OldSkool77

Add me to the Spotify/Dragonfly list. For the last year I have been streaming Spotify premium from a spare macbook I had laying around, thru a Dragonfly into my Toolshed pre/power amps, then out to the Heresy 3's. Sounds freakin' awesome! Oh, I'm also using a spare ipad mini as a Spotify remote for the macbook. Only downside is my vinyl now sound "barely average" compared to the digital side.

I think you guys should just be buying the new Russian tubes and leave the old NOS tubes to me...err, others. Basically, NOS tubes are just dusty and yucky. Best to avoid them completely.

Davesans, it looks intriguing. Thanks for the info!

Thinking about upgrading my phono preamp and saw where the Budgie uses a pair of 6922 tubes...which I already have many to choose from. Anyone have experience with the Budgie? FWIW, I'm currently using a Cambridge Audio 551P and wish to stay in the $500 range.

So glad you changed your mind and decided to keep them!

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe the avatar fairy will visit soon.

Scott, check your PM.

Scott, since you asked my opinion of my amps, I will give it. Please know that I'm NOT affiliated with any amp manufacturers. I have NO dog in this fight, so to speak. I'm a music lover, period. In fact, typing this while listening to Nirvana. RIP Kurt...you would have been 50 today. What I love about Toolshed amps is the sound and construction quality, attention to detail and custom options that Toolshed offers. You can choose exotic woods and custom, etched metal artwork that you can design. I had a palm tree design that I wanted and it turned out killer. The volume knob goes to 11...although I doubt that I'll ever play it that loud. The indicator lights on the amps even use vintage glass jewels from the late 1950's. Those details translate into a "work of art", at least for me. I didn't want a cookie-cutter amp. I wanted something that my neighbor didn't have. Check out Toolshedamps on instagram for more custom pics. They can build it anyway you want. The amps arrived VERY well-packed and perfect. I haven't had a single issue and I don't expect to. All I get is glorious music and they pair perfectly with my Heresy 3. I know that the builder, Matt, mentioned that he also owns Klipsch speakers...Fortes, maybe? Great synergy...and this is not my first tube-amp rodeo. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. Scott, welcome. You have been given many outstanding amp suggestions to choose from and I wish you the best.

Thanks for all the kind comments. I was asked about the "goes to 11" volume knob, so here's a pic. Being a fan of the movie Spinal Tap, this makes me smile every time I crank it up.

The preamp runs 6J5G's, I have Visseaux's installed. The power amp uses EZ81, E80F's and either 6v6g or 6L6gc as power tubes. Pumps out a robust 6 watts...more than enough for the H3's in a smallish room.

Toolshed amps, that is. As promised, I just wanted to give an update on my system. I purchased a pair of black Heresy 3's back in November to pair with an old Marantz 2270 in a 11'x11' mancave. That combo sounded pretty good but a bit harsh up top. After reading this forum, I realized that tubes were the way to smooth that treble out. I noticed that a forum member, Toolshed Amps, was held in high regard. After an e-mail (or 20) I commissioned Matt to build me a SET amp and preamp. Well, the end result is stunning! Custom zebrawood and wenge exterior, polished metal top/front plates with a custom transformer-cover art that I asked for. The volume knobs even go to 11! I'm not a technical guy but all I know is that I just don't want to turn this rig off! Soundwise, that harsh upper treble is tamed and the bass is TIGHT. The glorious midrange is silky smooth and overall the soundstage is 3D...wall to wall. I couldn't be happier. I will try to attach a few pics. Thanks to all for the guidance and allowing me to brag a bit.

If sold, I hope a forum member bought these. That's basically half price!

I love my pair! GLWS!!!

That's a beauty! GLWS!

Love the cutting board amp but can't see the first one. Can you repost?

Ironic to see this posted today. Just last night, I connected a tube preamp via the "main in" jacks on my Marantz 2270 and the sound was disappointing, a bit bright and strident. This morning, a friend suggested that I replace the jumpers and connect the preamp in via the aux input on the receiver. The sound is now unbelievably full, smooth and with a seductive 3D soundstage thru my Heresy 3's. Give that a whirl if you can.

Ok, I'm a new guy around here. My name is JC and I'm STUNNED by the Klipsch knowledge on this forum. I hope to be around here for many years. With that said...my wife thinks I'm trying to recreate my first college dorm room, circa late '70s. I have the Marantz 2270 and just added Klipsch Heresy III speakers. Turntable is a Pro-Ject carbon which will someday be replaced by a much better VPI table. Got a lava lamp and a framed Maxell "blown away" poster. Why am I posting in the tube forum? Well...I just bought a gorgeous tube pre-amp from Matt at Toolshed Audio. My old 2270 will temporarily operate as power amp. Pretty stoked after reading great reviews and I promise to post room pics after it arrives.

Very nice pair! GLWS

I gotta hand it to Rich (RLINK), as the H3s arrived yesterday and in perfect condition! They sound glorious thru my old Marantz 2270 and I will be posting pics in a day or two.

Sold, indeed...and headed back to where they were made.

I don't want to clutter this thread with my introduction, so planning to wait until next week and will post pics in the 2-channel sub-forum. Many thanks to all, and especially RLink, for pics and advice. I plan to be a member of this forum for the long haul.

Yes Weber...I will soon be a VERY happy camper. Since I am the newbie around here, where's the best place to post some pics when the H3's arrive?

Rich, we have a deal...you have my word. I will Paypal you tonight when I get home. Thanks!

Thank you Weber. I just stumbled across this forum a couple days ago. Looks like a great place with great people. Now, if I can just find a pair of black heresy speakers, I will be a happy camper.

Still available? If so, consider them sold to a good home.