Massdrop x Alex Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp (CTH) Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x Alex Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp (CTH)

Mar 3, 2018

I am listening to my new CTH now (only 30 min in), hearing crackles that go away after a few seconds as the tube burns in. It sounds pretty good, but it is way too early to do comparisons (as the manual recommends a 100 hr break-in).
I am streaming Tidal Hi-Fi from my Mac Mini to a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC, though I am patiently waiting for Massdrop's DAC in a matching enclosure... possibly:
Massdrop x Grace Design DAC Massdrop x Benchmark DAC Massdrop x Chord DAC Massdrop x PS Audio DAC Massdrop x Audio-GD DAC Massdrop x Aune DAC Massdrop x Topping DAC Massdrop x ?????? DAC
Personally I am hoping for a Massdrop x Grace Design m93X DAC, as I see that the Grace Design m920 has been discontinued (maybe signaling a new model is on the way).
Regardless, I am glad the CTH is finally here. Now for the LCX, due to arrive tomorrow ;)

Mar 3, 2018

Graydog

135

Mar 6, 2018

GraydogInteresting that I have been playing music through my CTH amp for 3 days now (following the optional 100 hour break-in instructions), yet I still get static every couple of minutes that goes away after a few seconds... and it is independent of the volume setting, as when I turn down the volume the music goes away but the static loudness remains unchanged. I was thinking that this was just my tube burning in, but the character of the static sounds has not really changed over the past 3 days. Time will tell I guess. Anyone else hearing static with clicking at times, even when the volume is turned all the way down?
FYI - I have used my Torpedo III hybrid tube headphone amp with this setup (computer/DAC/headphones) extensively, and have never heard intermittent little static storms like this before.

Mar 6, 2018

Tex1954

Mar 6, 2018

GraydogMine is dead silent even at high volume. I have had the volume up to almost 4 o'clock to listen to my phono. I an buying a Mani with gain increase to see if I can't change that though.

Mar 6, 2018

b3wannabe

Mar 7, 2018

GraydogI'm hearing that, too. I'm only a half hour into it and I'm hoping it is just burn-in and settling in that is needed, which I've experienced with other tube amps. Two phenomena - 1) is distortion, especially at volume; and 2) occasional static and crackling - not too consistent or very loud, but noticeable. I'll give it the 100 hours or so and see whether it settles in. I am using the LCX as a pass-through and it is conceivable that the extra components in the chain do not help things (?) Other than that it is quiet and sounds good enough. I hope it 'blossoms' over time.

Mar 7, 2018

b3wannabe

Mar 9, 2018

b3wannabeJust to close the loop a little bit and follow-up to my observations above:
1) Static and crackling is gone (for me) after a few hours of settling in; 2) Sound did open up (for me) and improve some after 24-40 hours of use; and 3) The distortion continued (for me) until I disconnected the Cavalli Liquid Carbon X 'pass through' and connected my Schiit Modi DAC directly to the CTH.
The unit now sounds quiet and has very nice tonality. It's a little more 'tube-y' in sound but has a bit less power than the Liquid Carbon X. Both are very good amps and to be recommended.

Mar 9, 2018

EvilKiki

Mar 12, 2018

b3wannabeI just started using it and I'm getting a lot of static in the right ear, with some occasional popping. Goes away starts again. Sometimes the pop is loud, too loud, so I'm a bit concernced. I can have no music playing and have the static. Fingers crossed it goes away after some burn in.

Mar 12, 2018

Vote

b3wannabe

Mar 12, 2018

EvilKikiI've had that happen with vacuum tubes before. Usually settles in, but if not might need to try a different tube. Of course, could be a warranty thing if time and use don't help things. Also check any connections in back (RCA cables or USB connections, etc.) I had trouble from a bad USB connector. Trace the chain backwards. Wiggle every connection point (tube, plug, connectors) and see if something shows up. Good luck!

Mar 12, 2018

mfletch

Mar 15, 2018

GraydogI think you'll survive the wait for a matching DAC. I'd personally be most impressed with a "Massdrop x Yggdrasil", but that won't be happening in this lifetime. For now, I'll settle for my non-matching Bimby.

Mar 15, 2018

EvilKiki

Mar 19, 2018

b3wannabeSo I tried it again today, and repeatdly got the static building to a pop, to where I'm concerned about the headphones, I also noticed that twice when it happened the amp went back into red warmup mode.. I'm guessing this is not a tube issue. Given that no one else is complianing I'm thinking I'll just contact massdrop

Mar 19, 2018

b3wannabe

Mar 19, 2018

EvilKikiProbably the best approach under the circumstances. I still wouldn't rule out the tube. When I had this situation with another tube amp, I swapped out the power tube and the issue went away. The CTH is a hybrid, though, so it's not an apples-to-apples comparison. Massdrop is probably best positioned to advise you on next steps. Good luck!

Mar 19, 2018

Vote

Graydog

135

Mar 20, 2018

GraydogI have gone through a break-in period of 150+ hours, and I no longer hear the static pops/storms. Most of this time was spent with the amp playing music without headphones plugged in, so I need to spend a few hours listening to confirm there are no further issues... but it appears that additional tube burn-in time was the answer.

Mar 20, 2018

Vote

Graydog

135

Mar 20, 2018

EvilKikiI had similar static issues that finally went away after playing my CTH on various volume levels for 150+ hours (with no headphones plugged in per the burn-in instructions). I let it play many days while at work, as well as many nights while sleeping... with a few rest periods with the amp off in between. I never had the amp go back into warm-up mode though ( which would have been signaled by the white LED turning red).

Mar 20, 2018

TheOmegaCarrot

115

Mar 23, 2018

GraydogI dont know about a DAC, but an Massdrop x Audio-GD amp would certainly get me excited!

Mar 23, 2018

Povell

Mar 27, 2018

b3wannabeI have a Schiit Modi Multibit DAC. Is yours the Multibit? Have you had any other DACs to compare the it to? It seems the common theme is that people are using the SDAC with it and I am not sure if I should just use my Modi with it or get the SDAC + CTH combo. Any thoughts?

Mar 27, 2018

Vote

b3wannabe

Mar 27, 2018

PovellI'm sorry, I have no experience with the SDAC. I've used both the 'original' Modi and the multibit (Mimby) version, and both sounded great with the CTH. I mostly use the straight Modi with it now so I can use the Mimby with a Loki and Magni 3 in a separate Schiit stack setup that I really like, too. My ears aren't too picky when it comes to DAC's, I guess, although I will say when listening through my PC I use a couple AQ Jitterbugs, and I think that helps things, too. If the SDAC combo had been available, though, when I bought my CTH I would have gone for it. The convenience is worth it and the only Grace DAC I have (m900) seems to do just fine. I can't think of any DAC that didn't sound good to me - there are probably some out there, though, I'm sure. Sorry I'm not more help. Long way of saying I personally don't find the DAC to be the limiting factor in any set-up; I prefer to focus on the cans/IEM's and amp, where I find a lot more differentiation. I hear a difference between DAC and no DAC, and between DAC with Jitterbug and DAC without Jitterbug, but beyond that, I haven't heard a big, noticeable difference DAC-to-DAC. Now I'll take cover and duck from those with better - or at least more discriminating - ears. I will confess, though, that I've not listened to a DAC above the $250 range except as part of a DAC/Amp combo (Marantz). My very uninformed and subjective opinion is that if you are happy with the Modi Multibit, stick with it. If you like a more intergrated stack with fewer external connections, and a cleaner look, get the SDAC if affordable. Best of luck to you.

Mar 27, 2018

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