Love your channel and new system . Makes lot of sense what you say. Appreciate your views . Would you know if price would ship his stuff to Ireland....would be very interested . Greetings from Ireland
@@rudyhermans4052 That's a great question. I don't know. Aric has a contact form on his site and I'm sure he'll respond quickly - he's great: aricaudio.com/contact/
Man, you are fast becoming my favourite reviewer. You're one of the few reviewers I trust because you're a vinyl guy, so I know the synergy you're after is the same thing I'm after.
Love watching your videos. So humble and down to earth. You certainly get a lot of joy out of your hobby. The joy of discovery in fact. I’ve been there too and the excitement is just never ending. Also you’re spot on about synergy, ultra linear and triode modes. The only possible item you’re missing out on are floor-standing loudspeakers. Preferably of the transmission loading variety. Anyway my own system consists of Croft, Nottingham Analogue,AnalogueWorks and Castle Howard’s (Amp/Turntable/Speakers).
@ Thank you Rick. Forgot to say your journey reminds me of my own when I was your age. Once I finally hit the spot there was no shifting my allegiance. The Aric components look wise are just a thing of authentic beauty. Thankfully they also deliver the goods sonically too. Enjoy.
@11:48 I have Aesthetix gear. In 2006, when I purchased my stereo, I visited several high end stores (at the time, living in New Jersey, I had a fair number of stores within a reasonable driving distance). All of them had very good brands. However, all but two of the stores had nothing that impressed me, sound wise. One store, Lyric HiFi (Manhattan, New York City) blew me away. Alas, I discovered that they were using $100,000 Mark Levinson amps. When they switched to amps in my price range, the magic was gone. Audio Connection (Verona, New Jersey) got it right, and within my budget. So I purchased Vandersteen speakers, Quick Silver monoblock tube amps, an Aesthetix pre-amp, and a Cary CD player. Later, I upgraded to 100% Aesthetix gear, and higher model Vandersteen speakers. I also added a Clearaudio turntable, Air Tight cartridge, and Tri-Planar tone-arm, and an HRS equipment rack. Being unemployed, my days of upgrading are over. Rick, I am happy (almost as much as you) that you landed such great and affordable (as audio equipment goes) gear that sounds so good. It is hard to find the right combination, and you succeeded. Your Darwin interconnects allow you to hear your gear at its best.
Nice video. I’m a new subscriber and live in CT. I just bought a pair of open baffle speakers that I’m waiting on and had a specific amp in mind but now you’ve opened my eyes to another possibility.
I went from tubes back to solid state. Maybe I'll go back to tubes some day. That you can't get big chunks of air between the instruments unless it is tubes, is something I once bought into. Since then I have heard and used solid state gear which does not compromise spatiality and air between instruments in any way. Shortened signal paths seem to be one of the keys. Also by my experiments I can almost definitely conclude that the usual lack of warmth and diminished spatiality of most solid state, has most of its damage done in the low level signsl stages; not the higher level power amp stages of integrated amps, or power amps themselves. There is no harshness or hardness with really good solid state. One of my tests for warmth is a Bela Fleck recording which has several tracks with a lot of bass clarinet in it. What a cool sounding instrument, but that instrument just doesn't come off sounding right unless there is a sufficient amount of warmth. Tubes have warmth galore usually, but tthe sound is darkened a bit too much to my ears. Solid State can bring back the light and what a breath of fresh air it is, to hear that natural illumination of the instruments and soundstage again. I could live with tubes, but I'd rather live with the kind of solid state that does everything right and is more illuminated, purer of tone and a little more transient quick than tube gear usually manages. It's not wise to give up on or generalize about different types of amplification, or different formats etc. The better examples of each is capable of sound as good as the source material; which ultimately is always the limiting factor.
