The KillerDAC Audio forum
KillerDac => Testimonials => Topic started by: Jehuty on April 22, 2014, 11:13:24 PM
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I can't wait any longer.
Our own Paul Baker deserves more recognition for what he does. I have listened to many products from the so called hi-end Australian manufacturers like Weston Acoustics, SGR or even Supratek to name a few. For me, Paul Baker's works blow them out of the water, without a doubt.
So, this is it gentlemen, the place to share your experience of Falls Audio products. Please post some pictures and listening impressions. I am sure there are many who love his products.
I'll start. I am getting this one soon to drive my Axiom 80s, single ended parallel 45 amp. I have been dreaming to get one of Paul Baker's amps and finally, FINALLY, after more than 4 years of waiting it's going to come true.
Some pictures:
(http://s29.postimg.org/pa0z2rt6r/P4152038.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/pa0z2rt6r/)
(http://s16.postimg.org/96gly9qo1/P4152039.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/96gly9qo1/)
Paul Hedalfa has heard this amp and he LOVED it. I trust his opinion so that's why I pulled the trigger and I am sure I will enjoy this amp too!
My listening impression to follow once I get the amp and time to do a proper listening session.
Cheers,
Wil
PS: Internal shots are available if I get a consent from Paul Baker.
Edit: Fix the name of the amp to single ended parallel to avoid confusion :)
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Nice!
Is there a shot of power supply for it as well?
Paul knows how to build amazing amps no doubt about that! The el34 amp I had for a short while was very impressive. For me, it was the crazy power supply that made it really stand out from anything else out there.
Having also heard 1-2 products from Weston acoustics and supratek in the past, not sure it is fair to compare it to my experience with products build by Paul, as don't feel am comparing apples to apples. Supratek only really do DHT preamps, while the Weston power amps I've heard were relatively budget priced, as opposed to what I paid for my el34 amp which used premium exotic parts that I had requested/supplied.
The killerdac while I had one, had a FALLS AUDIO print on the chassis too :)
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Congrats on the amp Jehuty!! Hope that amp will bring you many years of joy.
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Thanks Tuyen and Andrew.
Tuyen, I haven't got a good shot of the power supply but I will upload some pictures once I get the amp. I think it's not as elaborate as your EL34 amp but it's actually the way I like it. For me, it's always less is more :)
With regards to the comparison with other Australian build products, I'd say, bring it on. We can compare any DHT preamps (or any preamps) to the KillerPre, check: http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,2475.0.html.
And for power/integrated amps, you have had the experience with Paul Baker's amp, I hope you don't mind me sharing some pictures of your amp here: http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,26.0.html
Oh one more thing Tuyen, do you have any pictures of the FALLS AUDIO logo? I'm thinking about making some sort of FALLS AUDIO plate (pure silver gold plated or anything else cool) for my amp ;D
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Re Paul Bakers 245
Important thread william.
We may have difference preferences and when we judge a amp we need to consider amp speaker interactions. Also may be not everybody can hear not just what is currently reproduced but also what the potential an amp may provide.
Not only did I find the mid-range of the 245 beguiling there was a timbral rightness, and sense of natural not over forced weight as well. Put it on a speaker like axiom 80 my intuition is it could be very good combination indeed. 8) 8)
I agree with Steve 50s are more balanced and more versalitie, yet that 245 amp was the shining star of my trip away. What was burnt in my mind was what it did right was just so Right!!!!. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) Id buy this amp from William in heart beat. Like life itself things do not have to be perfect to be wonderful. This amp is definitely a keeper, not something for the hi fi merry go around. If your really lucky Paul Might build you one.
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Hi Will,
Re the logo, only pic I could find in a hurry was this one with an AudioNote DAC sitting on top of the KillerDAC. lol
But you get the idea of what the logo was like. Very basic!
(http://i60.tinypic.com/4q55h.jpg)
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Thanks Tuyen, that's good enough and I like it! :)
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Falls Audio 205D Line Stage
Most of us know about the compromise problem at the root of high fi. Wed love our cake and eat it to. So we gain more drive with a line stage, yet blunt dynamics and loose clarity over something like a passive or no passive at all. So we make the choice on one side of the tradeoff. What if we are rebels and say hell no I don’t want a trade-off I want drive, I want clarity, I want dynamics I want it all. Hey there’s to many bits in the signal path, transformers, wires valves etc….. Surely its going to be a tradeoff. Well you could call me delusional, but I am not really hearing one. You can hear deep into a recording with this line stage.
