Shipped and on its way. So far all positive reviews. Will do a full write up.
charles
Excellant, I really enjoyed it, but couldn't articulate why to best describe it.
Because of my time with the Beacon 2 I pulled the trigger on the deal Bill made me on the Purity One.
I hope you get the LH-1 ICs as well.
Gene
It's in da house. The crimson red [ maroon] is quite comforting with the blond wood side panels. Well it looks the part. Using two 6SN7 tubes and an external power supply, two inputs , one output. A IC named LH-1 was also included.
First up the IC [ CDP to Preamp]. Neutral as neutral can be. No highlighting of any part of the spectrum. Excellent bass. So far so good. It replaced a Harmonix golden ratio , no slouch. MIA nuttin so far.
Hooked up Beacon with JPS SC3 IC to amps and off to the races. DEAD QUIET. Played a CD and ? This is not a wannabe it is the real deal. Details to follow. Left it on all night no issues. Tonight the serious testing begins. Out of the box surprised to say the least. Blair is on to something here boys. More to come.
charles
Does anybody know the output impedance of this preamp? With two triodes per channel it's probably much lower than Beacon 1.
Does the tour model have tube rectifier like this picture? I like the mini size, it would fit into my audio cabinet' cubby where my Minimax once lived.
Thanks
Rich
http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/preamplifiers
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1246457574423/Home/preamplifiers/front2-sm.jpg)
Richadoo , no rectifier tube, just the two 6SN7s. The unit is longer. sorry no piccies I'm so bad with that.
charles
Quote from: richidoo on December 29, 2010, 10:41:37 AM
Does anybody know the output impedance of this preamp? With two triodes per channel it's probably much lower than Beacon 1.
Does the tour model have tube rectifier like this picture? I like the mini size, it would fit into my audio cabinet' cubby where my Minimax once lived.
Thanks
Rich
http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/preamplifiers
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1246457574423/Home/preamplifiers/front2-sm.jpg)
Is that Nervosa I smell in the air? aa
Quote from: tmazz on December 29, 2010, 11:10:23 AMIs that Nervosa I smell in the air? aa
Always - I am changing my username to XanaX
I like to stay informed about what's new and good, for future reference... :thumb:
QuoteI am changing my username to XanaX...
FYI:
XANAX XR is a prescription medication for the treatment of patients with panic disorder.....
http://www.xanax.com/
Just say no.... :rofl:
Quote from: richidoo on December 29, 2010, 11:20:32 AM
Quote from: tmazz on December 29, 2010, 11:10:23 AMIs that Nervosa I smell in the air? aa
Always - I am changing my username to XanaX
I like to stay informed about what's new and good, for future reference... :thumb:
I understand completely - one never knows when one will need a new preamp on a moments notice. 8)
Just like the Boy Scouts, we have to "Be Prepared." :thumb:
(Yeah, I know, my wife doesn't buy it either.)
Quote from: richidoo on December 29, 2010, 10:41:37 AM
Does anybody know the output impedance of this preamp? With two triodes per channel it's probably much lower than Beacon 1.
[
From Blair's post on AC;
Here are the specifications:
Frequency Response: 10-30,000hz
Output impedance: 100 ohms
Inputs: 2 (standard config.)
Outputs: 1 (standard config)
Tubes: 6SN7 x 2, any variety*
Dimensions: 17x10x5 inches @ 10lbs
Wow, that's excellent. Thanks Gene
This is a nice unit, I had it for over a week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Interested in what Rollo thinks as I was a tube noob when I had the Beacon Two.
Quote from: etcarroll on December 29, 2010, 04:25:56 PM
Interested in what Rollo thinks
Me too! (http://www.audiocircle.com/Smileys/audiocircle/sm_hyper.gif)
Especially considering his own preamp (Loesch) (http://www.tempoelectric.com/preamp.htm) is one of the best.
