Archive through March 27, 2005

Gold Member

Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 3245
Registered: May-04

Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 07:48 pm:

L.H. - Did you retain the tube rectification on the PAS? If so, what tube are you using? What about the signal path tubes? When I bought my first PAS years ago the VC was well past its prime. At that point the suggestion was to either bypass the balance also or replace the balance and VC with two good quality volume pots, one for each channel. Of course, that was before good quality pots cost $150 each. What have you done with the VC on your unit?

As to the DH-200; placing the drivers on a separate board/chassis would probably make more sense; don't you think? The issue of an umbilical cord carrying several hundred volts is always a bit dicey. Getting the transformers away from the circuitry and isolating the vibration of the transformers would be my first concern, but not at the expense of a safety issue. If you are the only one in the house with access to the system, that's another matter. You say you have been around tube design for a while so I'm sure you have a good idea of how to accomplish this.

Relevant Product Info

Silver Member

Username: Two_cents

Post Number: 504
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 - 09:38 pm:

There's been a lot of hyperbole about tube amps lately. I just want to get this out there (speaking for myself only of course):

1. The most significant improvement in my current system upgrade involved getting new speakers.

2. A very close second in terms of magnitude was getting a new turntable and phono stage.

3. Finally, going from my old solid state amp to my current tube amp has improved the sound quality, but NOT to the extent of upgrading speakers and the front end of the system.

There's also the idea of all the parts complementing each other. I think an analog front end matches really well with tube amplification. Also, two strong suits of the new speakers are their ability to image and reveal detail. These qualities match the strengths of tube amps and analog playback. That's all, folks.

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 954
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 11:57 am:

Kegger,

WOW!

more later...................

Gold Member

Username: John_a

Post Number: 2899
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 02:37 pm:

Thanks, Ghia. Amazing. Thanks, 2c. Yes, my recent speaker upgrade made a big difference. I would expect a tube amp to produce a more subtle improvement.

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 955
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 05:11 pm:

Kegger was kind enough to send me a care package consisting of NOS (new old stock) preamp, and driver tubes for my Jolida..............

Kegger,

I swapped out the existing tubes for the RCA tubes. I turned on the amp, and let it warm up for about hour. I reached for my old trusty reference CD, The Robert Cray Band-I was warned. Besides being a knock out performance of material, it is a superb recording. I am totally familiar with every note, chord, word, phrase, guitar lick, drum beat, horn note and funk this CD has to offer. From the opening cut, the overall sound took on another level of warmth and clarity from top to bottom. The difference in ambience and inner detail was amazing. There was more depth with precise placement of instruments within the soundstage. The mids took on a sparkle especially with horns and cymbals. The resolution of inner detail just popped outat you. More air everywhere. CD after Cd. After the third hour of listening, everything sounded holographic.

I don't know if it was just the Nos tubes, or the combo with the Electro-Harmonix EL84's, or if the EH's finally hit about 200 hours and finally really bloomed. All I know is there is no going back. I can no longer be objective. I have become a full blown TUBE S-L-U-T. I am not going to change a thing for a while. Just the thoughts of putting a quad of NOS Mullard EL84's in the amp is scary. I could loose the little that's left of my sanity.

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Did you hear that? The amp is calling me. Must go now.........................

2C,

Get at least 100 hours on the tubes, and give another listen. Are you sure it's the speakers doing the imaging and giving you the detail?

Enjoy!

Silver Member

Username: Two_cents

Post Number: 506
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 06:05 pm:

Rick,

If you were a woman, I'd call you a temptress, but what's the male equivalent?

I suspect the imaging and detail are the result of the entire system, including the tubes. The Primaluna really did open up after 60 hours. I think the tubes are near their full potential now. It turns out that the amp came with stock EH preamp tubes, so I'll probably try swapping the KT88s with EH EL34s at some point just to find out the difference. The EL34s are surprisingly affordable. I'll wait a while to try NOS tubes though. BTW are the NOS tubes better than _____

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 956
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 06:14 pm:

....at my age.......ALMOST!

LOL!

Silver Member

Username: Two_cents

Post Number: 507
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 06:27 pm:

LOL!

