Tube Integrated for Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE

Grant,
I know that your current all-time fave power cord is the Purist Dominus, a cord that is currently on my short-list to try. We discussed earlier a good distributor. I was wondering, though. You are using a very inexpensive Volex cord on your preamp. Have you tried a Purist Dominus liquid or Ferox there? I'm guessing that you have and it was maybe a little too much of a good thing. For some reason I've never gotten that ultimate magic when I've used the same brand or same power cord on all my components. I have always gotten best results when doing a little mixing in of cords to achieve that right flavor to please my ears. On another note, I found another good tube dealer named Tubemonger that I've bought some NOS 12au7 and e88cc tubes for experimenting in my amp and preamp. He even had a brand new late 50's CBS 7729 with D getter that I've been longing to try. Did you ever get those Odyssey Stratos monos to test out on your VR4 Gen III HSE's?

Sherod, I have tried both a Dominus Ferrox and Dominus Fluid on the Lamm LL2, and I preferred the Volex. Go figure.

I've heard good things about Tubemonger...good quality at reasonable prices. Can't get any better than that.

I have not received the Odyssey monos.

"Sherod, I have tried both a Dominus Ferrox and Dominus Fluid on the Lamm LL2, and I preferred the Volex. Go figure."

Grant, this looks like a classic case of cable synergy( I know, I know. Synergy is an over-used word here on Audiogon threads, but it is a very appropriate word when seasoning one's system with power cords and other various tweaks). I actually like the word synergy when used in the audiophile lingo of terminology. It also amazes me in that the better my system( read: more revealing with electronics,speakers) the easier it is to fine-tune the system with cabling and power cords.

On another note, I guess the Odyssey Stratos monos weren't your cup of tea?

The Odyssey Extreme Monos are extended, clear and bring lots of muscle, which presents a very large image.

I've found that with the Odyssey monos in the system, the Lamm LL2 preamp requires rolling the 6922 tubes to soften the upper mids and highs. So, Mullards have been substituted for Siemens CCa tubes.

An update on the Odyssey monos. I spoke with Klaus today, who suggested perhaps the amp's brightness was a result of them being out of bias. Over the telephone, I worked with Klaus' associate, Michael, and tested the bias of the Left Channel amp using a multimeter. It was, in fact, out of adjustment, so I re-biased the left amp with Michael walking me through the process. He suggested I listen tonight, which I did. The adjustment made a significant improvement by sweetening the upper mids and highs, and thereby removing the hardness and glare. The Mono Extremes now have a nice balance from top to bottom.

Tomorrow, I intend to call Klaus to thank him, and have Michael walk me through checking the Right Channel amp. Might as well get them back to spec to hear what they're designed to do.

Kudos to Klaus for encouraging me to call him.