View Full Version : Reffc System Pictures
walpurgis
21-12-2016, 21:38
Yes. I've heard Radford amplifiers on occasion Paul and always found them sublime to listen to.
Sovereign
21-12-2016, 21:49
Well done Paul, you deserve it .
Just a bit Geoff. The difference is pretty stark....which best describes the Denon's sound come to that. It's funny how our hearing subjectively adjusts. A week or two with the Denon and it was sounding acceptable, even to the point that I was starting to question, without the benefit of an A/B comparison, whether there is much difference between any two competently designed amplifiers of differing architecture. The answer, however, is a resounding "yes". This loudspeaker/amplifier combination has to be the most detailed and revealing of every detail in a recording that I have probably ever heard, and all without a hint of edginess or imbalance. The bass, when on the recording is as clean as a whistle, controlled and deep with real texture. Cello is frighteningly real, as is bass guitar. You can hear voices so distinctly that they no longer are just a series of unique tones, but the breath and emotion, every strain of the vocal chords is exposed, again bringing uncanny realism to them. It will take some adjusting to, as the Emille was more about a larger than life 3-dimensional extravaganza, but it didn't quite manage to pull off the resolution not did it have the same bass grip. The STA25 Series 5, modded as it is just monsters most valve, or SS amps come to that, that I've probably heard at any level or cost. The speakers are simply revealing enough, and dare I say it, for DCs, neutral enough to highlight every single change and reap the benefit of every improvement. It is, without question, a true reference set up in anyone's language in that respect, so I do feel privileged to be able to enjoy that.
New amp sonic bliss:)
I remain convinced that I need solid state and valve amps co-existing in my system permanently. Which they now do. They're just so far apart from each other that the merits of each have to be appreciated by swapping on a fairly regular basis.
I'll play one for a few weeks, then swap, then think WTF did I listen to that for for so long... this is WAY better:D Then I swap again and think the same. Only I have three options at the moment - two being valve. Even better, but not a permanent situation.
Anyway, that's just me maybe.
Nice amp. Enjoy.
Radford Revival
21-12-2016, 23:03
Just got home from delivering this to Paul today. Everyone knows hand delivered amps sound better :D
New amp sonic bliss:)
I remain convinced that I need solid state and valve amps co-existing in my system permanently. Which they now do. They're just so far apart from each other that the merits of each have to be appreciated by swapping on a fairly regular basis.
I'll play one for a few weeks, then swap, then think WTF did I listen to that for for so long... this is WAY better:D Then I swap again and think the same. Only I have three options at the moment - two being valve. Even better, but not a permanent situation.
Anyway, that's just me maybe.
Nice amp. Enjoy.
Thanks Justin. It's true that we can often draw on the strengths of whatever we have in the system and often draw comparisons with alternatives, but for me, when my attention is drawn to what the amplification is doing (or not doing) then something is wrong. When one's attention is instead drawn by the recording itself, and nothing in the hifi chain is calling attention to itself, at least obviously, then I know that the balance is right. The RFC speakers/Radford STA25 have that ability which determines them as an ideal match. It's quite uncanny listening to studio reverb in recordings that I'd never noticed previously, or to the way in which a musician is plucking strings, or to the lingering reverb of the soundboard/strings or piano. The Denon was always a stand by, usually reserved for AV duties which it does well. It has too much noticeable "grain" when used for hifi only, and I've found this with many (not all) SS amps. Whilst fewer valve amps I've owned have highlighted the same trait, many have not had the ability to properly control bass or to provide the finer detail.
Throw in GT Audio's TRON as a phono with commendable S/N performance and the soundstage opens up and draws the listener in to the performance, much like having a front row seat. It's really a whole new experience, and Will and I both commented yesterday, that we heard no system deliver this ability with such refinement, or with such natural effortless when we last attended the Bristol Hifi show, irrespective of cost. It's a good sign of things to come. Whilst the prototype pre is doing a great job and really is quite exceptional, it was designed for a different amp and isn't the ideal match here but still delivers in spades. There's no guarantees that the TRON preamp which is on its way, will maintain the status quo, but I hope so. It was designed to tick the boxes needed, and last I heard one in the system, with Convergence monos, it was sublime. I have made some attenuated interconnects out to lower its gain a little with the Radford (we tried these yesterday and they robbed nothing from the music) so we'll see in due course where everything ends up.
