Full review: Cary SLP-90 tube preamplifier clone - killer value, DartZeel soulmate

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  • Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
  • This is full video review, there was also first look vid a little bit earlier.
    A lot of you, like A LOT were asking me about my preamplifier recommendations for the D5Pro (DartZeel) clone.
    This one is based on classic (1990!) american Cary SLP-90 circuit and uses four standard, popular ECC82 (12AU7) tubes.
    Its not expensive, it has some modding potential so it can grow with you, and 12au7 are available in reasonable prices - even for some great NOS tubes it will not ruin your wallet.
    You can get yours from the same shop I got mine from (so tested as safe and reliable - and has exactly the same units as in review, as very often the same chassis can have more or less different iternals):
    s.click.aliexp...
    or (same seller, has two shops)
    s.click.aliexp...
    And hinted by you guys, version with slightly larger and silver chassis:
    s.click.aliexp...
    As you're asking for better tubes recommendation (for an upgrade path): get these:
    s.click.aliexp...
    And then go down the rabbit hole of tube rolling mwaaaaahahhahahaaa
    I've also seen that one as a DIY kit (though this build has great power supply, chassis and volume control, so I may till be cheaper overall to get ready finished one):
    s.click.aliexp...
    Audio setup used in testing (you can find reviews of most of these in my channel):
    FLAC/DSD files - Foobar2k - Fully passive 11th gen Intel PCwih LPS - AQ Jitterbug -
    Chord USB - Singxer SU-6-IIS via fk AQ Thunderbird - Gustard X26 Pro and Semibreve DA50 (yes two DACs) - fk Thunderbird RCA - PREAMPLIFIER - fk Thunderbird RCA - D5Pro (DartZeel clone) - fk Dragon/K2, Red Dawn - Dali ikon 1 mk2, Dali Opticon 1, ML 15i ML35XTi and ML Ascent I electrostat speakers.
    Power: two Pavalle power strips with additional DIY EMI filters, power cords: fk AQ Silver Cloud (Singxer and Ascents) AQ Dragon Source (DACs), AQ Dragon HC (amplifier)

Комментарии • 203

  • @leeandrewclarke
    @leeandrewclarke 10 дней назад +16

    Interesting you claim the Cary is the 'soulmate' of the Dartzeel clone since I impulse-purchased the Dartzeel on the strength of the review you wrote and combined it with a Conrad Johnson clone pre-amp built in the same chassis as the Cary in your video. Firstly, the Dartzeel clone is perhaps the best £400 I've ever spent on hi-fi. If it was a £3000 amp, I'd call it fantastic value. At £400, it's so good it's a joke. The grace, fluidity, tonal shading and controlled power it imparts revolutionized the sound of my system and I've owned power amps well into the £3000 range. The Dartzeel clone was playing a whole different level to any of them. What encouraged me to try the Dartzeel was how blown away I was with the Conrad Johnson clone pre amp.
    I own three pre-amps and found the best fit with the Dartzeel was the Conrad Johnson tube amp clone. Tubes do seem to go very well with the Dartzeel. If the Cary sounds anything like my CJ clone, I'm sure it's a wonderful match.
    Incredible what about £700 can get you these days, if you are willing to buy these Chinese clones. Just amazing. Anyway, I've sold my Audio Note Pre, my Gold Note power amps and my Pass power amp, made a stack of money and have an even better sound. That's not how hi-fi's supposed to work so I feel like I've gamed the system. These clones are that good. Those who refuse to try these clones have no idea what they're missing.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +3

      Can I send more love to your post here than this one simple heart? :D

    • @RonaldHeal-j6f
      @RonaldHeal-j6f 10 дней назад +3

      Agree 100%. Hifi Zone has done a great service to us poor audiophiles that can't afford a $60,000 amp😊

    • @taho88
      @taho88 10 дней назад +3

      Could not agree more. I am even tempted to buy a another D5 Pro just to send to some other reviewers. Honestly if more people knew how good some of these clones are it would break all of HiFi.🤣

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 10 дней назад +2

      i think the key is those clones can provide a chance for normal people like me to experience what people had in the golden period of the audio history and why these circuits become legends ...it is a legend when one having a chance to try so many of them before... or a naughty desire must a feeling to use money to get some higher level sound... well still in cheaper ways as a hobby ..

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 дней назад

      @@richardlui8914 when I'm ordering them and listening to them I feel like I'd be discovering a treasure cave - there is no way for us regular folk to experience all of them in any other way in our homes. And in some cases, what people learned over the years (and better parts too) can even possibly improve some aspects. I'm really really curious to make some comparison between clone and real deal if the opportunity arises

  • @705johnnyboy
    @705johnnyboy 11 дней назад +6

    i just received my 768a clone tube preamplifier hey its very good indeed the remote didn't work but there sending my another but im ok with that once again for 350us i blows away my linn cairn preamplifier totally cant wait for the dsp pro amp to arive thankyou for letting us know about these clones cheers mate...

