Voltron

JP will have to talk about the White Unicorn, aka Nick Doshi Alaap Mk.II Purist Tube Preamplifier with phono stage (MM and MC input). Here are a couple pics, though I do not know what wood is on the one in SF (which might already be taken):

Is that for a turntable or an amplifier?

I really like the Gallos and think that they are a bargain for what they can do. They are not at their best in my current setup because the McCormack is really too much for them to handle properly. My HT amp is also a McCormack and it is at 125 watts per channel, which seems to suit the Gallos better. This is all exacerbated by the fact that the SDS-XLR is too hot for big amp such that with the preferred 2c51 outputs it is loud at the first step on the volume. It makes the sound more holographic and engaging than the EMM Labs (DCC2 dac/preamp) but the range on the volume control leaves too much to be desired. Using 6sn7 outputs makes it a lot better on the gain/volume side but isn't *as* good as the 2c51s. If I had a better amp match, that might work out and if JP buys a McCormack DNA-1 that he is thinking of buying I might try to get that over here for a try out. In any event, I am planning on hearing some gear, hearing some speakers, and then seeing which way this takes me. I am in no rush other than the fixation factor.

Get over it guys, you made your point and Sherwood has eaten enough crow already.

Thanks for the input Sherwood. The speakers will change, Mike, whether before or after anything else. I have thought about just getting a real preamp in the system before doing anything else -- amazingly enough the Voice of Reason actually suggested that -- so it is possible. Hell, maybe I should try the Ayre with the rest of my rig as it is now.

Now we're talking! Sherwood, how could you hold out on me if you heard the gear at RMAF?! Any more details other than "breathtaking"? As for the active vs. passive preamp issue, I don't think I have heard a truly spectacular passive preamp. One of the other contenders in my mind for some time has been Steve McCormack's VRE-1 that is a hybrid active/passive design (whatever that means). He tried to make this pre a fully passive design and found that it was lacking in balls (not is so many words but you get the gist). I really like Steve's work and have talked to him on a few occasions. He offered the VRE as a demo and I should really take him up on it. I am guessing that it would match up will with my McCormack DNA-500 power amp, but there are some limitations on the VRE such as no balanced loop out that make it a little less appealing than the Ayre. I am damn curious about it, though, and I could avoid a lot of expense if it truly mated well. More things to consider...

I actually don't want to open it up generally speaking, but there you have it. The Doshi White Unicorn may already be sale pending and the dealer won't open the box because he thinks the value will plummet. Might have to scratch the mythical beast off the list I don't want to have in the first place. Anybody else read the Stereophile articles on the Ayre stuff? I really am curious if others have thoughts of a technical nature. Interesting ideas in play, but I am not sure that the price is "justified" (never is at this level anyway).

So far, all the Voice of Reason has done is add a couple of other really expensive options to the mix! I will try to audition some Shindo gear, which I have been meaning to do anyway. And it turns out that the White Unicorn of tube line/phono preamps is available in SF new but at a used price because it was traded in before being used. Same dealer as Shindo, so maybe two birds will be killed with one visit. This is nuts!

Yeah, I was trying to figure what got your back up.

Going to hear these beasts on Friday afternoon. Trying to figure out if bringing JP#s would be a good reality check or whether he would just be whispering DEW EET! in my ear the whole time.

I think she came back for a short period after that, but then was gone again. It's too bad if she thinks she can't engage without getting caught up in it because her voice was a good addition around here. Oww!

Actually, what the heck happened to Indra? Haven't seen her post in a long time.

Probably the fact that it was an Esoteric.

I'm basically with Nate on the granite controversy, but wonder if he is at risk of being kicked out of N.H. for saying such things publicly? Our kitchen has stainless counters except for one small section that is a nice looking granite for baking purposes. It is dropped down to the correct dough-rolling height and has a small sink as well. It has worked out great but I would not like our kitchen nearly as much if it was granite all around. Oh yeah, and we have a Bosch dishwasher too, grawk, so suck on that granite-lover!

The pitter-patter was due solely to Ayre mentioning headphone amplifiers in their manual. Here is the totality of the manual info on the tape outputs, and at least the third paragraph suggests there is a difference in how the signal gets from input to output as compared to the main outputs: The Ayre KX-R provides two tape outputs per channel, allowing connection of the selected source component to a recording device, headphone amplifier, or secondary sound system. These tape outputs utilize balanced XLR connectors. Should it be necessary to connect a tape output to a single-ended component, high-quality adapters are available from your Ayre dealer. Turn the tape outputs off unless they are currently being used. This will completely disconnect the auxiliary components from the KX-R (including the ground connection), eliminating the possibility of undesired ground loops. Unlike the main outputs, the tape outputs will not convert the signal from a single-ended source to a true balanced signal. Instead, the “hot” signal will be present on pin 2 of the XLR and pin1 and 3 will be grounded. This allows a connected balanced component to internally perform the single-ended to balanced conversion without the need for adapters. The tape outputs are controlled by a button on the remote control handset. Pressing the button activates the tape outputs, and pressing it a second time will turn them off. Turn the tape outputs off unless they are currently being used. This will completely disconnect the auxiliary components from the KX-R (including the ground connection), eliminating the possibility of undesired ground loops.

How do you think Mike has afforded all those Beta22s and Suckitalo cables this year?

Do you think I could carry it on?

I have already had a couple of email with the guy.

Good luck with all that Pa! Man, did I hate cleaning dishes in the bathtub, but the result was worth the hassle.

What, the girls in your high school didn't dress like that?

Marc and Birgir- What is it that you are talking about, or in other words what would I ask Ayre to explain? My comment about their suggestion of using the tape loop for a headphone amp was purely for grins and giggles because I don't recall seeing that in other hi-end preamplifier documentation. I was not suggesting it was anything special. As for turning off the inputs and the tape outs, my understanding is just what Wes Phillips and the Ayre manual say: turning them off "completely disconnects the auxiliary components from the K-XR (including the ground connection)." Wes goes into more detail on how it is done -- I think -- but mainly it just seemed like a good idea with so many ins and outs to be able to disconnect them and lift the ground to prevent ground loops or other interference from having all those empty jacks. That's all. Thanks, Al

That would be cool. The pre has 2 balanced pre-outs and 2 balanced tape outs to go along with the 4 s/e and 4 balanced inputs, so it can do a whole lot. Any number of the ins and the tape outs can also be turned completely off and the ground lifted so it is like they ain't there.

I admit that Wes Phillips' reviews of these two flagship models have got me looking at them, but everything I read seems intriguing and alluring. These are shockingly high cost items, so I am both hesitant to go too far down the rabbit hole of this fixation and yet still very curious. I also admit that the K-XR User Manual's suggestion that a balanced tape out could be used for a headphone amplifier made my heart go pitter-pat. Recognition in the highest of the high end! Anybody else heard the these and/or have any opinions on them or their design? A local dealer reps them, so I hope to get a listen later this week.

EDIT: That was what I meant to post.

thrice with the rickroll. sad.