Back to that second and latest AliExpress LPS... This is the unit powering the main TP Link mesh router receiving the wired feed from the internet provider. It is continuing to improve and is sounding very nice. I played some tunes tonight that I'm very familiar with and heard new details for the first time.

I am presuming the LPS has controlled/removed more noise to provide those new details. The presentation is a bit more holographic and more cohesive overall as to the soundstage. So you can have recordings youve had for years and really not be aware of how good they can sound. What an interesting and enjoyable hobby 🎶🎶

Quote from: steve on September 19, 2026, 09:59:35 PM

Quote from: Nick B on September 15, 2026, 09:35:55 PM

Quote from: steve on September 14, 2026, 10:56:48 PM

Quote from: rollo on June 15, 2026, 08:44:27 AMWow Steve glad your better. What a trip that was. Finished ? Nah. In our blood.


charles

You are right Charles. I am performing another experiment; another quality
decoupling cap in my Mimir.

With the cap change in the Mimir, I need to touch up the crossover
and room acoustics to maximize the musical naturalness. Every minute
change requires multiple other "teeter Totter" tweaks with dac, speakers,
room treatments.


cheers

steve

Nice that you're feeling better to start experimenting/fine tuning again, Steve. I doubt I would be able to discern the differences on some of those very minor changes you are making involving cap values etc. Hearing and in depth evaluation are learned and valuable skills.

Thanks Nick. Just had a colonoscopy and negative, so none for 3 years.
Kidney stone is now gone after 2nd surgery. 

One of the weaknesses of forums is effectively conveying listening experiences.

Please don't sell yourself short Nick. Its been a true learning
experience. After eliminating so much masking due to the electronics,
I think you would have no trouble perceiving differences. 

Over the years, there have been others with me, involved in true cutting
edge technology.

I wish distance was not such a factor.

cheers and all the best.

steve
 

Steve,
I've pretty much had consistent improvement for the last couple of years. So there have been multiple benchmarks for the best sound. So it takes me just a brief time to zero in and each time that happens I do become more aware of subtle differences. It is a continuous learning experience. By nature, I am detail oriented and so that does help in evaluating changes.

Made an offer and I'm waiting for the response... will ask what tubes he has as well

Quote from: Nick B on September 15, 2026, 09:35:55 PM

Quote from: steve on September 14, 2026, 10:56:48 PM

Quote from: rollo on June 15, 2026, 08:44:27 AMWow Steve glad your better. What a trip that was. Finished ? Nah. In our blood.


charles

You are right Charles. I am performing another experiment; another quality
decoupling cap in my Mimir.

With the cap change in the Mimir, I need to touch up the crossover
and room acoustics to maximize the musical naturalness. Every minute
change requires multiple other "teeter Totter" tweaks with dac, speakers,
room treatments.


cheers

steve

Nice that you're feeling better to start experimenting/fine tuning again, Steve. I doubt I would be able to discern the differences on some of those very minor changes you are making involving cap values etc. Hearing and in depth evaluation are learned and valuable skills.

Thanks Nick. Just had a colonoscopy and negative, so none for 3 years.
Kidney stone is now gone after 2nd surgery. 

One of the weaknesses of forums is effectively conveying listening experiences.

Please don't sell yourself short Nick. After eliminating so much masking due to
the electronics, I think you would have no trouble perceiving differences.   
Its been a true learning experience.

Over the years, there have been others with me, involved in true cutting
edge technology.

I wish distance was not such a factor to audition.

cheers and all the best.

steve


 

Would also be worth see what he actually has to offer in a single NOS tube and let us know.

Quote from: Nick B on September 19, 2026, 06:46:38 PMJack,

Thanks for your input. I reached out to the seller yesterday and we traded a couple of emails. I will give this serious thought and probably pull the trigger. He has it listed for $175 and he paid  $329.

Do it.

Jack,

Thanks for your input. I reached out to the seller yesterday and we traded a couple of emails. I will give this serious thought and probably pull the trigger. He has it listed for $175 and he paid  $329.

Nick

I would seriously consider the used one on USAM especially for the price.  Not sure what the new  version is suppossed to offer other than it is cheaper for him to make as it is fixed gain with less parts. Plus likely to sell at a higher price.

Quote from: ejk on September 19, 2026, 11:05:14 AM

Quote from: Nick B on September 19, 2026, 09:58:10 AM

Quote from: ejk on September 19, 2026, 05:47:18 AM

Quote from: Nick B on September 17, 2026, 09:29:23 PMDave,
The caps are burning in and things sound very nice tonight.

On another note, I have been looking into tube buffers a bit. I have the Hattor Big preamp feeding the Erhard Elvis MK II tube amp. Sounds very good, but would like a bit more timbre/texture. I have asked a friend who has helped me with HQ Player to inquire if there are any filters that would mimic second order tube distortion. He'll look into it for me. Tube buffers I've found are the ifi, Schiit, Hagerman, Hattor, Yaqin, Decware and Modwright. Am not paying for a Modwright, whether new or used. Arek makes great stuff and a 6NS7 buffer. But a bit pricey at $2,100. Probably won't buy anything, but fun to research nonetheless

Thanks. Am not on Instagram and haven't created an account with Jim H on his website. Did find a used Baritone on USAM.

That might be the older version. The one I posted above looks like a newer design

Yes, it was the older version, but at 50% of the listed retail. Still reading about these and all the various designs. Interesting stuff

Quote from: Nick B on September 19, 2026, 09:58:10 AM

Quote from: ejk on September 19, 2026, 05:47:18 AM

Quote from: Nick B on September 17, 2026, 09:29:23 PMDave,
The caps are burning in and things sound very nice tonight.

On another note, I have been looking into tube buffers a bit. I have the Hattor Big preamp feeding the Erhard Elvis MK II tube amp. Sounds very good, but would like a bit more timbre/texture. I have asked a friend who has helped me with HQ Player to inquire if there are any filters that would mimic second order tube distortion. He'll look into it for me. Tube buffers I've found are the ifi, Schiit, Hagerman, Hattor, Yaqin, Decware and Modwright. Am not paying for a Modwright, whether new or used. Arek makes great stuff and a 6NS7 buffer. But a bit pricey at $2,100. Probably won't buy anything, but fun to research nonetheless

Thanks. Am not on Instagram and haven't created an account with Jim H on his website. Did find a used Baritone on USAM.

That might be the older version. The one I posted above looks like a newer design