Trav0810's System

Here is my System as it is now:

Digital Sources: Sony CDP C325 CD Changer
Analog source: Technics SL D2 TT with AT912SA Cartridge, Nikko Gamma 20 Tuner
Amp: Carver M1.0t modified by Russ Kall
Preamp: Carver C-1 Upgraded and Modified by B-Man
Processors/Add On: Yaqin Cd3 Tube Buffer with Sylvania Tubes
Speakers: Polk Audio Monitor 12's

I am currently in the process of restoring/upgrading my Polk SDA SRS 1.2TL's and then I will be adding my second RK M1.0t and bi-amping the speakers. I also have a Thorens TD320 that is being refreshed.

Very nice, how do you like the tube buffer and the Russ Kall modified unit?

I bought my first M1 and was looking to have it modded by RichP. His wait was really long. Then I found another M1 that was DOA and decided to have it modded so that I could compare it to a stock. Someone recommended that I have Russ do the upgrade so I sent it out to him. When I got it back, the difference was night and day. I am not an experienced "audiophile" so I don't know all the buzz words, but it sounded amazing. It was significantly more powerful and had more "depth of sound". Within a couple weeks, I sent my original M1 to him to have it modded as well. Again, I am not an experienced audiophile, but I cannot imagine a pair of amps sounding better. Especially when matched with the C-1 that had been upgraded using the designs of Bill Dibble. Brian (B-Man) did an awesome job on that, taking it a few steps further by replacing all of the resistors, installing new gold RCS's and also including a remote control mod allowing me to control volume and muting by remote.

when first got the Yaqin, I was not impressed. That was until someone sent me a pair of sylvania tubes for it. When compared to the stock Chinese tubes, these made a world of difference. I use the buffer in the chain between my CDP and my preamp and it certainly takes away the digital harshness I experienced before at higher volumes. It added a lot of warmth to the music. It was certainly worht the money I spent. (Well under $200).

Welcome, nice system!! The midrange on your speakers must sound awesome with all those drivers.. I'm just now experimenting with external DACs and tube buffers, lots of fun!

I love those speakers and they are not really big among the Polkies. I had a set of Monitor 10A's as well and decided to keep the 12s and most Polk fans say I'm crazy. The SDA's I'm rebuilding have 8 of those midwoofers in each cabinet! I can't wait to hear them when they are finished.

This was my first Tube buffer and I didn't care for it until I got the Sylvania tubes. Now I love it. Great sound.

Thanks for sharing Trav. Those Monitor 12's look cool! I've never heard them, but I'll bet they sound good!

=D> Thanks for sharing Trav. Those Monitor 12's look cool! I've never heard them, but I'll bet they sound good!

Good to see you Doug! I love the Monitor 12's. I think they are more of a Rocker's speaker than an Audiophile, but they sound fantastic to me. Especially once I upgraded the tweeters to the RDO's.

TOOOOOOOBS!!!!!

This is my first ever Tube Amp, just finished by OTD. I should have it sometime next week. I just bought a set of Polk Monitor 5's to pair with it!

Nice amp!

Want more info on it. Looks like its got a bunch of inputs, it is a integrated tube amp?

We may need to do a shootout my tube amp v. yours

Nice Travis!!!! Tell us more about that amp.

Good gear, interesting amp.
I am also a fan of POLK speakers, have a few.
Wish I were near enough to give a listen to yours.

Nice amp Trav.
I just have my OTD tube amp up and running.
I'm very pleased.

Nice amp Trav.
I just have my OTD tube amp up and running.
I'm very pleased.

Hey Perry! How are ya?

Everyone I have talked to has been very pleased with their OTD amps. He does really good work. I needed a bedroom system for when all my "big" equipment goes back to the garage once it is remodeled.

Nice amp!

Want more info on it. Looks like its got a bunch of inputs, it is a integrated tube amp?

We may need to do a shootout my tube amp v. yours

It is an amp with input selector and volume control. The only thing it is missing from being a true integrated amp is some sort of tone control. Right now, I am looking for a phono-pre that has tone controls.

Once spring gets here, I will finish the garage remodel. I'll invite you down with your equipment. We can compare our M1's as well.

Good gear, interesting amp.
I am also a fan of POLK speakers, have a few.
Wish I were near enough to give a listen to yours.

Unfortunately, right now I have more gear than places to put it. Especially Polk Speakers!