2. amps-preamps
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Opinions on why this system is uninvolving

I have just upgraded my system in a number of ways from Snell Type A/IIs to Revel Studios; from Audible Illusions Modulus 2 to Hovland HP-1; and from the earliest EADs to Metronome Technology DAC and transport. I find the system uninvolving much of the time. I also find it lacking in dimensionality, find it sometimes hard sounding and I notice image wander. Here's the whole system:

Revel Studios
Hovland HP-1
MFA 200C mono amps
Metronome DAC and Transport
Shunyata Hydra on amps
Power Wedge I on other components
Various high end cords incl. Top Gun, Shunyata Mamba and EMI whales
Tara Prime (or perhaps 1800) speaker cables (bi-wiring)
Audioquest Ruby interconnects between amps and pre amp (about 30-foot run)
Hovland interconnct between DAC and preamp
Siecor optical AT&T between DAC and transport

Any thoughts on how to arrest these problems would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking about trying solid state amps like the Pass 250 or 350, the McCormack DNA line, Proceed or Rowland, but I'm not really sure that will make a sginficiant difference. I know it could change the sound signficantly, but not necessrily for the better (which I realize is completely subjective anyway).
znak_m
kana813
956 posts
 
Znak m- Your MFA 200 uses octal base front end tubes 6SL7 or the mil spec version 5691, if I remember correctly. If
you've never replaced these tubes, you should try some new ones. They last longer than the output tubes, but they do
wear out.

As I posted above, not all tube preamps can drive long
cable runs. The Hovland's high output impedance of 2500 ohms can cause interactions with long cable runs, unless
it sees a high input impedance on the amps. Their amp's
input impedance is 680K ohms.

I'm not suggesting you replace your 30' cable run with another brand of cable, just try a shorter run between the
preamp/amp and see want happens.

If you need help with the MFAs, suggest you contact Scott
Frankland.
pops
2,273 posts
 
I haven't read any posts because there are too many and I'm too lazy, plus some of them are most likely worthless, sorry, I had to say that. If I'm being redundant, I apologize, I would get rid of all conditioners, especially the power wedge and go directly to the wall provided you have dedicated lines. Anytime I've used any form of conditioning except power cords it is exactly as you describe.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Znak_m here is the quick cure (your MFA's are good amps)
I know Scott Frankland - he does good work.

1) Take the Hydra OFF of the amps.
2) Use any PC you have two of on the amps (hopefully you can use the BMI's). If you have been using Shunyata's on the Amps, use stock PC's.
Plug direct to wall if possible.

3) Plug the Metronomes into the Hydra.

3a) Try the various PC's you have left over on the digital gear swap the Mamba & Top Gun between the DAC and Transport

4) report back to us to let us know about the changes you hear.

Also.. what EAD front end were you using? The EAD T-7000 perhaps???
kana813
956 posts
 
I really get a kick out of you folks that think changing
around some power cords will solve Znak_m's issues with
his already excellent system.

No amount of money spent on some fancy power cords can make up for a system mismatch between a preamp and power amp.

Znak_m, the Revels are great speakers, please seek out
my friend Scott Frankland and discuss the the interface
of your new Hovland to the M200s.

Aloha.

Maui Dan
asa
662 posts
 
Tubegroove is right, dump the speakers. Look around, stay away from wjat people call "high resolution"; look for what people call "musical." Vandys are not your answer. Spendors, guys?

Bwhite also right, get those nice amps OUT of the Hydra and into the wall. Plug CD/pre into Hydra. Avoid long IC's if at all possible.

Get better IC's/spkr cabling. Ask around, see other posts, say how much you are willing to drop.

Hovland nice, good company, but Supratek far better, less money. You'd like it. See current thread on it.

Good luck!!
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