Alan and his good lady wife is visiting next week to give his thoughts. I'm a little nervous about visits where the system isn't complete but am sure we'll have a good day of music :)
Just got home from delivering this to Paul today. Everyone knows hand delivered amps sound better :D
They certainly do Will, partly, I suspect, because they've not been dropped, kicked or thrown about until the box splits and the carriers can hear lots of tinkley rattles!
Audio Al
22-12-2016, 09:01
A personal hand job is always appreciated :D
Had time to upload a few better shots:
http://www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_1423.jpg
http://www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_1428.jpg
http://www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_1429.jpg
http://www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_1432.jpg
http://www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_1437.jpg
walpurgis
22-12-2016, 10:04
I'll have to stop looking at your photos of this Paul. It's making me want one badly. :D
Black is better than grey by a factor of approximately 1024.3877%.
I can't seem to close this window down....:stalks:
Black is better than grey by a factor of approximately 1024.3877%.
You are right by a factor of approximately 1024.9975812% ;)
I'll have to stop looking at your photos of this Paul. It's making me want one badly. :D
You know that you want to....go on, treat yourself, you want one, treat yourself, you want one, treat yourself, you deserve one...
http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/2/hypnowheel.gif (http://www.threadbombing.com/details.php?image_id=4325)
brian2957
22-12-2016, 11:17
Hah ! It's working on me too :) I had to throw meself off the couch to get out of its grip :lol:
brian2957
22-12-2016, 11:20
Black is better than grey by a factor of approximately 1024.3877%.
What happened to the other zillion % Justin :)
TBH I would take this amp in any colour mate :)
It looks lovely , nice one. Hope you get the time to enjoy it!:)
I'll have to stop looking at your photos of this Paul. It's making me want one badly. :D
Me too. if I'd never heard one it wouldn't be so bad but I have several times and they are one of the best valve power amps ever made IMO. There is something about the sound that the primeval part of my brain (which is probably most of it) tells me is 'correct',The fact that they look like a minty bit of 1950's lab equipment is the icing on the cake.
Posted by walpurgis View Post
I'll have to stop looking at your photos of this Paul. It's making me want one badly.
Me too. if I'd never heard one it wouldn't be so bad but I have several times and they are one of the best valve power amps ever made IMO. There is something about the sound that the primeval part of my brain (which is probably most of it) tells me is 'correct',The fact that they look like a minty bit of 1950's lab equipment is the icing on the cake.
In which case, you'll need another :eek::
http://www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/RadBW-1.jpg
Are you sure that amp was not meant to be for me? ;). Very nice picture too Paul.
Are you sure that amp was not meant to be for me? ;). Very nice picture too Paul.
Could be Grant, 'cause when Will was lifting it into place, he saw my wiring behind the stand and did keep saying "Struth!" a lot :scratch:
hifinutt
22-12-2016, 17:30
Hi Anthony...hope you're well!
They're Verity Audio Rienzi 3-way two-box loudspeakers, a Canadian made design and very popular State-side. They've been exhibited at several UK shows in recent years and are popular with people who value musical enjoyment without the usual analytical fatiguing sound that many speakers marketed as "accurate" seem to display. these are accurate (the top monitors used in many recording studios) but as a whole, they sound very engaging. A much bigger sound than their size would have you think. They have genuine bass extension.
More info here: http://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/review-verity-audio-rienzi-meets.html
Here: http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/verity_rienzi.htm
and here: http://www.verityaudio.com/images/pdf/brochure/brochure_rienzi_web_ang.pdf
Sound wise, think Living Voice Auditorium IBX but with greater accuracy, more bass slam, wider imaging and more realism.
