pickindoug
Responses from pickindoug
| Do vacuum tube test values reflect sound quality? Most tube testers don't test tubes at normal in-use voltages, and that's especially the case with output tubes. Other than noise associated with short circuits or excessive gas, how a tube tests won't really indicate sonic characteristics. That ... | |
| I found a way to get around tariffs that will raise the price of audio equipment. With just a few exceptions over the years, I've bought high quality used gear for a fraction of what equivalent gear would cost new. Bought the digital portion of the system over the past few years, and if I decide to upgrade it will be at non-ta... | |
| a rant I have definitely entered the phase where I'm enjoying the music, and specifically new music and genres, more than ever before. I rarely listen to the music of my youth, but still enjoy it when I hear it. Short story...my high efficiency system... | |
| How long should high quality speakers last? I have a single Stephens P-52 woofer with a P-15 horn driver in a late 1940s Stephens cabinet. Still works well, and is still seeking a companion to make stereo. Otherwise, in no particular order and still working.....I have JBL C37 (D130 + 075 ... | |
| How long should high quality speakers last? I have a single Stephens P-52 woofer with a P-15 horn driver in a late 1940s Stephens cabinet. Still works well, and is still seeking a companion to make stereo. Otherwise, in no particular order and still working.....I have JBL C37 (D130 + 075 ... | |
| I'm curious. What is your "normal" listening volume? Average level is 75 db +/- 5 db (genre specific) while seated 12' from speakers. Peaks rarely exceed 85 db. C weighting, calibrated commercial db meter. The recording quality plays a role in the enjoyable volume level. | |
| Any piece of equipment you currently dream of ? Another Fairchild 940 so I can have a stereo pair..... | |
| Should speakers be upgraded before preamp and amplifiers? I've not heard your speakers, but have heard a 9090DB through Tannoy Reds and would recommend, as others have, that you test drive a few other amps with your VS speakers before going back the drawing board. Receivers offer convenience but are alw... | |
| The best opening act you've ever seen & heard? First warm up band that blew my mind was a little band from TX, before the beards, wearing white cowboy suits and hats. Never heard of ZZ until that night in Tulsa. Main act was Humble Pie. IIRC, it was summer of 72. A more recent warm up ac... | |
| Is it easier to sell mono blocks or stereo amp on the used market? @dman777 Appreciate the thoughts.....my back is fine for its age. I just don't lift 150 lb amps and related gear any longer. I service my own gear, so if I can't lift it up on the bench, it won't follow me home. As far as monoblocks vs stereo... | |
| Is it easier to sell mono blocks or stereo amp on the used market? It didn't make a difference to me for many years. But after a bit of back trouble, I've derated my lift capacity to around 70 lbs. If can can get the power/quality I want in a stereo platform under 70 lbs, that's the one I'm going to buy. But i... | |
| Question about high current amps versus "not high current amps" As others have pointed out, if the amplifier in question doubles output power with each halving of impedance, it's a strong sign that it's a high current amplifier. Some manufacturers will claim a max current spec, for example, the venerable Adco... | |
| Your journey with lower-watt tube amps -- Can a kit be good enough? A bit late to the party here, but it's a topic near and dear. I've had Altec 604-8G in one of my systems for many years. One day a friend and I did some trading, and I wound up with an Alan Eaton SE45 stereo amp. It was quite pleasant and I enj... | |
| 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... |