Justin & Jerry's Hifi Blog

[jandl100]

Cute.
Do MBL make any?

[User211]

I dunno but I just thought it'd be a "must have" Jerry accessory.

JBL, MBL... is there a pattern there?

[Barry]

I dunno but I just thought it'd be a "must have" Jerry accessory.

JBL, MBL... is there a pattern there?

Well there would be if there was a KBL and an LBL.

[jandl100]

2nd system update.
New speakers!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2053_zpsztx5kuc4.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2053_zpsztx5kuc4.jpg.html)

Chario Syntar 100.
Very nice indeed.
3 ways with downward firing woofer in a separated plinth affair.
Sweet as a nut but can boogie, too. :thumbsup:

[struth]

Look decent Jerry. So is the dac3 overtaken the china dac?

[jandl100]

Oh yes, the DAC3 was an immediate winner.
The Xiang Sheng is excellent and I could (and did) easily live with it, but the DAC3 has that bit more presence and palpability.
I'd be quite curious to put it up against Justin's fancy LampiDAC. ;)

[struth]

Oh yes, the DAC3 was an immediate winner.
The Xiang Sheng is excellent and I could (and did) easily live with it, but the DAC3 has that bit more presence and palpability.
I'd be quite curious to put it up against Justin's fancy LampiDAC. ;)

Great. Nice ti know. Ive still got eyes for a dac myself, but cant decide as I might get a dac head amp and move my smsl into main system as a standalone dac ignoring the head amp part. Its the battery bit that gets me as it ight be a pain to recharge with my disabilities.

[jandl100]

The Xiang Sheng is a mains fed DAC. And the headphone output is fab. It's a great Dac, regardless that I prefer the DAC3.

The DAC3 is battery but is automatically charged from the usb input, so as long as that is connected it is hassle free.

[jandl100]

Grant, if you want a loaner of the Xiang Sheng I'll send it off to you next weekend.
It's the latest version, with a Cirrus chip, defo a step or two ahead of the one I have loaned to Martin.

[struth]

Thats an idea if you can be doing without it for a while Jerry.

[jandl100]

Thats an idea if you can be doing without it for a while Jerry.

No problem, PM me your address.

[jollyfix]

2nd system update.
New speakers!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2053_zpsztx5kuc4.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2053_zpsztx5kuc4.jpg.html)


Chario Syntar 100.
Very nice indeed.
3 ways with downward firing woofer in a separated plinth affair.
Sweet as a nut but can boogie, too. :thumbsup:
Nice Jerry, i have a set of those Chario syntar T's, nice full sound, may have to dig them out from the cupboard./Users/apple/Desktop/P1013637.jpg/Users/apple/Desktop/P1013646.jpg/Users/apple/Desktop/P1013641.jpg

[struth]

Pm sent

[jandl100]

Whoops! - yes, I forgot the T for Tower!
Chario Syntar 100T

Here's a stock pic of the base of a similar Chario model showing the bass driver and port configuration on the base of the speaker.

http://hifistudio.pl/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/syntar_533_1.jpg

[User211]

Oh yes, the DAC3 was an immediate winner.
The Xiang Sheng is excellent and I could (and did) easily live with it, but the DAC3 has that bit more presence and palpability.
I'd be quite curious to put it up against Justin's fancy LampiDAC. ;)
Huh? Are you on about the Benchmark? I didn't know you had one. Nay cheap new.

You are most welcome to bring it round but we'll use the 211s so I can't blow your ears out with half a kilowatt LOL.

The Lampi changes so much with the triodes it has in at the time it is hard to make a solid conclusion as to what it really sounds like. So comparing is somewhat pointless. Love to hear the Benchmark though.

[jandl100]

No, not a Benchmark.
A French battery powered design NOS TDA1543 DAC.
It's a bit special. :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-SPDIF-Non-Oversampling-NOS-DAC-TDA1543-DIR9001-2x9V-NiMH-powers-from-USB-/201912192073?

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Ty0AAOSwk1JWcsf8/s-l1600.jpg

I had an early Benchmark and was overwhelmed with its mere OK-ness.
They might have come along a bit in the last 15 years, though.

[jandl100]

Grilles are off - to remove a slight plummy colouration.
Speakers tilted slightly back - to aim tweeters at ear level.

Sounding very nice indeed!

... and some carpet loveliness especially for Marco. :eyebrows:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2060_zpsd0tdggsf.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2060_zpsd0tdggsf.jpg.html)

[User211]

£150. Might buy one for fun.

[hifinutt]

lovely view of the fields there jerry

[danilo]

Yup v nice bucolic view there.
You listen with drapes closed? or with all that glass bouncing/mixing the sounds everywhere?
Or does it even matter ;)

[jandl100]

Yup v nice bucolic view there.
You listen with drapes closed? or with all that glass bouncing/mixing the sounds everywhere?
Or does it even matter ;)

Bouncy bouncy sound everywhere! :yay:

- No, it doesn't really matter.
I stopped obsessing about such audiophile-nervosa trivia years ago and just enjoy the music these days.

... here's an idea of part of the full view from the listening chair.
Would you close the curtains?
Well, maybe you would.
I'm happy with them open.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2108_zps9a5xlenj.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2108_zps9a5xlenj.jpg.html)

[jandl100]

double post

[Marco]

Sounding very nice indeed!

... and some carpet loveliness especially for Marco. :eyebrows:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2060_zpsd0tdggsf.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2060_zpsd0tdggsf.jpg.html)

Ha - that's some quality carpetage... Almost makes me want to break out our fondue set and play some Boney M! :D

Nice, cosy/homely (and no doubt satisfying space to chill out in), Jerry.... :thumbsup:

Marco.

