That sounds like some fun right there!! I'll bet that Dennis is even more fun in person than his gear is!! :music:

Rich, which Inspire do you have? Is the amp the one with the power tubes at an angle to one another or in a line parallel with the front panel?

I've got the KT-150 style amp with the power tubes in a line and the 6922-type driver tube in front of them in a triangular position.

I do recall he had a mod for the type of amp where the power tubes are at an angle. Not sure what it is, but it's intriguing!

I did recall correctly. I don't think he made very many of the KT150s, not sure why. My impression is that it has been his top of the line before getting into monoblocs. Maybe the relative cost perception when compared to similar amp like the KT88? I'm glad to have the extra iron even though I haven't compared sound to other Inspires. Just some added confidence in its capabilities.

By the way... I've been disorganized, but made some changes and progress in tube rolling. I'm currently running a pair of Mullard EL34 XF2 that may have took the top position for me. I need to do a direct compare going back to the Popes at this point. But the EL34s give me 10 watts vs. the 5 from the Popes, so they have an edge if sound is comparable at moderate volume. They do seem to have more dynamics as well as more defined mid-bass.

I also put in the 6N1P Voskhod rockets. Intial impression was favorable, but haven't gone back in the other direction for confirmation.

Mine is the one with the outputs and rectifier in a row with the 6922 in front between the outputs.

I have Valve Art 350B's in now with a VA 274 rectifier. A BB 6922 fill out the quad. The best sounding set-up in my house by far. I have the Gold Lion's it came with and will try those after I have a few hours on the VA's.

I would like to be able to use the 6922 tubes in the pre instead of the 6189.

Dennis did say that if someone wanted to join me on the trip up........

Anybody??

Yes, mine was shipped as the KT-150, but hasn't used those tubes in months.

Keep up posted on these "upgrades"! If I'm gone for a period of time, I might think about sending mine into the spa for a refresh!

My trip to the Fun Factory..or a visit with Dennis Had
 

After a 3 hour drive I arrived at a nondescript door at a small row complex in a nice part of town. I saw the Telefunken sticker on the door so I figured I was at the tight place. As I was calling Dennis, Tony arrived with some parts so I was privileged to him for a bit as well. He is also a retiree from Cary that Dennis has enlisted to help with the growing workload. Tony does all of the metal work once the boxes arrive from the fab shop in Ohio. Tony does all of the holes and cutouts and mounts the transformers, tube sockets, etc. The powder coating is done just up the street in the same complex.

Dennis arrived with a carload of stuff, including some very interesting open baffle speakers. Once the hello's were out if the way and the equipment sat in place, Dennis put on some killer Mark Knopfler live that I was not familiar with. Through his amp and pre out to those open baffle speakers, I was transported to another place. Mark Knopfler was right there in the room in front of me. The music seemed to fill the room without losing any coherency. The snare snapped, the upright bass had that thump that can only be an upright. The vocals were clear and clean and the piano had the sparkle in the upper end that is so hard to find without sibilance. Crisp, clean, clear with bass that was bass, not boom and brilliance that sparkled, not hissed. And this was the smaller speakers! He hooked up the larger set of open baffles and overall the sound was bigger with a tad more bass, but without the sparkle of the smaller speakers. The little open baffles won me over and will soon be in my living room just as soon as I can get back to Cary. To say I was impressed with the man or his equipment would be a gross understatement.

When the music ended, Dennis said lets have a look at your pre first. He opened it up and visually gave it a good looking over. Satisfied with that he hooked it up to the test equipment. Although I didn't (and still don't fully) understand what I was looking at, Dennis explained it to me in a way that at least made sense to me. He was well pleased with the test results and I am well pleased with the sound. Then on to the power amp. He opened up the bottom and removed a resistor (I believe) from the bias circuit and added another wire to apply negative voltage to the bias circuit. He patiently explained what he was doing and why until I feel like I understood, but I'm afraid the details are lost in the grey matter. Once finished he buttoned it up and put it to the test. And this is where it gets real good. Everyone wonders why Dennis's amps sound so big, why his 6 watt amp can drive "hard to drive" low efficiency speakers. It's because their output is almost DOUBLE what Dennis advertises. My KT-88 with Svetlava EL34 tubes and a 274B rectifier made 18WPC before clipping. Dennis popped in a Ruby 5AR4 and measured 22WPC before clipping. These are sold as 10WPC amps!!! He then rolled in his favorite 6V6 with the 274B and measured 12WPC before clipping instead of the 5 he sells it as. He then took my favorite RCA cleartop driver tube out and put his favorite in. Then he showed me why on the test scope and even I could see the reduced second and third order harmonics. Then he explained what I was looking at and the importance of the second and third order harmonics in different amps. I was under the spell of the Master.

