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Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Vinnie Rossi => Topic started by: jtwrace on 12 May 2016, 01:00 am

Title: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 12 May 2016, 01:00 am
My LIO will arrive on Friday which was ordered shortly after Axpona.  AC member TomS brought his and hooked them up to the Clayton Shaw designed Spatial M3 Turbo S and it kicked ass.  I had a special request for Vinnie and he made it happen!  All will be revealed but this is the first like it but not the last.  I'm sure.   :green:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: zybar on 12 May 2016, 01:16 am
Congrats Jason!

I hope to be able to pair the LIO and the Spatial M3 Turbo S speakers by the end of the month.  Worst case, early June.

Tomorrow I will get my LIO DAC upgraded so it can power the microRendu.

Good times.   :dance: :dance: :dance:

George
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 12 May 2016, 01:26 am
All will be revealed but this is the first like it but not the last.

 :green: :green: :green: :green: :green:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 12 May 2016, 02:17 pm
:green: :green: :green: :green: :green:
:icon_lol:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 12 May 2016, 02:20 pm
Congrats Jason!

I hope to be able to pair the LIO and the Spatial M3 Turbo S speakers by the end of the month.  Worst case, early June.

Tomorrow I will get my LIO DAC upgraded so it can power the microRendu.

Good times.   :dance: :dance: :dance:

George
Great George!  I think you will be absolutely stunned with them.  I really do.  Nice on the µRendu power option.  I ordered the DSD Dac with the power option too.  Why not!?!?   :lol:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jriggy on 12 May 2016, 07:04 pm
Spit the beans J! What is your customization?!?!  :hyper:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: TomS on 12 May 2016, 07:18 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmzsWxPLIOo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmzsWxPLIOo)
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: zybar on 12 May 2016, 07:19 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmzsWxPLIOo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmzsWxPLIOo)

Great show!

George
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 12:27 pm
Today is the day!   :hyper:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 13 May 2016, 12:43 pm
Today is the day!

...when you and Vinnie will reveal what's new. ;)
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 12:45 pm
Spit the beans J! What is your customization?!?!  :hyper:

...when you and Vinnie will reveal what's new. ;)
How about now?
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 13 May 2016, 12:47 pm
How about now?

Make a video and put it on youtube, I could wait a bit longer. ;)
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 12:51 pm
Make a video and put it on youtube, I could wait a bit longer. ;)
I have ZERO time for that but good idea. 
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 13 May 2016, 01:01 pm
I have ZERO time for that but good idea.

Ok, I admit, I cannot wait anymore. :)
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: ebag4 on 13 May 2016, 01:29 pm
Ok, I admit, I cannot wait anymore. :)
x2 :thumb:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 02:28 pm
Before Axpona I spoke to Vinnie seriously about a LIO.  I had a request and he said he would contact Dave Slagle to find out cost and availability.  Well, needless to say the AVC-S/Tubestage was built for me.  AVC-S (Silver Autoformers).   :green:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 13 May 2016, 02:30 pm
Well, needless to say the AVC-S/Tubestage was built for me.  AVC-S (Silver Autoformers).   :green:

Sounds cool, but how does it sound compared to the regular one? Give us some more details/background for this, please.
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 02:35 pm
Sounds cool, but how does it sound compared to the regular one? Give us some more details/background for this, please.
I've heard the silver AVC's in a another solution and it was incredible.  The only way I was doing the LIO was with the silver autoformers.   :D
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 13 May 2016, 03:06 pm
I've heard the silver AVC's in a another solution and it was incredible.  The only way I was doing the LIO was with the silver autoformers.   :D

What's the premium one needs to pay for silver one?
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 03:16 pm
What's the premium one needs to pay for silver one?
You really don't want to know.  I'll let Vinnie answer that.   :o
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: mirekti on 13 May 2016, 03:33 pm
You really don't want to know. 

Given the price difference between copper and silver, I really do not.  :nono:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 06:02 pm
Given the price difference between copper and silver, I really do not.  :nono:
:oops:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 07:50 pm
Playing music!   :drool:


All black LIO including knobs
AVC-S/Tube stage (Silver Autoformers)
DSD Dac with µRendu power from Ultracapacitors
Headphone Amp (HPA)



Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: zybar on 13 May 2016, 07:54 pm
Playing music!   :drool:


All black LIO including knobs
AVC-S/Tube stage (Silver Autoformers)
DSD Dac with µRendu power from Ultracapacitors
Headphone Amp (HPA)

Congrats!

How about a pic or two of the inside?

My updated DAC with microRendu power connector just arrived. 

George
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 13 May 2016, 08:11 pm



 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142935)


 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142936)


 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142937)
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jriggy on 13 May 2016, 10:06 pm
Nice! 

I like black/black knobs/silver top.

Are the silver autoformers visible in that pic? Just curiosity, that's all.

You liking?
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 14 May 2016, 02:31 am
Nice! 