Hear great things about this brand and have been wondering about one of his power amps, only thing I don’t like are the color of the meters, never been a fan of blue lights, all the china gear uses them also, just looks cheap to me. Great video 👍🏻
Thank you for the kind words! Regarding the meters, the backlighting can be changed upon request. They come stock with the blue lighting, but many folks request I change then to amber.
Hi Rick, it looks a wonderful set up. I would love to hear a good tube set up but I am not going to be tempted to move away from Rega setup. Interesting video. Best, Pat
Yet another nice video! How do people usually upload pictures in TH-cam comments? I ask because you requested people upload pictures of their systems...
So I ordered a tube amp from another manufacturer 19 months ago and I am pretty sure I am still another year or more out. I think I am going to reach out to Aric Audio. And the look of this amp is more to my liking as well.
That is just ridiculous. Really. Sort of like, lp collectors searching all over the place and then paying a kings ransom for pressings that does not have the fidelity and consistency of a cd, played back on really good cd playback gear. There's virtually nothing that cannot be matched, (or bettered) without such gross waiting and inconvenience.
I have the Psvane Horizon EL34 tubes coming tomorrow for my R8. Amazon had them for 20% off so I figured I'd give them a try, although I'm perfectly happy with my Mullard EL34s. For me the EL34s make more sense over my KT88s or 6550 tubes since they run so much cooler and sound great. I can even get by with my 10 wpc Cayin amp running my Zu Audio DW6 speakers, so power is no problem. So are you selling the Galion?
Hey Chris! Hanging onto the Galion. I have it in my review room which up to recently was using a Denon solid state. It's good to have a tube amp in there. I found a mix of the EL34 Mullards and Tungsol 6SN7s to be a great mix for the Transcend.
I would love to see you listen to a fully differential push-pull tube amplifier that uses no coupling capacitors. With a fully XLR input and a balanced source, no phase splitting is required. It would be interesting to see how it compares.
Many sources are not equally differential at their output which causes problems in a fully differential amp with no phase splitter. At the least a transformer at the inputs of the amp should be used which still is a “phase splitter”. How does this phase splitter sound compared to other types? That’s where voicing comes into play. Also solid state amps can be direct coupled between stages, tube amps cannot u less the B+ at the final stage is quite high, since the cathode needs to have a higher voltage differential than the grid with all stages. Not a simple feat and also can lead to lower tube failure if the driver stage were to fail. Again another type of compromise unless we’re dealing with solid state or negative tail cathode followers.
@@MrAricaudio123 In my opinion, the best-sounding amplifiers I built were fully symmetrical push-pull transformer-coupled designs without coupling capacitors, regardless of their cost. However, I would never direct couple tubes, as you mentioned. I agree that true balanced XLR preamplifiers are essential. I'm surprised such PP designs aren't more widely available commercially.
@@Franky2A3 Interstage transformers work great for coupling, but not so well with any type of global negative feedback. Was the amplifier you built a triode-based amplifier, or did you use cathode feedback at the output stage (in the case of pentode/tetrode/UL based amps)?
@@Franky2A3 That makes sense and I've built using that same tube compliment, except one set of coupling caps between the 6SN7 and the 6V6. Input transformer to split phase to make it "source proof".
Hi Rick. I am also hooked on tube amplification. I have a Raven Nighthawk 3.1 integrated amp. Push pull 20 wpc using 6L6GC power output tubes. Much like Aric audio, Dave Thomson, the owner of the company, will get on the phone and discuss different tubes. This is also a self biasing integrated amp with 5 inputs. Although I primarily listen to vinyl, i need inputs for streaming and for a cassette deck. Check Raven out if you get a chance. Perhaps you could get a hold of one to review.😊
The amp looks great and probably sounds great also Tube amps provide a certain warmth that’s hard to beat The thing that spoils it for me is the amp only has 1 input Don’t want to be constantly changing cords to hook up a turntable or CD player Why only 1 input I wonder??? Otherwise pretty nice!!
