Using the Hagerman Audio Labs FryBaby2 in voltage-only mode has revealed itself to be a powerful voicing tool for the Duelund DCA line of tinned-copper cables.
FryBaby2.
Every single time I've used the FryBaby2 on the Duelund cables it has been a smashing success.
In its voltage-only conditioning mode the FB2 has worked wonders on my various Duelund DCA interconnects, both the DCA20GA and the DCA16GA, in shielded and unshielded forms, as well as the DCA26GA headshell leads I built.
The FB2 has predictably provided an information rich presentation that is natural in tone and warmth, an increase in the realism of timbral textures, and an abundance of tonal, timbral, and dynamic nuance that complements overall musicality.
Conditioning with the FB2 also maintains all the normal goodness I've come to expect from tinned-copper in terms of overall tone, vibrant tone color, vivid presence, realistic dynamic contrasts, an expansive soundspace, a big and deeply layer soundstage, and a strong emotional connection to the music.
As a particular bonus if you stay as busy as I do, is it doesn't take very long to get the desired conditioning accomplished.
I recommend starting at 12 hours of conditioning, giving it a listen, and then if needed, stepping it up in 12 hour increments until you find the sweet spot you are looking for. Easy!
Duelund DCA16GA shielded IC's for phono
My latest success is with the shielded set of DCA16GA interconnects that Chris from Parts ConneXion made for me to try.
I've been using them as phono interconnects from my Intact Audio SUTs to my vintage McIntosh MX110Z tuner-preamplifier's phono inputs, in support of the Woody SPU tonearm and Ortofon SPU Classic GM MkII stereo phono cartridge combination.
Bespoke Intact Audio SUT Dual Mono SUTs by Dave Slagle.
Woody SPU tonearm with Ortofon Classic SPU.
I've got tons of time on those ICs, and they're a terrific match to the Woody SPU & Ortofon Classic SPU, but just for kicks I decided to run them for 24 hours on the FB2.
The transformation was not subtle, and I really liked the result, with musicality significantly increasing in every aspect I care about.
I haven't yet tried the FryBaby2 on speaker cables or the new Duelund DCA26GA interconnects I built as an experiment, but soon as I do I'll report back.
At an affordable $229 USD the FryBaby2 is an easy recommendation, and a powerful and indispensable tool for voicing the Duelund DCA to sound exactly the way you want them to. Brilliant!
Sophia Electric™ Aqua 274B rectifier tube.
Sophia Electric™ Aqua 274B rectifier tube in my vintage MC30 monaural amplifiers.
I've started writing the article for Positive Feedback about the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B rectifier tubes that I'm using in my vintage McIntosh MC30 monaural amplifiers.
I liked the Aqua 274B the first moment I heard them in the MC30's. The Aqua 274B's have been completely reliable, and are gorgeous to look at with their shapely blue glass ST bottles.
The new Sophia Electric EL34-ST vacuum tube.
Sophia Electric EL34-ST in my Leben CS-600 integrated amplifier.
Right after I received the set of four EL34-ST tubes from Richard and Sue at Sophia Electric, I put them in my Leben CS-600 integrated amplifier, and have been listening to them with my Altec A5 Voice of the Theatre loudspeakers in my video system.
Like the Aqua 274B's the EL34-ST tubes have been completely reliable, and just as gorgeous to look at with their sexy blue glass ST bottles.
It took a while for the EL34-ST's to settle in and sound their best. They sounded good initially, but they've improved steadily over time until they're just gorgeous sounding in my Leben CS-600.
I'll be writing the article about the Sophia's over the next few weeks, so it shouldn't be too much longer before it appears at Positive Feedback.
Leo Kottke's '6 & 12 String Guitar' album.
I've been coming across some great music lately, and I'll mention a couple to you that I highly recommend both musically and sonically.
I've really enjoyed Leo Kottke's 6 & 12 String Guitar album that Analogue Productions released on 45RPM.
It's great to hear this important and influential album given the Analogue Productions treatment, and guitar players in particular should take note!
Gillian Welch's 'The Harrow & The Harvest' LP.
Gillian Welch's The Harrow & The Harvest LP is fantastic too.
I've always loved Gillian's music, but it's been disappointing that her music has only been available CD, until now, that is.
I have heard that Gillian's other albums will be released on vinyl too, and I'll be buying every one of them!
Ok, that's it for now!
As always, thanks for stopping by, and may the tone be with you!
