dalerf

I'm running a decware TorriV 25wpc valve amp, I thought it would tame the horns a little, but to no avail, changed the valves to NOS mullards and telefunkens for a warmer sound, and the only big step forward was when I added a 1970's Audio Research valve preamp, turned the treble down a little, bass up a little and presto!!! I like the sound I'm getting now after months of experimenting. Nice bass and clear highs.

I have found the bass and finally got them pumping, I use a Decware Torii IV with Decware RIAA valves amps, before they speakers had too much treble and not enough bass, I have just recently aquired a Audio Research valve preamp yum yum, heaps of bass, can tame the treble a bit, my whole system was valved for warm sound, NOS Mullards and Telefunkens, but the Audio Research preamp has really finished the system nicely, very happy now. This is with a Rega RP3 turntable hooked up.

Is their only the basic upgrade for the RF7-II's or do you have a few other options?

I'm using a Decware Tori IV and a Decware phonostage ZP3 with RF7-II speakers, before I was using a Yamaha AS700 amp which sounded better with the speakers as I could turn the bass up and the treble down. I had to change the valves that came with the Decware setup (Russian) to NOS RCA's and Mullards, which was a big improvement, much warmer sound. I have found that the horn is overpowering and too harsh, so will be trying some Dynamat on the horn, have tried a resistor between the bottom and top banana plugs which has improved the sound a small amount. When I plug in my old speakers Paradigm Monitor 9's the sound is very clear and pleasant. I might have to get a preamp with bass and treble controls if I cannot improve the sound through the horns. I mostly play vinyl records, though a CD player is hooked up, but the vinyl sounds a lot more warmer and detailed than the CD's.