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alfie2902
06-02-2010, 22:50
Seems I've been popping in here for over a year & still not posted a pics thread! I thought I had, but it must be senility setting in! :scratch: :mental:

So I'll cover the last year with some picture & a few words.

I found this place when looking for a SUT to work with a standard Denon DL-103 I had just bought to use on my old Systemdek III & Fidelity Research FR-64s TT that I had just fettled (New belt, bearing oil, etc) after it had spent 10 to12 years boxed up in the loft.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MySystemSystemdekIII.jpg

I bought a Denon AU-300LC SUT from Bong on here :) & Pro-ject Phono Box SE for a few quid from epay to get me up & running again! :eek:

This was playing into my Naim Nait5i & old PMC GB1 along with a CD5i (can't find a pic atm will upload one later) But these bits were up for sale as my 2nd system sounded better & I intended to buy the same but upgraded version for my main system. Then realised I liked to swap & fiddle around with Hi-Fi to much for a 1 box type main system! :)

2nd system. Windows PC running Foobar & itunes into a modded E-MU 0404 pci card to my AVI ADM9s & 1 or 2 Rel Strata II subs.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MyPCSystem.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MyPCSystemAVIADM94.jpg


More later..........

Alex_UK
06-02-2010, 23:56
Top stuff!

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 00:56
I sold the Naim CD5i, Nait5i & PMC GB1s with the intention of buying a AVI ADM sub & selling the Rels.

In the meantime though, I bought my Copland CDA-266 CDP an Alchemist Forseti Integrated (underrated giant!:eyebrows:) & a pair of Ruark Talisman IIs

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MySystem.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MySystem2.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MySystem3.jpg

Themis
07-02-2010, 07:01
Nice bits, Alfie ! :)


an Alchemist Forseti Integrated (underrated giant!:eyebrows:)
Yes, underrated, you bet ! Reminds me of the Delta-Sigma North Pole Integrated.... ;)

Macca
07-02-2010, 09:04
Your Systemdek is even more vintage than mine!

I love the Ruark Talisman - but I am guessing you got rid?

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 13:20
Nice bits, Alfie ! :)


Yes, underrated, you bet ! Reminds me of the Delta-Sigma North Pole Integrated.... ;)

I've never heard the Delta-Sigma North Pole I guess they've got a similar look kind of. The Forseti build quality is very good in a tank sort of way!

The Forseti is a 100watt dual mono power house! Some of the later ones were breathed upon by Tim De Paravicini before the company fell to bits. They are class AB amps heavily biased towards class A, making it very smooth & slightly sweet sounding amp, with bass of marvellous authority, It played loud or quiet without loosening its grip on the information, The treble is detailed with a wonderful crisp and open feel to it. Sound-stage was big with clear separation and a fabulous sense of proximity! It always seemed to play music effortlessly with power, control and delicacy.

I only sold it a couple of weeks ago & now regret selling it TBH. When the new owner came over for a demo I played it through the Living Voice OBX-R & the Forseti drove them better than almost any Solid State amp I've heard them with! If I had tried this combo before I wouldn't of sold the amp!

Here's another pic.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MySystemAlchemistForseti.jpg

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 13:42
Your Systemdek is even more vintage than mine!

I love the Ruark Talisman - but I am guessing you got rid?

Fellow systemdek owner :) They are very nice TTs again much underrated! My Systemdek III is one of the original ones probably the best IMO to date (Never heard the 4 though).The Systemdek III came onto the market about the same time as the LP12 & was the better TT IMO but suffered at the hands of the Hi-Fi press & Linn thought police. There's one on epay ATM worth a punt IMO. Look out for the New 'Systemdek' with one of J7s Audio Origami PU arms :eyebrows:

The Ruark Talisman II are a great little floorstander that can be picked up for a couple of hundred quid & are awesome VFM! They showed my old PMC GB1s up IMO especially in the mid-band, Bass wasn't so plentyfull but better controlled. Lovely speakers for very little money on the 2nd hand market & again only sold mine on a couple of weeks ago to make a few quid towards my new amp more on that later.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/MySystemRuarkTalismanIIcoveroff.jpg

Ali Tait
07-02-2010, 14:27
Speaking of which,how are you getting on with it?

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 14:45
Speaking of which,how are you getting on with it?

