You guys might think im crazy, but here is my setup...
chaintech av710 --> bottlehead foreplay preamp --> maxed out MINT amp --> HD580, K401, or A500. In my other thread, i mentioned that i thought the k401 sounded too harsh through my MINT, but once i hooked up my newly aquired foreplay preamp, my jaws dropped. Not only is the harshness gone, but there was an increase in sound quality. The sound is so much smoother and fuller now and everything just sounds right. Im using the 12AU7A tubes on the foreplay and man, the sound is so pure and natural to my ears.
So this is what people are talking about when they say Tubes Are The Way To Live. Mind you this is not a true tube setup, but Tube PreAmp --> Solid State Amp setup just sounds so much more livlier than an all tube setup and at the same time, it still retains the smoothness. I want to thank millercv for offering me a good deal on the foreplay that i cannot refuse. Now i have a blend of both worlds, which isnt necessary a bad thing
Note: I know my MINT and av710 arent all that great, but i still noticed a difference adding the foreplay to the audio chain. Im hoping to get a PPA and a E-MU 0404 soundcard soon. Man....this really hurts my wallet....
....but at least my ears are happy
