[NIGHTFALL1970]

Robwn,
The Bully’s are very revealing so good recordings sound good, but bad ones are very noticeable. When I listened to Eagles “One of these nights” it sounded fantastic. The second song however, “too many hands”
(A great song) sounds very bright and boosted. I took out my old record and that song is very low in volume compared to the rest of the album. I think when it was mastered for CD the volume was boosted on it. I decided to get a different DAC. I purchased a Topping Centarus which is an R2R DAC. Everything sounds so much smoother and more natural. I can now enjoy songs that I couldn’t before. It’s expensive at $1000 but it’s 1.5 times cheaper than my other DAC. Definitely worth it.

[robwm]

It's a nice looking piece of equipment for sure. I wouldn't mind trying it out.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Looks like it’s on sale right now at Apos.audio.

[robwm]

I'm still enjoying bypassing the Wiim Pro DAC and using the Outlaw RR2160 DAC instead.

Last night I was listening to Juno Reactor - Bible of Dreams. It has a lot of effects going on where music feels like it is literally floating all around the room. The one thing I noticed is that this music has a really sustained soundstage. I started kicking my speakers around a bit to see if I could dial in the soundstage a bit better. The left speaker is closer to the side wall than the right one. I moved my left speaker toward the right about 2 inches. After that, I was aware that there was more soundstage than before and I could hear more detail in my left ear.

Needless to say, this has completely changed the way they sound. I will have to start over with my evaluation. 

I posted my Bully review on the GR Research website if you're interested.

-Rob

[robwm]

I ordered the Fosi Audio ZD3 fully balanced desktop DAC. The DAC in my Outlaw receiver sounds alright but it has a low-end DAC installed but better than the Wiim DAC. The ZD3 has the ability to roll the op amps, and the Outlaw cannot do this.

The main reason for the DAC purchase is that I have a plan to buy a Galion TS P75 preamp and it has no DAC installed. https://www.galion-audio.com/pages/ts-p75-preamp

I have to admit that I am not sure I could hear these speakers changing as they break in. I would say they do sound better than the first hour I played them, but they have always sounded great from that point on. I'm not even sure how many hours I have used them, but I might still be under 200 hours at this point. The only thing I notice is that the subwoofers "seem" to be more sensitive than in the beginning.

Unfortunately, the Outlaw receiver is having issues where no audio is present. If I cycle power on the Outlaw, it resolves the issue for the rest of the listening session, as near as I can tell. It has never repeated after a power cycle. I guess I shouldn't be playing Galion youtube videos through the Outlaw. It is rebelling! 

[corndog71]

Another DAC to consider is the Schiit Mimir.  It also has balanced outputs and sounds very good for $300!  It has a very clean and dynamic sound and good soundstaging. 

Schiit is also coming out with their best DAC yet, Yggdrasil “Byggy”. 

[robwm]

I hooked up my new Fosi Audio ZD3 dac and it sounds pretty good to me, but it is not drastically different than it sounded before.

I did hear an enhanced sound stage that was nearly like wearing headphones. I'm not sure if this is done by the dac or the speakers are breaking in more. Before connecting the Fosi, the band sounded like it was playing 4 feet away from me. Now that I added this dac, the band sounds like they are in my lap. I feel like the music is too much in my face and I'm considering moving the speakers away from me some. They are 52" from the back wall so there is room to move the away a bit.

I still notice that there are still some harsh highs, but it is improving with each change I have made.

It seems like the experience with the Bullies is ever changing. I have years of discoveries ahead of me!

By the way, I'm planning to purchase a Galion TS P75 in a couple of weeks to hook up to my Outlaw. I hope this further improves my experience.

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

I hooked up my new Fosi Audio ZD3 dac and it sounds pretty good to me, but it is not drastically different than it sounded before.

I did hear an enhanced sound stage that was nearly like wearing headphones. I'm not sure if this is done by the dac or the speakers are breaking in more. Before connecting the Fosi, the band sounded like it was playing 4 feet away from me. Now that I added this dac, the band sounds like they are in my lap. I feel like the music is too much in my face and I'm considering moving the speakers away from me some. They are 52" from the back wall so there is room to move the away a bit.

I still notice that there are still some harsh highs, but it is improving with each change I have made.

It seems like the experience with the Bullies is ever changing. I have years of discoveries ahead of me!

By the way, I'm planning to purchase a Galion TS P75 in a couple of weeks to hook up to my Outlaw. I hope this further improves my experience.

Robwm,

I just want to mention, I have a Galion TS120SE which is the big brother to the Galion TS75 model your interested in. Perhaps, your aware of Danny’s reviews on the two Galion models.

My point is, If you want to save a lot of cash, and have a better sounding amp / LPS combo that will outperform both Galions, consider buying a $72.00 Douk Audio A5, alongside a used Acopian A24H850 regulated linear power supply, using a pair of Sparko's or even better Staccato op amps.

Danny and I both agree it definitely outperforms my $4,500 TS120SE. After extensive A/B comparing It’s a far better option. With your Bully’s being 94 db efficient, they will play plenty loud enough in a small or medium size room effortlessly.

Note: Our drawn conclusions are based on the A5 being connected to a Linear power supply, used with upgraded op-amps. For example Sparko's.
         We also are using the A5 connected with a tube preamp. This combination of class D amp and tube preamplification provides excellent synergy.

Based on some calculations:
This calculation assumes an 8-ohm speaker impedance for the GR-Research Bully speakers, which allows the Douk Audio A5 to output 94 watts of continuous power with the Acopian A24H850 power supply.