    • @705johnnyboy
      @705johnnyboy 11 дней назад +1

      sorry it was 250 au not 350us ...its amazing

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад

      768? Is that Matisse Fantasy clone? I got that one ordered!

  • @FDKAUSW
    @FDKAUSW 2 дня назад +2

    ⁠Danke, dass ist auch meine Erfahrung, dass diese Sicherungen nur in wenigen Geräten was bewirken. Das gleiche ist mit Stromkabeln. Auch hier konnte ich unterscheide bisher nur an einen „Lindemann Amp4“ hören, aber der Verstärker selber war kein „Überflieger“, wie z.B. der „D5 Pro“. Bei allen anderen Verstärkern hörte ich rein gar keine Unterschiede, wie leider auch bei den Sicherungen der Fall ist.

  • @cobar5342
    @cobar5342 11 дней назад +6

    Very good review. I agree that replacing the caps and tubes would be the next step. Please give up some follow up.
    I have built the second link you have referred to and it was not very good. Mainly in the power supply area.
    The one you have bought seems to be better value. Regards from Australia

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +3

      @@cobar5342 thanks for sharing and all the best!

  • @only1stefan
    @only1stefan 11 дней назад +3

    i just built the conrad johnson cloan and its nothing short of amazing

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +3

      The ready one Ive reviewed is also excellent! So clean and transparent!

  • @tatherton124
    @tatherton124 11 дней назад +2

    Thanks for the review and your recommendation I have ordered one to pair with my D9 clone

    • @richardcarroll4495
      @richardcarroll4495 11 дней назад +1

      Where does one purchase this unit? Thanks in advance for your help.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +1

      Enjoy - please share how do you find it! And remember the tubes will need at least 50h playing to sound best!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +1

      I've added answer to your other comment, the link is in the video description

  • @pyrolusite
    @pyrolusite 11 дней назад +1

    Thank you!! I really appreciate this review. I am thinking on pulling the trigger with the Cary as. Datzeel combo!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +1

      @@pyrolusite thanks! It's really great combo, like they were created to play together!

  • @benvanbaaren7483
    @benvanbaaren7483 11 дней назад +3

    Nice to see a review of a tube preamplifier. Another contender might be the Jadis JP200 clone with 6 tubes. Tubes indeed have the ability to creatie a very large sound stage especially with live recordings. I really like that.

    • @RonaldHeal-j6f
      @RonaldHeal-j6f 11 дней назад +3

      I bought the jp200 first. Mine hums like a bitch. I would not recommend it at all.

    • @benvanbaaren7483
      @benvanbaaren7483 11 дней назад

      @@RonaldHeal-j6fAh, that’s bad news, thanks for the warning. Could be just you having bad luck with this particular preamp. On the other hand it could also be a design fault. Mmm, difficult to tell.

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 11 дней назад +1

      @@RonaldHeal-j6f that is bad .. sonic frontier pre + Jadis power tube amp+ proarc tablet III was one of the most impressive sound

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 11 дней назад

      @@benvanbaaren7483 did you go back to the seller and tell them their amp " hum hum like no tomorrow " and we have a lot of review and interested in the amp too many eyes ask me to solution for this issue for this beautiful amp .. ask them to give you a solution ..
      If they do not respond and poor customer service or no solution .. no business for them in the future ..

    • @RonaldHeal-j6f
      @RonaldHeal-j6f 11 дней назад +4

      ​@@benvanbaaren7483 I would say the Chinese design has issues. For instance, the output caps are 0.47uf. Which has virtually no bass. They should be at least 2.2uf as per design.

  • @neokeeboon3325
    @neokeeboon3325 11 дней назад +2

    Great review mate, would be awesome if we can explore other tube preamps in the likes of CAT SL1 or ARC XLR models etc.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +3

      @@neokeeboon3325 Arc clone with XLRs is just burning in ;)

  • @richardlui8914
    @richardlui8914 11 дней назад +3

    May be good with 805 d3 look alike speaker .. 3d feeling are pretty strong at the second hours of listening without burn-in .sources of sound from violin and cello are at different height ..
    can create a feeling with the sky full of stars in the middle of summer ..

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +2

      absolutely love that "can create a feeling with the sky full of stars in the middle of summer .." - exactly, like staring into the stars all around you!

  • @Grooverski
    @Grooverski 11 дней назад +4

    Balanced tube preamp would be even better for some of us. 👍🏻

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +3

      Yes, thats my only gripe here, but its from 1990 - so excused! But I'm also on the lookout for something balanced, I'd prefer that too!