Unfortunately I think I know what you mean

Gold Member

Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 3249
Registered: May-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 07:18 pm:

Reeeeckeeeee, oh, Reeeeckeeeee ... lookeee here, Reeeeckeeeee. Lookeee what I have for you, Reeeeckeeeee. This will make your NOS tubes sound EVEN BETTER, Reeeeckeeeee. Don't you wnat your NOS tubes to sound even B E T T E R, Reeeeckeeeee? Hmmmmmmmm?

http://mapleshaderecords.com/tweaks/progold.php

http://mapleshaderecords.com/tweaks/silclear.php

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2323
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 07:26 pm:

RICK which tubes have you used?

Just the 2 rca 12at7's "REPLACEMENTS WITH LESS GAIN"?

Try Anymore yet? Yu know you can allways put the good ones back in! LOL!

Yes all of the those tubes are nos or "exrememly near new" old stock.
Also I tested them on my tester and in my system.
They should last a long long time,test at 100% or better.
"THEY ALSO SHOULD NOT BE MICROPHONIC" I hope in your system anyway!

I believe the baldwins are sylvania screened by baldwin for consistency.
The rest I believe have labels telling you who made them.

Good tube rolling, and see why Jan and I talk about nos verse just n?
That's the good stuff!

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 957
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 08:18 pm:

Jan,

Sure, blow in my ear and whisper sweet nothings. LOL!

I'm probably a dino when it comes to that stuff. I'm so old school, I use denatured alcohol and Q-Tips once a year on all interconnects and jacks.

But keep talkin' you silver tounged devil!

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 958
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 08:33 pm:

Kegger,

First of all, I can't thank you enough for the tubes.

If any of the "Dogs" are monitoring this thread, I just want you to know Kegger and I had a phone conversation last week. I want you all to know he is as nice and friendly as he appears on the forum. Truly one of the good guys, and as good a friend as you could ever want. Now that I completely embarrassed him, I will continue.

Yes Kegman, I used the RCA 12AT7's for the preamp, and the RCA 12AX7 driver. No I have not tried the other tubes, and am not in a big hurry to do so. LOL! This rig sounds too good right now, and I don't want to change a thing.

Like I said, when the time comes for me to put a quad of NOS Mullards in the amp, it will probably give me a heart attack. LOL!

It's calling again.............I'm coming my precious................

Gold Member

Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 3250
Registered: May-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 09:53 pm:

Oh, Reeeeckeeeee! You turn away and go to another when I can offer you soooo much. I can teach you things you never thought you could know. I will whisper things you have never heard.

Theeeeese tubes, they are nothing with out meeeeee. I can be tender, Reeeeckeeeee. I can be sweeeeeeet. I will lift the veil for you, Reeeeckeeeeeee. Do you want to seeeeeee what is behind the veil? A little touch here and a tineeeeeeee bit there and, Reeeeckeeeeee, you will be a man! Oh, Reeeeeckeeeeeeee, how can you ignore meeeee for her?

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/tweaks/silclearfeedback.php

I bet Uncle Larreeee would let you try some of his magic fluid if you asked reeeeeeeeal nice.

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2324
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 09:56 pm:

Rick I'm not really that nice or friendly you just caught me on a good day!

I wouldn't worry to much about the output tubes, I've changed a lot of them
and find no where near the amount of difference the inputs make.
Those Eh output tubes are pretty darn good!

Whenever you get to it I'm interested in your impressions of the other tubes.
Great to hear they worked out for you. That's cool!

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2325
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 09:59 pm:

Jan I followed your "silclear" link And am intrigued!
Have you tried it? And if so whats your impression?

Silver Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 815
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 10:09 pm:

Ha! I've talked with Kegman on the phone, too, and I can attest to the fact that he's NOT a nice guy at all! Just a decent soul in tubeman's clothing!! Yep.

As for Silclear and other silver glop. Wellll, if you like to deal with messy hands, messy plugs, messy furniture, messy clothing, messy marriages (no, forget the latter) then Silclear and SST and their ilk are for you.

They promise the moon - but I'm not at all sure that what some "claim" to hear is all there. I've used the Walker silver glop now - and finally took alcohol and scrubbed it all away. Nearly shorted out some connections - and got the stuff all over everything - even though I was super-careful.

Claims for epiphanic experiences with the silver grease are individualistic, to the max. I won't say they are exaggerated, because all I can report is what I heard. Not much. OK? That is, of course - IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.

