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It was fantastic that we could compare the Japanese to both Chinese valves. This allowed me to look at the former from a certain distance. During the first session with them we thought that their brilliant midrange and fluidity compromised treble and bass. Now I heard that the Takatsuki were actually the more distinguished than the Golden Jazz Series. So I do not really agree with Janusz. But that is the right of every listener during our meetings. In my opinion such comparisons show what could still be improved. The low bass was better in the Chinese tubes, deeper and more dynamic.

I think those aspects could still be improved in the Japanese. Nevertheless I have no doubt about the value of the Takatsuki tubes. This is a real discovery. The Japanese engineers have created something like a WE for our times. Until I hear something better, more organized and mature, these will be my new 300B reference.

Discs/recordings used: I am listing the disc titles, the volume level on the Ancient Audio Lektor Grand CD player corresponding to dB and then the chosen track.
  • Bach, Brandenburg Concertos, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, Soli Deo Gloria, SDG 707, 2 x CD - 69; 13
  • Andreas Scholl, English Folksongs & Lute Songs, Harmonia Mundi, 901603, CD - 74; 6
  • Leszek Możdżer, Komeda, ACT Music + Vision, ACT 9516-2, CD - 70; 6
  • Beethoven, Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7, Wiener Philharmoniker, Carlos Kleiber, Deutsche Grammophon/Universal Music Japan, UCCG 9701, SHM-CD - 72; 1
  • Yasmin Levy, Mano Suave, World Village, 450003, CD; 72; 4
  • Laurie Anderson, Homeland, Nonesuch, 524055-2, CD+DVD - 72; 6
  • Maria Peszek, Maria Awaria, Kayax Music, 24358521, CD - 69; 2
  • The Four Brothers, …Together Again!!!, RCA/VIK/BMG Funhouse, BVCJ-37347, CD - 69; 2
  • Nine Horses, Snow Borne Sorrow, WHD Entertainment, IECP-10002, CD - 70; 6
  • Eric Burdon, War, Avenue Gold/Navarre Corporation, ASR 10604-2, gold-CD - 72; 2

Janusz’s system:
  • Loudspeakers: Sonus Faber Electa Amator
  • Power amplifiers: Ancient Audio Silver Grand Mono
  • CD player/preamplifier: Ancient Audio Lektor Grand SE
  • Power conditioner: Ancient Audio First Generator
  • Rack: Base
  • Interconnects: Acrolink Mexcel 7N-D6300
  • Power cables: Acrolink Mexcel 7N-PC9300
  • Accessories: Acoustic Revive RAF-48 anti-vibration shelf under the CD and amplifier; Acoustic Revive RIQ-5010 quartz supports and Acoustic Revive RCI-3 loudspeaker cable supports; Acoustic Revive RST-38supports for loudspeakers
opinia @ highfidelity.pl

Synergy Hifi website
Takatsuki Electric Industry website