The great thing about custom and built to order is that things can be modified. Additional inputs can be added at a modest upcharge. All the client needs to do is use the contact us form on the website.
@TheJoyofVinylRecords Also, you don't (really) need a second tank for the Guru. After cleaning with the record Dr. I use distilled water and vacuum that and then use the Guru.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I have one and it's fantastic, big upgrade from the 160 Super/Rega combination, your system is at a level where you're really going to hear it now
The Super MM Phono Stage also designed and built by Aric Audio. It was after my experience with the phono stage that I knew I wanted to continue the Aric Audio signal path.
new sub here...like your no hype presentation. am unclear on one thing mentioned...why did you choose the aric over the galion? i've been seriously considering the galion. would appreciate your guidance.
Hi Paul! I've owned the Galion for going on two years now and highly recommend it. Had I not learned of Aric Audio and tried out their phono stage I would still be using the Tavish Class stage and the Galion. For me, Aric's phono stage opened my eyes to what I was looking for with sound (being an all analog vinyl enthusiast). When I coupled it with his Transcend it hit that holographic "live" sound I'd always heard about in the past. There are still tweaks to be made - not with the system but with my room (it's not large). We installed heavy curtains behind the listening position to help with wall reflections. That being said - the Galion is a solid amp and Thomas (at Galion Audio) is a class act. For me - having a system handbuilt here in New England, customized, close to home, point to point wiring, and the service, sold me on Aric's work. Now I just need a pair of his speakers someday 😂
Those are some really nice tube components but they are not “game changers” as there are a lot of tube amplifiers being made all over the world and some are crazy nice/expensive Above my pay-grade I would buy them if I could afford them I like your plan to continue with that tube component stack
He specifies that he owned another tube amplifier before this one, so it's not his first tube amp. The reference to "Game changer" in context, was regarding his system and how it sounds, not that a tube amp is a game changer.
@ As a personal game changer that makes sense I mistakenly understood that that amplifier itself was game changing It is a really nice amplifier and above my finances unless I saved up some money for a couple years
Well, THAT's where we part company. You said you adjusted for NEGATIVE feedback. Have you had a good sit-down with your system? You really should try using POSITIVE feedback; tell your system all the GREAT things it does for your music instead of always harping on all the roll-offs and the sissy bass it tries to pump out.....I mean, don't you remember always wanting to please your father and that awful feeling you sometimes got that nothing you ever did was good enough? Sigh.......if I looked at MY poor Sony amp having to pull 2 channel duty the way you apparently are looking at yours, why, l think the poor thing would.....wait, hold on......DAMN! There it went, dead as a doornail! See what you did? All the negativity, man, all those negative vibes!!!!!!
😂😂😂 - like a good hot cup of coffee to start my day - your comments never fail to kick it off nicely. I'll have to have a sit down with the amp and try to take a more "positive" approach.
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Love your channel and new system . Makes lot of sense what you say. Appreciate your views . Would you know if price would ship his stuff to Ireland....would be very interested . Greetings from Ireland
@@rudyhermans4052 That's a great question. I don't know. Aric has a contact form on his site and I'm sure he'll respond quickly - he's great: aricaudio.com/contact/
Man, you are fast becoming my favourite reviewer. You're one of the few reviewers I trust because you're a vinyl guy, so I know the synergy you're after is the same thing I'm after.
Cheers my friend! 🍺
Love watching your videos. So humble and down to earth. You certainly get a lot of joy out of your hobby. The joy of discovery in fact. I’ve been there too and the excitement is just never ending. Also you’re spot on about synergy, ultra linear and triode modes. The only possible item you’re missing out on are floor-standing loudspeakers. Preferably of the transmission loading variety. Anyway my own system consists of Croft, Nottingham Analogue,AnalogueWorks and Castle Howard’s (Amp/Turntable/Speakers).
Nottingham Analogue! Beautiful turntables.