There are several tweaks that I've found to be useless for me - though others who I respect say they are wonderful. Such is the nutzy world of audiophilia (is that in Pennsylvania?)

I maintain that my Z-14 or Vivid CD cleaners/polish DOES make a difference. You may neither use them nor experience the differences if you do. OK.

But yes, Jan, Uncle Larreeee WILL be glad to send you a dollop of SST silver glop if you wish. Just send me an e-mail with your address. It will be free to you - and you can make your own judgements.

Meanwhile, I've got some discs to polish with my new Black and Decker super-orbital polisher, that goes at 45,000 rpm and promises glass-look finish. If the CD doesn't burn up. . .

More anon. . .

Silver Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 816
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 10:14 pm:

Kegger: You want some SST? (same as silclear) OK, just send me your address, and I'll drop you a smallish (free) packet. With luv, of course! (grin)

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2326
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 10:26 pm:

Larry:

"I dabbed our brand new, silver-saturated, hyper conductive contact lube on the AC plug of my $99 boom box. Then I dabbed it on every plug and lug of a $100,000 dream system. Stunning results on both! For 3 cents a plug, violins gained a gloriously sweet sheen. Delicate acoustic guitar overtones stood unveiled."

The thing that struck me, "Don't really know why" was the use on the power cord!
So many people I've seen lately claim the power cords somehow have these
huge differences in what they do for amps and myself lately I've swapped a few
around on my system and have had quite a bit of difference in the noise the amp
produces from the speakers so I'm intrigued by the products from that aspect!

I'll contact you! But I'm still curious if Jan has used the (silclear).

Silver Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 818
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 10:43 pm:

Kegger: unless Jan bought it himself, I doubt it. I sent him Z-14, Vivid and Z-6 - but not the SST (Walker's version of Silclear). But heck, he's got his own budget! So maybe he's used it!

I'm always amazed at the claims for power cord differences. IF I ever heard any, I'd be a disciple too - but I guess I've never ventured into the land of hi-end AC cords. Maybe if I lived in England - where "dirty" power seems to be everywhere.

As it is, I use filters on all the plugs - fridge, computer, portable phone base, and of course the stereo stuff. it DOES make a big difference.

Violins with a "gloriusly sweet sheen?" Wow - sounds more like Vaseline than Silclear! (grin)

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 207
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 11:55 pm:

Violins with a "gloriusly sweet sheen?" Wow - sounds more like Vaseline than Silclear! (grin)

There's an image I don't need. ;-)

First impression: The Onix amp and CD player are keepers. Haven't listened to Onix speakers,yet.

The Onix may have earned a place in the living room. It feels like I've been unfaithful, though.

Initially, the Onix sounded a little lean to me so I started doing a comparison with the Mac. This was definitely not apples to apples. It was Mac/Denon vs Onix/Onix with the Maggies being the only common link.

The more I listened the more I realized the "lean" sound actually must be a lack of "coloration". I never really knew what audiophile reviewers meant by coloration but now I think I do understand. I've always thought the Mac was relatively neutral but compared to the Onix, it is pretty clear it is adding its own character to the music. This doesn't mean the Mac sounds bad. But, it sounds like the Onix has opened the midrange with more clarity and detail and an extra sweetness. These results are with the Sound King speaker connecting the Maggies to the Onix. If you recall, the HD speaker wire whipped the Sound King in my testing from the other week. Tomorrow, I'll give the HD cable a try with the Onix.

CD's used in tonight's listening:

Cowboy Junkies 'The Trinity Sessions'
Suzanne Vega 'Nine Objects of Desire'
India.Arie 'Acoustic Soul'
Josh Rouse 'Nashville'
MSO 'Pictures at an Exhibition'

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2327
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:06 am:

SimplyMcIntosh does the amp have orientel input tubes? My guess yes!

All the small signal tubes if there chiniese/japaniese are very inferior
to even new tubes made today elsewhere. This is not a nock on the amp as many do.
If you change those with older tubes from the us or europe you will hear what the
amp is capable of. Big difference! Get use to the sound of the amp and let it break in.
But when, not if, you change those tubes you will be stunned!

Nos tubes make the chinese tubes sound like crap when comparred!
If you like how it sounds now you will be shocked when it breaks in and has nos tubes!