Their primary function is as a direct comparison with the Rhapsodys for people visiting for a demo. Outside of their own system, they need a benchmark, and the Veritys are about as good as it gets this side of £10K. Their RRP was I think £8,500. These are just 2 years old and mint.
Most visitors (all?) have preferred the Rhapsodys....thankfully!
and they continue to give a great deal of pleasure at hifinutt towers . they sound fabulous with vocals and very very sweet with much music .
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg160/phil125/017_zpsuobin8sr.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/phil125/media/017_zpsuobin8sr.jpg.html)
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg160/phil125/015_zpszriq98i9.jpg (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/phil125/media/015_zpszriq98i9.jpg.html)
happy Christmas to you paul
Hi Phil...glad to hear that they're still in the front row and looking very nice too. Their replacements take up rather a lot more room! Happy Christmas to you too Phil.
hifinutt
22-12-2016, 17:42
thanks so much , yes I did look at the verity leonore that bonzo and midland audio are selling but its a bit bigger . these fit nicely into a room . I must hear yours one day
Radford Revival
22-12-2016, 20:26
Had a very pleasant day out at Paul's yesterday when delivering his amp. We played a few LPs, CDs and even streamed a few tracks from his laptop. The amp sounded great through his Canterburys which are a great match for the Radford - they work well with the low source impedance that the amplifier offers.
There's a lot to be said for his big RFC Canterburys that show that a carefully implemented crossover and cabinet can mean Tannoy drive units, especially HPDs, can sound fully modern. Very tight bass and with a clean midrange, both of which are notoriously difficult to get right when implementing these units, but Paul has managed spectacularly with his design.
topoxforddoc
22-12-2016, 21:55
The aim was to assemble a system largely made by UK artisan manufactures, or mainstream UK made kit, so we have Michell, SME, Garrard, Hadcock, TRON, Radford (to come!), a TRON preamp (to come!), RFC (speakers/cables/hifi furniture), Rega.
Looks absolutely lovely. Bravo for promoting UK manufacturers :)
Thanks Charlie. You'll have to pop over after Graham's dropped off the Seven Linestage and hear the completed system ;)
pgarrish
23-12-2016, 12:08
That's a VERY handsome amp, Paul. I'm only slightly jealous :(
old valve git
23-12-2016, 12:19
Yup the amp looks great Paul, well done. Looks at treat with the Canterburys.
Cheers
Ian
Update on the DAC:
Surprisingly, at the price, it does manage to better the Rega's own internal DAC whilst offering a great solution for streaming audio from Spotify or wherever. Noise floor is impressively low, even when the valve output is selected, and there's no euphonic or rolled off presentation with the valve output. The Rega is now only being used as a transport.
There's also not a lot of difference that I can detect between the all SS or valve output. I think that the valve setting just has it for me. It just seems a little smoother.
In summary, it's a relatively well made DAC, even if the instructions are garbage and the description was incorrect (stating that it can be used as a stand alone preamp....it can't unless you have a digital source with its own volume control or unless you specify that you want the volume wired up with the DAC circuit before ordering). The headphone amp is a bonus and very nice too. The volume control only works with the headphones (not the DAC although it can be configured that way...better not to though unless you specifically want it as a preamp) and the headphone socket does not mute the speaker output despite the instructions saying otherwise. I can forgive the misleading instructions and description though for the sound quality. It is detailed without ever getting bright or harsh, allows a little more resolution than the Rega internal DAC (welcomed). Its a cracking little DAC for the money. How long it lasts, I'll have to see but it does seem remarkable vfm, and it says something when it's holding its own within a £20K + system. Whilst the rest of the system is most definitely in the" Best of British" vain, I'll allow this little usurper a visa to enter that system and stay for as long as it wants :D
There will be a further update today...anyone guess what the revised photos might show? (another newcomer to the fold arrives via private carriage later today ;) )
who did you get the dac/headphone amp from Paul? May be looking for something like that myself
who did you get the dac/headphone amp from Paul? May be looking for something like that myself
That was an Ebay special Grant. There's a few knocking about. REally quite a nicely made thing but specs vary as to whether you'll get one with the volume pot wired up or the headphone amp configured to mute main loudspeaker output. Mine does neither (vol is configured only for the headphone amp) but that's a good thing in a way as it's one less control in the signal path for the main DAC. Digital attenuation is used from my macbook source anyway.
