[Alwayswantmore]

Do you find audio addictive? I do. My latest fix came in the form of Vinnie’s new battery-powered linestage with intergral nos DAC –- and a headphone output to boot!

When Vinnie announced the Isabella, I pretty much ignored it. I had proudly evolved to a minimalist system, even ditching my Audio Research LS3 line-stage in favor or using a Wadia 830 CDP (with a few key upgrades) for a digital head.

But -- unfortunately for my wallet -- favorable reader comments on the Isabella began popping up on AudioCircle...

So Vinnie now has a linestage / DAC that adds body without giving up detail -- while shunning the potential shortcomings some people may associate with (some) tube designs? Crap, I’ve got to hear it!

It’s the real thing!

I bought and received my unit prior to Srajan finishing his 6Moon’s review  [ http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/redwine10/isabella.html ] and from first listen, I knew this was going to be a worthwhile addition to my system.

While I intended to create a blog to share my experiences, when the 6Moon's review hit I realized Srajan had already run the Isabella though its paces. So in lieu of a blog, I’ll share my experience and a few observations in this thread.

[Alwayswantmore]

Tubes

My last serious exposure to tubes was in the mid-‘70s when I sold Audio Research Corporation and other pricey toys to help fund my college years.

At the time I was afraid tube gear was a dieing breed – due for extinction, right? NOT!

Vintage '70s ARC Tube gear (only 200 D-150s were ever made!)






My first upgrade was to move from the stock JJs to Amperex 7308s sold by Steve at North Lake Audio.

It’s been years since my last exposure to tubes, so I called Steve for a few pointers. Since he’s in the business of selling used and NOS tubes, he shared what he admittedly considers to be a few basic points to consider. I also asked Steve for a short blurp on his services. With his permission here they are:

Steve’s services include:

1.  Restoring vintage tube amplifiers, integrated amps and modest upgrades to current tube equipment

2.  Writing equipment reviews for 6moons.com

3.  Installing 2-channel stereo systems (vintage or modern) in homes

4.  Selling restored vintage tube equipment, speakers, turntables, tubes

Tips:

1.) To get longer service life, do not leave the component on when not using it. As Steve pointed out, nothing remarkable here. 

2.) If you find a tube has become noisy, first clean the pins by either scraping them with a razor blade and/or coating them with a very small amount of Cramolin red (not the blue) and then wiping them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

You can also clean the tube socket by spraying into the socket with Craig Deoxit D5 cleaner and the pushing the tube in and out of the socket ten or more times. Don't put the Cramolin on output/power tube pins, though.

AudioCircle tread on Isabella tube-rolling: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=59217.0

Contact Steve at North Lake: [email protected]

[Alwayswantmore]

PS. You should have heard the ARC D-150 amp / SP3a1 preamp driving Klipshorns (104db), with a Belle center channel speaker -- sand-filled corner walls to boot!

Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' playing on a Linn Sondek LP-12, while a sign on top of one of the K-horns s-l-o-w-l-y rotates from the bass line.

...and everyone in the room has a smile on their face -- an audio experience not easily forgoten!

[Alwayswantmore]

Several years ago I sold a fully-balanced rig (Ayre V3 amp / Vandersteen 2W sub / Acoustic Energy AE-1 monitors / Vandersteen balance crossover / Transparent Audio Super balanced IC) and moved to a minimalist approach:

Wadia 830 CDP with p Upgrade (functioning as a CDP, digital preamp and outboard DAC)
Signature 30 / now 30.2
Omega Compact Hemps (latest Hemp driver)
ACI Force XL sub

Of these, the Wadia is the only component that survived the transition to the new system. Honestly I've been very satisfied with my new system, and had no intent of making any big moves -- certainly none as big as the Isabella.

So once Isabella proved she truly could add meat to the bones, my biggest decision came down to 'do I keep the Wadia or not?'

