Headamp Blue Hawaii Special Edition - Page 213

forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fr.pl?psvane

I was mistaken, the discussion was at Audiogon and reference at Head-fi last year. 

The perceived sq difference is dependent on the whole system some tubes do match better with certain Stax phones but it is the same story with sources, etc.

That said, there is a reason why the value those great NOS EL34 tubes are climbing higher and higher.

I'm getting close to ordering a BHSE from Justin (unless a used one pops up in the next month or so).  Assuming I get one, do you have any recommendations for a digital source that's under $5k used?  I currently have the PWD MkII and use its Bridge to stream.  I'm not just looking for a great player/dac that's under $5k used as I can figure that out on my own, but rather a great player/dac that happens to bring out the best in a BHSE/009 combo (as I've never heard a electrostatic system before).

If you know from experience that the PWD is a good match, then that'd be great to hear as well.

Thanks.

I think there's a Resolution Cantata on the FS section right now- it uses 1704's and seems to take the edge off the BHSE/009 combo and is still really detailed.  If its under 5K used and you don't need DSD, that would be my pick (owned the whole rig, not just talking out of my rear.)

I currently use the Invicta, Mytek, and new Benchmark DAC's with the BHSE/009's, they're all great, very transparent, but I do wonder about a good ladder DAC sometimes, maybe MSB... of course that's in a totally different price bracket.

There's a used MSB Platinum III in Agon for $3200. Basically, same as the DAC IV platinum without the external power supply.

+1 for Cantata. Didn't hear it with the BHSE, but with the 009 and LL it was easily the best digital source I listened to. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

I think there's a Resolution Cantata on the FS section right now- it uses 1704's and seems to take the edge off the BHSE/009 combo and is still really detailed.  If its under 5K used and you don't need DSD, that would be my pick (owned the whole rig, not just talking out of my rear.)

 

I currently use the Invicta, Mytek, and new Benchmark DAC's with the BHSE/009's, they're all great, very transparent, but I do wonder about a good ladder DAC sometimes, maybe MSB... of course that's in a totally different price bracket.

Yes, I've seen that, and its only a hop and a skip over from MKE.  Used Analog DACs will hit the used market at 5K soon enough though.  I want something SOTA on the digital side to simplify.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

Yes, I've seen that, and its only a hop and a skip over from MKE.  Used Analog DACs will hit the used market at 5K soon enough though.  I want something SOTA on the digital side to simplify.

Actually, I was just following up on your suggestion to givemevinyl. You can connect any digital source into it (spdif/toslink/aes). There's also an internal USB upgrade available. You could do external USB from your pc too. But your right, SOTA ladder dac is expensive.

Sorry, spaced out there.  Thought you were givemevinyl replying to me (same avatar, names starting in G, operating on zero sleep.)

Thanks, guys.  Both the Cantata and MSB sound very interesting, especially the Cantata since it too (like the PWD) has a network feature.  I suppose there's no way to know if it's worth the upgrade from the PWD without trying it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by givemevinyl 

Thanks, guys.  Both the Cantata and MSB sound very interesting, especially the Cantata since it too (like the PWD) has a network feature.  I suppose there's no way to know if it's worth the upgrade from the PWD without trying it.

There's a Cantata for sale right now on Head-fi and you literally couldn't be buying from a better guy. Radio_head will vouch for him as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by figaro69 

With the sr009s specifically...does anyone out there have the combo with nos mullards? How does it compare with the new production mullards? Is it worth the extra expense? Any feedback, Justin?

Probably not, this question has been answered by Justin, Spritzer, Elephas, and even KG in previous posts. This is a long thread.  

Until I come upon a secret stash of real NOS Mullards hidden in some dead guy's basement, and I am actively looking, I do not believe that they actually exist anymore even if you find someone on E-Bay who claims to have a few.  

I also do not believe that there are unopened, still sealed, original Parlophone Yellow and Black labeled Mono Beatles records out there in the void.  I have been looking for those for years. 

Cynical, maybe, but that comes with age and experience.  Good luck.