As I'm posting this, I am assuming that Maggie owners have brains. Every one of these guys I know are good!
The biggest single source of SQ degradation in Maggies are the protection fuses. I get it. Fuses save stupid people from speaker grief.
IF you are a Maggie owner with a brain and restraint, I encourage you to try a pure copper element in place of the fuse. Fuses are 5mm. You can get OFC copper bar stock from McMaster-Carr, you can order copper foil tape (works great) or you can throw caution to the wind and get a short piece of 1/4" copper tubing from a big box store. Slightly springs the fuse holders, but who cares?
Oh, yeah. Put a good polish on and contact treat the appropriate "slug".
Dave,
Had a recommendation from another Maggie modder when I was working on the MG10/QR's to try these fuses instead of the standard:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154043810677
May not be a copper bypass, but sounded very good in the speakers. From what I can find they are silver fuse elements with sand damping.
They play plenty loud with much higher rate DSP crossover filters than with the stock single pole filters when mated with servo subs. Did not blow any fuses at the show even playing some fun stuff loud. :)
How hard is it to actually blow them?
Quote from: HAL on December 05, 2023, 04:27:07 AM
Dave,
Had a recommendation from another Maggie modder when I was working on the MG10/QR's to try these fuses instead of the standard:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154043810677
May not be a copper bypass, but sounded very good in the speakers. From what I can find they are silver fuse elements with sand damping.
They play plenty loud with much higher rate DSP crossover filters than with the stock single pole filters when mated with servo subs. Did not blow any fuses at the show even playing some fun stuff loud. :)
Yep, the Schurter fuses do sound good and sound even better when the bodies are damped with heat shrink on the glass.
Most Maggie's back in the day were blown by using amps that oscillated driving them or were underpowered.
I've been looking at OCD Mikey's website for a few years now and he's offered this kit for a while. I've not had the pleasure of owning or listening to Maggie's at someone's house.
https://www.11stereo.com/product-page/magnepan-instant-upgrade-fuse-replacement-kit
Quote from: Nick B on December 05, 2023, 03:55:45 PM
I've been looking at OCD Mikey's website for a few years now and he's offered this kit for a while. I've not had the pleasure of owning or listening to Maggie's at someone's house.
https://www.11stereo.com/product-page/magnepan-instant-upgrade-fuse-replacement-kit
I've replaced a bunch of Maggie fuses around here with this:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/copper~/super-conductive-101-copper-rods-and-discs-7/
I have a bunch. If anyone wants to try them I'll be happy to send you AG3 size highly polished pieces. Let me know.
I also have 6.35mm 4-9s silver tubing that is better, but it will cost you! 😁
Quote from: P.I. on December 05, 2023, 06:46:58 PM
Quote from: Nick B on December 05, 2023, 03:55:45 PM
I've been looking at OCD Mikey's website for a few years now and he's offered this kit for a while. I've not had the pleasure of owning or listening to Maggie's at someone's house.
https://www.11stereo.com/product-page/magnepan-instant-upgrade-fuse-replacement-kit
I've replaced a bunch of Maggie fuses around here with this:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/copper~/super-conductive-101-copper-rods-and-discs-7/
I have a bunch. If anyone wants to try them I'll be happy to send you AG3 size highly polished pieces. Let me know.
I also have 6.35mm 4-9s silver tubing that is better, but it will cost you! 😁
To deviate slightly... are there upscale fuse holders available like rhodium, ofc etc or can basic fuse holders be plated and there be a benefit? Also, have you ever tried to polish a standard fuse holder and noticed an improvement?
Where in your gear would you want an "upgraded" fuse holder? Are you then going to spend the money on an "audiophile" approved fuse from SR, Audio Magic or one of the other brands?
Quote from: Jack on December 05, 2023, 11:39:25 PM
Where in your gear would you want an "upgraded" fuse holder? Are you then going to spend the money on an "audiophile" approved fuse from SR, Audio Magic or one of the other brands?
My point was more along these lines.... since experienced guys like Dave and Rich and OCD Mikey agree that Maggies, for example, do better with fuse changes or alternative implementations, then it follows that fuse holders would/should/might affect the sound as well. For those that are strong advocates of upgrading fuses, I never read any discussions of the quality of fuse holders, and I find that very strange. I've never dabbled in fuses, so I'm neutral on the subject.
