ARC and Devore pairs exceedingly well. The ARC gives the Gibbons more snap in the bass.
Tube integrated for Devore Super Nines
Hola compadres. I’ve been away a while - reading forums and reviews, cogitating and dreaming. I’ve been out of work for almost 5 years doing odd jobs, but am back to work and celebrating, in part, by putting together a new system. It’s a lot of good fun and really satisfying. I’ve started with a new pair of Devore Super Nines that are just about broken in and love them!
I’m looking at three tube integrateds to potentially replace my VPI 299d and hoping for some input around their matching the Devores and my sonic preferences - I like a big, quiet, well defined soundstage, some warmth and bloom, solid but not overly tight or tubby/diffuse bass and value musicality and swing over the last detail.
Decware Zen Torii - bespoke, point to point, plenty of tube rolling to tailor sound, lifetime warranty, amazing service.
Raven Blackhawk - solid, well built and reviewed/appreciated, amazing service, 6L6GC based
Cary SLI-80 F1 style - a classic, 6SN7’s, would mod it up - curious about the HS vs. tube rectified.
The VPI 299d with GL KT-88’s and NOS Mullards up front sounds generally great, but really isn’t drawing me into the tunes the way I think I could be with the Devores.
The PrimaLuna Prologue I had previously seemed sort of shouty, but calmed down with some Mullards and Winged c 6l6GC’s. The VPI is more tonally right to my ears and I’ve loved the full romantic sound of DJH style modded AES’ PH1 and AE3. Octals up front really sound best to me, but I can live with the 9 pinners.
If I could afford a Leben CS600x, I would, but not right now anyway.
Happy holidays, be well and stay safe, and enjoy the tunes!
Looking forward to your thoughts..
I’m looking at three tube integrateds to potentially replace my VPI 299d and hoping for some input around their matching the Devores and my sonic preferences - I like a big, quiet, well defined soundstage, some warmth and bloom, solid but not overly tight or tubby/diffuse bass and value musicality and swing over the last detail.
Decware Zen Torii - bespoke, point to point, plenty of tube rolling to tailor sound, lifetime warranty, amazing service.
Raven Blackhawk - solid, well built and reviewed/appreciated, amazing service, 6L6GC based
Cary SLI-80 F1 style - a classic, 6SN7’s, would mod it up - curious about the HS vs. tube rectified.
The VPI 299d with GL KT-88’s and NOS Mullards up front sounds generally great, but really isn’t drawing me into the tunes the way I think I could be with the Devores.
The PrimaLuna Prologue I had previously seemed sort of shouty, but calmed down with some Mullards and Winged c 6l6GC’s. The VPI is more tonally right to my ears and I’ve loved the full romantic sound of DJH style modded AES’ PH1 and AE3. Octals up front really sound best to me, but I can live with the 9 pinners.
If I could afford a Leben CS600x, I would, but not right now anyway.
Happy holidays, be well and stay safe, and enjoy the tunes!
Looking forward to your thoughts..
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- 16 posts total
@ budburma I had considered the Decware Amp a few years ago but after hearing all of the positive press of users ditching their Decware and AR Amps, I decided to act and got Don Sachs Kootenay 120 KT88 and have not looked back. If it has not been removed from AudioCircle, many of Decware users stated it was no comparison to Sachs equipment. Also, the SW1X Std Dac III+ is quite remarkable and like nothing else; it’s a DAC for the ages and no need to worry about the latest chip sets... Wig |
@wig Just looked through Audio Circle (thanks for the reminder!) and couldn't find a lot direct comparison comments. Maybe that thread got disappeared. There was plenty of praise for both - definitely a big fan base for Don Sachs and some a Berning fan or two. And Daedalus - man they are beautiful speakers. I'll no doubt do a deeper dive later today. I emailed with Don a bit - the only reservation I have is the UL config. I've liked Triode better, especially with the VPI. He maintains that UL in a superior product will be....welll,,,,superior! He's changed business models to customers getting in a queue for each piece of gear as he builds them in a less harried more self directed pace. Sounds like a good philosophy! Actually less pressure in both directions. I got in the queue and am very close to fully committed, but able to take some time to look around still. Raven and Decware still hold some interest for me - I'm still casting about for direct comparisons and experience matching with Devores - Gibbon series in particular... |
I know we chatted on the phone a bit about these, and you have 3 great options you've narrowed it down to. One more that you may want to think about.... Line Magnetic 805ia -- https://www.line-magnetic.eu/en/products-line-magnetic-en/integrated-tube-amplifier-line-magnetic-en... It's also a very nice match with the Super Nines. Or just hold out for that Leben CS600x! :) |
- 16 posts total