T-8

mark funk · « **on:** 4 Jan 2009, 06:39 pm »

Just saw this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160308004425&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

Wayner · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Jan 2009, 07:48 pm »

Those aren't the right pictures. The 6N1P tube upgrade also got a full vent cover. The unit in the auction looks like pictures from Frank's website from a while ago.

Yes, as I take a second look, all of the pictures and descriptions have been "lifted" from Frank's copyrighted website. Not saying that it isn't a valid T8, just that the pictures don't go with the cover shown.

Wayner

gjs_cds · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Jan 2009, 08:40 pm »

I wish ebay sellers (or any sellers for that matter) would include pertinent information like:
1. Will the warranty transfer? (i.e., are they the first owner?)
2. What is the production number off the back of the unit? (So buyers can call up AvaHifi to ensure that the item is as the seller describes, and get Frank's blessing on the deal.)

I've bought two AvaHifi solid-state components used, and it's great to be able to call the company to get the deal checked out in on their end prior to payment. Seriously--what other company does this? (Certainly not the big 3 in Detroit! Frank--feel like saving GM?)

AvaHifi has quality service, through and through. Their quality product goes without saying. Best in show...Product of the year... But I digress

mfsoa · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Jan 2009, 09:09 pm »

I bought a used VAC piece that had been modified by VAC. I was hoping that a simple serial # would be enough info for Kevin (VAC) to tell me exactly what had been done, but nope, he needed a pic of the inside.

Not that Kevin wasn't willing to help, but from what I understand, Frank could tell all from the S/N - Outstanding that he can do this!!

-Mike

TomW16 · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 08:04 pm »

Yep, I too have talked with Frank about a piece of used AVA gear. Outstanding customer service.

Tom

gjs_cds · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 08:50 pm »

This particular T-8 is already on it's second owner...so the warranty isn't going to transfer. However, I've PM'd the guy, and he seems straight-up. He says the original owner moved up to the Ultra, and (the current owner) is just strapped for cash. It's still a great unit, and Frank's warranty is kind of moot to a certain extent anyway... Have any of you guys had any problems w/ his gear in the first 3 years? (My guess is...no. Or a very limited number indeed...)

Wayner · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 08:53 pm »

I've got stuff from 12 years ago. No problems. Did he say it was a for sure 6N1P upgrade? If so and it's not the full vent cover, get one from Frank if you buy it.

Wayner

mark funk · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 09:58 pm »

This is not a T-8, but it sure looks nice!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150319449222&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

This is not a T-8, but I saw it too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160308247989&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

avahifi · « **Reply #8 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 10:19 pm »

The guy selling the AVA Pat-5 has no clue as to what it is. It actually is an early Transcendence Hybrid preamp built in a Pat-5 chassis. It should be a very very nice performer if it is in stock condition, aside from the great big after market tube fins on the tubes.

You can't go wrong with the Insight 260 advertised either I suspect.

Frank Van Alstine

gjs_cds · « **Reply #9 on:** 5 Jan 2009, 11:35 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 5 Jan 2009, 08:53 pm

I've got stuff from 12 years ago. No problems. Did he say it was a for sure 6N1P upgrade? If so and it's not the full vent cover, get one from Frank if you buy it.

Wayner

He'll be posting pics of the actual unit (rather than lifting them from AvaHifi) which will include the production number tomorrow.

mark funk · « **Reply #10 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 01:16 am »

Yes, I did not think that was a Super Pas 3, but more a long the lines of a Fet/Valve Hybrid of some kind. I had to look twice at those things on the tubes

Mountain-ear · « **Reply #11 on:** 6 Jan 2009, 02:49 am »

For what it's worth, I bought a T-8 from "thechevyguy03" in January 2006. That T-8 was an upgrade from a T-5 on the small chassis. As I recall from his eBay listing, he was having financial problems then, too. In my case, the pre-amp was well packed and arrived in good condition. I subsequently had an intermittent problem with a noisy phono jack and eventually traded that unit to Frank as downpayment on a new T-8 with a remote control and phono section. Audio nirvana ever since...

I can't vouch for the seller personally, but I did one transaction with him, and it worked out OK.

Steve

mark funk · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Feb 2009, 09:44 pm »

Been on Ebay again,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360130421120&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

Listens2tubes · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 12:36 pm »

Quote from: mark funk on 9 Feb 2009, 09:44 pm

Been on Ebay again,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360130421120&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

I WANT I WANT!!!

BTW how do you like the ECC801s's Mark? Have you compared them to th ECC81's?

rcag_ils · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 02:00 pm »

Preamp without phono stage is a real draw back for me. Back in the days, the phono stage always came standard with the preamp, and I don't believe the "saving you money if you don't use it" theory for a minute. Then they charge you 1/4 the price of the preamp extra if you want the phono.

avahifi · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 04:52 pm »

Gee, the option price for the phono circuits in an Insight preamp is all of $199. That is about twenty percent of the total preamp cost (a little more for an SL, a little less for an EC). This represents about half of the active circuits in the unit, other than the power supply.

Would you rather that everyone just paid $1198 for an Insight SL and $1248 for an Insight EC no matter if they wanted a phono section or not?

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

rcag_ils · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 05:30 pm »

I am pretty much speaking of during the early to mid 90's, when manufactures started manufacturing preamp without the phono stage, and I didn't notice any price drop without the phono. Then they tried to sell you a separate phono stage, or included it as an option and charge a outragous price.

Before that period, phono stage was standard in all preamps.

I am not focusing on AVA product as of today.

rcag_ils · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 05:42 pm »

I personally don't know any audiophile, or music enthusiast who has a phonoless preamp. Vinyl records are what started this whole audio hobby. There's something in the vinyl records that can never be replaced by CDs, some says music is created mechanically and only can be retrieved mechanically, not by some laser scanning a plastic disc coated with aluminum.

No number of phono stage is enough for me.

avahifi · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 06:05 pm »

For what it is worth, about half of our clients order preamps with the RIAA phono section option.

Frank

charmerci · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Feb 2009, 07:16 pm »

From what I remember, the same albums, whether on vinyl or CD pretty much sound the same (or close enough) to me - at least on AVA equipment. I don't miss the inconvenience of records and turntable setup and maintenance.