Cheers Paul.. wasnt sure whether it was the German supplier, Hong Kong or China lol. I want it just for headphones tbh. Have you tried it as a headphone amp yet ?
Im looking for something to take optical from the chromecast audio dongle and convert and amplify a little. Thought that might be an option.
Cheers Paul.. wasnt sure whether it was the German supplier, Hong Kong or China lol. I want it just for headphones tbh. Have you tried it as a headphone amp yet ?
Im looking for something to take optical from the chromecast audio dongle and convert and amplify a little. Thought that might be an option.
It was the German (Chinese) supplier Grant. Very good to do business with. I have tried it as a headphone amp and it seems ok with my Grados. Haven't tried it with any of my other headphones yet but I've found most headphone amps of similar design to be a much of a muchness tbh.
Ok, cheers Paul. Its between this and the smsl m6 and the audioengine for now. Think the m6 might end up being best overall for my needs. Its a bit smaller too. Sytems looking to die for by way.. lucky you. :)
Time_Lord
30-12-2016, 14:52
You used to use Albarrys, did you not? May I ask what happened to them? You found something better perhaps?
I would have thought that they would have been very difficult (costly) to improve on.
Wakefield Turntables
30-12-2016, 17:19
I think the thread speaks for itself with respect to the evolution of Paul system. He prefer's the Radford.
I think the thread speaks for itself with respect to the evolution of Paul system. He prefer's the Radford.
Something like that Andy. The Albarrys were great sounding amps, the best SS amplification I've used, and a testament to Neil's talent (RIP Neil) but I always intended on 1) perfecting the design for the RFC Canterburys which didn't come along until later on and which don't take a lot of driving and 2) slotting a Radford into the system, as to date, I have heard no better match for large DC drivers. Don't get me wrong, the Albarrys had more than enough grip and DF, but the one thing about the design I didn't much care for was the use of lowish input impedance which meant that you had to be careful with whatever matching preamp you used, at least, that was my impression. I liked the Albarry pre, it was an ok design...it's just that I liked other preamps better!. In my case, I mainly used the matching Albarry pre, but after a number of months, my impressions were that the M608 monos were really the star of the show. They remain quite simply, a superbly designed and implemented power stage....if only the input impedance was a little higher I would probably not have sold them....and bought a Radford anyway!
The Radford uses 100K input impedance, is easier to match, and requires little to no gain from any preamp source.
My system is where it is, and I have no plans for any further changes bar the introduction of the TRON preamp which ought to be with me in a week or so. Only things like cartridges and consumables like valves (as and when which ought not to be for a good few years) will probably be changed. This is my own final destination system.
It will be on show if not this year, then next year as I, along with a handful of other UK artisan designers and manufacturers will be hosting a "BOB" day (Best Of British). I meant for this to happen earlier this year, but life got in the way! The intention is to showcase some well designed and made products in an all UK made system, to showcase that via artisan talent in the UK, you can put up a system to rival some serious competition without the telephone number price tags.
It will be on show if not this year, then next year as I, along with a handful of other UK artisan designers and manufacturers will be hosting a "BOB" day (Best Of British). I meant for this to happen earlier this year, but life got in the way! The intention is to showcase some well designed and made products in an all UK made system, to showcase that via artisan talent in the UK, you can put up a system to rival some serious competition without the telephone number price tags.
Sounds like a great idea.
Time_Lord
31-12-2016, 19:07
I think the thread speaks for itself with respect to the evolution of Paul system. He prefer's the Radford.
Obviously, yes. But the thread does not explain why he prefers the Radford, hence, I asked the question.