Sat down , had a reference disc in the CDP "Sonny Rollins Plus Three" and pressed play. Sonny sax was just right of center [ not every component gets that right] Piano covers the entire soundstage like a real piano on stage. About 3:25 into the disc the piano hits some high notes that with some systems are bright, not so here. Notes were spot on maybe a bit smooth but there. Could have been a tad more bite and dynamic presence but the tone was wonderfull. Again with some systems this disc can be fatiguing. not so here.
Put on Holly Cole " Don't Smoke in Bed ". the opening bass line had weight and depth but limited slam factor. No boomy effect or leanness. Holly's' voice had the usual sibilance but presented in a natural way with no sizzle or highlighting.
OK several cuts later the sibilance was getting a bit wearing. In my initial listening session the sibilance was handled very well now its a changin. The Preamp is still breaking in.. I heard three distinct changes in the 5 hour session. So I stopped. I'm burning in the LH-1 ICs as we speak as well as the preamp. Each change heard was an improvement however the process was both pleasant and unpleasant. It needs more time. What I did not like IMO is contributed to breakinitis. I have been down this road many a time it will get better. Don't get me wrong I really like this Preamp, but it is still changing. These are nitpicks overall so far not big criticisms.
Overall so far when not changing it is a pleasure to listen to. My reviewer hat kept coming off as I just got into the music. That in itself is a VG thing. More to come.
charles
charles
Thanks, nice job. Did you note the lack of slam while using the JPS ICs? The low output impedance should make good slam (for tubes) - my guess is the output caps are still forming up.
I'm always amazed when a un-burned component goes on publicity tour.
"I'm always amazed when a un-burned component goes on publicity tour. " Yes that's a really risky thing to do. Not everyone is either going to understand what's going on or have the patience to wait.
How is this unit "breaking in"....when it's been on tour for a few months now ? :?
Quote from: lonewolfny42 on December 30, 2010, 09:23:20 AM
How is this unit "breaking in"....when it's been on tour for a few months now ? :?
And how many hours are actually on it, do you actually know or just assuming ? Did anyone run it in 24/7 ? I don't know. The unit was held up for quite some time and not much time was put on it for a while. I believe over a month or close to that. I could be wrong but I knows what I'm hearing. To me its breakinitis. It has gotten better each day.
In my experience it takes about 500 hours for the trannies to really settle in. The sound has changed since I started playing it. It just may be reaching that plateau. Who really knows. It just very well be the cables, some did not even try them.
charles
And some components need to be "rebroken" in after not being run for a few days/weeks.
my friend dangerbird/George Daniel participated in the tour and seemed to think that the Beacon 2 was really something special and he said that his wife also confirmed to him how good she thought it sounded in his system . i now know from experience that Blair is very talented and seems to have a really good handle on making gear that sounds excellent across the musical spectrum. i am very happy with my Basis preamp so i am not in the market for another linestage, but i am considering having Blair build me a 20 or 30 wpc Class A SEP amplifier.Blair uses a bare minimum amount of parts in his circuits which contributes to shorter signal paths and in turn results in very good sound quality :thumb:
Quote from: lonewolfny42 on December 30, 2010, 09:23:20 AM
How is this unit "breaking in"....when it's been on tour for a few months now ? :?
Thanks for clarifying Chris...
OK it was mostly the cables, after 50 hours the Pre has opened up much more. They are not fully broken in. burning away as we speak. Just had a buddy over for a listen. He owns a George Wright Pre and JC Morrison 211 SET amp Custom Orca speakers. [ to give you an idea of his taste]. He was very impressed. We installed the Harmonic IC and removed the LH-1. Night and day. Gone was the slight hardness and brightness.
Before he left he insisted on checking out the Nightshade site. The nervosa is working on him as he drives home, poor guy. He he he.
Next victim will be here shortly. He owns a Wytech 211 SET with the Stevens & Billington passive pre in a custom maple enclosure. VS VR-6 speakers.
charles
I thought I saw once that Blair posted on AC these were a well used pr. of tubes, but can't find it now.
