Two and a half months later...

[StereoNut]

Charles

Whatever 12B4A's are in the Dodd are what Gary shipped it with.  (I'm guessing your 12BH4 reference is a typo?) Yes, I'm sure my source has something to do with the sonic signature of my system, but then again... EVERY component in any system has a sonic signature!  If you think about it, anything from a pair of I/C's to a Power Cord to a component can be considered a tone control.  As always, it comes down to the ONE most important word in audio - SYNERGY.  I wouldn't argue with anyone if they said the Dodd is actually a better Pre-amp than the Primaluna, but in my system, for my ears and taste, I prefer the Primaluna.

As far as the Rogue goes, there's not enough power for my Vons.  Even though they are supposedly now 91db efficient (up from 89db before the upgrade) my VR-4 Gen.III's love the 300WPC giddy-up that my Moscode 600 provides. (You can even ask "rpf" Rob.  He even said it about my Moscode.)  

No doubt, active cross-overs are the better way to go in Bi-amping, but I didm't want to get that complicated with it.  You know that I respect your opinion, but I don't feel that my QED speaker cables are suspect at all.  (BTW - They are Silver clad copper, not all silver $$$) In the 2010 meeting at my place, the QED's weren't available because I broke a connector the day before the meeting, so we could only compare JPS Superconductor "Q"'s, Monster cable "home-brews", Audio Art SC-5SE's and Harmonic Technology Pro 11's. The following week once Scott fixed my connectors,  I did a speaker cable shootout here again with Bob M and Tommy Mag (I think?) with my QED's "in the mix".  Regardless of price, my QED's sounded the best.  

I'd love to try VS speaker cable, but their cable would cost me more that the complete speaker overhaul that Albert did for me in 2012.  (Not happening unless I sell a dozen houses this week!)  TWL is my next planned comparison if I can get Pete to make me up a set!?!

Bottom line is just what you said... if I like it, that's what counts.

Bill

P.S. - I'll take Chianti!

[rpf]

Bill,

If you sell 12 houses this week, forgot the speaker cables and just buy a pair of Rogue Apollo mono-blocks and a Hera pre-amp. 

[tmazz]

Bill,

If you sell 12 houses this week, forgot the speaker cables and just buy a pair of Rogue Apollo mono-blocks and a Hera pre-amp. 

Even if you don't sell 12 house.... you only live once. 

(It is so easy for me to spend other people's money.   )

[StereoNut]

At this rate, it will be hard to sell a 1/2 a house this week, if I'm spending so much time laughing at Rob & Tom's replies!

Thanks for making me 

SN

[Werd]

Werd

I know a lot of guys grumble about the "Made in China" issue, but what "sold me"on taking a chance on this piece (besides the great price used) was what the insides of this Pre-amp looked like.

Point to point wiring. Very clean, neat and organized. (See pic.)

SN

Yes it looks good. Last for years before servicing. Good quality control before shipping.

[Hugh]

Bill,

That's the Melody SP3 inert, right?

[StereoNut]

Werd: Thanks!

Hugh: You'd have to tell me!

SN

[rollo]

Charles

Whatever 12B4A's are in the Dodd are what Gary shipped it with.  (I'm guessing your 12BH4 reference is a typo?) Yes, I'm sure my source has something to do with the sonic signature of my system, but then again... EVERY component in any system has a sonic signature!  If you think about it, anything from a pair of I/C's to a Power Cord to a component can be considered a tone control.  As always, it comes down to the ONE most important word in audio - SYNERGY.  I wouldn't argue with anyone if they said the Dodd is actually a better Pre-amp than the Primaluna, but in my system, for my ears and taste, I prefer the Primaluna.

As far as the Rogue goes, there's not enough power for my Vons.  Even though they are supposedly now 91db efficient (up from 89db before the upgrade) my VR-4 Gen.III's love the 300WPC giddy-up that my Moscode 600 provides. (You can even ask "rpf" Rob.  He even said it about my Moscode.)  

No doubt, active cross-overs are the better way to go in Bi-amping, but I didm't want to get that complicated with it.  You know that I respect your opinion, but I don't feel that my QED speaker cables are suspect at all.  (BTW - They are Silver clad copper, not all silver $$$) In the 2010 meeting at my place, the QED's weren't available because I broke a connector the day before the meeting, so we could only compare JPS Superconductor "Q"'s, Monster cable "home-brews", Audio Art SC-5SE's and Harmonic Technology Pro 11's. The following week once Scott fixed my connectors,  I did a speaker cable shootout here again with Bob M and Tommy Mag (I think?) with my QED's "in the mix".  Regardless of price, my QED's sounded the best.  

