Macca's Lash Up 2: Lash Harder

[Macca]

Well it would not fit in the rack. Too wide by a couple of inches. So had to wire it up as is. I use short 50cm interconnects so that now a problem, have had to re-locate the pre-amp to the now vacant bottom shelf of the rack so everything will reach everything else.

powered up, some clicking, some buzzing and then silence. turned the attenuation right up on the passive and put on something gentle to start with cf 'The Nightfly'. Both channels working fine, up the volume to proper levels, we have music!

I had almost fully expected to come back and say it sounds exactly the same as the XTZ it replaces. But it doesn't. Sounds a bit crisper and more focused. Obvious from the first few bars of music. Early days yet though.

Another pic. WAF is through the floor but fortunately I have no W to raise this as an issue

[walpurgis]

It'll probably take an hour to come on song. Once warmed up it'll likely sound rather different.

[DSJR]

The amp goes into a start-up routine for the first ten seconds or so. All the led's light, the main relays click and then the bias led's go out into idling mode, where it runs cold until some music starts at fair volume..

I was told the amp needs 45 minutes to warm up sonically. I must say that my first couple of sessions kind of confirmed this as the amp hadn't been used for a good while before, but with regular use I don't think it has a temperament at all. The sound is indeed very taut, which is why I genuinely feel that your speakers will really benefit from it, as this generation of amps seems to love complex models with anything other than simple crossovers - all the phase angles and suchlike are taken with utter contempt by amps like this one

[Macca]

Dave I am not disappoint.

It is a quite obvious step up on the XTZ which is in itself pretty good and a big step up from my old Linn LK100. Veils lifted, etc. Trying it with a bit of Marvin Gaye now, crikey!

Was not expecting this level of improvement.

[walpurgis]

When you get the chance, try a good TVC with it Martin. Trust me, you'll get a big surprise .

[Macca]

I've compared my pre to TVCs more than once. It doesn't give anything away to them IMO.

[walpurgis]

Shame you're not nearer. I could change your mind about that.

[struth]

Hows it sounding then Martin?

[brian2957]

Very nice Martin . Hope you're enjoying yourself

[Macca]

Hows it sounding then Martin?

Had to stop to cook my tea Just finished so will get back to it as soon as I've stocked up on beer, will have a serious listen then.