My Wadia has a digital input board, but lacks digital outs. So for comparisons, the Wadia ran analog out (RCA ICs) to the Isabella; while Isabella's DAC was fed digital bits from a modestly priced BluRay player -- spinning CDs -- using both an inexpensive 75 ohm and Toslink cable.

Given the price points, the BluRay player would hardly appear to be in the same league as the Wadia (like $400 vs. about $4,000). But the BluRay player had the advantage of being coupled with Vinnie's nos DAC. I figured this was about as unfair as I could make it. If Isabella's DAC fronted by a consumer-level BluRay player could go head-to-head or even beat the Wadia, then in my mind I knew the Isabella was a keeper.

This was probably the toughest comparison I've made so far. I must have switched between the two sources a couple dozen times over the past few weeks.

Clearly the Isabella has the edge of added body for vocals and individual instruments. But were there any downsides?

In the end I felt Wadia's DAC to be in the same general league as the Isabella. Overall detail, soundstage, imaging and such were very, very close. There were times when I questioned if the Wadia may have had an edge for air or detail. But after switching back, the Isabella always appeared to not yield ground.

My final conclusion is that overall the Wadia had more in common than not with Isabella's DAC. Wadia's sound is leaner, maybe a touch dryer, but again, detail, image, air and such were pretty much on par. 

I listen to a lot of female vocals and small instrumental, so for me the choice was pretty easy. There was no need to hang on to an expensive piece of gear like the Wadia, when a lowly BluRay player tied to Isabella's DAC sounded as good, if not arguably better (for my taste in music).

Both Vinnie and Srajan are pretty clear that a streaming digital source (like a Macbook) is as good as it gets for driving the Isabella...

Today FedEx delivered my new MacBook. And this afternoon I shipped my Wadia to its new owner in Iowa. So the next big face-off is MacBook vs. the BluRay playing CDs.

[Alwayswantmore]

What's to know about MacBook as a Music Server?

I owned a half-dozen Macs in the old days. But about 1995, changes on the corporate front dragged me into the world of Windows '95 (yuck!). I've reluctantly been WinTel ever since.

Based on the success of the internal DAC, I decided to pick up the top model in Apple's recently discontinued MacBook line. There's a $300 price spread between this and its replacement. And as a dedicated music server, I found it hard to justify the extra money to buy Apple's latest and greatest. Not to mention, the old unit is Black. And I happen to be a fan of black audio equipment (I prefer that my system is heard and not seen). So simple and black was just fine in my book.

I've used iTunes for a couple years now, but really never bothered to check: Is there any way to get gapless recordings? The gaps are annoying, especially for many of the '60 - '70s rock albums featuring songs that run from one to the next.

What I've learned so far (comments from Vinnie)...

> Record in Apple lossless
> Don't forget to set 'error correction' to ON when ripping!

[low.pfile]

....snip

I've used iTunes for a couple years now, but really never bothered to check: Is there any way to get gapless recordings? The gaps are annoying, especially for many of the '60 - '70s rock albums featuring songs that run from one to the next.
....

AWM,

In iTunes, playback, by default, does not add any gap (blank sound) between songs-there is no preference or option to do so in version 7 or 8. So if a song has music content at the end it will continue immediately into the next song. yeah, I just confirmed that at apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1797

Though there is an option of identifying songs from an album as a "gapless album" in the "Get Info" How: highlight a song or songs(Shift select) in the Music library. Go to File> Get Info > Options > (part of Gapless album/Yes). But you shouldn't need that but maybe that would help your situation.

So what I am wondering: if the CD that you used to import into iTunes was not the original commericial CD? it may have been modified with added gaps between songs. Both Roxio Toast and iTunes provide the option of adding gaps between songs when copying CDs or burning CDs from a playlist. In fact, I learned that the default in Roxio was to add the extra gap. Learned that back when I was 'sampling' roommates' CDs, many years ago.

