Some impression on Zu Omen Definition

Just an update on this thread and share with you guys. I am not convinced that my Preamp with such high output impedance (2800ohm for mid and treble, 11.5k ohm at 20Hz!!) will match with F3 with input impedance of 10k.

I decided to give the AES SE-1 a try. It is good, it has 7 wpc with the 300B tube and can drive the Zu no problem. The problem of having too much gain is also alleviate. I can now turn the preamp to about 10 - 11 position, with the volume control in iTunes at about 1/4 of the bar.

The sound is also improved for instruments like piano. It seems the treble frequency is improve. There is no significant improvement on vocal, which surprise me. Because 300B is well know to deliver very smooth vocal. Don't get me wrong, the vocal on my system is very good, I am quite satisfied, that means the McCormack can delivery vocal as good as a 300B SET amp, this is what surprise me.

Gte357,
Congradulations with your new amp. The 300b is a very good tube, but keep in mine there are quite a variety of flavors among them. They can sound very different from one brand to another ,i.e. frequency extremes,dynamics, midrange tone,harmonic overtones etc. Change a tube and vocal performance changes along with it.
Best of Luck,

I finally got my system up and running again after a lengthy downturn recently. I have the Frankensteins going finally after having constant ground loop hum issues and break in on the Black Treasure 300's. Also I just bought a Dood Tube Buffer as my new pre......both of those and my upgraded Tranquility Sig DAC, and we have definitely found some magic.......

Hi Morganc,
What was the cause of your ground loop issue?
The Frankenstein/Dodd preamp sounds very interesting. I`d imagine it`s quite transparent and live like.

Congratulations! This sounds like an exceptional system you`ve put together.

I`ll tell you though, as the amp and the Teasure Series tubes accumulate hours, it keeps getting better still.

Are you still auditioning the Art Audio PX-25? if so what do you think about it thus far?
Best Regards,

Yes, I still have the Art Audio PX 25 and I also just put a new Dodd Battery tubed Buffer in my system, so between the BT break in and the new pre, I cannot compare them just yet.....but I will in the next month or so. I am still hanging onto the Pass XA 30.5 also to have three to choose from.

My first impressions are that the Coincident paired with the Dodd have a lot more body, definitely more defined bass, and less edginess on the top end. But that is comparing my last listening sessions with the Px-25 without a pre or buffer to the Coincident with the buffer.

I can honestly say that my system has never sounded better, but I cannot decide what is the source of the improvements, though I do think the battery powered buffer must be responsible for some of the added bass and depth of the sound stage. Though I have also recently added an Uber Buss with Furutech receptacles, upgraded to the Tranquility Sig Dac, and have an upgraded PC for my Mac Mini........so as you can see, I am smiling and loving it, but will now have to dissect in reverse to determine what I like the best!