The timer can be reset from the front panel
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OK. So I’m guessing there is a log card that belongs to a tube set and you just add the hours as per the tube time counter each time you change out a set of tubes, and then reset the counter to zero. So the cumulative time for each tube set is recorded on a log card?
I never had reason to change the stock tubes in my Ayon, they were rated for 10,000 hours use. I might only have used less than 10% of that in 2 years.
If you were going to use multiple sets of tubes (and wanted to track the individual time) you would have to record the time for each on a spreadsheet or other manual method. You would also have to have an individual ID on each tube so the cumulative time for each one could be tracked. There is no limit to the number of combinations so also no way for the internal software to keep track of many sets. I do not change out tubes at all and really don’t have any idea how much time is on the set I have. I do not pay attention to that number very often.
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I recently took delivery of a BHK Signature PreAmp and just wanted to briefly comment on my impressions. I, like many on these PSA forum, was running the DS DAC directly to my power amp. Let me just say I was highly skeptical of all the comments I read that said the BHK Pre substantially improved the sound of their systems when they added it between DS DAC and their power amp. But I figured with the 30 day trial period what did I have to lose…I could hear for myself. Well, with about 20 hours under my belt with BHK Pre, I can say that those accounts are very accurate and I can say the BHK substantially improved virtually every aspect of my system. I’m still sort of shaking my head in disbelief. I’m now wondering what kind of synergies might be gained by combining it with a BHK Power Amp. I have Maggie 3.7s so I’m assuming I would need the 300 monos…which I can’t afford.
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It is fascinating what a good preamp can do. It remains counter intuitive for me.
Nice to hear. I’ve yet to hear anyone disagree (that has added a good preamp) that it’s much better than no preamp. I also recently purchased a new phono preamp. I’ve been in the digital camp only for a while now but what a revelation - my records sound outstanding.
I’ve recently become a believer in"System Synergy". But that said, I have a BHK pre in one of my systems and it’s coupled with another maker’s amplifier and the sound is wonderful. You don’t have to spend the money to upgrade if your amp is a good one. What is it?
What kind of phono preamp did you buy? I just bought a new phono preamp also. It’s arriving next Thursday. It’s an Esoteric E-02 to replace my Mare Connoisseur Model 2.0 which developed a hum on the right channel. I think it’s a bad cap in the right power supply. The Mare sounded incredible before it started to break down, much better than my digital can ever hope to be. I hope the Esoteric is a good replacement. It matches my Esoteric preamp and power amp. Too bad PS Audio does’t have a reference phono stage at this time. I wouldn’t mind trying a BHK phono if there was one.
Much more modest pre then yours - Parasound JC jr. but It’s surprisingly good. Considered a Pass XP15 used - should have pulled the trigger just wasn’t sure it would have been worth it. It had been a while since I paid much attention to analog so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Boy is it good…
Analog always seem to sound more natural than digital. You can turn up the volume more without irritation and the sense of space has better natural resonance. It also has better fullness and textures to voices and instruments. We need to develop better digital, maybe the upcoming TSS?
I had a more modest system before. It sounded great then and the upgrades sounded good now. The upgrades keep me enthused.
Hi Ron…It’s an ATI AT542NC. Not exactly a well known brand, but ATI has a good reputation for high value well engineered products. This model has two of Bruno Putzey’s NC500 class D modules in a dual differential mode per channel. Sounds really good to me, but after hearing how incredible the BHK Pre is I’m wondering if a BHK Power Amp would be an improvement.
I’d agree analog is more natural - more everything really. Still love my DS but I get all of fuss Fremer and others have been spouting about all the advancements in analog gear.
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If your analog sounds better than digital, your digital is due for an upgrade.
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I would agree. I used to be an analog lover but in the last 20 years I believe digital has caught up and surpassed it. Some digital still sounds harsh to me but if you find the right set up it will give you a better sound IMO.
don’t think so…
I have listened to many digital systems at shows and showrooms and have yet to be very impress with any of them. Many of them over 6 figure systems, so it wasn’t that it didn’t cost enough. Maybe it isn’t easy to set up a good sounding systems at shows and showrooms, but I always preferred the sound of my own system. Maybe the up coming TSS or maybe I should try Esoteric, but there’s no Esoteric dealer around that I can borrow from.
I used to think the same thing and I still want to believe that’s true just don’t think it is. Digital is great and it’s so convenient. Will continue to be my primary source for listening. Got to give the nod to analog though it’s really come a long way since it was given up for dead.
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The characteristics of the tweeter in your speaker would be largely responsible for any listening fatigue. Esoteric electronics would be a good choice, and there are many others. Or hold out until the Obsidian TSS comes out. For $20K-ish it’s likely to be much cheaper than any of its direct competitors. But I can’t emphasize enough, if they want to compete with the big boys on the digital playing field the thing must work perfectly.
I’m sure the Esoteric phono preamp will be awesome. I think the reason you prefer Analog is because it sounds great - of course your speakers play a large role (tweeters included) but If it sounds good with a good analog rig it should sound good with digital also.
Don’t get me wrong, my current digital is very involving. It does not sound in any way harsh or too bright. In fact, it is very musical. The DSD Sr. and DMP is completely in a different league from the digital I had in the past which was harsh, thin, and distorted sounding. It’s just that when I listen to my records, it makes me say wow a little louder.
The Esoteric is just part of the equation. The system needs synergy. Everything has to work together and balance out right. Over the years, I have balance the system quite well. I got rid of lot of high end equipment that didn’t work so well and kept the ones that did. That is why a lot of showroom stuff does not work so well, they don’t have the time to mess with the system like we do.