Justin & Jerry's Hifi Blog

Due to recent purchases, a change of hifi system strategy might be in the offing.

Here is the current set of principal electronics ....

https://i.imgur.com/Hi8tNgG.jpg

The device with large red letter display is the Chinese RVC (resistor volume control) passive preamp that Alan Firebottle sicced me on to. eBay link.

It's a thing of wonder to me. Just seems like a transparent window for the music. In the absence of immediate direct comparisons, I'll still stick my neck out and say it's the best passive pre I have heard.
I tried it with an Arkless solid state buffer and preferred the sound without it. Alan brought along a valve buffer, but for some reason that buzzed loudly in my system so no comparisons were possible.

Not sure yet, but I'll probably keep my Herron VTSP-2 valve pre as it's nice to have a bit of a change, and I'm sure to enjoy a bit more enveloping warmth now and then.

The small box to the right of the passive pre is a Topping D30 DAC. I've had it for over 4 months now and remain convinced it's the best DAC I have owned. It's powered via a 15V Chinese linear PSU, which added an extra soupcon of goodness.

My new idea for a Cunning Plan is to substantially reduce the box swapping by keeping excellent alternatives to hand that can be swapped in and out as the whim takes me. :)
- speaker (MBL / Podium) and preamp (RVC / Herron) alternatives now sorted. :thumbsup:

Let's see how long I can resist the lure of eBay and the classifieds. :doh:
Of course, following the dictates of the Cunning Plan, I still need to establish an alternative power amp and DAC, and perhaps cables as well. So that's an excuse for keeping looking. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jandl100

Due to recent purchases, a change of hifi system strategy might be in the offing.

Here is the current set of principal electronics ....

https://i.imgur.com/Hi8tNgG.jpg

The device with large red letter display is the Chinese RVC (resistor volume control) passive preamp that Alan Firebottle sicced me on to. eBay link.

It's a thing of wonder to me. Just seems like a transparent window for the music. In the absence of immediate direct comparisons, I'll still stick my neck out and say it's the best passive pre I have heard.
I tried it with an Arkless solid state buffer and preferred the sound without it. Alan brought along a valve buffer, but for some reason that buzzed loudly in my system so no comparisons were possible.

Not sure yet, but I'll probably keep my Herron VTSP-2 valve pre as it's nice to have a bit of a change, and I'm sure to enjoy a bit more enveloping warmth now and then.

The small box to the right of the passive pre is a Topping D30 DAC. I've had it for over 4 months now and remain convinced it's the best DAC I have owned. It's powered via a 15V Chinese linear PSU, which added an extra soupcon of goodness.

My new idea for a Cunning Plan is to substantially reduce the box swapping by keeping excellent alternatives to hand that can be swapped in and out as the whim takes me. :)
- speaker (MBL / Podium) and preamp (RVC / Herron) alternatives now sorted. [emoji106]

Let's see how long I can resist the lure of eBay and the classifieds. :doh:
Of course, following the dictates of the Cunning Plan, I still need to establish an alternative power amp and DAC, and perhaps cables as well. So that's an excuse for keeping looking. :D

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I've heard the Topping D30 and what a shocker. I mean come on! [emoji38] Just kidding Jerry,

The Topping D30 has stunned me. Alan has bought one and obviously, I've had a listen!!

We compared it to the Bel Canto (blind tested actually) and yes, I picked the Bel Canto as my favourite BUT the Topping was so so close to it. It's shocked me. It's better than the XiangSheng DAC01 I had and on Balance, it's hard to justify spending any more money on a DAC when the Topping can be bought so cheaply.

The Bel Canto is £750 used , the Topping is £75! (AliExpress)

It was just superb and I'm hopeful that one will be residing here shortly. Great find Jerry.

Well, well, there's hope for you yet, Oli! ;) :lol:

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Originally Posted by jandl100

Well, well, there's hope for you yet, Oli! ;) [emoji38]

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[emoji23][emoji23]

I'm very impressed by it mate. Not sure a Digital rig will ever replace or compete with the Vinyl side. I'm not saying it can't, just for me there's more to the vinyl from an emotive side. A last connection with my dad etc.

I like how accessible the music is via digital and a DAC that sounds as good as the D30 for a few quid seems to be a good compromise for me.

It's a little cracker that D30 Jerry, I keep thinking I should buy one myself.

Your current set up has just been duck approved, Jerry.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...82547374c7.jpg

You have no idea how important that is to me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jandl100

You have no idea how important that is to me.

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I heard that a shipping container of Chinese-sourced tat fell off a container ship, broke up, and there is now a flotilla of little yellow bath ducks bobbing around the oceans.

Probably an urban myth.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Barry

I heard that a shipping container of Chinese-sourced tat fell off a container ship, broke up, and there is now a flotilla of little yellow bath ducks bobbing around the oceans.

Probably an urban myth.

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They have atom brains. They are special. Cheap, but special.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jandl100

I still need to establish an alternative power amp

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Would you like those EL84 amps back Jerry?

Always look forward to your updates :)