I'd love to try VS speaker cable, but their cable would cost me more that the complete speaker overhaul that Albert did for me in 2012.  (Not happening unless I sell a dozen houses this week!)  TWL is my next planned comparison if I can get Pete to make me up a set!?!

Bottom line is just what you said... if I like it, that's what counts.

Bill

P.S. - I'll take Chianti!

  Bill I typed RCA tubes. Anyway I was not debating the Dodd over the Primaluna. They are both VG products.
   For me silver over copper has a sing. of being colored bright. Can add sibilance to vocals and make cymbals sound crisp. That does not mean it is a bad cable just colored.
    Talking synergy to me is like preaching to the choir. just thought that different tubes in the preamp might have been a less expensive experiment. Or changing out the output caps with a rich sounding PIO cap. Say Jupiter or Jenson. Not expensive and still able to sell used.
   I have RCA tubes to try if you like. Yes Sir nothing like power and the Moscode is an excellent product. If it were me I would ask Grant to bring over his Carey amp for a demo. Hey why not if anything a learning experience.
    Just remember the source sets the stage character wise and the speakers show that off. Trying to make synergy usually starts at the source. Using cables as tone controls can work however it is the component that should be considered first. Cables should be neutral in character. It is not easy and takes awhile to get it right but the journey PRICELESS.
   The wine is in the pitcher.



charles

[StereoNut]

Thanks, Charles. 

For me, swapping tubes and/or caps in/out of the Dodd seemed to be too involved and time consuming to get where I wanted to be.  Swapping in the Primaluna as a "unit" was easier and it "scratched an itch" I've had over that particular piece for quite a long time.  I just happened to be lucky enough that the Primaluna was a good fit here synergy wise.

As far as the source goes, I come from "Ivor's Army" of the source is MOST important.  But, I didn't want to approach that right now because my next step is going computer front end.

I have to run out for an appointment, so T.B.C.  Thanks again for your input.  Your insight and ideas are always valued here.

Bill

P.S. - It's the beginning of fresh peach season, so I'll have peaches in my Chianti please!

[DaveC]

  Bill I typed RCA tubes. Anyway I was not debating the Dodd over the Primaluna. They are both VG products.
   For me silver over copper has a sing. of being colored bright. Can add sibilance to vocals and make cymbals sound crisp. That does not mean it is a bad cable just colored.
    Talking synergy to me is like preaching to the choir. just thought that different tubes in the preamp might have been a less expensive experiment. Or changing out the output caps with a rich sounding PIO cap. Say Jupiter or Jenson. Not expensive and still able to sell used.
   I have RCA tubes to try if you like. Yes Sir nothing like power and the Moscode is an excellent product. If it were me I would ask Grant to bring over his Carey amp for a demo. Hey why not if anything a learning experience.
    Just remember the source sets the stage character wise and the speakers show that off. Trying to make synergy usually starts at the source. Using cables as tone controls can work however it is the component that should be considered first. Cables should be neutral in character. It is not easy and takes awhile to get it right but the journey PRICELESS.
   The wine is in the pitcher.



charles

Amen, brother Rollo! 

Just wrote a post about the importance of neutral cables and good AC power and why "smooth" cables are a bad idea:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=127995.msg1350784#msg1350784

Stereonut, it sounds like you're getting closer to what you're looking for. Good luck! 

[Hugh]

Hahaha.

Touche.

Werd: Thanks!

Hugh: You'd have to tell me!

SN

[StereoNut]

Thanks, Dave!

[tmazz]

Bill,

If you have access to a fork lift or a crane to transport it from my house I have a 200wpc pure tube ARC amp you can listen to. 

And then when you fall in love with it your wife will want a piece of my hide. (Or should I say ANOTHER piece of my hide  )

[jimbones]

it would be easier for us to bring our amps to your place to compare!! So when you inviting us over!!

[StereoNut]

Gentleman

I appreciate all of the suggestions, but at this point in time (and my current budget) I don't plan on doing any sort of amp upgrade to my system.  The Moscode 600 is going to be here for a long, long while.  I realize it's mine and I have a skewed opinion, but I feel it would take lots of $$$ to find a better amp for my system.  Besides, I don't really want to jump onto another equipment merry-go-round anytime soon. (I get motion sick very easily!)

My next experiment is listening with, then without my Uberbuss.  Emil found that it didn't make a noticeable difference in his house, so I'm going to see (hear) for myself.  If I find the same results, my Uber with go up for sale.

One step at a time.

SN