New Dodd Audio Generation Two Battery Pre Amp in the Mail

Cheeseboy · « **on:** 15 Nov 2011, 12:03 am »

On a leap of faith I ordered the new Dodd Audio Generation Two Battery PreAmp. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say bad things about a Dodd product. As a matter of fact they mostly praise them for the value and sound quality. Gary is shipping the new unit in the next couple of days and forwarded me a picture of my new pre amp. She is a beauty! The remote is in matching Cocobolo.

I am frothing for hearing this.

HT cOz · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Nov 2011, 12:18 am »

Wow what a treat!

S Clark · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Nov 2011, 12:26 am »

When I heard the original Dodd battery pre in my system, I was simply stunned at the extra detail. If you haven't had the opportunity to hear one in your system you are in for a treat. They respond very favorably to tube rolling, with the "tube of the day" being the 6H30DR, but most of the better NOS will pay sonic dividends. I like my Sieman's with orange globe Amperex for a change.

Scott

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Nov 2011, 06:21 am »

She looks yummy! A treat. I have heard the OBP but not with my speakers. (Original Battery Preamp). I guess I can say that GR Research and Dodd go together like red wine and steak. But only if you like high cholestoral listening

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 12:17 am »

Anyone with some listening notes from the RMMaF on this new pre amp please feel free to chime in here.

SoCalWJS · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 02:47 am »

Can't say anything specific about the preamp, but the system as a whole was FANTASTIC! I went into the GR room 3 times and was impressed every time by the soundstage depth and focus. Very clean, non-existant background - dead quiet. Vocals clear wth incredible presence. Everything that was played sounded incredibly good. Managed to be in the room while some of the reviewers passed through, and I know they were liking what they heard too.

Whatsa matter Steve? Getting ansty? Second guessing you choices?

dburna · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 04:00 am »

Can anyone with knowledge about the Gen 2 buffer explain the differences between it and the previous version....and perhaps comment on the expected performance differences as well?

Thanks in advance, -dB

khill · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 04:02 am »

Has gain...buffer did not.

: )

dburna · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 04:08 am »

Quote from: khill on 16 Nov 2011, 04:02 am

Has gain...buffer did not.

: )

Ahhh, I see. Are there any sonic differences between the two aside from the gain issue? If you didn't need the gain, is there any particular benefit to going with the new version?

Just curious, -dB

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 06:12 pm »

Quote from: SoCalWJS on 16 Nov 2011, 02:47 am

Can't say anything specific about the preamp, but the system as a whole was FANTASTIC! I went into the GR room 3 times and was impressed every time by the soundstage depth and focus. Very clean, non-existant background - dead quiet. Vocals clear wth incredible presence. Everything that was played sounded incredibly good. Managed to be in the room while some of the reviewers passed through, and I know they were liking what they heard too.

Whatsa matter Steve? Getting ansty? Second guessing you choices?

Antsy? Hell yes. Second Guessing maybe. That has been mitigated by the careful attention to detail that Gary Dodd has taken along the way to delivering the unit. I just want to get to the business of listening to my new system. I'm looking forward to the arrival.

SoCalWJS · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 08:35 pm »

Quote from: Cheeseboy on 16 Nov 2011, 06:12 pm

Antsy? Hell yes. Second Guessing maybe. That has been mitigated by the careful attention to detail that Gary Dodd has taken along the way to delivering the unit. I just want to get to the business of listening to my new system. I'm looking forward to the arrival.

Just giving you a hard time.

Don't blame you one bit. There were a few times while I was waiting for the arrival of my latest addition where I was definitely testing the limits of my patience. Based upon what I know of GD's products and what I heard at the show, you are going to be a happy camper when it all gets hooked up.

I know that if I get to about 90-95% of what I heard there with my system, I'll be very happy.

roymail · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 09:09 pm »

Congrats on the Dodd Gen 2 battery preamp. Awesome!

Can you share what other gear you are using with it in your system?

Thanks!

soundofrockets · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 10:32 pm »

nice looking........hope it performs as well........i need one of those along with the cherries !! i am hoping for my new ls center to be here anytime soon......

S Clark · « **Reply #13 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 10:46 pm »

I was at Gary's yesterday, where he has another preamp made from a sister piece from your cocabola blank. It was stunning. Having heard the new pre and owning both the previous model battery pre and a buffer, they are all very similar and basically vary according to the tube. Quiet, detailed, and neutral as a starting point- the tube does the rest.

prokennex · « **Reply #14 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 11:27 pm »

Are there any advantages of the latest battery pre over the older the original version that I own?

I'm currently using gold lion 6922 and have a couple amperex pq 7308 white label coming. Can't wait to see how these nos 7308's sound.

Here it is.

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #15 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 11:33 pm »

Roy,

The Dodd pre amp will be powered with a PowerSonic PS12280NB battery and charged with a C-Tek US-3300. Then paired with the Digital Amp Company, Cherry Jr. that was the reveiwers sample used in the Affordableaudio.org very favorable write up for the DAC Cherry Jr. Tommy at DAC was kind enough to accomodate my wife and add a silver faceplate. Kudoes to Tommy. The speakers are the LS6 Line Source from GR Research via AV123. Interconects are from Morrow the MA2. I'm currently looking for Power Cable and Speaker Cables to improve what is currently in the system. There were several influencers in my descision to buy the Cherry. Bill at Response Audio reccommended the product for use with the Ls6. Watercourse, his handle here a AC, recommended the Dodd/Cherry combo. Audio Circle is a wonderful community!

SoundO,

I know that you would be pleased to move to a tubed preamp for 2 Channel in your Mancave. The prospect of tube rolling might just curb your appitite for equipment rolling for a short while. On the other hand maybe Gary would build you a 5 channel tube buffer for the HT! We'll have you and Kurt over when the system is dialed in. I will find that bottle of Shug Heritage Pinot for that meeting!

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 11:39 pm »

Quote from: prokennex on 16 Nov 2011, 11:27 pm

Are there any advantages of the latest battery pre over the older the original version that I own?

I'm currently using gold lion 6922 and have a couple amperex pq 7308 white label coming. Can't wait to see how these nos 7308's sound.

Here is what I can see.

It is less money. I can use a really powerful battery cause it is outboard. Gary indicated that his listening panel thought it bested the Original Battery Preamp. It uses one tube so rolling is inexpensive. It never needs winding.

toxteth ogrady · « **Reply #17 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 11:44 pm »

Quote from: prokennex on 16 Nov 2011, 11:27 pm

Are there any advantages of the latest battery pre over the older the original version that I own?

I'm currently using gold lion 6922 and have a couple amperex pq 7308 white label coming. Can't wait to see how these nos 7308's sound.

Yes, the new model makes yours obsolete. Rubbish really, not worth anything. As an act of benevolence I'll kindly donate a couple of Benjamins for your pre. Make sure and remember to include all the tubes when you send it to me

.

prokennex · « **Reply #18 on:** 16 Nov 2011, 11:52 pm »

Quote

It never needs winding.

What is winding?

Obsolete; I still think I'll hold on to it.

Cheeseboy · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Nov 2011, 03:50 am »

My friend your preamp is not only gorgious but I know how incredibly good it sounds. I was all set to buy one just like that on the used market.

That's just an expression from the days when a watch needed winding.