@karangovil I was thinking…
Look into something that uses KT66’s or KT88’s to give you a different feel. Those usually can be found in configurations that feed anywhere from a couple to upwards of 25 wpc and i like the visceral impact the tubes impart to the sound character of the amplifier. Much different from DHT’s in my mind and thus far i have even had good luck w/ Genelex tubes 
about the only ones that can be had for somewhat palatable cost.
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That’s interesting. I can actually try those out in my Leben. So far I have tried 6L6 and 6550 (I keep these stashed for special times). The amp came with EHX EL34 which are not the best but okay. I’ve given up trying to find metal base EL34 from a good source that’s not insanely priced.
But maybe I should turn my gaze to KTXX varieties to see if there is much difference.
Edit: I see that KT66 is European equivalent of 6L6. So KT88 and KT77 are the ones to try really.
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I guess my personal highlight this year audio wise… would be finally getting off of the PC and getting the UltraRendu running. That and the D8KP which is GOAT-ed in my setup much like the Utopia which is also a permanent mainstay.
Although to be honest my real highlight has been getting out of the rat race which is HiFi audio, the rendu and d8kp purchases happened very early in the year (march) an dI haven’t changed or tweaked anything in my system since. I have successfully escaped the never ending cycle so to speak and am genuinely happy rn
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Holla!
Same here. I think I bought some footers earlier in the year and haven’t really touched or tweaked my setup ever since. Really happy with how everything is sounding and still listening daily.
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In case you weren’t aware, you can add 6550 to your list since it’s equivalent to a KT88.
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What a great thread. Instead of anything audio related (which I was very thankful in for 2023), I’m gonna borrow from 2022 since this comes to mind.
I went to Iceland for a week sans kids, and there was this waterfall (‘Haifoss’) that I really wanted to see but it was too far out of our way. But just a month before the trip, I had the privilege to take care of a 40-something year old elementary teacher, Jenn, who had metastatic cancer. She was just such a joyful person and we were close in age, and I would regret not going here if I ended up being her in a few years. YOLO! On the night before we left Iceland, I got up at 1am and drove 2.5 hours (and up an unpaved dirt trail) up to catch sunrise at this waterfall without anyone else there for >50 miles. It was the most serene, isolated moment of just untouched joy.
Two months afterwards, Jenn passed away. I never got to tell her that I went here and was inspired by her to do so. So whenever I see this photo, I remember, “For Jenn.”
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2024 edition!! What are your guys’ highlight(s)??
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Audio wise, I’m still really enjoying the inakustik conditioner I got this year. A solid foundation of power can really bring a lot to a system imo. I don’t think I can run a system without this inakustik.
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My highlight for 2024 is the Mon Acoustic Platimon VC One Speaker. For audio related things, I basically dedicated most of 2024 focusing on maxing out the Platimon ever since I got it. Hearing it getting better and better with each upgrade/tweak is satisfying. I can still say it’s my current favorite piece of audio gear alongside with the Supratek DHT preamp 10 months later.
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It would have to be the move 100% to speakers in a dedicated treated room. No going back from this.
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I only had one upgrade this year, so that will be my favorite.
The sw1x VDIII special streamer, which I’m still exploring.
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One of my highlights of the year was last weekend, when I spent some time with @NickMimi , @dB_Cooper , @Camus and @Flashbolt at CAF.
Not just experiencing rooms together but eating more meat than I ever want to see again (until next time) and chatting about life in general. After my memory of each room has faded, I will still treasure my time with them.
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With @NickMimi and @dB_Cooper in the same room, were you ever able to get a word in edgewise?
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I’ve never met anyone who could talk while taking a breath before. The two of you must be bagpipe players 
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If you want to actually see Nick not spewing words you have to join us at my favorite pizza shop. The first bite left him so stunned he couldnt speak… for about 10 seconds tops.
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I thought I was going to experience that at Nick’s favorite gyro place in the CAF area, but he’s a smart man, he ate before we met for lunch.
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I resemble and admit to all the above actions and comments, yes 
The show was just the excuse to spend time w/ you all and many thank’s to our generous host @Camus for opening his home to us all, and providing us w/ the exciting fire drill too! 
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Many audio related changes, but the one real highlight I’m still waiting to take delivery of. Currently scheduled to arrive the week between Christmas and New Year, being built, 35 weeks out of a typical 40 week manufacturing period. Our very first grandchild. A girl with a full head of hair, 5.7 lbs and growing, moving around like crazy, apparently raring to go!
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Congrats to you and the family Cooper. It is hard to believe youre even old enough to be in the realm of grandparent.
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It creeps up on you! lol
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