Then Lunch!!! Lovely meal at a local favorite spot. Made all the better by conversation with a legend in the industry that chatted with me like I was a long lost friend.

Back at the shop, the fun really gets started. I like the fact that Dennis kept playing the same music at every change. That way any difference, good or bad, is immediately obvious. First up, my amp as brought in with the EL34 and 274B through the small OB's. That's my girl, singing her heart out and sounding even lovelier than before. Dennis's bias improvement seems to have made the highs even more clear. Kinda like wiping the smudge off your glasses. Then on to his favorite tube, the 6V6GT, and another OMG moment. My amp, on steroids. Crisp, clean clear with just a tad more bass. A bit of the sparkle in highs was gone, but replaced by a midrange that seemed to fill the room without overpowering the sound. I was mesmerized. But for thevpièce de résistance, Dennis brought out the lovely Sophia 274B. Sounding at least as good as she looks, that SNAP on the snare became slap of a brush. How a rectifier tube can clear up sound like that befuddles me and even Dennis could only grin. As happy as a pig in poo but reluctant to leave, I started packing up for the return trip. Dennis insisted I keep the 6V6 and driver tube. The Sophia would have left as well, but it was his last one and destined for a new headphone amp due to leave. Not in a rush to go, I jumped at the opportunity to listen to the new headphone amp. Although never a big can fan before, this could convert me easily. The combination of his amp, the Moon cables, and the $2000 Audex headphones would convert anyone I believe.

But all to soon, that 3 hour drive was looming. And Dennis has obligations to fill having given me the biggest part of the day. All to soon it was time to go. I will go back next week to pick up the speakers. As you would figure, Dennis said I was welcome anytime and started talking about the next visit!

All in All......one of the Best Days Ever in my 58+ years. In my job I get to meet a wide variety of people, from janitors to CEO's. I've been impressed by only 2 or 3. Dennis Had adds one more to that number. Thank you Sir.

Back to reality

Sounds like a wonderful visit! Is there more after lunch?

And, pray tell, what is Dennis' favorite 6V6?

Any photos, particularly of those OB's?

Thanks for the virtual experience!

Part 2

A few things we discussed. Dennis does this as a hobby. Hard to believe, but nonetheless true. He truly seems to be having fun and will continue doing this as long as it is fun. It takes him 5 hours to wire up an amp once the hardware is installed by Tony. Given his time, the manufacturing, powdercoating, tubes, overhead, etc I'm fairly certain he isn't doing it for the money. So no 300B tube amps and no integrateds.

A phono pre is in the works. And I have my name on the list for one as soon as it's available. I saw what he was using (no I won't tell).

The 6V6GT is a Genelex.

No pics at all. That will be up to him to post as he sees fit. If not before, I will post pics when I get them home.

His shop is a wonderland. I could spend days there oohhing and aahhing. Very much Like Terry DeWick's place but a bit larger.

There is a lot left out as I dread typing. I met his lovely wife whom I believe he introduced her as Donna.

I saw the new monoblocks, the 12WPC and the mighty 25WPC. The new copper color is drop dead gorgeous in person. Love the new headphone amp and these are going to be big sellers.

He could double his prices and these would still be a bargain. And remember, I bought mine USED!! We all hear so much bad press about customer support and service after you've spent your hard earned dollar. Dennis also has an issue with that and I believe anyone else would receive at least the same treatment. These are his "babies" as he called them. "How could I not care about them" he said.

And I am very much a convert. I will have a complete Dennis Had system in my home and be privileged for the opportunity. If anyone is ever in the area and you don't contact him it's your loss. He very much enjoys the company and I promise you, you will remember the visit.

And FWIW-I contacted him through his ebay sales contact info.

Thanks Rich.

Are those current production Genelex 6V6 he likes?

More info on those Open Baffle speakers - pictures - specs - price

As far as I know Peter. It's just ones he pulled from the shelf.

No, no, and no. It's up to Dennis to post pics as I wouldn't impose on his hospitality to ask. If not before, I am going up next week to pick them up and I will post pics when I get them home. The price is as agreed between he and I.

And I feel I need to add that Dennis adamantly stated that these were done on a whim just to see if he could. Again, back to the fun of the project is what interests him. There will not be a line of Inspire speakers.

And another thing---

My power tranny runs hot. I'm talking 150 degrees hot. According to Dennis, this is not a problem and would be considered normal. These transformers are custom wound and rated at 220C I believe. 150F equals about 65C

I believe that I posted pictures earlier on this very thread, several months ago. Do these look familiar?

http://usr.audioasylum.com/images/0/3992/Speaker.jpeg

http://usr.audioasylum.com/images/0/...e_Speaker.jpeg

Those are the ones. And in the back you can see the larger 3 way set. Mucho bass out of those, but I preferred the smaller set for my taste.

