..... new amp for ultra

[Yooy257]

I have had an Ultra for two weeks now and was also searching for a suitable amplifier. It turns out that here in the Netherlands a company had the idea to make a suitable amplifier for the Ultra and it was introduced last week. I ordered it immediately and expect to receive it at the end of this week.

https://internetofmusic.nl/product/iom-ultra/

 

[Skull]

Sounds like a nice system you've set up there Skull. I've got 3030i's too; now connected to a wiim amp ultra (previously ultra and yamaha amp). They are such capable and well-rounded speakers, especially for the price you can get them for now. If you're in a position to, I'd definitely recommend investing in a decent pair of stands for the 3030i's. I originally got a cheap generic pair which were ok, but then upgraded to the custom Q Acoustics ones when they were discounted. They do make a perceivable difference to sound quality...and they look nice too! Enjoy your system.

Yes I did look at those but for now I have modified my flexson Sonos 5 stands which seem to be ok for now
Next on my purchase list is a 2nd Fosi Za3 so I can monoblock them, as I am very impressed with the sound quality with the 3030i’s

 

[Skull]

Small picture of the system

 

[Skull]

 

[Erebus]

Small picture of the system

Nice! I have the 3010i speakers, which also have amazing sound for their size.

 

[Skull]

Nice! I have the 3010i speakers, which also have amazing sound for their size.

I couldn’t resist these for £206

 

[Skull]

After playing around with my new system for a few days decided that the phono stage in the ultra is a bit dull sounding so going to try a Fosi x2 valve preamp as it’s cheap and seems to be well reviewed
Anyway we shall see if it improves the sound

 

[Groove Catcher]

After playing around with my new system for a few days decided that the phono stage in the ultra is a bit dull sounding so going to try a Fosi x2 valve preamp as it’s cheap and seems to be well reviewed
Anyway we shall see if it improves the sound

Fantastic budget phono I own it myself. Make sure to get the Riverstone Audio tubes. A cheap upgrade that goes a long way.
https://a.co/d/b5QAL1H

 

[Skull]

Fantastic budget phono I own it myself. Make sure to get the Riverstone Audio tubes. A cheap upgrade that goes a long way.
https://a.co/d/b5QAL1H

Seems I can get those in the UK

 

[Groove Catcher]

Seems I can get those in the UK

Then go for it

 

[Skull]

Then go for it

I will test it stock first upgrade it if I like the improvement over the ultra

 

[harkpabst]

After playing around with my new system for a few days decided that the phono stage in the ultra is a bit dull sounding so going to try a Fosi x2 valve preamp as it’s cheap and seems to be well reviewed
Anyway we shall see if it improves the sound

I hope you didn't try EQ just for the phono input, first?

 

[Skull]

I hope you didn't try EQ just for the phono input, first?

I have different eq settings for my phono input but that doesn’t change the flat sound I can just boost the bass or treble
It doesn’t change the sound quality, I have noticed that on digital music streamed or local files that better mastering is more obvious now as is poor mastering

 

[Skull]

New phono preamp has arrived and 2 records in I can notice a difference in both the warmth and a fuller sound
But tomorrow evening will be testing it more

 

[Skull]

Black sabbath

 

[Skull]

2nd Za3 has arrived and sounds very good as monoblock, just waiting on 2x Mullard matched valves for the preamp will post pictures and assessment in a few days

 

[cristoo]

Hey,

@Skull

What kind of preamp you use if I may ask, and do you see benefit of using it sound wise ?

Another thing, but purely out of curiosity, is how you set up ZAs in monoblock config in terms of volume ? They have to have same/matched volume, so how you adjust them, or do they have vol bypass mode so they operate with full power ?
Thank, and congrats of your setup.

 

[Skull]

Hey,

@Skull

What kind of preamp you use if I may ask, and do you see benefit of using it sound wise ?

Another thing, but purely out of curiosity, is how you set up ZAs in monoblock config in terms of volume ? They have to have same/matched volume, so how you adjust them, or do they have vol bypass mode so they operate with full power ?
Thank, and congrats of your setup.

I use the Fosi x2 preamp pictured above it sounds better than the internal ultra one and both za3s are set to full volume and I control playback and volume levels with the WiiM ultra

 

[Groove Catcher]

2nd Za3 has arrived and sounds very good as monoblock, just waiting on 2x Mullard matched valves for the preamp will post pictures and assessment in a few days

Which pre amp, the phono pre amp? Grab those tubes I recommended earlier. Excellent value.

 

[Skull]

Which pre amp, the phono pre amp? Grab those tubes I recommended earlier. Excellent value.

They cost £42 here found some English Mullard tubes at half that price gonna give the a whirl
I only paid £40 for the preamp
Mullard EF95 M8100 5654 Black Plate Halo Getter Valves Matched Pair

 

[Groove Catcher]

They cost £42 here found some English Mullard tubes at half that price gonna give the a whirl
I only paid £40 for the preamp
Mullard EF95 M8100 5654 Black Plate Halo Getter Valves Matched Pair

Sounds good have fun!