To check to see if your song does or does not have silence in the track, you could always import the song into a sound editing program to look at the graph to see if there is zero sound level at the end or beginning of the track.  there are tons of free editors. you'd just be using it to 'look' though.

And enjoy your isabella! when $$ is in a better place, I'd like to try one out. I have the 30.2 amp.

ed

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Alwayswantmore,

Thanks for posting all your feedback of your Isabella!  This is great stuff and I need to get some popcorn as I read through it - fun!

Cool - you got the black Macbook.  This is the one I have (and I let Srajan of 6moons borrow one for the review of the fully-loaded Isabella) - its a top-notch transport using the USB interface and the software is easy to use, and it makes the whole listening experience a lot of fun.  I sometimes even watch DVDs on it and play it through my RWA + WLM 2-channel setup... sounds so good, who needs multichannel!? 

Thanks again for taking the time and making the effort with your post - this is really appreciated and I'm glad you are finding that the Isabella is delivering the goods!

Hi low.pfile,

Thanks for sharing this information. 

Have a good weekend, and happy listening!

Vinnie

[Alwayswantmore]

What's to know about MacBook as a Music Server?

I owned a half-dozen Macs in the old days. But about 1995, changes on the corporate front dragged me into the world of Windows '95 (yuck!). I've reluctantly been WinTel ever since.

Based on the success of the internal DAC, I decided to pick up the top model in Apple's recently discontinued MacBook line. There's a $300 price spread between this and its replacement. And as a dedicated music server, I found it hard to justify the extra money to buy Apple's latest and greatest. Not to mention, the old unit is Black. And I happen to be a fan of black audio equipment (I prefer that my system is heard and not seen). So simple and black was just fine in my book.

I've used iTunes for a couple years now, but really never bothered to check: Is there any way to get gapless recordings? The gaps are annoying, especially for many of the '60 - '70s rock albums featuring songs that run from one to the next.

What I've learned so far (comments from Vinnie)...

> Record in Apple lossless
> Don't forget to set 'error correction' to ON when ripping!

Two more items for Mac FAQ...

My new MacBook was unable to perform an automatic software update (...turns out this portion of their software was OEMed from Microsoft  ). Thus I called customer support. Much to my surprise, I was actually talking to someone in Indiana, USA  A manual download did the trick.

1.) Leaning point: While waiting on the download, I asked the Apple rep if there was anything I should know about Mac's batteries to maximize life. He made these suggestions:

> When new, fully charge -- then fully drain the batteries twice.

> Fully charge then fully drain the batteries about once a month on an ongoing basis.

Doing so extends battery life.

2.) I had never used a computer as a source. The Isabella User Manual includes instructions for setting up your computer to service a DAC [ Special thanks to Vinnie for iPhoning a response to my e-mail on a Saturday! ]

So how does it sound? In a word great! I'll do more listening comparisons and report results later.

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Alwayswantmore,

Here are some other Macbook/iTunes tips:

- ALWAYS make sure the volume control slide setting in iTunes (upper left side of the screen, located next to the Play and FF buttons) is all the way to the right at MAX volume.  This can actually be used to control the volume when using the USB port, but it is a digital volume control and it drops bits and degrades the sound.  So just make sure it is at MAX.  The volume setting of the internal Macbook speakers does not matter when you use the USB as they are not used.

- In iTunes, go to Window > Equalizer and make sure the ON checkbox is NOT checked (i.e., make sure it is OFF).

- Make sure you are importing your CDs using Apple Lossless, or AIFF (WAV) for best results

- In Preferences > Playback, make sure the boxes for Sound Enhancer and Sound Check are NOT checked (i.e., make sure they are OFF).

I'm pretty sure that what I mentioned above is what iTunes defaults - but it does not hurt to verify.


- If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can download a free Remote application to control everything from your listening chair (so you do not have to have the Macbook next to you).  You just need WiFi in your home for this to work.  It is very slick.

