Have tubes saved my TADs ? ...

Hey Joe, any sonic difference of ear 868 vs GAT with same amp?
I tried analog msb dac with my CR-1. Just ok. I think oval soundstage of tad is very accurate. The vertical dispersion on that d3 is intensely wide. The sweet spot expands vertically endlessly when properly setup. I am only 5'6 and just sitting its best sweetspot was a hair high.(Not uncomfortably HIGH LIKE ALL YG SPEAKERS).
I still feel TAD bass and prat at high and low is more to my liking over Raidho but oh that depth of soundstage is superb. Sadly I absoulutely can not set up any Raidhos wide enuf or far away enuf from rear walls. Lastly have you tried these new tube pres with your dag ss amp?

Nick
 
Hi Nick,

Yes there is a difference between the 868 and GAT. I think the increase in sound quality can be attributed to the ART amps breaking in more. I can not declare ultimate differences between the 868 and GAT yet. Right now, if I had to choose, it would be the GAT but the 868 is holding up very well. It's a great preamp. I agree with you on the Raidho vs TAD differences and appreciate you confirming the sound stage issues. It's not bad on the TAD, just more "compact" if you will. A lot more compact. I am the same height as you, but I lay in bed in front of my speakers so my listening height is perfect. I could still use a -1 treble contour on occasion, on some recordings but it's nowhere near like it was before.

As far as using these tube preamps on the Dag amp, I never had a chance to try them. I think they would be fine because the output impedances are very low, under 100 in the case of the GAT. I forget the 868 output impedance. I'll look it up and let you know. The EAR 868 has balanced outs, the GAT does not.

veindoc said:
Hey Joe, any sonic difference of ear 868 vs GAT with same amp?
I tried analog msb dac with my CR-1. Just ok. I think oval soundstage of tad is very accurate. The vertical dispersion on that d3 is intensely wide. The sweet spot expands vertically endlessly when properly setup. I am only 5'6 and just sitting its best sweetspot was a hair high.(Not uncomfortably HIGH LIKE ALL YG SPEAKERS).
I still feel TAD bass and prat at high and low is more to my liking over Raidho but oh that depth of soundstage is superb. Sadly I absoulutely can not set up any Raidhos wide enuf or far away enuf from rear walls. Lastly have you tried these new tube pres with your dag ss amp?

Nick
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Joe, thank you for sharing your TAD journey with us. You've had quite a roller coaster ride with the TADs. I'm glad to hear they are on the upswing with the CJ and Ear gear. Slap some vinyl on and I think you could be in audio nirvana!:audiophile:
 
You are most welcome. I think you are oh so correct about the TT and vinly. One thing I have NEVER complained about is fatigue. Theses TADs never fatigue, ever. That says a lot about the tweeter. It really is amazing and personal preference comes into play here. My TADs have never sounded better and actually are pretty amazing. You know that and I think the Ref Ones will be even better. You are in for a treat.


socfan12 said:
Joe, thank you for sharing your TAD journey with us. You've had quite a roller coaster ride with the TADs. I'm glad to hear they are on the upswing with the CJ and Ear gear. Slap some vinyl on and I think you could be in audio nirvana!:audiophile:
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Last night I hooked up the EAR preamp to my Dartzel amp on the TADs. Wow! The Dart preamp seems more laid back compared to many preamps. The EAR pre and the Dart amp is a great combo. So far the Dagostino preamp on the Dart amp was, I think, the best combo for SS. Three dimensional and just the right balance of sweet and solid. The EAR pre makes the Dart come more alive with great separation and a more upfront sound. The EAR 868 is still breaking in but it's really good, I mean really, really good. It's a great value for sure.
 
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