    • @Grooverski
      @Grooverski 11 дней назад +1

      Fingers crossed that your search will bring some gem for all of us to enjoy. 🤞🏻

    • @benvanbaaren7483
      @benvanbaaren7483 2 дня назад +1

      @@k4syxwell, I just purchased the Conrad Johnson PV12 clone which also have balanced input and outputs. This is the more expensive version for € 508,00 without shipping. Luckily I got the opportunity to exchange some coupons to smoothen the blow.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дня назад

      @@benvanbaaren7483 how's the sound? I know it's too early but please share your thoughts, ok?

    • @benvanbaaren7483
      @benvanbaaren7483 2 дня назад

      @@k4syx I recently purchased it I still have to receive it. But I will give you my impression once I’ve had the opportunity to listen to it.

  • @taho88
    @taho88 7 часов назад +1

    I see the real Goldmund just came out with a $500,000 wireless speaker. 😅

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  4 часа назад

      Thats like a steal, gotta get at least three of them for my pets!

  • @christian_schwarzbeck
    @christian_schwarzbeck 9 дней назад +2

    I have now also ordered the tube preamplifier, so I will make a German video of it.
    If the device is bad, you'll get in trouble from me 😅
    Greetings, Christian

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 дней назад +1

      @@christian_schwarzbeck Hi Christian! You'll be happy, I promise. Try it with stock and then some better tubes. It's great as it comes, but it scales very well with some good Siemens or RCA tubes. And the caps are quick and obvious upgrade to make it even better.
      But its great even without any mods!

    • @christian_schwarzbeck
      @christian_schwarzbeck 9 дней назад +2

      ​@@k4syxThat sounds good, thanks for the tip. 😃

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 дней назад +1

      @@christian_schwarzbeck your most welcome, best regards!

    • @christian_schwarzbeck
      @christian_schwarzbeck 9 дней назад +2

      thank you my friend, you too

    • @JošJedan-j2y
      @JošJedan-j2y 9 дней назад +1

      ​@@k4syxAssuming I get "better" sound for the price difference, what tubes do you recommend that are better than the stock ones and not much more expensive?

  • @ztanizlaf
    @ztanizlaf 11 дней назад

    Thank you very much for what you do here on the channel!
    By the way, the links you provided lead to another amplifier.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +2

      Thanks! Already corrected, Bruce noticed me a bit earlier. It was link to JC2 that I've reviewed earlier, I had to pick wrong one from my order history. Corrected now!

    • @OlympicBruce
      @OlympicBruce 11 дней назад

      @@k4syxso many look alike. Somebody dumped a lot of look-a-like chassis.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +2

      @@OlympicBruce yes this one is popular diy chassis (very good btw in my opinion) so it makes a lot of them look the same (disadvantage) with this ridicolous Goldmund badge)

  • @onnonugteren2935
    @onnonugteren2935 10 дней назад +2

    Hi :-) Great work again.
    You take on a lot of work with this kind of excellent research. :-)
    Because… these shouts for a lot of comparisons with other equipment also from A companies.
    And to get out of your ‘studio’ tube, go to others perhaps a dealer to listen once and compare?
    Ok this is a thing I know: very hard to do in shops/reality, even the specialised ones.
    Friends or acquaintances perhaps?
    I do suspect you will do this in the future somehow?
    Greetings again of course 🙂

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +1

      Hi! Well we have dealers here that are ok with borrowing equipement to listen to it at your place, but it takes some time to arrange such a thing and of course you're leaving cash deposit for the stuff you take home. But the main problem is the time, my day job is rather demanding and I never know when I will have the time to do listening session. And that would mean that I would have to hold the equipement for a long time and thats not something shops like. Real life example: Gryphon is still waiting in line for the review, and its been long since first look.
      But maybe in time, when the channel grows, things will change and I will get to review the interesting stuff straight from authorised dealers without strict time limits. I certainly hope so!

  • @wim1983
    @wim1983 11 дней назад +7

    Seem like a preamp to smooth sound quite a bit, anyway any updates about the FM Acoustics FM 255 preamp review?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +5

      Next in line (or second after DO200Pro) by looking at the "pile o' stuff". Finished burn in on Friday evening.

    • @wim1983
      @wim1983 11 дней назад +3

      @@k4syx Great, take your time :)

    • @fredapril8384
      @fredapril8384 11 дней назад +2

      Got the same question..fm245 or 255. I heard the mp701 with Dartzeel pro and wow, so holographic and sweet but that 701 is quite a bit more expensive!!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад

      @@fredapril8384 yes mp701 costs more than DartZeel, that's also supposed to be great combo, but it's so much more expensive!

