Pre-amp/DAC for JOB 225

What's the gain like in combination with the 225?

Are you stuck in bottom of the volume pot or is there some range there?
 
Just ordered the Pre2. Now gotta look for a DAC. Was planning to get the HUGO, but I liked the Arcam irDAC so much that I just went with their flagship DAC FMJ 33. Should have all in within 2 weeks.
 
Ls35A,

I started with a Parasound 2100 and had to use Rothwell attenuators to dial it down. That was really bugging me so I went the passive route. I'm currently using a CI Audio PLC-1 MKII (need HT bypass). It's much more revealing, which I'm now having second thoughts about.

8:00-9:00 on the volume knob is basically too loud, but then we live in a condominium. And it's a good floor plan with nobody above or below.

I feed the preamp with an Audio-GD 1.32 DAC (Sabre ES9018) on low output setting. My speakers are Monitor Audio RX6.

My next move will probably be the AVA Fet Valve CF preamp. I think a dash of tube in a pretty neutral system might be just the thing! (I blame 13 years with a Marantz receiver for that!)

Can you tell I'm fairly new at this 2-channel thing? :D

I totally credit the JOB 225 with changing the way I think about music! My wife is hooked, too.

JP
 
quiller said:
Ls35A,

I started with a Parasound 2100 and had to use Rothwell attenuators to dial it down. That was really bugging me so I went the passive route. I'm currently using a CI Audio PLC-1 MKII (need HT bypass). It's much more revealing, which I'm now having second thoughts about.

8:00-9:00 on the volume knob is basically too loud, but then we live in a condominium. And it's a good floor plan with nobody above or below.

I feed the preamp with an Audio-GD 1.32 DAC (Sabre ES9018) on low output setting. My speakers are Monitor Audio RX6.

My next move will probably be the AVA Fet Valve CF preamp. I think a dash of tube in a pretty neutral system might be just the thing! (I blame 13 years with a Marantz receiver for that!)

Can you tell I'm fairly new at this 2-channel thing? :D

I totally credit the JOB 225 with changing the way I think about music! My wife is hooked, too.

JP
Click to expand...

I'm a big Monitor Audio fan, love the RX6's. I'll bet they are a match made in heaven with the Job 225.

By all means let us know how you like the V.A. pre. The switchable gain on that might be just the thing for the 225.
 
ls35a said:
What's the gain like in combination with the 225?

Are you stuck in bottom of the volume pot or is there some range there?
Click to expand...

The volume is progressive, I can't say anything else there is no graduation
 
Yami said:
The volume is progressive, I can't say anything else there is no graduation
Click to expand...

If the volume pot was the face of a clock - when you are listening at a comfortable level - is the line on the volume pot at 7 o'clock? 9 o'clock? Noon? 1 o'clock?
 
ls35a said:
This is an interesting thread, but I was hoping for more 'I own a 225 amp and I am using 'X' preamp with it...' sort of comments.

So if you own a 225 amp what are you using?

I was thinking of a CJ Classic 2 SE, but have concerns about gain and tube noise.

Is anyone using just a Axiom II Passive Preamp?


Click to expand...

I have a CJ ET5 preamp and tried some rothwell attenuators but found they dulled the sound.
Ended up ordering a Axiom II Passive preamp which I put between the CJ and the Job amp and can then use the dial on the axiom to adjust to any level gain.
Now can have a big range with the volume and also had the benefit of eliminating any tube noise on some of my slightly noisier tubes to non existent. No dulling of the sound either.
Really enjoying this combination. Great dynamics, with a spacious delicate sound thats been a joy to listen too.
 
Wow! That's awesome and smart. I'll have to experiment with my passive and try it out.


airbubble said:
I have a CJ ET5 preamp and tried some rothwell attenuators but found they dulled the sound.
Ended up ordering a Axiom II Passive preamp which I put between the CJ and the Job amp and can then use the dial on the axiom to adjust to any level gain.
Now can have a big range with the volume and also had the benefit of eliminating any tube noise on some of my slightly noisier tubes to non existent. No dulling of the sound either.
Really enjoying this combination. Great dynamics, with a spacious delicate sound thats been a joy to listen too.
Click to expand...
 
airbubble said:
I have a CJ ET5 preamp and tried some rothwell attenuators but found they dulled the sound.
Ended up ordering a Axiom II Passive preamp which I put between the CJ and the Job amp and can then use the dial on the axiom to adjust to any level gain.
Now can have a big range with the volume and also had the benefit of eliminating any tube noise on some of my slightly noisier tubes to non existent. No dulling of the sound either.
Really enjoying this combination. Great dynamics, with a spacious delicate sound thats been a joy to listen too.
Click to expand...

So how does it sound with just the Axiom instead of the CJ/Axiom combo? What does the CJ bring to the party?
 
ls35a said:
So how does it sound with just the Axiom instead of the CJ/Axiom combo? What does the CJ bring to the party?
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I sent off an email to ask the Axiom people about wether there may be a mismatch with impedance or anything using it the way I wanted too as I also wanted to have the facility of Home theater bypass to go to an AVR and a future Emotiva XMC-1 if it is ever released.
I sent them the info and what I was connecting up and they said it would be a great match but also implied I would be very surprised with just using the Axiom without the CJ!

I have never tried it straight as it has been great the way I have been using it. I will have to some day but loving it the way I have it. Thinking about it I have not switched over to the AVR since I set it up this way as it has been enjoyable to watch the occasional movies in 2CH only.

I brought the Axiom II with the upgraded resistors(Caddock) and 2 outputs. Had a CJ ET3 first and was using the 2nd output on the Axiom to run a sub. Not needed on the ET5 as it has 2 outputs.
 
stereotimes.com Luminous Audio's Axiom II Passive Pre with Walker Mod Frank Alles

axiom2_multi_front.jpg


axiom2_multi_back.jpg


A plethora of options and upgrades is available for the basic Axiom II. Among them are extra inputs and outputs, different grades of resistors for the 1% tolerance Polish-made resistive series volume control, and Balanced XLR inputs and outputs instead of the standard RCA type connectors. And as if this were not enough, the company offers a “Walker mod,” that uses premium gold over copper Vampire Wire connectors, high-purity 6/9's ONO cast copper wiring, Mil-spec rotary silver-contact source selector, and either Holco, Caddock, or Allen Brady carbon series resistors in the signal path. Internal chassis damping and Sorbothane feet complete the Walker mod package...
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Summary

The Luminous Audio Technology Axiom II passive preamplifier with Walker mod opened my eyes to the fact that one doesn’t need to spend mega-bucks on a “High-End” preamplifier in order to get true High End performance. If you pair the Walker/Axiom II with a very good amplifier you will be amazed at the Axiom II’s degree of musicality and the wealth of detail that will ensue.

I am definitely buying the review sample and keeping it as my reference preamplifier in my small-room reference system..
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Luminous Audio Technology Axiom II Passive Preamp Walker Mod version Mod

...Better bass definition, more open top end, and jaw-dropping sound staging are just a few of the improvements to be heard. We invite you to audition Thom's handy work if you are in the market for a near cost-no-object passive pre at a very affordable entry fee of $499 for the stereo version and $649 for the XLR version.
Click to expand...
 
At $49 don't think it would be hard to get rid of or just keep around for an emergency. Seems to be well reviewed at head-fi.org. I've got the Wyred, so I have a passive to use with the JOB. For someone who just wants to find out if they like the presentation, this would seem to be a reasonable alternative to the Luminous Audio at $129. If you like this one you could always move up the line.
 
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