It's Decision Time

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Charles

Freddie, I am so happy you are achieving excellent results with the 8 ohm tap. I think your sound will only become better as the amp breaks in. No other tube amp can match Mac bass. IMO. It's something about the Mac circuit, I think.

Best

Charles

Yes Charles, the 8 ohm tap combined with ditching the bi-wire project has proved to be a major home run. The amp is now dead quiet. I mean SS quiet.

As far as the sound, it seems to produce a tighter more controlled flow over the SS MA8000. I've also noticed it plays with the same level of coherence and refinement no matter the volume level. Distortion is non-existent to my ears. I'm sure its 118 db S/N ratio is no manufacturer puffing like you see in so many components and speakers these days.

I'm two weeks in now with ~25 hours on it. The amps performance does seem to be improving a bit.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by prepress

No laughing here. The first time I pulled my 501s out of the rack for dusting I was caught off guard by the weight distribution, and like you, struggled with moving them. Hope you're okay and enjoying the 1502 in good health. Thanks for the video. Wearing the back support was a good idea, as would be tensing/flexing your abs to help stabilize things when (if) you lift or move the amp again.

The weight of these amps is just astounding. The 1502 is so heavily weighted toward the back (transformers) it makes handling it a very difficult proposition, especially when flying solo. The back brace was essential and the damage to my forearm is just about fully healed.

Glad you enjoyed the video. I'll post a follow-up now that its final configuration is set.

I just registered the amp today, so I guess it'll be sticking around awhile.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Yes Charles, the 8 ohm tap combined with ditching the bi-wire project has proved to be a major home run. The amp is now dead quiet. I mean SS quiet.

As far as the sound, it seems to produce a tighter more controlled flow over the SS MA8000. I've also noticed it plays with the same level of coherence and refinement no matter the volume level. Distortion is non-existent to my ears. I'm sure its 118 db S/N ratio is no manufacturer puffing like you see in so many components and speakers these days.

I'm two weeks in now with ~25 hours on it. The amps performance does seem to be improving a bit.

How about resolution and vocals?

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Charles

How about resolution and vocals?

Resolution is just outstanding. I listen to mostly classical music and jazz, so not much on the vocals there, but I have dropped in a couple of Diana Krall SACD's and that "Dream With Dean" SACD that provides that in your room presence. Vocals are everything I expected.

I'll try and get to my Fairfield Four CD "Standing In The Safety Zone" this a cappella work will set your hair on fire at the right volume level (think very loud). It's an acid test track for vocals and I will get to it soon.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Resolution is just outstanding. I listen to mostly classical music and jazz, so not much on the vocals there, but I have dropped in a couple of Diana Krall SACD's and that "Dream With Dean" SACD that provides that in your room presence. Vocals are everything I expected.

I'll try and get to my Fairfield Four CD "Standing In The Safety Zone" this a cappella work will set your hair on fire at the right volume level (think very loud). It's an acid test track for vocals and I will get to it soon.

I own that CD. Thanks for the reminder. I should try that too, as I'm working on a potential IC upgrade right now.

[FreddieFerric]

I had a pucker moment a few days ago.

Any ideas on what might have caused this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUbNBW82LPc&t=2s

[Charles]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

I had a pucker moment a few days ago.

Any ideas on what might have caused this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUbNBW82LPc&t=2s

Freddie, fantastic video. I am looking forward to the open reel video. I have my amps so that I can reconnect to my 1.25's from my 3500's in less than 10 minutes (really about 5 minutes) per amp.

Speaker connection, balanced input (IC), and power cord from one amp to the other each channel.

I think many don't realize the value of redundancy. It provides piece of mind. All high end gear is unreliable to some extent. I will never sell my 1.25's for this reason. Who knows what might have caused the startup issue? You have excellent redundancy.

I think one of the significant advantages of Mac pre's and integrated's is the built-in DAC. Absolutely, there are better DAC's but it is a fine DAC and a wonderful backup should a failure occur.

You now have a beautiful, gorgeous, spectacular system. The room is beautiful. I honestly can't say I have seen better. The MA8000 sitting behind and above the 1502 is stunning, as is the rest of the gear.

You are 100% correct about the 8-ohm tap.

Best

Charles

[miner]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

I had a pucker moment a few days ago.

Any ideas on what might have caused this?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUbNBW82LPc&t=2s

Freddie,
I did not watch the full video. I watch about half - what are you referring to that caused the pucker panic?

Kevin

[Charles]

Originally Posted by miner

Freddie,
I did not watch the full video. I watch about half - what are you referring to that caused the pucker panic?

Kevin

Picture is worth a thousand words.

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by miner

freddie,
i did not watch the full video. I watch about half - what are you referring to that caused the pucker panic?

Kevin

5:39