[Audio Addict]

For XMAS, I got myself a pair of NOS Sylvania Chrome Domes for my AES-3 DJH that I recently had Cary add a headphone out. I really can't believe the improvements these tubes made to the music.

 

[darkclouds]

How does it compare to your other amps? And how much did the mod cost?

I have a regular AE-3 using NOS RCA Red Base 5692 and wouldn't mind adding a headphone out.

 

[BoyElroy]

Hi Audio Addict,

How does the sound of your AE-3 compare to any solid state headamps you've heard? I was actually thinking of building one of them a while back.

 

[Audio Addict]

Quote:

Originally posted by BoyElroy Hi Audio Addict, How does the sound of your AE-3 compare to any solid state headamps you've heard? I was actually thinking of building one of them a while back.

With the Chrome Domes, the mid-range is just so much better. Also it seems with tube headphone amps you don't really need the artifical processor that the solid states need. The music is encompassing and not the left / right you might otherwise get with a solid state without a processor.

 

[darkclouds]

That simple faceplate does look alot nicer than the the regualar version. I really hate the wood side panels on mine.

 

[Audio Addict]

I believe the DJH AES-3 was the result of the popularity of the AES-25 Superamp. I have the Signature version of this amp and the two do go visually together, though the Superamp doesn't have the machined alumunim faceplate.

 

[elrod-tom]

That's an awesome looking setup...though I must admit a certain fondness for my x-ponents.

How does the headphone jack SOUND?? How much did they charge to have it added??

 

[Audio Addict]

Quote:

How does the headphone jack SOUND?? How much did they charge to have it added??

If I understand the modification, they are basically routing the output directly to headphone jack. A switch is added that allows you to direct the routing from the normal rear out jacks to the headphone jack. The cost of the modification was $200 plus shipping.

As to the sound, it is the same as the preamp itself. It has all the same magic as the preamp. Definitely subject to the 6SN7 GT tubes it uses. The Chrome Domes were a dramatic improvement over the red base chinese tubes that came with it.

For the $$$, though, the X-components are hard to beat, especially if you can pick up a good used setup like you have. With the headphone modification and the Chrome Domes installed, I now have $1500 in it. Oh, well, at least I am not out at the bars.