Quote from: Nick B on December 06, 2023, 12:17:37 AM
then it follows that fuse holders would/should/might affect the sound as well.
I'd like to know if these affect the sound as well!
Did you mean fuse holders like these, Nick?
(https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7191078a-b315-4d03-bcc8-b844a498f80a/Acme%20In-Line%20Metric%20Fuse%20Holder.jpeg/:/rs=w:360,h:270,cg:true,m/cr=w:360,h:270)
(https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7191078a-b315-4d03-bcc8-b844a498f80a/CJFuseHolder.jpg/:/rs=w:360,h:270,cg:true,m/cr=w:360,h:270)
Found these on the Acme Audio Labs site. Cryoed and silver plated.
Paul
Quote from: Jack on December 05, 2023, 11:39:25 PM
Where in your gear would you want an "upgraded" fuse holder? Are you then going to spend the money on an "audiophile" approved fuse from SR, Audio Magic or one of the other brands?
Jack how do you like the Qualio Speakers ? Compared to what may I ask. Btw the Swiss SS fuse box is better than any fuse we have tried.
charles
Quote from: malloy on December 09, 2023, 11:46:39 AM
Quote from: Nick B on December 06, 2023, 12:17:37 AM
then it follows that fuse holders would/should/might affect the sound as well.
I'd like to know if these affect the sound as well!
Did you mean fuse holders like these, Nick?
(https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7191078a-b315-4d03-bcc8-b844a498f80a/Acme%20In-Line%20Metric%20Fuse%20Holder.jpeg/:/rs=w:360,h:270,cg:true,m/cr=w:360,h:270)
(https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/7191078a-b315-4d03-bcc8-b844a498f80a/CJFuseHolder.jpg/:/rs=w:360,h:270,cg:true,m/cr=w:360,h:270)
Found these on the Acme Audio Labs site. Cryoed and silver plated.
Paul
Looks like I missed your post, Paul. Yes, that's what I was talking about. Never made much sense to me to try exotic fuses if a cheap fuse holder could affect the sound as well.
Charles
I really like the Qualio IQ Ultra's. I've had them in the Main system in the new room since the third of January and they probably have well over 400 hours on them at this point. Since the room was finished in November of 2023 I have had them in the room along with the Verity Otello's, Nola KO's and the Reynaud Abscisse Jubilee. I've also got the Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2 but it is in the second floor Bonus Room and due to it's design way too much trouble to bring downstairs for any type of comparison. They have a smooth open top end that you can adjust by changing the supplied Mundorf filters based on your rooms response. In my room the middle filter for flat response works the best. They have the widest and deepest soundstage of any of the speakers used in the room so far. While I run four Rythmik F-12's in the room the bass response of the Ultra's is smooth and deep and would satisfy most users without the help of a sub.The Nola KO which has a similar semi open baffle design would be the closest to it in the way of room interaction. Like a lot of speakers on the market they could be a polarizing design especially in terms of WAF but if that's not an issue they deliver. While I don't usually pay a lot of attention to Steve Huff his video review of them has turned out to be accurate of the Ultra's. This would also apply to Srajen's initial review of the base model and his recent two year follow up. I've found that much like the Nola's their open baffle design elements make them easier to place in the room. Maybe not as much as pure open baffles like the Spatials but less restrictive than a pure box design. If you find anybody in your area that has a pair they are well worth a listen.
Thanks Jack.
charles
Why not eliminate the Fuse in everything we use ? I can attest to the fact that a copper,silver or graphene slug makes your speaker or component sound better. IMHO the fuse at the IEC is a regulation for UL approval and not safety. Internal fuses though must remain for safety. My 2 cents.
charles
Quote from: rollo on February 19, 2026, 08:58:54 AMWhy not eliminate the Fuse in everything we use ? I can attest to the fact that a copper,silver or graphene slug makes your speaker or component sound better. IMHO the fuse at the IEC is a regulation for UL approval and not safety. Internal fuses though must remain for safety. My 2 cents.
charles
I've not dabbled in fuses yet, so have no idea if they'd make a positive difference or not. But I might give it a go soon. I would have to see what's out there and what is reasonably priced.
