AudioCircle
Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Abbingdon Music Research / iFi => Topic started by: Pez on 23 Jan 2017, 08:06 pm
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**TOUR has been filled. Please check: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=148425.msg1587523#new for posts relating to the tour.**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRtXBskPlus
iTube 2 tour
First of all I would like to say THANK YOU AC FOR YOUR SUPPORT! iFi could not be more excited to be part of this community. And for me personally I am ecstatic to be here in this capacity.
iTube 2
As you may have heard already, the successor to the the original iTube: the iTube 2 will ‘tubeify’ your desktop or two channel system. My personal experience with the iTube 2 completely changed my own opinion on buffers. Never been a fan before and have never heard one I liked, but the iTube 2 with it’s low noise floor and superb impedance matching and my personal favorite, SET mode, made all of my preconceptions disappear. It is a MUST for my system. And when I say any system I mean it. Desktop, 2 channel stereo. Hell, get 3 and use it for surround! The tonal improvement is vast and oh so sweet.
So, what is it?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=156765)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=156764)
Reloaded, next generation
The original iTube became the ‘go to’ tube buffer for any and every home audio system. The iTube2 with trickle-down technology from the flagship ‘Pro’ series has been redesigned with new parts and new circuitry. Only the GE5670 tube remains.
The iTube2 is a tubed output stage; tube preamp; tube buffer and an impedance-matching device. There is nothing like it. Put the iTube2 before a solid-state preamp with another iTube2 after it to create the effect of tubing the whole audio chain. Or simply use the iTube2 as a very high-quality preamp by itself.
The iTube2 sounds, by and far, like a tube amplifier ‘done right with the inimitable magic of tubes‘:
1. 1. Tube+® circuit for SET/Push-Pull/Classic tube amplifier signature
2. 2. 3D Holographic+® for Loudspeakers matrix system
3. 3. XBass+® for Loudspeakers matrix system
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=156701)
above: iTube2 in my iFi rig.
Features/Technologies
* High-end Direct Tube Buffer/High-End Direct Pre-amplifier
* Selectable tube sound signature (SET / Push-Pull / Classic)
* All-new 3D Holographic+® for Loudspeakers matrix system
* All-new XBass+® for Loudspeakers matrix system
* Pure analogue volume control
* Ultra-low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.009% (Tube+ off)
* 0dB or 9dB selectable gain
* Reference class parts quality from ELNA Silmic to C0G capacitors
* iPower (15V) included, ‘quieter than battery’ power supply
Tour info:
Now that we’ve discussed a bit of what the iTube 2 is lets talk about getting it into the hands of Audiocircle members!
Am I eligible for the tour?
For this tour we are dedicating 2 iTube 2 units to make the rounds to members. For now we are limiting the tour to US only. We will reevaluate extending the tour to other regions if there is an interest, but for now, lets get things going state side.
If you’re in the US the congrats, you are eligible!
How do I sign up?
To sign up, simply send me a PM here at AC titled: iTube2 Tour
In the PM include the following:
1. Your location
2. Tell us what gear you are planning on connecting the iTube 2 to.
3. If you have any reviews that you have previously done let us know!
4. Post 'I'm interested!' here along with some info on your setup and how you will use the iTube2 too help keep this topic rolling.
Deadline to sign up for the tour process is 3rd of February 2017. Those who sign up will be announced/contacted thereafter.
Rules:
1. Each ACer will be given 1 week to spend with the unit.
2. After the trial period each individual will be responsible for safely packing the unit, shipping the unit to the next ACer and covering the shipping costs.
3. Each ACer will be required to post a review of the iTube2 within 1 week of shipping the unit off to the net ACer right here on the tour page.
4. Most importantly, lets have fun with this! Use it in your main system, your headphone system. Enjoy the Tubey goodness all over!
Bonus:
:guitar: :drums: :beer: :bounce: :rock:
We will be raffling off an iTube2 unit to one lucky iFi fan who participate in the tour! Not playing favorites, we will chose the winners at random. Your entry into the tour is all you need to qualify for the raffle. Winner will be announced after the tour is complete. :thumb:
One last thing: If you haven't already, check out Tyson's Review! (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=148097.0) and thank you to Tyson for your review! What a great way to get this tour off to an exciting start!
