Maverick Hybrid Tube Integrated Amp anyone?

Mariusz · « **on:** 9 Sep 2010, 04:30 am »

Here we go again......
After few emails and shared enthusiasm, we are going to do it again.
In few weeks time we will start organizing Maverick Audio Tube Magic A1 integrated amplifier Audio Circle tour. Ryan was kind enough to send 3 units for AC tour (one might stay with me so it is more like 2 units

). More details we be revealed in few weeks after a bit of a warm up time.

In the meantime, some cool pics for your entertainment:

http://www.mav-audio.com/

Cheers
Mariusz

eclein · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Sep 2010, 04:01 pm »

How long did it take you to roll some tubes Mariusz?? Looks like fun!!!!

Mariusz · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Sep 2010, 04:46 pm »

Quote from: eclein on 9 Sep 2010, 04:01 pm

How long did it take you to roll some tubes Mariusz?? Looks like fun!!!!

Actual time
Or
Delirium of a tubophile ????

eclein · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 02:34 am »

Mariusz...any thoughts so far on the A1??

Mariusz · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 03:35 am »

Quote from: eclein on 11 Sep 2010, 02:34 am

Mariusz...any thoughts so far on the A1??

Well, I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions or rush my judgment but it is mind boggling for under $200.
It sounds sweet, non-fatiguing, good soundstage and resolution. (keeper)

In the system:

Audio Nirvan Super 15 cast frame full range drivers in cheap open baffle - (drivers-$398 pair, baffles $20+)
Maverick D1 DAC -($199)
Maverick A1 integrated amp -($199)
Onkyo iTransporter (similar to Wadia) - ($225)
iPod touch -($199) or Squeezbox Touch -($250)
List prices

Sounds awesome for the money and if you buy used or at discount.......

Who said hifi can not sound great on the budget

MLS · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 03:53 am »

Nice.

Delta Wave · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 04:34 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 11 Sep 2010, 03:35 am

Well, I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions or rush my judgment but it is mind boggling for under $200.
It sounds sweet, non-fatiguing, good soundstage and resolution. (keeper)

In the system:

Audio Nirvan Super 15 cast frame full range drivers in cheap open baffle - (drivers-$398 pair, baffles $20+)
Maverick D1 DAC -($199)
Maverick A1 integrated amp -($199)
Onkyo iTransporter (similar to Wadia) - ($225)
iPod touch -($199) or Squeezbox Touch -($250)
List prices

Sounds awesome for the money and if you buy used or at discount.......

Who said hifi can not sound great on the budget

That's a damn nice set up. How do you like the Onkyo?

Mariusz · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 04:48 am »

Quote

That's a damn nice set up. How do you like the Onkyo?

Like it a lot. My only complain - remote.

Delta Wave · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 04:50 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 11 Sep 2010, 04:48 am

Like it a lot. My only complain - remote.

No remote?! WTF?, don't the Japanese realize we're all inherently lazy over here?

Mariusz · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Sep 2010, 04:56 am »

Quote from: Delta Wave on 11 Sep 2010, 04:50 am

No remote?! WTF?, don't the Japanese realize we're all inherently lazy over here?

NO,no.... remote is there! - on the left side 2nd picture.
I only wish that it had nice display (like Squeezbox) and smarter interface.

eclein · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 03:21 am »

I'm seeing a bunch of different tubes on fleabay that will fit these units, lots of possible rolling options. I also noticed on the MavAudio website that they are gonna start using Raytheon Tubes as the upgrade tube option soon...if these sound good I would think they will easily sell especially given the price point. These could be fun to play with...

Mariusz · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 03:41 am »

Ryan was thoughtful enough to send one unit with upgraded JHY-Hytron tube (circa 1950) and two units with Chinese 6J1 tube (1972).
My initial listening will be done with stock Chinese tubes. However, I would like to send these our with tube option that would NOT require and encourage tube rolling. Why? Well, the top cover isn't that easy to remove and close to impossible to put back without damaging the enclosure or back of the face plate.
It will save ugly situations during
the tour. If someone decides to purchase the tour unit, it will also guarantee the unit's pristine condition.
If anyone has any recommendations as far as tube choices are concern ,......I'm all ears.

In the next few days, I would like to compare headphone output/sound of both DAC and amp units.
Then, another comparison ..... this time between preamp sections. Some more burn in and off to AC tour.

planet10 · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 05:17 am »

I note that this has pre-outs. Any idea how easy to make it a true pre-out/power-in, so that one could use it for bi-amping?

dave

justvisit · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 12:11 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 12 Sep 2010, 03:41 am

My initial listening will be done with stock Chinese tubes. However, I would like to send these our with tube option that would NOT require and encourage tube rolling. Why? Well, the top cover isn't that easy to remove and close to impossible to put back without damaging the enclosure or back of the face plate.
It will save ugly situations during
the tour. If someone decides to purchase the tour unit, it will also guarantee the unit's pristine condition.
If anyone has any recommendations as far as tube choices are concern ,......I'm all ears.

The sample belongs to our first production. Newly made unit will have a better "fitting" case so it is easy to open the case and put it back. For the first production units, all you need to do, is put the top cover from the left edge of the case and then right edge, bent the top cover a bit, and you can just put it back to the case. It will be very hard to put it from the back, but relatively easy from the left side to right side.

eclein · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 01:57 pm »

Mariusz..let me know if you still want me to send you the GE tubes.

Mariusz · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Sep 2010, 04:26 pm »

Quote from: justvisit on 12 Sep 2010, 12:11 pm

The sample belongs to our first production. Newly made unit will have a better "fitting" case so it is easy to open the case and put it back. For the first production units, all you need to do, is put the top cover from the left edge of the case and then right edge, bent the top cover a bit, and you can just put it back to the case. It will be very hard to put it from the back, but relatively easy from the left side to right side.

Thanks for clarification & hint Ryan.

Quote from: eclein on 12 Sep 2010, 01:57 pm

Mariusz..let me know if you still want me to send you the GE tubes.

Yes Ed, please do.

Mariusz

tabrink · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Sep 2010, 04:15 pm »

Maverick setup Integrated and DAC fed via wireless Touch with John Blue bookshelf's rocks my photography studio.

Mariusz · « **Reply #17 on:** 20 Sep 2010, 08:45 pm »

Hot setup.

Did you try it in your main rig or other setup?
What's you think?

Mariusz

tabrink · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 07:26 pm »

Hot setup.

Did you try it in your main rig or other setup?
What's you think?

I don't mes with my main listening space. It is just where I want it. Could not be happier.

Mariusz · « **Reply #19 on:** 22 Sep 2010, 12:07 am »

Totally understand.
And wished to poses such a self discipline.

Mariusz