[jandl100]

Back to the main system, aka the Big Rig.

New widget ...

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/NyEAAOSwJ7RYRzAm/s-l1600.jpg

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Lv8AAOSwA3dYRzA6/s-l1600.jpg

An impedance buffer which provides the source component (a pre-amp currently) with a very easy load to drive.

Interesting and positive HFW review of the beast ... https://issuu.com/gerry666/docs/hifiworld_june_2007/27 (You need to be able to expand the image to read it at all).

Plugged in between pre & power amps and, hey presto, the next level up is achieved.
It's simply that important bit more transparent and faster, more immediacy, more presence. A tauter and more vibrant bass end, as well.
It's more like being in the presence of the musicians.
It's a keeper. :)


As for Lawrence001's report of only 2 out of 3 holes into the power plug being used (he purchased it on eBay before me and returned it) - well, I treat this with rather less suspicion and am tempted to just regard it as a typical small British audio company using a 3 hole rubber grommet for a 2 wire cable simply because that was what was available! It only has a 2 pin power input into the unit, after all.

[jandl100]

The bloody Arcaydis buffer thing has started making weird noises. :doh:
A chugging sort of hiss and then a loud thump from the L channel. :eek:
Damn!
I've requested a return from the eBay seller.
Hmm, I'll be on the lookout now for an impedance buffer that works properly!

[struth]

The bloody Arcaydis buffer thing has started making weird noises. :doh:
A chugging sort of hiss and then a loud thump from the L channel. :eek:
Damn!
I've requested a return from the eBay seller.
Hmm, I'll be on the lookout now for an impedance buffer that works properly!

not so good Jerry. sounds fatal. yes a replacement or refund. Look for a mf x10v3 thats been modded:)

[struth]

Got one in my system if you fancy trying it. Was planning taking it out when the new Dac/pre comes anyway.

[jandl100]

Yes, please! :thumbsup:

I had a standard original MF X10D back when they first came out, and it was mildly 'orrible!
You have a modded v3?

[struth]

yes, I bought the kit from the Rock Grotto guy up in the highlands. Fitted it myself. A load of caps and fast diodes. Did make a nice upgrade. I was using it between cd and amp but when the ne cad goes in I will bypass that and run digital from cd. Will see if I can get a box for it. If I can find a box big enough I could send your dac back with it maybe.:)
I did have it up for sale a short while ago but was no interest oddly lol.

will have a look tomorrow if fit enough.

[Arkless Electronics]

The bloody Arcaydis buffer thing has started making weird noises. :doh:
A chugging sort of hiss and then a loud thump from the L channel. :eek:
Damn!
I've requested a return from the eBay seller.
Hmm, I'll be on the lookout now for an impedance buffer that works properly!

In the extremely unlikely event of their being enough interest I can knock up such a thing(s) no problem. It's not something I would expect to make any difference but there yer go...
About £50 -75 with cheap case and walwart supply...

[Macca]

You adding cables, components and a power supply, it's not necessarily/ likely going to be transparent - you add gubbins: sound changes. The question whether it is actually improving technical performance, or degrading it in a good way, is a different matter.

[walpurgis]

I had a standard original MF X10D back when they first came out, and it was mildly 'orrible!

Strange. I always had really good results with that unit.

[Arkless Electronics]

You adding cables, components and a power supply, it's not necessarily/ likely going to be transparent - you add gubbins: sound changes. The question whether it is actually improving technical performance, or degrading it in a good way, is a different matter.

+1 Valve buffers are usually designed to add distortion etc to muck up.. I mean to give "that warm valve sound".

as a "you heard it first here" aside, some power amps (and others, but power amps are most relevant) can be somewhat sensitive to the impedance from which they are driven, and not for any reason one may suspect! The issue is due to device parasitic capacitances (other factors come into play) effecting the phase margin of the loop gain... Ohh.. you've all run away... Anyhow it's much more prevalent with SS amps, and so dependent on circuit topology that some amps may be quite effected by it but most completely immune to it...

[struth]

none of that with mine;)

[jandl100]

+1 Valve buffers are usually designed to add distortion etc to muck up.. I mean to give "that warm valve sound".


I agree about valve buffers, I've heard a few and they have all warmed up and smoothed over the sound. Not for me. The solid state Arcaydis buffer didn't suffer from these defects / improvements* (* delete as appropriate to your tastes).

I've only heard stock units though - with probably crap components used. It will be interesting to hear Grant's souped-up MF valve jobbie.
And I think I will take Jez up on his offer of a bespoke ss buffer. PM sent. :)

[User211]

+1 Valve buffers are usually designed to add distortion etc to muck up.. I mean to give "that warm valve sound".

as a "you heard it first here" aside, some power amps (and others, but power amps are most relevant) can be somewhat sensitive to the impedance from which they are driven, and not for any reason one may suspect! The issue is due to device parasitic capacitances (other factors come into play) effecting the phase margin of the loop gain... Ohh.. you've all run away... Anyhow it's much more prevalent with SS amps, and so dependent on circuit topology that some amps may be quite effected by it but most completely immune to it...
What would be a really cool product is a triode based valve buffer.

Think Lamizator level 7 output stage so it is possible.

I predict a lot of sales if you make one. Seriously.

Offer foo caps, wiring and resistors if desired. The more triode types it can take the better.

You need an international sales website and cheap to expensive cases too.

[Arkless Electronics]

What would be a really cool product is a triode based valve buffer.

Think Lamizator level 7 output stage so it is possible.

I predict a lot of sales if you make one. Seriously.

Offer foo caps, wiring and resistors if desired. The more triode types it can take the better.

You need an international sales website and cheap to expensive cases too.

