I need help, please? Listening to my system through music!
It was my steady system for about 3 years after going through different many speaker/amp/tt/ combinations.
And then, based on several conversations with AZ founder Robert Lee and several Audiogon members, I became convinced that I needed to go the SET route for my Adagios. I auditioned Steve Deckerts' Decware amps and liked what I heard, but Mr. Lee recommended Triode Corp. amps, so when one popped up on Audiogon I grabbed it and sold my LSA Statement.
Now, the LSA is an understated star in the integrated world; it's a hybrid, dual-mono platform, perfected by Larry Staples and John Tucker of Exemplar Audio and delivers 150w of transparent power. The Triode Corp is a pure tube, 35w SET design with good reviews and Mr. Lee's endorsement. I tube rolled the input tubes in the Triode and then let it burn in for a while, even though I bought it used from a reputable Audiogon dealer.
Result? The bass the LSA delivered is missing. There's also clipping/distortion on the higher end. I took it to the local audio shop who biased everything and checked connections, etc. and gave it the thumbs up. But same result. It's a different sound than the LSA. It's not bad, per se; it's just not a full or comprehensive or satisfying. had I not had the LSA, I would have been pretty happy with the Triode.
You don't know what you got 'til it's gone.
MAYBE as a result, I really don't listen to music as much as I used to, if at all. I can't remember the last time I went on Discogs or to the local music store or even ordered any music on Amazon. I can't remember the last time I went down to my listening room and just enjoyed a recording. So, my questions are:
Thanks for your patience and insight.
Warm regards,
Simao
Based upon Simao’s dilemma this is why I hesitate to sell equipment until I can do a listening comparison, current equipment vs new or new to me equipment. I realize sometimes one must sell equipment in order to purchase other equipment however I try to avoid that. I hope you find what sounds best to you. |
@hifiron -- I walk the line between clinical and holistic: I like pinpoint imagery - like knowing exactly where each tom is on the drumset and hearing the bassist' fingers slide down the strings. I also want warm nuances and enveloping presence. And pigs will fly eventually considering my budget. @elevick I don't know. It wasn't a question of the LSA being deficient by any means. More so just wanting to see how another sound was. @inna Yes, I think that's what happened. Again, the Triode is a fine piece. With properly sensitive speakers, it should sound beautiful. I've listed it with confidence. Thank you for all your sound advice. |
@simao well with your description, how I would build a setup with a minimal budget would be quite simple. You need transparency, good imaging. 1. Ensure you have a good source. 2. $1295 Decware SE84UFO http://www.decware.com/newsite/SE84CKCS.html 3. $2695 Decware HDT are support to be unreliable in the imaging department. http://www.decware.com/newsite/HDT.html 3b. $1995 Decware Full Range Horns http://www.decware.com/newsite/HORN.html 3c. $450 Decware Betsy http://www.decware.com/newsite/Caintuck.html I know I have been talking up Decware quite a bit, but I find it very hard to beat their price/performance ratio. |
