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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2012 20:14:54 GMT
Mike, I put an EB in. You've been fantastic supplying tubes for the X-Cans and I had a couple of EB's sitting ready to be used. (I savour them!!!!)
You're absolutely right. Tube changes on this are pretty dramatic. I much prefer the EB. The bass just kicks harder and has more presence and there's a slight improvement in crispness. The K601 now has got more bass kick and there's more shimmer.
I don't like to use my EB's 'cos I kind of treasure their sound. The change is more dramatic on this than it is on the X-Can I think.
I think I'm going to get one.
The sound is harder hitting and seems even more focused and sharp in the image. Perhaps Aune could find a better valve over there? The one with it is a softer/hazier sound than the EB's and I think if I get one, I'll have to start stocking EB's 'cos I'll wear them out.
It just shows you, pair a headphone with the right amp and they jump to life. The K601 sounds so lively now with the EB in. Cymbals also have a nice shimmer.
There's a new idea here that Aune haven't highlighted in their blurb: having a DAC that plays files directly from your computer as well as via a line out, but also having the capability to slightly 'shape' the sound by changing the valve.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 6, 2012 22:00:29 GMT
Yeh, me too man.... have you still got the 1969 6N23P? It doesn't have the "EB" stamping on it but it is an "EB" without the chromed pins... they made them like battleships back in the day and that vintage 1969 job sounds great
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2012 17:15:28 GMT
I have quite a few tubes here, Mike (thanks to you). The 6922eb really does it for me. OK - formal Review....... The retro looks of the T1 is really pleasant. When you switch on, there is a relay to help stop headphone pops (although I’d still recommend taking them out before switching on and off tbh) When the T1 is ready for action, the tube starts to glow (of course) and there is a bright light underneath the tube, so you know it’s on!! It catches the eye when it’s on and visitors here have noticed and been very impressed by the way it looks. Underneath, there are a couple of discreet little switches to change the gain. You can choose 0Db, 10Db or 16Db according to the position of these switches. The vol pot is smooth in action and feels like a quality control. Gold plated analogue inputs and outputs on the back and a usb plug. It comes with a usb lead and a substantial power pack. It’s heavy. It connects via a din plug and is very quiet in operation. The packaging is brilliant and everything is solid in the box, so I would have no fears about this coming through the post from China. (In fact, I’ve ordered one) My initial feelings were really positive via usb although I couldn’t get enough volume for a high impedance can like the K601. I should have checked the computer and its settings, since once I’d found the problem, the volume that you get from the T1 is deafening so the noise floor is a long way away from the music. A good strong connection for the tube so it’s really secure in there. The valve sits nice and tight and then if you want to, you can fit the plastic guard over the top to stop accidents. On/off switch on the back and when it’s ready for action it just lights up and looks rather nice. You select usb or analogue on a switch on the top of the unit. Straight away, I became aware of a strong, well defined bass. (Even though it was at fairly low volume at that time until I found the volume settings on my computer!!) I played some fairly thick mixes and I noticed that I was able to dissect the image easily. I could place instruments with absolute ease and the voice was smack, dead centre. It was so strong in the centre, it felt like it was boring into my forehead. Because it was so well defined, I personally felt a little closer to the instrumental sound and you kind of get sucked in. I sorted the volume issue out and then nearly blew myself out of my chair. It is EXTREMELY loud. Low impedance cans are fine with this and the gain can be backed off to compensate. I was using the D2000 and the K550. Both sound good but I did notice a slight roll away in the treble response. I checked the FR graph for it which shows flat at 16Db so I was a little puzzled why I was feeling a roll away. However, this is really not unpleasant or drastic. I found that this roll away can be an advantage since you are able to turn up and get a really nice tone from drums. Instead of getting just a percussive sound, the amp is delivering the ‘note’ or tone of the snare. It adds to the realism imo. It certainly doesn’t sound like a digital file playing. I changed to the K601 which is a killer for a lot of amps to drive and if undernourished it just sounds thin and edgy. I upped the gain to 16Db and the bass on the K601 was still really well defined although (as with many amps) I felt there could be more quantity. Some would love the sound this way but for me, I like a slightly raised bass in a headphone for music listening. The T1 drives the K601 with ease. In fact, it feels like a portable headphone and there is completely no problem with this quite difficult load. I reckon 600 ohms will present no problems with it tbh. Change of tube to a 6922EB. To me, this seemed like a big lift to the punch in the bass and a lift in the treble as well. The lift in the treble isn’t enough to make it glassy; in fact, to me it seems just about right. The difference in the bass impact is pretty large though and I have to admit that it was this combination that convinced me that I really like this rather unusual amp. There is an impact with it that really gets you to the core of the music. It doesn’t seem to just portray the notes but gets to the effort that the musicians are making and the tone kind of draws you in. I found myself starting to listen to the techniques being demonstrated on the music I was listening to much more, rather