Quote from: rollo on February 19, 2026, 08:58:54 AMWhy not eliminate the Fuse in everything we use ? I can attest to the fact that a copper,silver or graphene slug makes your speaker or component sound better. IMHO the fuse at the IEC is a regulation for UL approval and not safety. Internal fuses though must remain for safety. My 2 cents.
charles
I was looking at a tube amp recently that had the Swiss Digital Fuse Box installed. Just started reading up on it a bit. Do you have any experience with that product or anything similar, and if so, what are your thoughts?
Nick
Yes it works very well. However at a cost. Reason I tried slugs. I have had tubes melt transformers, caps blown, power surges, NEVER did a fuse save a thing.
BTW reason Chinese Components use a Wall wart. They avoid the UL fuse requirement. Get it yet ?
charles
Quote from: rollo on February 20, 2026, 12:51:00 PMYes it works very well. However at a cost. Reason I tried slugs. I have had tubes melt transformers, caps blown, power surges, NEVER did a fuse save a thing.
BTW reason Chinese Components use a Wall wart. They avoid the UL fuse requirement. Get it yet ?
charles
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have only replaced a couple of fuses in all these years. So every IEC has a fuse in or near it and that is the fuse that can be replaced by a Sluggo? And all internal fuses stay in place... yes?
Hi, guys!
I've used an Icepower 1200AS2 Class D based amp <assembled by that guy in Canada who reputedly disappeared with people's money> for several years now. He offered to bypass the fuse upon request (I did so.). It's been trouble free all these years. I'm finally replacing it in a week. It's been powering my 82.5dB Fritz LS/5-R speakers in Taiwan.
Quote from: mresseguie on February 21, 2026, 06:08:12 AMHi, guys!
I've used an Icepower 1200AS2 Class D based amp <assembled by that guy in Canada who reputedly disappeared with people's money> for several years now. He offered to bypass the fuse upon request (I did so.). It's been trouble free all these years. I'm finally replacing it in a week. It's been powering my 82.5dB Fritz LS/5-R speakers in Taiwan.
Hi Michael,
I think I had the same amp for a while or a very similar version. There was a guy over at AC who made an amp called the Mivera. I think he was banned over there. Is that what you're talking about?
Nick
I've still got one Mike's amps boxed up in a storage unit.
Quote from: Jack on February 21, 2026, 02:02:56 PMI've still got one Mike's amps boxed up in a storage unit.
My recollection was that I replaced the Mivera with the AVA SET 120 Control amp and what a nice improvement that was. Thanks for the suggestion!
Good morning, Nick & Jack! It's 8:05 on Sunday morning here, and I've just started my first cup of coffee.
Yes, it's one of the Mivera amps. My Fritz LS/5-R speakers are so inefficient that I had to get a 'monster power' amp in front of them to persuade them to sing. It actually sounds okay with these speakers, and it's very cool running, but I'm on the verge of moving to new speakers which are less needy of such raw power. The Mivera amp will go to a friend here who will happily put it to use.
I'm scheduled for a two-hour speaker audition this afternoon. The audio shop specializes in Fyne Audio (F1-8, F1-10S, and the 500 and 700 series) and Accuphase gear. Rather than waiting for prey to walk in off the street, they schedule 2-hour private sessions for prospective customers. Real estate in Taipei is trememndously expensive, so this showroom isn't much larger than my master bedroom in Oregon. Even so, there's a decent selection of Fyne speakers, and a nearly full corrall of Accuphase gear. I'm not quite reday to buy their expensive Accuphase amps, but I don't mind basking in their glow for a couple of hours.
Imported speakers (like the Fyne) tend to be ~20% to 25% more expensive here than in the US because of an import duty intended to protect the domestic market. Of course, this means the domestic audio manufacturers charge ~20% more to reap higher profits. :roll:
I'll primarily listen to the F1-8 standmount model today. A couple days after I was scheduled for this audition, I fortuitously discovered a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse speakers for sale in the US. They're on hold pending my decision. I've spent upwards of two years searching for a used pair of the Muse to ship here. (I had actually found a fellow in Virginia who had been toying with the idea of selling his pair a year ago, but he apparently decided to keep them for a second system.) After this audition, I'll ponder whether I want to go the easy or more difficult route to acquire new speakers for our home in Taiwan.
