A gift that keeps giving
The 3D presentation of my amp continues to develop and improve. Especially front to back. I was listening to a familiar recording this morning and it sounded different than what I was used to. I think this was the first time I’ve heard the instruments brought forward into my listening space like that.
Really amazing
The 3D presentation of my amp continues to develop and improve. Especially front to back. I was listening to a familiar recording this morning and it sounded different than what I was used to. I think this was the first time I’ve heard the instruments brought forward into my listening space like that.
Really amazing
I love to read all the reports people are sharing about their listening experiences, please keep them coming.
How many hours have your amp got so far? Do you think it improves even more after a while?
I know people talk about 'burn in' and it makes sense for me with speakers and other mechanical devices. With amps and electronics I am less sure. Any thoughts?
I have burned mine in for four days now (amp driven with source at medium volume but speakers disconnected to exercise the electronics) and I think it sounds better. Smoother is what I would say and top end resolution also improves. I think amps with electrolytic output coupled caps benefit more from this. There is a basic 0.33uF Wima box film cap on the input stage. This amp has a very nice smooth presentation that is relaxed yet is able to deliver some nice punchy bass to some 5.25in 8ohm woofers.
I think the electrolytics need some time to settle in. What I seem to notice with most of my new builds anyhow. Might be sacrilege but I would like to try some things with all these coupling caps in this amp. (beast with a thousand coupling ca.... never mind)
My VFET has been running for about 200 hours. I usually shut it off at night, but sometimes forget. My Aleph J showed a similar extended run in performance improvement.
William2001, how well do you feel the WBA18 linestage matches with your VFET and speakers?
How much volume range are you using, and what kind of volume potentiometer are you using, if any?
Thanks!
How much volume range are you using, and what kind of volume potentiometer are you using, if any?
Thanks!
Well, I have two systems but neither is really "proper" for this VFET I will admit. A small bedroom nearfield setup where the BA2018 currently is, and an acoustically treated living room home theater with mid-fi electronics (Marantz AVR, etc.). The VFET amp is currently in this theater setup driving some SVS Ultra bookshelves with upgraded crossovers. Everything above 80hz to those and a Rythmik sealed servo sub handling the bottom end. Not a proper load but had to try it. On my bedroom system the digital volume control on my DAC was usually at 1 or 2 o'clock with BA2018 linestage in front of this new amp. (Balanced input and no analog volume control on the pre). Nice mix of Colburn accuracy and Pass musicality with that combination..
I am reading all the comments on the sonics and thinkng, there are people out there who think all amps sound the same.
dave
dave
In order to hear differences between amps, you need really good sound source (this includes not messed up preamp stage), and a really good speakers.
If any of these two are not matched in quality, one will not hear the difference.
Period.
If any of these two are not matched in quality, one will not hear the difference.
Period.
I spent weekend with friends doing bbq and comparing Aleph J, F1J, and Vfet. Yes, we drink a lots of beer, but consensus was clear, each amp sounds different.
How different, you have to hear for yourself.
Thanks for the description, william2001. Nothing is ever simple, is it?
I really love the simplicity and clear sound of the Toshiba C15 preamp I have been using for a long while. However with the VFET I think I could use just a little more gain, especially for vinyl playback.
I know I could change to more efficient speakers, but my current set are just right for the space, which is now home office, living room, and listening room all in one.
In theory, could the BA18 linestage help with a little more gain between my preamp and the VFET, or is that ill-advised?
I really love the simplicity and clear sound of the Toshiba C15 preamp I have been using for a long while. However with the VFET I think I could use just a little more gain, especially for vinyl playback.
I know I could change to more efficient speakers, but my current set are just right for the space, which is now home office, living room, and listening room all in one.
In theory, could the BA18 linestage help with a little more gain between my preamp and the VFET, or is that ill-advised?
No, not too quiet for my DAC source. With my turntable, I did go full volume and wanted a bit more. But that could have just been me wanting it to go to 11...
These go to Eleven... ? "This is Spinal Tap" (1984) - YouTube
These go to Eleven... ? "This is Spinal Tap" (1984) - YouTube
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Sorry I don’t understand? Drive an F4 with a VFET? There’s only 10dB gain plus, the output cannot swing 40Vpp required for 25w.
I am using an OPA1642 or OPA1656 buffer with 14dB gain to drive mine. Or a hybrid SET tube/SS headphone amp with OPA547 output as the preamp.
Haha. I am a bit slow, pardon me. 🙂
I saw that comment so many times it drove me to ask Hugh Dean to design a preamp that CAN drive an F4.
I saw that comment so many times it drove me to ask Hugh Dean to design a preamp that CAN drive an F4.