Question for B.R.

[blackraven]

Feanor, I remember now. The original T-8 as well as the original hybrid Ultra preamp and DAC use to use 6N1P tubes. 6CG7's can be used in the same socket without any changes to the electronics. The difference is that the 6CG7's are taller and you have to use spacers to raise the top cover so that the CG's will fit. The newer T-8 plus models have a lower circuit board or lower sockets to allow the CG's to fit with out having to raise the top cover. I sent in my Ultra preamp to have the sockets modded but on my Ultra DAC, I use the spacers that raises the cover about 3/8th of an inch or so. The spacers can be bought for a few dollars from digikey.com. Frank may even have some laying around, if not he can give you the part number so you can order them.

One last thing, give consideration to the Avastar preamp that recently went out of production. It is a very musical warmer preamp. It was replaced by the newer FET-Valve preamp. Steve Ford over on the AC forum just bought one used. I am sending him some C6G7's to try as he says the stock Electroharmonix tubes have too much bass with his VTL amps and Magnepan 1.7's otherwise he likes the detail and musicality of the Avastar. If he decides to sell it I will hook you up.

avahifi - AvaStar preamplifier

[Feanor]

Sounds good!

[LeRoy]

Well, the G.F. Dac-11 arrived one day sooner than expected. The unit arrived unscathed from it five thousand mile journey to Texas and upon first visual inspection I can find no external flaws in fit or finish. I did not expect it to be such a small unit and will have no problem making room for it on the audio stand.

I will give first impressions in a little while.....

[LeRoy]

First impression...I don't have one yet. I am getting signal in from the HHB CDP to the G.F. via toslink and coax. None of the three analog outputs are sending a signal as I am getting NO sound via the S.R. I.C.'s to the Quinpu integrated. I am off to the G.F. website to find trouble shooting info....stay tuned...

It's a dud. I have tried inputs A&B which are analog in and have tried swapping out the optical cable and coax...tried all three outputs again..adjusted volume on the G.F. and also on the Q....all I get is no music and a hum at 3:00.

I will be shooting an e to G.F. here in a moment.

[blackraven]

Sorry to hear that it arrived DOA. Emwardo, a forum member just bought one and it arrived fine. GF should replace it. Talk to Ian Grant's wife, Rachel. Unfortunately, Ian has cancer and not in good shape I was thinking that the tube could have come loose in shipping as 1 guy reported this, but the SS out should work. One thing about GF is that they are reputable, unlike some of the other chinese companies. GF has a store in Canada. Here is the telephone number below. I called them with questions before I bought mine and talked with Rachel. Give this a try if you get no email response.

1-888-477-5379

403-251-0466

[LeRoy]

Sorry to hear that it arrived DOA. Here is the telephone number below. I called them with questions before I bought mine and talked with Rachel. Give this a try if you get no email response.

1-888-477-5379

403-251-0466

Thank you Larry. I just got home for work so will be checking emails in a bit.

Update: Just checked my email and Rachel suggested that I toggle the switch to 110v. Yep, she was correct. Got the up and running, tube out, S.R. I.C.'s out to the Q. Toni Braxton/The Heat is spinning.

First impression, now into track 3, lean in the bass.

Question for Larry-

I have the HHB CDP as a transport, utilizing my BMA coax to the G.F. When the HHB is reading the disc the G.F. makes a rapid and intermittent clicking sound. Once the HHB has finished analyzing the disc the clicking on the G.F. stops. Does this also happen with your DAC-11?

Thanks!

[blackraven]

I can get a click when I am switching songs with my CD player.

Give the stock tube about 20-30hrs of burn in. But you will want to switch tubes to an early 1960's 6DJ8 Holland made amperex with out the A frame or an early 1960's Telefunken. Bass with these tubes is deep and powerful. They have a more transparent and detailed sound, almost holographic. Let me know when you are ready and I will give you some links to where you can get them at a decent price. I was not impressed with the stock 6922 tube but it does improve with burn in. The sound is better using the tube out instead of the SS out.