It is amp/circuit/layout dependent. I have heard 300B monoblocks on 107 db/w horns that were so quiet you couldn't tell they were on. My current headphone amp/preamp is DHT and the background is pitch black with my HD800 headphones.
What I mean is to use the VFET's for the phono amplification phases, not the tubes i.e. a solid state LCR phono unit. I believe atheamusica is using the Da Vinci LCR phono unit, which dropped the tubes and went solid state for the amplification phases, but I don't think it uses SITs or VFETs..
My Allnic L5000 DHT preamp definitely has microphonics when you tap the chassis, but I cannot determine that it has any effect on playback, even when playing very loud. The tube sockets are gel absorbers, and I keep it on Aurios islolation feet, but if I hit it or brush it with no music, it definitely pings.
I think it is one of those audiophile OC disorder things, don't use DHT if you are not prepared for some side effects in order to obtain the sonic advantages i.e. the usual tradeoff dilemma in audiophilia. I think the advantages are more than worthwhile because there is no alternative that will do the same thing sonically, at least for me in my system, others' mileage will vary according to taste and demand.
FWIW, i have the H3000 (like a number of folks here) and as it broke in, I started to experience some microphonics. Simple tube swap solved the problem. I use extremely efficient speakers (~104db) so you hear any gremlins. Dunno what the DHT adds to the equation in terms of potential microphonics, assume it has the same gel sockets that the 3000 uses.
Albert Porters comment over on Agon might be useful here. I'm sure he'll be ok with me quoting it.
"The 5000 seems to be as quiet as the H3000 which is excellent in that regard. Both are quieter than my (previous) Aesthetix even with super select NOS tube throughout.
I put the 5000 though my own personal torture test. If I'm going to own something I don't want to overlook any issues or problems. The torture test is rapping on the two chassis with a wood dowel rod and see if the tubes crackle or microphonic. Answer is no, they seem immune."
Guys, the headamp is the pre-existing HA3000. There is no new head amp specific to the H5000.
The HA3000 is a no brainer for me with both the H3000 and H5000. Yes, a little bit more noise and you lose a tiny smidge of warmth but the immediacy, presence and realism of the music takes a fairly big leap along with solid state precision/speed just as cjfrbw states. It makes everything sound pressurised and projects it into the room like nothing else i've heard, almost as if its emenating from some other infinite universe somewhere. Sounds cheesy perhaps but its a fairly striking upgrade IME.
The H5000 uses Marconi HL2 in the stage 1 driver and then x4 specially commisioned Kron DHT which replace the original ancient telefunkens used in the prototype.
Good stuff. Hope you enjoy it.
Did David talk to you about Rick Schultz's cables ? Now you have some Allnic machinery you might give them a try too. Pretty amazing cables, certainly the most sigificant design I have ever heard.
Since going a full Nordost Odin system, there is no need for me to think about other cables anymore...
Good stuff. Hope you enjoy it.
Did David talk to you about Rick Schultz's cables ? Now you have some Allnic machinery you might give them a try too. Pretty amazing cables, certainly the most sigificant design I have ever heard.
Have you had any issue with hum from particular cable brands, length ? I have/want to use my Nordost Odin 1.5 meter from HA3000->H5000 rca. The problem is, the Odin hums and the same length Nordost Tyr does not. WTF ? I suppose there is an induction issue ? After all, Odin TSC (Total Shield Concept) should be superior to the 3rd in line Tyr. Have you run Rick's cables from HA3000 to H5000 rca w/o issue? I can get my head amp within 1/2 meter.
OH I forgot, If I had to chose mc transformer input versus nuvistor tube active head amp gain, I would choose the HA3000 into the MM input. I was resistant, but cannot deny more musical satisfaction. Sound stage depth/width is greatly improved amongst tighter bass and faster dynamics.
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