I like black/black knobs/silver top.
Good news is that with Vinnie Rossi you can get exactly what you want.   :thumb:

Quote
Are the silver autoformers visible in that pic? Just curiosity, that's all.

You liking?
No, and yes, it's badass.   :green:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: WG on 14 May 2016, 02:59 am
jtwrace--very interesting build.  Congratulations.  I would guess Vinnie does a certain amount of playing of each unit before they leave for QC purposes.  It will be interesting to read his impressions on presentation differences between website published AVC tubed, your Silver tubed AVC and DHT. 
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 14 May 2016, 03:04 am
jtwrace--very interesting build.  Congratulations.  I would guess Vinnie does a certain amount of playing of each unit before they leave for QC purposes.  It will be interesting to read his impressions on presentation differences between website published AVC tubed, your Silver tubed AVC and DHT.
Yes he does.  I'll let him comment on that if/when he feels like it. 
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: chrisl on 15 May 2016, 03:18 pm
jtwrace, what was your reasoning in going with AVC over the new DHT?

thanks
Chris
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 15 May 2016, 05:18 pm
jtwrace, what was your reasoning in going with AVC over the new DHT?

thanks
Chris
Well, a couple of things really.  First, I have a TAP-X from Bent Audio which I just love.  I never did the Silver AVC's in it b/c there are four of them and I just could never swallow the cost.   :o   That said the only way I was doing the LIO was with Silver AVC's as I heard them compared to the copper and I was shocked.  Yes, it was blind too.  As for the DHT, quite frankly, I"m just not into that but I'm sure it's spectacular.  The good news is Vinnie has many levels and options to suite everyone and their budget.  That's what makes the LIO so cool.   8)


I have two friends that own LIO's and they love them.  I haven't really understood their love affair they have with it until this week.  My LIO isn't going back to Vinnie.  No way!  It's more than I ever expected on many levels and I look forward to the next iteration of modules too.
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: brj on 15 May 2016, 08:39 pm
I have the silver AVCs in my balanced Bent Tap-X, and love them.  The cost did make me wince, but it was a purchase to last a lifetime, so I paid the price and am thrilled with the result.

I briefly pondered the idea for the AVC/Tubestage in my LIO, but since the LIO was destined for a second system, I couldn't quite justify it to myself and never even asked Vinnie about the option.  Of course, now the idea gnaws at me a bit...

(I've never been overly inclined toward tubes, though not for any clearly defined reason, but I do want to play with tubes in my AVC/Tubestage at some point to see what the potential is.  Something else on the never-ending list...)
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 15 May 2016, 09:34 pm
I have the silver AVCs in my balanced Bent Tap-X, and love them.  The cost did make me wince, but it was a purchase to last a lifetime, so I paid the price and am thrilled with the result.

I briefly pondered the idea for the AVC/Tubestage in my LIO, but since the LIO was destined for a second system, I couldn't quite justify it to myself and never even asked Vinnie about the option.  Of course, now the idea gnaws at me a bit...

(I've never been overly inclined toward tubes, though not for any clearly defined reason, but I do want to play with tubes in my AVC/Tubestage at some point to see what the potential is.  Something else on the never-ending list...)
The good news with the AVC/Tubestage is that Vinnie supplies you with a jumper so you can bypass the tubes without signal degradation.   ;)


I'd say it's time for you to order the Silver AVC LIO!   :D
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 16 May 2016, 12:26 pm
My only issue with the LIO so far is that I stay up way too late listening.   :sleep:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: chrisl on 16 May 2016, 04:18 pm
Thanks for sharing your opinion.  Much appreciated.

Well, a couple of things really.  First, I have a TAP-X from Bent Audio which I just love.  I never did the Silver AVC's in it b/c there are four of them and I just could never swallow the cost.   :o   That said the only way I was doing the LIO was with Silver AVC's as I heard them compared to the copper and I was shocked.  Yes, it was blind too.  As for the DHT, quite frankly, I"m just not into that but I'm sure it's spectacular.  The good news is Vinnie has many levels and options to suite everyone and their budget.  That's what makes the LIO so cool.   8)


I have two friends that own LIO's and they love them.  I haven't really understood their love affair they have with it until this week.  My LIO isn't going back to Vinnie.  No way!  It's more than I ever expected on many levels and I look forward to the next iteration of modules too.
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: SteveKi on 16 May 2016, 06:10 pm
You really don't want to know.  I'll let Vinnie answer that.   :o

Did Vinnie say that he was going to release Silver Autoformers as an option or upgrade?
Steve
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: Vinnie R. on 16 May 2016, 06:38 pm
All,

The LIO SILVER AVC/TUBESTAGE is something that I do not plan to offer on our website, but still might entertain
doing a few more on a custom basis.  The price difference between standard LIO AVC/Tubestage and
LIO SILVER AVC/TUBSTAGE is approx. $2K (Slagle silver AVCs are NOT cheap!).

