Posted by MisterPig [ 216.178.50.27 ] on July 26, 2005 at 10:23:10:

I recently had to sell a Art Audio Diavolo and Cabasse Catalane set up. I have enjoyed SET for the last several years. For my downsized system I swiped a very nice pair of vintage Acoustat 1+1(medallion x formers) from a friend with a TNT 200 amp. From the net I rescued a TNP pre amp. This system has some very nice qualities, and is enjoyable to listen to. But I do have a couple of things that I find hard to live with. First of all the sytem does not seem as transparent and open in the upper registers as I thought it would be. I have heard horns with better resolution. Secondly there seems to be a gerneal coloration of the sound that seems somewhat plasticy.

I have obtained the schematics to amp and pre amp from hi fi manuals, and hope to find a way to improve their performance. A friend of mine has agreed to rework all 3 pieces, and so far we have come to the conclusion of replacing all the electrolytics with new panasonics. And the power supply caps with new Mallorys, with new Mallorys of the same size and style. Aside from parts upgrades, such as Mills wire wound resistors and Wima and Audience caps, I am open to suggestions on what can be done to improve these guys. Hopefully these mods would be relatively simple and not involve rebuilding whole boards in any of the peices. I look forward to reading your suggestions.

BTW I do find the system very enjoyable to listen to, and given it's modest price, the performance is amazing. Associated equipment is a Tube Research Labs modified Sony 595 cdp, Tara Labs Air 3 and Master Generation 2 interconnects, Master Generation 2 speaker wire, and a Nikko Gamma 1 tuner.

Regards
Mister Pig

Replies: