Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Rosco65]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

An interesting comparison would be the previous KT design vs the same with the IIPS mods (apples to apples). Of course, this would probably have to rely on sound memory.

Sound memory is notoriously unreliable, unfortunately. Right now, I think the most reliable set of ears we have are hanging on Dennis' head.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by BearCityUSA

Sorry Rosco,

Definitely liking the PSE. A real improvement over my KT is apparent already. I am just not sure if it is the PSE or the IISP that is the driver of this improvement, and likely never will be. The option of hearing it before the IIPS was not offered and I did not inquire. I put my trust in Dennis on that one. He told me this is what he was installing and I just nodded my head with a glazed look of meager understanding at the time. At the moment I have no wishes or second thoughts except for the fact that I need to stop spending money on stereo gear for a while.

Much discussion has been going on here about contemplating the new IIPS upgrade to previous versions of the Inspire line. I inquired with Dennis about maybe changing over to the new circuit. At the moment I have elected not to. My reasoning is that there is such a magical cohesion between Output and Rectifier Tubes that I am afraid to give that up with my 2013 model KT amp. I am sure you each have found those combinations. For me the Pope 6v6gt with Bendix RedBank 6106 for one, I just am not ready to abandon, even as much as I trust Dennis in his circuit advancement. I have my older KT and new PSE side by side currently and likely will for a while to come and I will do some comparisons maybe change my mind.

I'm happy with what I have, so no change for me. However, I was not at the toy factory.

Good to hear that everything worked out for you.

[x3workshop]

I have no such qualms about the PS change altering a perfect balance. Perhaps I'm not such a critical listener, but I feel pretty confident that I'll find the right driver and power tube combo to be quite happy with the amp after the changeover. Besides, it's hardly irreversible.

[Musica Amantem]

Problem is, when the guy who has made you happy with your last toy tells you he has this amazing improvement, it becomes inevitable to feel tempted (we always want more of a good thing). But, I agree with FloridaBoy in that what we have is already great stuff.

Also, in my case, logistics issues prevent me from jumping all over offers to send my gear back to the mothership (too expensive!).

Finally, another argument I have is the one I posed a few messages back regarding loudspeakers for these amp gems. I believe it will contribute more bang for the buck to improve the loudspeaker segment of the system to really enjoy the amp at its best. Then, if one has already eliminated that bottleneck, a consideration to continue with improvements on the amp is more reasonable.

BTW, I already have 1 pair of speakers, an integrated amp and a nice DAC, all of them almost new that I don't use and cannot sell due to those logistics constraints. Having an accessible (feasible) second market in this hobby is essential, unfortunately.

Besides, I'm sure a year from now Dennis will have on offer much more amazing alternatives (still affordable, I hope), so waiting around for a while is not such a bad idea while one learns how to optimize the current system with a look on the future ...

[Rosco65]

Musica,

There are some inescapable truths in this hobby:

1. If equipment sounds great when you first get it, it will likely continue to sound good unless it wears out.

2. There will always be something that sounds better than what you have right now.

3. You will go broke and crazy chasing something that sounds better than what you have right now.

4. You will eventually regret selling some piece of equipment to "upgrade".

5. Your current system - no matter how modest it may be - is still in the top 1% of music playback systems in world. We're driving Corvettes and dream of Ferraris.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Musica,

There are some inescapable truths in this hobby:

1. If equipment sounds great when you first get it, it will likely continue to sound good unless it wears out.

2. There will always be something that sounds better than what you have right now.

3. You will go broke and crazy chasing something that sounds better than what you have right now.

4. You will eventually regret selling some piece of equipment to "upgrade".

5. Your current system - no matter how modest it may be - is still in the top 1% of music playback systems in world. We're driving Corvettes and dream of Ferraris.

Rosco65.......Amen!

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Musica,

There are some inescapable truths in this hobby:

1. If equipment sounds great when you first get it, it will likely continue to sound good unless it wears out.

2. There will always be something that sounds better than what you have right now.

3. You will go broke and crazy chasing something that sounds better than what you have right now.

4. You will eventually regret selling some piece of equipment to "upgrade".

5. Your current system - no matter how modest it may be - is still in the top 1% of music playback systems in world. We're driving Corvettes and dream of Ferraris.

Well said. Agreed!

[CoGT3]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Another consideration is the quality of the diodes used in the B+ supply: Jeff Day's interviews with Yakazi-san of the SPEC Corporation bring our attention to the ST Microelectronics STTH6110TV2 diode. They both rave about these relatively expensive ($27) diodes in tube equipment. I would be willing to pony up the extra cost for Dennis to use my amp as a guinea pig.

Can sign me up as another Guinea pig. Jumping in line for a PSE this week too. Would love to see Dennis throw the kitchen sink at it. (Already suggested trying some Jupiter caps, he thought current silver caps voice better for his amps).

[x3workshop]

Originally Posted by Musica Amantem

Problem is, when the guy who has made you happy with your last toy tells you he has this amazing improvement, it becomes inevitable to feel tempted (we always want more of a good thing). But, I agree with FloridaBoy in that what we have is already great stuff.

Also, in my case, logistics issues prevent me from jumping all over offers to send my gear back to the mothership (too expensive!).

Finally, another argument I have is the one I posed a few messages back regarding loudspeakers for these amp gems. I believe it will contribute more bang for the buck to improve the loudspeaker segment of the system to really enjoy the amp at its best. Then, if one has already eliminated that bottleneck, a consideration to continue with improvements on the amp is more reasonable.

BTW, I already have 1 pair of speakers, an integrated amp and a nice DAC, all of them almost new that I don't use and cannot sell due to those logistics constraints. Having an accessible (feasible) second market in this hobby is essential, unfortunately.

Besides, I'm sure a year from now Dennis will have on offer much more amazing alternatives (still affordable, I hope), so waiting around for a while is not such a bad idea while one learns how to optimize the current system with a look on the future ...

I don't disagree with anything that you've said, but since I am not running incredibly efficient speakers, the modification to minimize any distortion when pushing the amp to higher levels is a benefit for me.

Chasing the latest mod would be time consuming, unsatisfying, and expensive. Since I've requested a couple of modest tweaks to be done at the same time as the power supply change, I don't feel it's a waste of time, or money, but an investment in better performance for my use.

To be truthful, the Inspire gear is the newest kit that I own outside of my ML ESL's and DAC's. Everything else is of a vintage that dates from the mid fifties to early 2000's. Proven designs and outstanding performers.

On another note, how great is it that we all have the benefit of watching these Inspire designs evolve as Dennis tries new solutions to certain problems and deficiencies that he's identified?

If we wish, we can even choose to try a completely new design, the PSE. I chose not to buy another amp right now since I feel there can be some improvements made to the original amp that I own that will satisfy my needs.

I hear you about needing a good second hand market to make this hobby work. I'm lucky to live in a place that has that market for pre owned, higher end gear. That, and a good supply of friends that wait for my gear to become available make this feasible for me!

[x3workshop]

Originally Posted by Rosco65

Musica,

There are some inescapable truths in this hobby:

.... We're driving Corvettes and dream of Ferraris.

I have a Ferrari... slightly worn and well spanked, but a Ferrari nonetheless.