A complete and utter waste of time, money and effort in my opinion... But if anyone wishes to commission one then I'll build it. No problem :) Just PM me with the precise spec you want.

[Macca]

A complete and utter waste of time, money and effort in my opinion... But if anyone wishes to commission one then I'll build it. No problem :) Just PM me with the precise spec you want.

Loads more money to be made building boxes of gubbins than there is in knocking out proper amplifiers ;)

[Arkless Electronics]

OK folks well Jerry (Jandl100) has commissioned a solid state buffer which will be completed very soon... I'm "going the whole hog" and doing all discrete class A. If anyone else wants one it will be easier and more convenient for me to do a few in one batch... and cheaper for you!

A vol control in the same box makes it an active pre of similar ilk to the Pass B1 BTW... I.E. it does not give any gain but acts as an impedance convertor... I'll take orders for these as well if anyone is interested ;)

Prices are being kept well cheap by using naff plastic cases and wallwart supply... neither of which will have any adverse effect on the sound.

I can also add just the buffer electronics to any passive pre you already own. A power socket added to the rear panel and wallwart supply would be the visible additions.

[Arkless Electronics]

Loads more money to be made building boxes of gubbins than there is in knocking out proper amplifiers ;)

Sad but probably true.... and the worse you make it, by using 1920's technology and obsolete parts, the more they'll pay for it :eek: Whilst my advice would be that I'll make you something much better for 100 times less money by using modern parts and techniques... I'll build such a thing using directly heated triodes and paper in oil caps etc if anyone is genuinely interested.

[struth]

Never tried a ss buffer as such. Had a few valve ones. One ive got now is by far the best especially modded. Not always needed i will accept but in general if its not needed it doesnt do much if anything.

[jandl100]

OK folks well Jerry (Jandl100) has commissioned a solid state buffer which will be completed very soon... I'm "going the whole hog" and doing all discrete class A. If anyone else wants one it will be easier and more convenient for me to do a few in one batch... and cheaper for you!


Thanks Jez. :)

I was well impressed with the Arcaydis solid state buffer before it started going hiss, chuff, warble, thump.

If yours is as good sounding, but without the hiss, chuff, warble, thump (I can't imagine it won't be) I shall spread the word. :D

[Arkless Electronics]

Thanks Jez. :)

I was well impressed with the Arcaydis solid state buffer before it started going hiss, chuff, warble, thump.

If yours is as good sounding, but without the hiss, chuff, warble, thump (I can't imagine it won't be) I shall spread the word. :D

Cheers :)

[Arkless Electronics]

OK well I've designed it and pro forma specs are as follows:

Frequency response: 0.15 Hz - 5000 KHz (no that's not a typing error)

Input impedance: 1 Megohm

Output impedance: 23 Ohm

THD: <0.005%

Maximum output level: 9V RMS

If anyone else wants one for the same £75 I'm doing the first one for Jerry at then orders to be in by noon tomorrow when I'll be ordering parts. I should have quoted a bit more but will honour this one and any orders placed by noon tomorrow at that price.

[Barry]

Being a bit of a numpty here - but what is the advantage of using a buffer stage? If the source output impedance is low, and the input impedance of the item next in line is high, what is the problem?

[User211]

A complete and utter waste of time, money and effort in my opinion... But if anyone wishes to commission one then I'll build it. No problem :) Just PM me with the precise spec you want.

That is the attitude. Give them want they think they want. Whether you think it is deluded or not.

We go to work to make money, not to make a point. Sure give advice, point out the absurdity, but people will still want such a thing. Distortion boxes are fun.

[Arkless Electronics]

Being a bit of a numpty here - but what is the advantage of using a buffer stage? If the source output impedance is low, and the input impedance of the item next in line is high, what is the problem?

I've no idea... But the customer is always right.... and so the customer will get a very good buffer stage which will do exactly what the specs describe. It will buffer from high impedance, giving zero voltage gain, a wide frequency response, very low distortion and offer a a very low output impedance, as seen by the next stage, of 23R. It will do so using discrete single ended circuitry. Adding one of these straight after a passive pre basically makes it an active pre of the purest possible topology.... and I'll try it in that context in my own system out of interest :)

[Arkless Electronics]

That is the attitude. Give them want they think they want. Whether you think it is deluded or not.

We go to work to make money, not to make a point. Sure give advice, point out the absurdity, but people will still want such a thing. Distortion boxes are fun.

I'm learning :)

[Arkless Electronics]

Here's an extra I'll put in, having just thought of it... I'll make the output impedance 75 Ohms. Still well low, but matches the characteristic impedance of most coax interconnects used at audio frequencies...... (Puts tin foil hat down...) I don't expect it to make any difference and theory says it won't, but I've read a few "audiophile things" claiming it makes a difference... and as all it takes is to replace two resistors with two different resistors, it costs nowt... There's no down side to it and it's one less thing to worry about if you believe interconnects matter as yes, you are driving the cable at its correct characteristic impedance.

Technical types move away from the keyboard! Yes I know that the interconnect would need to be several miles long for it to matter... As I say, and you surely must agree, there's no down side to it... hey I'm reaching out to the subjectivists in unknown territory here!

