Looked into the Shindo Aurieges and found it is limited to just a MM phono section, where I use both MM & MC. |
Found a set for sale out of Canada. Awaiting confirmation. |
Went with partsconnexion. |
I neglected to mention it should have phono capability, plus a remote would be nice, too. |
Thanks for the responses. I have some research to do.
As far as the PVC, I first inserted this into the system when I was powering it with a McCormack amp. The signal was making a popping sound, which called for attenuation. I now have the monoblocks, but like the PVC in the loop to adjust the signal where I can put the preamp volume control in the 10 -11 o'clock range when listening to either the turntable or CDP.
I had a Classe ss preamp some years back and that's what pretty much got me into the higher end. SS isn't out of the equation if the situation is right. I'm just figuring that the Jolida retailed around $1750, and I should get quite a bit more out of the system if I spend more. The only reason I can do this now is because my life partner, companion, best friend, and much better half, passed away the end of January. Just trying to find a little pleasure now. I'd gladly give it all away to have her back. Miss her so.
Looking into the responses this evening. Thanks again. |
I've been doing a lot of searches and have found a Modwright LS 100 that looks like a good candidate so far... |
Took the plunge and purchased the Modwright LS 100. It didn't have the phono option, but was able to get a package deal with an Avid Pulsus external phono preamp. Should sound nice.
Again, thanks to everyone for your opinions. |
Thank you for the kind words. The loss is the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. Some days are terribly bad, others I smile, I just never know what each day will bring. Most times I cry at the thought, today I'm doing ok.
Since the system has changed again, I'll see about pulling the PVC out of the loop. I may not need it as much as I thought. Will post results. |
Been busy lately. Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Sbank, Kaye didn't really have any favorites, just listened to whatever I decided to play.
I'll be sure to follow up on the equipment as it arrives. The Avid Pulsus is due in today, the Modwright on the weekend. Won't put the Avid in the system until the LS100 gets here. Anxious. |
Ok, I couldn't wait. Had to move some things around, but have the Pulsus in the aux. of the Music Envoy. The bottom end is definitely more there. I actually had to remove the MC and put the MM back on the 'table. I also had to turn the sub way down, or off. I'm hoping this is just a breaking in period with all of the bass. The MM isn't completely broken in yet either, but not bad. Haven't removed the PVC yet. Waiting until the Modwright arrives. Such fun. |
Not happy. Got the Modwright, inserted the tubes and had 40db (measurements from 2 feet away)noise in the left channel. Had to wait to swap tubes until today. With the other tubes the noise dropped to 22db in both channels, so I'm figuring a bad tube in the other set. But 22db of hiss is definitely loud, and audible when I try to listen to music. About ready to ditch the tubes and go solid state. The Jolida preamp I was using before I purchased the Modwright didn't mate with the amps I was using, now this. It's frustrating not being able to plug and play after spending around 16 grand upgrading the entire system. |
Spent today trying different things to lower the noise. Nothing helps. Sent an email to Dan at Modwright to see if he could help. If no suggestions help, I'll sent the unit to him to have it gone over to be sure it's operating correctly. If it is working as it should, I will go back to solid state and be done with the noise. I've had nothing but bad luck with tube preamps. Hoping for the best from Dan. The Modwright sounds real nice, other than the hiss, which is very audible. |
Got to thinking about the hiss. Also thought about my previous preamp, the Jolida Music Envoy. To use it I had to attenuate the signal going to the amps so I inserted a passive volume control between them. Then I wondered what would happen if I did that set up with the Modwright. Would my hiss be reduced? Sure enough! I have to place my ear very near the drivers to hear any noise whatsoever. I can have the pvc turned up about half way with the Modwright around the 10 o'clock position and the music is very loud, but the hiss is gone. It sounds wonderful and I'm happy again. I think I've learned to leave well enough alone and keep things as they are. Time to enjoy the music. |
Talked with Dan at Modwright and he said some of the earlier models had a bit of tube rush.