Have fun and congrats!

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 208
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:40 am:

Kegger,

I don't know. I imagine it does but I haven't been able to get the main cage off to see the tubes up close. The cage is supposed to connect via banana plugs but it doesn't disengage as easily as I thought it would.

I look forward to doing some tube rolling in the future. When I get to the point, I'm sure I'll be pinging the forum for advice. :-)

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2328
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:57 am:

Sounds good!

Yah I saw those banana plugs when I looked at it.
Looked like it should just pull off from the top.
Probably a little tight since it hasn't been used much.
If you had something that wouldn't scratcth the surfaces and wedged it between the
cage and amp and kinda twisted, that would probably do it. But you work on things
so I'm sure you'll figure something out!

Good luck!

Gold Member

Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 3252
Registered: May-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 02:12 am:

Silclear - No, I have not used THIS product. I still have a supply of Tweak which, to my knowledge, was the first of the audiophile contact treatments. It was claimed to give jaw dropping, org@smic results. Of course it didn't do that, but maybe I was already too much of an Old Dog to know what was happening. I do use Tweak whenever I clean my system and find it does sweeten the sound and give slightly better detail than untreated contacts. Not a large difference but enough to make the application of a bit of fluid well worth the effort. Tweak is a much less viscous fluid than Silclear being on the order of a light weight household oil.

THE KEY TO USING ANY CONTACT ENHANCER IS TO USE THE ABSOLUTE LEAST AMOUNT POSSIBLE AND DISTRIBUTE IT EVENLY OVER THE CONTACT. IT DOES NOT REQUIRE MUCH PRODUCT TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULTS.

When people have problems with contact treatments it is most often a matter of the thought process being if a little is good, then a lot should be great. This is a product that is intended to increase conductivity. If it gets smeared across the surfaces you can have more problems than you ever thought could exist in the fingers of a tube socket. Tweak needs to be applied only to the point you can barely see the product on the pins of the tube or the plug. It is applied with a very dry brush. You almost have to apply the product as if you were wiping it off the contact instead of wiping it on the contact. Since Silclear is thicker than Tweak, I can't predict how easily you can control the application. If you can get a minimal amount of the material on the contacts, I would guess it, or SST, will give a benefit similar to Tweak. That, in my estimation, is not large but noticable. Since there is a viscousity to the products, they also inhibit oxidation for a longer period than untreated contacts (for those of you still smearing Vaseline on your plugs).

I would strongly suggest the application of the Pro Gold before the use of any contact enhancer, especially on NOS tubes. Any oxidation will surely negate any benefit of a contact enhancer. And remember there can be a voltage on the sockets even after the amp is unplugged, let the amp discharge completely before you stick ANYTHING in a tube socket. Here's a title that should explain what I mean:http://www.netaxs.com/~vkalia/diy.html

Tweak can be removed with ProGold, Cramolin or most tuner cleaners. I can only assume Silclear can be removed as easily.

SM- How could you make ANY decision when you haven't played Patsy?

Most people do not care for the sound of Chinese tubes. They are thin and wiry and have a sound somewhat like a poorly tuned radio station. Listener fatigue is very noticable with most Chinese tubes. I did have a set of Golden Dragon tubes in my Macs (12AX7/12AU7/12BH7/KT66's) that I thought sounded very good. The G.D. tubes were made to the specs of the old Gold Areo and Gold Lion tubes from England. The company employees had purchased the rights and the equipment to manufacture the tubes in China. Golden Dragon is now out of business, but I was told (?) the parent company, Shuguang, is making the same tube under their own name. I've not heard the Shuguang's, but I would say there are some good Chinese tubes available - just not the majority. If you happen to have Shuguang's in the amp, give a listen for a long while. They can be bettered, but, if they are even close to the Golden Dragons, they are a very good tube for the money.

As to the bananas, they are tight so a young child can't get to the tubes. The Macs have a similar arrangement on their cages. As Kegger said, use a soft tool to gently pry the edge up and you should be able to work the cage loose after a bit of effort.

Gold Member

Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 3253
Registered: May-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 02:18 am:

If you haven't looked, here's the subtitle you should pay attention to in the above link:

"Guide to tube DIY, aka Fun with Fibrillation"

Anonymous

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 02:33 am:

I am not able see the sport channels on 61.5 and 119. Can not watch any of the cricket match between India and Pakistan. Does anyone have any information regarding this?