Hi Michael,
How did the speaker audition go? Charles has mentioned the Fyne speakers a couple of times. The guy who was the president of the Vegas audiophile club that I belonged to some years ago had an Accuphase amp. It looked beautiful and sounded great. Would love to try one, but even very pricey on the used market and probably too large and heavy for me anyway.
Did you make a decision on the Daedalus Muse?
Nick,
The Fyne F1-8 sound pretty nice. Their big brothers, the F1-8S, sounded almost the same. I had expected a bigger difference. Perhaps it was the very small demo room - smaller than a child's bedroom! I don't know if the culprit was the very small room or the speakers themselves, but the imaging was not especially 3D. I get better imaging from my Fritz LS/5-R speakers. Even at the discounted price, the standmounts are $10k, so I'm not exactly rushing to buy them.
I'm still trying to get better information regarding import duties, and whether I can avoid them, but I will very likely buy the Muse. Even with shipping charges and possible import duties, they will cost ~$2k USD less than buying the F1-8 here. I already know I love how they sound, and I'll have the unique bragging rights to having the only pair on the island. 8)
The 'wall' of Accuphase gear was most impressive. There's a heck of a lot of expensive gear tucked into that small showroom.
Quote from: mresseguie on February 24, 2026, 05:02:16 PMNick,
The Fyne F1-8 sound pretty nice. Their big brothers, the F1-8S, sounded almost the same. I had expected a bigger difference. Perhaps it was the very small demo room - smaller than a child's bedroom! I don't know if the culprit was the very small room or the speakers themselves, but the imaging was not especially 3D. I get better imaging from my Fritz LS/5-R speakers. Even at the discounted price, the standmounts are $10k, so I'm not exactly rushing to buy them.
I'm still trying to get better information regarding import duties, and whether I can avoid them, but I will very likely buy the Muse. Even with shipping charges and possible import duties, they will cost ~$2k USD less than buying the F1-8 here. I already know I love how they sound, and I'll have the unique bragging rights to having the only pair on the island. 8)
The 'wall' of Accuphase gear was most impressive. There's a heck of a lot of expensive gear tucked into that small showroom.
The small sized room must've been a disappointment, but it's understandable because of the value of the land. If you get the Muse, that size speaker would work well in your new location?
Though the Muse is the smallest speaker in their lineup it's still a pretty big speaker based on the specs on the website.
Quote from: Nick B on February 24, 2026, 10:26:23 PMQuote from: mresseguie on February 24, 2026, 05:02:16 PMNick,
The Fyne F1-8 sound pretty nice. Their big brothers, the F1-8S, sounded almost the same. I had expected a bigger difference. Perhaps it was the very small demo room - smaller than a child's bedroom! I don't know if the culprit was the very small room or the speakers themselves, but the imaging was not especially 3D. I get better imaging from my Fritz LS/5-R speakers. Even at the discounted price, the standmounts are $10k, so I'm not exactly rushing to buy them.
I'm still trying to get better information regarding import duties, and whether I can avoid them, but I will very likely buy the Muse. Even with shipping charges and possible import duties, they will cost ~$2k USD less than buying the F1-8 here. I already know I love how they sound, and I'll have the unique bragging rights to having the only pair on the island. 8)
The 'wall' of Accuphase gear was most impressive. There's a heck of a lot of expensive gear tucked into that small showroom.
The small sized room must've been a disappointment, but it's understandable because of the value of the land. If you get the Muse, that size speaker would work well in your new location?
Jack wrote: "Though the Muse is the smallest speaker in their lineup it's still a pretty big speaker based on the specs on the website."
There's a tendency for rooms here to be pretty reactive if not treated. No matter which room you're in, it's just a concrete box. It doesn't take much bass to create a boomy sound in rooms like this. Hissy highs can get nasty fast. The Muse are rated 32Hz to 20kHz 'within 2dB'. Anything lower than 32Hz (or even 40Hz?) is going to be boomy without some sort of acoustic treatment. I do have permission to add something to the wall behind the listening position so long as it's attractive. [
Interestingly enough, the Fyne F1-8 is rated to 32Hz +/- 6dB. That 6dB is stretching the lower frequency capability a bit.]