Something like that Andy. The Albarrys were great sounding amps, the best SS amplification I've used, and a testament to Neil's talent (RIP Neil) but I always intended on 1) perfecting the design for the RFC Canterburys which didn't come along until later on and which don't take a lot of driving and 2) slotting a Radford into the system, as to date, I have heard no better match for large DC drivers. Don't get me wrong, the Albarrys had more than enough grip and DF, but the one thing about the design I didn't much care for was the use of lowish input impedance which meant that you had to be careful with whatever matching preamp you used, at least, that was my impression. I liked the Albarry pre, it was an ok design...it's just that I liked other preamps better!. In my case, I mainly used the matching Albarry pre, but after a number of months, my impressions were that the M608 monos were really the star of the show. They remain quite simply, a superbly designed and implemented power stage....if only the input impedance was a little higher I would probably not have sold them....and bought a Radford anyway!
The Radford uses 100K input impedance, is easier to match, and requires little to no gain from any preamp source.
My system is where it is, and I have no plans for any further changes bar the introduction of the TRON preamp which ought to be with me in a week or so. Only things like cartridges and consumables like valves (as and when which ought not to be for a good few years) will probably be changed. This is my own final destination system.
It will be on show if not this year, then next year as I, along with a handful of other UK artisan designers and manufacturers will be hosting a "BOB" day (Best Of British). I meant for this to happen earlier this year, but life got in the way! The intention is to showcase some well designed and made products in an all UK made system, to showcase that via artisan talent in the UK, you can put up a system to rival some serious competition without the telephone number price tags.
Thank you for the in depth reply, that is what I hoped you would say. I own Albarrys but I have no point of reference as this is my first decent system, so I was interested to hear the thoughts of someone who has listened to many amplifiers.
The BOB show sounds delightful and I look forward to the possibility of attending (if it is open to the public). Incidentally it was at the first hifi show I attended that I first heard Albarrys, and driving your Rhapsodys too (Whittlebury 2014). It was in that room that the hifi bug bit me (well and the Tannoy Kingdom Royals too, to be fair, but I don't think I'll be affording those in this life!), so I should also say 'thank you' for that. Although I have no money in my bank account as a result ha! Thus far I have acquired the Albarrys but the Rhapsodys are sadly beyond my financial reach for the time being. Hopefully one day tho!
Obviously, yes. But the thread does not explain why he prefers the Radford, hence, I asked the question.
Thank you for the in depth reply, that is what I hoped you would say. I own Albarrys but I have no point of reference as this is my first decent system, so I was interested to hear the thoughts of someone who has listened to many amplifiers.
The BOB show sounds delightful and I look forward to the possibility of attending (if it is open to the public). Incidentally it was at the first hifi show I attended that I first heard Albarrys, and driving your Rhapsodys too (Whittlebury 2014). It was in that room that the hifi bug bit me (well and the Tannoy Kingdom Royals too, to be fair, but I don't think I'll be affording those in this life!), so I should also say 'thank you' for that. Although I have no money in my bank account as a result ha! Thus far I have acquired the Albarrys but the Rhapsodys are sadly beyond my financial reach for the time being. Hopefully one day tho!
Hi James,
I'm humbled that the Albarry/Rhapsody pairing had such an impact, but really happy for you that you ended up acquiring the Albarrys, which are superb monos. Those Rhapsodys were spoken for not long after the show along with another pair, and it's a shame that the Raptors weren't ready otherwise I'd have brought those too but they have proved quite popular since. The BOB show will be open to anyone who wants to attend. It was meant to happen in March but sadly, one TT manufacturer couldn't make it, I was ill, and the whole thing didn't happen even though I'd provisionally booked an events room at a hotel in Aztec West close to the M4/M5 interchange. We'll see what we can do for 2017.
BOB sounds interesting, and well worth travelling for imo. Hope it happens!