@ Thank you Rick. Forgot to say your journey reminds me of my own when I was your age. Once I finally hit the spot there was no shifting my allegiance. The Aric components look wise are just a thing of authentic beauty. Thankfully they also deliver the goods sonically too. Enjoy.
@11:48
I have Aesthetix gear.
In 2006, when I purchased my stereo, I visited several high end stores (at the time, living in New Jersey, I had a fair number of stores within a reasonable driving distance). All of them had very good brands. However, all but two of the stores had nothing that impressed me, sound wise.
One store, Lyric HiFi (Manhattan, New York City) blew me away. Alas, I discovered that they were using $100,000 Mark Levinson amps. When they switched to amps in my price range, the magic was gone.
Audio Connection (Verona, New Jersey) got it right, and within my budget. So I purchased Vandersteen speakers, Quick Silver monoblock tube amps, an Aesthetix pre-amp, and a Cary CD player. Later, I upgraded to 100% Aesthetix gear, and higher model Vandersteen speakers. I also added a Clearaudio turntable, Air Tight cartridge, and Tri-Planar tone-arm, and an HRS equipment rack. Being unemployed, my days of upgrading are over.
Rick, I am happy (almost as much as you) that you landed such great and affordable (as audio equipment goes) gear that sounds so good. It is hard to find the right combination, and you succeeded. Your Darwin interconnects allow you to hear your gear at its best.
I know someone who loved their Quick Silver monoblocks. I'm not sure if they still use them but they were in their system for years.
Nice video. I’m a new subscriber and live in CT. I just bought a pair of open baffle speakers that I’m waiting on and had a specific amp in mind but now you’ve opened my eyes to another possibility.
And Aric Audio is close to home! If there's ever a problem or question you know Aric isn't far.
Another informative video! Thanks! I’m glad I found your channel!
Glad you're here, Michael!
I went from tubes back to solid state. Maybe I'll go back to tubes some day. That you can't get big chunks of air between the instruments unless it is tubes, is something I once bought into. Since then I have heard and used solid state gear which does not compromise spatiality and air between instruments in any way. Shortened signal paths seem to be one of the keys. Also by my experiments I can almost definitely conclude that the usual lack of warmth and diminished spatiality of most solid state, has most of its damage done in the low level signsl stages; not the higher level power amp stages of integrated amps, or power amps themselves. There is no harshness or hardness with really good solid state.
One of my tests for warmth is a Bela Fleck recording which has several tracks with a lot of bass clarinet in it. What a cool sounding instrument, but that instrument just doesn't come off sounding right unless there is a sufficient amount of warmth. Tubes have warmth galore usually, but tthe sound is darkened a bit too much to my ears. Solid State can bring back the light and what a breath of fresh air it is, to hear that natural illumination of the instruments and soundstage again. I could live with tubes, but I'd rather live with the kind of solid state that does everything right and is more illuminated, purer of tone and a little more transient quick than tube gear usually manages. It's not wise to give up on or generalize about different types of amplification, or different formats etc. The better examples of each is capable of sound as good as the source material; which ultimately is always the limiting factor.
What is the Bela Fleck recording you like to go to?
Hear great things about this brand and have been wondering about one of his power amps, only thing I don’t like are the color of the meters, never been a fan of blue lights, all the china gear uses them also, just looks cheap to me.
Great video 👍🏻
Thank you for the kind words! Regarding the meters, the backlighting can be changed upon request. They come stock with the blue lighting, but many folks request I change then to amber.
You won't be disappointed with anything Aric builds. Dead silent background. He's also great to work with!
Hi Rick, it looks a wonderful set up. I would love to hear a good tube set up but I am not going to be tempted to move away from Rega setup. Interesting video. Best, Pat
Rega is great - I can see why you would. Cheers, Pat!
Yet another nice video!
How do people usually upload pictures in TH-cam comments? I ask because you requested people upload pictures of their systems...
Hi Brady! I wish there was a way. My email is in the 'About' section of the channel. It's currently the only way I know how to receive them.
