tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.comments2024-03-18T06:13:23.341-04:00Doctorjohn Cheaptubeaudio: Audio Reviews and Moredoctorjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comBlogger2499125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-30617149014669197872024-03-12T18:17:20.690-04:002024-03-12T18:17:20.690-04:00I used an ICon4 AVC preamp before which was very g...I used an ICon4 AVC preamp before which was very good but heard than their silver trannie version is far superior. But I'm pondering using 2 UMI<br /><br />That said, I think the teannies in UMI are of better quality, hence I still refrain from adding in another preamp which could make the system less transparent overall. Now I use LEEDH volume control installed in my Wattson Emerson with E Lohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221344397201901770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-37450451941226762532024-03-09T04:37:15.420-05:002024-03-09T04:37:15.420-05:00I'm still afraid to add a preamp which may blu...I'm still afraid to add a preamp which may blur the sound. E Lohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221344397201901770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-41075428861182181662024-03-08T21:55:27.714-05:002024-03-08T21:55:27.714-05:00This for the innovative solution! Ya, foam, bubble...This for the innovative solution! Ya, foam, bubble wrap etc...Great idea!doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-32757828575410947192024-03-08T11:11:03.460-05:002024-03-08T11:11:03.460-05:00The severe microphonics problem with this DH pream...The severe microphonics problem with this DH preamp can be greatly reduced by putting it on top of a sandwich of multilayered thin foam & thin packing insulation. I'm using 8 layers presently. You can experiment with thickness. The additional benefit is it will improve the sound of other small tube devices to my ear subjectively at least. This soft vibration absorber stands about 7/8inch Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-64177919727338608292024-03-08T07:06:38.243-05:002024-03-08T07:06:38.243-05:00It was fortuitous. I introduced someone to UMI and...It was fortuitous. I introduced someone to UMI and it looks like it might work out, albeit it will take some time to work out the differences. Sit tight...I'm not in it at all.doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-9338979146735823782024-03-07T19:40:47.485-05:002024-03-07T19:40:47.485-05:00Doctor — this is good news if you can secure a sou...Doctor — this is good news if you can secure a source for the Mark II version — the one with power and phase switch. The Mark I version with RCA and XLR unbalanced connectors is available via AliExpress and can be shipped to the US. I just ordered one (again).<br /><br />As a side note I worked with the UMI people directly and was so close to having them send me the Mark II version.. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-65316636562993241882024-03-07T02:43:36.100-05:002024-03-07T02:43:36.100-05:00What a crazy thought! I think 2 would not be too m...What a crazy thought! I think 2 would not be too much. One day when you get back to preamp and amp it'd be useful in between too! Plus, you get a Mk II, which would be a little different from the I.doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-70007662817326648652024-03-06T07:59:13.713-05:002024-03-06T07:59:13.713-05:00I am considering using 2 UMIs in series between my...I am considering using 2 UMIs in series between my Amp and DAC to see how it works, crazy but fun indeed to see the results. DJ, have you tried this config?<br /><br />Judging from your description of UMI and Reisong, UMI seems to better match with tube amps and Reisong on SS? for me I cherish the freedom of high frequency adn airiness from UMI which is not easy to achieve and usually one needsE Lohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221344397201901770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-50579530883387662032024-03-05T21:11:09.078-05:002024-03-05T21:11:09.078-05:00Thanks for the Counterpoint overview. Those compon...Thanks for the Counterpoint overview. Those components are rarely discussed these days. They were highly regarded back in the day and won many awards in the Japanese audio press. I still have an SA-1000 preamp and a Solid 1A amplifier (which is powering my bedroom system). Billy D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05668285306464057720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-51591700266859377072024-03-05T20:02:15.763-05:002024-03-05T20:02:15.763-05:00If I read you correctly, in your system the UMI ac...If I read you correctly, in your system the UMI actually seems to provide a little gain, not strictly 1:1, is that right? Well, that's possible. You like the effect?<br /><br />The effect between Pre and Amp is less, but I think still there, but no hurry. If I were you, I may get a Reisong as it's inexpensive and you can swap positions and see what you like best.<br /><br />Me? I never doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-33727615101108686332024-03-05T19:53:48.159-05:002024-03-05T19:53:48.159-05:00I can't reveal the details, but I know somethi...I can't reveal the details, but I know something with a reputable carrier is in the works. When it's finalized I shall post about it. Sit tight. As of right now, it can only be bought on Chinese TB etc, not even Aliexpress.doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-760390801045962962024-03-05T19:52:02.270-05:002024-03-05T19:52:02.270-05:00Thx for the interesting feedback! The UMI seems to...Thx for the interesting feedback! The UMI seems to hardly need run-in.doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-1399602650604915192024-03-05T05:06:32.080-05:002024-03-05T05:06:32.080-05:00To my ears, the UMI v2 transformer smoothens out t...To my ears, the UMI v2 transformer smoothens out the sound of my system and adds some heft in the mid bass section. Soundstage wise, I cannot hear notable increase in width, but it deepens and improves the placement of instruments on the vertical plane. <br /><br />I only have a week of run time on the UMI v2 transformer, so my observations may differ. Using XLR to XLR instead of RCA. <br /><br /Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-55748164052417441722024-03-05T01:59:37.392-05:002024-03-05T01:59:37.392-05:00How can I purchase the UMI here in the US?How can I purchase the UMI here in the US?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-23073502735991623242024-03-04T10:53:59.396-05:002024-03-04T10:53:59.396-05:00wanna know more abt your final set up.
