Doshi Stereo Amplifier Arrived

[Lee]

I received one of these yesterday, installed the eight 6CA7 tubes, and had a long listen. It sounds very, very good to my ears. The build quality is very solid and the chrome cage over the transformers creates a nice mirror effect with the tubes. Seems to mate really well with my Alexia 2s but that's not surprising since Nick did the development on his own Alexia 2s.

Any other members here use Doshi gear? I know the tape pre is very well regarded. Anyone have the mono amps?

 

[dminches]

Nick makes great equipment. I have his line stage, tape pre and phono pre.

 

[Lee]

Nick makes great equipment. I have his line stage, tape pre and phono pre.

Agreed. I have heard the tape pre a lot and it always sounds good.

 

[astrotoy]

I have his tape pre pro. I was extremely impressed hearing his amp paired with Rockport Lyras at Tim Marutani's place. Nick is also a really nice guy. He spent some time at my home last summer, and we listened to one of my safety master tapes through his tape pre pro.

Larry

 

[Lee]

I have his tape pre pro. I was extremely impressed hearing his amp paired with Rockport Lyras at Tim Marutani's place. Nick is also a really nice guy. He spent some time at my home last summer, and we listened to one of my safety master tapes through his tape pre pro.

Larry

Nick is a really nice. And a superb engineer with good ears.

 

[Number9]

Does his linestage get the same high praise from you guys that have heard it? Larry, did you compare to the Herron? I am looking for something right about this price range and have tried a couple big names but still a tough time settling in on anything. I like that it has a tvc volume control and have also read from some that the v. 3 is very live sounding.

 

[Lee]

Does his linestage get the same high praise from you guys that have heard it? Larry, did you compare to the Herron? I am looking for something right about this price range and have tried a couple big names but still a tough time settling in on anything. I like that it has a tvc volume control and have also read from some that the v. 3 is very live sounding.

I have not tried the line stage yet. But based on what I have seen and heard, I would add it to your audition list.

 

[Number9]

Thanks for the response. Are you thinking about replacing your Ref 5 anytime soon?

 

[MJB]

Congratulations! Nick’s gear is terrific. And, he’s also a good guy.

 

[astrotoy]

I haven't compared the Doshi preamp to my Herron 360. I don't switch my core equipment very much. I started with Keith Herron back when he first began in the late '90's and have just gone up the ladder with his preamps, trading up with his generous upgrade and trade in policy.

Nick on the other hand is still in his prime. His preamp/amp combo was a great sounding match for the Rockport Lyras and his tape prepro that I heard at Tim Marutani's place. His preamp is not quite three times more expensive than the Herron 360.

Larry

 

[dminches]

Does his linestage get the same high praise from you guys that have heard it? Larry, did you compare to the Herron? I am looking for something right about this price range and have tried a couple big names but still a tough time settling in on anything. I like that it has a tvc volume control and have also read from some that the v. 3 is very live sounding.

I replaced an Audio Research Ref 5 SE with the Doshi line stage. I found the Doshi to be much quieter and open. You wouldn't be disappointed.

 

[Number9]

I had a Ref 6 in my system and really didn’t like it much at all. If the Doshi isn’t lots better I will be disappointed. For all I know the 5se sounds better than the 6 but regardless I am getting a little fed up trying to find something to fill my empty shelf. Do you know if you have the latest version 3.0? So far the best pre in my system has been the Gamut 3i. It beat out many!

 

[dminches]

I have the latest version, yes.

 

[Tango]

I have the latest version, yes.

Have you upgraded with the new umbi?

Tang

 

[dminches]

Yes. I just received it 2 weeks ago. I can’t really say what the difference is at this point.

 

[Tango]

Yes. I just received it 2 weeks ago. I can’t really say what the difference is at this point.

Hahaha. Me neither! Nick changed one for me on the tape pre. He said Myles was giving a good impression though.

Tang

 

[dminches]

Sometimes the changes are subtle. Other people seem to be able hear the most minuet change.

 

[Number9]

Hmm, I will need to check on the umbilical chord on the demo unit I am having sent. Are there any exterior differences that are easily discernible?

 

[Tango]

Sometimes the changes are subtle. Other people seem to be able hear the most minuet change.

You can also upgrade some internal parts on the preamp board of tape pre too. Nick also did that for me two weeks ago. I didnt bother asking what he changed. I was working while he was doing it. How did the sound change? I also cannot answer this. But on Scheherazade, tape now sounds better than my vinyl. I had said in another thread before my vinyl sounded better on this title.

Tang

 

[Ron Resnick]

. . . But on Scheherazade, tape now sounds better than my vinyl. I had said in another thread before my vinyl sounded better on this title.

Tang

GO TAPE! GO TAPE! GO TAPE!

Did Nick say if these component upgrades are built into new copies of the Doshi tape ore-amp?