Your photos of the Radford are very seductive, too. Will does quality work, doesn't he? :thumbsup:
Time_Lord
04-01-2017, 11:34
Hi James,
I'm humbled that the Albarry/Rhapsody pairing had such an impact, but really happy for you that you ended up acquiring the Albarrys, which are superb monos. Those Rhapsodys were spoken for not long after the show along with another pair, and it's a shame that the Raptors weren't ready otherwise I'd have brought those too but they have proved quite popular since. The BOB show will be open to anyone who wants to attend. It was meant to happen in March but sadly, one TT manufacturer couldn't make it, I was ill, and the whole thing didn't happen even though I'd provisionally booked an events room at a hotel in Aztec West close to the M4/M5 interchange. We'll see what we can do for 2017.
They certainly did make an impact. It's an interesting episode to look back on actually. I went to the show as a complete outsider with no previous experience of hifi (I went along with a friend who said it would be decent - we only live down the road), but I did have much experience of listening to music in other ways. We worked our way round all the rooms and most of the time we left feeling distinctly underwhelmed. A good number of the rooms we walked in and and had walked back out at the end of the same song. The only two I remember as standing out from the crowd was yours and the Tannoys (I don't know the system that was powering them) and that was because what I heard in those rooms was actually MUSIC. I don't remember the tunes that were played - I wasn't familiar with most of the music anyway - but my impression from both was just beautiful natural music. I'm not quite sure how the music could have been lost in so many of the other rooms, but that was how my untrained ears heard it. I went back to the Whittlebury show this year and I would say that the state of affairs was even worse! Not one system that really captured the music and therefore not one that captured me. A few were heading in the right direction - Teddy Pardo closest - but not one where I could just sit and be assimilated. Ah well, hopefully one day I can recreate your room at Whittlebury in my own home - that's the plan anyway!
What I hear of the Raptors does sound very appealing, it would be interesting to compare them with the Rhapsodys. I shall keep an eye out for details of your show.
Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk
Something new in the rack ;)
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/IMG_1048_zpsje3cujm5.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/IMG_1050_zpsxmy0rd4u.jpg
TRON Seven...a bit of a one-off but basically built to the TRON Seven "Reference" spec (upgraded internals including AMD resistors and high quality capacitors, silver plated copper in ptfe PTP wiring and quality Noble 100K Pot). Triple choked power supply (initial smoothing choke and an additional choke per channel in pseudo dual mono layout).
Early days for any lengthy review but initial impressions are very good indeed, although I have to sort some attenuation out between pre and power.
Very nice - expect it will sound great. Can I ask what the make of the rack is Paul?
walpurgis
10-02-2017, 11:07
Looks nice Paul. I've heard good things about Tron. Never had a listen though.
Very nice - expect it will sound great. Can I ask what the make of the rack is Paul?
HiJames
the rack is one of mine (ie it's an RFC rack)
The preamp does sound very good....very low noise, very good dynamics.
Looks nice Paul. I've heard good things about Tron. Never had a listen though.
Get yourself up here sometime Geoff and you'd be welcome to a listen.
walpurgis
10-02-2017, 11:24
Get yourself up here sometime Geoff and you'd be welcome to a listen.
Might take you up on that Paul. :)
Looks a nice rack, I don't see them on your site though Paul.
Looks a nice rack, I don't see them on your site though Paul.
Thanks
no, I don't have most of my custom work on my site. There's a general hifi furniture section though with a description of the services that I offer together with a few examples of work undertaken so people are always free to contact me if they want something particular.
I don't deal in high mass produced numbers of anything, and just about everything I do is to customer order ;)
Black is better than grey by a factor of approximately 1024.3877%.
A percentage is not a factor!!! ;-)
(I'll get my coat!)...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
A percentage is not a factor!!! ;-)
(I'll get my coat!)...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Correct....that's actually a factor of 10.243877 http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/facebook/glasses.png
A percentage is not a factor!!! ;-)
(I'll get my coat!)...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Er... if you knew my school record in Maths you would know I should not have made the mistake.
The shame. The pure shame.
Where's the noose?:D
Don't hang me!!!
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OK...back on topic:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/IMG_1050_zpsxmy0rd4u.jpg
Now I've had the preamp in the system for a while, I can give an update on what it's brought and how it's performed. (Thank you Andrew for getting the attenuators out to me so quickly).