The LS-100 has an output impedance of 300 ohms. The Classe monoblocks have an input impedance of 75K ohms. As far as using the pvc I'm happy with it. Just an added resistance between the components that doesn't add any unique traits of it's own.
When I had the Jolida Music Envoy in the system I had to attenuate the signal with the pvc because the signal was popping, causing the speaker drivers to extend to full excursion. Luckily nothing was damaged. Originally I didn't insert the pvc in this set-up, but when looking the system over, I glanced at the pvc sitting there and wondered...wouldn't hurt to try it back in the same configuration to see what would happen. Surprised me when it reduced the noise floor considerably. |
Kyomi_audio, I did look at one that is still listed for sale on this site. It was a serious contender, but I don't remember why I didn't choose it. Looked at many. |
Atmaspere, I'm going to experiment here a bit. Was going to wait until tomorrow, but why wait. Will post results in a bit. |
Here's what I did. I re-connected the Jolida with the pvc removed and there is a little hiss, not real bad, but audible. Then I put the Modwright back in with the pvc removed as well. There is a hiss that is quite audible from my sitting position, around 10 to 11 feet away.
I contacted Dan Wright and he stated that the earlier models had more tube rush than the later models. I'm unsure as to which this one is, earlier or later.
The Classe monoblocks have a sensitivity of 1 volt in for the rated output. 29.02 dB gain and an input impedance of 75 Kohms.
The Jolida has an output impedance of 600 ohms, the Modwright 300 ohms.
I'm guessing the difference I'm hearing is just the type of the tubes being used in different configurations. The Jolida uses two 12AT7 tubes for power and two 12AX7's for the pre-amp. The Modwright uses a 5AR4/GZ34 rectifier tube and two 6SN7 signal tubes.
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Thanks for all of your information, Atmasphere. I like the Modwright fine and will do some experimenting with different tubes. When I purchased, it came with 2 sets of tubes. The first set were Sophia's, and one was terribly noisy. Still have to test them to see if one's bad.
I'll pick up some others to compare. Something to look forward to! |
The Sophias came with the unit when I purchased it. Using a set of 1950s Sylvania JAN military grade 6sn7's now. Will test the Sophias Monday to see where they stand. I have my eye on a couple sets to try from Upscale Audio. Will contact them Tuesday. Busy at this time. |
I've been doing a bit of searching and have come up with the Northern Electric 6sn7's and the GE 6sn7GTB's for their claimed low noise and extended highs.
I tested my Sophia's on the ancient tester my brother gave me years ago and found one of them questionable.
I like detail and extended highs, with good bass as well. Read about the TJ Full Music 6sn7's that were described this way. So far I'm leaning towards the NE's and GE's. |
QUIET!! Put in a pair of GE wide grey plate 6SN7GTB tubes and they are so quiet. I'm very pleased. Was actually thinking there may be a problem with the preamp since both sets the seller sent me with the preamp were noisy. Thought I'd have to send it in for a check-up, and was prepared to spend some serious cash on a solid state preamp. Was leaning towards a Pass Labs XP-20 and almost ought one the other day. Glad I waited to see how these GE's sounded. Will wait for these to break-in before I try more. :) |
I've been looking for the Shuguang black treasure cv181s and find they are for the most part available only in the East. Can anybody point me to reputable seller? |
Yeah, I think the GE 6sn7gtb tubes are an excellent sounding tube you don't have to spend a lot of money to acquire.
The Shuguang bt cv181's I've been breaking in are starting to sound pretty nice, too. Since I've replaced the mono blocks with the Pass Labs X250.8 I'm finally hearing what I wanted to hear. The system has been on constantly and I'm loving every minute of it! |
Thank you Arsh. Most folks here seem to be a pretty nice group of people. Everyone has been very supportive and the pain eases with time. As long as I don't think too deeply about it, I do fine.
My system is sounding so good now I never have the television on anymore. I've invested a lot of time and money in an attempt to get the music to move me, and I've finally arrived. It just draws me in. I'm smiling again. |
