Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: Nick's Picks on September 17, 2003, 07:14:13 AM
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does anyone know anything about this company? Sounds like a one man shop in hong kong that produces some nice looking tube gear. I've read some reviews and everyone seemed to think it was the best kept secrete in high-end audio.
any way...I just purchased the Symphonies series preamp. Can't wait to hear it.
At $400 shipped, you cant beat that deal for a new tube pre. I'll let you all know what I think of it.
I'm currently borrowing Carls Conrad Johnson PV10 and it was what I needed to smooth out my systems harshness (rotel preamp). However, I feel like I lost some resolution with it as much as I gained a more "pleasurable" listening experience.
Here's hoping the new symphonies will be better
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Figured I'd give you some time to try it out...so now spill it! What do you think of the Symphonies? When you posted, I looked into those and they seem like they are nice.
I may hop on the bandwagon at those prices - so give me the run-down. Thanks!
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It shipped on 9-25, and I still dont have it.
:(
slow boat from China (hong kong) I guess. It should be here any day and then I'll be comparring it directly to the Conrad Johnson Carl has been lending me.
I plan on doing a full review on it and posting to nickspicks.com. I'll alert the masses....
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Ok....
I recieved my amp last week and have all ready put the 100 hours necessary to achive "burn in" on it.
Let me give you my preamp history so you know where I'm coming from. Its short...
1. Rotel RC1070
new unit. Nice solid state preamp. I enjoyed it until I got my Martin Logans. Then it sounded harsh. So.....I dumped it and borrowed the next one...
2. Conrad Johnson PV-10 Tube pre
This was an awesome preamp. It smoothed out my harshness, but took away a little bit of detail, I thought. Still, it was light years better than the Rotel.
3. The Audio Experience Symphonies Tube pre.
opened the box, took out the CJ, put in the Symphones and fired up something I had been listening to a lot recently.
Amazing. out of the box, the bass responce, depth and width of the soundstage was much better than the CJ. It sounded a little grainy, but that was the needed break-in. Now that it is broken it, it is the best preamp iv'e heard. That isnt saying a lot as i've only been really involved w/two others.
However....
this thing is 100% pure quality hand-build craftmanship. All point to point silver soldered. 3 12ax7 tubes and a 6x4 for the gain stage. it sounds so sweet, so detailed. I'm amazed by it more each time I listen.
Best $400 i've spent on my gear, hands down.
Carl took his CJ back last night, and will be taking my Symphonies home for a listen after he gets re-acquainted with his again. Maybe he'll post a comment or two.
I'l have a more in-depth review posted to nickspicks.com in a week or so.
now, i'm wondering what the Symphonies + sounds like.
:)
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Do you know what tubes? lots of 12ax7's out there, some much better than others. could be an easy "tweak" to upgrade tubes.
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... and tube rolling could very well drive you crazy if you're the type who is never satisfied.
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they are nothing fancy. Probably chinese.
I know that I can do some changing..and I probably will at some point. I've got some vintage 12ax7's in my Leslies, I may try one out...but I probably need to replace all 3 for real impact.
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If you are looking for new tubes upscale Audio is a great place to call ask for Kevin.
Each year he travels to europe looking for rare tubes.
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/
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awesome link!
+T for the suggestion
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If you are looking for new tubes upscale Audio is a great place to call ask for Kevin.
Each year he travels to europe looking for rare tubes.
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/
2nd that - highly recommended. I get all my tubes from them. Just received some NOS Mullard 12ax7 & 12axT's for my DAC and preamp. ;D