pickindoug

Responses from pickindoug

I hate to say it, but now I think maybe I like my amp in ultralinear mode versus triode
@atmasphere  Yes, that's the issue with engineering options like triode vs UL.  Based on all the OPT I've used, designed around, etc, a UL OPT will require a certain NFB characteristic for best performance.  Using the same level of NFB when the UL... 
Large speakers plus EQ, what have you done?
I've had a pair of Altec 604-8G in smaller than optimal cabinets, about 5 cu ft.    Spent a bit of time with REW and placement in a fairly large room, ~ 500 sq ft, and found the best overall support for the bass was, you guessed it, close to the s... 
I hate to say it, but now I think maybe I like my amp in ultralinear mode versus triode
I wonder if the output transformer of amplifier with the triode/UL option is optimized equally for both modes, or if the default is to design for best operation in UL, then simply switch the screens to pair with the plates of the output tubes (usu... 
DAC shopping - Trying to sift through the Hype. Can I trust the reviews these days ??
OP, I'm in the same bit of quandary you are.  My SMSL SU-9n and Modi Multibit are the weak links in my two systems, but in the absence of something to compare with, they still sound great.  The two systems are either highly vintage tube ending in ... 
Friends hi-fi system not very good, what do you do or say?
Nothing wrong with a relative statement.  If the gear sounds as it should relative to what it is, then it sounds good, for what it is, and there's no reason you would need to say otherwise.  If you ever have this person to your house and they disc... 
Amplifier Power tubes - important to sound?
Right out of the Mc 901 manual:   The MC901 will function optimally with any correct tube type that is functioning within the design specifications of the MC901. Only when a Tube falls outside of the acceptable range will any diminishing of perfo... 
Those magical days when the HVAC is off
After reading through the comments here, I have some work to do.  My no HVAC baseline noise level, C weighted, is ~ 40 db!  I can't avoid the white noise of HVAC on, as there is are two ducts and one return in the room, plus the system is in an ad... 
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
@verafiaudio Yes, I am disappointed.  The Lux and the VTL would have been the best options, covering both tube and SS, but with other fuses downstream from the sluggo and SDFB, neither makes a good platform for analysis.  I guess I need to go amp... 
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
@verafiaudio I was looking forward to giving this a try, but given the way it works with the AC line only, none of my SS amps will be agreeable.  The Luxman has 5 different fuses, two of which are the AC line, but the rest are on the secondary si... 
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
@verifiaudio "You are seemingly highly technical so the best option for me is to offer you a Fuse Box to try with a few differing Sluggos " Very kind of you to make this offer.  Wish the SDFB had an external way to adjust trip rating.  I have tw... 
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
@verifiaudio As an op-ed to my prior comment, the inner workings of the SDFB are still of interest if the methodology can be modified to mimic the conventional fuse attributes.  Does the SDFB use a relay or SS devices as the circuit make/break?  
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
@verafiaudio "The "simple answer" is that FuseBox will hold 100% current rating indefinitely.  When steady current consumption gets to 110% it will trip." Unfortunately, this characteristic will subtract dynamic replenishment from my system, whi... 
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
@ verifiaudio "You are correct - no B+ or Speaker Fusing please - AC Mains ONLY. SDFB is very safe and has proven itself to be very reliable and easy to use.  " That doesn't quite answer my question regarding the response time of the SDFB vs con... 
Graphene Sluggo - Unlocking Sonic Scenery
As an avid audio enthusiast and repair/restoration tech, I'm always eager to learn about opportunities to improve existing gear.  This post prompted a poke around the 'net to see what more could be gleaned from the SDFB.  First of all, it appears ... 
What's the value in lots of capacitors inside a line stage preamp?
If you have lots of capacitors in a line stage, presumably tube, preamp are primarily for filtering the power supply.  Without going to the trouble of looking up that CJ pre schematic, there shouldn't be more than two coupling caps per channel.......