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What I mean is, how does it compare to your GS-X in sonics? What are the differences?

Thanks for the quick impressions....

Can you please do some comparative impressions on what cans/tubes work well together?

Also, what is the price of the standard version of the extreme? Seems like everyone has a customized version.

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The standard version is $999.

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I don't really see how it'd be relevant to compare the GS-X and Extreme, but regardless of that, I haven't listened to the GS-X yet. I mentioned that in post #3.

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As I said, I have no alternate tubes to swap in. Based on my listening so far, the Extreme pairs very well with the K340, K701, and the K601. Not so great with the AD2000 though, as I expected (it hasn't performed great with any tube amp I've run it with).

Great stuff Asr. Always good to hear a different, unique perspective in equipment impressions and reviews. That said, don't let anyone attempt to influence what you are hearing ... via post, PM, or otherwize. It's important we receive input from various independent sources.

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Are people now pm'ing people telling them what they should hear? I cant ever remember seeing a warning like this in any impression or review thread in all my time @ head-fi.

Earl, you'd be amazed at what goes on. Sometimes a member will start a thread to give his impressions of a product and the next thing you know, someone else will barge in and start answering questions directed to the OP....almost as if they were the equipment's product manager or something. Before you know it they've practically hijacked the thread, and like a broken record are once again, for the umpteenth time, singing the virtues of said product. I know it's hard to believe, but it does happen.

The tubes on my unit are: 6SN7 GTB (1) and Sylvania 6080 WA (2).

I've found that the amp does not have a black background. Is this normal? A very small part of the music leaks to the headphones when the volume pot is all the way down, and it's noticeable even with the K601 (but not with the K340).

The Extreme is sounding better the more I listen to it, but since I don't have my Cayin set up alongside it I can't compare the two. I have to admit I have a general solid-state bias, but the Extreme has a great compromise - decays are nice and long and full, very real-sounding. It definitely improves the K701 in this aspect. Rounds off notes that would otherwise sound harsh. Very nice languid mid-bass/lower-mids also - it has those perfect lazy-dream euphonics to lull you into letting your guard down. Doesn't take away anything from the K701's intrinsic qualities either - the K701 remains open, very clear, and the pristine mids still shine through. It also adds a gentle push on the bass around 50 Hz so it's nice and full without sounding bloated. With the K340 it's deep and powerful when needed.

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Asr, my Extreme's background is extremely black with the pot turned all the way down... not sound whatsoever.

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qft...

I recently swapped out the 6SN7 included with my stock extreme with a KenRad 6SN7GT...HUGE difference. With my WA3, switching the 6AS7 with the 7236 only produced a subtle difference (imo). It just seems that driver tubes make the biggest difference. Everything is more punchy and clean with the KenRad. I plan to purchase 5998s soon.

Mher6, who was the manufacturer of the original 6SN7 included with your Extreme?

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I've been trying to figure it out myself. There seems to be no branding on the base.

Mher6, mine has 6SN7GT labeled on top, inside a circle with MS on the bottom of the circle. Other than that, I cannot see any other markings. I'm curious what brand this tube is. How much is the KenRad and from where can one get it?

I'm curious to hear other opinions on the standard config Extreme as well... so please keep the opinions coming, especially those that have been using theirs for more than a month or so. Thanks!

Typically, Mikhail sends out Electro Harmonix (EH) as stock 6SN7 tubes. They are modern stock and pretty mediocre sounding IMO.

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The KenRad is about $50-75 (depending if you get the JAN version or not).

I bought my KenRad here (I have the non-JAN version).

http://www.audiotubes.com/