I really doubt there is much around at any price that can do the whole package like Pauls line stage. Sure you may find one a touch better in some particular aspect, yet can it do everything as well. You could lay down some really serious coin on some commercial line stage and I suspect it wont pull ahead. And for vocals if your not using 205D will its likely game over, they are in a class wholly of their own.
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found 2 pics of my old el34 killeramp built by Paul Baker. Great stuff!
(http://i59.tinypic.com/33u6alc.jpg)
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2mpj592.jpg)
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The man behind Falls Audio has sent me some more pictures.
Running ST shaped type 45 valves:
(http://s8.postimg.org/oy6wf3ccx/P4232046.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/oy6wf3ccx/)
Internal shot of the amp:
(http://s23.postimg.org/55lhbwf5z/P4232052.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/55lhbwf5z/)
Separate power supply:
(http://s4.postimg.org/fhdg4b5y1/P4232050.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/fhdg4b5y1/)
The power supply is unique because I can run a single U52 rectifier (5 volt filament) or run a four pin base rectifier with 4 volt filament such as type 80 together with the U52. A very nice feature provided by our own Mr. Paul Baker 8)
Edit: replaced the blurry picture
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It looks like you snared a personal unit, that Paul made for himself. That's gold.
Well done mate.
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That pp 45 amp looks so yummy. Nice one Will.
I'm just playing with cheap Valve amps at the moment, but I think after I get the rest of system sorted, it may be time for me to have a chat with Paul to build be something nice like your amp!
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That pp 45 amp looks so yummy. Nice one Will.
I'm just playing with cheap Valve amps at the moment, but I think after I get the rest of system sorted, it may be time for me to have a chat with Paul to build be something nice like your amp!
Hi Tuyen
Thanks! It's single ended parallel :) and yes, you should get Paul to build you one or two nice SET amps for your horns. I reckon they would work very well.
It looks like you snared a personal unit, that Paul made for himself. That's gold.
Well done mate.
Hi Andrew,
Indeed you're correct. Thanks!
Cheers,
Wil
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William is indeed the LUCKY :o :o :o new owner of Pauls personal amp. 8) 8) 8) 8)
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William is indeed the LUCKY :o :o :o new owner of Pauls personal amp. 8) 8) 8) 8)
Thanks to you for letting me know Paul :)
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The man behind Falls Audio has sent me some more pictures.
Running ST shaped type 45 valves:
(http://s8.postimg.org/oy6wf3ccx/P4232046.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/oy6wf3ccx/)
Internal shot of the amp:
(http://s23.postimg.org/55lhbwf5z/P4232052.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/55lhbwf5z/)
Separate power supply:
(http://s4.postimg.org/fhdg4b5y1/P4232050.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/fhdg4b5y1/)
The power supply is unique because I can run a single U52 rectifier (5 volt filament) or run a four pin base rectifier with 4 volt filament such as type 80 together with the U52. A very nice feature provided by our own Mr. Paul Baker 8)
Edit: replaced the blurry picture
Geez two rectifiers, looks like you have pressed turbo charger button William :o :o :o Got this and the leak in your stable now..... Nice layout must have taken some effort to convert.............
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Geez two rectifiers, looks like you have pressed turbo charger button William :o :o :o Got this and the leak in your stable now..... Nice layout must have taken some effort to convert.............