Quote from: rollo on December 30, 2010, 05:15:06 PM
OK it was mostly the cables, after 50 hours the Pre has opened up much more. They are not fully broken in. burning away as we speak. Just had a buddy over for a listen. He owns a George Wright Pre and JC Morrison 211 SET amp Custom Orca speakers. [ to give you an idea of his taste]. He was very impressed. We installed the Harmonic IC and removed the LH-1. Night and day. Gone was the slight hardness and brightness.
Before he left he insisted on checking out the Nightshade site. The nervosa is working on him as he drives home, poor guy. He he he.
Next victim will be here shortly. He owns a Wytech 211 SET with the Stevens & Billington passive pre in a custom maple enclosure. VS VR-6 speakers.
charles
Charlie, you are the Typhoid Mary of Nervosa! :rofl:
Quote from: richidoo on December 30, 2010, 02:54:14 PM
Quote from: lonewolfny42 on December 30, 2010, 09:23:20 AM
How is this unit "breaking in"....when it's been on tour for a few months now ? :?
Thanks for clarifying Chris...
Let's clarify some more....which Beacon Two .....???
This one....
Beacon Two Line Stage:
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1281354052715/Home/preamplifiers/beacon%202-B-sm-a.jpg)
Or....this one ???
Beacon Two Streamlined Edition w/ Tube Rectification
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1246457574423/Home/preamplifiers/front2-sm.jpg)
The Beacon Two Line Stage ...first photo...started out here....
On AC... (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=2j3odunnpvkqg10tc0tn5sqmtnolr7ts&topic=84493.0)
So....by your photo Rich....I'm confused about which one Charles has now.... :?
Quote from: lonewolfny42 on December 30, 2010, 08:57:47 PM
Quote from: richidoo on December 30, 2010, 02:54:14 PM
Quote from: lonewolfny42 on December 30, 2010, 09:23:20 AM
How is this unit "breaking in"....when it's been on tour for a few months now ? :?
Thanks for clarifying Chris...
Let's clarify some more....which Beacon Two .....???
This one....
Beacon Two Line Stage:
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1281354052715/Home/preamplifiers/beacon%202-B-sm-a.jpg)
Or....this one ???
Beacon Two Streamlined Edition w/ Tube Rectification
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1246457574423/Home/preamplifiers/front2-sm.jpg)
The Beacon Two Line Stage ...first photo...started out here....
On AC... (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=2j3odunnpvkqg10tc0tn5sqmtnolr7ts&topic=84493.0)
So....by your photo Rich....I'm confused about which one Charles has now.... :?
Quote from: rollo on December 29, 2010, 10:31:30 AM
It's in da house. The crimson red [ maroon] is quite comforting with the blond wood side panels. Well it looks the part. Using two 6SN7 tubes and an external power supply, two inputs , one output. A IC named LH-1 was also included.
First up the IC [ CDP to Preamp]. Neutral as neutral can be. No highlighting of any part of the spectrum. Excellent bass. So far so good. It replaced a Harmonix golden ratio , no slouch. MIA nuttin so far.
Hooked up Beacon with JPS SC3 IC to amps and off to the races. DEAD QUIET. Played a CD and ? This is not a wannabe it is the real deal. Details to follow. Left it on all night no issues. Tonight the serious testing begins. Out of the box surprised to say the least. Blair is on to something here boys. More to come.
charles
its the one with the wood side panels that toured over at AC
Yup, Charles said it is SS rectification. I like the shorty box that is shown with tube rectification on Blair's site.
The issue of break-in after the preamp has settled in a few days appears to be the LH-1 IC. At the very least a synergy issue with my CDP.
After inserting the Harmonix most of the upper glare or highlighting went bye bye. Using an ESP powercord which also has a tendency to accentuate the top. Tonight I'll try some other cords.
All in all we were very impressed by the sound. We could nitpick but in the end this quite an accomplishment for the money asked.