[jandl100]

.... don't forget to add a sprinkle of audiophile magic flooby-dust, Jez. :thumbsup:

You know, I'm getting quite excited by this, if expectation bias has anything to do with it I am going to be very happy with Jez's new buffer. :lol:

Feel free to post some pics of the construction. :popcorn:

[struth]

Feel free to post it for free too

[danilo]

As alternate for diy keeners....there is THIS 'good as it gets' Buffer as a partial 'kit' 40$ + Postage
https://www.passdiy.com/store
Even the schematic is freely provided for the download... for those who prefer to match their own sourced jfets

[pgarrish]

I've no idea... But the customer is always right.... and so the customer will get a very good buffer stage which will do exactly what the specs describe. It will buffer from high impedance, giving zero voltage gain, a wide frequency response, very low distortion and offer a a very low output impedance, as seen by the next stage, of 23R. It will do so using discrete single ended circuitry. Adding one of these straight after a passive pre basically makes it an active pre of the purest possible topology.... and I'll try it in that context in my own system out of interest :)

I'd be interested if that makes any difference - especially with 5m+ of cables. I found a noticeable drop in quality with my passive (DACT stepped attenuator) with cables much over 2-3m so its not worthless if it gets over that problem

[jandl100]

It's a bit like rabbits, systems seem to be proliferating at the moment. :)

3rd system now up & going. It's CD based.
In my conservatory.

I want the electronics close at hand to my cumfy chair.
I want it non-intrusive so it must be able to sit on the window ledges.
The system must have a L/R balance control as the speakers are not the same distance away.

The amp I am using is bat shit crazy.
The CD player is a Walkman-like portable.
And the speakers have been moved on from my 2nd system - those delightful gloss white Klegg Symphony 102 standmounts.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2162_zps2ctbg7jz.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2162_zps2ctbg7jz.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2166_zpsiphcrwme.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2166_zpsiphcrwme.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2164_zpsb7fgll7x.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2164_zpsb7fgll7x.jpg.html)

The amp is a Kinter MA-180 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/391780696738?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT).
I don't think the 180 stands for 180wpc, though. Not even 90wpc.
It's a tiny class D chip amp - probably shoving out about 4wpc.
It cost me £10.41 including delivery, brand spanking new. The eBay ad implied it came with a PSU, it didn't, but I had one to hand so no worries.
To say I had dubious expectations about its performance would be no exaggeration.

The CD player is just a plain vanilla portable with a wallwart PSU so I don't have to bother with batteries.

Both can be reached easily from my Chair of Choice.

Speakers placed in the corners, you can just see one peeking out in the 3rd pic.

How does it sound?
shit
No!! - actually it's just fine and perfect for relaxed, chilled out, non-obsessive listening.
I can even crank it up a bit - I was quite startled to hear genuine, taut controlled and decent bass.
It might cost only a £tenner but the amp is like most/all of the little chip amps in that it's pretty damn decent.
The system has way exceeded my expectations.

[tapid]

Nice greenery Jerry, particularly like those long stem jobbies at the front. Must get me self down to home base.

[jandl100]

Yeah, the wife gets a bit out of hand and tends to turn everything into a greenhouse.
I like it.

[tapid]

So Do I.! Could be a good sound diffuser as well if placed mid speaker position ?

[Arkless Electronics]

OK well here's the finished article, crap photography 'n all:

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag156/Jez1235/SDC11037_zpssdhcnstx.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Jez1235/media/SDC11037_zpssdhcnstx.jpg.html)

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag156/Jez1235/SDC11033_zpsi787t1pb.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Jez1235/media/SDC11033_zpsi787t1pb.jpg.html)

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag156/Jez1235/SDC11032_zpsowklrndi.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Jez1235/media/SDC11032_zpsowklrndi.jpg.html)

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag156/Jez1235/SDC11031_zpsvbxjjnri.jpg (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Jez1235/media/SDC11031_zpsvbxjjnri.jpg.html)

[Arkless Electronics]

I'd be interested if that makes any difference - especially with 5m+ of cables. I found a noticeable drop in quality with my passive (DACT stepped attenuator) with cables much over 2-3m so its not worthless if it gets over that problem

I hugely underestimated the labour involved when I "pulled a figure out of the air" for the rice so I'm afraid any further units will be double what I charged Jerry, ie £150. Sorry. Still excellent value I believe. About 4 hours labour an £20 in parts and I only charged £75 for the first one... :doh:

[Arkless Electronics]

As alternate for diy keeners....there is THIS 'good as it gets' Buffer as a partial 'kit' 40$ + Postage
https://www.passdiy.com/store
Even the schematic is freely provided for the download... for those who prefer to match their own sourced jfets

I'd expect mine to beat it.

[jandl100]

Thanks Jez - that looks fab. :thumbsup:

Is it going to have an Arkless Electronics sticker on it? ;)

[Arkless Electronics]

Thanks Jez - that looks fab. :thumbsup:

Is it going to have an Arkless Electronics sticker on it? ;)

Oh go on then... I stopped short of even labelling in and out as I'd gone so much over the "labour budget"... It will have to be on a white background on the back as I can't deal with printing on black...

It's a good illustration of what the likes of me are up against when you look at that little power amp you bought..., looks very attractive and all that... £10 delivered? It cost me £20 JUST FOR THE PARTS for this! They are all top quality parts of course though (the electrolytics for example are high temperature, long life, low ESR )... and a pretty "high end" circuit design.. kept down to a price with shite case and el cheapo SMPS wall wart.

I haven't actually listened to it yet! I'll report back on that;)

[Firebottle]

Your 'cheapo SMPS wall wart' looks similar to ones I use Jez, they are pretty good in my book ;)

[Arkless Electronics]

Your 'cheapo SMPS wall wart' looks similar to ones I use Jez, they are pretty good in my book ;)

"Powerpax" UK designed and Chinese built I believe. Yes I was very pleasantly surprised by its performance. Ripple about 40mV. Expected another 0 on there! Bit of R and C and it's battered flat. Jobs a gud 'n :)

[Arkless Electronics]

After some issues which were not the fault of the buffer I'm now listening to it (prototype class A power amp temporarily fitted with very fast bipolar op amp didn't like not seeing the resistance of the passive pot... which by coincidence was just right for the input bias current and was giving about 100mV offset.... which went up to 3V without the passive! Went back to FET input op amp in power amp and all's well).

