I just read that you use black treasure 300b tubes, do you use those in your VAC30/30? That amp chews up tubes, are the BT tubes robust enough to work in that amp?
Thanks, jeff

jab October 15, 2015 16:45

Swamp;
In response to your querry on Albert's page regarding Jriver remove app on iPad and Windows based computer, that's what I am using, and it works fine.
I have upgraded to Jriver 21, but have not yet upgraded my iPad to OS9...waiting for a bit more stability and to download the remote patch fix for the app on my iPad. I love the ability to control my music library from my sweet spot chair on my iPad, and use my Windows based PC, using Windows 10, and JRiver 21. My digital sounds pretty good at time. Hope this helps you.
bob

When I was using DLNA Media Servers, I like PlugPlayer running on iPhone and iPad. It's very stable and good features.

knghifi September 21, 2015 19:15

Swamp;
In response to your querry on Albert's page regarding Jriver remove app on iPad and Windows based computer, that's what I am using, and it works fine.
I have upgraded to Jriver 21, but have not yet upgraded my iPad to OS9...waiting for a bit more stability and to download the remote patch fix for the app on my iPad. I love the ability to control my music library from my sweet spot chair on my iPad, and use my Windows based PC, using Windows 10, and JRiver 21. My digital sounds pretty good at time. Hope this helps you.
bob

mribob September 21, 2015 16:32

Brightvalves- PM me if you still need the manual.

swampwalker March 09, 2015 19:03

System edited: After reading a comment from Jmcgrogan2, I realized that I had not updated by system profile in several years. I'm very happy with the way rig now this sounds; I don't hear any deficiencies. Doesn't mean I'd not consider ways to make it better ;-) I focus on timber, tonality, and emotional impact. This rig is in our living room, which has to accommodate furniture, TVs, etc, so soundstaging and imaging cannot be my primary focus. I don't think this is too romantic sounding, but if I had to err it would be in that direction rather than toward detail and speed. My only complaint right now is that with monoblocks, power supplies for the field coils, and plate amps, and headphone amp, I need 12 outlets (6 duplexes) to power the bloody thing. And that's not counting the server and router which are in another room. God bless my long-suffering wife!

swampwalker March 09, 2015 17:27

Hi Swampwalker
I am new here, but I noticed on an old thread that you offered to email a handbook for the Sota Sapphire TT. I have just got an old version of this deck and would be really grateful for a copy of the handbook. Any chance?
Cheers Brightvalves

brightvalves October 18, 2014 19:14

Hi Necrosuit- Sorry for not having checked my system page sooner. Maybe next year.

Hi Lateguestsnomore- The link directs me an ebay page is expired, but I assume that they suggested a VOM aka multimeter. I got one @ Radio Shack that looks like this http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1-7922775t98.jpg. After looking at the amp, however, I don't see obvious test probe points. I will look into it further and try to find out. If you want to check back, feel free to email be through the audiogon system or at msklein52atcomcastdotnet.

swampwalker May 15, 2013 18:42

Hi Swampwalker,
In your recent response to my question about VAC and AR REF-75 amps you mentioned that you had a Lectron JH-50.
Recently, I tech at Hi Fi Sound in Minneapolis recommended this device for adjusting bias and I got it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Tube-Amp-Bias-match-Meter-6L6-El34-KT88-6BQ5-Probe-/300601127735. However, this device measures tube bias in mA. I have a sheet which states that the bias on a Lectron JH-50 should be set at -30mV. Do you have any idea where I should set it using this device (in mA)?
Unfortunately, Nick Doshi did not respond to my e-mail, but Larry at Paragon Audio e-mailed me that Nick does not work on Lectron anymore.
One of my first exposures to a high quality sound was in 1990 when I heard Vac 70/70 with a Klimo pre-amp, Pro AC Response 3, and a Wadia CD player. In my head, that still rings as the best sound I have ever heard. That VAC amp was a real magic.
Thank you very much again for responding.

lateguestsnomore May 14, 2013 12:04

Hey Swampwalker, you located in CT? I too am going to the NYC show. Hit me up with an email. necrosuit@hotmail

necrosuit March 01, 2012 03:26

What amp/amps are you changing to ?

