wfowenmd

Responses from wfowenmd

2019 300B tubes that are worth the money?
I too urge caution in purchasing Sophia 300b tubes. They failed prematurely, but the warranty was honored. I sold the replacements immediately. BTW, they were no sonic substitute for WE originals from >50 yrs ago by date code. I am trying to mi... 
HOW MUCH DO NON-AUDIO FACTORS INFLUENCE YOUR AUDIO PURCHASES?
PriceWifeAestheticsSound, as per jpwarren58202, let the choir say Amen. BTW, price acceptability = WAF and vice versa. 
Remarkably better sound possible with just 1 system component change?
Consider sound treatments by substituting GIK printed panels for some of your wall hangings. 
About to invest in room treatments; GIK, RealTraps, DIY -- what is your experience?
Lots of GIK purchases over 5 years, eg traps, panels, etc. Highly variable build quality ranging from no imperfections to corners not square, loose tacking of fabrics, and non-flat surfaces. Responsive and easy to work with customer service that a... 
What’s your vote for the most ridiculous, overpriced, and useless tweak?
I nominate my best friend’s wife 
Sophia Electric tube quality
Despite your recommendation of not to tap the tube, well constructed tubes do not ring when tapped.  
Shakti Hallograph Sound Field Optimizer
I've now tried them in a sound treated room and did not hear a difference. My uneducated assessment is that they function as a front wall diffusor, so of limited impact in a treated room. Consider using the $ for a few sound panels, e.g., GIK bass... 
Sophia Electric 91-01 and 91-5 300B
As described by djdonis, Sophia has earned its challenged reputation for quality and customer service. 
Shakti Hallograph Sound Field Optimizer
I have a pair that I used in a sound treated room of atypical configuration with Avantgarde Trios. They made an audible improvement. I relocated them to a second home with a medium sized traditional rectangular shape and highly modified Klipsch Be... 
Sophia Electric 91-01 and 91-5 300B
I have had several Sophia's with a range of speakers -- most recently Avantgarde Trios. They sound good, solid middle of the pack on their best day. The parts are cheap; the units are not well-constructed; their tubes are low quality but sound gre... 
Anyone have issues dealing with Sophia Electric ?
My experience matches your. My first pair of Royal Princess 300B tubes had a tube failure in less than 3 months of light use. The replacement pair were extremely microphonic. They rang like bells when tapped lightly with my fingernail. I was told ...