my system is so much better than i ever dreamed when i started this journey about 30 years ago.never did i think i would be possible to achieve the sound, i currently hear, in my listening room.My amps are superb...the speakers are amazing...the network player sounds better than the SACD player that preceeded it.I have 2 Silent Source 'Music Reference' power cords.My new Silversmith 'Fidelium' speaker cables are truly amazing.The addition of the Uptown Audio 'EtheREGEN has significantly improved the sound.The addition of the Salon ethernet cable has improved the sonics.I changed my previous modem/router setup to a single Actiontec product.Have just added 2 REL 212 SE subwoofers. The addition has significantly improved the soundstage and midrange....as well as the bass.I have recently replaced the Symposium Platforms that were under my speakers..Tidal and RELs, with AV RoomServive EVP HDR isolation devices that have significantly improved the sound.Upgrading my Lumin to X1 level was a great idea.....Have replaced the Psvane WE 300B tubes with Psvane ACME 300B tubes.My 845s are Psvane WEs.Have also added a LessLoss Entropic C-MARC power cord to my Lumin X1.Have also added a LessLoss C-MARC RCA interconnect..Stay tuned..
Calloway, My friend Jwm has a similar type amp,Absolare Passion PSET 845 tubes. The Pavane W.E. Replica 845 are better sounding than their hifi series, Shuguang or the RCA NOS 845. Charles,
Hi Dave. I am a new Daddy as of Nov 8th! Julia Mae, 21 inches and 8.9 lbs. Thanks for asking. Hannah is having some slight adjustment issues, but everyone is doing well. Thanks for the data on the 300Bs. I will have to roll away. One L7 owner likes the Carbon Sophias and another is looking at the Psvane WE replicas. Time will tell.
So there is one other lucky Grail owner out there? I think I remember hearing that. A year for the upgrade? Most philes would have a seizure, but I would gladly wait for that kind of sound. Believe it or not, I have waited longer for stuff, and it was worth the wait. People would spend less time in audio purgatory if they were more patient. Any time I dart off to Charlottesville, expect a visit.... :)
Andrew..i currently use Sophia 'Royal Princess' 300B tubes..I really liked the improvement they made from the previous tubes that were in the 'Grails''.that being said..i am about to order 2- matched pairs of the Psvane 845 WEs to replace the Shuguang 845s i currently have that probably have close to 7k hours on them..if they sound as good as most say, i will probably buy 2 of their 300Bs also..that way i can start fresh ..As an aside..the other owner of the Grail amps just got them back after about a year of having them upgraded and stated that they were absolutely 'spactacular'...' much better than before the upgrades'..you are welcome ANYTIME to come and have some wine...pizza...and music..have a great Turkey day..Are you a new father yet..?..
Mattnshilp...the simple answer is that i read the first review on Dagogo..i think...and the reviewer stated that he liked the Lumin better than the Aurender..i emailed the then USA dealer..Frank Dickens..at Silent Sourse Cables..and asked for a demo ..he obliged and it was love at first listen. i then bought the upgraded PSU from Kenneth Lau and it was a significant upgrade. The player ..along with MinimServer work almost flawlessly and the sound is amazing..thanks for the question
Dave, what are your favorite 300Bs? I am starting to tube roll for the sake of my dac. I currently own EML 45 solid plates, and am looking at 300Bs along with 2A3/6A3s as the Lampizator 7 can use 45s, 2A3s, 300Bs and even 845s!
Charles, they remind me of Tripoint equipment in terms of fit and finish and performance. I know that a high profile dealer in the DC area who sold the most expensive tube amps in the world at the time said they were the best he had personally heard. Its not jus little old me who has that perception.
Andrew..thanks for the kind words. You are always welcome.Charles...if you are ever in the area....please let me know as I would love to have you over...Dave
Andrew, I became aware of the Chalice Audio PSET amplifiers about 3 or 4 years ago. My gut feeling was they must sound fantastic based simply on their design, built quality and execution. I'm not surprised by your listening impressions. I had hoped they would be commercially successful. Problem is, very small upstart company with ultra priced product, so it's a tough sell unfortunately. I suspect based on actual performance and quality it surpasses many established brand amps of similar cost. Lucky you having the chance to hear them in a fine system. Charles,
Dave, you you for the marvelous hospitality. Your system is splendid and those amps the best I have heard to date in terms of complete and utter naturalness, purity of tone, etc, etc. We need to resurrect Chalice Audio!
Jazz.....thanks for the compliment..as for the PS P10..i loved it when I had my preamp..Meitner cdsa-se..amps combination. when I decided to replace the preamp / Meitner combo with the Lumin Player,going directly into the amps, I tried it with and without the P10 ..going directly into what is a dedicated line and found that I liked the sound without the P10 better.The P10 DID improve the sound of the system with everything in it but had a softening effect with only the Lumin. ....as for the HD pcs ..I did not try the P4. my system is at a point now that I don't want to change anything..i truly believe that I am through searching for 'BETTER'.hope this helps some..dave
Two questions: Can you elaborate on the deletion of the PS Audio P10? I am in the midst of upgrading my power system and would appreciate your insight.
As you have probably the high end version in other components, did you try the HiDiamond P4 or were the P3 a better match?
Agear... you are correct.Tom and Pres are superb designers of , what i think, are the best tube amps made, but, as you say, the market is not flooded with buyers in that high atmosphere.
Agear..thanks for the comment.as for the 'link' to a Chinese site i do not know anything about that. Chalice Audio, as a company, has taken a sabatical from the active marketing of their amp. they will, however, still make the 'Grail' amps per request.They are even making less expensive versions on request.
Calloway, your amps are one of the few out there that give me audio envy! I noticed Chalice Audio's website gets linked to some Chinese site? What is their story?
