Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Isaacc7]

Originally Posted by khashmi

I’m flying in to Chicago and driving in to Peoria—hence traveling light. If weight wasn’t a concern, I’d actually be very interested in lugging the Inspire amp with me (granted Steve and other members weren’t put off by that option). It will be interesting nonetheless.

I have been intrigued by the descriptions of the DM945, Errx, DNA2, and HR-1. They sound ideal for low power amps (no surprise) but they are far enough outside the normal speaker world that I would need to hear them to even calibrate what the pros and cons are of those designs. Steve is an interesting guy and has certainly done very well chasing his own ideas.

[Analog Addict]

Originally Posted by Isaacc7

I won't begrudge you your enjoyment. The bottom line is that when it comes to gear we will fined enjoyment in different ways. Some want the most "accurate" gear, some want the flashiest, some want to tweak, etc. There are many different flavors of audiophiles but there is a distinct fault line concerning cables and tweaks. I'm on the side that just isn't very interested in that stuff. I get the feeling that Dennis isn't either. I get the feeling that most amp builders feel the same. A tweak for him is a different coupling cap! I'll keep enjoying different input and output tubes.

Dennis uses cables from Rat Shack or ones he's made himself out of mundane materials. He gives the impression that cables are not a big concern for him, other than the different impedances of long vs short cables and the effect that can have on certain pieces of gear...

[khashmi]

Originally Posted by Isaacc7

I have been intrigued by the descriptions of the DM945, Errx, DNA2, and HR-1. They sound ideal for low power amps (no surprise) but they are far enough outside the normal speaker world that I would need to hear them to even calibrate what the pros and cons are of those designs. Steve is an interesting guy and has certainly done very well chasing his own ideas.

The HR-1 and the Caintuck Open Baffles are the most intriguing to me and I intend to demo them mercilessly. Will report back on my findings.

Update on the Fivre’s: they mellowed out after 50 hours, so their shouty signature is gone thankfully. I really like them though I feel that the Visseaux is a touch more refined in both sound stage and transparency. Easily happy with both.

Update 2: Got additional room treatments—specifically Alpha Pro Diffusion/Absorber panels from GIK Acooustics—both side walls and front wall and the sonic impact just flabbergasted me. It was like going from standard def to high def (more resolution) and soundstage increased in every direction, making the room sound larger than its physical size.

Update 3: Intend to finally put the 807’s in rotation by this weekend. The first set turned out to be faulty when I tested it in Canada with a friend. The eBay seller sent me a new set, but I’ve been busy breaking in the Fivres and the Mazda 5Y3.

F290E593-684A-456B-9C6A-6439AE26A6D5 by Tube Dad, on Flickr

[Hoosier Hi-Fi]

Originally Posted by Analog Addict

A couple of fellows, Dave and Dan stopped by the shop to do some listening, and after we picked their jaws up off the floor, they decided to do some shopping as well. The 2A3 is now gone along with the first production 7C5 amp and the first pair of Inspire speakers to leave the showroom floor.

The master at work....

Untitled by analog addict, on Flickr


The line up...

Untitled by analog addict, on Flickr



The new prototype phono preamp, my phono pre amp (no cathode follower) and a CJ5 preamp, (chosen for it's high/100Kohm input impedance)

Untitled by analog addict, on Flickr


The new 7C5 amp. The cost of the rectifier is probably 3-4 times that of all the rest of the tubes...

Untitled by analog addict, on Flickr

Untitled by analog addict, on Flickr


Getting ready to head off to their new home....

Untitled by analog addict, on Flickr


Both these gentlemen were essentially unaware of this thread, so I gave them the info. Hopefully they will join up and post their impressions.

The Ziracote veneered pair of Inspire speakers will soon be for sale as well. Look for an ad in the Marketplace. We will be making more of these to order as well, in whatever veneer your heart might desire...

Untitled by Analog Addict, on Flickr

Untitled by Analog Addict, on Flickr

Untitled by Analog Addict, on Flickr

Both of these preamps at the Toy Factory sounded extremely stellar. I'm wondering what the differences between the CJ5 and the LP-2030 preamp. For the output of the phono amp, should I investigate the acquisition of the CJ5?

[Isaacc7]

Originally Posted by khashmi

The HR-1 and the Caintuck Open Baffles are the most intriguing to me and I intend to demo them mercilessly. Will report back on my findings.

Update on the Fivre’s: they mellowed out after 50 hours, so their shouty signature is gone thankfully. I really like them though I feel that the Visseaux is a touch more refined in both sound stage and transparency. Easily happy with both.

Update 2: Got additional room treatments—specifically Alpha Pro Diffusion/Absorber panels from GIK Acooustics—both side walls and front wall and the sonic impact just flabbergasted me. It was like going from standard def to high def (more resolution) and soundstage increased in every direction, making the room sound larger than its physical size.

Update 3: Intend to finally put the 807’s in rotation by this weekend. The first set turned out to be faulty when I tested it in Canada with a friend. The eBay seller sent me a new set, but I’ve been busy breaking in the Fivres and the Mazda 5Y3.

F290E593-684A-456B-9C6A-6439AE26A6D5 by Tube Dad, on Flickr

Room acoustics are a too often overlooked part of the system. Properly treated rooms make a huge difference. I'm jealous. If I ever have my own place I will certainly invest in the acoustics.

[Masterlu]

Hoosier Hi-Fi… Welcome to AA!

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Analog Addict

A couple of fellows, Dave and Dan stopped by the shop to do some listening, and after we picked their jaws up off the floor, they decided to do some shopping as well. The 2A3 is now gone along with the first production 7C5 amp and the first pair of Inspire speakers to leave the showroom floor.
The Ziracote veneered pair of Inspire speakers will soon be for sale as well. Look for an ad in the Marketplace. We will be making more of these to order as well, in whatever veneer your heart might desire...

Untitled by Analog Addict, on Flickr

Intrigued by the OB speakers.

Sent you a PM about same.

[Isaacc7]

I switched from a 5u4g to a 5ar4 rectifier. Switched the amp on, saw a flash in the rectifier and now they amp is dead. I assume the rectifier is toast and I’m hoping that I’ve only blown a fuse. What should I check?

[Isaacc7]

The fuse is indeed blown. It’s a 30mm long one right?

[Isaacc7]

Fast blow or slow blow for the fuse?