I recall those now. Thanks.

I'd love to hear them. I'm a recent "no crossover" convert though, and have become biased. That may change again over time though.

If you're ever in town you're always welcome.

Thanks very much! Not likely any time soon from way up here in Alaska, but I appreciate the offer.

Never say never:-)

Something else about these speakers and Dennis's amp. Those big boys in the back are, according to Dennis, about 1.5 ohm. That's right 1.5 OHMS!! Pretty much a dead short and a killer for an ordinary amp. The Inspire drove them like there was no tomorrow and never broke a sweat. The smaller ones are, I believe, around 4 ohms. I don't think I'll run those with anything but the Inspire.

Do you know what sensitivity?

Sorry Peter. Either I don't remember or he didn't say. I can say that they were playing plenty loud at half volume with the 6V6 tubes.

No problem. I'm just curious as I'm looking at a change in speakers - internet direct so I can't bring my amp to the store or take them home on a trial. I think they would be fine though. I'm currently at 8 ohms, 93db sensitivity (Omega Super 7XRS Alnico). The designer is working on a 1.5 way version with two of the same drivers: one full range and one with low pass at 500Hz. It changes it to 4 ohms / 96db. The sensitivity is obviously better, but 4 ohms makes them harder to drive - pulls for more current. By all indications, Dennis' amps are up to it, particularly if you are seeing good results with your 4 ohm open baffle. They are not likely greater than 96db sensitive.

He has never talked about different taps for the transformers for different impedances. Don't know if that would be an appropriate mod, or how they are set now.

My AR2ax' are 8 ohm and ~87db. I can tell they need more power and do produce more dynamics with my 70wpc conrad-johnson than with the Inspire.

My LSA Statement monitors are 89db at 6 ohms and are plenty loud. No stress on the amp at all.

As I understand it, the sensitivity is an indication of how loud a speaker will play at given power. It's the low impedance that will kill a lot of amps and drive them into clipping. I watched Dennis short out his speaker leads with no damage. I did that on my ST70 and produced a nice big spark.

There is a great thread on AVSForum in the speaker section called "Need help on speaker efficiency". Sorry, not allowed to post a link here. Lot's on this very topic.

I really like my Zu Omens. They're very high efficiency at 97 dB, the 6V6GT's play *plenty* loud with them. No worries there. The other odd thing about the Zu speakers is they pose a different problem than low impedance - they're rather high at 12 ohms. It actually requires a different tap off the output transformer. It was a piece of cake to do, I changed mine in about 5 minutes. A little solder, and great guidance by Dennis - and voila: the KT-6550's are perfect mates with the high impedance Zu's.

The Zu's are quite affordable too. I love mine. They have some really deep bass and great lively sound. Just throwing another option out there for <10 wpc amplifiers that we love!

Great article Peter! Thanks for the heads up.

The Zu's were/are on my short list for floor standers. The only drawback is the high impedance and lack of dealers around here. Great rep for killer sounds though.

I don't think Zu has any dealers (I could be wrong on that...). They've got a great return policy though, if you need it. I bought a pair sight-unseen, or I guess unheard... Felt weird to do so, but at $999 for a pair of the Dirty Weekend (which I've since upgraded to the Mk.1-B version) it was a low cost risk.

Nice photos! I first encountered those VA 350B's in a Melody 300B amp....loved 'em.

Will those work in the Inspire KT88 HO amp? I've got it mated to an LP2.

Thx!

Me too...there's nothing like an OB no x-over design. These have developed a reputation for being nearly as 'fast as stats'

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2e2fe849.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps75c290b5.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...psfdeebba6.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...psa852b676.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ee9562f.jpg

and here the same builder as above with his reference speakers using a modern up to date version of the famed Heil AMT driver.....these are local to me...it's tough listening to a traditional box design after hearing these.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...d94a95b3-1.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps44eff356.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4ebe494b.jpg

Thank you! I think it was your photo of the Sophia 274B that inspired me, IIRC.

I would think the KT88 would run 350B's, which I think are the same design or very close to the 6L6. Check with Dennis to be safe, though he has never said no to the tube possibilities I've presented.

That said, I ended up feeling that the 350B was a bit tiring/forward. It seems I keep going back to the 6V6. The EL34 XF2 I think is my second favorite (today!). I'll be giving the Valve Arts another go though.

Being the tube addict it seems I am, I have splurged on some 6V6 and one EL34 tubes to try out:

Tung-Sol 6V6GTA (~1950's - 60's)
Tung-Sol 6V6GT reissue - gets some good reviews and not expensive to try
Visseaux 6V6GT (1951)
Sylvania 6V6GT, (1940's)
NOS "dimple top" Siemens EL34

I'll try to do some reviewing and ranking, but it'll will probably be a while as I will sit with each for at least a few days.

