teajay

Responses from teajay

Pass Labs 350 vs. 350.5 sonic differences?
Nickt, the short answer is the the .5 series is signficantly better sonicly the 1 generation X series amps. Read my review here on the GON regarding the X-350.5 for details why it offers much better sonics then a 350. So, save your money and go fo... 
Which Telefunken 12ax7
Hi Phaelon, take a look at my Gon review on the Mazda 12AU7 for details why you might love this tube in the context of your system. 
Review: Pass Labs XA60.5 monobloks Amplifier
Hi Elmerpoh, my assumption regarding the hum is that it's the transformer that you are hearing. I'm a little confused regarding what you refer to as the grounding pin, if your running RCA's single ended IC's the grounding pin on the XLR's has to b... 
Review: Accustic Arts Reference Tube Hybrid DAC II DA converter
Guys, I just found another gorgeous sounding 12AX7 tube for the AA Tube Hybrid DAC, 1953 longplate Siemens.This tube offers a touch more air/extension on the top, a slightly faster bass, an overall sense of more dynamics/details, yet is still reta... 
Review: Accustic Arts Reference Tube Hybrid DAC II DA converter
Eric, have fun with your new pieces! Yes, give them at least 60 to 100 hours to burn in. As far as your concern over transparency, it should clear up with break in. I found the Dac1 MK4 to offer great performance, so give it a chance to settle in ... 
vintage '50s 12AX7: Mullard, Amperex BB, Brimar
My favorite 12AX7 is the Amperex BB Long plate G-getter. For details regarding its sonic virtues take a look at my GON review on the AA reference Hybrid Tube DAC. My second favorite is the Mazda which I also reviewed, so you can get the informatio... 
Music First Audio Passive Magnetic Preamplifiers?
Dracule1, are you sure John has stopped building the Tap X preamp? Only a cuople of months ago a friend called him to discuss the Tap X and he was still building them then. His website still offers it as a current model. Please share more about th... 
Music First Audio Passive Magnetic Preamplifiers?
Hi Elduende14, I think you are asking about the Music First passive preamp which is transformer based, not magnetic. This type of passive is called a TVC for transformer volume control, instead of using resisters.Yes, I have heard it, however it i... 
Review: Accustic Arts Reference Tube Hybrid DAC II DA converter
Cykeric, since I own in my collection over 6000 redbook CD's, that's the only format I care about. In my opinion your statement that CDP's have a sonic advantage regarding getting rid of jitter, hence sounding better has not been my experience. I ... 
Review: Accustic Arts Reference Tube Hybrid DAC II DA converter
Cykeric, I'm a little confused, I did GON reviews on both the DAC 1-MK4 and the Drive 1-MK2 which compared them to the first generation AA pieces, not the Reference Tube Hybrid DAC. Take a look at them, if you have not already.Regarding your quest... 
Review: Accustic Arts Reference Tube Hybrid DAC II DA converter
Cykeric, the short answer is no, it won't sound too forward and not natural enough.Read my review of both pieces for the details why both pieces, Drive 1MK2/DAC 1MK4, will be an improvement sonicly over the prior generation. 
Running Springs Audio
Lacee, I have compared both Shunyata and the Walker power conditioners to the RS Dimetri and found the the Dimetri was the hands down winner across the board in my system.Take a look at my review of the Dimetri here on the GON for details regardin... 
Review: Concert Fidelity CF-080 Preamplifier
Last week I had one those "you got to be kidding me" moments regarding the CF-080. I was aware that Mr. Tsuda highly recommended tube rolling and experimenting with footers or isolation devices to get the maximum performance out of the CF-080 prea... 
PC for Running Springs Dmitri conditioner
The best sounding power cord I have tried with the Dmitri by far is Running Springs Audio's own HZ power cord. Tried at least four other cords and the HZ was by far the best. 
New JJ Tesla tubes
Hififile, without being crude, they suck big time. Compared to NOS 12AX7 tubes, the JJ's sound broke.