I'm lovin it Ali, Had a few doubts earlier in the week. I was getting some valve noise & the 6922 had gone quite microphonic so I swapped it for a Harma Diamond & it's sounding better than it has all week! So I'm an happy man atm! I'll write a little more about the amp as I get to it in the time line.

One thing though Ali, the amp manufacturer recommends not tube rolling but fitting like for like valves as the amp was built around the valves it comes supplied with. What do you think to that? Should I track down an RCA 6922?

DSJR
07-02-2010, 14:58
The Systemdek IV took the success of the III (agreed about the potential there, but it lived in the LP12's obese shadow sadly), plinthed it in a walnut plinth (like a beefed up II X) and gave it electronic speed control. We didn't sell the IV so I have no idea how good it was, but I regarded the firm highly...

have you got the cueing platform of the 64S sorted yet?

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 15:11
The Systemdek IV took the success of the III (agreed about the potential there, but it lived in the LP12's obese shadow sadly), plinthed it in a walnut plinth (like a beefed up II X) and gave it electronic speed control. We didn't sell the IV so I have no idea how good it was, but I regarded the firm highly...

have you got the cueing platform of the 64S sorted yet?

Hi Dave,

Thats interesting about the Systemdek IV I must try & hear one at some point. The new Systemdek 3D With PU12 looks stunning, bet it's not going to be cheap though

I fabricated a cueing platform from some monkey metal but have since found out that a Rega one should fit, but have not gotten around to buying one yet to see. Here's a pic with my effort.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_2951.jpg

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 16:06
I enjoyed the system as it was Copland CDA-266 CDP, Alchemist Forseti, Ruark Talisman IIs for a couple of months :)

Then picked up a Denon DL-103 Rosewood which is a nuded standard 103 in a CNC machined wooden body & a nice improvement over the plastic body! A 103R in the rosewood body should of been my move though :doh: This cart is still in use ATM & in the pic above ^

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/DenonDL-103Rosewood.jpg


I think it will stay with me for the time being but may-be an SPU or a Shelter will probably grace the FR64s in the future.

Then a few weeks later I replaced the Pro-ject Phono Box SE with a Pure Sound P10 phono stage. The P10s tubes had been rolled to a Mullard CV4004 & a Elecro Harmonix 6922 & sounded great! a big improvement over the Pro-ject. :)

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/puresoundP10.jpg

I was happy with the system at this point & enjoying it alot.

But then spotted a pair of Royd Prior speakers for sale on the Wam & just fancied a try, So I bought the big Royds. I never fully settled with the Royd Priors even though I enjoyed them alot. They had better bass than the Talismans but the mids seemed a little recessed & the treble could be a little to forward for me at times. They really throw the sound around though & draw you into the music in a very engaging way that lets you forget its short-comings!

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_2899.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_2894.jpg

Whilst I was still trying to decide which speakers to keep the Forseti developed a fault & went off to a local engineer! :(

Ali Tait
07-02-2010, 18:12
I'm lovin it Ali, Had a few doubts earlier in the week. I was getting some valve noise & the 6922 had gone quite microphonic so I swapped it for a Harma Diamond & it's sounding better than it has all week! So I'm an happy man atm! I'll write a little more about the amp as I get to it in the time line.

One thing though Ali, the amp manufacturer recommends not tube rolling but fitting like for like valves as the amp was built around the valves it comes supplied with. What do you think to that? Should I track down an RCA 6922?

Well a 6922 is an e88cc,which is a better quality ecc88.See here-

http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6922

I'd say any ecc88 would work fine.Sounds like marketing blurb to me.Do they happen to sell pricey 6922's?

Whatever,6922's can be had at reasonable prices,but as I said,I'm sure any ecc88 would be fine.

EDIT-what's the valve line-up of the amp?

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 18:39
Well a 6922 is an e88cc,which is a better quality ecc88.See here-

http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6922

I'd say any ecc88 would work fine.Sounds like marketing blurb to me.Do they happen to sell pricey 6922's?

Whatever,6922's can be had at reasonable prices,but as I said,I'm sure any ecc88 would be fine.

EDIT-what's the valve line-up of the amp?

Hi Ali,

I thought it would be just marketing blurb!

The Harma 6922 seems to be sounding nicer than the RCA 6922 anyway, but I guess the RCA could of been on its way out since I picked up the amp.