2 transform...wanna know more abt your final set up.<br />2 transformer? UMI @ between source & pre ; Reisong @ amp?<br /><br />alreay get the UMI MK II @ btw source & tube pre. just wonder if should try one more Reisong @amp.<br />Now using the tube amp for Striling 3/5A, but now just need to set @7 oclock volume.<br />Afraid adding one more transformer would make the larger voice.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07859954095434388727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-53310174025845049062024-03-04T10:25:36.169-05:002024-03-04T10:25:36.169-05:00The "silvery" feeling on UMI is what I d...The "silvery" feeling on UMI is what I describe as shimmer around the metal instrument which is important in defining the texture of winds and guitar! What I hear more is the decaying sinewave of music notes which makes one believes he is hearing the natural decay of mucic instrument! This quality is what music lovers will appreciate most! That said, the highs never hard, brittle nor E Lohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221344397201901770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-22780312267722484762024-03-02T09:39:11.612-05:002024-03-02T09:39:11.612-05:00Thank you for the info, DoctorJohnThank you for the info, DoctorJohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-1919695366753347072024-03-02T08:54:31.501-05:002024-03-02T08:54:31.501-05:00You two definitely has aroused my interest in acqu...You two definitely has aroused my interest in acquiring some vintage MM.<br />I still remember vividly one of the best sound system that I had heard consisting the MM Trio, Ensemble amp combo and their Pa1 Reference playing CD produced by TBM!<br />Intoxicating! E Lohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221344397201901770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-44315822863911886412024-03-02T08:49:51.500-05:002024-03-02T08:49:51.500-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-20898197168623578762024-03-02T08:49:50.481-05:002024-03-02T08:49:50.481-05:00Indeed the 11 ohm Beydas are somewhat dark but the...Indeed the 11 ohm Beydas are somewhat dark but they likely work well with ss electronics. If using tubed gear with fruity flavor it may not be the best match. I'm not sure of running time, but you need more.doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-3277295226343319122024-03-01T11:12:28.361-05:002024-03-01T11:12:28.361-05:00Dr John, I bought the Beydas LS3/5A 11ohms version...Dr John, I bought the Beydas LS3/5A 11ohms version after reading your review. May I know roughly how many hours of run-in did you speakers go through before they could perform at their best? My speakers are new out of box and I have been playing them none stop for 1 day. Somehow I find the treble quite cloudy and nasal. Did you experience this and will it go away with more run in? Thank you in Collinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17442975260108209339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-74847358577962362402024-02-28T19:16:36.410-05:002024-02-28T19:16:36.410-05:00I meant to say that the Duo/io/102/Kube is the TV ...I meant to say that the Duo/io/102/Kube is the TV system, on all the time.Ray S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-64287698113106508932024-02-28T19:13:49.297-05:002024-02-28T19:13:49.297-05:00As always, I also own some of what you have, but y...As always, I also own some of what you have, but you take it to the extreme! I just have a MM Duo BS which I love; always so musical-sounding, if too forgiving, at times. I have it on 24/7 hooked up to a Rega Io driving KEF Reference 102 (with Kube 102). That system never gets touched. I wanted to get the transport with the Perspex lid before but reliability issues kept me away.Ray S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-47807242074883403862024-02-28T02:41:14.835-05:002024-02-28T02:41:14.835-05:00Yes, many have commented on that. But it's a b...Yes, many have commented on that. But it's a bit messier...doctorjohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11301768655128512295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395121002488101245.post-75937479222356405372024-02-27T19:14:15.143-05:002024-02-27T19:14:15.143-05:00The Studio 497/9497 speaker cable can be further i...The Studio 497/9497 speaker cable can be further improved upon, by splitting/untangling its two conductors into two separate conductors, for cleaner mids/top end. Don't try to straighten out the spirally wires. Leave them be and enjoy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com