Rexton's Valve System - Upgrade Blog

[Bigman80]

I remain curious to hear one but without evidence it's doing anything spectacularly new and innovative that might explain its magical powers, I'm afraid I'm not the only one that will file this under 'latest forum fad' aka 'the best thing since sliced bread since the last thing that was the best thing since sliced bread'.

Forum fad?

[montesquieu]

The ears have it? I share Tom's scepticism a bit, having read many 'lifting of veils' comments over many years; ....how many veils ARE there?
But ever optimistic.....
am open to possibility of unknown folk coming up with lateral thinking-e.g Berning amps (though that isn't a good example as he used a novel cencept.!)
Crayon might be a better example?
There are hundreds of makers out there-surely some are going to hit bullseye on sound, either in design or in syncronicity with speakers etc..
When ones ears hear quality (over a longer time.....immediacy can deceive)then accept?
Or else, as I often think, running my 40 year old Hafler amp, things haven't changed THAT much in years-except new concepts like chip/Class D.

The point is Chris that no amp fits all speakers so it's all about what it's doing specifically .. Even your Hafler won't suit everything.

It's AB according to the web site so there are questions about about bias and the point as which it transitions out of class A, about output impedance (which is the biggest thing that determines speaker suitability, even more so than watts in my experience), about its use of global feedback - not necessarily a bad thing despite a lot of the commentary about it online the Radford amps use gobs of it and it's essential (as I understand it) to how op amps actually work, but I do notice it's a topic totally avoided on the web site - about any similar designs before it to which it can be compared and on which it's improved on in some way ... I see that SMPS is suggested as an option on the site, how does that affect things?

I just want to understand, if this is such a fabulous amp, where it sits in the grand scheme and what expectations we should have of it, what the designer thinks he's bringing to the party that's new, beyond some attention to detail in the component layout which is what's highlighted mainly.

Like you, I've read just too many subjective reviews about veils and grip and midrange that in the end tell you very little except ' I liked it'. My question still stands - what - specifically - is special in design or execution about this amp that might give some clues to the reported subjective experience and optimal partnering equpment?

[struth]

better than sliced bread then. Would like a listen myself. Might save up

[hornucopia]

My cafe was based on my own unique bread roll ('Royce Rolls') recipe- sliced bread is mush in comparison!
I understand your concern, Tom.

[Wakefield Turntables]

This is an upgrade blog, start another thread if you want to discuss neochrome or whatever it's called FFS.

[The Black Adder]

No need... Just ask nicely to bring the thread back to the subject matter.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Andy, I have heard many of the amps you have including the Paradise, EAR and Croft Epoch although not modified to the same degree. The Sondex is unfamiliar to me.

I would say the Neurochrome modulus 686 and the pre amp should be on your list of amps to listen too. It is an extraordinary sounding amp which may make you question the use of valve amplification. It is the most exciting and significant amp I have heard in the last 10 years and I would strongly recommend you try one.

Jim,

I've heard lots of reports about the Neurochrome. I love my valves too much. I'm pretty happy plodding on and I kinda like the sound I have. I'm sure the Neurochrome is an excellent amp, I know that the Birmingham brigade (Yourself, Oli and Alan) all have "good ears" when it comes to assessing hi-fi and pretty every time you've all been spot on. But, this system has taken years to develop, maybe at some point in the future I may be tempted.

A

[Jimbo]

Jim,

I've heard lots of reports about the Neurochrome. I love my valves too much. I'm pretty happy plodding on and I kinda like the sound I have. I'm sure the Neurochrome is an excellent amp, I know that the Birmingham brigade (Yourself, Oli and Alan) all have "good ears" when it comes to assessing hi-fi and pretty every time you've all been spot on. But, this system has taken years to develop, maybe at some point in the future I may be tempted.

A

I love my valves too Andy and they do have their own magic. I certainly agree with you there. It would take a lot for me to chuck them in for a tranny amp but the Neurochrome is a bit special. Appreciate how much work you have done with your system and I am sure each upgrade has moved it closer to audio nirvana.

[Bigman80]

Jim,

I've heard lots of reports about the Neurochrome. I love my valves too much. I'm pretty happy plodding on and I kinda like the sound I have. I'm sure the Neurochrome is an excellent amp, I know that the Birmingham brigade (Yourself, Oli and Alan) all have "good ears" when it comes to assessing hi-fi and pretty every time you've all been spot on. But, this system has taken years to develop, maybe at some point in the future I may be tempted.

A

We prefer the "West midlands massive"

[Jimbo]

We prefer the "West midlands massive"