  • @OlympicBruce
    @OlympicBruce 11 дней назад +4

    Thanks for the great review! Do you think it works as well with Accuphase E405 clone? More magic means more things I have to buy!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +3

      Bruce, that one you can get blindly for D5Pro -its like they were meant to meet and mate in my mancave. If youre on the hunt for pre, and I think we spoke about that: thats it!

    • @OlympicBruce
      @OlympicBruce 11 дней назад

      @@k4syx sold!

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 дней назад +1

      @@k4syx the D5Pro? What’s its full name - or better, a link ?

  • @humanitech
    @humanitech 8 дней назад +2

    As always, a very interesting in depth review and most appreciated!
    However, like all things its getting difficult to choose between all the great products you have reviewed so far! As although tube and class A are appealing to me even those class d products add more options to the mix
    I checked the link for the preamp... but noticed they also produce other preamp variations too - with 2, 3, and 4 valves configurations - based on marantz 7, conrad johnson circuit designs!..and also a passive preamp and then some interesting class A (non tube) circuit designs too - using the same chassis and control and power supplies! Which only adds more questions and confusion 😂!
    Therefore as relative tube newbie (...who currently uses a little cheap fx audio tube preamp with upgraded NOS tubes) inbetween a Class A headphone dac/preamp and a class d power amp ...I have a few humble questions!
    (1) Does more tubes in the preamp circuit stage make things better, than those with only One, two or three (or even more) valve topologies! As although tube rolling can be fun ...it can also get very silly and expensive!
    And (2) did you manage to try this tube preamp with some of your class d power amps and mono blocs? As I currently have a class d power amp and so wondered whether it would be good upgrade to just buy this tube preamp to expand the soundstage and add a little more tube musicality ....or perhaps better to just go the whole hog, and buy the dartzeel power amp too! As together, they still are far far cheaper than buying a western brand tube preamp like the schiit freya with some good NOS tubes! Which was my original plan!
    As I am trying to make my digit setup sound more spacious, analogue and musical, but of course always on a budget😂!
    Which is why your reviews on all these great Chinese products are great...but difficult to know which way now to go😂!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  8 дней назад +2

      @@humanitech Thanks! Yes they have some more and I've ordered a few others to test.
      1. I don't think there is any direct connection between sound quality and tube numbers. It's more about design and topology, and also different amps use different tube types.
      I have that small fxaudio buffer too, try it with nos Mullards!
      2. Yes, the tubes will go very well with D-class devices adding musicality and rounding the rough edges. This one too!
      Rolling tubes can get expensive, but it's fun. And investment, as the number of available nos tubes gets smaller and smaller, the prices go up.

    • @humanitech
      @humanitech 8 дней назад +2

      @@k4syx Thanks for your reply....and I will cheekily wait a little longer to see what other gems you might review before making a purchase!
      But thanks again for reviewing these great chinese options!

  • @isavepro2011
    @isavepro2011 11 дней назад +5

    For the FM300a amplifier, what do you think would be the best match? Cary SLP90 or Mark Levinson JC2?
    I like the holographic effect. Are you going to test more valve preamps?

    • @thomasdiyaudio5353
      @thomasdiyaudio5353 11 дней назад +2

      FM255 in my opinion

    • @pyrolusite
      @pyrolusite 11 дней назад +2

      Thanks again for all your great reviews.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +4

      Wait for 255 review - will se if the "factory" match is good. For now, both JC2 and cary are great, JC2 for precision and Cary for holography. No bad choices here. But will see what fm255 brings to the table.

  • @matthewtaylor7355
    @matthewtaylor7355 10 дней назад +2

    My Audionote Phono from Ali press cost 312 GBP.The price if this was sold in UK shops would b 1300 GBP +easily

  • @martianpolice3398
    @martianpolice3398 11 дней назад +4

    I have this same preamp on a different chassis. Best preamp. I've been using it with my Quad 405 power amp. You can also use 5814a and 5963 tubes for this instead of the 12au7. Btw, how is it with the Music Fidelity A1 clone? Thanks again for the review.

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 дней назад +1

      the A1 was an integrated. Are you saying it’s clone has pre-amp inputs?

    • @martianpolice3398
      @martianpolice3398 11 дней назад +1

      @@richardgrant418 yup the clone A1 is a power amp only.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +2

      Gotta compare them and do video on that, that requires some more time

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +2

      @@richardgrant418 Clone has all pre functionality removed, its just pure power amp with great SQ

  • @jamestimmons6022
    @jamestimmons6022 10 дней назад +1

    if only this was balanced i would get one right now!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 дней назад +2

      I'm on the lookout for something like that balanced!

