Some initial thoughts on the TRP. My friend was here yesterday with his 12 year old son. We listened to the Euforia - which we all liked. I tried to talk things down saying stuff like "you might not notice too much of a difference to start with". Then I switched over to the TRP. The kids jaw dropped and he said "wow". My friend (the Dad) also noticed straight away as well. Would kind of expect/hope that would be the reaction, considering the cost difference, but it's good to see others experience the same.
Took the TRP upstairs to my main listening room. Spent the first 30 mins adjusting the trim levels on my preamp so both the GA and TRP were playing at exactly the same output levels. The GA is still a very nice DAC, but the TRP is better in every regard. That GA was going to be my last ever DAC, and I only wanted the TRP because it takes some of my favourite tubes! The GA is now a very nice upgrade for the living room.
This thing is solid. Better built than the GA. The flexy PCB board on the GA really annoyed me when you insert the tubes.
More revealing, transparent, clear and deep bass. Tight. Timber is incredible. Crisp. Great decay.
Also compared to the turntable. Played vinyl at the same time as Roon and switched between sources with the input button on my preamp remote. I need plenty more listening between different recordings and formats, DSD, etc, but initially I would edge the clarity of imaging and wideness of soundstage to the TRP. Mids to the turntable. I always thought the bass of the GA was a little weaker when compared to the turntable, but things seem much closer with the TRP. I'll readily admit my ears are much more used to the turntable than this new DAC, so will need more time comparing. It's going to be tough...
Attached are some obligatory pictures
1. Cossor 53KU black base, GEC KT66 early wartime version, ST, grey glass.
2. GEC U52, GEC KT66 early wartime version, ST, clear glass
3. Cossor 53KU brown base, GEC KT66 smoked glass, brown base, early 1950's.
I've just been enjoying the DAC, having fun trying different tubes, but no particular roll stands out. They all sound amazing. Perhaps the early clear glass KT66 has more airiness. I might hear more differences when I try some Fivre, Mullard, EL35, EL37, KT88, KT77, 6L6, etc