Justin & Jerry's Hifi Blog

[jandl100]

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

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



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.

Let's see how long I can resist the lure of eBay and the classifieds.
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.

[Bigman80]

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

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



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.
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.

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.

[jandl100]

Well, well, there's hope for you yet, Oli!

[Bigman80]

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

[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.

[Tim]

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

[User211]

Your current set up has just been duck approved, Jerry.

[jandl100]

You have no idea how important that is to me.

[Barry]

You have no idea how important that is to me.

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.

[User211]

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.

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

[Roy S]

I still need to establish an alternative power amp

Would you like those EL84 amps back Jerry?

Always look forward to your updates