Valve line-up is 1 x 6922, 2 x 5687WA, 4 x KT66.

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 19:10
Whilst the Forseti was away being repaired I was offered some old Farlowe era Exposure amps & ended up with a rather large pile :)

Exposure VII dual pre-amp
Exposure XI Pre-amp
Exposure VI Mains Power Supply x 2
Exposure super VIII power amp
Exposure IV dual (non reg) power amp x 2

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/Hi-Fi%20for%20Sale/IMG_0079.jpg

VII, 2 x VI, Dual IV

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_2930.jpg

XI, super VIII, Dual IV

After alot of playing around & swapping I settled on the VII pre, 2 x VI PSU, Dual IV


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_2938.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_2942.jpg


I really like the Farlowe era Exposure amps one of my favs of the SS amps I've owned! The phono stages in both the pre-amps are very very good. I did find I prefered the Talisman IIs with the Expos so sold on the Royd Priors.

I again was happy with my system but looking for a speaker upgrade....

DSJR
07-02-2010, 19:47
The old Exposure was a beefy old sod as I remember and the Talismans, to me, always sounded like they had a carrot or something shoved up where the sun doesn't shine :)...

The Copland 266 is a little lean in balance, but it's so clear and grain-free I can forgive it almost anything. I loved the 288 (musical) and the 289 (like yours but better bass weight), the latter sounding like a Linn CD12 in miniature - I mean that as a complement....

I'm a hyge fan of the Spendor S and SE series, but with the exposures the smoothness may be too much of a good thing. Epos ES14's should be brilliant if you can find some in perfect order and if you really want something interesting, how about some Sonus Faber Grand Piano's??????

Have you checked the supply caps on the Exposures? As they're twenty five or more years old by now, they may need replacing.

Ali Tait
07-02-2010, 19:59
Alfie,you're getting as bad as Jerry for swapping kit!!

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 20:08
The old Exposure was a beefy old sod as I remember and the Talismans, to me, always sounded like they had a carrot or something shoved up where the sun doesn't shine :)...

The Copland 266 is a little lean in balance, but it's so clear and grain-free I can forgive it almost anything. I loved the 288 (musical) and the 289 (like yours but better bass weight), the latter sounding like a Linn CD12 in miniature - I mean that as a complement....

I'm a hyge fan of the Spendor S and SE series, but with the exposures the smoothness may be too much of a good thing. Epos ES14's should be brilliant if you can find some in perfect order and if you really want something interesting, how about some Sonus Faber Grand Piano's??????

Have you checked the supply caps on the Exposures? As they're twenty five or more years old by now, they may need replacing.

Thanks for the advice Dave but it's a bit late as I sold the Exposures a couple of weeks ago (well I've still got 1 Dual IV power amp but it looks like thats off to Italy!Where alot of the Expo amps ended up) The Sonus Faber Grand Piano's I would of liked to try! I was tempted by Shahinian & some big Neats too. Another couple of posts should about bring me up to present on this year long journey thread.

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 20:15
Alfie,you're getting as bad as Jerry for swapping kit!!

:lol::) There's such alot of kit to try though! Good job I can't DIY or they'd all be in bits then modded too!

It's just been a busy year for kit at alfies. I've never swapped so much in the past :eyebrows:

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 20:51
The pie show at Scalford last year was a big eye-opener for me. There was alot of nice kit there!:stalks:

I really enjoyed the DIY kit & the valves (not pipe n slippers after all). A few systems stood out for me, Coco's system was probably my fav over the day & with the big 845 in the afternoon :eyebrows: But I also enjoyed all the systems with the Living Voice OBX speakers in. The Heco statements & the big Neat Ultimatums in the all Naim system were very impressive too!

So when I found a 2nd hand pair of Living Voice OBX-R going very cheap I snapped them up! When I dropped them into the system with the Exposure amps they sounded broken :(


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0119.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0118.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0111.jpg
EDIT: I must keep the kids dirty hands off the TV!


I arranged with a couple of Local Wammers a day to bring there Valve amps over to see if they drove the OBX-R better. First we tried a Leak stereo 20 & wow that brought the OBX-R to life. Then a Kondo M7 pre with a breathed on Art Audio Quintet & Border Patrol PSU the OBX-R were now singing! I wanted more of this so the Exposures had to go.