  • @wric01
    @wric01 11 дней назад +1

    Preamp with R core adopted / lowest noise level power supply vs vast majority going cheap / old powersupplies.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +1

      yes, thats what got my attention on the photos for jc2 and this one. This and mkp caps. I got both because of photos ;)

  • @HoomanR17
    @HoomanR17 11 дней назад +2

    Great review. Did you have a chance to play it with the Musical Fidelity A1 clone?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +4

      @@HoomanR17 not yet, but I plan to compare them directly

  • @OlympicBruce
    @OlympicBruce 11 дней назад +2

    Thanks! Some Beer foam for you!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +1

      Thank you Bruce! (Again!)

  • @FDKAUSW
    @FDKAUSW 2 дня назад +1

    Hi I bought now one Cary how this. And 4xPSVANE 12AX7 ECC83 I hope that is a better as this was is build in. Now I must wait many weeks for delivery 😅

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дня назад +2

      @@FDKAUSW 12AX7? You're sure? I think this one (Cary SLP-90) uses 12AU7? Pls check that :)

  • @705johnnyboy
    @705johnnyboy 11 дней назад +1

    Thanks!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +1

      Thank you!

  • @audiolife5038
    @audiolife5038 11 дней назад +3

    Have you tried it with the Zero Zone TPA 3255 class D monos?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад

      @@audiolife5038 no, I have XLR version, but I thing for RCA that would be also great pairing!

  • @FDKAUSW
    @FDKAUSW 2 дня назад +1

    An other question, some people says, that they hear if they change the fuse to a audiophile fuse. My question is, do U hear a „wonder“ to, what the other says too?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дня назад +1

      @@FDKAUSW yes it works BUT only in DAC and only in totally transparent system (like my Stax headphones setup). I've tried different fuses in different positions along my audio chains and it works only in this one particular position. Totally not worth the money though :D

  • @gr8ednz
    @gr8ednz 9 дней назад +1

    Does the Cary + D5 Pro combo offer any warmth to the midrange? Or would you describe the midrange as cool or lean? Putting aside the great imaging. Thanks in advance

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  8 дней назад +1

      Yes it's adding a touch of warmness to the midrange, but not too much. Not cool and lean at all, nothing like that.

  • @BlazSvetlic
    @BlazSvetlic 11 дней назад +1

    Thank you for another great preamp review! Would you recommend this preamp for the Burmester 933 clone? What would be the synergy in terms of bass reproduction?

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 дней назад +2

      For bass the power amp needs to have the ability to meet the demands of the speakers. A spectrum from easy to drive to “a nightmare” lol. What you might call synergy I’d call sufficient bass control
      But in 50 years of hifi I have never heard of synergy between pre and power amps.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      I think the bass would be fine, this would be good paring too!

  • @stefanthuering6456
    @stefanthuering6456 11 дней назад +1

    Really tempting 😅 How much idle power usage?

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 дней назад +1

      That is usually in the specs. Never a review issue on an amp unless it’s a medium high powered Class A power amp

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +1

      I think it was about 40W, I will re-check that and add to video description

  • @beefsupreme510
    @beefsupreme510 10 дней назад +1

    Off topic sorry but have you tried any of the Violectric clones? Accurate Audio A281 for example

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 дней назад +1

      No I havent, link please?

  • @taho88
    @taho88 11 дней назад +2

    Do you prefer the sound from this preamp with the D5 Pro over just using a streamer/dac directly?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +3

      @@taho88 in this case, I go for pre combo. It's just so much better together that small loss of detail is insignificant

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 10 дней назад +1

      ​​@@k4syx Which pre combo is your best option ?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  9 дней назад +1

      @@richardlui8914 for D5PRO it's this Cary. JC2 is also great, but this one has exceptional imaging

  • @sginfdfw
    @sginfdfw 8 дней назад +1

    I have the C245 Clone and the D5Pro Dartzeel. How does this preamp compared to the C245 Clone paired with the D5Pro?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  8 дней назад +2

      @@sginfdfw This one will have better soundstage. C245 will be more relaxed and will have better functionality like XLRs and twin outputs. It will have different signature though. At this level it's more about preference for sound signature, and c245 pairs with DartZeel really good

  • @raynerstuelgalid
    @raynerstuelgalid 11 дней назад +1

    Question:
    Do you think the sound quality can be improved by changing the Audiophiler caps to better ones (say, Mundorf film caps)? How much more (extra) capacitance can you install the replacement caps before that becomes a silly proposition?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      @@raynerstuelgalid that's actually one of my recommended upgrade path: just to replace these Ero and Audiphiler caps with something better that will suit your preference. But the first upgrade: tubes. Immediate sound level up (although it sounds superb even with stock psvanes!)