The RCA 6SN7 has a warm, rich character. with the many 6SN7s available especially the Shuguang Treasure series I believe there is no end to the flavor you can achieve. I would say the overall character is neutral with a slight warming with the RCA 6SN7s.
The sound is growing on me. It is NOT the Loesch but the presence of this Pre is very addictive.
Blair , go to the mirror say I'M VERY VERY GOOD and pat yourself on the back, well done sir.
charles
Clarify this !! :duh This preamp is getting to me. The presence is so real. No it is not giving me all the info I get with the loesch but but its addictive. The jury is still out on the upper midrange lower treble in comparison to the Loesch
This Pre is sensitive to PCs. Tried three. Three different sounds. Hmmm. So far the virtual reality PC synergy is quite good.
I have yet to try the LH-1 IC between the amp and Pre as I'm using a SC-3. my common sense tells me the JPS is better however we know better. Synergy is the key. I've been resisting but in all fairness to the Beacon the LH-1 must be inserted.
The Nervosa wants to know if the rectified [5AR4] model has a different presentation. The SS power supply provided although VG so far can be upgraded easily. It made a huge difference when we did it with the Art DIO. A powersupply with more amperage did the trick. I'm thinking of using the Beacon as the linestage and the loesch dedicated to a phonostage only. The passive out for the Loesch was disconnected by Dr Frankenswartch[ former owner] now I cannot try that combo without using the volume pot or final output stage, bummer. Before the Beacon leaves [ If it does], I'll try it anyway.
charles
Quote from: rollo on January 01, 2011, 11:13:10 AM
The SS power supply provided although VG so far can be upgraded easily.
I can understand how the ART Dio power supply could be easily improved with $20 of parts because it wasn't designed for high end sound. But this preamp is already optimized for the low price. The preamp only needs 50-100mA max so current is not an issue. Impedance is, but tube audio circuit's output @ 100R is harder to achieve than a low impedance PS, especially with SS rectification.
A tube rectifier will have a gentler switching noise, but the latest high speed diodes are extremely quiet.
You're description is intriguing me too! Keep it coming Charles. Lots of nice new inexpensive tube preamps on the market now, since I auditioned a bunch back in 07 when the EE minimax won.
Charles,
Thank you for putting your thoughts on here as well as on AC! :D
The photo shown of a Beacon Two with a tube rectifier is actually a first production model/prototype that has been in my system for over a year.
I have not been able to tell a difference between tube & SS rectification with the Two. One reason is because filtering is done through a very high resistance resistor that goes to a large final filter capacitor. I doubt the final filtration stage would ever know the difference between a SS or tube rectifier because it's a few thousand ohms away.
The tour has been great! I've been sitting in the background most of the time unless a question needs answering. So- if you have questions, please ask!
Charles, thank you for providing such good notes.
First off thank you Richadoo for the explanation regarding the power supply. Second I owe an apology to you all for not realizing that I put different tubes in my CDP. :duh took out the Telefunkens and reinstalled the Chelmer [original tube] and a Mullard CV 4004. Was playing around and just forgot. Telefunkens are back in and so is the sound.
OK so now we are comparing apples to apples. Something just wasn't right in the topend. That Chelmer has over 5000 hours and is not very good sounding. Surprised it still works actually. Anyway.
This overachiever with its presence, PRAT and dynamics is quite an achievement for the money. Shoot the cables I'm using could buy seven Beacons instead. :rofl: Says something about cable prices eh!
Instead of the cable of the month one could own a wonderfull piece of gear. I find nothing really to complain about sonics wise. Nitpick yes. Too subjective to get into so I will not.
I tried the Beacon with several types of footers to see if there was any affect. Si Senor. Vibrapods won hands down. Best part they go along with the bargin price at $6 ea.
The ESP powercord at first was not working out. The Virtual Reality cord much better. Omega Mikro active . A match made in Heaven. As silly as it might be to use a cord that costs more than the component is silly it makes a huge difference. again system dependant and always subjective.
What I get out of all this experimentation is that the Beacon is NEUTRAL and cabling will allow one to get the sound THEY like.