I'll post our more detailed tech notes on iTube2 soon, stay tuned!
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Wow -- talk about quick turnaround time!! I sent a note to Pez about an hour ago on this very topic.
I'm 'in'......that is, if you'll have me. :D
I can compare this in my main rig as well as my iFi desktop set up (used to compare the original iDSD to the iDSD BL just a couple weeks ago).
Let the Games begin!!
-dB
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"I'm interested"
My current systems consist of MacBook Air; DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core (DAC/preamp/bass DSP); Channel Island Audio D-100 mono-blocks; Brines Acoustics M18-F200 (transmission line floor-standers with Fostex F200A driver - 30-20,000 Hz, AlNiCo magnet) with Late Ceiling Splash tweeters
or
MacBook Air; DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core (DAC/preamp/bass DSP); Dynaudio BM5 Mk III. I listen near-field in my own 8ft x 13ft x 21ft room.
Years ago tried hard to warm up to SET's but couldn't find efficient enough speakers that I liked. Since then have tried two tube integrated amps, one had tube magic but flabby bass, the other had good bass damping but almost no tubbiness. I'm a frugal minimalist, but the iFi iTube 2 seems very promising. It will go downstream of the DSP Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core.
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We have 6 people so far! :thumb: Keep em coming guys and please post here as well as PMing me if you are wanting to participate in the tour. :thumb:
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I am interested. I have yet to hear something with tubes in it.
Is the cost of this thing in the range of the original iTube? Just asking since I haven't seen it for sale anywhere yet. Including at the link in the previous post.
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Please put me next as I am looking for a tube "pre" to add and have been reading great things. JLM> could I use it after you are done and then send along, or maybe we can get together to try it out sometime?
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Years ago tried hard to warm up to SET's but couldn't find efficient enough speakers that I liked. Since then have tried two tube integrated amps, one had tube magic but flabby bass, the other had good bass damping but almost no tubbiness. I'm a frugal minimalist, but the iFi iTube 2 seems very promising. It will go downstream of the DSP Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core.
I had used the first gen iTube/Dspeaker combo with very good results. The soundstage opened way up and micro details were displayed in a way that brought me closer to the music. I used it in straight 0db buffer mode for the best results in my system. Hope the ITube2 brings the same and more to your system.
Chris
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(Been trying to post this all day since the site was down and having problems doing this for a while now.)
Hopefully, if this iTube2 is all that has been said about it - it's just what I'm looking for - especially at a low cost.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=139706.0
It's slightly better now than since I last posted but I'm hoping this will tame my system at loud levels.
Laptop> Upton Regen>AVA Ultra DAC>Odyssey Tempest>AVA Synergy 240_Philharmonitors
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charmerci, put the iTube2 between your DAC and your pre and that will definitely help. The cool thing about the iTube2 is you can dial up or dial down the level of "tubiness" to suit your needs by flipping a single switch on the iTube2. In my music system, I leave it in the least tubiness setting (middle), but for my HT setup I use either the moderate tubiness (bottom) or sometimes the highest tubeiness setting (top) setting. Nice to have that option.
Also, if you only have one source, you could use the iTube2 as a preamp and bypass your tempest and see how that sounds, too.
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Pez, a question about the iTube2 (will be useful for tour members): when the iTube2 is inline, say between DAC-pre or DAC-amp, what is the effect when the iTube2 is turned off? Does it become just a signal pass-through? If so, that would make it easy to test its effect without having to disconnect cables and re-route -- just turn on/off to A/B test its sonic impact. If not, I imagine re-cabling would be required to move the iTube2 in/out of one's setup.
-dB
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Pez, a question about the iTube2 (will be useful for tour members): when the iTube2 is inline, say between DAC-pre or DAC-amp, what is the effect when the iTube2 is turned off? Does it become just a signal pass-through? If so, that would make it easy to test its effect without having to disconnect cables and re-route -- just turn on/off to A/B test its sonic impact. If not, I imagine re-cabling would be required to move the iTube2 in/out of one's setup.
