Cavalli Audio Liquid Fire
Sep 30, 2012 at 9:46 PM Post #1,966 of 2,306
I would imagine not. It doesn't make a difference if the SE system is well implemented, and costs a ton more to make (and house for that matter). You never know with Alex (as said before), but I really don't see it happening. No one would buy one at the price he'd have to make it.
 
Quote:
 
 
Is there a Fully balanced LF in sight? 

 
Oct 1, 2012 at 11:11 AM Post #1,967 of 2,306
I agree on the balanced deal.  Then there's the whole debate on having balanced.  I had a WA22 which has a whole "is it really balanced" debate that's never been settled.  Plus some say you need balanced headphones and that doesn't mean a balanced cable.  I've heard many who know leagues more than I ever will state there's no advantage in a headphone system to have balanced.  I've never noticed a difference with headphones.  The big speaker rig yes.
 
As for the pre-amp.  I'd skip that as well.  I like my phone system in a totally different room(unless I win the lotto or $$ drop from the sky in my lap and get the dedicated listening room).
 
Oct 1, 2012 at 11:16 AM Post #1,968 of 2,306
Quote:
I agree on the balanced deal.  Then there's the whole debate on having balanced.  I had a WA22 which has a whole "is it really balanced" debate that's never been settled.  Plus some say you need balanced headphones and that doesn't mean a balanced cable.  I've heard many who know leagues more than I ever will state there's no advantage in a headphone system to have balanced.  I've never noticed a difference with headphones.  The big speaker rig yes.
 
As for the pre-amp.  I'd skip that as well.  I like my phone system in a totally different room(unless I win the lotto or $$ drop from the sky in my lap and get the dedicated listening room)

 
No advantages??  Well Isee other wise and I guess the bottom line is what you "think" your getting out of it.  Like having a balanced rig from start to finish "May" have better noise cancelation. Also in long cable runs - which I have..  Not to mention double everything if implemented correctly.  
 
But we need not to enbark on this converstation.  It's been done a million times.  We all have our prefernces.
 
Oct 1, 2012 at 11:52 AM Post #1,969 of 2,306
I'd like to know what you consider a long cable run. Do you have to run cables 50 feet or so? Most Audiophiles tend to flip when they have a cable over 3 feet long. lol. Also, generally speaking balanced offers a lower noise floor and higher gain, but again...if properly implemented there should be no difference. According to what I've read anyway...I'm no engineer. :wink:
 
Quote:
 
No advantages??  Well Isee other wise and I guess the bottom line is what you "think" your getting out of it.  Like having a balanced rig from start to finish "May" have better noise cancelation. Also in long cable runs - which I have..  Not to mention double everything if implemented correctly.  
 
But we need not to enbark on this converstation.  It's been done a million times.  We all have our prefernces.

 
Oct 1, 2012 at 12:09 PM Post #1,970 of 2,306
3 feet  - yeah I wish.  I'm talking 25 to 20ft.  that may be in the limits for SPDIF but I'm not chancing it.  So that's why my DAC has to have a ASU input and my USB converter has to have a ASU output.  The longer the cable run (SPDIF) the better chance noise will invade the cable.
 
Oct 1, 2012 at 12:12 PM Post #1,971 of 2,306
Yeah I can see why you want to stick with XLR cables. Makes more sense now.
 
Quote:
3 feet  - yeah I wish.  I'm talking 25 to 20ft.  that may be in the limits for SPDIF but I'm not chancing it.  So that's why my DAC has to have a ASU input and my USB converter has to have a ASU output.  The longer the cable run (SPDIF) the better chance noise will invade the cable.

 
Oct 1, 2012 at 9:28 PM Post #1,972 of 2,306
Hello Gents. My apologies for being so quiet about the LF Rev 2. I have been very busy finishing the LL run over the summer and getting the new Liquid Glass into production. The LG run is now well underway. For those of you who want to role lots of tubes (and lots of different kinds of tubes) the LG may be the amp for you.
 
However, I have been working on LF 2 in background. I am planning to release it in late spring, probably around April. Here are some of the features/changes for Rev 2.
 
  • The new version will require only 3 tubes instead of 4 without compromise to the SQ.
  • Still the same embedded hybrid design where the tubes and transistors are blended to together in the circuit to create the unique LF sound.
  • Tubes still running at comfortable HV with SS still running at comfortable LV.
  • Enclosure will look like the new LG style, except it will be smaller. Even though the LF is not designed as a tube roller amp (the LG is) the tubes will be more accessible.
  • Choice of natural or black front panel with laser etched lettering (this will be shown for the first time at RMAF on the LG).
  • Two selectable inputs with input #1 having a loop out.
  • Selectable output either preamp or headphones. RCA preamps out the back.
  • The output resistor that is there for low Z high sensitivity headphones will be eliminated.
  • It will be replaced with a 4 pin XLR jack for headphones wired this way (even though the amp is still SE).
  • Tweaks to the circuit to improve performance without compromising sound.
  • Machined aluminum construction as in the new LG.
 
I hope that you will find Rev 2 an improved version of an amp that is now powering quite a few sets of headphones.
smile.gif

 
Also, just so you'll all know some of the scheduling for the Spring.
 
