[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
Oops, just stumbled back upon this thread, and realized I never posted a f/u. In a nutshell... tried the MF X-10, which indeed softened the highs, albeit sounding syrupy, but it really muddied up the bass (at least to my ears). I returned it (one of the benefits of buying NEW from a reputable dealer!) I subsequently borrowed an Art Audio VPS DM tube pre, which was warmer, but articulate in the mids and highs, yet still muddying up the bass slightly (though less than the X-10). Next up, I plan to finally try the Modwright SWL 9.0, a tube/SS hybrid design, which supposedly retains tight bass output. Further mucking up my decision-making is the upcoming release of the Transporter. However, the ONE thing apparently lacking in the Transporter (? fatal error) is a Home Theater bypass loop. That precludes truly using it as a preamp (at least in MY system). -- sleepysurf squeezebox2 (with elpac linear psu) to benchmark dac1, direct to sunfire cinema grand 200 ~five (vertically bi-amped) driving ml aerius i's, blue jeans cables. 'click to see my system' (http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=732) sleepysurf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
sleepysurf Wrote: The Blue Circle design looks interesting. However, at that same price point, the Modwright SWL 9.0 has garnered rave reviews. I was hunting for a used Modwright, but decided instead to order the Musical Fidelity X-10 v.3 (Music Direct offers a 30 day return policy). I've got nothing to lose, and if it doesn't offer significant improvement, I'll step up to the Modwright. If you do decide to go down the preamp path (which I would have recommended over the tube buffer), the Modwright is definitely an excellent piece to consider. I'm a Blue Circle dealer and have compared it to the Modwright...the Modwright definitely gives you more of a tube sound, and the Blue Circle preamps give you a more transparent/neutral presentation (not analytical at all, but relative to the Modwright, it is not as tube-sounding). Which you would prefer is definitely a matter of taste... -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com PhilNYC's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=837 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
I find it interesting how many people buy the Benchmark due to its razor sharp resolution and then spend lots of cash to tame it down. I auditioned several dacs and the Benchmark has a great transparency but left me cold. I'm not sure that tubes will ultimately fix your problem but a used X10D would be a cheap way to find out. You might also try the Tubalizer. -- Horizons Horizons's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2576 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
Actually, overall, I'm VERY pleased with the Squeezebox paired with the Benchmark. The Benchmarks razor sharp resolution was exactly what I found lacking with the stock SB. Together, they bring out the best in 95% of my collection. However, the remaining 5% are older or poorly recorded redbook CD's, with an exceptionally harsh digital sound. It's probably foolish to think the X-10 will make those 5% more listenable without deleterious effects on the other 95%. I'm looking forward to an extended listening session this weekend, and will report back. -- sleepysurf squeezebox2 (with elpac linear psu) to benchmark dac1, direct to sunfire cinema grand 200 ~five (vertically bi-amped) driving ml aerius i's, blue jeans cables. 'click to see my system' (http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=732) sleepysurf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
Darn, would've bought the A'gon deal with included PSU if I had seen it :( At least I get a warranty, plus 30 day return option, with the NEW one. -- sleepysurf squeezebox2 (with elpac linear psu) to benchmark dac1, direct to sunfire cinema grand 200 ~five (vertically bi-amped) driving ml aerius i's, blue jeans cables. 'click to see my system' (http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=732) sleepysurf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
The Blue Circle design looks interesting. However, at that same price point, the Modwright SWL 9.0 has garnered rave reviews. I was hunting for a used Modwright, but decided instead to order the Musical Fidelity X-10 v.3 (Music Direct offers a 30 day return policy). I've got nothing to lose, and if it doesn't offer significant improvement, I'll step up to the Modwright. -- sleepysurf squeezebox2 (with elpac linear psu) to benchmark dac1, direct to sunfire cinema grand 200 ~five (vertically bi-amped) driving ml aerius i's, blue jeans cables. 'click to see my system' (http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=732) sleepysurf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek1152577839 EDIT: a cheaper one yet; http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek1152567020 -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
I share your concern about portability of the Bolder/RWA upgrades, that is one major reason I chose to do the digital only upgrade to the SB3 (cheap at $150), use my own separate DAC (an MF Tri-vista 21), and spend the SB upgrade money on the Bolder PS, which should be portable to the new SB4, if and when one comes out (it is portable to the SB2 and 3). As far as the tube buffer goes, see my post above about the Tri-Vista. Great, great DAC with the tubes in the output stage and with a killer regulated interal PS, without the hassle/expense/loss of signal and expense that may occur by having to add an extra set of RCA's. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
If you have not upgraded your SB with the digital upgrades and power supply (Bolder or Red Wine Audio), I would spend my money there first. Bolder was my choice. The digital upgrade ($150) was an easy and cheap way to remove some of the digital glare from the stock unit. The power supply really moved things into a whole different universe. Being a bit skeptical of how a power supply upgrade could have such an effect, I had mine done in stages, ultimately going from a basic upgrade (no longer offered) to a deluxe upgrade. Cost was near what a tube buffer was. Incredible performance; I have 2 SB3's, one left stock, so I could A/B them. My experience (and more info on upgrades) can be read at http://musicserver.blogspot.com I have a MF Tri-Vista DAC, which is essentially using an X-10 type output stage, but with a better regulated PS. Love it, but it didn't do anything huge until I had the upgrades done. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
I'm sure the Bolder or Red Wine mods offer significant improvement. However, I prefer step-wise separates upgrades, thus when the SB4 eventually comes out, I can plug-and-play into my system. Actually, since adding the Benchmark, my systems digital glare is already much improved. Like most audiophiles though, I'm still seeking the holy grail! I don't REALLY need a Pre (from a source-switching standpoint), thus the MF X-10 might be a cost-effective way to get that tube sweetness. Think I'll keep checking A'gon for a used one. -- sleepysurf squeezebox2 (with elpac linear psu) to benchmark dac1, direct to sunfire cinema grand 200 ~five (vertically bi-amped) driving ml aerius i's, blue jeans cables. 'click to see my system' (http://www.martinloganowners.com/~tdacquis/forum/showthread.php?t=732) sleepysurf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=14 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