As much as I love my Apollos, they very likely would overpower my listening room here. I had originally intended to ship them here, but I want them where I can hear them more each year. We spend more time in the US than in Taiwan, so that's where they will remain.
Audio gear here tends to be ~20% more expensive than in N. America. I've listened to quite a few pairs of speakers here, and the Muse will easily best most of them for less money. Prior to this pair of Muse popping up for sale, I had been on the verge of having a pair of Troels Gravesen speakers built here.
Michael
Have you had a chance to visit the dealer that carries Reynaud yet. There are three speakers in their line up that would likely work well in your room. From lowest price to highest they are the Bliss, the Cantabile or the Voce Grande like Nick owns. The Bliss is a bookshelf along the lines of Fritz's normal line size, the Cantabile is a small and thin floorstander, while the Voce Grande is a larger bookshelf with attached stands. It would be around the size of a Harbeth C7. I think you would appreciate their voicing and a bonus they are a transmission line design with front facing ports.
Jack,
I have not visited that dealer. Nearly all shops and stores were closed last week thanks to the Lunar New Year holiday. Likewise, I was busy with LNY celebrations and visiting family members.
I'm pretty content with the idea of buying the Muse even though getting them here is more work. I don't actually need to get them here until this November when we plan to return from the US.
While I do like my Fritz speakers, I also wish to enjoy a fuller range of music. Additionally, I will be able to use a low power tube amp if I wish.
The Fritz speakers will fly back to Oregon in our luggage to be deployed in my office or our bedroom. Edit: I've placed the Fritz speaker on either side of my computer monitor in near-field, and boy do they sound nice. I think I should leave them here. Who knew they would be such great computer speakers?
My wife and I will be in Singapore for ~5 days this/next week. My wife has graciously agreed to let me wander audio stores on our final full day (next Monday), so I am planning to visit the most interesting two or three shops.
The first place has a huge selection of gear despite its apparent small size. I'll post a link later when I'm on my computer.
As mentioned previously, I am definitely going to buy a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse for my home in Taiwan. They're front ported, so they can be placed closer to the front wall which will please my wife.
My new Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amplifier will be delivered tomorrow. Proper burn in will have to wait until we return from our Singapore trip.
Hey Michael,
That sounds like fun! Always nice when the wife allows some freedom and flexibility in your audio hobby. Am looking forward to your post on that.
Jack has mentioned Nuprime to me a few times, but I have not tried one of their amps yet. Currently I'm busy listening to my Erhard Elvis Mk II tube amp and I need to make a post on that.
Nick
Quote from: mresseguie on March 09, 2026, 09:30:38 AMMy wife and I will be in Singapore for ~5 days this/next week. My wife has graciously agreed to let me wander audio stores on our final full day (next Monday), so I am planning to visit the most interesting two or three shops.
The first place has a huge selection of gear despite its apparent small size. I'll post a link later when I'm on my computer.
As mentioned previously, I am definitely going to buy a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse for my home in Taiwan. They're front ported, so they can be placed closer to the front wall which will please my wife.
My new Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amplifier will be delivered tomorrow. Proper burn in will have to wait until we return from our Singapore trip.
Can't wait to hear your opinions on the Nuprime amp. I didn't even know they were making a GaN Fet amp until you posted it. Please keep us informed on your findings.
Quote from: Nick B on March 09, 2026, 12:41:16 PMCurrently I'm busy listening to my Erhard Elvis Mk II tube amp and I need to make a post on that.
Nick
Quote from: Nick B on March 09, 2026, 12:41:16 PMHey Michael,
That sounds like fun! Always nice when the wife allows some freedom and flexibility in your audio hobby. Am looking forward to your post on that.
Jack has mentioned Nuprime to me a few times, but I have not tried one of their amps yet. Currently I'm busy listening to my Erhard Elvis Mk II tube amp and I need to make a post on that.
Nick
Quote from: Nick B on March 09, 2026, 12:41:16 PMHey Michael,
That sounds like fun! Always nice when the wife allows some freedom and flexibility in your audio hobby. Am looking forward to your post on that.
Jack has mentioned Nuprime to me a few times, but I have not tried one of their amps yet. Currently I'm busy listening to my Erhard Elvis Mk II tube amp and I need to make a post on that.