-dB
The effect of turning the iTube2 off is the lowest noise floor you'll ever hear. Complete and utter silence. :P Seriously though, the iTube2 must be turned on in any case to produce sound. :thumb: Yes you would need to take the iTube2 out of the signal path to do a comparison with and without.
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I am interested!
I have two setups:
1) (HT) AppleTV> AVA Insight Dac> NAD integrated> Salk Songtowers
2) Macbook> Beresford DAC> AVA T8+ tube preamp> AVA Omega 260 EXH> Philharmonic 3 series
Will use iTube2 in the first one as a preamp, and may try it in the 2nd setup between the T8 and the power amp.
Thanks for doing it!
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I'm curious and interested in the tour.
System in a large (>5000 cu ft room):
microRendu > Lampizator Big7 DAC w/volume control > Line Magnetic 518ia amp, First Watt F7 amp, Odyssey Kismet in Khartago amp > Daedalus DA-RMa V2 speakers with stereo subs for lowest end support
The system already has quite a few tubes, so I'm curious mainly about the character of this particular tube in the mix in terms of system synergy, as well as adding another option for volume control, and also comparing claims of how transparent this iTube is to source. The Lampizator Big7 already has a very transparent and high quality passive volume control integrated into it, besting both a Hattor and Tortuga outboard passives, and which can also be bypassed by setting to highest volume setting. So, it will be interesting to hear how this iTube integrates into a high quality all-tube setup, and also whether it adds any magic between the DAC and the solid state amp pairings.
I'm curious if I'll agree with Tyson's claim that it will benefit ANY system.
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genjamon,
I'm interested too! I don't have a tubed DAC, so the iTube2 fit in very nicely in my system, but if I did have a tube DAC, hmmm, I don't know maybe it would be superfluous. I'm really quite interested to hear, because otherwise your system is pretty similar in terms of approach and quality. I have an iFi iDSD Micro Silver DAC, a custom built tube preamp based on the Hagerman Clarinet, a First Watt BA3 amp all feeding a pair of Serenity Acoustic Super 7 OB planar magnetic speakers. Very high quality BUT I don't have a tube DAC. So very curious to hear your impressions.
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Glad you're curious, too, Tyson. And I'll be happy to share my impressions here. FWIW, I do have a fair variety of tubes for both the Lampi and the Line Magnetic that very much impact overall system synergy and voicing. For instance, I currently run Takatsuki 300B tubes in the Lampi, but switching to KR 45's is a less lush and more linear sound, and switching to Psvane WE101D replicas is a very detailed and much leaner sound. And there are rectifier swapping options too. All of these tube combinations have their strengths, but also their weaknesses. Nothing is ever perfect in this hobby. I'm sure I'll be able to find a good fit, and maybe more than one, and it will be interesting to try the different iTube modes with some of these tube choices. If iTube is very transparent, and just adds quality organic character and soundstage, it's possible it will ameliorate a weakness, or help a cheaper tube combo to sound like a more expensive one. This is where I'd be interested in purchasing, as most of these DHT tubes are very expensive, and multiples of what the iTube costs itself.
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I'm interested!
I have a small 2 channel system with Timepiece Minis, W4S amps, Bryston BDA1 , Tortuga passive pre and some Sony sources. I am also signed up for the Tortuga tube buffer tour and would compare the 2. I have previously never owned any tubed gear.
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charmerci, put the iTube2 between your DAC and your pre and that will definitely help. The cool thing about the iTube2 is you can dial up or dial down the level of "tubiness" to suit your needs by flipping a single switch on the iTube2. In my music system, I leave it in the least tubiness setting (middle), but for my HT setup I use either the moderate tubiness (bottom) or sometimes the highest tubeiness setting (top) setting. Nice to have that option.
Also, if you only have one source, you could use the iTube2 as a preamp and bypass your tempest and see how that sounds, too.
Of course, I'll definitely try that as well as from the CD player into the amp and through an ODAC that I still have.
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I've never been on a tour before. Do I get any notice of when to expect the piece (so it doesn't get left on the front step while I cruise the Med for a month - highly unlikely :roll:)? Will delivery require an adult signature (I'm not home 24/365)? How do I know who to ship it to next?
