some Stylast, as it is highly regarded and if it saves or buys me some hours it's probably worth it. 

Good question. I was going back through all settings and after using the Feickert I had to reset the VTF. I sloppily set it from my memory of specs.  Then when I fired it up I didn’t take notice of the sound until I had the chance to sit and listen critically. 

Yes the subject is about cartridge setup and how important it can be. My mistake and forgetfulness had almost had me going into upgrade land—when all was fine. Phew!

@soundermn 
I agree. And I thank you for chiming in. 

I have a fairly thick thick skin but the tone and message of folks’ responses more frequently makes me think twice about posting in the first place. I’ve experienced this a lot recently.  

Im really thinking of switching to a different forum. 

When I built stuff DIY, I’ve used those type of forums to better success. People there are kind, helpful and there’s a real sense of unity.  People there treat others like members of a special club. I’ve never received criticism or snarky remarks.  And it’s rare that the OP’s thread gets off topic.  

On the issue of modifying gear...

i used to shy shy away from it for many common reasons.  Once I did a couple of more significant DIY builds, I learned so much about manufacturers’ choices.  It’s really rare that they use as good of stuff throughout the whole build even in what I consider expensive or regarded products. 

For example, my Primaluna integrated has only two nice but not top end Mundorf caps hooked to the preamp tubes.  But the rest of the product is laden with Duroch caps that I think are SCR caps rebadged.   I’m not going to say SCR caps are junk yet better caps throughout has the real potential to affect sound in a detectable way than does the use of crazy expensive cords or cables. I know that firsthand at least to my ears.  

Putting the the issue of resale aside, I would have spent another $300 on caps if I were making the Primaluna myself.  I may also have paid more for them on new purchase as an option. This is not a big deal.  It is worth noting.  

I bet bet many of the golden ears out there who spend real money on cabling or tubes could appreciate the addition of a Jupiter cap or great Mundorf just as they can hear a $600 power cord, which I sometimes can and sometimes can not justify even if I can. 

I highly recommend to folks buying an Elekit amp to build.  It’s like painting by number and when you do it you can try your hand at easily swapping caps or buying better resistors.  You don’t need much skill. Just a soldering iron and watch YouTube instructional videos if you want to know how to solder. I’d bet money that many people would find that a $600 kit amp sounds better than some stuff costing thousands.  

That's interesting, Soundermn!  

I'd be talking beyond my expertise (very limited anyhow) to say whether op amps stabilizing DC voltage had any bearing on the sound when they are entirely out of the signal pathway.  This fact probably makes the quick swap less likely to have an impact on sound.