Nick
Quote from: Nick B on March 09, 2026, 12:41:16 PMCurrently I'm busy listening to my Erhard Elvis Mk II tube amp and I need to make a post on that.
Nick
Yes, yes you do. 😁
Quote from: ejk on March 10, 2026, 05:30:20 AMQuote from: mresseguie on March 09, 2026, 09:30:38 AMMy wife and I will be in Singapore for ~5 days this/next week. My wife has graciously agreed to let me wander audio stores on our final full day (next Monday), so I am planning to visit the most interesting two or three shops.
The first place has a huge selection of gear despite its apparent small size. I'll post a link later when I'm on my computer.
As mentioned previously, I am definitely going to buy a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse for my home in Taiwan. They're front ported, so they can be placed closer to the front wall which will please my wife.
My new Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amplifier will be delivered tomorrow. Proper burn in will have to wait until we return from our Singapore trip.
Can't wait to hear your opinions on the Nuprime amp. I didn't even know they were making a GaN Fet amp until you posted it. Please keep us informed on your findings.
I'm eager to hear it as well. I have an EVO STA in Oregon, and I really like how it sounds in my main system.
I was originally going to buy two STA-9X amp in order to bridge them, but I was persuaded by Jason that the EVO STA-SE would run circles around the pair of STA-9X amps- plus give me better power and 'umph'.
My wife and I returned home from Singapore last night. Wow! What a destination! Singapore is a shopping and entertainment mecca. Even the international airport is a shopping and entertainment hub.
I have photos to share, but I may need instructions to be able to load them here. Alternatively, I can share them in a group email if everyone is comfortable with this.
Despite my saying it's a major shopping mecca, I bought no clothing and no audio gear. My money was spent on food, cold drinks, entertainment and transportation...and baked goodies(!). Daily weather was mostly sunny with some afternoon showers and 87 to 89 degrees of high humidity. Most days saw us walking ~18,000 steps. There's an entire boulevard of shopping centers. Shop till you drop has taken on a new meaning. I'm not a fasionista who wears top brand clothes. I haven't worn a watch in decades, and expensive eyeglasses hold no attraction for me, so I simply walked the malls while I accompanied my wife. Many shopping venues have delicious pastry and/or ice cream/gelato vendors who gladly sold me their products. Additionally, Singapore is a gold mine if you consider Asian women beautiful creatures. :drool: [I'm absolutely monogamous, and Melody graciously allows me to look as much as I wish so long as I do it politely. 8) ] Even after ~36 years together, I still consider her to be a marvelously beautiful woman.
On Monday, I visited a single audio dealer - SG Live Acoustics. [Link: https://sgliveacoustics.com/]
It's family owned and has been in business for 30+ years. The two sons now operate the store. I got to hear some nice tunes on some choice gear. The amplifier was a Line Magnetic LM-805ia. It weighs a whopping 92 pounds! The first DAC was an SW1X DAC III. The streamer was also an SW1X product, but I didn't notice which model. The speakers were the ATC SCM20PSL Classic standmounts. My reaction, you ask? Gobsmacked. The showroom is cluttered with too much gear in a small space. The speakers were on obviously too short stands, so the tweeters were level with my chin. [I didn't ask why they were on such short stands.] My listening position was ~5 feet from the speakers, and the speakers were ~8 feet from the front wall. The showroom is a largely untreated cement space very similar to my living room in Taiwan. I was bathed in beautiful music.
If I hadn't already paid Lou for my new Daedalus Audio Muse speakers, I would not have hesitated to buy a pair of these ATC speakers.
After a dozen or so songs, we switched to an Aqua Formula xHD Rev.2 DAC. [None of the songs from the first set were repeated on the Aqua DAC.] I didn't notice any appreciable difference between the two DACs. They both sounded remarkably similar and great.
If I didn't already own great gear and could afford to drop ~$35k(??) to $40k(??)USD on a new system, this pairing of audio gear (with either DAC) would surely please me. If I decide to buy a tube amp for my Taiwan system, this Line Magnetic <room heating> amplifier will get some serious consideration.
Questions? Comments?
Quote from: mresseguie on March 17, 2026, 09:08:12 PMMy wife and I returned home from Singapore last night. Wow! What a destination! Singapore is a shopping and entertainment mecca. Even the international airport is a shopping and entertainment hub.
