Day 1 with the ALO Pan Am, AKG Q701 and Mullard 5654s.
Relationships are everything. Everything is connected.
Everything matters.
I'll likely ramble - I have tons of notes I will not subject you to...
So, here's the thing: Speed, texture and tone are my first choice - me in a nutshell.
A forensic reproduction is not what gets me fired up. Details matter - dissection is destructive.
My Q701's were always a bit of a let down, until now.
Not once have these 'phones sounded so good. Granted, my headamp experience is limited, but they were never truly engaging. I assumed these tubes would be a good match, but this was based solely on Mullard's reputation. I have another tube amp but haven't used Mullard before now.
Oh, I know there's better (more costly) out there, and I will try to get there. But last night my Pan Am, Q701's, and Mullard 5654's had me up very late.
My chain:
AKG Q701/ALO Pan Am-Gateway/Parasound Zdac/PC/Fidelizer Pro/Tidal PC app
I've got a couple other sets on the way, and plan to do a comparison soon. This set is new and not broken in yet. I assume things will change over time. Also, I have a new Cullen Cable power cord in the Pan Am/Gateway. This may also be subtly affecting my experience.
Here's what I heard:
The more forward, luscious mid's these tubes deliver, very enticingly counter the sometimes distant sound of the Q701's enormous stage. All styles of music were more tactile, textured and natural sounding. Details galore, mind you. Though the mids are in focus, this is not maple syrup...15 year bourbon vs. moonshine. Natural highs. No hash, or shout - of course the source dictates much of this. Slightly undefined lows and rolloff in ultra low end. Bass drums and guitars sounded solid, musical and they grounded the Q701's open presentation.
Dynamics! Tons of energy. I could not stop listening. Very intimate, engaging experience.