I've been working through all this great info the last couple days, cross referencing with "The Complete Guide to High End Audio," by Robert Harley, and I'm beginning to form a picture of how this all works, though I can't say its anywhere near clear enough to fully understand what's happening. Something I can't seem to understand is how the total sum of each components gain in a system translates to whether or not the system will work. It seems to me that the more important thing is that each output has enough guts to power the input of the next inline. If an amp's input is limited, doesn't it make sense that using the lowest gain possible to meet the minimum requirements of the input would result in the most accurate representation of the source?
In the case of Ranshow's B1K showing distortion when plugged into his phonopre and not his dac, perhaps this has to do with B1K trying to pull too much from the phono pre, thus distorting the current, then sending that to the ACA? Maybe each DAC's output matches the B1K's input better in that regard? Or maybe could it be that the phonostoage's power supply can't support the B1K's demand?
As for the regular B1, isn't it based on the same concept as the F4 in that rather than amplifying voltage it's supplying extra current to help power the next in line? I like the idea of a TVC and had my eye on the diablo tvc, but thought maybe the B1 would do the trick, saves having to order from two out of country suppliers. Side question regarding TVC's, I've noticed that they are capable of adding gain to the output, yet they don't require additional power. How does this work?
As for the responses to the Harbeth/F5 compatibility, you might be the first, I haven't been able to find any info on the combo and I've been searching the internet for a while now. (Lots of info re Klipsch). It seems I should have much trouble with the pair.
Thanks again for the input,
Adam
In the case of Ranshow's B1K showing distortion when plugged into his phonopre and not his dac, perhaps this has to do with B1K trying to pull too much from the phono pre, thus distorting the current, then sending that to the ACA? Maybe each DAC's output matches the B1K's input better in that regard? Or maybe could it be that the phonostoage's power supply can't support the B1K's demand?
As for the regular B1, isn't it based on the same concept as the F4 in that rather than amplifying voltage it's supplying extra current to help power the next in line? I like the idea of a TVC and had my eye on the diablo tvc, but thought maybe the B1 would do the trick, saves having to order from two out of country suppliers. Side question regarding TVC's, I've noticed that they are capable of adding gain to the output, yet they don't require additional power. How does this work?
As for the responses to the Harbeth/F5 compatibility, you might be the first, I haven't been able to find any info on the combo and I've been searching the internet for a while now. (Lots of info re Klipsch). It seems I should have much trouble with the pair.
Thanks again for the input,
Adam
The output Z of my phono pre is stated as 100 ohms from the manufacturer. The B1K presents an input Z of about 50k, so it should be an easy load for this phono pre. In contrast my passive preamp with the transformer has a calculated 'reflected' minimum impedance on the primary of 78 ohms when at full volume (math: at full volume the secondaries have a 10k pot in parallel with the 10k input Z of the ACA, so 5000 ohms on the secondary, reflected back through trafos with a 1:8 turns ratio, so 5000 ohms / 64 = 78 ohms on the primary).
Conventional wisdom as I understand it would say that a 78 ohm load on a 100 ohm source is not ideal, with substantial internal loss of signal in the source, however subjectively the transformer passive preamp sounds superior to me in my system, with substantial perceived volume gain and better bass towards the top of the knob, with no perceived increase in distortion. The ~8:1 voltage gain probably goes a long way to help here.
Well for those wondering how the Harberth SHL5 sound when driven by the First Watt F5.. stay tuned!
I have the Harbeth SHL5 30th Anniversary and a F5 I built (current limiter removed).
Will give the SHL5 and F5 a wirl over the coming days and report back after I've been through a few genes. At the moment I drive the SHL5 with a Krell KSA-150. Feeding the SHL5 with plenty of current wakes them up. Its going to be an interesting test me thinks!
I have the Harbeth SHL5 30th Anniversary and a F5 I built (current limiter removed).
Will give the SHL5 and F5 a wirl over the coming days and report back after I've been through a few genes. At the moment I drive the SHL5 with a Krell KSA-150. Feeding the SHL5 with plenty of current wakes them up. Its going to be an interesting test me thinks!
Last edited:
No. But I do have a bedroom system with small 2 way, 85 or so dB small mini monitor 7 inch driver. With F5, a B1 would not be sufficient for me. However, when B1 and F5 are used with Pearl 2 and Ortofon MM cart there was plenty of gain, Pearl 2 more at home with MC. Otherwise, some gain for any spirited listening for me.