No music for a couple of weeks... - Blu-ray Forum

richteer · 09-24-2008, 03:42 PM

Yesterday I started part one of my audio system revamp by sending my SP9 Mk 2 preamp back to Audio Research. As far as I can tell, there's nothing specifically wrong with it, but I bought it used a couple of years ago and have no idea of its service history (including how old the tubes are). I phone ARC for their advice and they suggested replacing the electrolytic caps (which tend to dry out after 15-20 years) and re-tubing it. Excluding shipping, it'd be about $200. Sounds good to me; I asked them to give the unit a thorough testing to make sure that it was still within spec. Might as well find and fix any problems while it's actually at the manufacturer!

Any way, the preamp is the hub of my system, so no music for me for a few weeks. If I get really desperate I could try listening to CDs on headphones...

But I'll probably spend my speare time catching up on other stuff. There are books to read and movies to watch, so it's not all bad! :-)

MacDaddyOJack · 09-24-2008, 03:45 PM

Yes, but what's a movie without sound

Scooby Blu · 09-24-2008, 03:53 PM

The dread must be overpowering ! Feeling lost, no hope in sight ? That is how I would feel !

Yes, reading is always good, for a while. I pray your restoration goes quickly so you can be whole again !

RUR · 09-24-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

.....and re-tubing it.

What???!!! You're not running NOS tubes?

For shame.

prerich · 09-24-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Yes, but what's a movie without sound

I think Ric has his music 2 channel system seperate from his surround system

I just came across some Polk SDA speakers and I'm thinking about putting the SDA's in the HT and moving the Snells to an audio only system. The Snells will be upgraded to Audio Note AN-E's next year

richteer · 09-24-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Yes, but what's a movie without sound

No TV (worth mentioning) where the stereo is at the moment, so movies are still played through the TV speakers. Yes, I know this is sacralidge!

richteer · 09-24-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUR

What???!!! You're not running NOS tubes?

For shame.

/me hangs his head in shame.

No NOS yet; I'll play with tube rolling later, once other (more pressing) stuff is in order (e.g., new cables and--more importantly--new speakers).

richteer · 09-24-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prerich

I think Ric has his music 2 channel system seperate from his surround system

Not quite; I don't actually have a surround system at the moment! Eventually, I'll add a surround sound system--when I can afford to do it correctly. Then, it'll share some of the stereos resources (e.g., front L & R and their amps).

prerich · 09-24-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

Not quite; I don't actually have a surround system at the moment! Eventually, I'll add a surround sound system--when I can afford to do it correctly. Then, it'll share some of the stereos resources (e.g., front L & R and their amps).

10-4

RUR · 09-24-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

/me hangs his head in shame.

No NOS yet; I'll play with tube rolling later, once other (more pressing) stuff is in order (e.g., new cables and--more importantly--new speakers).

ECC88's, eh? Spendy, though not as bad as some.
Brent Jesse's list: http://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm

Don't know how big a difference you would hear as it's always system-dependent. For me, both amp and pre tube changes made for pretty dramatic improvements, though nowhere near a change in speakers, of course. I'm inclined to think you'll hear more of a difference between tubes than cables, but that's probably just my bias(

) talking.

Johnny Vinyl · 09-26-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

/me hangs his head in shame.

No NOS yet; I'll play with tube rolling later, once other (more pressing) stuff is in order (e.g., new cables and--more importantly--new speakers).

NOS? Tube rollling? Can you or RUR bring me up to speed on this? Been looking/considering some PrimaLuna gear and I'd like to know a bit more about the whole tube thing.

RUR · 09-26-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

NOS? Tube rollling? Can you or RUR bring me up to speed on this? Been looking/considering some PrimaLuna gear and I'd like to know a bit more about the whole tube thing.

Any given vacuum tube was generally and originally made by several/many different companies - often with different designs. When installed in the same piece of gear, these different types will sound different to wildly different. With the advent of transistors, the art of tube manufacture largely disappeared and tubes made today are generally of inferior quality to those made 30-50 years ago.

NOS = New Old Stock i.e. tubes made during the heyday of tube manufacturing by one of the original manufacturers.

