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wetowne

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Posts posted by wetowne

    Topping PA5 is incredible.

    in Solid State

    Posted

    Nothing wrong with tubes I think they're great. Over the last few months I've been carrying out a sort of simplification program. I stream-lined all my systems using the least amount of great measuring components possible, just a Pi running Volumio, a DAC, an amp and speakers. I even removed the hats from my Pi's and went to USB connects to the DACs. I'm using balanced connections were possible. I figure the fewer parts the better. In my mind what I'm trying to achieve is the theoretical but impossible "straight wire with gain". I'm pretty pleased with the results so far. 

    • Like 2

    Topping PA5 is incredible.

    in Solid State

    Posted

    It's amazing what a low noise and low distortion signal will do for a pair of speakers. My Fortes never sounded so sweet. The bass is very well articulated now, it has better texture and detail. The tweeters have something to do now too, cymbals have sizzle and ring with a nice decay. Detail is amazing, I can hear background sounds on some recordings, players breathing and moving. This amp is dead quiet, absolutely black background at full volume. I think maybe the better upgrade for old Klipsch speakers isn't new crossovers or caps but using a really clean amplifier instead. Compared to the six watt tube amp I was using it is a major improvement. I think my love affair with tubes is over.

    • Like 4
    • Thanks 3

    Forte I - different crossovers in each speaker

    in Technical/Restorations

    Posted

    53 minutes ago, PrishPreen said:

    Here's one of my 1985 Forte crossovers. I haven't seen any pictures of this round design, built right on the plate. Early version?

    I'm about to swap to Dayton caps. If it doesn't look to embarrassing, I'll post an 'after' pic...

    crossover1.jpg

    When I did mine I just replaced the  big electrolytic cans, those are easy to do. The ceramic ones I left alone. I figured those hardly ever go bad and the PITA factor was enough to discourage me.

    Topping PA5 is incredible.

    in Solid State

    Posted

    My audiophile philosophy as of late is to have as much fun with as little as possible. It's a challenge to assemble a great system with just a few components. All three of my setups consist of just a Raspberry Pi, a DAC,  an amp and speakers. Saves both money and headaches. KISS is my motto. Oops, I forgot I got a cd player which I hardly ever use and a sub that is dialed in so delicately It's barely noticeable, it just adds a little "je ne sais quoi"  to the old Heresys.

    • Like 3

    Topping PA5 is incredible.

    in Solid State

    Posted

    It will go with my Fortes replacing the PA3s amp that I'm already running balanced TRS with an E50 DAC. That will be my first tier system. Second tier is my Heresy IIIs paired with a Sabaj A20 amp and E50 DAC. Third place goes to my beloved old Heresy Is running Sabaj A10 amp and a Khadas Tone Pro 2 DAC. All three systems sound excellent to amazing since I started using the latest stuff from China. I know, I know, let's not go there please.

    • Like 2
    • Haha 1

    Topping PA5 is incredible.

    in Solid State

    Posted

    34 minutes ago, CoryGillmore said:

    Maybe that thread was talking about the PA3

    No I have the Pa3s, it's pretty good. I switched out all my tube amps in three different systems for small form factor class d stuff from China and have been happy so far. I had been considering going all out with Hypex or Purifi but this new PA5 might scratch that itch. I also have two Topping E50 DACS which I am very satisfied with.

    • Like 2

    Topping PA5 is incredible.

    in Solid State

    Posted

    Mine is on the way. It's replacing a Topping PA3s(which btw sounds extremely good) that replaced my Musical Paradise tube amp a few months ago. So far I don't miss the tube amp at all and I thought I liked tubes. Then again I used to like vinyl.

    Topping is keeping secrets about the technology involved, I'd really like to see a tear-down.   It'll be a few weeks 'till it arrives and I will give my impressions then.

    • Like 5

    Love the sound of vinyl?

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    11 hours ago, VNC Studio said:

    I never threw my CD collection away and I'm glad.

    I still have my cd collection. I consider it to be archival. I've got a half way decent cd player that I run into a good DAC that gets used every so often. But for me streaming is the way.

    • Like 1

    Initial Forte IV Impressions

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    1 hour ago, Idontknow said:

    Many of the reviews in these forums are fanboy reviews.

    Many of the reviews in these forums are not reviews at all. They are subjective opinions given by people who purchased a product that they are excited about. Take it all with a grain of salt and while you're at it take a chill pill.

    • Like 3

    Honey, I shrunk the stereo.

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    I like your minimalist approach. Simple but effective.

    The AO7 is a very very nice sounding amp. I had one for about a month but returned it because it did not play well with my sub. I exchanged it for a Sabaj A10a which has a proper sub-out.

    Kinda wish I had kept it just to have it in reserve though. 

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