I have photos to share, but I may need instructions to be able to load them here. Alternatively, I can share them in a group email if everyone is comfortable with this.
Despite my saying it's a major shopping mecca, I bought no clothing and no audio gear. My money was spent on food, cold drinks, entertainment and transportation...and baked goodies(!). Daily weather was mostly sunny with some afternoon showers and 87 to 89 degrees of high humidity. Most days saw us walking ~18,000 steps. There's an entire boulevard of shopping centers. Shop till you drop has taken on a new meaning. I'm not a fasionista who wears top brand clothes. I haven't worn a watch in decades, and expensive eyeglasses hold no attraction for me, so I simply walked the malls while I accompanied my wife. Many shopping venues have delicious pastry and/or ice cream/gelato vendors who gladly sold me their products. Additionally, Singapore is a gold mine if you consider Asian women beautiful creatures. :drool: [I'm absolutely monogamous, and Melody graciously allows me to look as much as I wish so long as I do it politely. 8) ] Even after ~36 years together, I still consider her to be a marvelously beautiful woman.
On Monday, I visited a single audio dealer - SG Live Acoustics. [Link: https://sgliveacoustics.com/]
It's family owned and has been in business for 30+ years. The two sons now operate the store. I got to hear some nice tunes on some choice gear. The amplifier was a Line Magnetic LM-805ia. It weighs a whopping 92 pounds! The first DAC was an SW1X DAC III. The streamer was also an SW1X product, but I didn't notice which model. The speakers were the ATC SCM20PSL Classic standmounts. My reaction, you ask? Gobsmacked. The showroom is cluttered with too much gear in a small space. The speakers were on obviously too short stands, so the tweeters were level with my chin. [I didn't ask why they were on such short stands.] My listening position was ~5 feet from the speakers, and the speakers were ~8 feet from the front wall. The showroom is a largely untreated cement space very similar to my living room in Taiwan. I was bathed in beautiful music.
If I hadn't already paid Lou for my new Daedalus Audio Muse speakers, I would not have hesitated to buy a pair of these ATC speakers.
After a dozen or so songs, we switched to an Aqua Formula xHD Rev.2 DAC. [None of the songs from the first set were repeated on the Aqua DAC.] I didn't notice any appreciable difference between the two DACs. They both sounded remarkably similar and great.
If I didn't already own great gear and could afford to drop ~$35k(??) to $40k(??)USD on a new system, this pairing of audio gear (with either DAC) would surely please me. If I decide to buy a tube amp for my Taiwan system, this Line Magnetic <room heating> amplifier will get some serious consideration.
Questions? Comments?
Thanks for the report, Michael. Gawking at beautiful women and not spending a lot of money are cheap and fun pastimes. As to doing 18,000 steps, in that kind of heat and humidity I might be able to do 1800.
You sure mentioned some quality equipment like Line Magnetic and those dacs. I don't know much about ATC speakers, but they must be pretty good to be in the same league as your Daedalus.
I have never had an audio set up that required near field listening. So that would take a bit of getting used to.
Quote from: ejk on March 10, 2026, 05:30:20 AMQuote from: mresseguie on March 09, 2026, 09:30:38 AMMy wife and I will be in Singapore for ~5 days this/next week. My wife has graciously agreed to let me wander audio stores on our final full day (next Monday), so I am planning to visit the most interesting two or three shops.
The first place has a huge selection of gear despite its apparent small size. I'll post a link later when I'm on my computer.
As mentioned previously, I am definitely going to buy a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse for my home in Taiwan. They're front ported, so they can be placed closer to the front wall which will please my wife.
My new Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amplifier will be delivered tomorrow. Proper burn in will have to wait until we return from our Singapore trip.
Can't wait to hear your opinions on the Nuprime amp. I didn't even know they were making a GaN Fet amp until you posted it. Please keep us informed on your findings.
ejk,
My Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amp is up and running. With under 20 hours of burn in, I imagine it has a long way to go before it's finished burning in. That said, it sounds really great paired with my Holo Spring3 KTE and Fritz speakers. The resulting sound is warm and tube-like with noticeably better bass and a more pronounced midrange than either of my other two Class D (IceEdge1200AS2; Nuprime Omnia A300) amps managed to create. I have no tube amps to compare, so I cannot offer thoughts on that. So far so good. I like how it sounds!