There's no guarantee that two rectifiers would work better than one Paul. I just wanted to have an option to run 4 volt filament rectifiers and I have a pair of filament transformers lying around doing nothing, so I sent one to Paul Baker to accomplish what I wanted. But then, Paul Baker told me that I can run both at the same time, what a bonus! How much are you selling your special mesh plate Philips type 80 rectifier? I want one ;D PS: The filament transformers are the same as what in Steve's type 50 amp ;)
Also, I haven't even taken out my stash of vintage oil filled chokes, again no guarantee they will work better than what it's got now but it's always nice to be able to change a few things around to flavour the sound 8)
I will learn so much modding this amp, it's really a dream come true. Can't wait to get it :)
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He also has the Gargoyle 50 in the stable,,,,,,,
http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,190.msg10926.html#msg10926 (http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,190.msg10926.html#msg10926)
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There's no guarantee that two rectifiers would work better than one Paul. I just wanted to have an option to run 4 volt filament rectifiers and I have a pair of filament transformers lying around doing nothing, so I sent one to Paul Baker to accomplish what I wanted. But then, Paul Baker told me that I can run both at the same time, what a bonus! How much are you selling your special mesh plate Philips type 80 rectifier? I want one ;D PS: The filament transformers are the same as what in Steve's type 50 amp ;)
Also, I haven't even taken out my stash of vintage oil filled chokes, again no guarantee they will work better than what it's got now but it's always nice to be able to change a few things around to flavour the sound 8)
I will learn so much modding this amp, it's really a dream come true. Can't wait to get it :)
I understand the excitement. Though I do suggest that you get the axiom 80 going again first before you change anything, as these speakers really tell you whats happening, in a way that your current bedroom speakers wont. Otherwise the effect of any change might not be as youd expect, and undo Pauls work.
Pauls open baffle already have better performance than many other systems out there, so if there were major vices youd hear them. (His speakers have good clarity and resolution, and the only open baffle I have heard that produces anyting like real bass.)
On the axiom 80 the midrange produced by this amp will be heavenly, carry me away the angels are singing................ 8) 8) 8) 8) You cant put a price on it, its blissful............ Ill make a prediction, this isn't the only baker 45 amp youll see I bet someone else will want one........... :P :P :P
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Hi Will,
Re the logo, only pic I could find in a hurry was this one with an AudioNote DAC sitting on top of the KillerDAC. lol
But you get the idea of what the logo was like. Very basic!
(http://i60.tinypic.com/4q55h.jpg)
Audio note KIT DAC ,very distant cousin to the factory product and as of January this year, no longer associated as the kits contained less than 10 percent audio note product.
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I understand the excitement. Though I do suggest that you get the axiom 80 going again first before you change anything, as these speakers really tell you whats happening, in a way that your current bedroom speakers wont. Otherwise the effect of any change might not be as youd expect, and undo Pauls work.
Very true Paul.
Ill make a prediction, this isn't the only baker 45 amp youll see I bet someone else will want one........... :P :P :P
Well said. That is the purpose of this thread, to let people know about Falls Audio and stop wasting money for hifi merry go round. I work so damn hard for my cash, so I only spend money when it's really worth it.
He also has the Gargoyle 50 in the stable,,,,,,,
That amp needs some work to get it going properly. I've burned about three type 50 valves! >:(
In the near future, I might ask Paul Baker to rebuild it for me (big task because shipping would cost me a bomb. My main input choke weighs about 20kg by itself), or perhaps ask Terry Demol (zenelectro) for in-depth analysis. Terry is another brilliant engineer. I wouldn't hesitate a bit to spend my money on both of them.
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Audio note KIT DAC ,very distant cousin to the factory product and as of January this year, no longer associated as the kits contained less than 10 percent audio note product.
Thanks for the information Guru. This is very informative for anyone considering going to Audio Note kits route.
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My main input choke weighs about 20kg by itself
That's some serious piece of kit William.... do you where such a coke was used. My caps I haven't used yet were for scientific equipment. Plan to try them one day in a power conditioner.
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That's some serious piece of kit William.... do you where such a coke was used.
US Navy submarine.
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US Navy submarine.
An interesting past the choke has. A new meaning to sub sound. The hi fi rationalists wont be able to get there head around that one.
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I request less chatter, more photos! (or details is interesting too)
From what I have read so far, the killerPre uses the ultimate of ultimate parts (some unobtainium stuff even). Is the circuit/design used a Falls Audio special or is it based off a particular design?
Either way, show us the eye candy!! :P
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Tuyen
In case you didn't see it there is a thread where the line stage is discussed.
http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,2475.0.html
There is a thread were the line stage is discussed with photos.
