This system was put together around 2/2011. It took a while for the new amp, tubes, DAC, and cables to settle in. Initially the Rogue amp came with Chinese 6SN7's and JJ 12AX7's and Winged C KT88's. I've replaced everything starting with new EHKT88's. I've finally settled on Siemen's NOS 12AX7's and the new Tung Sol RI 6SN7RTB's. Boy what a difference a few tubes make. I really get it when someone asks what a tube sounds like and we reply "each application is different". I would have thought my NOS Tung Sol's or my NOS Sylvania's (6SN7's) would have bested the new RI Tung Sol's, but the alchemy of each tube with the amp's design is what creates the "magic".
I use this as my DVD/CD transport via a Cardas Clear USB cable into a Maverick DAC 1. The DAC 1 also has a headphone amp for my Sennheiser 485's
Maverick Audio DAC 1
Updated with NOS 396W tube. Sound pretty damn good for a $300. dac/headphone amp. Use Cardas Clear USB into it.
Randy Fay Design 5697 Tube Pre
Randy designed and built this little beauty and I got it off EBAY for $350. A steal. I am using NOS Tung Sol 5687 and a NOS RCA 12FQ7 Clear Top
Rogue Audio Stereo 90 Magnum
EH KT88's Tung Sol 6sn7GT's Mullard 12ax7 CV4004's
Sony Sony DA35ES AVR 5.1
It's old but gets the job done nicely. Clear and rich sounding. I use it for center/rears when along with my Rogue Stereo 90 Magnum for front L/R
Shunyata Aries
Articulate, vibrate and neutral. I love this cable and am using it as Pre to Amp IC. Using the Kubala Sosna from my DAC to Pre. Any suggestion welcme
Kubala Sosna Fascination
Beautifully quiet and smooth. I don't even notice it and am still trying to get a handle on it's sound. I am using it on DAC to Pre, may switch it to Pre to Amp.
Acoustic Zen Hologram II
Wonderfully open and neutral cable. I was using AP Oval 9's, what a difference. It was like I was listening to a new pair of speakers.
System edited: I've completely changed the tubes in my Rogue Stereo 90 Magnum feel I've finally have it "tuned in". The tubes: Siemens 12AX7'S, Tung Sol 6SN7WTB's, and EHKT88's. Boy what a difference a few tubes make. I've tried numerous combinations with various NOS tubes and this completes it. I really get it when someone asks "what does this tube sound like? The response is every application is different" Thanks to all of you who have helped me in my lifetime journey!
System edited: My ideal sound is a a transparent, organic, and musical with a beautiful open top end. I love the sound if the transparency of Audio Research/VTL but it's out of my budget.