@TheJoyofVinylRecords I couldn't find your email address, so I sent you a message in Instagram.
I rolled in a 6F8G (need adapter) for my single 6SN7 and it helped to tighten up the bass. Plus it looks kinda cool.
With the metal top right?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Yes, it's actually an early version of the 6SN7.
So I ordered a tube amp from another manufacturer 19 months ago and I am pretty sure I am still another year or more out. I think I am going to reach out to Aric Audio. And the look of this amp is more to my liking as well.
That is just ridiculous. Really. Sort of like, lp collectors searching all over the place and then paying a kings ransom for pressings that does not have the fidelity and consistency of a cd, played back on really good cd playback gear. There's virtually nothing that cannot be matched, (or bettered) without such gross waiting and inconvenience.
Must be Decware...
Aric's builds, and the care he puts into them, are amazing.
I have the Psvane Horizon EL34 tubes coming tomorrow for my R8. Amazon had them for 20% off so I figured I'd give them a try, although I'm perfectly happy with my Mullard EL34s. For me the EL34s make more sense over my KT88s or 6550 tubes since they run so much cooler and sound great. I can even get by with my 10 wpc Cayin amp running my Zu Audio DW6 speakers, so power is no problem.
So are you selling the Galion?
Hey Chris! Hanging onto the Galion. I have it in my review room which up to recently was using a Denon solid state. It's good to have a tube amp in there.
I found a mix of the EL34 Mullards and Tungsol 6SN7s to be a great mix for the Transcend.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords
I haven't tried any other pre-amp tubes yet, but that will come soon.
I would love to see you listen to a fully differential push-pull tube amplifier that uses no coupling capacitors. With a fully XLR input and a balanced source, no phase splitting is required. It would be interesting to see how it compares.
Many sources are not equally differential at their output which causes problems in a fully differential amp with no phase splitter. At the least a transformer at the inputs of the amp should be used which still is a “phase splitter”. How does this phase splitter sound compared to other types? That’s where voicing comes into play. Also solid state amps can be direct coupled between stages, tube amps cannot u less the B+ at the final stage is quite high, since the cathode needs to have a higher voltage differential than the grid with all stages. Not a simple feat and also can lead to lower tube failure if the driver stage were to fail. Again another type of compromise unless we’re dealing with solid state or negative tail cathode followers.
@@MrAricaudio123 In my opinion, the best-sounding amplifiers I built were fully symmetrical push-pull transformer-coupled designs without coupling capacitors, regardless of their cost. However, I would never direct couple tubes, as you mentioned. I agree that true balanced XLR preamplifiers are essential. I'm surprised such PP designs aren't more widely available commercially.
@@Franky2A3 Interstage transformers work great for coupling, but not so well with any type of global negative feedback. Was the amplifier you built a triode-based amplifier, or did you use cathode feedback at the output stage (in the case of pentode/tetrode/UL based amps)?
@@MrAricaudio123 All triode based no NF. 6SN7 +IT+ 6V6 + IT + 300B. No input transformers.
@@Franky2A3 That makes sense and I've built using that same tube compliment, except one set of coupling caps between the 6SN7 and the 6V6. Input transformer to split phase to make it "source proof".
I love valve amps and vinyl but i do have a hand made pair off speakers by a uk builder not push pull but single ended
Subscribed! ❤
Thank you, Jordan!
Hi Rick. I am also hooked on tube amplification. I have a Raven Nighthawk 3.1 integrated amp. Push pull 20 wpc using 6L6GC power output tubes. Much like Aric audio, Dave Thomson, the owner of the company, will get on the phone and discuss different tubes. This is also a self biasing integrated amp with 5 inputs. Although I primarily listen to vinyl, i need inputs for streaming and for a cassette deck. Check Raven out if you get a chance. Perhaps you could get a hold of one to review.😊
I'll take a look - the name sounds familiar. Thanks, Fred!