One the transformers likely will never be found again. The other similar transformers are available but not the same spec.
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William left me this 245 amp this afternoon to try out. Even driving modern JBLs and no preamp, there is transparency and immediacy that's reminds me of steves amp. As its warming up it keeps sounding better and better. Its surprising articulate.... I am kicking myself to let this slip through my fingers, yet I know Williams going to enjoy it.
The vocals are addictive, I think William is bringing it to gtg, if he can get it out of my house :P
It will be interesting to hear how this pairs with the supratex to drive it a long, just a theory that it might be a good combination.
I can't wait any longer.
Our own Paul Baker deserves more recognition for what he does. I have listened to many products from the so called hi-end Australian manufacturers like Weston Acoustics, SGR or even Supratek to name a few. For me, Paul Baker's works blow them out of the water, without a doubt.
So, this is it gentlemen, the place to share your experience of Falls Audio products. Please post some pictures and listening impressions. I am sure there are many who love his products.
I'll start. I am getting this one soon to drive my Axiom 80s, single ended parallel 45 amp. I have been dreaming to get one of Paul Baker's amps and finally, FINALLY, after more than 4 years of waiting it's going to come true.
Some pictures:
(http://s29.postimg.org/pa0z2rt6r/P4152038.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/pa0z2rt6r/)
(http://s16.postimg.org/96gly9qo1/P4152039.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/96gly9qo1/)
Paul Hedalfa has heard this amp and he LOVED it. I trust his opinion so that's why I pulled the trigger and I am sure I will enjoy this amp too!
My listening impression to follow once I get the amp and time to do a proper listening session.
Cheers,
Wil
PS: Internal shots are available if I get a consent from Paul Baker.
Edit: Fix the name of the amp to single ended parallel to avoid confusion :)
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NICE, hope it comes to play ;D
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William left me this 245 amp this afternoon to try out. Even driving modern JBLs and no preamp, there is transparency and immediacy that's reminds me of steves amp. As its warming up it keeps sounding better and better. Its surprising articulate.... I am kicking myself to let this slip through my fingers, yet I know Williams going to enjoy it.
The vocals are addictive, I think William is bringing it to gtg, if he can get it out of my house
Don't get too attached to it, otherwise I'll tear down your house if I have troubles getting it back! 8)
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KillerPre by Falls Audio, posting it here so that everyone can see. For all non members, when you sign up you will be able to see the thread, it's full on!
I'll collate some more Falls Audio gear like Mario's EL34 amp when I have more time to post.
Springcreek and Hedalfa from Canberra visited Steve on the weekend. Other friends were there too like Ozmillsy, Zenelectro and Fallsaudio.
I had so much fun last night and the listening was really GREAT where we were finally able to "persuade" Steve to run his pair of holy grail globe tubes from his stash (that's right, he's got more than just a pair!)....The Western Electric 205D!
Other great valves in the mix were Philips type 80 mesh plate rectifier and Western Electric 205F. That was the first time I saw the Philips rectifier and soundwise, it's on par with Genelex Gold Lion U52. Paul, you're a very lucky man, I would have bought that rectifier if you hadn't bought it!
Some pictures that I took below.
The KillerPre with Full Music 205D and RCA type 80 globe rectifier:
(http://s10.postimg.org/ez990gmkl/2013_09_14_11_31_24.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ez990gmkl/)
(http://s23.postimg.org/xrtsixnaf/2013_09_14_11_31_36.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/xrtsixnaf/)
(http://s23.postimg.org/i7mesed5z/2013_09_14_11_33_13.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/i7mesed5z/)
(http://s23.postimg.org/dbis0pd0n/2013_09_14_11_33_29.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/dbis0pd0n/)
The size of the pre with its power supply is massive! And the build quality is top notch, very well done Paul! I love it. Just to give an indication of the size:
(http://s21.postimg.org/6yr9ut4o3/2013_09_14_17_20_34.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/6yr9ut4o3/)
Next, the Philips type 80 mesh plate and Western Electric 205F. MASSIVE improvements! I LOVE the rectifier!
