Allnic Audio H5000 phono stage

[hvbias]

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.

 

[Joao@altheamusica]

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..

I don't using DaVinci LCR-RIAA I use a Tango 600 Ohm but I will design my own as well. Regarding the Da Vinci phono stage you mentioned I was involved with Peter Brem during his experiments, but I use a different circuit like he. Mine is a really single ended like tube design and really a substitute of JFet instead of tubes (Da Vinci uses bipolar transistors).

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.

That's what I mean with microphonic - the L5000 is the Line Stage, correct? I had similar problems and I know some designers which use lower filament voltages to solve the microphonics of the large DHTs. But anyway it's an interesting design....

Joao
Althea Musica
www.altheamusica.com

 

[Joao@altheamusica]

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.

Correct, the sensitivity of the speakers is the point here. Some decades ago, when I began with designing DHT amps, I was glad about the silence of the amp - and of course about the sound quality. This was with speakers around 92dB/W/m and after connecting a 100dB speaker the fun was over and l had to start again.

Joao
Althea Musica
www.altheamusica.com

 

[Joao@altheamusica]

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."

OK so you describe them immune to microphonic. Can you describe that test detailled - set-up, components like speakers (sensitivity) etc...

Thanks

Joao
Althea Musica
www.altheamusica.com

 

[Lotus]

Joao, those were Alberts Porters comments, not mine. I honestly don't think anything I could tell you would be that useful. Everyones expectatiosn and systems and listening preferences are so different. The only way is to try one out for yourself. I will only say that given the tech behind the H5000 and its outstanding performance, for me it seems remarkably plug and play.

 

[rockitman]

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.

I relinquished and ordered the HA3000 head amp. My conversations with KS and David left me no choice....

 

[Lotus]

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.

 

[rockitman]

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...

 

[MylesBAstor]

Since going a full Nordost Odin system, there is no need for me to think about other cables anymore...

No there ain't!

 

[rockitman]

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.

 

[Lotus]

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.

Hi Rockit ... gald you are enjoying the head amp, it is quite a special piece IMO. I personally love what it does.

I have never had any hum issues with Rick's HFC cables and the head amp or any of the phono preamps. As Rick uses a full Allnic DHT system you will I'm sure, encounter much synergy if yuo try them. All the cables are exemplary at their pricepoints but I would recommend the Ultimate if budget allows. This wire's capabilities goes significantly beyond any other wire I have so far heard.

 

[rockitman]

Thanks Lotus. I may look into getting one of his cables.

 

[Lotus]

I have an HFC Ct1 ultimate coming for my Durand Talea II --> HA3000 as well (with breakout box). Should be interesting, I am hoping for big things as the signal is so small and precious here.

 

[Worldcat]

I have the HFC ct1 with my 30 Reed. Let me know how the Ct-1 is on the Talea i would consider rewiring mine as well.

 

[Lotus]

first impressions, pretty amazing

I am running Talea/Beat into H1500 but with this wire it sounds like i'm going through an H5000 DHT !

 

[Worldcat]

How does that cable hook up to a Talea?

 

[rockitman]

So I have been rolling rectifier tubes in the Allnic H5000 DHT phono for the past couple of years. I have tried virtually all GZ series NOS tubes including GZ32, GZ34 and GZ37. Of the GZ series, the GZ37 were the best overall. Then came the Phillips 5R4GY Phillips (small bottle) and Jan RCA 5R4GY double bottom getters from 1945. These tubes are my favorite now supplanting 1950's RCA and late 40's Ken Rad/National Union 5U4G's...my favorite prior to my double getter 5R4GY's. I thought they would be the end of the road until I received today...the Holy Grail Western Electric 422A nos from 1960. Hopefully these will be the end of the road tube. They should be for the price of admission. If they arent and I prefer my double getter 5R4GY, these will go up for sale if anyone is interested.

 

[mark-tube]

dear all,
does anyone have experience with tubes HL2 Marconi made in Italy?
I'm thinking to buy these tubes https://www.ebay.com/itm/253708599834
can anyone share their experience? I would like to get a suggestion
many thanks
all the best