than listening to the band as a whole. I felt just a tad closer to the source of music – like the microphone had been placed slightly differently. I did a quick check with other amps which played well but this somehow showed a little more guts and ‘tone’ in the sound which made me feel it was more like live people. I was hearing the musicians kind of struggling with the difficult solos slightly more so than with many other amps and the timbre of the sounds seemed just deeper and more mellow. For me, the 6922EB does it. (I love those tubes) The effect of tube rolling seems more acute than on the X-Cans. I got the same feel with X-Cans on the 6922EB but not as much. On the T1, it’s quite dramatic and the whole thing seemed to jump much more to life for me. I was now getting to the point where I felt that this amp is ridiculously good value and I was starting to want one. It was communicating real music for me very well, so I made a decision. I’m getting one. The T1 with the 6922EB is spot on for me with its lovely warm, tubey sound but with a detail that is rather subtle but is most definitely there. It’s not in your face and doesn’t try to portray detail with a searing treble. Its a meaty, warm but lifelike sound that is an unbelievable good match with the K601. I think for people with K601 or K701/702, this is an amp that really enhances what those headphones do. It just provides enough wallop in the bass to make those very demanding headphones jump to life. So if you’re not happy with the edgy sound of a K701, I suspect you’d really like it with the T1. Is there anything I’d like to see ....... I feel that this amp looks retro and rather special. I’d have liked another colour. (Red!!) Ideally, I’d like the on/off on the front or top – not the back. I suppose a better tube guard would have been nice rather than the plastic ones. However, Aune have done a lot right with this amp. It’s at a stunning price point. (One of my big issues with a lot of amps is that they are overpriced!!) Amp makers will never accept this. Nice input/output sockets as well as the headphone sockets. Not too cheap at all. Smooth vol pot. A very respectable power supply that is quiet in operation, so all I can say is well done Aune. You have a nice amp/DAC here. Since it is a tube amp, I am curious about the effects of a Little Pinkie. Give it an even bigger supply and it could become an even bigger beast than it already is. It’s already very dynamic and perhaps the addition of the Pinkie would make the headphones jump on your head. At the price of these, it’s a no brainer. I’ve got one on the way. I like it a lot. We’re not talking top world class amp here, but it will give much more expensive amps a run for their money and it just conveys music in a ‘musical’ way. Let's face it - no matter what the specs say; the end result is that we want to listen to music and not the amp. This really conveys music well.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 7, 2012 17:48:41 GMT
Spot on review Ian I thought I was going deaf there for a while..... it really does make certain aspects of the music stand out in a way that most amps don't convey, it almost adds "soul" to the (otherwise) bland digital clinicity.... meat on the bones PLUS a heart. I agree with your point about different colours, it would be great to see these available in red, racing green, white etc. they are so retro in style (yet also contemporary looking) black just seems so "same as".... another colour would really make this little puppy stand out! Maybe a special edition in Ferarri red?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2012 18:04:35 GMT
Nah ... you certainly ain't deaf, Mike. The reason I mention 'red' is that this amp is at a really excellent price point. Many other amp makers need to look at this. I've heard brilliant amps that I would love to have but I am not prepared to pay £400 or even more for them when you have devices like this around. There are amp makers who think if their own amp (which they are rightly proud of) sounds good, they can demand a premium price because it sounds good. Then they lose sales because of the price. It's a difficult thing, I know, but by making less profit, amp makers could sell more and so still make the same profit and become better known as a quality, affordable maker. NAD did it years back. That is exactly how I see Aune. Their gear is quality and the price points are great. On top of that, the service I got from Candy over delivery (due to absolutely no fault of theirs) was truly brilliant. I felt so guilty, I went looking for it since she was SO forthcoming with an instant replacement. So, nice sounding gear. Good price. Terrific service. What more can you ask of a company? They really deserve to do well and they could benefit from a stronger UK presence. Because the T1 is so reasonably priced, I can actually see kids weaned on Itunes wanting more from their music. They are definitely looking for more because the sales of the Dre headphones go to show that some kids want quality and are willing to pay a premium price for quality. However, they also want to look good. Dre has done really well. The problem is, that many kids don't know what quality actually sounds like and need a little bit of education. This is at a red hot price point for them as well and the inclusion of colours would maybe gain a lot of sales. I'd like to see this sell like hotcakes and Aune, you need a stronger UK presence with a distributor. Aune gear is seriously good at the price it's sold at, but it takes quite an effort for some kids to go on Ebay and wait for two weeks to get their gear. A UK seller would be more instant and this little unit offers a really good quality of sound at a great price. Aune deserves to do better in the UK where there is a thriving hi fi market but also, a glut of Ipod kids who would use a retro unit like this imo and be proud of its looks. Nice glossy colours could grab them and also get them latched on to a higher quality of sound. This amp is wonderful with a K601. All I can say is well done.
