Different valves for different sources?

[worrasf]

This is most odd.
I have sent my TunSol KT120's off for cryo treatment and put in my spare Svetlana 6550c's. Much to my surprise the Svetlana's sound better (more defined 3D soundstage, more natural voicing to instruments and better PRaT) but only with CD as source When using vinyl the sound is congested and more 2 dimensional and just less involving than with the KT120's. Clearly I can't o a direct A/B demo but I'm pretty sure my aural memory is not paying tricks - any thoughts as to what is going on or is it just the first sign of madness

Steve

[DSJR]

Steve, this'll probably hinder rather than help, but my take is that if they were genuinely "better," both sources would improve unless there's summat really amiss with one of 'em that's being masked by one of the valve sets.....

[worrasf]

Steve, this'll probably hinder rather than help, but my take is that if they were genuinely "better," both sources would improve unless there's summat really amiss with one of 'em that's being masked by one of the valve sets.....

I know it just doesn't make sense but I'm listening to Jan Garbarek (Magico) on CD as I type and it sounds just wonderful - the sax is sublime - tonal balance is just perfect. I balanced the Svets at 60 mV as per Glenn's advice (The KT120's were 80mV) so I know the setup is right - maybe it is just "different" and not truly "better". I'll have to wait until the KT120's come back to be really sure but I have to say these Svets sound darn good with CD
Steve

[DSJR]

Can I ask a really silly question please? The sax is "sublime..." A sax in real life is raw and raspy and LOUD..... I know recording and mixing techniques will dilute some of this, but reed instruments like this shouldn't sound silky and inviting, any more than trumpets should - a trumpet should almost cut you dead at ten paces on-axis - with the proviso that recording and mixing again will certainly smooth the worst of the rough edges off...

The KT120's should be better overall (the Series IV-SA was a bit of a soft toned thing I recall) abd Im looking forward to reading your experiences when they're returned all freshly frozen

[worrasf]

Can I ask a really silly question please? The sax is "sublime..." A sax in real life is raw and raspy and LOUD..... I know recording and mixing techniques will dilute some of this, but reed instruments like this shouldn't sound silky and inviting, any more than trumpets should - a trumpet should almost cut you dead at ten paces on-axis - with the proviso that recording and mixing again will certainly smooth the worst of the rough edges off...

The KT120's should be better overall (the Series IV-SA was a bit of a soft toned thing I recall) abd Im looking forward to reading your experiences when they're returned all freshly frozen

Totally agree with you Dave - and it's that sound as you describe both with sax and trumpet that when right makes the neck hairs tingle. My brother in law is a semi pro sax/ trumpet player so I get a fair bit of live comparisons.
As I say maybe it is just a "new not better" phenomenon and maybe I wasn't matching volumes on CD and vinyl properly

I'll certainly post when the KT120's are back from Findus
Steve

[goraman]

The problem is likely your phono stage or cartridge , sources will often show there limits with a new upgrade to the amp or speakers.

Those Svet 6650's are a well respected tube and may be a little better sounding in your amp at the end of the day.

[DSJR]

Well, I did chide Steve gently about his cartridge choice I remember. A little "plump" in the bass perhaps??????? Sorry, I really mean no harm, but an alternative cartridge perhaps to see what's going on?

[worrasf]

Well, I did chide Steve gently about his cartridge choice I remember. A little "plump" in the bass perhaps??????? Sorry, I really mean no harm, but an alternative cartridge perhaps to see what's going on?

Mmm. I'm beginning to think that maybe the S4s is better balanced with the Svets than the KT120's but ill wait till they are back from cryo. Sunday I think ill put the Decca back in and see if the "issue" persists. I'd really hate it if DSJR is proved right about the 20x2
Steve

[worrasf]

The problem is likely your phono stage or cartridge , sources will often show there limits with a new upgrade to the amp or speakers.

Those Svet 6650's are a well respected tube and may be a little better sounding in your amp at the end of the day.

Well I've just bought a Dynavector SUP-200 at bargain price from Keith at Purite so we will see what single manufacturer synergy can achieve as it's designed with carts like my 20x2 in mind. Hopefully should arrive this week.

Sorry David - not about to move the 20x2 on just yet

Steve

[worrasf]

Well, I did chide Steve gently about his cartridge choice I remember. A little "plump" in the bass perhaps??????? Sorry, I really mean no harm, but an alternative cartridge perhaps to see what's going on?

Installed the Dynavector SUP-200 SUT today and all my worries are behind me

Now the 20x2 sounds like I had hoped it would from all the good reviews I'd read before purchase. Clearly, the 20x2 and PureSound T10 was not a match made in heaven

The SUP-200 is specifically designed to match DV cartridges - no dip switches to change loading and all that stuff - another nod to Marco here that partnering a cartridge with the same manufacturers SUT and with no variables is likely to pay dividends.


Steve