After buying the Living Voice OBX-R the Hi-Fi fund was low so I started to look around for a Leak Stereo 20 or something similar

Themis
07-02-2010, 21:21
http://www.consumer.philips.com/c/tv-and-monitor-accessories/plasma-lcd-svc2546w_17/prd/us/

(it's a joke Alfie... :o)

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 21:46
While checking the web for a Leak Stereo 20 the little WAD Kel84 Kept on popping up & I remembered I had seen one for sale here on AOS. I contacted Ali Tait & after a week or so the very well fettled WAD Kel84 was now mine :)

The Kel84 is a very special little amp IMO, It sounds very very good indeed & is awesome VFM. I dropped it into the system & now the Living Voice OBX-R were singing again! The Kel84 had been built as a 1 input amp with volume pot & as I run a TT, CDP, the TV through the amp & an ipod dock for the kids to use (Keeps their hands off the TT & CDP but gives them a little access to Hi-Fi ;)) I neebed a pre-amp I tried it with the Exposure VII for a while but it just didn't gel. I found an Audio Innovations L1 for peanuts so snapped it up. It works very well with the Kel84 & OBX-R

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0103.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0101.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0112.jpg

This is how my system has stayed for the last couple of months or so!:) Until last weekend :rolleyes:

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 21:48
http://www.consumer.philips.com/c/tv-and-monitor-accessories/plasma-lcd-svc2546w_17/prd/us/

(it's a joke Alfie... :o)

:lol: Thanks for that Dimitri :) I think I'll order one :)

alfie2902
07-02-2010, 22:11
Last weekend after much deliberation I picked up an amp that I intend to be with me for a while (He-he but who knows!)

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0161.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0162.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0156.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0169.jpg

It's a New Audio Frontiers Legend MkII a claimed 15 watts of pure class A Triode strapped in push-pull! It's driving the Living Voices better than the Kel84 & sounds awesome :)



I've still got a few plans for the future but need to fill up the Hi-Fi fund first! Upgrading the OBX-R crossover to OBX-R2 will happen soon!



Then a slate plinth for this I picked up a while ago:

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/DenonDP-6000.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/DenonDP-6000jpg1.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/DenonDP-6000jpg4.jpg

Denon DP-6000.

Well that's my journey over the last year or so & thread upto date!

Looks like I've still got some overtime to put in :(

Jonboy
07-02-2010, 22:28
Great stuff Alfie, the joys of valves are certainly addictive;)

Macca
08-02-2010, 10:38
If you decide not to keep the Denon give me a shout

Scorchin34
08-02-2010, 13:35
Great show and lots of pretty pretty gear. You're like me swap swap swap but have you realized what I have? The perfect sound is unattainable and that's the rub, it keeps you trying trying trying ;)
Peace,
Preston

pure sound
08-02-2010, 17:25
I'll be interested to hear whether the P10 goes better directly into the NAF or via the L1.

DSJR
08-02-2010, 17:32
It's all too much. I CAN'T STAND IT ANY MORE................................... :eek: :mental:

alfie2902
08-02-2010, 19:00
Great stuff Alfie, the joys of valves are certainly addictive;)

Cheers Jon,

I'm late to the party of valves mate. In 25 years of owning Hi-Fi bits this last year is the first valve gear I've owned! All the numbers & equivalents seem a little confusing but I'll get there :)

I just wish I had the knowledge for the DIY route, I guess it's never to late to start reading & learning!

alfie2902
08-02-2010, 19:08
If you decide not to keep the Denon give me a shout

I probably should of bought an SP10 but they're to common now! ;) Took me a while to find something thats got as much potential as an SP10 in pretty good condition. A nice slate plinth & the DP-6000 should really sing! I might put the FR64s on it with a SPU or Shelter unless I can find a FR66s at the right price!

I don't think it will come up for sale anytime soon but I've noted your interest :)

alfie2902
08-02-2010, 19:13
Great show and lots of pretty pretty gear. You're like me swap swap swap but have you realized what I have? The perfect sound is unattainable and that's the rub, it keeps you trying trying trying ;)
Peace,
Preston

Hi Preston,

The perfect sound may well unattainable but it's fun trying :eyebrows:

TBH I've never swapped gear like I have this last year! I would think it will all slow down a little now. I'm getting a very nice sound so it's time to start tuning it for the extra couple of % :eyebrows:

But never say never :eek:

Jonboy
08-02-2010, 19:18
I just wish I had the knowledge for the DIY route, I guess it's never to late to start reading & learning!