The amp runs hot, but I expected that. I probably need to give it more room on top than it has now (~1"), but I can easily adjust that.
In a couple days, I'll add my Nuprime preamp to the mix, and report back with more thoughts and impressions.
Quote from: mresseguie on April 15, 2026, 08:36:59 PMQuote from: ejk on March 10, 2026, 05:30:20 AMQuote from: mresseguie on March 09, 2026, 09:30:38 AMMy wife and I will be in Singapore for ~5 days this/next week. My wife has graciously agreed to let me wander audio stores on our final full day (next Monday), so I am planning to visit the most interesting two or three shops.
The first place has a huge selection of gear despite its apparent small size. I'll post a link later when I'm on my computer.
As mentioned previously, I am definitely going to buy a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse for my home in Taiwan. They're front ported, so they can be placed closer to the front wall which will please my wife.
My new Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amplifier will be delivered tomorrow. Proper burn in will have to wait until we return from our Singapore trip.
Can't wait to hear your opinions on the Nuprime amp. I didn't even know they were making a GaN Fet amp until you posted it. Please keep us informed on your findings.
ejk,
My Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amp is up and running. With under 20 hours of burn in, I imagine it has a long way to go before it's finished burning in. That said, it sounds really great paired with my Holo Spring3 KTE and Fritz speakers. The resulting sound is warm and tube-like with noticeably better bass and a more pronounced midrange than either of my other two Class D (IceEdge1200AS2; Nuprime Omnia A300) amps managed to create. I have no tube amps to compare, so I cannot offer thoughts on that. So far so good. I like how it sounds!
The amp runs hot, but I expected that. I probably need to give it more room on top than it has now (~1"), but I can easily adjust that.
In a couple days, I'll add my Nuprime preamp to the mix, and report back with more thoughts and impressions.
Same results with my Orchard amps other than running hot. I'm surprised that they do.
Quote from: ejk on April 16, 2026, 02:14:01 AMQuote from: mresseguie on April 15, 2026, 08:36:59 PMQuote from: ejk on March 10, 2026, 05:30:20 AMQuote from: mresseguie on March 09, 2026, 09:30:38 AMMy wife and I will be in Singapore for ~5 days this/next week. My wife has graciously agreed to let me wander audio stores on our final full day (next Monday), so I am planning to visit the most interesting two or three shops.
The first place has a huge selection of gear despite its apparent small size. I'll post a link later when I'm on my computer.
As mentioned previously, I am definitely going to buy a pair of Daedalus Audio Muse for my home in Taiwan. They're front ported, so they can be placed closer to the front wall which will please my wife.
My new Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amplifier will be delivered tomorrow. Proper burn in will have to wait until we return from our Singapore trip.
Can't wait to hear your opinions on the Nuprime amp. I didn't even know they were making a GaN Fet amp until you posted it. Please keep us informed on your findings.
ejk,
My Nuprime EVO STA-SE Ganfet amp is up and running. With under 20 hours of burn in, I imagine it has a long way to go before it's finished burning in. That said, it sounds really great paired with my Holo Spring3 KTE and Fritz speakers. The resulting sound is warm and tube-like with noticeably better bass and a more pronounced midrange than either of my other two Class D (IceEdge1200AS2; Nuprime Omnia A300) amps managed to create. I have no tube amps to compare, so I cannot offer thoughts on that. So far so good. I like how it sounds!
The amp runs hot, but I expected that. I probably need to give it more room on top than it has now (~1"), but I can easily adjust that.
In a couple days, I'll add my Nuprime preamp to the mix, and report back with more thoughts and impressions.
Same results with my Orchard amps other than running hot. I'm surprised that they do.
Sometime in the past, Jason, the owner of Nuprime stated that the top plate of many (all?) of his amps acts as the heat sink. There are no fins on the sides to dissipate heat.
I had considered trying an Orchard amp for this system, but <amongst other reasons> close proximity to a repair center nudged me over to Nuprime. Nuprime's headquarters/repair center is 30 to 40 minutes north of our flat in Taiwan.
Congratulations on the purchase, Michael, and keep us posted on how it's breaking in.
Nick