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Post by pagan on Sept 7, 2012 22:19:19 GMT
Rabbit "They are definitely looking for more because the sales of the Dre headphones go to show that some kids want quality" WHaT "Dre" and "quality" in one sentence? ? Well I Never ;D
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2012 23:44:00 GMT
The Rabbit has just shot his credibility in the foot. Given that our feet are reported to harbour billions of nasty smelling bacteria, I hope he washed his feet before putting them in his mouth ! ;D All in good fun Ian!
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Post by freddypipsqueek on Sept 8, 2012 0:57:54 GMT
It's just good marketing. The kids 'think' they're getting good headphones !!?. At least it shows the kids care !!.
Don't shoot the rabbit just yet - let him get a bit fatter !!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 1:09:50 GMT
That's really the point. Dre buyers "think" they are buying quality but are only feeding the BS marketing/money making machine. So you could argue that the supposed quality brands have totally f'd up on their marketing strategies. They could be selling a lot more at possibly lower prices.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 7:33:06 GMT
Rabbit "They are definitely looking for more because the sales of the Dre headphones go to show that some kids want quality" WHaT "Dre" and "quality" in one sentence? ? Well I Never ;D Pagan, you're a snob. ;D The kids want quality and so they buy Dre's. Absolutely correct. They ' think' that Dre's are quality because of the fat bass etc and they are willing to pay what they feel is a massive price for them. Well over £100 in the UK. Most kids think £20 earbuds are too expensive, but some are looking for better and paying through the nose thanks to Dre, thinking that they have a superior headphone. So if kids are willing to pay those amounts, then I feel that they would be willing to pay less for this Aune device which gives much better quality and would educate them perhaps into a better sound. Sometimes, I think I'm misunderstood. Chris got it, but it seems that there are two slow people on here. However, one of them has an excuse!! Let's get it clear - Dre's are crap. Kids think Dre's are quality. Kids pay big money for them. They will pay less than a Dre for a retro box like the Aune with a bit of marketing ...... just like Dre!!! Come on, keep up you two!! I didn't word it too well though. The problem is, that many kids don't know what quality actually sounds like and need a little bit of education.Thanks Chris and Freddy. You understand exactly what I'm saying. Actually, the reason I mention it, is that I have actually been trialing quite a few new amps; some of which haven't appeared yet. In all cases, they were very good amps. (One that is out now was excellent) However, in EVERY case, I mentioned to the makers that they need to look at the price point closely in order to get sales on a completely new and unknown product. They would then start selling. In EVERY case except one, the makers rejected it and claimed that their amps were too expensive to make and couldn't be sold cheaper. Well, I can predict their sales for them before they bother. The one that listened made a kind of compromise which I felt would actually hinder him too though. Kids won't want to know at the prices being fired out. Hi fi people won't bother unless someone reviews it and raves about it - even then it's dubious - look at you lot of skeptics!! So who is going to buy these wonderful amps. If the makers were a little more humble and stopped thinking big profit and even sell at close to cost (at first), they could develop a market. I paid to do my first performing jobs. (literally) I was in negative wages. Some say I should still be paying, but hey ..... I'm OK now. The Aune is the kind of device that could crack the market by making them look both retro and 'colourful'. It gets into the 'download' generation who WILL be the future hi fi generation whether you like it or not. All us old gits can do is try to guide them a bit. Whether we like it or not, part of the hi fi scene now is also how it looks. Nothing new - look how everyone raves about how lovely the w1000's look and then sound. (and they are a bit gorgeous too) You know, part of hi fi is the price that it sells at as well as its sound. The two have to be placed together in a review imo. It's all very well having purists who dictate what is right and what we should all do but most people in the world are not in our privileged positions of being able to afford the gear that we spout about and so there have to be compromises and it helps if hi fi nerds stop turning their noses up too. Of course we all know what is 'best' and the theory of how hi fi should go together, but for our hobby to exist, we need the cheap market to support the dear market. Or else Senn would be selling only HD800's or 700's because that's what we 'ought' to be listening to - not those cheap crappy plastic ones at the