Suggestions. Use a polarized or grounded plug for the power supply. Simple hook up insructions. Really like the paint finish. With the Crimson Red brass screws would look awesome. The wood side trim is a nice accent, however a thicker piece would add a nice touch. I really like the no big faceplate idea. The toggle switches are tight however one must use their thumb on the top of the component to use. Creating finger marks.
I can only wonder how much better the Beacon 3 or 4 will be compared to this giant slayer. More to come.
charles
Does the preamp have a separate power supply or all in one?
Thanks
Two cords, a standard IEC, and a male jack that plugs into female jack in back of the Beacon. Per Blair;
Having an external regulated filament supply is unorthodox, but well worth it. I see no reason to place the B+ supply externally. Doing that would not introduce any benefits.
"Low voltage, high current power supplies are difficult to filter and expensive to make as a result. My approach to solving this problem is as good as it gets. An external regulated supply gets the job done perfectly AND makes room for better B+ and audio circuits. It's a win-win situation with only one con hardly worth mentioning: An additional power cord is required. "
OK, thanks.
Since this edition has only one output I had to use a splitter to feed the amps and subwoofer. last night I removed the splitter and fed the sub off the main speakers. An improvement all around. More of an ease to the presentation with startling dynamics.
Now was it the splitter ? or less of a load to drive ? As of this writing I am not missing the Loesch Preamp, I think. When I reinstall the Loesch only then will the real difference show its head. The amps have 600 hours on them since the trannie swap. Never has my system had so much slam and punch. The bass is outstanding. I call it the "twang factor" or harmonic overtone. Believable enough.
The RR 30 year anniversary CD was a joy to listen to. The organ tracks woke my wife up. She wasn't happy either. :roll: What it was only 2AM. Soundstage depth was more noticeable than before. Height however was lower than the Loesch presentation [ nitpicking]. Emotional impact however was there in spades.
This Preamp really should be heard. If you can get on this tour do so. I'm anxious to hear the tube rectified model. I have an old Fisher 101 intergrated amp with some nice trannies. Do I have Blair make up a Pre utilizing those trannies or buy this one ? What about the Beacon 3 or 4 ? As is this Pre is special. If we mess with it will we loose the magic ? :duh
So far only the resolution of the sound keeps this Preamp from being a freak all together. It certainly is an overachiever IMO.
I am to say the least very impressed with this preamp. I will be BUYING something from Blair just not sure what. HELP!!!
charles
Quote from: rollo on January 04, 2011, 08:01:04 AM
So far only the resolution of the sound keeps this Preamp from being a freak all together.
Not enough resolution? Tubes and or cap might help. CV-181s if they fit, teflons. 8)
If the sound of the circuit warrants those increases in cost. Now you're pushing $2k. As you said in previous post, it is easy to modify or order a custom version of a product, but then you have a mutt that fewer buyers trust and doesn't match the rave reviews of the original, even if it's "better," says you...
Before you know it you could have had a Purity Basis for only $2500, with every mod you mentioned and more features and a warranty. It all ads up.
If I only had $1000, then the Beacon is a great value, as is EE Minimax. But If I had more to spend and wanted more sound or features, then before I started modding Beacon, I'd look for a commercial preamp (publicly accepted whole work of art) that maximizes value at my price. I'll have mfg support, and reviews to justify my selling price down the road. Just my .02
Rich
Resolution compared to the Loesch or other class A preamps that is. If I never heard the Loesch the resolution of the Beacon would be just fine.
Different 6SN7s may offer a change for the good. Shuquangs, Sylvania, etc. Now caps can get expensive, if I changed caps they would be V-cap Cu Teflons. Blairs' opinion is to match the parts as opposed to boutique parts. I agree to a point. When we put the V-caps in the Cyber 211 amp there was a major improvement in resolution and focus. Big bucks worth every penny IMO.
It could be as simple as a different volume control or power supply. The Nervosa is perking.
charles
All Niteshade products have a 2 year warranty.