You could well be on to something here Jerry! First impressions are very favourable :) It's hard to describe but it's as if the detail is more natural and less forced, everything sounds rather more organic without any softness spoiling it and sound staging is deeper without having to "try" to hear that far back into the stage.... Sounding like 6 moons here but I suppose more musical and less obviously hi fi but without loss of detail etc. It's driving about 4 meter interconnects here BTW.

[Macca]

So a bit like some mild tape saturation then?

[Macca]

BTW Jez have done a screen shot of you doing your Roy Gregory just in case you have second thoughts and delete it ;)

[Arkless Electronics]

So a bit like some mild tape saturation then?

There's no saturation or distortion going on as in a R2R.... it's a "straight wire with(out) gain... but kind of yeah... For fairness I should say I haven't listened to my system for about 4 days before this and audio memory is notoriously inaccurate. If encourages turning up of volume due to the lack of any "chrome plated-ness", "glare", "grain" I would say, but without any loss of solidity, detail etc. First impressions are it's giving some of the stuff I was looking for in new power amps I've been messing with!

[Arkless Electronics]

BTW Jez have done a screen shot of you doing your Roy Gregory just in case you have second thoughts and delete it ;)

:lol::lol: :)

[Arkless Electronics]

I've been using Marvin Gaye "What's going on?" as a test album a lot recently. The answer is there's actually loads going on! Layers of studio generated depth with different things happening at different depths. The Radford STA25 MkIII I had in did wondrous things with these "layers of detail" that non of my SS amps could quite do but with this in line it all seems to be there with the SS amp!

Very interesting and needs some more investigation ;)

[struth]

A converted buffer buff then :D

[Macca]

:D

If you've come up with a £170 box that makes any amp sound like an STA 15 you might have cracked it ;)

[struth]

Said he was doing me one for £40 while pissed :ner:

[Arkless Electronics]

A converted buffer buff then :D

Possibly yes Grant... Early days, first impressions and after not using system for a few days. "adds effortlessness" would be as succinct a comment as I could round it up to so far. It will be interesting to see what Jerry reckons when he gets it later in the week.

[Arkless Electronics]

Said he was doing me one for £40 while pissed :ner:

You shouldn't get that hammered that you get false memory :lol:

[walpurgis]

Said he was doing me one for £40 while pissed :ner:

Jez told me £25! :lol:

[Arkless Electronics]

Jez told me £25! :lol:

You've been drinking Green River with Grant I reckon :D

[struth]

I dont drink :D

[Macca]

You've been drinking Green River

'if you've got a boat it'll take the paint off your deck...'

[Arkless Electronics]

'if you've got a boat it'll take the paint off your deck...'

:eyebrows:

[struth]

Can take one when i want but cant be bothered now. Dont really miss it as much as i thought i might, and i probably drank more than any lol. Shows not everyone becomes addicted .....
marco will tell you how much booze is lying about my house unopened


Now wheres that bottle :eyebrows:

[Arkless Electronics]

Can take one when i want but cant be bothered now. Dont really miss it as much as i thought i might, and i probably drank more than any lol. Shows not everyone becomes addicted .....
marco will tell you how much booze is lying about my house unopened


Now wheres that bottle :eyebrows:

When are you holding a bake off next Grant?:D

[struth]

Open door policy here mate. Mostly Malt and Bourbon tbh but some decent brandy and vodka too, plus pretty much everything else lol except Bucky.. need to see my mate for that

[jandl100]

You could well be on to something here Jerry! First impressions are very favourable :) It's hard to describe but it's as if the detail is more natural and less forced, everything sounds rather more organic without any softness spoiling it and sound staging is deeper without having to "try" to hear that far back into the stage.... Sounding like 6 moons here but I suppose more musical and less obviously hi fi but without loss of detail etc. It's driving about 4 meter interconnects here BTW.


Help, Help !!
Jez has been taken over by audiophile aliens. :D

Much looking forward to this little box of tricks. :)

-- btw - you'll have to let me know which side is the input sockets and which is the output. ;)

[brian2957]

Where are you going to be using it in your system Jerry ?

[Arkless Electronics]

Now on Diana Krall "Live at Paris".... I could need a bigger power amp! Using 20WPC class A amp at the minute with Spendor speakers and much less efficient than the KEF's. The lack of "edge" and "strain" encourage volume without a doubt.

I'm using the buffer straight after my passive pre with 2' interconnect between them and then buffer driving 4M of cable to power amp, in effect it turns the passive pre into a very good active pre, still without gain of course. I hope Jerry likes it as well and I'm not imagining all this!:eek:

[jandl100]

Where are you going to be using it in your system Jerry ?

Betwixt pre and power amps was the idea.
I'll give it a go between DAC and pre as well, see which I prefer.
I've been toying with the idea recently of getting a passive pre again , could be a good match!

[brian2957]

Thanks mate . This all sounds rather intriguing :)

[walpurgis]

Yes. I have to admit, I'm interested too.

[struth]

Found mine best between cd and amp or pre/amp. Tried it with dac and didnt like it. Didnt like it with vinyl so much either, so it stuck on cd/amp. Going back to dac pre soon so probably wont use it now. A ss one might work better in this situation. In fact i would expect it to, especially if well made.

[Macca]

An active pre-amp with unity gain can't be a new thing. Isn't that effectively what 'The Truth' is? That one Adey's got?

Unusual to see Jez waxing lyrical. Especially when he was pretty confident before hand that it was a worthless exercise.