First thing is the build quality. It's up there with the very best, and all that separates it from some top dollar phone directory number stuff is that Graham keeps costs sane by not going the CNC milled bespoke lumps of casework that cost a fortune to manufacture. However, the casework supplied is solid.
Internally, it's a work of art. Whilst I am on a promise not to reveal the circuit, some pictures from TRON's website give a clue to the standards of internal build:
http://www.tron-electric.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/seven-line-stage-base-ref-ult-gt-3-HR.jpg
http://www.tron-electric.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/seven-line-stage-HR.jpg
The controls are high quality and feel it. The ELMA selector is top drawer and is very positive but smooth in operation. The volume is solid feeling and very refined in use, allowing fractional changes to be easily made unlike some lesser switches. This is a NOS Noble pot (I commissioned one with a few minor changes and to Reference spec, but unsure if Graham usually offers the sort of bespoke service I received, but there are three upgrade levels you can get as standard).
The internals are top-drawer in execution and in quality. The power supply is very impressive and very well shielded.
Sound-wise, it's been a revelation! The preamp completes a link in the chain not previously attained, and offers superb low noise thanks to Graham's almost obsessive quest for high S/N performance, principally as this is designed to be used with some of the best high sensitivity horn speakers around.
It's pretty astounding what detail can be retrieved from recordings, high resolution but not high fatigue....it sounds natural in a way that both connects you to the performance and convinces you with good recordings that you are actually sat there (eyes closed). It's that good. Part of this is the immense dynamic range it offers which allows the very best from the partnering Radford (itself no slouch in S/N performance). On some classical recordings for example, the differences between quiet and loud passages are truly immense and can be quite startling, especially with crescendos and tympani. It puts me in mind of this iconic photo:
https://iconicphotos.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/images_maninchair.jpg?w=768&h=327
The system is capable of huge dynamic swings, and now, it gets them!
Rock, such as Deep Purple's Live in Japan are pretty breath-taking, both for realism and for scale.
Graham has done a fabulous job here and the Seven allows the very best from source and power amp combined to present some astonishingly good sounds. The preamp is highly revealing yet very natural, and with the levels of rise and decay on offer, music just sounds real, as intended. The decay of a piano or cello note into obscurity is presented in stark reality against (wait for it!) an intended inky backdrop (sorry about that). It's superb.
It has also allowed me to play about with and note differences with things like connectors, something seldom presented with such distinction in some cases. For example, I had an old Mk1 Mercury but using the lesser copper Eichmann bullet plugs between pre and power. This wasn't making great contact with the Rothwells in place on the power amp, just adequate and they were a little tarnished on the earth pin, although I cleaned this up. I made up a RFC Neptune for this duty just to see (hear) if it made an improvement. Those who know me well, know that I'm very objective, but also open to trying things. I have a mind of my own, so can't be pigeon-holed. However, nothing prepared me (or Kirsty) for the massive improvement immediately apparent with the RFC Neptunes in place. I put this mostly down to the connectors. They made a good snug fit with the Rothwells and use a high quality fit and polish to the thick gold plating. The soundstage opened up dramatically, especially in depth and both the level of detail and dynamics improved notably over the older connector. Connectors matter!
The Neptunes will stay in place. They're superb even if modest by modern snake oil salesman standards.
Graham has done a fantastic job. He's created a sonically "invisible" link between source and power amps that really does allow the best to be got from recordings without adding any notable colouration (although everything will, to a degree). It's been done in such a way that dynamics are preserved allowing the full swing of musical swells and impact to be experienced. I wonder, in part, if this is due to his insistence at using no feedback and on implementing superb quality power supplies (channels individually supplied with their own chokes)? He certainly hasn't skimped on the quality of the parts fitted, and in spite of my objective engineer's head, I do think this matters, especially when working with such high S/N products like this. After all, it was created to drive some of the top horn systems available, and when dealing with 104dB/1w/1m or more systems, low noise is a must!