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I've never been on a tour before. Do I get any notice of when to expect the piece (so it doesn't get left on the front step while I cruise the Med for a month - highly unlikely :roll:)? Will delivery require an adult signature (I'm not home 24/365)? How do I know who to ship it to next?
for all those who are curious about the next step, stay tuned. I'll be sending out more info soon! I will coordinate with senders/recipients once things get officially kicked off.
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Definitely intertested, but I live on the wrong side of the ocean... :(
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If you are above this line and did not receive a PM regarding further instructions please PM me and let me know! I'm pretty sure I got everyone, but don't want anyone to fall through the cracks. :thumb:
_______________________________________ _______________________________________ ___________
If you are below this line, please PM me to join the fun! I don't need your address just yet folks, just your general location. :thumb:
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_______________________________________ _______________________________________ ___________
If you are below this line, please PM me to join the fun! I don't need your address just yet folks, just your general location. :thumb:
But not too many! :lol: I've seen these tours before and they can take forever!!!
Is there going to be a limit? Or would you send out 2?
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Here's the room/system that I'll be auditioning in:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=156890)
And a close up of the DAC/preamp/DSP with it's power supply and mono-blocks:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=156891)
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But not too many! :lol: I've seen these tours before and they can take forever!!!
Is there going to be a limit? Or would you send out 2?
We are limiting to two units for now. If you're already on the list you are first up to receive it so don't sweat it!
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Here's the room/system that I'll be auditioning
And a close up of the DAC/preamp/DSP with it's power supply and mono-blocks:
Oh ya, this is EXACTLY the type of setup the iTube2 loves to be in. Simple but excellent. :thumb:
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If there's ever a Canadian leg of the tour (or if the last guy on the American tour happens to live near the border and can skip over to avoid all the customs hassles), I'd be interested in trying this out.
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I'm a 1.5 hour drive from Sarnia ON, but it's a big border. Where are you located?
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I'm in Winnipeg. The only thing close to here is... Grand Forks. Maybe Minneapolis if I go another 6 hours.
Shipping anything to Winnipeg sucks hard, because our customs port is also a training centre, so they get *super* picky and flag absolutely everything with fees and taxes. I once bought some small bookshelves and the customs officer decided "looks too nice, must be new" and forced me to declare a price higher than what I'd actually paid.
Which is why I ask if there's already one in Canada, or if whoever's near a border would be able to skip over and ship it out on the Canadian side. But no worries if that's not convenient for anyone.
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Hello Pez,
I am very interested in tryng this unit out. I would place it between pre and power amp.
Associated gear:
Sources-
SOTA Sapphire with SME M-9 and Dynavector D173
CEC TL-51X silver disc transport
Apple Mac Mini (2011)
Metrum Acoustics HEX DAC
Naim Nat-05
Preamps-
Bryston BHA-1 headphone amp that has balanced pre outs
Soon to be replaced by a Pass Labs XP-20
Amplification-
Pass Labs X350.5
Speakers-
Professional Monitor Company EB1i
Cabling-
Jena Labs Symphony (between pre and power)
Cardas Golden Cross (rest of system)
Thanks for the opportunity!
JakeJ
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Hopefully there will be some folks on the tour who already own the 1st gen iTube, and can compare the two. I have tried several tube buffers, and found the original iTube to sound the best.
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I don't own the first gen iTube but know someone who does and am negotiating to borrow it as it is not being used right now. :thumb:
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I believe the original Itube has the digital antidote technology and the mark 2 version does not.I'm.
Trying to get that confirmed from someone
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The new iTube2 does not have digital antidote. :thumb:
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If there's a spot left I'll hop on board the tour.
I'd like to try it in my home system which consists of a Sonore microRendu>Lampizator Atlantic>Melody AN845>Vapor Cirrus Blacks
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I'm interested!
Will slot the iTube 2 between my Mojo Audio DAC and Karan amp. Will it add some tube goodies to my entirely solid state rig? We shall see!
