Okay guys, I have been running the Transporter in current config. for most of a week straight now to break it in and get a feel for it. We also finally compared it to the Sony 9100ES yesterday.
Current Config:
1) Single 6CG7 dual triode - SE only, no balanced outputs.
2) SS rectified supply with no choke regulation - PS internal.
3) Smaller Hammond power transformer, in lieu of oversized toroidal transformer used in Sony mods and preamps.
4) Playing music via wireless connection from laptop - ripped to FLAC.
Sony 9100ES for comparison:
1) Two 5687's.
2) Outboard tube-rectified power supply with choke current regulation and oversized toroidal transformer.
3) Music played directly from player of course, through tube analog stage.
Rest of playback system:
LS 36.5 preamp
McIntosh MC162 amp
AZT Cabling
Running Springs Jaco line conditioner
Listening comparisons between the Sony and Transporter proved that they are close, but the Sony still gets the edge - specifically in terms of weight, body and ultimate bass response.
I believe that this can be improved if we use the oversized toroidal transformer in the Transporter, with tube-rectified supply. I am pretty sure we can make this work and may add a second tube for the signal also.
I am hoping to wrap this up next week. I just wanted to share where we are at and how the comparison came out.
If we go with a tube-rectified supply, a big old coke-bottle 5UV or 5V4 would look just as cool as a 300B
.
Thanks,
Dan W.