Time off to....

[macvisual]

I've a week off work (yipee), it's been ages since I brought out my bronze 1967 ESL 57's, first time this year in fact, and a first partnering with my purchased A&R A60 amp which I bought around five months ago. So having a lovely relaxed 'music' day to myself. Thought I'd shoot a few photo's and upload and share etc, (Canon 5D/1 - Samyang 35mm lens).

Playing vinyl albums by; Stevie Ray Vaughan/Rain Tree Crow/Miles Davis/Thomas Dolby/Scott Hamilton Quartet/Bill Nelson/Steely Dan/Modern Jazz Quartet/Stan Getz/Stranglers/Tommy Smith, and listening to mainly 'Jazz' being digitally streamed from stations like; Linn Jazz/KUT/WWOZ/Jazz 91/Jazz 88/Jazz FM/KKJZ LA/Jazz FM88.5/Jazz 24 Seattle etc....

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/macvisual/5631_trim.jpg

Playing both vinyl (Dual 504) and digital streaming (Squeezebox Duet).....

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/macvisual/5626_trim.jpg

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/macvisual/5619_trim.jpg

Close up of my 57 grill...

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/macvisual/5630_trim.jpg

Rest of my audio system, Audiomeca Mephisto cd transport - Sony JA50ES mini-disc - M.Fidelity M1 dac

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo268/macvisual/5624_trim.jpg

Been playing music since breakfast, still going strong, loving it!


Thanks.

[Audioman]

Peter.

That system deserves something better than the Dual. Warm and lacking detail against even some modest decks these days. Keeping it contemporary vintage I would suggest a Thorens TD160 as a relatively inexpensive match.

[macvisual]

Thanks Audioman,

I'm only returning to turntables/vinyl after a spell, still buying vinyl ok, but leave that thought with me.

I plan to up-grade the turntable at some stage, and I do like the TD160's, so watch this space...

[jazzpiano]

Love systems like this - (have to admit, don't know why but I get most enthused when I see someone has something like a Thorens or Dual, w/ good inexpensive electronics and classic speakers than a mega-buck rig - It's like we're happy with what it can do as opposed to nitpicking, which allows you to get to the tunes more quickly.)

Best,
Barry

[macvisual]

jazzpiano;

It's like we're happy with what it can do as opposed to nitpicking, which allows you to get to the tunes more quickly.)

Well said that man, your exactly right, I've had expensive hi-fi pieces over the years ok, but I feel using iconic/retro equipment is lovely, it just plays music with no foolng about!

[DSJR]

Peter.

That system deserves something better than the Dual. Warm and lacking detail against even some modest decks these days. Keeping it contemporary vintage I would suggest a Thorens TD160 as a relatively inexpensive match.

Have you ever HEARD a friggin' Dual? From memory, the 504 was more substantial to the 505 which was very lightly made. You'll need something better than a bloody TD160 I can assure you. All the Dual may need is a better mat and a sympathetic cartridge - and the in-fills inside the spring assemblies can be carefully shaved off, leaving the bottom cushioning in place. Any motor vibration (the motor is very high torque) could be dealt with using a Speed Box or similar.

[The Black Adder]

N.I.C.E - Bay windows were made for Hifi.... Those Victorians got it right :)

[Audioman]

Have you ever HEARD a friggin' Dual? From memory, the 504 was more substantial to the 505 which was very lightly made. You'll need something better than a bloody TD160 I can assure you. All the Dual may need is a better mat and a sympathetic cartridge - and the in-fills inside the spring assemblies can be carefully shaved off, leaving the bottom cushioning in place. Any motor vibration (the motor is very high torque) could be dealt with using a Speed Box or similar.

Calm down Dave :). I have heard a frigging Dual (still have an inherited 506 unused) and I ran a 160S/Mayware for a number of years. Quite a difference in my opinion. Of course they are both warm and cuddly compared with the Mitchell. I think there is more scope to improve a 160 and you can fit better arms. Regret trading mine for a Linn Axis now. Anyway I may try fettling the Dual for use some day. I'm sure Peter's system would benefit from even better TT's but I get the impression he is looking for something musical and not over fussy.

[IHP]

I envy any man who has room for a pair of ESL 57s ! Nice Peter, very nice. Any valves in that set up ;-)

[Barry]

Lovely, just lovely Peter!

I wish the grills of my '57s were in as good cosmetic condition as yours.

Regards

[synsei]

Love systems like this - (have to admit, don't know why but I get most enthused when I see someone has something like a Thorens or Dual, w/ good inexpensive electronics and classic speakers than a mega-buck rig - It's like we're happy with what it can do as opposed to nitpicking, which allows you to get to the tunes more quickly.)

Best,
Barry

There ya go Barry, this is just for you... :D

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/AoSComp1-1.jpg

[Marco]

Hi Barry


Love systems like this - (have to admit, don't know why but I get most enthused when I see someone has something like a Thorens or Dual, w/ good inexpensive electronics and classic speakers than a mega-buck rig - It's like we're happy with what it can do as opposed to nitpicking, which allows you to get to the tunes more quickly.)


That's a very true, and indeed rather insightful remark. I concur completely! :)

Marco.

[Rare Bird]

When your thru with that 'A60' you could always convert it to an headphone only unit like i did..Told you guys i was once creative :lolsign:

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o534/ELPFAN1/Picture.jpg

[panos_adgr]

Unbelievable! Beautiful system! These Quads must be sweet like honey! You are lucky to have these beauties! And the TT is one the best of its time! I would really love to audition this system!

[macvisual]

IHP;

No valves in my current hi-fi setup, but did own Quad 11's for quite a few years, and also have had Prima Luna - McIntosh MC275 (x2), but recently changed direction with solid state integrated (A&R A60), hassle free for me personally. Would love to try slot in a vintage Sony 'ES' beast along the way, the ones with wooden side cheeks, oh yummy!

I've recently bought a AT440MLa (mm) cartridge to replace my ageing Linn K5 cartridge, so should have that before the weekend all being well to fit into my current Dual 504 turntable.

[Dingdong]

When your thru with that 'A60' you could always convert it to an headphone only unit like i did..Told you guys i was once creative :lolsign:

http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o534/ELPFAN1/Picture.jpg

Cool idea. I converted my Linn LK1/Dirak into a phono stage. It's surprisingly good. Certainly better than the phono stage in my MF pre and one of those ebay Angel Audio jobbies.

[macvisual]

I received the AT440MLa (moving magnet) cartridge in the post today (Wed), so removed my ageing Linn K5 mm cartridge and fitted the AT440MLa, wOw what a huge difference in sound, so much better in every respect.

This basic vintage Dual 504 tt sounds really fabulous!

[jazzpiano]

Thank you Synsei - Dave for the "time machine" pic. Had one of these in late 70s but with standard arm. Why do there seem to be not as many fans of the 309 as the 3009? Does it have to do with compatibility with cartridges?

Best,
Barry