Using the values for this system: Sensitivity: 94 dB (at 1W/1m)Power: 65 W (maximum clean power output) \(SPL_{max}=94\text{\ dB}+10\times \log _{10}(65)\)\(SPL_{max}=94\text{\ dB}+10\times 1.81\text{\ dB}\)\(SPL_{max}=94\text{\ dB}+18.1\text{\ dB}\)\(SPL_{max}\approx **112.1\text{\ dB}**\)  112! Not bad, any more than that, your destroying your ears! For that matter anything over 85 db for extended periods is unhealthy for your ears.


I only wish I had someone advising me. Although, I would take the money saved and buy a tube pre-amplifier, taking it to a higher level yet.

I’m using the A5 with my NX-studio’s and a pair of sealed subs. Even Danny advised me, his  buddy, with a pair of $8k mono’s, said the A5 competes with them. Evidently, Danny’s buddy was so enthusiastic, he had a few choice words!   A holy chit moment? LOL

If you think you may be interested, we have a thread on the A5, many others have contributed their opinions and idea’s improving this incredible little amp. Obviously you could buy a 48 volt, 8-10 amp linear supply, but It will be more. I’m showing a budget way that will still outperform the T75.  NO B.S.!  ……….The Douk Audio A5 is that good!

I took a step further, buying a Acopian A48HT850 48volt 8.5 amp regulated power supply. This power supply would really upset your neighbors.
It plays way louder than I'll ever use, and I'm a percussionist!  It's over 300 watt's.

Thought I would provide a better amp for consideration.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

https://doukaudio.com/products/douk-audio-a5-tpa3255-stereo-amp-hifi-audio-class-d-amplifier-high-pass-filter

The ebay seller link below, just emailed me a offer for $65.00 plus shipping. I'm sure you could barter even more on shipping cost. He must want to sell it pretty badly.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/333394376778?_skw=Acopian+A24H850&epid=28018148895&itmmeta=01K9DH01PP0382TC7FJ4GHCF6S&hash=item4d9fda784a:g:mrcAAOSwdQFdybkW&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fxipOI%2FPzpIZsw7G5CnV4J9yp6zL8k0A6Wa426GP75xHBXfw5kevocrVecmmXfa%2BORzoEKjcOxDAFWbuajJ9thjn0mJ4rcnncf875Pru0LtXnYwFKvbT27NGDpcSsxt16J%2B4bKA7Sc2NuleErMkg%2BvmYfC05a%2FwifgffGfy0a6o3hUZ%2BOzhURatMbJN%2BT0V8GUJ3Sbui9nD59g9b90OdpXaAV1%2F2QgGKC%2BAP9KN4yJVe8KpOzdxlduP2evikHWRseBJnpsT5fXhn4ORAAvNpJq9D2MrRju3dxQ9JVhToKUXg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMvpuAsctm

https://partsconnexion.com/sparkos-labs-ss3602-opamp-8pin-dip-dual/

USED ACOPIAN A48HT850 on ebay for sale, Just like the model I own below,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/282006410300?_skw=Acopian+A48HT850&itmmeta=01K9DHY2WHPAYB9QRN71KMPTQD&hash=item41a8e4543c:g:6TIAAOSw~oFXEVbV&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1c0DkgBZnIiJs8eFdt2W7WyRWVD1aLRsmLqbW8jJoipgyQONIqqPgKjQ11nGOortDNoxkAyKxooflVMnuoRD4EBxrE5QSN7j10KV1nA1lSYpC0NXYfWUTa5GvKvkC4PfdqWmL6UFzdQo79oivKSPBs0w4r1o1Kop34FG0Cu512OwRAmj%2F05%2F96S62kD%2FRI9bptvBXTdnj8ygRE%2FrriIvC%2BMd%2Fgm5Fwyr5Nnuul0q%2FPvElQC9WUKGhGPQsdUfRsAP5hVOlRQqahOXT48VwATZUsrJ3OSDSvAjpybY9cdBR%2FZhA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7Ku-LHLZg

[nlitworld]

Yep, Rob you should check the A5 thread. I built a custom case to house an Antek LPS 44V6.8A, and lots of other mods. Clear, snappy,  and lots of three dimensionality, especially with running my tube preamp. I run my Rythmik subs up a little higher and let them bring some oomph instead of my Studios, but your bullys know how to handle that.  Once I get plenty of hours on this new configuration, I may be up to loaning it out for a few of us here.

-Lloyd

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Robwm,
I also have an A5 that I have used with the bully’s. Definitely get the 10 amp power supply. It sounds really good with the bully’s. I would say that it was about 95% as good as my mono blocks for $100.00. I swap it in and out of my system occasionally.

[NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER]

Robwm,
I also have an A5 that I have used with the bully’s. Definitely get the 10 amp power supply. It sounds really good with the bully’s. I would say that it was about 95% as good as my mono blocks for $100.00. I swap it in and out of my system occasionally.

Robwm,

 "95% as good as my mono blocks,"

Keep in mind, this is NIGHTFALL1970 using the Douk A5 Class D amp with a GaN power supply! By adding a regulated linear power supply /tube preamp, it takes it to another level of performance. Linear power supplies provide a higher fidelity expereience, versus GaN supplies, and keep the A5 operating much cooler too. GaN supplies really heat up a A5 amp big time.

Not sure where you live, or I would let you hear my set up, or perhaps even Danny might let you listen to his A5 combination. My LPS is a bit heavy and impractical to ship, since it weighs near 30lbs.