No doubt about it - the Silver AVCs are an even 'more open window' to the music.  The differences start in the
upper midrange, and continue all the way up into the upper treble.  They are super clean, clear, open, and airy.  That's
where I really notice the improvement.  The nice part is that they are NOT bright.  I know silver sometimes gets a bad reputation for being brighter, more forward, etc.  Not this time... these sound very natural.  :)

So why not add them as another option at this time?  :dunno:

Simple.  I want to avoid having too many options for the LIO linestage.  I need to streamline things a bit more going forward,
and for this I plan to offer the following options for LIO Preamp and Integrated amp configurations:

- RVC + Tubestage  ("Level 1")
- AVC/Tubestage  ("Level 2")
- DHT PRE ("Level 3")


That being said - if LIO SILVER AVC/TUBESTAGE is something that you are really interested in, please email me... it will have more
lead-time, but I will still offer them on a custom basis. 

Quote
My only issue with the LIO so far is that I stay up way too late listening.   :sleep:

Hi jtwrace,

I know that problem very well!  :oops:   Glad you are enjoying it!

Vinnie
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: mirekti on 16 May 2016, 07:06 pm
The good news with the AVC/Tubestage is that Vinnie supplies you with a jumper so you can bypass the tubes without signal degradation.   ;)

Can someone clarify this a bit, please?
If one doesn't use the jumper than all the outputs (Phono, DAC, Analog) are configured to use tubes as and output stage, correct? This ACV/Tubestage is than used as an preamplifier for the AMP module, correct?
If one uses the jumper then there are no tubes and something else is used as a preamplifier or there is no preamplifier at all but the outputs (Phono, DAC, Analog) go directly to the AMP module?  :?
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: Vinnie R. on 16 May 2016, 07:12 pm
Can someone clarify this a bit, please?
If one doesn't use the jumper than all the outputs (Phono, DAC, Analog) are configured to use tubes as and output stage, correct? This ACV/Tubestage is than used as an preamplifier for the AMP module, correct?
If one uses the jumper then there are no tubes and something else is used as a preamplifier or there is no preamplifier at all but the outputs (Phono, DAC, Analog) go directly to the AMP module?  :?

Hi mirekti,

On the LIO AVC/TUBESTAGE board, there are 2 jumper settings.  One is for using the module as only an AVC module (no tubestage
following the AVCs).  The other settings (default) is for the AVC + Tubestage.

The AVC is the volume control (passive).  The Tubestage that follows it is a buffer (cathode follower).

Vinnie
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 16 May 2016, 09:13 pm
Telefunkens have been installed! 


 (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=143119)

 
Thanks TomS, Vinnie and Kevin at Upscale Audio.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: zybar on 16 May 2016, 09:16 pm
Telefunkens have been installed! 

 
Thanks TomS, Vinnie and Kevin at Upscale Audio.   :thumb:

Those are nice tubes...at some point I need to try them and see if I like them better than my Siemens CCA grey plates.

George
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 16 May 2016, 09:17 pm
Those are nice tubes...at some point I need to try them and see if I like them better than my Siemens CCA grey plates.

George
Have Vinnie bring them for you to try next time.   ;)   If not, I'll send you mine to try.  It's an expensive thing to just try...
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 20 May 2016, 02:36 am
My LIO is here to stay!  Not going back to Vinnie.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 20 May 2016, 02:42 am
Those are nice tubes...at some point I need to try them and see if I like them better than my Siemens CCA grey plates.

George
Have you tried the Telefunkens yet? 
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: zybar on 20 May 2016, 10:30 am
Have you tried the Telefunkens yet?

I have not.

Too busy doing DAC and microRendu comparisons.

George
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: YashN on 20 May 2016, 12:59 pm
Too busy doing DAC and microRendu comparisons.

Some people would love to have that problem   :green:

Where/when can we read your listening impressions with the microRendu?
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: zybar on 20 May 2016, 01:05 pm
Some people would love to have that problem   :green:

Where/when can we read your listening impressions with the microRendu?

Soon.

Need to stop listening and spend the time writing up my notes.

George
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 20 May 2016, 01:20 pm
Soon.

Need to stop listening and spend the time writing up my notes.

George
Looking forward to that thread!
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: ebag4 on 20 May 2016, 02:56 pm
Looking forward to that thread!
x2

jtwrace, did you note your observations between the LIO/microrendu and the Aries/Vega as well as any other combination of those components?  If so, where can I read them?

Best,
Ed

Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 20 May 2016, 06:19 pm
x2

jtwrace, did you note your observations between the LIO/microrendu and the Aries/Vega as well as any other combination of those components?  If so, where can I read them?

Best,
Ed
I haven't.  There are some on CA though by other members.  Currently I'll say that the µRendu is my primary bridge though. 
Title: Re: Looking forward to my new custom LIO (Silver Autoformers)
Post by: jtwrace on 27 May 2016, 12:30 am
I'm so very much enjoying my Silver AVC/Tubestage.  It's just so fun to listen to and amusing when I look at my rack with one box on it.   :lol:   If the DHT is "better" than this I don't know what to say.  Guess I'll find out in about a month.   :o