IanRM Posted February 4, 2024 Posted February 4, 2024 I am looking at purchasing one of Arthur’s Pynx preamps to replace my current preamp (Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2). I am considering the Pynx as I already have an Elektra HD Reference stereo amplifier and from all my research the Pynx is a great match, especially noting my speakers are B&W CM10s that are very neutral and would benefit from a tube pre. That said, there is not a lot of information out there about the Pynx. I did discuss with Arthur a year ago when I had the HDReference in for a service, but I forgot to ask him some specifics. I would appreciate it if any Pynx owners could answer: 1. Is the additional phono stage worth the $1000 or can I get by with the Rega Fono MM Mk 5? I currently have a Project Carbon with OM20 fitted but will look to upgrade down track. 2. I have the turntable, a CD player and a streamer dac to connect but are there enough RCA inputs for this? The photos depict phono, cd, tuner, and theatre bypass rca inputs on the rear plus two xlr balanced inputs ( none of my sources are balanced). Assuming the phono is not connected unless I pay for the phono stage, that leaves me with two rca inputs unless I can utilise the theatre bypass. Can I? 3. Not essential but I believe it comes with a remote. Is that right? Please excuse my ignorance if I have asked dumb questions. I am in Canberra and there are no vendors for Arthur’s gear nearby. I purchased the HD Reference through Carlton AV and have not regretted it…great amplifier that can handle the varying load the B&Ws demand.
Quark Posted February 4, 2024 Posted February 4, 2024 My Pnyx doesn't have the in-built phono stage, but the phono connections are still active, you just need an external phono stage (which I have). Theatre bypass doesn't have any volume control - don't use it for any input that doesn't have it's own volume control. The Pnyx and HD Reference are a good combination and I'm happy with mine. IMO the standard valves installed in the Pnyx are nothing special - it's worth trying some NOS versions. My preference are Mullards but YMMV. 2
IanRM Posted February 4, 2024 Author Posted February 4, 2024 Thanks Quark. Good to know about the phono input. That means I will have sufficient inputs! Appreciate the reply. 1
lumholtzii Posted February 7, 2024 Posted February 7, 2024 On 04/02/2024 at 8:04 PM, Quark said: IMO the standard valves installed in the Pnyx are nothing special - it's worth trying some NOS versions. My preference are Mullards but YMMV. I agree with @Quark. There are two 6922s for the preamp stage, and another two for the output stage. Careful selection of tubes for each stage provides considerable ability to alter the voicing to your taste. 2
IanRM Posted February 7, 2024 Author Posted February 7, 2024 Thanks. I ordered one this morning. I understand Arthur puts the standard tubes in so he can ensure consistency in quality control. Will give them a try but look forward to a little rolling to experiment. I am new to the tube thing so lots to learn. 1
Keith R Posted March 17 Posted March 17 I am considering an Electra PYNX for a pre-amp. An Australian made balanced tube amp could be a little bit different to a Benchmark LA4 or Holo Audio Serene. @IanRM I would be interested in how have you found the PYNX after 12 months. Has it been reliable? Happy with the sound? Would you recommend it. Thoughts from any other PYNX owners would also be welcome.
Quark Posted March 17 Posted March 17 (edited) 22 minutes ago, Keith R said: I am considering an Electra PYNX for a pre-amp. An Australian made balanced tube amp could be a little bit different to a Benchmark LA4 or Holo Audio Serene. @IanRM I would be interested in how have you found the PYNX after 12 months. Has it been reliable? Happy with the sound? Would you recommend it. Thoughts from any other PYNX owners would also be welcome. I've had mine 7 years and am very happy with it. Per my post earlier in this thread, the standard EH valves are nothing special (and I've found them unreliable [mostly substantially increased noise over time, plus a few early failures] in the Pnyx and other equipment). A nice set of NOS valves will be a step up. My purchase was driven by a few specifics - needed HT bypass and balanced/RCA outputs active at the same time to run mains and subs. The Pynx isn't at the same level as my previous StereoKnight Enigma pre, which was something special, but it's not a big step back after switching in some NOS Mullard valves. The Enigma went as I needed HT bypass to integrate my HT and stereo in a smaller room following a house move. Edited March 17 by Quark 2
lumholtzii Posted March 17 Posted March 17 (edited) Similarly, I had mine for about 7 years until it was time for a change. I agree with most of what @Quark has said above - it's very flexible and to answer your question directly, it was a very reliable unit. I also think that they are great value - it's pretty difficult to find another fully balanced valve preamp with that many inputs and outputs for the price. It is interesting that you mentioned the Serene. I auditioned one some time back while the Pynx was my main pre. I loved many aspects of its sound but I ultimately I found it a little sterile in my system as it was at the time, and so I stayed with the Pynx a bit longer ... I guess that may be expected coming from a valve preamp. Edited March 17 by lumholtzii spelling ! 2
IanRM Posted March 17 Author Posted March 17 I purchased the Pynx to replace a solid state pre amp. I already had an Elektra HD Reference power amp, and had dealings with Arthur Rappos (the designer and manufacturer) in getting repairs done. Arthur provides excellent repair service (if a little slow as he is a one man operation) and went above and beyond the simple problem repair, replacing caps and upgrading to latest spec for just the postage delivery costs. I found the Pynx to be an immediate improvement for my setup and have had no reliability issues. I did have one or two instances of a brief hum on turn on when it was new and talked to Arthur about it who said it was nothing and would go away, which it has. Make sure you negotiate on price…I purchased mine through Carlton Audio who were great. Took about eight weeks from order to delivery. IMHO Arthur builds great stuff; very competitive with any of the overseas brands and for the price I think it is great value. The tube sound is there but I wouldn’t call it a “warm” sound…it has lots of gain and the sound stage is great in my room, both horizontally and in depth. I personally didn’t bother with the additional phono stage ( quite expensive) and purchased a seperate phono pre. Buy Australian and support our local industry! 2
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