Tube Integrated for Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE

Yes.

I would rather not ask a local dealer for a demo as I have no intention of buying new.

No.

Hey Grant,
I respect your respecting the dealers. Very honorable. That's why we have Audiogon to buy used, right? Have you narrowed down your choice of integrateds yet? I just shared another e-mail with Kevin Hayes at VAC. He has been amazing with his prompt replies to my questions. He told me that his new VAC Auricle Musiblocs I just bought have essentially the same amplifier circuitry as the Avatar Super integrated. I got a gut feeling that he's about to introduce an all new Avatar. Have you considered maybe changing to speakers that might not be so power hungry? It might give you a better choice of integrateds. I just bought Joseph Chow's new preamplifier and I'm chomping on the bit in anticipation. I also recently bought his Premium power cord($195.00) and it's been one of those "Oh..my.. God" jaw-dropping experiences.

04-15-06: Sherod
Hey Grant,
I respect your respecting the dealers. Very honorable. That's why we
have Audiogon to buy used, right?

Thanks.

Have you narrowed down your choice of
integrateds yet?

No, not really, but everyone's suggestions have been helpful.

I got a gut feeling that he's about to introduce an
all new Avatar.

Perhaps. It would seem to be a logical market segment in which to have
a strong product.

Have you considered maybe changing to
speakers that might not be so power hungry?

I briefly considered Silverline Sonata III, but I really, really
like my speakers, and I'd rather not toss everything out and start over.
I'm having a difficult enough time deciding to buy an integrated. There
are several options that offer plenty of power.

I just bought Joseph Chow's new preamplifier and
I'm chomping on the bit in anticipation.

What, no VAC Standard LE? (only teasing...) Try a Volex 17604 power
cord from Carlton-Bates.com for $7.50 (or $5/ea for two or more). 14
gauge, 3 conductor, shielded. It beat several $1000+ cords on my Lamm
LL2 preamp. No joke.

Grant, if the old budget could have handled it, I would have given the VAC preamp consideration. Joseph gives a 30 day return policy on his preamp and an Audiogon member with a very nice system just sold his $16,000.00 First Sound Paramount Sig. because he liked Joseph's 2.0 preamp better, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'll keep the Volex in mind, but I've read some ho-hum stuff on it in Audiocircle threads. For $159.00, try the Audio Horizon Premium power cord. Two guys here in Audiogon just sold their Shunyata Anacondas, Elrod Sig 3, and Electraglide Epiphany X to go with the Audio Horizon Premium and Transparent cords. I'm very impressed with the magic of Joseph Chow. I sent him a Citation 14 tuner that I paid $75.00 for on Ebay. It retailed for $595.00 in 1972. After $300.00 and Joseph's magic flooby dust, this tuner has become my main source of listening. World class sound.

I'll keep the Volex in mind, but I've read some ho-hum stuff on it in Audiocircle threads. For $159.00, try the Audio Horizon Premium power cord.

When audiophiles routinely spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on accessories like power cords, and a $159 power cord is considered a bargain, I can't understand why anyone resists spending less than $10 on something that might well work marvelously. You've been around the block many times with power cords, Sherod, and you know as well as anyone that synergy is the key. Perhaps those over on Audiocircle haven't used the Volex in the right application. Perhaps they haven't even tried it at all. Whatever...it's less than $10 shipped to your doorstep. Try it or not, it's up to you.

My Volex works really well in it's present position on the Lamm. Otherwise, I'm all set where cabling and power cords are concerned, and it feels good to be off that merry-go-round.

Now, about the possible new Avatar...