Hi Ecclectique:
Thanks for your advice on the tubes - your advice is encouraging, as it's the same advice KrAudioProducts gave me too :-) - I'll be getting a matched quad of cryogenically frozen KR 842vhd tubes this week.

I don't have the full story on how/why the amps were modded , but my understanding is that they were done so to accept a tube like the 300bxls tubes, rather than the previous tube that the amps came with (which apparently only lasted a few hundred hours, proving to be very expensive to replace on any ongoing basis). Also, the amps originally were built with a transducer (not sure what this is really), but apparently that was a bit of a design mistake, so the mod took care of that too. All told, the mods are a bit of a puzzle to me.

Fingers crossed the amps will sing with the new tubes. I'm also hopeful that the power output of the tubes will be able to drive my Virgos well. it's a concern I've always had given that the Virgos are 89db efficiency and operate at 4ohm load. I've been tempted to get more power, although these KR amps do sound sweeter than my old Blue Circle BC2 hybrid monos which were supposedly 65wpc.

outlier December 12, 2005 18:49

Hi Outlier. Firstly, A superb system you have there sir. Yes, most probable the 300bxl's are nearing their time. You may want to consider changing from the 300bxl to the newer KR842. The bias adjustment is slightly different with the 842. You mentioned your amps were modded,any idea of what mods were done?

ecclectique December 10, 2005 15:18

Hi Goodo23:
Those spikes under the Supratek are actually part of a Sistrum 001 stand. Sistrum stands are pretty amazing resonance reducing devices. I use a pair of smaller Sistrum stands under the speakers. I found the impact on speaker performance to be enormous. On equipment, it's less dramatic, and to be honest, I haven't even done much a/b testing there. The stands are not cheap though. The particular one I have (had) under the Supratek is about $350 new. Again though, I think the performance improvements for the speakers was the most telling.

outlier November 16, 2005 02:29

Hi, can youtell me what those crazy spikes are under the Supratek Syrah pre amp, and where I can get them?

goodo23 October 02, 2005 02:45

Hi Smccull, I don't run any HT processor or any surround sound - just two channel stereo. MY HT setup is just on the video side. So, sorry I can't comment on HT passthrough issues. I don't think you could go too far wrong with the Syrah though - it's probably the best piece of audio gear I've ever purchased, and others seem to be using the passthrough on the Syrah with no issues - might be worth checking the 'Preamp Deal of the Century' thread just to make sure though.

outlier August 25, 2005 20:54

Outlier, I'm thinking of getting a Syrah. Do you run your HT processor through the Syrah? Do you have any problems? Gain matching, etc.?

smccull August 22, 2005 18:31

Outlier-sorry I missed the zyx.

gregadd April 11, 2005 21:37

Hi Guys, thanks for the extra input. Gregadd, I'm guessing you're right that the Virgo would benefit from more power - I may try that some time. Although, my previous amps were 80WPC (hybrid tube/transistor design - Blue Circle BC2 monos), and I do think the KR sound better. Although, maybe I can't drive the Virgos as hard. If I get cash some day and sieze the opportunity, maybe the KR Kronzillas would do the trick.

Hopefully, I don't need to go for a more expensive cartridge, this ZYX Airy 3x-sb cost be a pretty penny ;-)

I'll most likely keep the system as-is for a while, till I get some more spending money (which will be some ways away, alas).

Happy listening...

outlier April 11, 2005 21:30

when i was giving you advice on solving your turntable problems I had no idea you had assembled such a fine system.

I must say the virgo is the pick of the litter when it comes to the audio physic line. You may want to upgrade to another version like the virgo III. Much nicer cabinet. although when i heard the later version not quite as good. I chalked it up to insufficient break in and the associated equipment. Sorry to say the virgo will benefit from more power. I heard them with 200 watts of krell fpb. Have you tried the audio physic sub. bass will fill out the sound in ways you can't imagine. you have the nucleus of a fine system. if you have to spend money buy more records or get an expensive cartrdige.
I also think you are quite the photgrapher I love the way the light plays across your equipment.

gregadd April 11, 2005 20:51

Hi Outlier,

first let me say that you have a pretty good setup, but in the future when you are ready to upgrade speakers you should try the DUEVEL line up. I hear they are very very good speakers, easy to drive. I think you can drive them with 5 watts, matter of fact if I'm not mistaking there's two guys in this site that owns a pairs of Duevel Bella Luna, They look HOT! Nice setup Outlier.

tubeboy April 11, 2005 09:08

Hi Tim, I can't say I've auditioned many other speakers, although would love to take the plunge on an upgrade at some point in the future. I know that speakers on my shortlist would include JB Lab Mezzo Utopia (used) - I'm guessing they'd be an upgrade to the Virgos in many areas, althogh am always worried about sacrificing the imaging that the Virgos provide. Would also be interested in moving to Virgo III or Avanti III - would be more certain of the upgrade, without risk of inferior imaging to the Virgos. I'm also interested in moving to lower power SET amps and getting horn spekers like Cain & Cain, or maybe even Avantgarde - a bit different no doubt, but a direction I may try.

Yea, I have gotten my hands on some nice popular pieces of equipment. Of the ones you mentioned, I've found the Supratek to be the most special. I've had a few preamps, and the Supratek was a shocking improvement to all I've had before it. Next step for me is surely a Cortese.

outlier April 04, 2005 01:31

dear Outlier,

thank you for your reply. you have many gears that I have heard from this forum and curious all the time. such as shelter 501, teres TT, Supratek. Together I bet they sound wonderfully. except Virgos, any speakers you also recommend?

happy listening.

Tim

timchen April 04, 2005 00:23

Hi Tim, yes I had the same worry when I got these amps. Well, all I can say is that the Virgos really sing with the amps. I was very happy with the match. I think 22wpc is very close to the minimum power to really work with the Virgos though - I wouldn't go lower than that. Before the KR audio amps, I had Blue Circle BC2 hybrids which run at 65wpc if memory serves. I find the KR sound better in my system. My guess is that you would like the tube power with the Virgos.

outlier April 02, 2005 19:39

i have Virgo, but except that no other gears are the same.
I have been thinking using tube power amp to run Virgo,
Does 22 w tube amp acna push Virgo to its limit? any suggestions?
thanks

Tim

timchen April 02, 2005 04:59

System edited: Just added some photos.

Hi Raytheprinter, yes the system is a joy to listen too. I do particularly like my supratek. Would likely only consider upgrades in the Supratek line. Good luck with your Chardonnay. I'm sure you'll find it will blow away whatever it is you have now - that was my experience.

outlier April 01, 2005 19:40

nice system,hows it sound?how do you like your Supratek?i just ordered a Chardonney,,

raytheprinter March 04, 2005 23:01

System edited: Just updating virtual system to latest additions/changes. Next upgrades likely include Power Conditioner, cables and maybe preamp (to another Supratek).

outlier January 18, 2005 18:36

have you ever had or thought about maggies and, if not, what would be your objection? i'm really just getting back into hi-fi after a long hiatus. i just bought a rega P25 to spin my vinyl and shortly after xmas i'll be upgrading my speakers. i'm looking for opinions. magnaplanars are a rather low efficiency 86 but 4 ohm that require a substantial amp to drive. i looking for a new amp as well.

royboone December 13, 2002 19:53