Yep, that one is in there as well!Welcome to all tubes system gringo
And these NAT block monsters look amazing!
Big congrats!
PS - you forgot to mention important spice in the GG3 - WE274 rectifier
Introducing My System
- Thread starter Thundersnow
- Start date
thanks. did you ever compare the Nat with the Trafomatic? Is that possible where you are
Congratulations on those NAT Magma Ms! They look amazing! I’m sure they sound even better!
I looked on Dejan’s website, but I can’t really figure out the differences between the new Magma M and the older Magma New SE. Do you know what the improvements are for the Magma M?
I looked on Dejan’s website, but I can’t really figure out the differences between the new Magma M and the older Magma New SE. Do you know what the improvements are for the Magma M?
Hey Bonzo,
Haven‘t had a chance to test Trafomatic in my rig or hear a head to head comparison (yet), but what I’ve heard of Trafomatic at the Munich High End, it sounded really good.
Had no contact with the Trafomatic guys. For now, simply enjoying the heck out of Magmas!
Hey Ron, thanks! So far, to use that old cliche, I’m rediscovering my music collection.
As far as the differences between the models — or iterations of Magma to be more exact — to be honest with you I’m not 100% sure, but I’ll ask Dejan to sum up some major points for me.
I’ve visited Dejan a month or two ago, at the NAT listening room, and there I was listening to the brand new model — I believe it‘s the Magma New HPS. Audio memory fades as you know, but the amps had very much the same character as the Magma Ms I’m listening to, but with even more holographic imaging — as far as my sentiment of that listening session goes.
On the other hand, I was listening to Esoteric as the source, and for me at least it’s not a fair fight vs. the GG3 with WE 300Bs and 274 rectifier.
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Hey guys, a quick update on my slow-rolling evolution of the system. I was previously testing with Magma M’s from NAT to see if they’re up my alley. I saw huge potential in the sound and decided to take the plunge. However, I was testing previously with what I believe are the standard GM30 tubes. For my own pair, I managed to procure a pair of Eimac 450TL tubes.
The difference in sound is substantial in favor of the US tubes. Less heat emission (which is a big thing for me) — not to mention the added clarity in the sound, control and tighter bass. As it is, the 450TL is a higher power tube than the GM30 and with that comes a higher damping factor. This controls the Coltrane 3’s in such a way that I don’t see a need for bi-amping that I was experimenting with previously.
I have only spent a couple of hours with the amp, but those are the quick first impressions.
Also, as another update, I ended up with using the KR PX25 Anni tubes in the GG3 Lampi DAC, to go along with the NOS WE 274A tube (use it with an adapter). As compared to the stock 45’s (which in retrospect and having tried a few different tube setups are the worst I’ve heard), and comparing to new WE 300B the PX25’s are clearly better in every way than the 45’s and maybe only lack a touch of tube magic/warmth on the 300Bs, but improve on dynamics, sound stage and bass considerably.
The difference in sound is substantial in favor of the US tubes. Less heat emission (which is a big thing for me) — not to mention the added clarity in the sound, control and tighter bass. As it is, the 450TL is a higher power tube than the GM30 and with that comes a higher damping factor. This controls the Coltrane 3’s in such a way that I don’t see a need for bi-amping that I was experimenting with previously.
I have only spent a couple of hours with the amp, but those are the quick first impressions.
Also, as another update, I ended up with using the KR PX25 Anni tubes in the GG3 Lampi DAC, to go along with the NOS WE 274A tube (use it with an adapter). As compared to the stock 45’s (which in retrospect and having tried a few different tube setups are the worst I’ve heard), and comparing to new WE 300B the PX25’s are clearly better in every way than the 45’s and maybe only lack a touch of tube magic/warmth on the 300Bs, but improve on dynamics, sound stage and bass considerably.
Thundersnow, something so evocative about those monster tubes restrained by cages.
Congratulations, Thundersnow! They look amazing!
Bluntly, by using Eimac 450TLs Dejan has greatly improved his game in the Magma amplifier! That tube, used in the Trafomatic Drina, is the main reason to be more comfortable with the Drina than with the Magma.
Bluntly, by using Eimac 450TLs Dejan has greatly improved his game in the Magma amplifier! That tube, used in the Trafomatic Drina, is the main reason to be more comfortable with the Drina than with the Magma.
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Personally speaking Ron, the price differential is the reason to be more comfortable with the Magma than the Drina.
Congratulations Thundersnow, awesome looking amplifiers… also loving the big Trafo Drinas. If it’s ok to ask what sort of pricing are these set at… and in getting the Eimac 450tl tubes upgrade… are the Eimacs still reasonably available.
Marc, you’re not allowed to be falling into big valves a second time… not sure Ra would approve
Marc, you’re not allowed to be falling into big valves a second time… not sure Ra would approve
he survived the last time he fell into, or onto them, so he fancies his luck
Hey Tao, thanks. Wrt pricing, I’d reach out to NAT. Not really familiar with their politics so don’t want to overstep on my part. I’m just a happy customer. As for the Eimac 450TL, my impression is that those are not reasonably available at this point. Which is such a shame. Hopefully, NAT or Trafomatic can sort that out because they are considerably better than the GM tubes imo.
No worries, much appreciated, just thought I’d ask. I did a search and saw high $20k’s USD but I just wasn’t sure if that was per mono or for the pair.
It’s a shame about the challenge of Eimac 450tl avails, sound like they are an important element in really finessing these amps.
The anxiety about attaining rare NOS tubes in an ongoing way once you’ve experienced their great value is a bit of an ingredient in these pathways. Just great to hear about these amps… they seem to be more than a bit special.
I really think they are. Absolutely agree about NOS tubes being the special little twist in this game. Eimac 450TL in this case is what got me to think “yes, this is what was missing from the sound I was hearing when I was auditioning the amps with the GM30s.’
The Ags aren’t going anywhere. I need an amp for the hot summer daysI am sorry. I would buy the D'agostino based on looks alone.