Same as that for me , it not the soldering of all the bits that worrys me it's the understanding of how it all works:eek:

alfie2902
08-02-2010, 19:23
I'll be interested to hear whether the P10 goes better directly into the NAF or via the L1.

Hi Guy,

I've only run the P10 directly into the NAF so far! It's sounding very nice :) I may have a play around with the valves in the P10 (using a Mullard cv4004 & a Electro Harmonix 6922 atm Anything you would recommend?).

I thought I'd try & get an handle on the NAFs sound before playing around with L1. When I do have a play I'll let you know what I think!

Cheers, alfie

alfie2902
08-02-2010, 19:28
It's all too much. I CAN'T STAND IT ANY MORE................................... :eek: :mental:

You can calm down now Dave it's all over for the time being :eyebrows: :lol: :eek:

Macca
08-02-2010, 22:54
I probably should of bought an SP10 but they're to common now! ;) Took me a while to find something thats got as much potential as an SP10 in pretty good condition. A nice slate plinth & the DP-6000 should really sing! I might put the FR64s on it with a SPU or Shelter unless I can find a FR66s at the right price!

I don't think it will come up for sale anytime soon but I've noted your interest :)

Cheers Alfie:)

pure sound
09-02-2010, 10:49
Hi Alfie,
I'm currently using a P10 with a Telefunken 83 (found inside a reel to reel I have) and a Mullard E88CC. That combination sounds pretty good. I'm a bit wary of making blanket recommendations of NOS valves. People can spend alot of money on some low microphony, ex mil spec wonder only to find its as dead as a doornail. There are improvements to be had certainly but there are always duff valves about too. I often wonder why some of these valves weren't sold/used the first time around. Sometimes its because a batch was noisy or below spec & put to one side. 50 years later, someone finds them & starts selling them at a premium on ebay!

FR66s at the right price! We can but dream!

The 64 on the Denon ought to be very good though.

alfie2902
09-02-2010, 11:55
Hi Alfie,
I'm currently using a P10 with a Telefunken 83 (found inside a reel to reel I have) and a Mullard E88CC. That combination sounds pretty good. I'm a bit wary of making blanket recommendations of NOS valves. People can spend alot of money on some low microphony, ex mil spec wonder only to find its as dead as a doornail. There are improvements to be had certainly but there are always duff valves about too. I often wonder why some of these valves weren't sold/used the first time around. Sometimes its because a batch was noisy or below spec & put to one side. 50 years later, someone finds them & starts selling them at a premium on ebay!

FR66s at the right price! We can but dream!

The 64 on the Denon ought to be very good though.

Thanks for the advice Guy!

It does make sense that some of the NOS valves that are still around may not of been the best in the day, hence thats why there still around. Seems a bit of a lottery :)

When looking at NOS valves or used good condition etc what do some of the test measurements mean? e.g. Tested on a Hickok 6000A : min = 5500 / 5500 12,000/11,600 ..or .. READINGS: 875/950, 925/975, 1025/1025 (475/475 MINIMUM) any advice would be great! :scratch: :)

When I find a few cheap FR66s I will let you know :lol:

As to the FR64s on the denon do you think an SME IV or V or a 12" SME would outclass it?

Cheers alfie

Ali Tait
09-02-2010, 12:59
Alfie,just had a thought about that new amp of yours.I'm guessing the 6922 on it's own is the input valve? In that case,they are using a single e88cc to feed both channels (It's two triodes in one bottle) The reason they would recommend an e88cc or 6922 rather than an ecc88 is the former is made to a tighter spec (at least in theory) which would mean the two triodes in the valve would be more closely matched than they would be in an ecc88.Not always the case,but it would be a good idea to look at the test results of a valve you want to buy and avoid any that measure significantly different(they can sometimes) between the two triodes in the valve.Still no reason not to use normal ecc88's,just makle sure the two triodes match well.Probably no big deal in practice,just might mean you would have a small channel imbalance,one slightly louder than the other,or the image off to one side etc.

pure sound
10-02-2010, 11:22
Alfie, those figures are the measure of mutual conductance of the valve. The higher they are the better. They give minimum figures to show what a tired but just about acceptable valve will give and usually the quoted performance of the valve thats for sale is significantly better. I presume they are giving 2 figures when the item for sale is a double triode & they showing the performance of each section.

