KGSShv Carbon - hows it sound with the 009s?

[astrostar59]

the Carbon sounds great great great with the new 009s, while it could be a little tiring with the old 009, it is perfectly in line with the new version 009s ... even I would still like a little more detail.

I think Stax responded to users on the brightness aspect of the original 009. IMO it has to be tamed, either in the DAC, amp or with some form of EQ.

 

[SeaWo|f]

Well I could comment on the guy who built that amp, but I won't. Just to say there are better builds of a Carbon, both chassis and parts. He uses his own PS design (scaled back version for size). His Carbon CC was almost an empty case LOL. I have a photo somewhere. But he has a 'cult' following him around.

Changing subject, why Stax didn't nail it and just build a best of the best electrostatic amp and have done with it. No idea.....

*Sigh* where to begin. There are many builders out there using nicer chassis but AFAIK a shiny chassis from a CNC machine is not going to sound better.

The only thing we know about his PSU is that it is his take on the Golden Reference PSU. It could be HV only or HV plus LV. The fact that he shrunk it means.. just that. Done carefully and with properly selected and matched parts he could be getting as clean as or cleaner power than the public boards.

Also his amp boards are his own too, and he is the reason why the KGSSHV-Carbon, has "carbon" as part of its name. You can definitely pick up builds with boutique resistors and CAPs and shockingly expensive XLR sockets. But ultimately you are sticking those parts on a very early revision of the carbon circuit at this point.

As for the chassis being mostly empty. It is a full size box which has thermal advantages over smaller ones, and isolation advantages allowing things like signal wire to be routed in optimum fashion. I suppose he could make is boards bigger or add other crap that is not needed like input selectors etc.

Oh and since I am sure you will write me off simply as one of his 'cult' why not msg John W Mclean about his thoughts on the quality of spritzers work and his contributions.. After all the amp of Johns that is pictured in the previous page, on its back panel has Spritzer credited with his full given name, thanking him FYI,

@Rhamnetin If I am not mistaken John is located in Australia IDK if he is currently taking requests or where he ships to.

 

[Rhamnetin]

Both guys are great and safe to purchase from at the end of the day, despite their differences. Also the KGSSHV Carbon is Birgir's design for those who don't know (though obviously based on the KGSSHV from Kevin Gilmore).

 

[buzzlulu]

Seawolf
+1 to everything you said
AND
despite the accusations of "gruffness" the dealings I had with him showed sometime who was extremely helpful, patient, and prompt in his replies to my numerous questions.

An absolute gentleman and a true pleasure to do business with.

 

[SeaWo|f]

Just in case it is not clear. I in no way have anything other than admiration for what John did with that build. If I were to buy another amp and was not going with Spritzer there are a select few individuals I would look to for a build, one of which is John and one of which has retired.

 

[paradoxper]

I think Stax responded to users on the brightness aspect of the original 009. IMO it has to be tamed, either in the DAC, amp or with some form of EQ.

No. T2.

 

[phaeton70]

Last week I have been able to compare side-by-side a 009 and a 009S driven by a BHSE (XF2 tubes), a GG (SBrix build) and a Carbon (Mjol build, small chassis). DAC was an MSB Select.
To my hears, and with my music (acoustic jazz, funky, trip-hop, some old prog rock) overall I did prefer the 009.over the 009S, even if the latter was still very enjoyable. I just did appreciate more the slightly faster and more neutral presentation of the old 009.
For my liking GG+009 is the winner, followed very closely by the BHSE+009. the 009S sounded best on the Carbon even if not at the level of the GG/BHSE+009
of corse, as usual YMMV

 

[biscottino]

I think Stax responded to users on the brightness aspect of the original 009. IMO it has to be tamed, either in the DAC, amp or with some form of EQ.

Using my Megahertz amp, 009 is perfect, for me, Carbon more bit clarity,, 009s is differenti in the high but in the bass too.
Using eq only for the old 007mka, when using, it plays better than Focal Utopia...

 

[purk]

Last week I have been able to compare side-by-side a 009 and a 009S driven by a BHSE (XF2 tubes), a GG (SBrix build) and a Carbon (Mjol build, small chassis). DAC was an MSB Select.
To my hears, and with my music (acoustic jazz, funky, trip-hop, some old prog rock) overall I did prefer the 009.over the 009S, even if the latter was still very enjoyable. I just did appreciate more the slightly faster and more neutral presentation of the old 009.
For my liking GG+009 is the winner, followed very closely by the BHSE+009. the 009S sounded best on the Carbon even if not at the level of the GG/BHSE+009
of corse, as usual YMMV

I always enjoy the BHSE with the Holland XF4 with the 009 when I had it. Glad that you are able to share some good impressions with us.

 

[Whitigir]

No. T2.

I almost spit out my beer....this is literally funny and truth at the same time

 

[biscottino]

Last week I have been able to compare side-by-side a 009 and a 009S driven by a BHSE (XF2 tubes), a GG (SBrix build) and a Carbon (Mjol build, small chassis). DAC was an MSB Select.
To my hears, and with my music (acoustic jazz, funky, trip-hop, some old prog rock) overall I did prefer the 009.over the 009S, even if the latter was still very enjoyable. I just did appreciate more the slightly faster and more neutral presentation of the old 009.
For my liking GG+009 is the winner, followed very closely by the BHSE+009. the 009S sounded best on the Carbon even if not at the level of the GG/BHSE+009
of corse, as usual YMMV

Hi Mike,
the 009s has moved the balance more than you think, and this is probably the reason why with the amp you mentioned the old 009 is preferable because I think they were built around them.
For me it was enough to change the power cable and the signal more open and fast to get a better result Carbon / 009s. A non-trivial discovery is the great synergy between 009s / srmD10, I have no idea that the new Stax production, including t8000 has a lot to say and we must take them seriously.

 

[phaeton70]

Sal, having (finally ) listened to both side-by-side, I agree 009S is different from 009 and so ampli working best with 009 may not work at best with 009S. as usual, the final judge is only our own ears

re Stax ampli, as you know I have also a T1W, and like it very much

 

[Whitigir]

Sal, having (finally ) listened to both side-by-side, I agree 009S is different from 009 and so ampli working best with 009 may not work at best with 009S. as usual, the final judge is only our own ears

re Stax ampli, as you know I have also a T1W, and like it very much

Yes, I can totally see how amplifiers will influence the different characteristics of both 009 and or 009S. Except the “god like” KG-T2. I have to say that I enjoy both as equally out of the T2. However, the 009 is still a much more preferable one to me

 

[phaeton70]

I still have to hear a T2... but in full honesty, I'm delaying the moment (could have listened to it a couple of times in the recent past), since I know very well that once listened to it my wallet will begin start crying

 

[Whitigir]

I still have to hear a T2... but in full honestly, I'm delaying the moment (could have listened to it a couple of times in the recent past), since I know very well that once listened to it my wallet will begun start crying

It will only cry when you can find someone who has the parts and will to build it for the original version. Or if Kerry can pull it off for you in a not so long of a waiting period ? If you would rather stick to more current productions components