-Mike
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Hopefully there will be some folks on the tour who already own the 1st gen iTube, and can compare the two. I have tried several tube buffers, and found the original iTube to sound the best.
I requested to be on the tour today & I have a 1st gen iTube.
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Ok Folks, we are T minus 5 days until the tour launches. Here is a list (in no particular order) of the folks who have signed up as of now. If you signed up and your name is NOT on this list, please PM me asap to correct. first name last initial is how I'm doing this:
1.Ben C
2. Charles M
3. Michael L
4. Rodney Q
5. Den N
6. Dave B
7. Jeffrey M
8. Artem G
9. Thomas R
10. Michael A
11. Ted K
We are almost full folks. Here's the reality on the ground, I can only accept 16 people total if you are still interested let me know ASAP. Over the weekend I got 3 more participants so now we only have 5 spots available. The iTube2 has proven to be a runaway hit already and our stock is so low we cannot support having any more of these out. In laymen's terms; ALL ABOARD!!!
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I requested to be on the tour today & I have a 1st gen iTube.
Yep gotcha! Added.
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I'm interested, and sent a pm.
I'm currently using, and am impressed with the iTube in my dedicated 2 channel system to balance impedance in a bi-amp configuration.
Thanks.
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While I don't see my name on the list in post #36 I did recieve your PM, Pez, and responded.
Again I thank you as I am very happy with the iLink I recently connected between my Apple music server and my Metrum Acoustics HEX DAC. Drives me to try more iFi Audio gear. There was an audible layer of "digititis" that has been removed. Digititis to me is upper treble sibilance in female vocals and/or a hashy sound that obsures the finer details in cymbals, piccolos, and higher violin notes.
Looking forward to playing with the iTube2. I should have the Pass XP-20 in house sometime between Feb 10-13. Really hoping to be next to last or last so I have time to get used to the XP-20 and a bonus will be that the iTube2 will be run in completely. :thumb:
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I haven't had much luck finding a US price list for the iFi gear, so what's the MSRP of the iTube2?
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I haven't had much luck finding a US price list for the iFi gear, so what's the MSRP of the iTube2?
$375
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I'd love to give it a try. I'll put it between my Sony UDA-1 DAC and Odyssey Cyclops to try and soften up the sound.
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Are both of your iTube 2's going out on tour? Just trying to get a feel as to the wait (and I have friends who would like to catch a listen).
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Are both of your iTube 2's going out on tour? Just trying to get a feel as to the wait (and I have friends who would like to catch a listen).
We ran aground of our own success a little in that we actually only have one unit on hand at the moment. :oops: This is spoken for already for the tour. I have one other here with a trusted reviewer who will likely post impressions soon. 8) That unit will be utilized for the tour as well making 2 out in the field. Fair warning, I will be militant about making sure folks are able to get their time in and ready it for the next tour member. I appreciate everyone's cooperation! I can't wait to get this started. :thumb:
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The nice thing about a tour is that the unit will already be broken in, so no need to spend a lot of time on that.
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The other nice thing? WE HAVE ONE SPOT LEFT! First come first served. :thumb:
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I'll give it a shot if the spot is still open.
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I'll give it a shot if the spot is still open.
Great! Send me a PM to make it official:
In the PM include the following:
1. Your location
2. Tell us what gear you are planning on connecting the iTube 2 to.
3. If you have any reviews that you have previously done let us know!
4. Post 'I'm interested!' here along with some info on your setup and how you will use the iTube2 too help keep this topic rolling.
:thumb:
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I'm interested!
My current setup consists of a Bluesound Node2, Luminous Audio Axiom W/Walker Mods, and soon to be released monoblocks which I'm sworn to secrecy until their announcement. However, I'll be using the iTube between the Node2 and the Luminous Axiom as well as in place of the Axiom as a standalone preamplifier. I haven't written many "formal" reviews, but I'd definitely give it a shot compared to what I'm currently using of how it (hopefully) improves upon what I'm hearing. Speakers are a DIY build designed by Paul Carmody called "Carrera". I built them with upgraded crossovers and wrapped them in block mottled makore veneer. Cables are nothing too special but soon to be upgraded to Atlas Cables or Mapleshade.
