Pete's first steps into the Art of Sound

[jandl100]

you sell the crown Jerry? thought you loved it.

Yup, excellent amp - I still have it - but due to amplifier turnover it's now on my "to be sold" shelf.

[symon]

The KEL84 amp is a little star .. not just in VFM terms, but in absolute performance. You'll have to go a long way up the upgrade path before you'll get anything significantly better IME. If you've just got the standard kit components installed, consider getting some better signal capacitors, which would bring clear improvements for relatively little outlay. It's a job that most technicians familiar with valve gear can do, as it is a simple circuit (also, see World Designs forum).

Thanks. Yes, I am very pleased with it. It's very easy and sounds splendid. I think if I do get around to changing it, it will probably be replaced with a pre and power amp. I was sorely tempted by Vinylspinners WD power amp - especially as my amp came from him, too!

[symon]

Those JBLs sound interesting, Jerry. I'll keep an eye out for them.

But, I think, a pair of Dittons will do to start. I have a few options for getting some, just need to wait for things to fall into place.

Other than that, I'll be looking out for a reasonably priced Trichord CD transport. I really enjoy the Pioneer stable platter, very pleasing to use.

And, a Monarchy Audio DAC might be nice. I've got a Cambridge Audio Azur DACmagic which is doing good things. Not ready to change DACs yet, but will consider it down the line a bit. May be tempted by something other than a Monarchy.

And my Ariston RD80 is wonderful. I really need to set it up properly and put in the Nagaoka cartridge I have for it. But, without all that, it already sounds lovely. Not sure quite where I'd go next in this area. Maybe a Rega? And, I have a Dino with the standard psu. I'm not sure I want to spend what I consider to be lots to upgrade it. Hmmm.

So, yeah, lots of fun now, with more fun to come.

[vinylspinner]

Hi Peter,

Glad that you are still enjoying the KEL84, it really is a great little amp for the money, I actually miss it tbh.

Nigel

Thanks. Yes, I am very pleased with it. It's very easy and sounds splendid. I think if I do get around to changing it, it will probably be replaced with a pre and power amp. I was sorely tempted by Vinylspinners WD power amp - especially as my amp came from him, too!

[symon]

Nigel, thanks. It has been doing sterling service since I got it. You can't have it back.

[symon]

Some changes have occured.

First, these have grown on me a lot since I got them. Thought I'd made a terrible mistake when I first heard them, but they just needed to wake up a bit. They've woken up and I'm really enjoying them:
Celestion Ditton 15s on Atacama stands:


But, the real joy has been the new record deck - a GL75 on a DIY plinth, with an RB300 and a Linn Asak MC cartridge. Amazing (thanks Steve)!

[struth]

Likes that deck but couldnt afford it at the time. glad it found a good home. is that a wad kel84 integrated?

[symon]

It's amazing, to the point of my search being over for record decks (phono stages is another matter, though).
Yes, it's integrated. It is lovely, and I really enjoy it. I've occasionally thought about trying other things, but I like this too much to get beyond idle thoughts of not using it.

[struth]

It's amazing, to the point of my search being over for record decks (phono stages is another matter, though).
Yes, it's integrated. It is lovely, and I really enjoy it. I've occasionally thought about trying other things, but I like this too much to get beyond idle thoughts of not using it.

I have the power version of the wad. identical bar the lack of vc and selector I believe. they are great amps and sound more powerful than there 16 watt rating

[symon]

Yes, I was tempted by that. But I don't have a preamp to go with it. They are lovely and, seemingly, hard to beat. Steve (accudazed) heard it the other week and was impressed.