Gold Member

Username: Kegger

MICHIGAN

Post Number: 2329
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 03:11 am:

Hey Jan I'm running 12bh7 rca's in my 300B amp! (input tubes of'course)
Internally they look like a mullard El34!
Much better for my situation with those in there verse about 15 different types
of 12au7's in there. I suspect though if I wasn't running a brighter speaker then
many of the 12au7's would be fine and maybe even better then the 12bh7's. But the
12bh7's are a more full bodied sounding tube and slightly tame on the top end.
Just right for the ole klipsch horns BABY!

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 209
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 09:03 am:

Ok, I got the cage off. How do the tubes come out? The manual that came with the amp has no instructions whatsoever. It only has safety warnings, specs and a company bio.

Here's the tube info I can see with the tubes in place:

- 4 large tubes - "Melody 5881S Australia"

- 2 small tubes - "Melody 12Ax7". Can't see the country code but the tops of the letters I can see are all curved so I don't think it is China. There are 5 letters.

- 2 small tubes - "12AU7A/ECC82 EH Electro-Harmonix, Made in Russia"

- 2 small tubes - "6922/EH Made in Russia"

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 960
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 09:28 am:

SM,

Hold the tubes gently near the base, and rock slightly while slowly pulling straight up.

No comments from the Peanut Gallery please......

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 210
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:03 am:

Am I part of the Peanut Gallery? lol

Silver Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 821
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:09 am:

Jan V. - good points about the Tweak, Silclear, etc. A little is good - a very little is better - a barely-seen amount is best. I learned that the hard way!

For anybody using any form of the silver grease - use JUST enough so that the surface of plug, etc. turns silver. Allow NO build-up - you will really be sorry!

My offer still goes for anybody Stateside who wants a tad. Actually, Mer saw/heard quite a difference after using it on interconnects and power cord. Almost nothing on speaker cables.

I took it all off with Isopropyl alcohol - reg-lar alcohol from the drugstore. Contact cleaner will also remove it. Plain rubbing is OK, but a tiny film will remain. Use alcohol.

Now I'm just using ProGold - as recommended by you, Jan. Sure makes the plugs "work" better, and may give better sound - I just really don't hear that much difference, though.

Still reveling in the sound of the new Yammie, which I swear has a smoother sound than the old one. Mer agrees. And - it's so nice not to hear those vibrations when playing a disc!

Is a tube amp in my future? Well, gang, I doubt it, but heck - you never know! Right now I'm focused on the only remaining "weakness" in my system: the surround speakers. think I'll order the PSB Alpha Bs - get them for a good price out of Chicago.

More anon. . .

Silver Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 822
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:11 am:

Wasn't there a 70s rock song about tube-rocking, by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs? Sum-ting about "rockin' wid my tubes, rockin' wid my tubes, rockin' wid my tubes tonight. . ."

Yeah, yeah, yeah - or something like that?

Gold Member

Username: John_a

Post Number: 2901
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:22 am:

I assume you reverse the procedure when putting them back in...

A round of applause to the contributors to this thread on the subject of tube amps. It is hilarious and educational. Thanks again to Rick for starting it and encouraging it along.

Another tube "newbie". Waiting with bated breath, SM...

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 961
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:27 am:

SM,

You are way to young to be part of the Peanut Gallery. LOL!

I just wanted to quiet any Dirty Old Dogs reading that post. I actually wrote that with a straight face, and then saw how it looked on paper. I'm glad my wife wasn't looking over my shoulder on that one. I'm sure she would have made that post my last. LOL!

Yes, pull up gently!

I know some of the dogs are howling...........

Gold Member

Username: John_a

Post Number: 2902
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 10:53 am:

Sorry I missed the vital info, reading the e-mail notifications only, worrying about hi-jacking etc., and not following links

SM; you wrote

So, in the interest of getting back to the original intent of the thread...I think I just did what might be considered an "impulse purchase":

Onix Combo

6 Moons Preview

So, you now have the "Onix SP3 Melody" Tube Integrated Amplifier AND the "Onix" Reference One Mk. 2 loudspeaker?