What features would be good to see on a Beacon Two? Keep in mind the price point. A preamp can be designed with more features, that is not a problem.
The Beacon One and Two are designed to provide exceptional sound quality at an affordable price.
The second tier of designs enables me to provide things like a remote control, additional output or gain stages, tone controls, etc..
I am also considering an enhanced Beacon Two.
An additional set of output RCA's would be easy enough to install, I would think. How many input channels will it accept. I know I use 3 out of the 5 on my preamp. 4 may be a nice round number, in general.
Then there's also creating a "Silver Signature" version with the updated IEC outlets, teflon caps, more chassis damping, better power regulation, a discrete stepped attenuator, etc. But now it has to easily be approaching double the initial price point.
Sounds like a winner overall right were it is though.
I tell ya Bob it is a winner. The only change I would make would be a different volume control [ DACT or Seiden] and power supply [ maybe]. I'm not sure if the tubed rectified edition will loose the great bass, presence and dynamics. Saying that "as is" is really really good, will we mess it up with these ideas ?
The 5AR4 rectifier adds $150 bringing it to $1150. A Stancor power supply with more amperage may improve the performance.
What I do know is that the power supply is a key part of it all. I'm really not sure what the power supply actually powers [ filaments ? how critical is it ?
Blair can you chime in on the power supply. Main and filament please. I know its built to a price point but what if it was not ?
charles
Given the design philosophy of this pre I would be very nervous making any changes to it. This piece is built with minimal parts and synergistically chosen parts. Adding features would only complicate the circuitry and changing out parts runs the risk that the sum of the "better" parts will not produce a result as good as what is in there now. Either of these situations will lead to a loss of some of the magic that now seems to surround this piece.
Not that I am saying these changes couldn't produce a better product, only that one should proceed with extreme caution because they very well may end up taking you in a direction that is very different from what you might expect.
I agree with TMAZZ, at same time, Rollo could be giving Blair the design specs to add to the next Beacon model, and the Beacon Two stays 'as is'.
Quote from: Niteshade on January 05, 2011, 08:37:18 AM
All Niteshade products have a 2 year warranty.
What features would be good to see on a Beacon Two? Keep in mind the price point. A preamp can be designed with more features, that is not a problem.
Remote control.
Boys boys don't get me wrong . I'm not looking to change the circuit. The suggestons I made are plug in changes. Blair offers a Beacon 2 with a tubed rectifier [ 5AR4] A beefier power supply [ more amperage] always helps.
These suggestions are for the Beacon I'm strongly considering purchasing.
Suggestions for this model ? A three pronged plug for the power supply to guarantee correct polarity. That's it.
charles
Tube amplifiers and preamplifiers work best when there is a balance going on regarding how the active elements (tubes) are driven. The balance is delicate, yet once found highly stable. Tubes have load lines. These are graphical representations of how a tube operates under specific conditions. It is best to design under derivatives of these graphical representations.
The fun part: There are nearly an infinite number of derivatives! The Beacon Two is using a low impedance/low current design that does not stress any component within the preamp.
I am very happy that those on the tour are being so descriptive!
Some changes that can be made to the Beacon Two without disturbing anything:
1. A different linear volume control**
2. Different coupling capacitors**
3. Higher current L-C-R based power supply (this WILL change the audio circuit!!!)
**The Beacon Two can remain the Beacon Two with these changes since they will not effect circuit balance.
I can design a preamp based on the above modifications. It will be a totally different preamp and named the Beacon Two SE+. SE stands for Super Edition.
The volume control: Presently, I am using a carbon track POT. They are dead silent and have fantastic fidelity. Not only that, but are cleanable and have a lifespan of at least 30 years. Doesn't get much better than that. A word of caution: If a totally enclosed volume control is used, it can NOT be cleaned. The part will have to be removed. It has been my experience that they do not last nearly as long. I will have to research this. What is in there is nearly ideal. What are some suggestions?
