Joey V, Sorry, I haven't checked this thread in a while. I'm also using NOS Sylvanias in my SLP-98. Made a nice improvement. The Chinese tubes were a bit brittle sounding. The sylvanias, smooth and warm. I hope you are enjoying yours. The 98 makes MUSIC. T'was a good purchase.
Artg, Thanks! Glad you are getting back in. You're right about the Sixpacs being "fleshed out." I really like them. I hope you like the SLI80. They are very popular. Oh man... the new Berning is bound to be a sensation. Wish I could scrape up the dough... :)
Albert, Thanks. The Calypso is a fine pre, no doubt. I think it boils down to system synergy and listening priorities when it comes to choosing between the Caylpso and the Cary F1. The standard (non F1) pre-amp really softens the transients of instruments such as snare drums. I did not care for it, but it may be a nice match for certain amps that need a little softening. The thing that really hooked me on the F1 was the soundstage. It's huge! Lot's of depth, width, and height. I have the direct coupled version of the F1 which lets the transients come through. However, to get the best out of it took some tube rolling. The highs are very smooth. Bass is firm. So far, the F1 is a keeper but I have not yet tried one of Jud Barber's new LA-150s without the "super tubes". Yikes! :) Steve
Aball, I compared the Prima to the new Cary 303/300 for almost a month. I swapped them in and out of my system many times. I tried 2 pair of NOS tubes in the Cary as well but could not get past a bit of glare I noticed on piano. With the Prima there was no such glare and it was a bit smoother to boot. That said, they are both great sounding CD players. Both the Prima and the Cary were way better than the older Ultech. Steve
Ron, Sorry it took me so long to respond. The F1 is a hot rod version of the SLP-98. It's offered through Upscale Audio. It has many upgraded parts such as hexfreds in the power supply, oil caps, direct coupling, Kimber wiring, etc.. It sounds great in my system.
Gmele, I LOVE the SLP-98L F1. It sounded great right out of the box and is getting better with time. I have 48 hours on it so far. It is VERY involving. By that, I mean it has absolutely no listner fatigue, huge soundstage bloom, and timbral accuracy. Imaging is precise. With cellos and violin passages you hear more vibration of the wood, not just the strings. Compared to the Calypso the Cary has a larger soundstage and instruments are more 3d with realistic weight. The Calypso is an excellent pre-amp, no-doubt, but IMO it lacks the involving musicality of the Cary. The Cary has a more organic sound, the Calypso a more neutral/analytical sound. For me, my system, and listening priorities, the Cary is a welcomed addition. It's got tube magic. I got the direct coupled version which gives you a bit more attack on transients. I found the non-direct coupled (stock) SLP-98 a bit too soft for me on drum kit transients. I'll be able to give you a more precise assessment after I get another 50-100 hours on it.
Hi Artg, Thanks. You're right about the cables. I hope to add some Cardas GR bi-wires when finances permit. Alan B. really likes the Stereovox wires. Has Bobby P ever commented on them? The sound does seem to be getting clearer and richer as the hours mount. I will post a review when I feel they and the Berning are completely settled. As for the ZH270, the cryo'd tubes came about a month after I recieved the amp so I need to put more hours on the new tubes. The ZH270 now comes standard with the cryo'd tubes and cap upgrades, but the silver wire is an option (which I did not get). The ERS paper is not standard either. Alan says some folks don't like the effects of the ERS treatment. I plan to purchase some and experiment. I may get the silver wire mod at some point. Please post your impressions when you get the upgrades.
Hi Ray, Thanks. It's sounding really good! The Merlins and ZH270 amp are new but seem to be broken-in now. I have about 250 hours on them. I hope to write reviews of them soon. My CD player (Ultech), is about 8-9 years old and is definitely my system's weakest link at this point. I plan to upgrade to an Audio Aero Prima. Still trying to catch my financial breath. Whew! I listen mainly to jazz, blues, and light classical.