Where does the Melbourne-based "Melody" come into it? Is "Onix" a US badge, or what?

As before sorry, to be slow, or unobservant. Or both.

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 211
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 11:14 am:

JohnA,

Yes, I was researching the Onix Rocket UFW-10 subwoofer as a potential replacement for the REL and somehow I ended up buying a "combo deal" that included the Onix SP3 amp/Onix Ref1 speaker/Onix XCD-88 cd player. But, no subwoofer.

The "Onix" amp is actually a Melody amp badged for the US. The company is based in Colorado. Website: http://www.av123.com/

Gold Member

Username: John_a

Post Number: 2903
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 11:44 am:

Rick,

I think you were understood.

I repeat; "I assume you reverse the procedure when putting them back in... ".

SM,

Thanks. Now I get it. So the amp is designed in Aus, made in China, shipped to US? Probably it goes by a third name in Europe. Anyone know? It looks good, but the music on the Melody web site. Argh.

And you are already changing tubes?!

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 214
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:12 pm:

No, I'm not changing tubes, yet. Just posted info about the ones that are already in it to see what feedback it elicits. Doing some research and it seems the 5881s are likely from China.

Gold Member

Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 3254
Registered: May-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 01:09 pm:

SM - I don't know if you were reading when I instructed Kegger and Rick to not have the tube amplifier turned on with no speakers connected. There always has to be a load present when the amp is running. Also you may want to go back and look at the comments about using the various impedance hook ups to alter the sound of the amp.

Gold Member

Username: John_a

Post Number: 2904
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 02:17 pm:

Thanks, SM.

Another piece of basic information, once common knowledge - and forgive me if you already know. The filaments are very brittle when hot. Move the unit only when it is off, and, furthermore, only after it has had time to cool right down.

Any outlet, name, or badge, for Melody amps in Europe? There is nothing about this on their web site.

As Kegger said, My Rantz, you have a key export industry to support!

Silver Member

Username: Simplymcintosh

Post Number: 216
Registered: Jan-05

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 03:03 pm:

Thanks, Jan. I had not seen that and violated that last night when switching the maggies between amps. Hopefully, this didn't cause any harm. Thanks for the info.

JohnA, thanks for your suggestion too. I'm a complete newbie to the tube/valve amp scene and have a bit of research to do. I thought I had read somewhere that Onix had a very good, detailed manual but that wasn't the case with the SP3. The manual's purpose appears to be more for "legal" protection/safety warnings than information about operation of the amp.

I don't know about their distribution in Europe. I saw a thread about their speakers and subwoofers being available for distribution in Europe. You may want to send an email to the company to inquire about European distribution. From what I understand, the company has god customer service and is very responsive to inquiries.

Silver Member

Username: Larry_r

Naples, FL

Post Number: 831
Registered: Oct-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 03:43 pm:

SM - wow - I'm really impressed - Onix has God running their customer service?!? (double grin)
No wonder you love their stuff!!

Just reading the mini-liner note on the new Bill Evans "sunday at the Vanguard" SACD. They say that - now get this - "all-tube equipment was used in the transfers from analog to DSD production of this disc." Hey - is everybody going back to tubes? Bye-bye transistors and hello filaments? Prob-lee so. . .

Two Cents chimes in that more vinyl records are being sold than SACD and DVD-A combined - everybody I know is going tube amps - can reel-to-reel be far behind? (grin) Maybe not. . .

More anon. . .

Silver Member

Username: Two_cents

Post Number: 514
Registered: Feb-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 03:57 pm:

I've read that Sony has given up on SACD. John A, you won. You have defeated the Evil Empire.

On a related note, Sony is still reissuing vinyl albums.

Silver Member

Username: Rick_b

New York
USA

Post Number: 963
Registered: Dec-03

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 04:06 pm:

Larry,

It looks like the universe is getting back to sonic sanity. The planets must be aligning. All we need now is legislation to make it law: Use a transistor? Go to jail! LOL!

My Rantz

Gold Member

Username: Myrantz

Post Number: 1599
Registered: Aug-04

Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 04:34 pm:

"I've read that Sony has given up on SACD."

2C - please let us know where you read this, because I've read where Sony is expanding its DSD recording facilities to Europe as well, as the US facility in Colorado cannot cope.