Equipment support ideas from Herbiesaudiolab.com, such as reasonably priced Tenderfeet, and Big Fat Black Dots, will enable impressive, across the board, improvement. And, the ninety day home trial policy is unbeatable.
To warm up the sound, aside from tube rolling, Herbie's own design tube dampers can enable warmer sound if there is presently a subtle effect of tube microphonics causing "brighter" sound. Also, further enhances detail.
Placing Cardas Myrtlewood Golden Cuboid(s) on top of equipment cabinets (positioning is a trial and error process) can "tune" to a more mellow sound. There is now an Audiogon member selling similar small blocks at a slightly lower price, which should do the same for subtle tone shaping.
I found that the very top of the line Mapleshaderecords.com power strip/line conditioner (thirty day trial) did not limit current, allowing every component to use the power strip, and brought forth a "wow" factor, as you correctly call it. There is a subjective sense of "faster" power availability where the musical performance calls for it. This is somehow achieved even before you upgrade any of your individual power cords.
Machina Dynamica Clever Little Clock (one, or two) will allow for a "wow" factor as it heightens perception of recording details, dynamic contrasts, and harmonic richness, in your listening room, without increased etching or brightness. This does not make a system mellow, but allows a basically enjoyable system to really strut its stuff.
To warm up the sound, aside from tube rolling, Herbie's own design tube dampers can enable warmer sound if there is presently a subtle effect of tube microphonics causing "brighter" sound. Also, further enhances detail.
Placing Cardas Myrtlewood Golden Cuboid(s) on top of equipment cabinets (positioning is a trial and error process) can "tune" to a more mellow sound. There is now an Audiogon member selling similar small blocks at a slightly lower price, which should do the same for subtle tone shaping.
I found that the very top of the line Mapleshaderecords.com power strip/line conditioner (thirty day trial) did not limit current, allowing every component to use the power strip, and brought forth a "wow" factor, as you correctly call it. There is a subjective sense of "faster" power availability where the musical performance calls for it. This is somehow achieved even before you upgrade any of your individual power cords.
Machina Dynamica Clever Little Clock (one, or two) will allow for a "wow" factor as it heightens perception of recording details, dynamic contrasts, and harmonic richness, in your listening room, without increased etching or brightness. This does not make a system mellow, but allows a basically enjoyable system to really strut its stuff.