Once I settle down with the tube rolling, I might have to have Dennis replace the power tube sockets if I don't wear them out earlier!

Okay, as a follow-up to my earlier question, about the use of VA350B's and the Sophia 274B rectifier in the Fire Bottle KT88, and for the benefit of some future reader, Dennis confirmed:

Concerning the Fire Bottle KT88, the Sophia 274B and VA 350B's are plug 'n play....these Inspire products truly R something aren't they!

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/...ps27cabf01.jpg

Those 350B's look great in your amp! I'm a sucker for a pair of power tubes with the coke bottle shape.

And at $34/pair - who cares if they only last a month!

Me too, thanks. I'll have to give them a try again. Last night I gave a listen to NOS RCA 6L6 and NOS RCA 6V6 Blackplates (I think that's right). But I keep coming back to the Popes. They are more natural and more 3D. The RCA 6L6's were particularly unpleasant compared to both of the others - a bit of smearing and harshness. If I can, I'll try the 350B's again tonight and maybe the KT150's again for old time's sake. :eatndrink: I want to be clear about my top one or two favorites before the round of new tubes comes in. I'm particularly eager to try the Visseaux 6V6 that should be here next week.

Big Daddy Cary 306/200 IN DA HOUSE...
 

Well, my purchase of the Resolution Audio CD55 turned out to be a bit of a disaster. Really woolly bass, no tightness or control. I put back on my go-to Rotel RCD-1072, and everything sounded fine. I really believe there was something wrong with the CD55. Thankfully the eBay Return Policy allowed me to get a full refund, as the seller was digging in his heels and wouldn't accept a return. It got fairly contentious - but I couldn't live with the player and didn't want to try to re-sell it only to have the next buyer hear the same things. Ugh.

Enter my next eBay purchase: my, ahem, *vintage* (it's gotta be 10+ years old, right?) Cary 306/200 CD player with full digital input capability. Am I a dinosaur for still running CDs? Yeah, mehbe so. I still like them. Sue me. The 306/200 has the HDCD decoding filter and is just a beast. The next most desired unit would have been the 308T with the tube analog circuit, but they're available about as often as the Cubs win the World Series. Or thereabouts.

I'm loving this player tonight. First night in play. After the Resolution CD55 debacle, I really regretted selling the Rotel, but now my nerves are calming. This is a serious unit, back when it was new I couldn't have even considered buying one - way out of my range. Gotta love the bleeding edge of technology. It's a slippery slope.

The 70's era TungSol 6550's are still the go-to power tube, and the Siemens 7308 might be there for a while in the driver slot. Mullard 7-notch 5AR4 rectifier from the 60's. Peter's review makes me want to pop the Popes back in with a vintage 5U4G, perhaps... Oh the possibilities of the KT-150!:thumbsup:

http://home.comcast.net/~cryptcl/Oct3.jpg

Hey! Thanks for the adventure. Those junctures of changing an important piece of the system. Want to always keep at least one foot on the floor at all times! I know it well.

I'm all on NAS now with a streamer/DAC feeding the LP-2. Control it with a tablet app, browsing albums, queuing up tracks. I love it! :thumbsup: But I won't sue you. The best revenge is living well! http://smiley.nowdararpour.ir/ahswen/3.gif

BTW, I love that lava lamp between the tubes. Totally copacetic.

Which type did you go with? I have a Grace model GDI-IRDT200, but I haven't started using it regularly. Streams hi bit rate files through the WiFi and has a digital out - so that was one of the things I liked about the Cary 306/200 was the array of digital inputs.

What app do you use to control the play? I think I was going to look into the Foobar app since that's the desktop computer player I was using. I should see if I can get that working with the new Cary device.

Are you suggesting Ebay's return policy allows one to return any product that is not to their liking for any reason?

That policy works great for buyers, but not for sellers. Perhaps that explains why there's so few private sellers on Ebay any longer.

Regarding the VA 350B's, how much break in time have you given those tubes? I had some 40 hours on mine before they came to life....but again, they were used on an entirely different tube amp. Happy listening!

You can return something with that policy IF it's "not as described". I think there was something wrong with the player, because it sounded like crap compared to 2 others I had access to. I don't know if it was a voltage or impedance mismatch - but I don't care. It didn't sound right. It had been modded, and who knows what else.

Probably fewer private sellers because of the 12.5% fees (10% for eBay + another 2.5% PayPal). Pretty punishing if you're selling anything of value.

I have a Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6. I use BubbleUPnP as the control on an android tablet. Files are on a Synology NAS with MinimServer as the server. Everything is nice and solid now, after tinkering with various control and server software.

We are different though, since my server is a NAS and it sounds like yours is via your computer.

The SM6 has their DAC Magic plus incorporated. I really like that DAC, particularly as it is not overly expensive.