I did once find a very useful page about using & interpreting the results from a Hickok, but I can't find it this morning. I suppose you need to google mutual conductance to get a feel for what the figures represent.

alfie2902
10-02-2010, 11:38
Alfie, those figures are the measure of mutual conductance of the valve. The higher they are the better. They give minimum figures to show what a tired but just about acceptable valve will give and usually the quoted performance of the valve thats for sale is significantly better. I presume they are giving 2 figures when the item for sale is a double triode & they showing the performance of each section.

I did once find a very useful page about using & interpreting the results from a Hickok, but I can't find it this morning. I suppose you need to google mutual conductance to get a feel for what the figures represent.

I see, thanks Guy. Makes sense explained like that!

I googled tube testers last night & there seemed to be so many different types it all got a little confusing! I thought if I understood how & what they tested then I could interpret the results/readings!
I will google mutual conductance thanks mate :)

pure sound
10-02-2010, 13:45
this explains a bit but it isn't the piece I was looking for

http://www.tone-lizard.com/Tube_Testers.html

alfie2902
10-02-2010, 14:23
this explains a bit but it isn't the piece I was looking for

http://www.tone-lizard.com/Tube_Testers.html

Thanks again Guy :)

The Google search of mutual conductance came up with some interesting stuff! I found this site very helpful with my level/lack of knowledge
http://www.radiolaguy.com/Mutual-Emission.htm very basic information but thats what I need lol

alfie2902
14-12-2010, 22:03
I've not updated this for a while so here goes!

With the NAF 'Legend' being so big I needed to get it up off the floor so I swapped my rack to an old Sound Organisation rack I use in the bedroom. The idea being to use one layer turned through 90 degrees so the big NAF 'Legend' would fit.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0258.jpg

About at the same time I picked up a NOS Audio Note DAC Zero to use with a planned Squeezebox Touch purchase, but in the mean time I used it with my Copland as a transport. This seemed to improve tone & bass weight a little but wasn't much of an improvement more a different presentation. At first I thought some detail had been lost, but over a longer listening period I found the detail was still there but presented with less attack maybe! I also decided to try a Pioneer PD 9700 CDP that I use in the bedroom as a tranport. As this is a stable plater player with a well regarded mech & well thought of as transports, but tbh it didn't work at all well with the AN DAC I also added some stonger shelves to the rack as the NAF's almost 50 KG was far to heavy for the original sound organisation shelves.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0257.jpg

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0294.jpg

The system stayed like this for a while just with a change to the NAF Legends output valves when swapping them to a quad of GEC KT66 :) which brought about even better tone, timbre & seemed to calm the upper mids & treble just a little.

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0308-1.jpg

Only a couple of months ago I saw Jonboy was moving on some NOS & ex-dem Audio Note Zero bits & as I read that the CDT & AN DAC showed serious synergy I thought I'd have a play with a Audio Note CDT & what I had read was true the CDT seems to get more out of the AN DAC than any other transport I've tried, very musical with a slightly rich warm tone. I found I was playing CD sometimes all evening & well into the night the pair just seem to keep me listening :eyebrows:

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0334.jpg

Oh & also you'll notice I changed the rack again to something quite a bit bigger that could house the NAF :)

alfie2902
14-12-2010, 22:19
On to why I'm updating this thread shortly but first I must added that my long planned Squeezebox Touch arrived a few weeks ago & I'm loving it's ease of use but do feel the CDT & AN DAC edge it sound quality wise over the SB Touch & AN DAC but neither have been here long enough to make a choice. I want to keep both but it's a pain keep swapping cables!!

VPI Base for my DP-6000.
I've had my Denon DP-6000 for months packed away in it's box while I've been contemplating plinth designs & materials! So whilst still not making a firm decision on whether to use a big block of Slate or perhaps Cherry or a two tier job with or without suspension then reading a post about panzerholz & the related reading about damping factors on Cat Squirrel's site all left me still at square one

So I decided I would look for a Denon plinth & get the Denon DP-6000 up & running then improve on things from there. Whilst trying to track one down I came across a VPI Base made for the old Denon DDs that sounded interesting & was a good price. I got it this evening It will need a little work armboard wise to get the FR64s to fit & some new feet to lift the motor unit off the shelf but here's a couple of pictures for now & I'll let you know of any progress. Any advice or suggestions for feet would be great.