(http://s13.postimg.org/kbov5ovc3/2013_09_14_15_51_32.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/kbov5ovc3/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/yyptnctyb/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/yyptnctyb/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/ufdl1uc2r/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ufdl1uc2r/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/ga7s0131f/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ga7s0131f/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/4z9ppelk3/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_4.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/4z9ppelk3/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/y2xxln9nn/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_5.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/y2xxln9nn/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/fonehnxcz/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_6.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/fonehnxcz/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/5smbi0rkz/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_7.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5smbi0rkz/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/pd0ukss6b/Philips_type_80_mesh_plate_rectifier_8.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/pd0ukss6b/)
Then we took out the 205F and replaced them with the Western Electric 205D, another improvements and the 205Ds were just getting better and better. Had a problem to fit the 205D into the valve sockets so we used blutak, that's about $2,000 worth of tubes with blutak, I am SURE the blutak price must have increased by a few hundred bucks at least, ain't I right Steve?!? ;D
(http://s15.postimg.org/kfml0j1kn/2013_09_14_17_31_03.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/kfml0j1kn/)
(http://s15.postimg.org/muegkyhtj/2013_09_14_16_46_42.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/muegkyhtj/)
(http://s15.postimg.org/sjup59nzr/2013_09_14_16_46_55.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/sjup59nzr/)
The 205D, the most expensive nipples I've ever played around with ;D
(http://s15.postimg.org/otv2cdc53/2013_09_14_15_54_02.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/otv2cdc53/)
(http://s21.postimg.org/5i2fqtejn/2013_09_14_16_31_25.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5i2fqtejn/)
(http://s15.postimg.org/5rbopg14n/2013_09_14_16_31_38.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5rbopg14n/)
And next to the Full Music:
(http://s15.postimg.org/o0igjr647/Western_Electric_and_Full_Music_205_D.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/o0igjr647/)
Holy grail?
(http://s10.postimg.org/rblc5fp6t/2013_09_14_16_07_45.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/rblc5fp6t/)
It was a fun GTG and nice to catch up with everyone!
Cheers,
William
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Tuyen
Its still a journey I still want to compare the outcome of active done by best of breed valves and active by solid state.
Re transformer. The trouble with custom transformers is that they are new by there nature. Scientifically the idea that iron ages may be considered bunk. Yet while manufacturing and some aspects of build techniques have improved, I suspect there is still something about aged iron that has an effect. From measurements other transformers may be superior. I have Paul Baker working on a project with parts that go back to the 1920s, so ill know more about the results here.
The pre amp uses a silk tvc.
I'm really keen to even just read more about Paul's speaker setup (DIY?), as I recall reading somewhere it is much more capable in some aspects compared to Stevens system? The whole speaker driver, crossover design and method people choose interests me a lot.
Share the love! :)
Anyway, back to the killerPre. It looks awesome! Wondering if custom wound iron considered or were Tango transformers determined to be the best of the best? What sort of volume attenuation setup is it the beast sporting?
I like the use of kettle power cord in the photos :)
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(http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/kajak12/kt88powersupply_zpsb57e755c.jpg) (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/kajak12/media/kt88powersupply_zpsb57e755c.jpg.html)
(http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m513/kajak12/P5220879_zpsadb0f1d8.jpg) (http://s1129.photobucket.com/user/kajak12/media/P5220879_zpsadb0f1d8.jpg.html)
Kt88 paul built ages ago
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Thanks for posting Mario! Another great amp by Falls Audio!
Link to Falls Audio showcase: http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,2700.0.html
And the obligatory pic for a peek of what's in the thread:
(http://s28.postimg.org/7apoh5am1/P5072061.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/7apoh5am1/)
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Apologies to Falls Audio and the OP for the off topic posts, they have been moved to,,,,,
CLICK- Learning / Demo'ing (http://killerdac.com/forum/index.php/topic,2701.msg19251.html#new)
Let the pictures flow, without the noise. :)
I should take a pic of my Dac board. More Falls Audio goodness.
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Thanks Oz! Much appreciated :)
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(http://s28.postimg.org/7c9l6bl2h/Peek.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/7c9l6bl2h/)
Paul Baker did works for some of the amps above. I can say that the special sounding ones had been touched by Falls Audio!