- My first Macbook came with an Apple Remote - but my newer one did not     Using the Apple Remote and the built-in Front Row software was also a great way to interface with the Macbook from across the room.  I'll have to check with my Apple Store and see if they sell it...

Glad you are having fun!

Vinnie

[Alwayswantmore]

  Using the Apple Remote and the built-in Front Row software was also a great way to interface with the Macbook from across the room.  I'll have to check with my Apple Store and see if they sell it...

Thanks for the tips!

I made my purchase from Apple via phone. I purchased the remote -- it ran about $20. Haven't looked at Front Row, but I know the remote works with iTunes to advance - backtrack songs.

Today my listening room is ripped apart, because I'm doing DIY modifications to acoustic treatments. Room should be back together by tommorrow night if all goes as planned.

[Vinnie R.]

I made my purchase from Apple via phone. I purchased the remote -- it ran about $20. Haven't looked at Front Row, but I know the remote works with iTunes to advance - backtrack songs.

Just press the center button of the remote and it should call on Front Row - then you'll get big text to see your artists, albums, songs, and cover art in full screen so you can control it from across your room!

Good luck with your listening room updates,

Vinnie

[Alwayswantmore]

Figured out Front Row via the remote control -- very, very nice!

Here's a picture of the star performers...



I haven't had the time to do a fair comparison of the MacBook to CDs via 75 ohm digital (both using Isbellina), so impressions will come later.

[Alwayswantmore]

I have really been enjoying the Isabella.

I am also enjoying the convenience of not having to get out of my chair to change CDs, so the Macbook has been a nice addition.

I finally took a few minutes to switch back to CDs being played via my Panasonic BluRay. In this case I have last year's model -- approx $350 - $400 player (i.e. nothing highend). I spent $20 some bucks on one of Best Buy's house brand 75 ohm cables, running via BNC.

I went back and forth on a couple cuts several times -- mostly to satisfy my curiosity -- not very scientific.

For starters I'll say that even in a good system the CD sounded very good. In a way it was better than I expected. Srajan described the difference between Macbook streaming and a high-end CD player (both using Isabella's DAC) as less 'tweenyness' (this may not be the correct spelling, but hey, it's a made up word, so who cares!). By this he means the MacBook sounded closer to the performance.

I did not hear that so much. Subtle detail was pretty much on par. And the image and soundstage -- at least for a short comparative session with limited material -- appreared about the same. Where I heard some difference was the CD had a tad more edge (i.e. less warmth and not as organic). It still sounded very respectable though.

So this is likely my final post on a great addition to my system.

Thanks Vinnie!

[Vinnie R.]

Subtle detail was pretty much on par. And the image and soundstage -- at least for a short comparative session with limited material -- appreared about the same. Where I heard some difference was the CD had a tad more edge (i.e. less warmth and not as organic). It still sounded very respectable though.
.

Hi Alwayswantmore,

Thanks for your posting your findings!  Yes, using a CD transport does sound very respectable (totally musical and engaging), and as I mentioned in another thread, one does not need to spend a lot of money on a transport to get superb sound (as you proved with your transport) 

USB has been my favorite because I love the Macbook and having control of all my music stored on the hard disk, and USB into the Isabellina can easily compete with very expensive transports/dacs (and YES, even vinyl) in many ways! 

Thanks again for your posts, and enjoy your Isabella/Isabellina + 30.2 combo!  One day I need to get you to listen to the WLMs with your RWA gear -- you'll be blown away!

Best regards,

Vinnie

[arthurs]

One day I need to get you to listen to the WLMs with your RWA gear -- you'll be blown away!

Best regards,

Vinnie

You should listen to him.  Vinnie's room with RWA and WLM was one of my favorites at RMAF, really gorgeous music and just darn pleasant to listen to....

[Vinnie R.]

You should listen to him.  Vinnie's room with RWA and WLM was one of my favorites at RMAF, really gorgeous music and just darn pleasant to listen to....

Thanks, Arthurs!