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OK guys! that's the last for the tour. I will post a list of the folks who are included here, again to verify I didn't miss anyone. We will get thing rocking and rolling very soon. :thumb:
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May the Tour begin -- let loose the pigeons!!!
-dB
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Smithers, release the hounds.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=157316)
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Y'all ready for this?
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eOJ32gNM0qc/hqdefault.jpg)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=157323)
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Gents,
Got on the tour 2nd to last. I will be using the iTube2 between my Dac and preamp and as a preamp from Dac to Amps.
Here is a list of the iFi products I have used and some I continue to use:
Did Own: iPhono, AMR Fuses
Currently Own: iUSB, iTube, DC Purifier, NOS 6922 Tubes
System: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=systems;system=1069
Chris
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We had one spot open up folks, Get it while it's hot. :flame:
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Best tour I have ever been on. :thumb:
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Best tour I have ever been on. :thumb:
Wait -- is it over already? :lol:
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Wait -- is it over already? :lol:
Hmmmm think I'll leave this on alone... :green:
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Wait -- is it over already? :lol:
For him it is! :shh:
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I'm likely below the line. I always end up choosing the SLOWEST line in Costco to check out in addition to getting turned away by the cashier to line up in the next LONGEST line. :green:
But still interested and I'd be trying this in:
PS Audio PWD MkII DAC w/Bridge -> NuPrime DAC-10 -> NuPrime STA-9 monoblock pair -> Spatial M3 Turbo S
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Ok that's full up again.
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Pez do you know if a balanced version of the iTube is planned? I'd like to try one but my set up is balanced and having to use XLR to RCA adaptors with the iTube I think would degrade the SQ.
Mike
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Pez do you know if a balanced version of the iTube is planned? I'd like to try one but my set up is balanced and having to use XLR to RCA adaptors with the iTube I think would degrade the SQ.
Mike
Good question. I just bought RCA/XLR interconnects so I can try the iTube 2 on my active monitors.
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The form factor of the iFi as far as I know are not large enough for balanced connectors.
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Pez do you know if a balanced version of the iTube is planned? I'd like to try one but my set up is balanced and having to use XLR to RCA adaptors with the iTube I think would degrade the SQ.
Mike
We like to keep an open mind regarding potential ideas. That said, we currently do not have anything coming down the pipeline like this in the immediate future. Though we do have other fun goodies in store! :thumb:
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The iTubester, with a good source, into active monitors with great drivers and high slew rates will be an interesting review.
The choice of PP or SET to me, in a little box, is fascinating.
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Final tally. This is more for folks who are not on the list than for those who are. If I missed anyone PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP. I will make extra space if I have to, but I need to know sooner rather than later.
For the list here is who I have in no particular order. We have a perfect split of east coast/west coast tour and units will be sent out TODAY!!!! :guitar: :drums: :rock: :beer: :banana piano: :hyper:
1. Ben C
2. Charles M
3. Michael L
4. Rodney Q
5. Den N
6. Ted K
7. Dave B
8. Jeffrey M
9. Artem G
10. Thomas R
11. Michael A
12. Mark C
13. Robert J
14. Chris R
15. Steven Z
16. David K
17. Jason C
If you signed up and do not see your name on the list please send me a PM and I'll get it straightened out asap. In a few hours I will send out an email to all those on the tour with further instruction and other info we will need to gather. Thank you all for your interest!
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Pez,
Way cool! :thumb:
Can you post or send to reviewers the order of delivery for each tour?
Changes might need to be made due to reviewer availability.
Chris
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Pez,
Way cool! :thumb:
Can you post or send to reviewers the order of delivery for each tour?
Changes might need to be made due to reviewer availability.
Chris
+1
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Pez,
Way cool! :thumb:
Can you post or send to reviewers the order of delivery for each tour?
Changes might need to be made due to reviewer availability.
Chris
Working it all out now my friends. We just happened to have a perfect 8/8 split on east coast west coast. One thing I want to mention is we are going based on location, not order of signing up. This is purely a logistics decision and I hope folks don't mind that we had to do it this way in order to reduce shipping time and cost.