dr_john

Responses from dr_john

Psvane KT88 tubes in VAC amps
Listening to them open is at once frustrating and rewarding.I've yet to identify a sonic signature for the full complement of Psvane's, but I can say at this point that they are very refined. Refined and correct. Maybe that's a function of the who... 
Psvane KT88 tubes in VAC amps
The Psvane TII's arrived super-promptly from Hong Kong today, thankfully sans tacky 'gift boxes.' Right out of the box, their midrange is luscious, highs a bit chiming and raw, bass still undefined. Quiet as all hell but not yet transparent. Leadi... 
Psvane KT88 tubes in VAC amps
sorry for the delay in replying. Yes the CV-181's replace Kevin's stock maroon-based 6SN7's and blow them away-not cheap for tubes of their type, but worth every penny. Psvane now produces a TII version of the 88's with a gray coating and I've rea... 
Shuguang Treasure tubes....
I too own a VAC Phi and replaced Kevin's stock 6SN7's with the Psvane CV-181's, the best power tube I've heard. While Kevin's stock KT88's are just fine, I wonder if the Psvane KT88's are better, coupled with their own power tubes. Any experience ... 
NOS Tubes In My Aesthetix Calypso
My experience with NOStubestore was somewhat different. I ordered a pair of Philips 6X4's but they didn't even fit the sockets, and the lettering seemed painted on the glass. Emails to him went unanswered, and his site is now closed for 'inventory.' 
Best redbook cd-only player ?
Lloyd - after reading enough reviews and listening to current players loaded with functionality I don't need, I arrived at the same conclusion as you. And the money I will have saved is going towards really good IC's and power cords. my final cho... 
Best Sounding CD / SACD player under 15K
Have you had any service issues with the S7i ? 
Best Sounding CD / SACD player under 15K
Have you had any service issues with the Wadia S7i ? 
Wadia Digital - S7i one-box cd player
I've read that the GNSC mod optimizes the S7i to a new level, but also that the guy who did the work has retired. I haven't gotten any answers back even from Wadia itself.I loved my 270/27i, listened to a dCS and Esoteric today and hated them. 
Best redbook cd-only player ?
The rest of my system: Shindo tubed pre and VAC Phi 300 amp. So a tubed DAC might be too much of a good thing. 
Best redbook cd-only player ?
Budget ceiling is 20K 
Wadia Digital - S7i one-box cd player
Uh-oh - 'weird noises' - you mean from the transport, or where ?And, recalling frustrating experiences the two times I had to return the 27i DAC for repair, what company resolved your remote issue ? I'm not sure who even owns Wadia anymore or how ... 
Dump the Wadia 781?
Daisiu - After 17 years with the wadia 270/27i combo, time has taken its toll (the DAC had to go back twice). I am now considering replacing them with the one-box S7i but was disheartened to hear about yout transport problem. Did it have to go bac... 
Top ten tube preamps
I likewise own a Giscours and it is a keeper for life. It is a musical instrument. Uncanny. 
speaker cables for Wilson Sophia
I'm breaking in Proteus Provectus yea even as I type (about 50 hours), so a final eval is not nearly ready. Amp is VAC Phi 300, speakers, Sophia 3's. First impressions were HUGE soundstage, ease (the whole system breathes without effort) and black...