[Arkless Electronics]

Betwixt pre and power amps was the idea.
I'll give it a go between DAC and pre as well, see which I prefer.
I've been toying with the idea recently of getting a passive pre again , could be a good match!

Your DAC and active pre in effect already have buffers at their outputs! My passive pre has worst case output impedance of 12.5K (50K pot) and this is buffered to be only 75R, hence giving the same low impedance and "cable driving" ability as an active pre. Theoretically, in your suggested application you are just basically replicating what's already there.... and of course adding one more stage to the signal path. It will be interesting to see what you think anyway though:)

Again Theoretically it is ideally used, as in there is a scientific reason for doing so, between something with fairly weedy driving ability, such as a passive or many valve sources (phono stage, pre etc), via fairly short interconnects, and can drive anything (within reason!) at it's outputs, like a SS power amp with only 10K input impedance or long interconnects etc.

Well I'm considering going out to check out some of the live music going on all over town today. Free live music in virtually every pub due to "Bedrock" day here in Bedlington..... Previous experience forewarns me to expect large quantities of VERY drunk people unfortunately.. I can't stand walking into that when stone cold sober! (ok half a bottle of nice Pilsner lager downed so far). Being 6'4" and having dreadlocks down to my arse makes me a real "numpty magnet" in these situations unfortunately!! I keep meaning to make up some cards saying "Yes it's real hair, no I don't put bee's wax on it, about 25 years pal, yes I wash it, now fuck off!" :D

[Arkless Electronics]

An active pre-amp with unity gain can't be a new thing. Isn't that effectively what 'The Truth' is? That one Adey's got?

Unusual to see Jez waxing lyrical. Especially when he was pretty confident before hand that it was a worthless exercise.

Correct on all fronts. Yes I must admit I'm surprised at what this is doing betwixt passive and power amp. My number 1 suspicion being that the power amp itself is seeing a nice low impedance driving it and this is helping this power amp to give its best subjective performance. If so then the effect will be very "power amp specific". It could be I've been hearing what a 12.5K impedance driving the capacitance of 4M of cable sounds like and this has removed the negative effect... I dunno but it sounds quite a lot better. Much bigger difference than anything I've changed in "voicing" this prototype power amp type quite a lot better!

[Macca]

4 metres. That's long. I use 50 cm which is the shortest that is practical. Could it be you are just compensating for the lengthy cable run?

[struth]

Grant, if you want a loaner of the Xiang Sheng I'll send it off to you next weekend.
It's the latest version, with a Cirrus chip, defo a step or two ahead of the one I have loaned to Martin.

My one has arrived in England Gerry. Not heard fron DHL yet tho. shouldnt be too long hopefully

[jandl100]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2174_1_zpsvupxvnuj.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2174_1_zpsvupxvnuj.jpg.html)

[struth]

A pass labs x150 eh? nice anyway

[Macca]

That's a fair chunk of metal. Pass labs?

[jandl100]

Imposing, isn't it.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2175_zpskbssdapu.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2175_zpskbssdapu.jpg.html)

New pre-amp to partner it arriving in a few days. :)

[walpurgis]

Very nice.

(still got a hankering for an Aleph 3 myself)

[jandl100]

I've had a weekend loan of an Aleph 3 (from Walrus in London) rather more years ago than I care to admit!
Not my cuppa - too laid back for me.

[Ali Tait]

Nice Jerry, how does it sound?

[jandl100]

Once it warmed up - it took about 30 minutes of sounding a bit thin and stark - it sounds excellent. Very powerful and controlled, tonally neutral, loads of detail, excellent focus.
Really enjoying it so far.

[Arkless Electronics]

Very nice!

Did the buffer turn up today? So much for 1st class post if it didn't!

[jandl100]

Very nice!

Did the buffer turn up today? So much for 1st class post if it didn't!

Hi Jez
Yep, the buffer turned up as per 1st class spec.
But the Pass-encumbered courier arrived 45 minutes earlier. So guess what is being tried first!

I'll have to settle in with the amp for a couple of days and then I'll try the buffer.

[User211]

Some good reviews on AudioReview. One chap compares it to an A21 which he claims is warmer. He prefers the X150 in his system.

But then I expect you've read that anyway (wink).

300W into 4 Ohms. Not bad.

BTW if you did send me something there's no sign yet.

[jandl100]

Yep, seen the reviews. :)
It is quite like a Para A21, but not cuddly. (It's the somewhat warm and cuddly aspect that tired me of the A21 in the end). Same kind of dynamic sweep - loadsa power. More rez (sorry Macca ;)). Lusher mids, as well. Awesome bass with the music tried so far (only classical)
Enjoying it a lot so far.
Does take 30 mins to come on song, though. -- And I'm not usually a warm-up kinda guy, but it's pretty bloody obvious with Horatio.

I replied to your PM.

[User211]

Is it getting hot in that there shelf?

[jandl100]

The amp does get very warm, but not hot - it's still comfortable to the touch.
I suspect it operates a fair way in pure class A.
I've seen 50wpc in class A mentioned, but I don't think it gets anywhere near hot enough for that.
It gets a lot warmer than the A21, and I think that was about the first 7 watts in class A.

[Yomanze]

It is a pure (single ended) Class A amp, all 30W. That the whole case is a heatsink will help here, love the design.

[jandl100]

Yes, a few 10s of watts class A then class AB up to 150wpc - doubles to 300wpc into 4 ohms.
Still luvin' it! :)

[User211]

I can arrange to permanently keep it out of class A for you if you send it here.

Class A. Who needs it? All that heat and it is summer FFS. I'll keep it running cool in A/B.

[User211]

Is there a flaw in my logic?