samhar July 11, 2009 14:26

Gentlemen- Pix coming soon but there has been a lot of gear moving in and out as you can see. I have a second sub coming this week and will post results. Its been a v busy year in my personal life; when I have some time I have been listening. I can report that I have gone from the Exemplar 3910 to an APL 3910 which I can report as an improvement. Brings back a little of the speed and clarity that I liked with the Atma M-60s but I can have the harmonic richness and emotional impact of the Joule at the same time. Once I get the second sub installed I will post some pix.

swampwalker November 26, 2007 03:40

Hey, when are you going to post some pictures? Anyway, I would like to hear the Merlins. Being a big two-way fan now, I can only imagine that they sound pretty good. I'm going to try to look them up at C.E.S. this year.

audiobroke November 25, 2007 21:55

Swampwalker,

Did you ever get a chance to integrate a sub into your system? If so, how's that working out with the VSM? Thanks.

Ken

kyyuan August 06, 2007 21:28

System edited: Almost finished with my analog set up. Perhaps adding a VTA adjustment to the Teres and I expect that will be it. Also using the ZYX Active head amp or pre-pre which makes a very nice improvement.

swampwalker July 09, 2007 04:05

Hi Swampwalker,

If you decide to sell the Atma M60 2.3s please let me know. I have been looking for the narrow deep chassis vers. for some time now.

Thanks,
Wes

classic95 April 12, 2007 15:28

System edited: Recent changes- new TT, cabling, have pretty much settled on the Joule amp with the Jade Audio cables.

swampwalker April 03, 2007 22:13

Congrats on your new table. It's a killer! Glad to hear that your Atmas are still keeping you happy. I've been happy with my MA1s too. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank December 28, 2006 01:42

Still evolving- cables have moved up to Cardas Golden Ref. Better but perhaps a bit too smoothed off or rounded. I am trying the new Jade Audio Vermeil cables and they seem to be very good. A bit more bite if you will. Hard to pull the trigger on selling the Joule but right now that's where I am headed. Have added a Teres 255 to replace the SOTA; big improvement there.

swampwalker December 26, 2006 21:37

Were you able to pick a "loser"?

pubul57 December 26, 2006 20:36

System edited: Have now gotten balanced cables (Au-24) for the M-60s and they DO make a big difference. Liking these very much. Will mull this over and then sell the "looser" btwn these and the Joule.

swampwalker April 24, 2006 22:00

Spencer- Unfortunately, I sold the Berning w/o doing any rolling on the small tubes. I found a good deal on a VZN-80, loved it, and sold the Berning. I am very happy with the VAC-Joule-Merlin synergy. The microdynamics and detail are terrific and I find myself turning the volume down, which is unusual. Nothing sterile or hi-fi at all about this system. Room size is 14 x 23 x 8.5 and the 80 is plenty. If I every renovate my attic into a listening room, I will add another 80 and convert them to monos, because it is 32 x 18!!! Remember that the Joule chassis is quite large, maybe 24" x 14" x 10" high, plus the variac.

swampwalker March 12, 2006 21:33

Hi Michael,
Please share what you've learned about tube rolling the small tubes for the Berning, what you did try, and what else you think you might have tried.
How big is room? Did you consider the VZN100s vs. the VZN80? I'm toying w/idea of Joule amps to replace my Berning, and I've got a pretty big room to fill. If I need to go for the 100s, that will take more time to finance. Good news is that I've got the room for two chassis, and the space heater effect isn't a problem in this room. Your thoughts? Cheers,
Spencer

sbank March 12, 2006 15:45

System edited: Forgot to add the amp. Obviously a major element. Matches great with the Merlins- I preferred it to the Berning, but some who are quite knowledgable say that the use of Power conditioning and perhaps poor matching of NOS input and driver tubes could have made the Berning into more of what I wanted.

swampwalker March 12, 2006 06:03

System edited: I've now gone through two pre-amps and 2 amps. The VAC was a huge improvement in the line stage, waiting for the new armboard to return from SOTA to try out the phono stage.

swampwalker February 21, 2006 01:32

when you get a chance, tell us how you're liking the latest addition to your system - you know, that tubed linestage..

artg May 03, 2005 01:48