gonzp Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Well I have received all of the new pieces that I have recently ordered and have had about a week to critically listen to it all together. I saw and heard Craig's VRD's and Mark's BlueBerry last year in Indy at the Pilgrimage and I knew that I had to have these pieces. No wonder a lot of Klipsch heads have this combo because they just mate together well, synergy, I guess is the term. I would like to post my impressions on each piece. VRD amps- My tube experience has consisted of an Almarro A318A integrated tube amp (18WPC SET) and a pair of H.H. Scott 99D mono integrateds (22 WPC I believe) mated to a pair of 1986 Lascalas with Crites AA networks and the new Crites CT-125 tweeter. SET amps are awesome they have got the airyness around the music that only set can give. SET's lose when they are pushed as they just don't have the head that the VRD's have. I do not feel that I have lost very much with the VRD's at low volumes but, I have gained a bunch when I pump up the volume. The bottom end and the midrange is where the VRD's outshine SET. I told Craig that my Lascalas have never sounded soooo good. There is a tight punchiness in the bass that SET just cannot provide. The build quality and looks of these amps is second to none in my opinion. JuiceyMusic BlueBerry preamp- WOW I now see what all the buzz is about. I had the Scotts hooked to the BB and while it sounded awesome it really shines with the VRD's This piece is the most transparent preamp that I have ever heard. It adds or subtracts absolutely nothing from the signal you sent it. The phono stage is also awesome. My vinyl rig is by no means as upper -level as my amps and pre are. (DUAL 1219) with Grado black I can definately see a cream option and a new TT coming into play in the near future. The fit and the finish of this preamp also is second to none either in my opinion. Jolida JD 100 A tube CD player, this is my newest piece and this totally outshines the Sony's and Denons that I have previously used. This piece does not sound digital at all. It is a very well built heavy player. Heck the remote control alone is as heavy as most cheap decks. The silver faceplate also compliments the walnut finish on the VRD's and the BlueBerry very well. Crites AA networks- I did hear a very noticable change in the Scalas with this up-grade. The squawkers were not as harsh as they were before. The AA's did the trick on that. I have since dropped the squawker 3 Db with a mod Bob filled me in about. What more can be said about the fit and finish of Bob's work. Crites CT-125 Tweeters- before dropping the squawker level they were good now they are simply amazing. I have heard things in very familiar recordings that I previously had not heard before. Quality again that is second to none in my opinion. Overall I have totally changed my main system in the last 4 months I have heard major differances at every turn. System synergy is what it is all about and now to my ears I think that I have achieved that. I have dealt with 3 vendors here on the board and each one of them was a total pleasure to deal with. I got no false promises and bo BS from Mark, Craig aor Bob. I would highly recomond dealing with these folks. Their reputation has been earned. In closing I now feel that my 2 channel system has put me in audio nirvana! I have got a vinyl and CD collection that I want to reaquaint myself with. One problem though, recordings are really coming into play a good recording sounds soooo good while a bad recording sounds soooo bad. Junk in junk out. Next will come NOS tubes for everything, maybe a new cart. for the Dual or even an upgraded TT. Sheesh when and where does it end??? I an building a new stereo rack pics to follow. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzp Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 The VRD's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleJ Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Very Nice Patrick!!!! You have done well upgrading your system since last years Pilgrimage.There are quite of few things I have on my wish list (VRD's, decent CD player, entry level Vinyl set-up, etc)but commonsense has kicked in and no more purchases until I get a garage built.Once again Patrick, great job with all your recent acquisitions.Please post more pictures when you get a chance!!JJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Like you I have 86 La Scala's, and recently purchased some used VRD's and a new BBX from Mark (just over 2 weeks ago), and am still smiling. [] I had never heard either piece, but just went strictly on all the positive feedback from others on this Forum and am so glad I did! I too have a Dual TT (CS-5000) w/Shure V15V-MR cart. It sounds really nice but I know improvements can be made here. For CD playback I am using my Panasonic RP91 DVD player, and I know this can be improved upon. LOL My La Scala's have ALK's w/511B's sitting on top, and the new Crites tweeters. I love them! This front end just brings them to life. Like you, I'll be upgrading my sources next but that will have to wait a while. For now, I'm just enjoying my musica all over again. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzp Posted March 9, 2006 Author Share Posted March 9, 2006 Mike, the Jolida J 100 A is a very natural "un digital" sounding CD player. I would highly reccomend it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Patrick, Very nice review! Thanks for the great comments. The upgrade path seems never ending but I think your close to over upgrade the vinyl rig and then just listen to music and forget about the gear. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Nice write up Patrick but how could you disgrace those VRDs by placing a Dallas Cowboys helmet between them?[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmikid Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Well I'll be!!!!! We are changing, upgrading, discussing, changing, upgrading, saving up a bit, changing, upgrading, discussing... once in while some ranting [] Some years, some decades, some lifetimes. We even calculate stuff like WAF factors! And... he does it in four months. O, wait a minute, let's talk about that TT-rig! [H] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzp Posted March 9, 2006 Author Share Posted March 9, 2006 Yes the TT is the next upgrade. I am enjoying the CD collection on the Jolida. This thing just gets better the longer I listen to it. I would love to have a Linn, Lingo ect... It will be awhile though. Scott, the Cowboys have got to be stuck in your craw the way the durn Niners are in mine. I used to hope and pray that the Cowboys played the Pack rather than the Niners. I am sure you as a Pack fan hoped to play the Niners rather than the Cowboys!!! As far as the TT rig is concerned, my Dual is in very good shape and has recently been tuned up by a Dual specialist from Boulder Colorado who pronounced it fit for decades. I would like to upgrade the cartridge but I do not want to over spend on a cartridge that is too good for the table and the arm. I currerntly have a Grado Black (by no means even a mid level cart) it is a little more laidback than I would like. Can anyone reccomend a cartridge that is a little brighter? In sound and in price? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt1stcav Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 I've had excellent results with the Sumiko Blue Point high-output MC, other than that, I don't have alot of experience with affordable high-end cartridges...just a thought. Regardless, you now have a truely impressive audio system that others can only dream about (myself included). Congrats, and happy listening![] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzp Posted March 11, 2006 Author Share Posted March 11, 2006 Craig, I stand corrected. I have done quite a bit of listening to the VRD's in triode mode and they give up ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the SET amps I have used. I am totally pleased with these amps in both modes!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J M O N Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 Nice write up Patrick but how could you disgrace those VRDs by placing a Dallas Cowboys helmet between them?[] I agree! That helmet should be placed on the very highest shelf you have, not down low near the floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 Craig, I stand corrected. I have done quite a bit of listening to the VRD's in triode mode and they give up ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the SET amps I have used. I am totally pleased with these amps in both modes!!! Very cool someone finally gave Triode mode a real listen for the mid range quality. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intotubes Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 Super Patrick. Glad you finally got all your new tube stuff and are listening to it all now. Can't wait to hear it sometime. Looks sweeeet. -Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 Patrick, Congratulations! I knew there was something we could agree on 100%. [] Enjoy the music bro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzp Posted March 11, 2006 Author Share Posted March 11, 2006 Patrick, Congratulations! I knew there was something we could agree on 100%. [] Enjoy the music bro. Good beer, VRD's, BBX, Klipsch and the Cowboys[] it dosent get much better than this right Tom?[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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