[jandl100]

Subtlety and delicacy. I agree, you don't have much use for them :eyebrows:

[jandl100]

... and I suspect you get 50W in class A and then a dollop of 100W in class AB on top of that. :)

Does it work like that? :scratch:
- maybe that sounds like Quad's current dumping scheme?

[User211]

Subtlety and delicacy. I agree, you don't have much use for them :eyebrows:
It is just dry humour.

Think of me with 4 211s on the go:D

[Ali Tait]

Can relate to that, having six EL509 on the go.

[jandl100]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2189_zpsubd9bqql.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2189_zpsubd9bqql.jpg.html)

A Bel Canto Pre3 has joined the parade. :)

[Barry]

It is just dry humour.

Think of me with 4 211s on the go:D

My 25w monoblocks are pure class A, so dissipate 400W when idling! Too hot for summer use, so I wheel in my Quad 510 monoblocks.

[brian2957]

Jeez , you're on a roll just now Jerry :)

[Infinitely Baffled]

A Bel Canto Pre3 has joined the parade. :)

What's the "79.0"? Is that what it cost!
IB

[struth]

volume setting

[jandl100]

What's the "79.0"? Is that what it cost!
IB

I wish. :)

21dB down from full volume.

[petrat]

Hi Jerry ... just been browsing through this thread, reminding myself of some of the interesting gear you've tried over the years, and was wondering if you bothered keeping a list (database, even!) of it all? Bet it must be several hundreds of items by now.

Any verdict on Jezz's buffer yet?

[jandl100]

Firstly, Jez's buffer. I feel guilty about that! Unfortunately its arrival coincided with that of the new amps, so it has taken a back seat for now.

Kit history list.
Well, I'm not usually a well organised person and generally potter through life in a haphazard fashion.
But the hifi buying thing is different, and in the interests of keeping finances under reasonable constraint and control I do indeed keep careful records of items bought and sold.
I have annual spreadsheets going back 8 or 9 years or so I think.

So yes, I could list every significant item I have bought or sold and what the value was for that far back.
Hundreds of items.

[jandl100]

Did the buffer turn up today? So much for 1st class post if it didn't!

Buffer installed. Finally. :)

Tried it first between my Bel Canto active pre-amp and Pass power amp.
Mmm. Nope. Not beneficial.

Tried it next between my battery powered DAC and the Bel Canto pre.
Nice! - the buffer stays.
Definitely more subtle inflection on dynamics, more 'twang' to plucked instruments. Better delineation of space. More vibrancy, more 'there' there. Better in the room presence. Images are more focused.
Super.
Thanks Jez. :)

It would be interesting to try it with a passive pre, but I don't have one atm, unfortunately.

It's tidily implemented in the promised cheap plastic enclosure, but will probably be tucked away as it doesn't really match the surrounding bling-boxes. :eyebrows:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2191_zpspp5suqt2.jpg

[struth]

I had mine between cd and amp so similar. Is the Napoleon back on top of the Chairman Mao?:D

[jandl100]

Yep, the Frenchie's back!

[Arkless Electronics]

Buffer installed. Finally. :)

Tried it first between my Bel Canto active pre-amp and Pass power amp.
Mmm. Nope. Not beneficial.

Tried it next between my battery powered DAC and the Bel Canto pre.
Nice! - the buffer stays.
Definitely more subtle inflection on dynamics, more 'twang' to plucked instruments. Better delineation of space. More vibrancy, more 'there' there. Better in the room presence. Images are more focused.
Super.
Thanks Jez. :)

It would be interesting to try it with a passive pre, but I don't have one atm, unfortunately.

It's tidily implemented in the promised cheap plastic enclosure, but will probably be tucked away as it doesn't really match the surrounding bling-boxes. :eyebrows:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2191_zpspp5suqt2.jpg

:thumbsup: :cool:

[jandl100]

:scratch:
A bit baffled by this.
Listened a lot more now to the system with the Jez Buffer installed.

It's a bit subtle at first, but after a while the realisation dawns that it has taken the presentation to a whole new level of naturalness. I really enjoyed my system before, but looking back now, in comparison it was kind of electronic and artificial and flat sounding.

Tonality is richer, lusher more natural - my solid state amps are sounding more like a really good valve amp in that regard. Bass goes deeper and tauter. Images are more 3D and naturally present. Transients are faster but without the added edge that can sometimes fool you. The whole thing is more transparent with better separation of instruments from the ambient background.
Jez used the word organic to describe what he was hearing in his system coupled with a passive pre, and that is exactly the word that comes to me now.

This is easily equivalent to a major component upgrade.
I suppose this sort of component is going to be even more system dependent than others (?) but this little gadget is well worth a try, imho.

[Arkless Electronics]

:scratch:
A bit baffled by this.
Listened a lot more now to the system with the Jez Buffer installed.

It's a bit subtle at first, but after a while the realisation dawns that it has taken the presentation to a whole new level of naturalness. I really enjoyed my system before, but looking back now, in comparison it was kind of electronic and artificial and flat sounding.

Tonality is richer, lusher more natural - my solid state amps are sounding more like a really good valve amp in that regard. Bass goes deeper and tauter. Images are more 3D and naturally present. Transients are faster but without the added edge that can sometimes fool you. The whole thing is more transparent with better separation of instruments from the ambient background.
Jez used the word organic to describe what he was hearing in his system coupled with a passive pre, and that is exactly the word that comes to me now.

This is easily equivalent to a major component upgrade.
I suppose this sort of component is going to be even more system dependent than others (?) but this little gadget is well worth a try, imho.

Make an orderly queue folks, no pushing or shoving...:D Oh and I've now designed a MkII with no capacitors in the signal path.... but one more SS device is in the signal path to allow it to do this, but should be pretty transparent.

