New setup. The Bellini preamp was great with the TAD amp. I needed to keep the heat down as I went to an enclosed cabinet. The McCormack is best described as crisp, detailed and open. I like jazz, classical, and occasionally a bit of rock and 80's new wave. As long as the system shines on jazz and classical and is competent on the other types of music, I am a happy man. If anyone has ideas about what I could try for tweaking purposes, let me know.
Circa 1978, I think. A little tweak to the 19hz pot and its locking on in stereo. FM really does stand for free music. NOt as much bass as my Proton 440, but a very pleasing sound. Nice controlled bass.
Canare 4s11
Terminated with Supra spades and Blue Jeans Cable's bannanas.
System edited: Updated furniture, cleared out the living space. Speakers can be moved out for better sound, but they are doing well near the wall - lets my son have more room to move around in. TAD Subwoofer hidden behind the chair...
Hi, I believe if you were to try an Audible Illusions Modulus (any model from the 2C-the current 3A),you would be very happy with the inprovement over the C.J.The A.I. Modulus preamps are all tube and go for $400 to around $1400 used here on A GON.The value lies with the Modulus 2C+2D models they sell for under $500 used,or the Modulus 3 which comes with an outboard power supply,(not a wall wort either)sells used for around $750. These preamps are hard to beat for jazz and acoustic music at any price.The Rogue Audio 66 or 99 Magnum will also easly trump the C.J. PV10,PV11,or thePV12.This isn't close.I have been there and done that.Try it you'll be pleased. The gixerman
Jbsljbsl, Yeah, okay, that WAS kind of an inside joke between Eragot and myself. I've been riding him to get a tube amp. for months. MY apologies...and make sure you're TAD is working PERFECTLY RIGHT AWAY, or Paul @ BizzyBee will make you jump through LOTS of hoops! -Bruce
Sounds like for you tubes are outdated but for others a whole tube system is what they like. I just ordered the TAD60 and use it with a 2004 Luxman L505f int amp. So I use both SS and tube gear. Just depends on a persons taste in equipment.
Eragot, That's SOME amp. you have there but who's the jack_ss that suggested you get a bunch of tube stuff. I mean, isn't that stuff a little outdated? ;)
System edited: From January to December: Vandy 2ci in/out, Ohm Micro Walsh Tall in/out, Vandy 1c IN. Rotel RB-981 amp out, Mark Levinson ML-9 in/ou, Naim NAP 250 in/out, TAD-60 IN. Rotel RC-995 out, Conrad Johnson PV-10aL IN. Wow, all tubes except my tuner. Love it all...
Eragot, I can't believe you posted this photo of "the system" (when you were "testing out the Progressive Scan." You're asking for it. ;) Though even with the "UBER-MESSY" set-up it still (surprising so) looks better than the old one (if one squints their eyes) -so, kudos! -B$
Bruce, I will tell her hello. I pull the speakers out into the room and they sound great. The sub has added a very real "presence" to the setup and I can say that the speakers are able to rock when called upon, yet remain very detailed when listening to jazz and classical. The source material is often to blame I think.
I really liked the sound of my Vandy's, and prefer a single speaker setup than the sub addition. So, I'm giving hte Vandy's a try. The dealer is being very generous in allowing me to buy and return if necessary.
Hi Eragot, I still say what your not satisfied with is the speaker placement. Could you separate the stereo from the tv? How's the new subwoofer workin' out? Also, with the M&L amplifryer I'd say what you're hearing are the flaws of the Dynaco CDP along with the limitations of the tubes. Ever tried tube-rolling? It is entirely possible that you aren't happy with those particular tubes in the output stage...try acquiring some different brands of the same tube-type. Happy hunting & listening--say hi to your wife for us:)
System edited: I am now trying out some old Mark Levinson equipment. A pair of Vandy 1C's is on the way to try as the wife thinks that they are acceptable and I loved the old 2ci sound. We'll hear...
System edited: I am auditioning the Ohm 100-Mk2 right now. I had a feeling that the Micro Walsh's were lacking in presence due to thier size. On certain songs, there was a lack of weight. The 100's seem to replace this weight, but with a low WAF. Better WAF than the old Vandy's, but not much. Sigh...
Eragot, What are the dimensions of your listening space? (HxWxD to the nearest 1/4") I suspect what you are lacking in sound quality is not coming from the equipment. You have some great stuff and I LOVE the Ohms--interesting choice, and fabulous bass! -Bruce30
My neighbor is bringing over a Mark Levinson for me to try. I don't know the number, but we'll see how I like the sound for an amp. He also has a ML pre, which I have to listen to as well.
I have mused over the CJ equipment, but I just don't know what their products are and what are the good ones. Your reccomendations are very helpful and in the dollar ballpark.
I don't know how much you are looking to spend, but here a couple ideas.
As Shersta said, a tube preamp would give a nice warm sound. A Conrad-Johnson PV10 would be about $600 and under. I happen to have one, which replaced my rotel preamp, and the difference was amazing.
I also replaced my Rotel amp with a Conrad-Johnson MF2250. That to was a huge difference. While this is not a tube amp, it has a very warm "tube-like" sound. I would think you could find one used for about $1000 or a little less.
