AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Bent Audio Owners => Topic started by: anwar1965 on 2 Nov 2014, 06:04 am
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This is my first post. I am a happy owner of Bent Tap-X configured as a 5-channel HT preamp, plus input select functionality for the front 2 stereo channels (fully balanced for inputs 5 & 6). The center and rear channels are single-ended. There are 7 copper slagleformers altogether inside the deep chassis.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107938)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107981)
For HT, I am using Oppo 95. The main FL + FR channels are from Oppo XLR output, the C, SL, SR from Oppo RCA output. Since there is no switching for C, SL and SR channels, I need to switch off my 3-channel HT power amp when not in HT mode. There is no need for subwoofer channel since I am running the front speakers as large. The XLR output from Tap-X goes into Bryston 10B-SUB which manages the crossover for the bookshelf speakers and subwoofer.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107944)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107941)
Originally intended for use as HT preamp only, my Tap-X has become the preamp of my stereo + HT system. My original stereo preamp is the AR Ref 5 SE used with Rotel RSP-1570 processor. Now, there is no more need to waste tube life in HT processor (bypass) mode. The other stereo sources are AR Ref 2 SE phono stage (balanced) and Ayon CD-07 (single-ended).
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=107943)
What a different experience I have now with almost no background noise and high resolution sound I am getting. The Auric OHNO wires need time to break in as initially it does not sound that good, but now it performing very well. It was a very nice experience working with John Chapman in building this unit.
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GRRRRRRRRREAT Build! I have had similar thoughts as well. Some may think that you are crazy for using TAPX technology/autoformers with HT, but NO! You are absolutely right on! Thank you so much for sharing.
Best,
Anand.
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Very cool build!
Now I know what all that extra space is for in my double deep Tap-X enclosure :thumb:
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Awesome preamp, you did good :thumb:. John is a great guy to talk with, very knowledgeable and always helpful.
If I had the money to start over I'd sell off all my stuff and get a Tap-X with a tube amp and some high efficiency loudspeakers, I can always dream.
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Do you like the Tap-X better than your ARC REF 2?
I have a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2. It's 20 years old with a butt load of old caps in it.
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I am still using AR Ref 2 SE phono stage. Compared to AR Ref 5 SE preamp which has bigger soundstage, the Tap-X sounds more refined (higher resolution) at the expense of soundstage size. Low frequency sounds better with Tap-X, maybe due to impedance mismatch between my Ref 5 SE with Bryston 10B (15k vs > 20k required). What impressed me the most is non-existence background noise with Tap-X. When Ref 2 SE is used an input with Tap-X, the MC gain noise is very faint compared to much louder noise with Ref 5 SE.
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What impressed me the most is non-existence background noise with Tap-X.
I hear ya. That's what I don't like about my SFL-2 is tube noise. Someday I hope to own a Tap-X.
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Compared to AR Ref 5 SE preamp which has bigger soundstage, the Tap-X sounds more refined (higher resolution) at the expense of soundstage size.
Interesting. I found the opposite compared to my previous tube pre. In fact, I think the TAP did everything better.
What impressed me the most is non-existence background noise with Tap-X. When Ref 2 SE is used an input with Tap-X, the MC gain noise is very faint compared to much louder noise with Ref 5 SE.
Yes, people do not believe me when I say there is ZERO noise from it. Nothing. Zilch.
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Hello!
Thanks so much for posting pictures of your build - first one like it! Have fun with it and also with your future projects!
John
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Off topic, but did you build those awesome audio stands yourself?
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The stands were purchased. I live in Penang, Malaysia. Each stand platform was made by gluing a few types of local woods together.