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0337.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0338.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/My%20System/VPI%20Base/IMG_4263.jpg

The top plate/plinth is made from a laminate of 1/8" steel plates (x3) with a 1/8" fibrous sheets (x2) so is 5/8" almost 16mm thick, quite heavy , & very dead to a good knuckle wrap! The fibrous sheets are a little like a hard cork? This top plate then sits on top of 4 springs, Similar in some ways to the Cotter B1 plinth except Cotter used an Ali/Acrylic plinth & also stripped down the motor units which probably had great effect on the success of his B1 plinths.

The top plate can be used as a pattern for future plinths & I may well play around with some Slate, Ali/Acrylic laminate & also Panzerholz. Hopefully they might all sit on top of the springs & bring some improvements or not!?

I've measured the existing tonearm hole roughly & it seems to be 225mm spindle to pivot with a 42-43mm cut hole. The FR needs 230mm spindle to pivot & a 31mm hole, so I think with a couple of big 31-32mm dia washers the FR64s should just fit on temporarily & let me hear what I've got.

There is an issue still with the plinth not quite being deep enough & the bottom of the motor units sits on to whatever is supporting i.e. rack shelf. Some taller feet would sort this out, but I do wonder why the motor unit has little dimpled feet!? It's as if it should carry it's own weight? but that seems a little odd.


Top Plate detail
http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/My%20System/VPI%20Base/IMG_4266.jpg


Sub plinth with spring detail
http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/My%20System/VPI%20Base/IMG_4257.jpg

Will update soon as I get the arm on :)

Ali Tait
15-12-2010, 11:00
You need to get the coupling caps in the dac changed for something better Alfie, it really does improve it.

alfie2902
17-12-2010, 11:57
You need to get the coupling caps in the dac changed for something better Alfie, it really does improve it.

Hi Ali,

Hope you're well mate?

Yes, I do need to get around to sorting the coupling caps! I just wish I had the knowledge/skills to change a couple of caps :( Don't really want the downtime without my DAC.

Which ones to go for to is the question? The SCR's you tried at first or the Audio Note copper foils or the Jensen's Jonboy uses? I've also heard very good things about the jupiter HT Beeswax.

What do you suggest Ali?

Ali Tait
17-12-2010, 13:32
I'm well thanks,hope you are the same.
I guess it depends on what you want to spend. If you've got the cash, I'd go for AN coppers, otherwise Claritycap ESA are very good for little money. Sorry, can't comment on the Jupiters as I've never tried them. SCR are great too,but in this particular application,the AN's are better to my ears.

alfie2902
28-12-2010, 23:09
Well finally the DP-6000 is up & running! There's still a bit of work to do & then some fine tuning.



http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0414.jpg


First impressions are good, very good infact. Pitch stability, slam & drive are considerably better than the Systemdek. Bass is solid & more authoritive with better texture, Detail retrieval also seems better with better attack & an overall faster sound. It just seems to boogie along The DP-6000 doesn't have it all it's own way though the Systemdek seems to have better seperation, a little more air & also seems to be able to be a little more delicate when needed.

I am though getting some hum from the 240V - 100V step down transformer which is just audible from my listening position with no music playing & quite loud just in front of the speakers The hum is not audible when music is playing, but may well be the cause of the lesser amount of seperation/air in the DP-6000!?

Does anyone have any experience of noisy step down transformers & more to the point how to silence them?

Beechwoods
28-12-2010, 23:14
Where is the transformer? Is it physically close to the cartridge?

alfie2902
28-12-2010, 23:26
Where is the transformer? Is it physically close to the cartridge?

Hi Nick,

The transformers about 3ft away from the cart! My phono stage & SUT are closer but have not moved from where they worked with no issues with the Systemdek.

Hmm... I'm only guessing at the step down tranny, It could be noise from the motor unit but I suspect it's the tranny.

Beechwoods
29-12-2010, 07:55
Well that's the obvious discounted. I've no experience using step down's with a Turntable, only tape recorders, where they work completely fine. Are you sure it's not a grounding problem? If you're getting loud hum at the speaker, and audible hum at your listening position, I'd wonder if the cartridge was properly grounded. Stupid question, but does it hum when the transport / motor is switched off?

