I had fogotten how small it is. For me, it is replacing the Rebel Audio RebelAmp. The LP is much smaller (by about a third) and much more powerful.
You know what this means, right? We get to go through all of our reference tracks again! At least that is my plan…
So as a follow up, here are a couple of pics, now that the skyline has changed:
First, the whole setup. This is where the magic happens!
One of these days I will actually get legit speaker stands for the BRO2s! And then of course here is a closer shot of the core components. As mentioned, I think the LP is a natural fit.
The new addition of the LP prompted some other exciting changes as well. I have re-cabled the SA-1 so that it is now preamping the DA-9 on the speaker side of the system. I have mentioned before what a nice job as a preamp the SA-1 does, and this new collaboration between it and the DA-9 is spectacular. With that done, I also changed the SH-9 so that is being fed in a straight balanced manner. The SH-9 is a good enough amp that it can stand on its own.
And there we are. Is this end game for this system? I am not sure, we’ll see. My guess (if I am being honest) is probably not! But we are pretty close. I can say for sure that it has never sounded better.
Equipment worth thousands of dollars and the speakers standing on cardboard boxes - classic
I know…
Alright, gang, I finally pulled the trigger on some decent stands for the BR02s. Looked at quite a few and decided on these. These are the Isoacoustics ISO-155. I like 'em!
A nice touch, I think. The speakers sound just as good as with the home brew solution as well. Maybe even a bit fuller. Too early to tell, but I certainly did no harm. Now the boxes can go back to being - boxes!
Looking really good there.
Regarding sonic changes, you most-likely are picking up on subtle differences related to height, position/placement and will need a bit of a “brain burn-in” period. I will say this if you find that it doesn’t suit you don’t force it, go back to what makes it sound best to you and spare what it looks like.
Moon 100D → Little Dot Mk2 (with Voskhod 6J1P-EV + 6N6P tubes).
Nad HP50 or Sennheiser HD6XX headphones (not shown).
Links are my reviews.
I was in the same boat as you and just decided to go with $10.00 yoga blocks. Of course my speakers aim up, so I didn’t need a lot of height.
Man you really like tubes dont ya ?
I like trying new things. The Valhalla and the LD will battle to the death and the loser will have to leave the house. His head hung in shame!
“Shame… Shame… Shame…”
To be honest Im kinda in the same boat, considering the TA-22 to upgrade my tube game (currently using Loxji P20 with some russian tubes), but i think that will have to wait for a bit
I had that amp a few years ago (P20). Huge bang for the buck.
I ran a 16 Ohm headphone (iBasso SR2) through the Valhalla 2 and it handles it like a champ. Pretty impressive for a full tube amp.
My ideal collection is one SS, one hybrid and one tube amp.
Same - My current setup consists of a warm (IFI Zen Dac + Can) / SS (SMSL SU-9n + Topping A90D ) / Hybrid (Topping D10 Balanced + Loxji P20).
Im happy with the A90D and the zen stack but i would love a better tube amp
Wow! And I thought I had a lotta gear. I was thinking I might need to start thinning the herd, but your pics are playing right into the side of me that’s tryin’ to justify keeping it all.
Here’s me set up, though I wouldn’t exactly call it endgame as I have a lot of planned additions and upgrades.
Speakers: NX-Otica, which is a full open baffle DIY kit from GR Research.
Amps: Schiit Tyr monoblocks
Dac: SMSL VMV D1se
Streamer: Wiim Mini
I have heard very good things about GR reasearch. Dude seems like he really knows his stuff. Congrats on those!
I understand the problem there.
I have been pondering what to get, and am leaning toward the xDuoo MT-602
I have been trying to sell my MT-602 for quite a while. Powerful little amp and just tiny.