  • @richardgrant418
    @richardgrant418 11 дней назад +1

    Just to be sure: which has the better power supply - it’s this, completed amp - rather than the diy kit?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      DIY kit has no power supply and chassis. Ready made one IMHO is better option than buying these separately as Rcore transformer and chassis will be pretty expensive

  • @richardlui8914
    @richardlui8914 2 дня назад +1

    I just bought this pre amp finally
    just receievd the WORLD BEST CABLES Ultimate speaker cables 7AWG $184 per pair from Amazon .. good quality by vision ... wow ... one of the best speaker cable i have tried .. soundstage high frequency , detail, base , clarity improved at the first CD it is worth a try if not just return it ...
    i am thinking getting a graphic equalizer..sombody says .. the equalizer software can squeeze out the best sound of a inperfect system .. add one more componetn there will be some loss in analogue amplication path ... but i do not understand how a equalizer software can change the frquency
    .

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дня назад +1

      @@richardlui8914 equalizer software does Fourier transformatas and can actually be better than hardware one (and it's true about shorter audio chain!)

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 2 дня назад +1

      @@k4syx Thank you for the information . I think the EQ software is suitable for streaming but not for CD.. Have you tried those EQ software? The pro graphic EQ has 21 slides .. I do not know about the EQ software but the software can break the frequency down to each basic signal.. much more .. both methods still need to have a golden ears .. of course the people talking about the EQ software providing the service to fine tone the expensive existing audio system especially the vintage gears or even have the room correction service through software etc... this is a different approach .. haha it is one of the ways to cash out the talent of golden ears

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дня назад +1

      @@richardlui8914 once, in the 90ties I had top of the line Pioneer equalizer (gr-777 I think).
      Since then I've used a lot of different gear and sometimes I've used parametric EQ to correct some problems.
      And yes, no EQ on CDs...

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 2 дня назад +1

      @@k4syx well the EQ softwares are pretty cheap .. even some audiophile using the free one , the result is pretty good .. may be the parameters or the setting .. people pay for the service and it is not cheap I guess the improvement is notable .. and it sounds the EQ software can fix everything customer ears oriented through on site ab direct comparison ...
      So .. good tool ...free but need good ears to set the parameter ..

  • @user-qr6se4on5w
    @user-qr6se4on5w День назад +1

    I found such a clone:
    Goldmund Telos T2500 Fully Balanced Tube Preamplifier
    Is it worth buying?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  День назад +1

      @@user-qr6se4on5w haven't heard that one

  • @RonaldHeal-j6f
    @RonaldHeal-j6f 10 дней назад +1

    Would you be able to let us know how many amps the heater voltage is on the r core of the SLP90 please? I ask because I was thinking you may be able to use 12bh7's in place of the 12au7's. They usually sound better than au7's but draw more current for the heaters.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      I'll check whats on the rcore trafo label there (bt thats just max output, dont know how that would translate to heaters

  • @sigmundli9879
    @sigmundli9879 День назад +1

    I have First Watt J2 and looking for preamp. How does this preamp compared musical paradise mp-701, any recommendations?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  День назад +1

      @@sigmundli9879 haven't heard the mp-701. This one however is like almost 3x cheaper and sounds excellent. You can't go wrong with it.

  • @MrBonger88
    @MrBonger88 11 дней назад +2

    I thought it was a BAT preamp at first glance

  • @burinkaa
    @burinkaa 2 дня назад +1

    Hi. Does it know moving coil cartridge ? If yes it would be great solution for my 3 turntables.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  2 дня назад +2

      @@burinkaa no it has just standard line in inputs, no dedicated turntable stuff here

  • @taho88
    @taho88 День назад +1

    I am interested in upgrading the caps but I have never soldered before.There is an assembled board on Ali being sold as an upgrade for $70. Can anyone say if this would be a worthwhile upgrade?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  15 часов назад +1

      I've seen that board and as long as it does use better caps, you can still do better with some Janzens, Mundorfs, Audyns etc. And with that board youd still need to solder inputs and outputs anyway.
      So Id say just get some trash pcb from some broken equipement and try and learn to solder - there are tons of great vids on soldering on YT too.
      You can also look for some local workshop that repairs cell phones, computers or other devices like that and ask them to do recap for you. Easy bucks for them, peace of mind for you.

  • @rainerbroennimann1563
    @rainerbroennimann1563 11 дней назад +1

    And the screen shows Goldmund? So what is it? A " clone" of Cary or Goldmund or just a chinese tube preamp? Why not?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +3

      Its a Cary clone minut phono stage. Cary basically gave away schematic for that amp in 1990 as it was printed in every manual. Chassis is some kind of universal one that you can order empty for your diy needs and these seem to come with this funny badges - its selfadhesive and easy to remove.