Tube rectification: I do like it since it's another user-replaceable component. A tube rectifier is available upon request and some people may find a sonic difference. I recently came out with an upgrade to the tube rectified edition and there is no extra charge!
rollo, scroll halfway down this page to read about tube vs SS rectification:
http://www.angelfire.com/on/vacuumtubes/
Interesting article.
The current demands of a tube preamplifier are as minimal as it gets, especially for a Beacon Two, Three or Four. This is why the difference between tube & SS rectification is not that noticeable. It has been my experience that small signal tubes should not be driven hard or anywhere near their plate dissipation when called into service for a preamplifier.
With tube amplifiers, there is a distinct difference between the delivery quality of tube and solid state rectifiers. As the article states, it has to do with voltage sag. I have the option of switchable tube or solid state rectification for amplifiers. Why debate over what option you should have when either can be chosen with the flip of a switch. 8)
Blair
Quote from: richidoo on January 14, 2011, 06:05:52 AM
rollo, scroll halfway down this page to read about tube vs SS rectification:
http://www.angelfire.com/on/vacuumtubes/
Thanks Rich a good and informative read. He describes exactly what I am hearing. Voltage regulation appears to be key when designing a tubed rectified component. Which costs money to do. The changes I'm suggesting to the Beacon are what I would want for my personal piece. As it is, very good for the price point.
I perfer tubed rectification. That is all we have owned in our tube life. The only all SS Pre we had was a Stan Klyne SK5A. Mr Klyne knows his SS in spades. Just a bit expensive for most. An Audible Illusions was up next. To warm and dark and those dual volume controls drove us nuts. The next up was a CAT SL1 with upgraded Mk 2 SS power supply. We will never forget the difference with the upgraded power supply. A Major leap forward. At the end of the day a bit aggressive on top compared to the Loesch. However the inner detail and cues that make it sound real was so inviting we lived with the rest until the Loesch appeared. CAT sold. Loesch in.
The Loesch Pre has General Radio mono tubed power supplies. Just less aggressive in its presentation of the upper midrange and treble. When the recording is spot on with the Beacon and ones source component is capable the sound is glorious. If not the sound becomes fatiguing after a while. The Beacon is dead neutral and will reveal all, good or bad. For me personally the tube will add the shaping of the sound that makes us warm and fuzzy inside. :).
We had several visitors over for a listen. With rock and blues the Beacon shinned. Vocals and sax could be a tad aggressive at times. Even with recordings we know are not so.
Now saying all that was based on using Telefunken 12AT7s in the CDP for the audition. . Using Mullard 12AT7s in the CDP helped big time in reducing the upper midrange energy. Much more to our taste.
My SS based friends LOVED it as is. both left mumbling something about trying one out in their systems. That is a huge compliment from these guys. Believe me. Their nervosa is up bigtime. I love when that happens to my SS friends. :lol: A final review to come.
charles
Quote from: rollo on January 15, 2011, 08:35:21 AM
My SS based friends LOVED it as is. both left mumbling something about trying one out in their systems. That is a huge compliment from these guys. Believe me. Their nervosa is up bigtime. I love when that happens to my SS friends. :lol: A final review to come.
When is the last time you heard someone bragging about basking in the glow of thier transistors? :rofl:
I'm a solid state guy, but will admit that no one strives for their electronics to sound like solid state (other than bass control).
A tube pre + SS amp can sound exceptionally good!
OK changed out the Teles and put back the Mullards [ original Lector tubes] . What I realized after all the experimentation is that the Beacon is a Chameleon . It doesn't change colors but it reveals every change in cabling. A very good thing indeed. If ya like neutral this baby is for you.
charles
Quote from: rollo on January 15, 2011, 08:35:21 AM
Quote from: richidoo on January 14, 2011, 06:05:52 AM
rollo, scroll halfway down this page to read about tube vs SS rectification:
http://www.angelfire.com/on/vacuumtubes/
Thanks Rich a good and informative read. He describes exactly what I am hearing. Voltage regulation appears to be key when designing a tubed rectified component. Which costs money to do. The changes I'm suggesting to the Beacon are what I would want for my personal piece. As it is, very good for the price point.
