Santa's workshop now using exotic woods

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #20 on:** 27 Dec 2020, 09:59 pm »

Quote from: Stercom on 27 Dec 2020, 05:03 pm

Looking good BRM! Is that a VTV Purifi amp? How you liking it with the Wilsons? What buffer does it have?

VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Purifi Audio 1ET400A Amplifier
Input Buffer:
VTV Amplifier Custom Input Buffer w/ PR Sonic Imagery Labs 995FET Pro Opamp

12V Trigger:
No Trigger (Default)

Binding Post Option:
WBT-0702.01 TopLine

$1800, free shipping, no PP fees, 30 days not much risk there. I'm keeping this one.

Stercom · « **Reply #21 on:** 27 Dec 2020, 10:08 pm »

Thanks. I’ll be getting one soon.

happyrabbit · « **Reply #22 on:** 28 Dec 2020, 01:53 am »

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/discrete-opamp-review-sonic-imagery-vs-sparkos.10325/

Stercom · « **Reply #23 on:** 28 Dec 2020, 11:31 am »

Quote from: happyrabbit on 28 Dec 2020, 01:53 am

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/discrete-opamp-review-sonic-imagery-vs-sparkos.10325/

AudioScience didn't measure any difference in the Sparkos and Sonic Imagery buffers and says "This is not the most precise study of the differences between these two sets of discrete opamps." Thats interesting I guess.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #24 on:** 29 Dec 2020, 03:37 am »

Quick comment on the preamp. This is the best sound I have ever had in any room. Hands down addicting.

Don's manual is straightforward and he says you won't get much variation or expect to get much better sound with various 6SN7 variants. He's kinda right about that. Don provided Malcolm with CV181's and a decent 6BY5G. I have a slew of 6SN7's from the TRL Dude days and went out and added a few more rectifier tubes for kicks. After a few nights of rolling in some of my highly rated (by me) tubes I have a very sweet combination running and am wowed by this set-up. Very pleased with the VTV amps as well. Way more musical than anyone remembers Class D delivering.

In essence I took out $23k retail in 3 pieces of gear and put back about $8k in their place. Synergy, quality, simplicity.

mresseguie · « **Reply #25 on:** 29 Dec 2020, 04:24 am »

BRM,

As a dedicated D Sachs fanboy (who has heaped lots of praise on Don's gear on AC and elsewhere), I'm delighted and gratified that Don's Model 2 is performing so well for you. I bought the newest rendition of his Model 2 this year, and just couldn't bring myself to sell my 5-yr-old model, so it is in my audio system in Taiwan.

Enjoy!

Michael