New x10-d owner - modification advice requested...

[chapps]

Hi guys. I have been lurking on here whilst waiting for my X10-D to finally arrive. I've had it now for 24 hrs, and been running it continuously for that time. I've noticed an improved soundstage and smoother mid-range and treble, but it's come at the cost of a drop in bass response, so much so that I'm considering taking it back out of the loop...

I'm using the following kit:

Arcam Alpha 7 CD source
Ixos Gamma 50cm interconnect
MF X10-D
Ixos Gamma 50cm interconnect
Cyrus 6 integrated amplifier
QED Silver Anniversary speaker cable
Castle Warwick speakers mounted on Mission Cyrus stands

Before adding the X10-d I was overall very impressed with the sound, but thought it lacked a little something I couldn't put my finger on. Now that something is no-longer missing but I am feeling a lack of bass.

Can anyone recommend an upgrade path here - either to swap out components in the X10-D or otherwise? One of my reasons for lurking here before I got it was the wealth of information on modifications, so I'm hoping someone out there can help!

Btw - the X10-D has Mullard E88CC tubes in it which according to the previous owner had around 50 hrs of play on them. I also have a set of Zaerix ECC88 valves which I have not yet tried...

Thanks for any and all help!

John.

[chapps]

Just as a quick update, I swapped out the valves for the Zaerix ECC88 valves and they sound better - I was finding the Mullards a bit fatiguing to listen to - these sound less harsh and the bass is better, so I'll continue to run them in over the rest of the week and see what happens!

If anyone has any other recommendations though I'd love to hear them.

John.

[XTRProf]

After playing with the tube roll, do play with capacitors, wires and resistors roll as well. I can't say what sound those will create but the brands you choose should be something that match the rest of your system to your liking. That's the reason you must roll literally.

[chapps]

Thanks XTRProf - I guess I am after some advice as to where to start. I am expecting some brand new Tesla tubes in the post tomorrow so I'll give them a go too - at least that way I know I am starting with new tubes rather than unknown used ones. I am also wondering if my interconnects could do with upgrading to something a bit more conventional / high end than the ixos gamma geometry cables. Ideally I'd like to try some Chord Chamelions but really cannot justify the price. Maybe the Crimson would be a better option - does anyone have experience of these - good or bad? or am I barking up the wrong tree?

thanks!

John.

[XTRProf]

Hi John,

New tubes doesn't mean that the system will sound better as the tubes need running in as well. In fact, the best tubes will be those already run in for you at low hrs.

For caps roll, Pinky here does sell some good stuffs here at reasonable prices. If you want more up market, and there goes the $$$$$, do try the Mundorf, Blackgate, Elna Cerafine, Solen and those Teflon stuffs. Cheap teflon, check up Ebay Russian military NOS. However, no guarantee have your values.

Wire roll, look out for those OCC copper or silver. I prefer the OCC copper.

Hopes this can start you off on your way to sonic bliss and asylum as well. So please don't blame me for the latter.

[chapps]

Well I was playing around with the x10-d this-afternoon and I think I have found and solved a problem - the earth lead that is used to earth the main tube body (that you screw through on the back panel) was looking a bit dirty, so I got the nail file and cleaned it up - it's sounding much better now - so there's a good chance it wasn't making a proper contact. Now I can start to see a bit more what the fuss is about - I was getting to the point of taking it out of the signal path for good and ebaying it but it's sounding pretty good now...

Thanks for the advice XTRProf - I realised that new valves would need running in, just thought it would be better to start off from a known good set rather than someone else's valves with an alleged 50 hours on them - especially when I look at the state the kit was in when I received it, having bought it as a "mint condition" unit, I had to re-solder the RCA connectors to even get it to work as they had dry joints on them.... I think the guy that had this unit before me must have changed the valves without taking the screw out in the middle of the RCA connector block and stressed the solder joints.

Already in the asylum so no worries there ;-)

John.

[XTRProf]

Hi John,

Great and welcome to the asylum. it's time to look at those things that I had mentioned, on top of those silver, Cardas or Wonder solder! Next time, a bigger VA transformer for the X-10. It will never end since you have pledged alliance to the asylum.

Merry Christmas to you and love ones ..................