1. A new LL run about the end of Feb or early Mar. This will be in the new enclosure style too.
2. LF 2 in April
 
And then, many of you have written to me about the Liquid Gold amp. I have had a design in the works for a while but no time to get to it. In about the last 60 days I've been working feverishly with dBel84's help to get this all together for RMAF. If everything comes together there will be a Liquid Gold (LAu) at RMAF. I sure hope so.
 
Some features:
 
1. Fully balanced front to back.
2. 6.5W into 50R
3. All discrete, no chips.
 
This is going to be a close call gentlemen, but I hope to have it there for people to listen to. If not, well there are other ways to introduce it to people. :)
 
And, thanks once again to everyone who has a LF or LL, making these next steps possible.
 
Oct 1, 2012 at 9:36 PM Post #1,973 of 2,306
Alex, it is good to see your request for the 30 hour day was approved!  I am very much looking forward to RMAF to seeing your newest creations!
 
Oct 1, 2012 at 9:54 PM Post #1,974 of 2,306
Quote:
 
And then, many of you have written to me about the Liquid Gold amp. I have had a design in the works for a while but no time to get to it. In about the last 60 days I've been working feverishly with dBel84's help to get this all together for RMAF. If everything comes together there will be a Liquid Gold (LAu) at RMAF. I sure hope so.
 
Some features:
 
1. Fully balanced front to back.
2. 6.5W into 50R
3. All discrete, no chips.

 
 
Liquid Gold?
 
Is this going to be a Hybrid, Solid State, or Tube?
 
Oct 2, 2012 at 12:01 AM Post #1,976 of 2,306
Great news on multiple fronts. Lots of good features there. Glad to hear there'll be another LL run. Eager to see what you'll do with that, too (other than the new case).
 
Quote:
Hello Gents. My apologies for being so quiet about the LF Rev 2. I have been very busy finishing the LL run over the summer and getting the new Liquid Glass into production. The LG run is now well underway. For those of you who want to role lots of tubes (and lots of different kinds of tubes) the LG may be the amp for you.
 
However, I have been working on LF 2 in background. I am planning to release it in late spring, probably around April. Here are some of the features/changes for Rev 2.
 
  • The new version will require only 3 tubes instead of 4 without compromise to the SQ.
  • Still the same embedded hybrid design where the tubes and transistors are blended to together in the circuit to create the unique LF sound.
  • Tubes still running at comfortable HV with SS still running at comfortable LV.
  • Enclosure will look like the new LG style, except it will be smaller. Even though the LF is not designed as a tube roller amp (the LG is) the tubes will be more accessible.
  • Choice of natural or black front panel with laser etched lettering (this will be shown for the first time at RMAF on the LG).
  • Two selectable inputs with input #1 having a loop out.
  • Selectable output either preamp or headphones. RCA preamps out the back.
  • The output resistor that is there for low Z high sensitivity headphones will be eliminated.
  • It will be replaced with a 4 pin XLR jack for headphones wired this way (even though the amp is still SE).
  • Tweaks to the circuit to improve performance without compromising sound.
  • Machined aluminum construction as in the new LG.
 
I hope that you will find Rev 2 an improved version of an amp that is now powering quite a few sets of headphones.
smile.gif

 
Also, just so you'll all know some of the scheduling for the Spring.
 
1. A new LL run about the end of Feb or early Mar. This will be in the new enclosure style too.
2. LF 2 in April
 
And then, many of you have written to me about the Liquid Gold amp. I have had a design in the works for a while but no time to get to it. In about the last 60 days I've been working feverishly with dBel84's help to get this all together for RMAF. If everything comes together there will be a Liquid Gold (LAu) at RMAF. I sure hope so.
 
Some features:
 
1. Fully balanced front to back.
2. 6.5W into 50R
3. All discrete, no chips.
 
This is going to be a close call gentlemen, but I hope to have it there for people to listen to. If not, well there are other ways to introduce it to people. :)
 
And, thanks once again to everyone who has a LF or LL, making these next steps possible.

 
Oct 2, 2012 at 12:31 AM Post #1,977 of 2,306
I'll do my best. :)
 
I forgot to give you guys email addresses for inquiries on different amps:
 
liquidfire@cavalliaudio.com
 
liquidglass@cavalliaudio.com
 
liquidlightning@cavalliaudio.com
 
Thanks.
 
Oct 2, 2012 at 8:13 AM Post #1,980 of 2,306
Quote:
A few questions:
 
Dual mono?
 
2 enclosures or 1 enclosure?
 
Gain switch?
 
4 amp boards?
 
Heat sinks inside or outside?
 

 
:)
 
Many of these questions probably still have room for debate and I am not the person who can answer them. 
 
The prototype is dual mono, 2 amp boards but psu is seperate in a 2 box set up  - this is going to be gangsta =  just shy of a cardboard box, didn't think about the gain switch but I may just do this. Heatsinks for this mockup are onboard but final will most likely use the chassis to keep profile low. 
 
As you can see, this is early in the works - well as with anything Alex does, this has been kicking around for a few years and about 8 months ago it started to take shape but only in the past 6 weeks has any real "proof of concept" work been done. 
 
..dB
 

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