I just received a used Torii Mk III. I'm still on the list for a new one with the V-Caps and stepped volume control. But being ampless I was able to procure a Torii from a good guy who had issues with his house electricity and 101db efficient speakers.

Now I have music. Unfortunately along with what appears to be spectacular sound is also a puzzling distortion, especially noted in the lower midband. When I put my ear close to the speaker it sounds as though the sound is being played underwater. It sounds this way on both channels. I rolled various tubes but other than changing the tonality, the distortion remains.

I played the Torii through my Allnic preamp as well. But regardless, pre or no pre the distortion remains. I tried different cables and out of desperation, last night i inserted a pair of Def Techs 8060's, removing the Tyler Decade's out of the picture. The Def Techs were unlistenable.

Torii has no hum, dead silent and is being fed from a dedicated 20amp circuit, Oyaide outlet and carbon fiber cover.

I know there's brilliance behind the Torii, we can hear it. We've spent a few evening enjoying music but would often cringe, usually with male vocals and noted as well that there seems to be a lack of clarity in general. Bass especially is although far fuller and deeper than my Pass X350.5 it's somewhat of a mess.

I'm hopeful to bring the Torii to another home/system but all I'd be eliminating at this point is the house and its associated AC.

Any ideas?

Michael, Have you rolled different tubes types on the inputs and power tubes in particular? What tubes are you using?

I get distortion with 6N1Ps but not with 6DJ8, 6922, 7DJ8s. I have rolled all the tube sets and determining that the 6N1P is the culprit. I can't recall exactly, but I think I must have used the 6N1P when the amp was brand new for a little while with no issues. But now somehow the 6N1P must be overloading the power tubes?

Nice tubes. The RCA Voltage Regs OA3, and OC2 are probably pretty invincible. Likely the same with the RCA 5U4Gs. For starters, how about rolling the 6922s into the inputs, replacing the 6N1P and see what happens. If there is still distortion, maybe leave the 6922s and everything else as is, and try changing out the 6AC7 or EL34s for the other quad.

If the RCAs you listed are extras, and the above does not work, you could continue rolling one tube type at a time, and this would rule in or out tubes as part or all of the issue.

Just in case you have not had a chance to figure all the tubes out yet:

6N1P, 6922, 6DJ8, 7DJ8 all work in the input socket (outside fronts), with different characters by type and also by vintage and make within a type.

The RCA 5U4G can go where the Ruby 5U4Gs are, or if something else is in there, they are the tubes toward the center from the back power tubes. There are several other rectifiers that work here. 5U4GB, 5AR4 (GZ34), 5Y3GT... each type and individual within a type having particular character.
The OA3s are just inside the 5U4Gs and can be subbed with OB3, OC3, OD3, again all different tonal tendencies, and varied also by ST (coke bottle) or Straight bottle.
The OC2s, the tall narrow tubes in the middle front can be subbed with OB2. If stock Raytheon's are in there, you will find the RCA a little different tonally.
JJ or Shuguang 6AC7 and EL 34 are interchangeable.

Good Luck. I hope it is a tube and not the amp!

You're welcome. I hope it solves your problem. To me, after getting my system/room tuned, this amp is so good it is sort of unbelievable.

I'm assembling a pair of GR-Research Super V's. My current reference are the Tyler Decade D1's which didn't sing well with the Pass. The Super V's are a 97db efficient free air speaker. I'm excited to get these built. The panels are painted with automotive color, at a body shop, and the rest I've dome myself.

I'm hopeful to get the Torii dialed in before inserting the Super V's. Should be a good "sound off".

Changed a few tubes, the 6N1p's but no help. Don't know where to go from here other than a direct comparison with another Torii owner.

I agree. If all the tube sets have been ruled out, as well as source and connections, then calling Steve will set solutions in motion. If it is the Torii causing the distortion, something is definitely wrong.

Your experiences demonstrate the value of having the seller send the piece back to DECWARE for a look-see and renewal of the factory warranty. It is well worth the small fee involved.