Jfrech, I think the limiting factor in your system right now are your amps.

LOL!!!

knghifi September 29, 2013 00:23

In my opinion everything is important. I use to think the source was the most important, but not any more.

jwm September 27, 2013 19:18

hmm, not doubting you...but I've always focused on the source...The Ayre MXRs aren't so bad...but I haven't tried a amp like yours or Arnie's VTL's either...

jfrech September 27, 2013 12:11

Jfrech, I think the limiting factor in your system right now are your amps. I think you will truly be blown away on how great the Altair's can sound. I have imaging, depth of soundstage width and height very similar to what Babybear describes. You are in for a treat. Keep us posted.

jwm September 26, 2013 23:13

thanks guys...nice to know !

jfrech September 26, 2013 14:07

Jfrech, there is nothing the VAC does better than the Absolare. The VAC is 150 watts per channel triode and 300 watts pentode. Don't get me wrong the VAC is a great amp, but the Absolare is in another league. I don't see any problems with the Koda.

jwm September 26, 2013 12:49

Jeff's Absolare Passion amps drive his Rockport Atairs with control, authority and sheer beauty. They outdo his former VAC Phi 300.1 monos and those were good amps. At CES earlier this year we hear the Atairs driven by the big MSB SS amplifiers(not bad). When those amps were replaced with the Absolare 845 PSET, the room was transformed, yes the improvement was that significant IMO.
Charles,

charles1dad September 26, 2013 12:35

Hi any worries driving the Rockport's with a lower powered, albeit very high quality tube amp?

I plan on trying the Robert Koda K70 power amp, hopefully next year...it's 70w/ channel.

I can only imagine how good your system is sounding right now !

jfrech September 26, 2013 11:16

My system just took a leap in sound quality. I just received Psvane WE845 tubes. Right out of the box the sound is the best I ever had. The slight brightness or glare in the upper mids is gone. The blame was the Shuguang treasure series 845 tubes. I am getting a much more relaxed organic sound. I am also getting much more natural dynamics. The detail is much more refined but just as extended. I not only have a sense of fullness in the mids, but also a fullness in the top end. I wonder what will happen on full break in. I kid you not the tube change was like changing a component. I would say at least 50% change for the better.

jwm September 25, 2013 22:10

Thanks Jeff. Congratulations on the updates to your system. Top rate products for sure. Look forward to your updates as they break in more.

gshelley September 06, 2013 03:03

AR REF 2 Mark 2

jwm September 04, 2013 15:29

Jeff,
Great system! You mention Audio Research, VTL, VAC. Just curious, which Audio Research products have you owned?

gshelley September 04, 2013 02:59

Dave I can tell you that the Absolare gear has a similar sound to the VAC, but has a much quieter noise floor. Inner details stand out like I never heard before. I will probably get the short Absolare stand not the tall one you saw in pictures.

jwm September 03, 2013 00:32

Jeff, After the Absolares are broken in, I would be interested in hearing your comments on the sonic differences between them and the VAC gear. Some photos would be nice too!

Did you get the Absolare stands for the electronics? I saw some photos of them a while back and they were beautiful.

salectric September 02, 2013 20:06

Dave, thanks and yes as I have the Signature version of the Absolare. I can tell you right now that the Absolare is the best sound that I ever had. I have had the VTL, VAC, and Audio Research. Jeff

jwm August 31, 2013 15:08

Wow, you have an amazing system! I have no doubt that it sounds great especially with the new Absolare components. I look forward to reading further comments on them after they are fully broken in. Did your Absolares include Duelund CAST caps?

Dave

salectric August 30, 2013 11:26

Jeff,

Great to read you got the Absolare preamplfier and amplifier. A good friend listened to the combo at the Munich HifiShow 2013 and was really impressed.
What is the color of the leather of your units?
I hope to read your opinions soon.

microstrip July 27, 2013 21:25

Thanks Jeff,

Sounds like the very early 1950's Ken Rad 5814 Carnbonized nickel plates - if so those tubes should sound very good in the Absolare preamp.

babybear July 26, 2013 00:10

Arnie, Kerem sent Kenrad carbonized plate tubes. I want to get some time on preamp and amps before commenting.

jwm July 25, 2013 21:35

Hi Jeff, I can't wait to see some pics ! CONGRATS !!

jfrech July 25, 2013 15:39

Hi jeff,

That's great that it did arrive (sometimes its scary what FEDEX and UPS do).

I am curious to know which tubes Kerem sent you with the preamp and what your impressions will be.

Again, congratulations!
Arnie

babybear July 25, 2013 15:08

Charles, thanks for your help and kind remarks. I was too tired so stopped listening. I just received the preamp.

jwm July 25, 2013 14:41

Arnie, FEDEX screwed up again. All three crates left customs in NJ. Two came directly to me and the other one went to Chat. Tennessee. They had to do a tracer and resend back to MI. I was surprised that the preamp just arrived and will be putting it in the system as I type. I will let you know on my feelings shortly.

jwm July 25, 2013 14:39

Hi Jeff,

Congratulations on the Absolare Passion Signature amplifiers. Having heard them with Rockport speakers (along with the Ansolare Passion preamplifier) I know how wonderful they sound.

When does the preamp arrive?

Arnie

babybear July 25, 2013 13:33

Jeff,
How much more listening did you do after I left this afternoon? I`d love to have stayed longer if not for work this evening.
Charles,

charles1dad July 25, 2013 04:39