OK, more pics....You can see how massive this preamp is compared to the 28K.
Also, a quick tech question. Just wondering, since you're using the remote controlled dual mono autoformer's; do they slave together accurately when adjusting volume remotely? I'd assume they would (have to), to maintain proper stereo balance. I just wasn't 100% sure. But I guess, you haven't even had to chance to play with it's features yourself?
Finally, a quick Kevin question; is Kevin retiring? I seem to remember reading recently that he was ramping down his mod business, and I wasn't sure if that were true or not? For me, I hope not. But, if that's what Kevin wants, I'm happy for him!
Well I finally wrapped this project up. I'm really happy with how the whole thing turned out, of course Dr K was willing to go the extra yard to make sure everything in this project came out professional. The face plate and knobs Dr K had polished and then chrome and gold plated make this component look like a multi-kilobuck preamp. I've had some time to relax and listen to Dr K's new pre now and its a definite improvement over the 18k/28k pre's I have upgraded. What immediately jumps out at me is the amount of low level detail and the extended top end that appears with this pre in the signal chain as opposed to my own modded 28k. I do not hear a huge amount of added bass response, however the Acoustat Spectra 22's aren't a deep bass speaker so it might be there, but just undetectable with my configuration. I do notice an improvement in the soundstage depth which I'm sure is attributable to the better low level detail as well. When comparing his pre to mine I find myself eager to switch back to it from the 28k every time I go to compare the two. For me that is a big factor, if I am eager to switch back to one component from another one there's an improved level of musicality for me.
After performing this work I have to wonder what's the big factor affecting the sound? Most of the circuit and parts changes in this pre I've implemented in past upgrades. Dr K did go with some high end Vishay Naked foil resistors and silver wire as well as eliminating a large amount of the signal traces on the board which is definitely something I haven't done in the past. Surely all of those quality parts add up, but I have to think that the attenuators is where the biggest change was made. This experience definitely has me thinking about aftermarket attenuator options for my next personal preamp project.
Well I finally wrapped this project up. I'm really happy with how the whole thing turned out, of course Dr K was willing to go the extra yard to make sure everything in this project came out professional. The face plate and knobs Dr K had polished and then chrome and gold plated make this component look like a multi-kilobuck preamp. I've had some time to relax and listen to Dr K's new pre now and its a definite improvement over the 18k/28k pre's I have upgraded. What immediately jumps out at me is the amount of low level detail and the extended top end that appears with this pre in the signal chain as opposed to my own modded 28k. I do not hear a huge amount of added bass response, however the Acoustat Spectra 22's aren't a deep bass speaker so it might be there, but just undetectable with my configuration. I do notice an improvement in the soundstage depth which I'm sure is attributable to the better low level detail as well. When comparing his pre to mine I find myself eager to switch back to it from the 28k every time I go to compare the two. For me that is a big factor, if I am eager to switch back to one component from another one there's an improved level of musicality for me.
After performing this work I have to wonder what's the big factor affecting the sound? Most of the circuit and parts changes in this pre I've implemented in past upgrades. Dr K did go with some high end Vishay Naked foil resistors and silver wire as well as eliminating a large amount of the signal traces on the board which is definitely something I haven't done in the past. Surely all of those quality parts add up, but I have to think that the attenuators is where the biggest change was made. This experience definitely has me thinking about aftermarket attenuator options for my next personal preamp project.
I can't wait to get my hands on the preamp!
Any desire on your part, to now upgrade your personal preamps to another level? Step it up, now that you've heard it's possible?
Your ear's are probably even more eager looks phenomenal and based on Kevin's account of the performance, it sounds like you have a very special unit heading back your way.
It's been a couple of months since any updates. So, just curious, has the system came together yet? I wonder if the Carver amps and ALS speakers are in place yet, and if so, how is everything sounding as a whole? It should make for an epic system.
Also, there's some curiosity about the ALS speakers, elsewhere on AK. It would be nice to hear an update specifically about the speakers, if possible?
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/newest-carver-amazing-line-source.711587/
Thanks!
Your ear's are probably even more eager looks phenomenal and based on Kevin's account of the performance, it sounds like you have a very special unit heading back your way.
Well, thanks for the full writeup. I'm already convinced I need to have my 18K overhauled.
Mine has the Penny and Giles pots....I think that's what they're called.
I contacted Mondialfan a few years back, and intended to get his work, but life stepped in.
Probably I'll just turn him loose to do what he sees fit, with your thread as another fine source of ideas. Thanks, and enjoy that fine preamp.
Mine has the Penny and Giles pots....I think that's what they're called.
I contacted Mondialfan a few years back, and intended to get his work, but life stepped in.
Probably I'll just turn him loose to do what he sees fit, with your thread as another fine source of ideas. Thanks, and enjoy that fine preamp.
P&G pots are considered one of the best pots ever made, other than the godly expensive TOTL Alps pot RK501. Congratulations on those rare pots.
I apreciate the performance of the Mondial units, I still use a Lightly modded Aurum from time to time , But my Viva Audio -and Krell KRC get the lions share of use. The KRC is more kin to the Aragon unit and performs at a level that is quite different than my Aragon 18k II or Aurum . Upgrading and hot rodding can certainly make a good unit great and then there are those components that are completely stock and get high marks as they are. Certainly something I consider when deciding on upgraded PARTS in an existing component or simply UPGRADING to a different class of component altogether.