  • @MasterofPlay7
    @MasterofPlay7 11 дней назад +2

    so how close is the singer? Is it forward like in front of you or little bit backward at the stage?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      sorry I just found your comment buried here. It actually depends on the song, it doesnt push everything to the front or to the back. For example - Gilmour's Live in Gdańsk, Wish you were here, first acords - there is one guitar on the left and in the back, and then another one joins on the right (but closer to the center) and _so_much_in_front_ that I felt I could touch the instrument. But the first one still plays in the back, deeper and more on the left, farther from the center.
      Amazing stuff!

  • @net_news
    @net_news 11 дней назад +2

    a balanced version would be a killer preamp

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +3

      Exactly. Id prefer it to be balanced, but the way it sounds, it doesnt really matter (but I'd like that!)

    • @net_news
      @net_news 11 дней назад +3

      @@k4syx sure, It's great anyways but balanced it would be PERFECT!!
      In fact, if you know about a balanced tube pre clone please let me know!! Looking for one for months.

    • @OlympicBruce
      @OlympicBruce 11 дней назад

      @@net_news SUQIYA Hi Fi Audio Store has an FM255 clone preamplifier but I have no experience with it. Maybe someone else does?

  • @FDKAUSW
    @FDKAUSW 6 дней назад +1

    What is for the D5 Pro the bether way? The "Excellent surprise - Mark Levinson JC2" or "Cary SLP-90 tube" preamplifier or an oterh one? Because I need a new one, the "mbl 6010D" Vol-Poti make "carcks" and must going back to china...

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  6 дней назад +2

      @@FDKAUSW for D5PRO specifically, go for Cary. And plan on getting better tubes, stock psvanes are very good, but you can get even better 12au7 stuff

    • @FDKAUSW
      @FDKAUSW 6 дней назад +1

      @@k4syx witch ECC82 are bether (LINK) and witch Capa's (LINK) too?
      Thx.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  5 дней назад +1

      @@FDKAUSW these tubes (12au7-s)
      a.aliexpress.com/_Eu2eGad
      I'm getting Jantzen Standard and Superior caps locally so no link :(

    • @OlympicBruce
      @OlympicBruce 4 дня назад +1

      @@k4syxThis is on ‘Choice Day’ sale Oct 1st

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  3 дня назад +1

      @@OlympicBruce No only - I can see it too, I will be hunting tonight!

  • @richardcarroll4495
    @richardcarroll4495 11 дней назад +2

    I’m a bit of a clutze with computer. I can’t find out on this channel how or where to purchase this Cary clone pre. Any help from you other members? Thanks for your help/guidance..

    • @stillaliveandwell5291
      @stillaliveandwell5291 11 дней назад +1

      Look at the top (under the video) where it says more and click/tap on it and it will give you all the links.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      Hi!
      Look at the video description, just below the video, you may need to click "more" or something like that to view full text there - and theres a link to the shop I got mine from.

    • @stillaliveandwell5291
      @stillaliveandwell5291 10 дней назад

      @@k4syx 😊 Look at my post above yours....

    • @richardcarroll4495
      @richardcarroll4495 9 дней назад +2

      Ok. Thanks. I found the info . I appreciate the guidance

    • @richardcarroll4495
      @richardcarroll4495 9 дней назад +2

      Thanks. Got it.

  • @RonaldHeal-j6f
    @RonaldHeal-j6f 11 дней назад

    Thanks

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +1

      Thank you!

  • @YoYo-eg4gq
    @YoYo-eg4gq 11 дней назад +1

    Is this one better than Cary AE-1 preamp?!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      @@YoYo-eg4gq haven't heard AE01, can't answer that...

  • @Alamo-cz5xc
    @Alamo-cz5xc День назад +1

    Tube recommendations?

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  День назад +2

      @@Alamo-cz5xc PSVane Art series for good start and anything NOS really, down the rabbit hole of tube rolling (mwaaaaahahhahahaaa :) )

    • @Alamo-cz5xc
      @Alamo-cz5xc День назад +1

      @@k4syx Thank you. Now if the seller would ship it, that would be great

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  День назад +1

      @@Alamo-cz5xc you mean the same store? I've no idea if they sell tubes too (but it's possible).
      I've linked in the description the ones I got

    • @Alamo-cz5xc
      @Alamo-cz5xc День назад +2

      @@k4syx no, the preamp itself. I ordered it over a week ago and it still hasn't shipped

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  День назад +2

      @@Alamo-cz5xc Aaah yes, well the future generations will probably call this "the hifizone effect" - I guess they got a large number of orders and have to deal with it. Also, this week I think is new year in China (something like that is displayed in ali mobile app explaining expected delays in everything)

  • @edsonricardo5359
    @edsonricardo5359 10 дней назад +1

    Esses capacitores "audiophiler condensotor" são horríveis.

  • @036Dusan
    @036Dusan 10 дней назад +1

    Хвала!

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +1

      Thank you!

    • @036Dusan
      @036Dusan 10 дней назад +1

      @@k4syx You welcome! Keep going!

