I've owned the Mk2 of this and whilst initially it really impressed, eventually it became apparent that the sound had a tiny smidge of artificality to it. Not glare, it just didn't sound that 2% more natural than my Acuhorn R2R T with EML 45 mesh globes.
I sold the AGD and still have the...
Good idea thanks. As I don't plan to ever sell mine I think I will do the resistor upgrade next year, and possibly have them rewired in silver wire.
Best amps in the world maybe.
I use the Elites in the key position on each of my MA-1, they are stunning and worth every penny. If they would fit i'd run them in the two other key positions on each amp too.
Very nice.
Here is my Acuhorn, seeing as you mention them. Using a Soekris DAM1121-001 board.
Stunning and totally analog-sounding. Running 45 mesh globes. Internals rewired to Mundorf silver and gold wire.
I'm afraid creating a completely analogue sounding digital front end without considering your source and network will lead to a road of expensive pain that no DAC will be able to resolve.
What streaming source and network setup do you intend to use?
You are referring to the power tubes or the 6SN7 positions?
I use Shuguang black Treasure CV181 and in the most critical position I use linlai e-6sn7 which are the best octal I've ever heard. Don Sachs recommends them.
I'm interested to try RCA in the power tube section over my Chinese power...
So bottom line, sounds like you prefer the MA-1 amps top and midrange, as I would have expected.
Re the tubes, I run the Chinese ones which seems to last pretty well. I average maybe one failure a year, so just swap out as I need to and recheck bias. And stock is plentiful.
If I was worried about electricity and tube costs I wouldn't have bought them! Honestly, I don't understand the issue. The MA-1 is one of the great amplifiers and the pride of ownership is very high.
I'll book a home demo of the class D and I'll keep an entirely open mind. I do find the need...
I have no interest it their bass performance. My active system crosses over at 120hz.
I would only keep them if they could outperform in mid range and upper frequencies.
I've not heard the lower range MA-60 but I assume they aren't as good as the MA-1. Mine also have the Vcap upgrade.
I have found a dealer here in the UK who has a pair for home audition so I'll arrange that closer to the summer. I still remain convinced they won't sound as nice as my MA-1s.
My magnepan ribbon tweeters will tell me the truth as these are what these amps drive and they are extremely revealing.
I feel dirty admitting this but I'm tempted to try a pair of Martin Logan 15a after reading this Apogee busting review of the 11a.
https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/loudspeaker-reviews/speakers-active-analog-reviews/martin-logan-impression-esl-11a/
Thanks
Yes, I got a dedicated report, showing -118 @ 1Hz.
I can easily shorten the cable, pls clarify what you mean by "lose a lot"?
The cable came that length and I was too lazy to shorten it, being completely honest!
Since taking that photo I also lined the clock compartment with dynamat...
Those figures are terrible! A LHY OC2 would be better than that. Honestly for the cost of the components I'm confident I've got something on par with a Mutec Ref120, or very very close.
Hi
Unfortunately my thread was on a UK hifi forum that got closed down, but I'd be happy to list all the parts. The key is obviously the clock itself. I bought a hand tested unit like the below but from a different dealer.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQqftgV
The dealer I used sold me a -118dbc...
Good question. Unfortunately the answer, in my experience, is all the above.
I say unfortunately because getting streaming "right" can be a real challenge.
Firstly, what does good look like? In my experience, when digital sounds "right", that means that the upper keys of well recorded piano...
I'd suggest without the external clock that they are quite similar but I didn't do a serious comparison.
A high quality oxco does lift the sound for sure. My clock is self made using a -118dBc @ 1Hz unit.
yes that's correct https://www.acuhorn.pl/acuhorn-R2RTS.htm
Mine is the R2R T which has a 5 Volt, 4 Volt or 2.5Volt heater switch like a Lampizator. There is also a balanced XS version which I thought was unnecessary so just bought the SE version.
Unlike Lampizator these designs don't use tube...