Many changes since the last update here. Most significantly, the Rogue Apollo monoblocks. These amps are disgustingly awesome. I've never heard a component make such a difference - the magnitude of improvement has been like moving up a level or two within a speaker line. Possibly, I severely underestimated my need for high transient power capabilities (the Apollos push out 1500 Watt transients which is ridiculous for a pure tube amp), and for maintaining low distortion and high bandwidth at stout power levels. The 250 Watts/ch continuous is a nice spec on paper, but will never be approached in real-world conditions. The transients on the other hand, probably do matter (for reasonably well recorded music with 10dB-20dB+ transients).
It's been like hearing my speakers and music all over again for the first time. To be fair, I had previously been "slumming" it a bit (relative to the rest of the system) with the Rogue Atlas (still a fine amp on a budget) and some mid-power vintage tube amps. Though, I have owned high-end-ish amps in previous systems: Sunfire Signature 600 II, Parasound JC-1 monoblocks, VAC Auricle monoblocks. Honestly I like the Atlas, and some of those vintage amps, a lot compared to those other amps. I also liked the PS Audio HCA-2 I had way back when...but I digress. The speed, bass, and dynamics on the Apollos are unreal. The image is highly 3D and perfectly uniform - no blobs of sound. The weight and presence of instruments & vocals are unreal. The resulting sound is frighteningly "alive". I've been running the amps in triode mode - no need for their full power capabilities.
I've now been listening to the Apollos for a week, on three different setups - last week at the hifi shop on another set of speakers I'm familiar with, Saturday on a different set of speakers, and since Saturday night in my setup. The 'blocks had the very same effect on both pairs of speakers I was familiar with (Tannoy Glenair 10, Tannoy Kensington SE).
The other changes since the last update months ago:
* Preamp upgraded from Rogue 99 Magnum to Rogue Hera. Hearing that difference is what got me looking towards the M180...then Zeus...then Apollos
* Phono stage from Benz PP-1 at 100 ohm loading to a loaner PS Audio GCPH at 50 ohm loading
* Nice new bigger & thicker rug in front of speakers, with a thicker pad. It's an Iranian Hamadan. Love it. Do think it helped the sound a bit
* New listening chair - a (now discontinued) Salamander HT recliner seat instead of the big couch. New chair fits like a glove
* Adjusted the VTA a bit on my TT
* Tweaked locations of speakers and my GIK/Auralaex panels.
* All Audioquest cabling
As much as it pains me I'm going to hold off on listening for tonight, as they're really really ripping out some serious construction outside, and lord help me if they shutter the power on/off/on while these new amps are on...
Of course, having attained a new "high" in the 2ch quest, one's thoughts immediately turn to what else can be upgraded. I'm looking at phono stage, cartridge, and possibly arm upgrades. Also, the Apollo tubes are dead stock EH right now. Surely some nice NOS 12AX7 and 12AU7 could provide benefits?
Now to clean a ton of records... (which I hate doing)