  • @rainerbroennimann1563
    @rainerbroennimann1563 11 дней назад +1

    The original has tube rectification. So it has 6 tubes instead of 4. So what makes it a clone?

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 11 дней назад +2

      True .. should buy the original second hand but may need to replace some of the dry capacitors in order to get the optimal sound .. too much trouble for me and costly .. guess may need more than $300 .. no skill to change them by myself .. I chase tube taste but the resolution and detail of tube amp may not be the best .. it is a surprise .. this tube pre can have such a good character ... If the sound is sweet .. I will buy one

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 11 дней назад +1

      Ps tube is a consumable .. less tube the better it is .. do not talk about the separate power supplier for control panel and resistor ladder volume control and relay .. well these things are the best for the sound quality ..
      Same set up except the internal circuit .. smart and economy of large scale

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 11 дней назад +1

      Oh yes a remote control nice ! How much money need to pay for this function a middle range gear or basically I will not buy one with a remote control function without a separated power supply.. tube pre + remote ... Cool!

    • @richardgrant418
      @richardgrant418 11 дней назад +1

      Presumably you know Rectification is just an aspect of the PS, not the most important part
      A change there might/ might not have a noticeable effect on SQ. especially if it’s the preamp.
      Depending on a couple of factors it could make a difference to a power amp
      The fundamental of any amplifier is the amplifier circuit. Presumably, that is the same

    • @richardlui8914
      @richardlui8914 11 дней назад +1

      @@richardgrant418 yes or no I do not know .. I cannot answer the question .. I am not an expert .. no knowledge for the tubes ... No knowledge for matching the tubes ..no time to do that ..I respect the original design and your knowledge .. but the people design this preamp series make sense and the partial slp_90 are verified by one pair of the good ears so far .. let call it XYZ preamplifier with partial slp_90 circuit ..based on the knowledge is there anyway the original slp-90 can have similar character like mentioned in the review may have a chance better than the original ? At least it is one the best cheap $250 with remote control preamplifiers by the golden ears so far.. it is a $250 value + plus his time and his talent .. is an original Nokia phone that has better sound than an iPhone .. no idea but I can imagine an iphone can take better pics than nokia ..

  • @FDKAUSW
    @FDKAUSW 10 дней назад +2

    250$/€? Noway with tube it goes up to 320$/€ and plus shipping and taxes u will pay 400$/€. But for 250$/€ I will take one by U. Thx.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  10 дней назад +2

      Honestly, having heard it, I would gladly pay 400USD and leave another hundred as a tip.
      I hope the shop owners are not reading this comments though.

    • @FDKAUSW
      @FDKAUSW 10 дней назад

      The Same I can say about my mbl 6010D Clone 😊 But now U have a Tipp for Ur next Projekt 😅

    • @JošJedan-j2y
      @JošJedan-j2y 9 дней назад +1

      Can you briefly describe the Mbl 6010d preamp because it's in my cart and I'm undecided between it and this Prt-12a tube. The difference is about 100 €. I would like to pair it with the MF A1. Thank you.​@@FDKAUSW

    • @FDKAUSW
      @FDKAUSW 9 дней назад

      @@JošJedan-j2y the Sound ist greate, too. What is bether? I can't Tell IT, because I do Not have the other one. But my 6010 hast a Error after a view months : the Volumen-Control IS Cracks very hard by moving round 9 o'clock.I going to clear IT at time with the Dealer

    • @isavepro2011
      @isavepro2011 8 дней назад

      ​@@k4syxAfter this review the seller has already increased the price by around €80...

  • @fernandoleitao382
    @fernandoleitao382 11 дней назад

    Thanks for the video. Great system.
    Foobar2k vs MusicBee?

    • @OlympicBruce
      @OlympicBruce 11 дней назад

      Our host lists Foobar2k along with his equipment description. Do you use MusicBee, I am not familiar. What’s good about it?

    • @fernandoleitao382
      @fernandoleitao382 11 дней назад +1

      @@OlympicBruce The graphics and customizations. I was wondering if Foobar2k would be better for DSD.

    • @k4syx
      @k4syx  11 дней назад +2

      I was thinking about musicbee, a lot of guys recommend that for library management functionalities. But my priority is sound quality, and here we have foobar, Neutron (android, highly recommended), UAPP (also - android) , hqplayer (good and pricey!) and some linux solutions that sound very good but are command line only (no gui, no remote support is a deal breaker for me)

    • @fernandoleitao382
      @fernandoleitao382 9 дней назад

      @@k4syx Thanks for the Neutron tip - it's amazing! And I will have a look at foobar2k😀.

    • @fernandoleitao382
      @fernandoleitao382 7 дней назад

      Thanks for the Neutron tip. It's very good!