bottom of their market. I hate the high brow attitude that comes from some hi fi people tbh as well as the spotty little musos who come to concerts and analyse every friggin' note and nuance. Buy yourself a Dre and KNOW what you're talking about if you're actually interested. Or ...... say what everyone else 'says' without knowing yourself really. I have a pair of 'Fanny Wangs'. Not the best at all. However, they do certain things quite well. Not worth talking about on here 'cos no-one is interested but they have their uses. The only thing about writing on forums and in magazines I guess, is the fact that you have non writers sitting, waiting for something to pull the discussion up and sometimes, I feel as though I'm talking to myself. Until I 'shoot' my paw. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 8:09:17 GMT
I think you may all be missing something here, or maybe I'm just not uderstanding you properly. Dres, I suspect, give them something they want (loads o' bass?) so they buy 'em. I assume many of them listen to their friend's before buying theirs. They would not hear what they like when listening to the T1 and therefore would not like it and I don't think any amount of BS marketing is lkely to change that - kids are kids. Just my opinion. FWIW I forgot to mention in my review that I swapped the stock tube in the Aune with an Amperex 6922 with matched triodes and found a definite improvement. I wish I had Ian's background knowledge of music because I very much admired his review(s) - it wasn't just a good review of a good amp, it was a great review, full stop!!! Dave.
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Post by PinkFloyd on Sept 8, 2012 8:12:00 GMT
Where did this Doctor Dre chap qualify as a Doctor and how does he find time to make headphones?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 8:28:33 GMT
Where did this Doctor Dre chap qualify as a Doctor and how does he find time to make headphones? He's a prat Mike. However, He's making a lot of money on kids who don't know better. Dave, Thanks for that. I just talk a lot. It's the journalist/publicist in me. I'm not talking from what I think, but real experience. Not only do I play music, but I work with older kids looking at the industry/composition/performing etc. at degree level. Got to plan for retirement, mate!! I have talked extensively with them about headphones and trialed things. (Dre's as well) Once they latch on to the music and start getting a feel for what they like and don't like, they admit that the Dre's are in fact skewed. Here's a cracker. Give them a master and ask them to mix it. One mix on a Sony 7560 and the other on a Dre. Then play the two mixes back on speakers. The Dre's were painfully lacking in the final mix. Done it!! This Aune device will attract kids to a good, middle of the road sound with nice dynamics and tone which allows them to hear much more into the music. While I have it here, I will be demoing it to them next week. Of course, it's not high end, but it's damned good for that kind of money. I'm getting one because I really like it's 'tone' and balance on a 6922EB. BTW Dave. Your review wasn't as bad as you may think. You were accurate in that it isn't high end which is close to what you have. The amp you have is excellent. (A bit toppy though) The marketing was more an issue for me than the amp. When I started on old fashioned computers, I saved the money for a kit to build a synth and I paid for all of the publicity in order to get work - often at a loss and to be told I was crap. (I probably was) My point is, I was looking at long term and these amp builders look at short term profit. (Then they move on or go out of business.) How about an amp maker who spends £100 on parts and sells at £120 + post. His target price was £300. I bet if that went out on 6 months special - he would sell so many that he'd need more staff. The profit would be small but the units would be out there. If it's a good product, then the market will go on when the special offer is gone. However, try telling them that and they shoot their own paws by selling them straight away at £300 and so make one every now and then instead. Soon to disappear unfortunately. In my case - I worked for 'minus' wages. Aune have produced a warmer amp but it is see through in it's imaging. The biggest difference though is £124. They have the price spot on. For that kind of money, kids would love it to bits because of the retro aspect and the idea of rolling valves to alter the sound from a digital source. I still would like a glossy red one!!! (Gawd, I've woken up with a rant on this morning eh? ) I blame Alex.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 8:33:02 GMT
Where did this Doctor Dre chap qualify as a Doctor and how does he find time to make headphones? He graduated ? Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 9:14:52 GMT
Where did this Doctor Dre chap qualify as a Doctor and how does he find time to make headphones? He graduated ? ;D I hope he doesn't come on tour to Aus.