Rare Bird
29-12-2010, 09:01
http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0258.jpg



I bet Chris (Grand Wazoo is eyeing up that Sound Org add on section :)

The Grand Wazoo
29-12-2010, 09:14
Hehehe.......PM's already exchanged!
Still looking Andre!

Rare Bird
29-12-2010, 13:05
:lolsign:

I'll keep mi goggles peeled :)

alfie2902
06-01-2011, 20:19
:doh:Funny how the step down transformer has gone very quiet now I've earthed the motor unit:o:o

radio
10-01-2011, 16:16
hi there alfie how long have you had your living voice i was told to dem them there is a shop in edinburgh sells them,the ruark speakers all have a lovely finish regards maria............

alfie2902
28-01-2011, 00:39
Hi Maria,

Sorry only just read your reply.

I must agree with your comment on the build of the Ruarks. They were very solid & very well finished indeed. Ruark were/are members of the 'guild of master craftsmen'.

The Living Voice OBX-R are stunning sounding speakers I've had mine about 18 months now & I've not heard alot that betters them with tone & timbre. They excel with strings & have a lovely rasp with brass. They really can be breath taking & will play anything you throw at them very very well, but being very, very critical they are just a little polite when asked to really rock out.

Superb in a tux in the dress circle of a classical concert & right at home in a smokey Jazz club but they stand at the back of rock concerts & Don't get in the mosh pit in there ripped jeans where I need them to be! Superb speakers but perhaps not quite everything for me! They will be a hard act to follow though when the time comes!!!

They should be on everyones demo list though & if you can make it to Scalford there's a pair on show there, part of a very, very nice system.

Cheers, alfie.

alfie2902
02-03-2011, 22:33
Well I've splashed out on a new cart. :stalks:

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0429.jpg


http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss55/alfie2902/IMG_0444Autoadjust.jpg

Ortofon SPU Royal GM :eyebrows:

First impressions are simply stunning :eyebrows:, & that's with a rushed set-up! so some fine tuning to do yet. Also a little SUT rolling to find the best match.

After only a short listen it's obvious that this cart is all about the music & not about the HiFi :)

Marco
03-03-2011, 01:23
Wonderful stuff, Alfie - that's one gorgeous cartridge! :eek:

Are you exhibiting at Scalford and bringing your T/T, or are you just coming as a visitor?

I hope it's the former, as I'd LOVE to hear your Denon/FR/SPU combo... It must be quite something :)

Anyway, enjoy, and have a play with VTF. I've found with most SPUs that the sweet spot is around 0.5g more than the figure recommended, so I track my Classic GM at 4.05g, so I'd try yours at 3.05g and see what happens.

One little tweak I'd recommend, although I'm not sure if it will apply with your cartridge, is to upgrade the leadwire used inside the headshell.

The Classic GM comes fitted with some pretty cheapo leadwire, so I changed it for solid silver Ortofon type from Needle Doctor, like these:


http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9695/mediaq.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/mediaq.jpg/)

http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-LW-800-S-Headshell-Leads


That made quite a difference, tidying up the top-end, improving detail retrieval, and giving even more sparkle and clarity.

With you having a much more expensive SPU, the leadwire supplied may be of higher quality, so you might not have to upgrade it. It'd be interesting to know what's been fitted - all you have to do is unscrew the little brass screw, pop open the bottom, and take a look inside! :)

Marco.

alfie2902
03-03-2011, 02:45
Hi Marco,

I'm just coming as a visitor, But wish I was exhibiting now! Adding the SPU has brought the TT up another level & the analogue side of my system seems to gel much better! :eek:

Thanks for the tip on the headshell set of leads! I'll take a look when I'm brave enough too, I looked at the screaw & thought NO hear it first! ;)

The Ortofon ones look a nice set, so I might just invest! I've got a Kondo set from J7 that I use with the Rosewood DL-103 so I could have a play with those too!

I will have a play with VTF for sure, & also VTA & antiskate. Ortofon recommend 50% higher value with the "Replicant" stylus for antiskate. So atm I'm running flat level VTA, 3g VTF & 4.5g of antiskate & it's sounding very nice indeed. I will fine tune a little though as time goes on!

I'll bring the SPU to Scalford though, be nice to try in your techie! :eyebrows: