richieb

Great observations on all fronts Gilbert, thanks.

Here - open wheel in general, F1 in particular. Attended about half-dozen races in Indy. Have yet to get to Austin. Big push to get there this year. But there was nothing like Indy when you could roam the infield, pick out a nice berm close to a few turns and enjoy. I'm sure some of berms we found weren't more than 20 yards from the track. And next to the thunder of Live Top Fuel cars, the shriek of a V10 at 19000 rpm is something to behold. Those are two sounds/feels that TV cannot do justice. The new turbo engines leave a lot to be desired for the senses. But no doubt F1 are the bad-assess of racing engineering.

I have to imagine there are some satisfied Decware owners on board, in particular 2 watt Zen triodes and now with the new Ultra Fidelity tranfos. I am on the audio sale sites Far more often then I will admit and for the many number of years produced and units sold very few Decware models 2come on for sale. This alone tells me the vast majority keep them and are satisfied. I'm really on the fence giving one a try after many years of shying away mostly because the 2 watt output. I know there are many other Decware models with more power but according to Decware the simple Zen may well be its highest performing, $ for $. I do have a 5 watt KT66/88 single ended that is way plenty for my KHorns. So should I worry about three less watts? I once used a 2 watt Sun Audio 2a3 on Belles and thought the sound was very anemic, little body, no meat, clarity yes but very thin. On the other hand I had a Vaughn audio EL84 single ended at about 2 watts that sounded like 20. I suppose circuit design/transformers can make or break the perceived output.

Glad ya made it out alive BSM..... I tell ya when we go down to Baltimore..... I got eye's in the back of head..... Then ya spend good money on some food that is supposed "good" ..... yea what a bummer..... I feel ya my man.... MKP :-) Hey MKP If you know downtown Baltimore and I'm talkin' DOWNTOWN Baltimore you might know the area around 25th and Greenmount. For years I had a customer tucked in there and yes, eyes on the back of your head was a requirement. A very depressed area that, trust me on this, was not a place to leave with confidence when I would have to spend a little more time than planned and would leave in the evening, either headed to the hotel or BWI. I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

i’m not scared of heights; but, i’m afraid of falling from high places. I'm not scared of heights either, when standing on the ground looking up at them ---

I cannot put a $$$ amount on my safety. Who do I write the check and fire that bitche up ---

Would you mind driving that Genie to KC so I can safely finish painting my house? I'll only need it a week or so -- As always, thanks in advance.

Sir - step away from the cup and put your hands in air. You're under arrest. You have the right to an attorney ---------

Although its mighty difficult to "remember" sound I will be interested in your opinion between the two tube configurations. Are all Craig's new NBS shifting to the 6922 family? He must be of the opinion that he has improved the sonics of his design.

In the Peach I have on the way to me as we speak I plan to roll both Amperex 6dj8 Bugle Boys and Phillips Miniwatt 6dj8. I have read the Phillips are more than likely made by Amperex. Phillips was the parent company. I think there is a pretty even split in preamps deigns between the 6922 family and 6sn7. Far fewer opt for the 6h30. In my experience the 6sn octals provide more of the classic "tube" sound vs. the 9 pin miniature tubes like the 6922, 12au/ax7. I am anxious to hear how the 6dj8 does in the Peach.

I gotta say I love my coffee as I nurse through 10 partial cups a day. But to sit in a drive through 14 deep, I'm sorry but no way. Good on you but I would have to find an alternative, Mickey D's black would work in that instance. At least you fortified the inventory which makes the wait worthwhile I suppose. Can only imagine 14 people with one ordering a mocha mocha, half this, a quarter that, your choice on the next quarter, with lite whipped cream applied to look like the Washington Monument, two cherries on top, two straws one shorter than the other and no hotter than 78.4 centigrade. Oh yeah, they are Germans and ordered in the native language. Good luck Pete, see you this evening.

Oh my -- that can be hard on anyone and particularly someone at that age. It appears she has and will fight the good fight. Bless Her --

So says Subway Jared - repeatedly.

Very nice, Mike. And notice how some of the ultra hi-end designs that have been mentioned use the approach that still appeals to me most - the integrated amp. I still think the most logical concept in hifi and one I just moved away from. But knowing me I will return. God help me.

Agreed, if not for the Chinese our glowing glass would be hard to come by. Although many of my tubes are mfd. in Russia.

Now we all know where a political thread will end up but can anyone wait to see Melania Trump gussied up as the First Lady. Those White House photos will be immortalized with her in a see- through blouse and mini-skirt just shy of her hu-ha. Oh yeah, that should Perk up our influence in the world. I know I'm getting Perky just thinkin' about it. (I just can't get the Junk thread out of my mind).

One notable Chinese brand that has that hi-end Japanese look/feel and their higher end stuff replicating the vintage offerings of Western Electric is Line Magnetic. Some of their stuff is off the charts crazy And massive. Almost pulled the trigger a couple times on their gear. They replicate the WE field coil drivers, - over my head. Another Chinese built, Australian designed is Melody. Owned an early, raved about Melody integrated. Works of art both audio/visual. Back closer to home in Canada is Coincident. Masterful 845's and 300b's.

As mentioned - Audio Note Almarro Sun Shindo Yamamoto SPEC - high end Class D Leben Accuphase - still Japanese I believe Luxman ------ " " " Softone - 300b Mactone - 300b Fostex - full range driver specialist made in Japan, I believe These are off the top of my head but bet there are many more out there who the very elite buyers are aware I'd guess.

It's funny how revered Japanese gear is now. I'm sure we all remember the jokes about electronics being "made in Japan". Today it's electronics made in China being the butt of the jokes. Although I have owned several pieces of Chinese gear in the past that were by no means junk. Today I look at my rig - American made speakers (KHorns), American made amps (VRD) and soon to receive American made preamp (JM Peach). Two CD players both Made in Japan and both sound phenominal. Lots of geo-political reasons to shy from Chinese goods in general but in today's world of commerce it's nearly impossible to boycott.

I know I ain't goin' anywhere, my head is already too deep into this.

So this piece matches well with VRD's?

As Donald Trump might be heard to say - I may have small hands but I did just post #600. Or in other words - 600 Big Ones.

I had to buy pants with one wider pant leg. Dress right doncha' know ---

I currently have a hybrid tube pre/MOSFET integrated for sale in the garage section. Made by Valve Audio with 4x - 6922's in the front end and 12x MOSFETS for a power rating of 200 watts. I don't generally dis other equipment but am fairly certain the Valve Audio will smoke the Rogue in all areas. Big power nicely presented from the tube front end. Just way more juice than I currently need. Pictures in the garage.

I believe Craig can testify as to the build and sound quality of the Japanese made Almarro 318. Damn nice sounding single ended integrated at 18 watts running the big, firey hot Russian 6c33 triodes. Right Craig? As a side note - Hey Craig, I just sold the Almarro.