I perfer tubed rectification. That is all we have owned in our tube life. The only all SS Pre we had was a Stan Klyne SK5A. Mr Klyne knows his SS in spades. Just a bit expensive for most. An Audible Illusions was up next. To warm and dark and those dual volume controls drove us nuts. The next up was a CAT SL1 with upgraded Mk 2 SS power supply. We will never forget the difference with the upgraded power supply. A Major leap forward. At the end of the day a bit aggressive on top compared to the Loesch. However the inner detail and cues that make it sound real was so inviting we lived with the rest until the Loesch appeared. CAT sold. Loesch in.
The Loesch Pre has General Radio mono tubed power supplies. Just less aggressive in its presentation of the upper midrange and treble. When the recording is spot on with the Beacon and ones source component is capable the sound is glorious. If not the sound becomes fatiguing after a while. The Beacon is dead neutral and will reveal all, good or bad. For me personally the tube will add the shaping of the sound that makes us warm and fuzzy inside. :).
We had several visitors over for a listen. With rock and blues the Beacon shinned. Vocals and sax could be a tad aggressive at times. Even with recordings we know are not so.
Now saying all that was based on using Telefunken 12AT7s in the CDP for the audition. . Using Mullard 12AT7s in the CDP helped big time in reducing the upper midrange energy. Much more to our taste.
My SS based friends LOVED it as is. both left mumbling something about trying one out in their systems. That is a huge compliment from these guys. Believe me. Their nervosa is up bigtime. I love when that happens to my SS friends. :lol: A final review to come.
charles
Sir Charles came over this past Monday (MLK Day) and we listened to the Nightshade Beacon 2 preamp coupled with my Loesch & Wiesner 300B SET monoblocks, cheapo Philips 963 SACD player feeding my Tannoy Gold 12" dual concentrics in custom cabinets. For the price point, the Beacon 2 is very, very good! I love the sound of the 6SN7 dual triodes. What's great about this pre-amp is that you can roll a tremendous amount of different vintage & different branded 6SN7GT's in the preamp to get the sound you prefer.
We compared the Nightshade to my Custom Built Single Triode Linestage (171A Triode) with dual mono Gen Rad 1201B tube regulated power supplies. The Nightshade didn't have the refinement or overall naturalness of the 171A (I would never expect it to) but it was very good! I'd be really curious to hear it with a better power supply with the 5AR4 tube rectification.
For value, the Nightshade Beacon 2 is a winner! It also appears to be well made & built!
My $0.02,
Pete
Any more thoughts on this pre?
I was on the tour and was quite pleased with the Beacon II,,, I should have one in my possesion in about 6 weeks or so.I really like the tonal qualities,soundstage etc,,I don't have the words,,but to me the characteristics of the tubes really come thru,,at least I thought so.
I'm going to put the Beacon II through its paces today with the LH cables. Anyone get any blasts of static pops through their speakers with this . It happened twice after a few minutes after I turned on my amp. One thing I would like to suggest is that Blair send out 2 pairs of the LH interconnects .1 for the amp and 1 for the cd so we can get a feel of his cables without mixing them with another brand. Just my thoughts.
I noted the same in the AC thread when I had it, I was told to turn on everything in my system except amp, wait a minute, then power up amp. Followed that procedure and didn't have another problem.
IF there are any questions- let me know.
It is best to turn the amp on last in order to let everything else settle down first. If the amp is on first, it is not unusual to hear artifacts as other things are turn on afterwords.
Quote from: Niteshade on February 27, 2011, 03:42:56 PM
IF there are any questions- let me know.
It is best to turn the amp on last in order to let everything else settle down first. If the amp is on first, it is not unusual to hear artifacts as other things are turn on afterwords.
My amp gets turned on last. It happened also in the middle of a song, a big pop. Might just be the tubes warming up