Some interesting audio gear in Bangalore

jai1611

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Came across some interesting audio gear for sale in Bangalore. I know the guy who put it up for sale from an earlier DAC purchase from him (my current Audio Alchemy vintage DAC as well as the DIY one before that). Had gone to his place to listen a few weeks back (before the listings came up). Now that he has officially put the stuff up for sale, was planning to go for another visit. Posting here in case anyone wants to join. My plan as of now is to fix up a time with him for Sunday. In case anyone else would like to join, pls PM me so we can coordinate and go together.

Some listening impressions from my earlier visit below.

ES9018 DAC https://www.olx.in/item/world-famous-ess9018-dac-with-russian-tube-6n16b-output-stage-ID1l9rmf.html
4P1L preamp: https://www.olx.in/item/4p1l-tube-pre-amplifier-ID1l9sYN.html
The larger list of stuff: https://www.olx.in/all-results/user/uoPK/

When I had visited, we tried a bunch of different DACs. Besides the ES9018 and TDA1543 ones on sale, there was a heavily modified audio alchemy DAC with AD1860 and a modded musical fidelity v90 there as well. They all sounded quite good but each with its unique flavour. To me the big surprise was the ES9018. I generally really dislike the sound of sabre DACs. This was the first time I heard one I actually liked! I guess it takes that much to get the best out of that DAC chip!

The 4P1L preamp was outstanding. Needed a low gain DAC to work best so didnt go well with the ES9018. However, the combination with the V90 sounded exceptional.
 
I recently brought a diy class A clone Jc 2 preamplifier from this genius guy called Suraj kumar, it was packed neatly and couriered, connected it with my yamaha mx2 power amp and B&W 604 speakers and my first impression was WOW, amazing stuff made by Suraj just one volume button and one input and output with one power on off switch, the sound is smooth and it’s real class A components used inside, the more warmer the preamp gets the more sweeter it sounds, very happy with this budget preamp which sounds better then Rotel,denon and other companies which makes preamp which cost 25k and more though the outer box can be improved with better finish and fitting and a remote can be added but worth the money spend which was 12k, would definitely like to try more modified gears from Suraj kumar
Regards
Mohan
 
Had recently visited the guy who put up the stuff above. The AD1860 DAC that I had originally heard underwent significant upgrades. Instead of the earlier JFET output stage, it now has a very well built tube output stage (adapted from the ES9018 DAC I had heard during my earlier visit). Great balance of tone and resolution. Plus the usual soundstage tropes. He's put it up for sale here: https://www.olx.in/item/audio-alche...ussiantube-output-stage-highend-ID1p9tQw.html . Great option for someone looking for an R2R option. However, comes with the usual limitations of vintage DACs - no USB and no high-res.
 
The Marantz PM7000N offers big, spacious and insightful sound, class-leading clarity and a solid streaming platform in a award winning package.
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