All I know is it works and has allowed the best from the system to be revealed, along with the ability to improve by tweaking the last 5% on things previously which might not have mattered. Now they do, and can be identified and tweaked for the better. This will allow me to make the final little improvements to tune the system to deliver its best.
I would say that this ranks up there with the best that Modwright has to offer and also compares very favourably with some top class EAR amplifiers I've heard or used so it will be interesting to hear Tom's new EAR by way of comparison.
Meanwhile, I'll do the unthinkable, and start to tweak some of the caps and resistors in certain areas of the system for some top quality items, to see if they will make a difference (who'd have thunk it! me, with a soldering iron, tweaking components? ). Well, why not. Graham's work shows that component quality matters. It may matter more in some areas than others, but it also matters everywhere if you want the very best from something. It goes without saying that tolerances and ratings must be well within spec, and for comparison, the originals for the things I'll be looking at all ought to be. It'll be fun trying anyway!
I look forward to Graham's next visit when he's threatened to bring a TRON Atlantic for me to play with. It'll be great to hear what 10 Watts of pure Class A loveliness sound like in this system :)
topoxforddoc
19-02-2017, 12:59
Paul,
Sounds like you're really happy with your new TRON Seven preamp. Should be interesting to compare with Tom's EAR 912.
Charlie
It's sounding pretty good Charlie. Pretty happy with everything now with the system as a whole. There's still a few areas that need some improvement but they;re more long term tweaks now than anything wholesale.
Spectral Morn
20-02-2017, 12:17
Something new in the rack ;)
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/IMG_1048_zpsje3cujm5.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/IMG_1050_zpsxmy0rd4u.jpg
TRON Seven...a bit of a one-off but basically built to the TRON Seven "Reference" spec (upgraded internals including AMD resistors and high quality capacitors, silver plated copper in ptfe PTP wiring and quality Noble 100K Pot). Triple choked power supply (initial smoothing choke and an additional choke per channel in pseudo dual mono layout).
Early days for any lengthy review but initial impressions are very good indeed, although I have to sort some attenuation out between pre and power.
Very nice Paul, and post 303 is a nice write up.
The Radford Revival amp looks absolutely fantastic and the Tron gear is really beautifully built - both outstanding choices IMO.
Thanks Mark.
The amps are chalk and cheese really. One is a single ended zero feedback design using a simple, short signal path but top quality components throughout, the other is single ended with lots of negative feedback and quite a complex circuit by comparison. Arthur Radford was a clever old soul though and thanks largely due to the design and quality of the output transformers, high amounts of negative feedback combined with some stability circuitry in the feedback loop to keep things nice and calm at the frequency extremes result in wide bandwidth, low THD and a highly stable circuit with low output impedance. The Hold Grail of the valve power amp. Few other designers can get away with it without the sort of design and quality of the output transformers used here.
The TRON follows a house-style of "simplest is best" and augments good, rational, simple short signal path design with top drawer components. Another perfectly valid approach. To have something like the Radford using say the component quality of the TRON would be my ideal for a power amp, but that would mean a lot of added expense and I know that Radfords themselves cast doubts as to whether this would alter the characteristics of the amp. I can't comment as I haven't tried it but it would be an interesting experiment! Perhaps one day.
For now, even with sensitive loudspeakers, it's uncanny just how quiet the set up is. Even with a fair amount of gain, there's hardly a whisper of hiss through the 'speakers. It's every bit as quiet as some of the best SS outfit's I've owned and betters almost all valve set ups. The Emille was pretty quiet too, and I do miss it's slight warmth in the mids, but it didn't have the detail nor the bass control fo this set up.
ianlenco
21-02-2017, 10:00
I remember hearing a Tron pre years ago and thinking - one day, one day but I still can't afford one! I'll just have to make another visit Paul and hear what I'm missing. :)
I remember hearing a Tron pre years ago and thinking - one day, one day but I still can't afford one! I'll just have to make another visit Paul and hear what I'm missing. :)
You are more than welcome to Ian.
Please do bring your power amp if you like too...would be interested to hear that on the back of the TRON as well. :)
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