The amp looks great and probably sounds great also Tube amps provide a certain warmth that’s hard to beat The thing that spoils it for me is the amp only has 1 input Don’t want to be constantly changing cords to hook up a turntable or CD player Why only 1 input I wonder??? Otherwise pretty nice!!
The great thing about custom and built to order is that things can be modified. Additional inputs can be added at a modest upcharge. All the client needs to do is use the contact us form on the website.
I also believe the synergy between components from the same company.
It's wonderful how well they "play" together.
@TheJoyofVinylRecords Also, you don't (really) need a second tank for the Guru. After cleaning with the record Dr. I use distilled water and vacuum that and then use the Guru.
...mmm...audio by twilight...very nice, Rickl
Cheers, Darryl! 🍺
Call it the Chowder Chain
😂 Love it!
Next you need the VN Thorens TD125 with the Sorane Tonearm, it's a game changer!
Or better yet a Thorens 124. It has steel inside, in places where later models used aluminum. Things were cheapening even in the 1960s and 70s.
I believe Dave at Vinyl Nirvana has started using Sorane on some of his more recent builds.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I have one and it's fantastic, big upgrade from the 160 Super/Rega combination, your system is at a level where you're really going to hear it now
what preamp do you use?
The Super MM Phono Stage also designed and built by Aric Audio. It was after my experience with the phono stage that I knew I wanted to continue the Aric Audio signal path.
new sub here...like your no hype presentation. am unclear on one thing mentioned...why did you choose the aric over the galion? i've been seriously considering the galion. would appreciate your guidance.
Hi Paul!
I've owned the Galion for going on two years now and highly recommend it. Had I not learned of Aric Audio and tried out their phono stage I would still be using the Tavish Class stage and the Galion. For me, Aric's phono stage opened my eyes to what I was looking for with sound (being an all analog vinyl enthusiast). When I coupled it with his Transcend it hit that holographic "live" sound I'd always heard about in the past. There are still tweaks to be made - not with the system but with my room (it's not large). We installed heavy curtains behind the listening position to help with wall reflections.
That being said - the Galion is a solid amp and Thomas (at Galion Audio) is a class act. For me - having a system handbuilt here in New England, customized, close to home, point to point wiring, and the service, sold me on Aric's work. Now I just need a pair of his speakers someday 😂
Try the Psvane KT88 MK II.
I have some PSVane that I use in the Galion, just not the MKIIs.
Those are some really nice tube components but they are not “game changers” as there are a lot of tube amplifiers being made all over the world and some are crazy nice/expensive
Above my pay-grade
I would buy them if I could afford them
I like your plan to continue with that tube component stack
He specifies that he owned another tube amplifier before this one, so it's not his first tube amp. The reference to "Game changer" in context, was regarding his system and how it sounds, not that a tube amp is a game changer.
@ As a personal game changer that makes sense
I mistakenly understood that that amplifier itself was game changing
It is a really nice amplifier and above my finances unless I saved up some money for a couple years
Well, THAT's where we part company. You said you adjusted for NEGATIVE feedback. Have you had a good sit-down with your system? You really should try using POSITIVE feedback; tell your system all the GREAT things it does for your music instead of always harping on all the roll-offs and the sissy bass it tries to pump out.....I mean, don't you remember always wanting to please your father and that awful feeling you sometimes got that nothing you ever did was good enough? Sigh.......if I looked at MY poor Sony amp having to pull 2 channel duty the way you apparently are looking at yours, why, l think the poor thing would.....wait, hold on......DAMN! There it went, dead as a doornail! See what you did? All the negativity, man, all those negative vibes!!!!!!
😂😂😂 - like a good hot cup of coffee to start my day - your comments never fail to kick it off nicely.
I'll have to have a sit down with the amp and try to take a more "positive" approach.
Jeff Day from Positive Feedback would be appalled! 🤣