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pagan
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Post by pagan on Sept 8, 2012 9:57:41 GMT
Rabbit "They are definitely looking for more because the sales of the Dre headphones go to show that some kids want quality" WHaT "Dre" and "quality" in one sentence? ? Well I Never ;D Pagan, you're a snob. ;D The kids want quality and so they buy Dre's. Absolutely correct. They ' think' that Dre's are quality because of the fat bass etc and they are willing to pay what they feel is a massive price for them. Well over £100 in the UK. Most kids think £20 earbuds are too expensive, but some are looking for better and paying through the nose thanks to Dre, thinking that they have a superior headphone. . Until I 'shoot' my paw. ;D Snob ay Looking for a brand name on any of my audio equipment....... hmm all home made.. damn. Kids looking for quality? since when? Looks pretty, sounds well ok must have the name that the friend's will go.... wow It was a good review. just teasing I do agree that if they made them different colors.... Retro look, Tube, not black or silver, well made at a good price should do well. The sound quality is a bonus.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 10:01:24 GMT
Should give a TP B3 a run for the money at around 1/10th the cost of a fully tricked out one too !
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 10:03:59 GMT
What's that Alex?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 10:15:44 GMT
What Allan has. A Twisted Pear Buffalo 3 DAC using a ESS9018 Sabre DAC chip. (DIYAudio)
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 11:16:30 GMT
Where did this Doctor Dre chap qualify as a Doctor and how does he find time to make headphones? Who knows, who cares. However, he figures in the top ten of highest earners in the USA off the back of them!!!! must be doing something right. Mick.
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Post by pagan on Sept 8, 2012 11:17:49 GMT
Should give a TP B3 a run for the money at around 1/10th the cost of a fully tricked out one too ! Probably could too.. ;D But not as much fun too mod.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 11:25:47 GMT
Where did this Doctor Dre chap qualify as a Doctor and how does he find time to make headphones? Who knows, who cares. However, he figures in the top ten of highest earners in the USA of the back of them!!!! must be doing something right. Mick. I'm glad Fanny Wang isn't up there. Something I've noticed with the T1 is that I prefer it on full gain for some reason. I'm not sure whether it's because the sound kind of feels more rounded or whether I'm not getting the volume exactly the same. To me, it seems fuller on full gain. Perhaps something to do with the way that the gain settings are implemented?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 12:20:42 GMT
Thank God he isn't running for President !!! ;D
Ian Why don't you communicate directly with Candy and see what she has to say ? This is a good example of why prompt tester feedback is very worthwhile. Kind Regards Alex
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 15:09:00 GMT
Hi Alex, I think Candy may well be reading this. I'm basically just ranting about marketing in the UK because I have to wait 2 weeks for one to arrive in the UK and may well have to pay duty as well. If Aune could see the kiddie digi potential, there could be a retro market here. The colour red or even other colours would make kiddies see them and be pulled in to the idea of using a retro piece of gear with a valve. Similar to the way that digital radios are housed in retro boxes as well. Not the best hi fi gear in the world, but respectable and a really good start at that price level for young listeners to progress from. The world is going totally digital so we need to try and make the most of it. Much like you're doing, Alex. Many kids keep files on computer as well as Ipods. Well this can be directly linked to an Ipod via the dock to analogue and of course the usb to computer. This in turn would open them up to better headphones as well. I really like it; even though it has a valve!!! It compares very favourably with the Neco Mosfet and has a little more weight/warmth so it's on the warm side of neutral but not as warm as those perspex type valve amps that the Chinese have been outing for some time now. (Bravo types) It's better sounding than those amps. The Neco may be a 'cleaner' listen but in reality, it's not overbearingly obvious tbh. I was thinking like Aune's speakers - piano gloss. However, that may well put the price up if they did that and seeing that I've gone and bought one (black) I'll be miffed!!!! So Candy - just some suggestions: Try piano gloss finish? Option of bigger power supply. (or a Little Pinkie) Top on/off switch. Better valve. UK supplier. These are the only things I can be negative about tbh. You could be the leader in 'quality' digital music in the UK then. (or at least a good start in digital music) My goodness, I'm having a good day. Woke up with Alex in fine fettle which made me laugh - even though he was taking the mick!!! Got myself a brand new breed of guppy for the fishtank. Some breeders have started from scratch, going back to wild guppies and produced these amazing gem like guppies without big tails but also the size of wild guppies. (like a tiny minnow) They are SO colourful. Came home and listened to Madonna (don't laugh) on the amp - basically this stuff is compressed crap and most headphones sound shite with it. Suddenly, the K550 are showing a sub-woofer type bass that doesn't smack the mids out in any way. This amp is giving a very deep bass if it's there and now there's a great James Bond Film on telly and it's 27 degrees outside. Also got the email saying my T1 has been posted!!! What a day!!!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2012 16:13:44 GMT
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