desmondjim

Responses from desmondjim

How two 6550 tubes compare
I have used both the Winged C and TS in my VTL ST-150. In my system I found that the TS had a more robust bass response and the Winged C has a more extended top end. The midrange in both was about equal. It seemed that I got more hours out of the ... 
SOTA Comet --- Opinions please.
I bought a new Comet a few years ago to see if I would like spinning records again. My rationale was that it was a good enough table to give analog a fair shake and if I really liked it I could take advantage of SOTA's generous trade up policy. Wh... 
Suggestions for 12AU7 & 12AT7 Tubes - VTL 2.5
I use Mullard CV4024 in the phono section of my VTL TL5.5 and they do exactly what you are looking for. They are anything but flat and and have solid bass.I would also suggest Sylvania Gold Brand 6201s. I use them in my ST 150 amp and I like them ... 
Preamp recommendations for DNA125/Tyler Linbroooks
I used a VTL TL5.5 with my DNA-125 with great results. I think you could find one used for about $2000.Cheers,JIm 
best tubes for VTL,5.5 preamp.
I am currently using New Sensor Mullard 12AX7 in the line stage of my 5.5. These are nice and warm sounding. The New Sensor Tung Sol 12AX7 sounded good as well. These are my favorite new production 12AX7s. If you want to go NOS I really loved the ... 
VTL 5.5: which cartridges?
There is a little more noise when I use the MC section rather than the MM. I got the noise down to a minimum using Mullard CV4024s in the 12AT7 spot and new Tung Sol 12ax7s in the first row of x7s and Sovtek 12ax7LPS in the second row. I can hear ... 
VTL 5.5: which cartridges?
I use a Benz Ace LO with my 5.5 and I think they match up great. The loading matches up well with Benz LO carts. I would think you would want the low output to use with the MC section of your 5.5 or the high output with the mm section. The gain on... 
Hadcock tonearms on a Technics SL1210
I think the Bluenote line of unipivot arms and the Roksan Nima unipivot have the Rega geometry so they could easily be mounted on a Technics table with the readily available mounting plates. I don't have any experience with these arms but I just t... 
Amp for VA Beethoven
The Brystons work very well with Vienna Acoustic speakers. I had very nice results with a McComack DNA-125 with my Beethovens as well. I think the DNA-225 would be even better. I am currently using a VTL ST-150 and I like the sound but from your p... 
6SN7 Tung Sol Reissue Mullard 12AX7 any comments?
I have the new Mullard 12ax7s in my VTL tl5.5 and I have been enjoying them very much. They replaced some 70's vintage RCA 12AX7A's that I never really warmed up to. The new Mullards sound great. They have a deep bass nice midrange and an extended... 
Tonearm recomendations
You should be able to pick up an OEM Rega RB-250 or RB-300 for under $400. They are very nice simple tonearms and are fun to tweak. You seem to be into the DIY so you could buy a RB-250 and then do a rewire and get an upgraded endstub and counter ... 
Tonearm cables for suspended TT
I'll second the Zu Xaus. I use it on a SOTA Sapphire with no problems and it sounds great. Zu promo on EBAY usually has them for pretty cheep.Cheers,Jim 
Tubes for VTL 5.5 Preamp
You would do well to change out the Sovtek 12ax7WA in the line stage. I had them in my 5.5 when I got it and they were not very good. The Sovtek 12AX7LPS are a much better tube in my opinion. The new Russian Tung Sol 12AX7 has a very solid bottom ... 
VTL ST-85 vs. VTL ST-150 or rather EL34 vs 6550
When I bought my ST-150 I first tried to use an ST-85. The mid range of the 85 had more of that classic tube sound. Kind of a billowy full and beautiful mid range. Very romantic sounding. The ST-85 was the tube amp that killed my desire for a SS a... 
Manley Snapper or VTL ST 150
I use an ST-150 with Vienna Acoustics Beethovens and I concur with Jc1373 on its sound characteristics. The mid range and upper end are exquisite. The bass is a little flabby in my systems but the Vienna's woofers fall just outside the recommended...