Tube rolling = the practice of exchanging new tubes for different new tubes or, more often, for NOS tubes

richteer · 09-26-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

NOS? Tube rollling? Can you or RUR bring me up to speed on this? Been looking/considering some PrimaLuna gear and I'd like to know a bit more about the whole tube thing.

What RUR said. Isn't this hobby fun?!

RUR · 09-26-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

What RUR said. Isn't this hobby fun?!

I prefer "Delightfully eccentric".

richteer · 09-26-2008, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

NOS? Tube rollling? Can you or RUR bring me up to speed on this? Been looking/considering some PrimaLuna gear and I'd like to know a bit more about the whole tube thing.

Just noticed your PrimaLuna comment. I'm very happy with my ProLogue Sevens, and I think the only Canadian PL dealer isn't too far away from you. Might be worth checking out one weekend!

JJ · 09-27-2008, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUR

I prefer "Delightfully eccentric".

"That's what my ex-wife said."

Not that I have an ex-wife, just felt fitting to say!

Beta Man · 09-27-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

"That's what my ex-wife said."

Not that I have an ex-wife, just felt fitting to say!

"Recently" acquired an ex-wife???? And you could afford to upgrade your equipment

I guess it wasn't a nasty break-up!!!!!!!

My current wife used to be pretty open to my upgraditis...... but now not so much..... (long story.... No Job here

)

Johnny Vinyl · 09-27-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUR

Any given vacuum tube was generally and originally made by several/many different companies - often with different designs. When installed in the same piece of gear, these different types will sound different to wildly different. With the advent of transistors, the art of tube manufacture largely disappeared and tubes made today are generally of inferior quality to those made 30-50 years ago.

NOS = New Old Stock i.e. tubes made during the heyday of tube manufacturing by one of the original manufacturers.

Tube rolling = the practice of exchanging new tubes for different new tubes or, more often, for NOS tubes

Thanks so much for that explanation. If I decide to go with tube gear,which I'm inclined to do, I will investigate the whole world of tubes in more detail.

Johnny Vinyl · 09-27-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

Just noticed your PrimaLuna comment. I'm very happy with my ProLogue Sevens, and I think the only Canadian PL dealer isn't too far away from you. Might be worth checking out one weekend!

Yes, I believe American Sound in Richmond Hill carries them. And the Prologue 7's are indeed the models I was most interested in. It seems they have a very good reputation and at very reasonable (IMO) prices. Hopefully I'll get a chance soon to audition them. Do you think that a pairing of PL's and ML's are a good combo?

Johnny Vinyl · 09-27-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUR

I prefer "Delightfully eccentric".

Or as I start this quest for a significent 2-Channel set-up...something that could be "Financially Debilitating"!

Oh well...you only live once!

09-24-2008, 03:42 PM	#1
richteer Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Kelowna, BC Trading Score:1	No music for a couple of weeks... Yesterday I started part one of my audio system revamp by sending my SP9 Mk 2 preamp back to Audio Research. As far as I can tell, there's nothing specifically wrong with it, but I bought it used a couple of years ago and have no idea of its service history (including how old the tubes are). I phone ARC for their advice and they suggested replacing the electrolytic caps (which tend to dry out after 15-20 years) and re-tubing it. Excluding shipping, it'd be about $200. Sounds good to me; I asked them to give the unit a thorough testing to make sure that it was still within spec. Might as well find and fix any problems while it's actually at the manufacturer! Any way, the preamp is the hub of my system, so no music for me for a few weeks. If I get really desperate I could try listening to CDs on headphones... But I'll probably spend my speare time catching up on other stuff. There are books to read and movies to watch, so it's not all bad! :-)

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09-24-2008, 03:45 PM	#2
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	Yes, but what's a movie without sound

09-24-2008, 03:53 PM	#3
Scooby Blu Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Apr 2008 Home Theater Gallery:7	The dread must be overpowering ! Feeling lost, no hope in sight ? That is how I would feel ! Yes, reading is always good, for a while. I pray your restoration goes quickly so you can be whole again !

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