Unfortunately prices start at double what Jerry paid as in my haste to name a competitive price for the job I hadn't thought it through properly and ended up charging only about half my normal hourly labour rate in order to stick to the price I initially quoted:doh:

Fancy cases, "boutique" parts and linear regulated supplies (I very much doubt any improvement) available but will greatly increase cost. Just ask.

[Macca]

So how much can you do them for then Jez? I've lost track.

[Arkless Electronics]

So how much can you do them for then Jez? I've lost track.

I'll call it £140 for one identical to Jerry's.... so a tenner less than double what Jerry paid. It's one of those things where if there was a demand for 100+ a month I could get them down to say £40..... but there isn't... and they are entirely hand built, down to the last soldered joint and hole drilled.

[Macca]

Have you done anymore testing with it? You suspected that it was compensating for your very long interconnects.

[Arkless Electronics]

Have you done anymore testing with it? You suspected that it was compensating for your very long interconnects.

No, Jerrys got it! The MkII is only in computer simulation so far. I'm 99% certain it will work great in real life. The one Jerry has is the "purest" in terms of how few active devices are in the circuit but needs input and output capacitors. The MkII in effect is a buffer driving another buffer, so two active stages in line, but by doing so I get to use a trick which allows there to be no input or output coupling capacitors. It is in fact flat to DC. As a generic "family" of circuitry, buffers, when properly designed, have very low distortion and noise etc and very wide frequency response. So good in these areas as to be difficult to measure actually. Hence the plan is that the circuitry itself should be so transparent that having twice as much of it should hopefully be better than having capacitors in the signal path.

My MAIN suspicion in my own set up , if you recall, was that the prototype power amp I'm using prefers to see a low driving impedance.... the 4M interconnects could possibly have been effecting things due to the capacitance....

[Macca]

No, Jerrys got it! The MkII is only in computer simulation so far. I'm 99% certain it will work great in real life. The one Jerry has is the "purest" in terms of how few active devices are in the circuit but needs input and output capacitors. The MkII in effect is a buffer driving another buffer, so two active stages in line, but by doing so I get to use a trick which allows there to be no input or output coupling capacitors. It is in fact flat to DC. As a generic "family" of circuitry, buffers, when properly designed, have very low distortion and noise etc and very wide frequency response. So good in these areas as to be difficult to measure actually. Hence the plan is that the circuitry itself should be so transparent that having twice as much of it should hopefully be better than having capacitors in the signal path.

My MAIN suspicion in my own set up , if you recall, was that the prototype power amp I'm using prefers to see a low driving impedance.... the 4M interconnects could possibly have been effecting things due to the capacitance....

I was wondering if you had got to the bottom of that before you sent it out to Jerry. But I guess no, then, from what you say.

[Arkless Electronics]

I was wondering if you had got to the bottom of that before you sent it out to Jerry. But I guess no, then, from what you say.

Indeed. Could be one of those "subjective things" :eyebrows: Seems to work though.....

[Macca]

Indeed. Could be one of those "subjective things" :eyebrows: Seems to work though.....

You wouldn't care to have punt at what is going on technically?

Is this a band aid for a flawed system> Is it benign distortion? Are there unknown impedance issues being sorted? I appreciate it would be shots in the dark.

[Yomanze]

Buffer installed. Finally. :)

Tried it first between my Bel Canto active pre-amp and Pass power amp.
Mmm. Nope. Not beneficial.

Tried it next between my battery powered DAC and the Bel Canto pre.
Nice! - the buffer stays.
Definitely more subtle inflection on dynamics, more 'twang' to plucked instruments. Better delineation of space. More vibrancy, more 'there' there. Better in the room presence. Images are more focused.
Super.
Thanks Jez. :)

It would be interesting to try it with a passive pre, but I don't have one atm, unfortunately.

It's tidily implemented in the promised cheap plastic enclosure, but will probably be tucked away as it doesn't really match the surrounding bling-boxes. :eyebrows:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2191_zpspp5suqt2.jpg

As your DAC will have a passive output I think the buffer will be bringing a lot to the party, also think it will work well with a passive pre...

[Simon_LDT]

You wouldn't care to have punt at what is going on technically?

Is this a band aid for a flawed system> Is it benign distortion? Are there unknown impedance issues being sorted? I appreciate it would be shots in the dark.

The buffer is mainly for impedance issues I would have thought. Don't most active pre's have buffers at the output? I know mine does, as does my DAC.

[Macca]

I think Jez was explaining earlier that there shouldn't be any impedance issues to sort.

[Arkless Electronics]

You wouldn't care to have punt at what is going on technically?

Is this a band aid for a flawed system> Is it benign distortion? Are there unknown impedance issues being sorted? I appreciate it would be shots in the dark.

I believe I've already said maybe 3 times that I think the most likely reason I got a subjective improvement is that my prototype power amp probably likes to see a low impedance at it's input. I have no other explanation and would not want to speculate.

Generally speaking there is no reason why a buffer should improve anything unless you are driving very long interconnects like 10M long or maybe 30M long from a passive pre or other high ish output impedance source, In which case a buffer will prevent the loss of treble.

[Arkless Electronics]

As your DAC will have a passive output I think the buffer will be bringing a lot to the party, also think it will work well with a passive pre...

It will have an active low impedance output which does not require a buffer.

[Yomanze]

It will have an active low impedance output which does not require a buffer.

If Jerry is using his TDA1543 DAC this one uses passive resistor-based I/V & no active stage.

[Arkless Electronics]

If Jerry is using his TDA1543 DAC this one uses passive resistor-based I/V & no active stage.

I have better things to do than start researching this but it is very unlikely that it has a passive output.

[Yomanze]

I have better things to do than start researching this but it is very unlikely that it has a passive output.

It's a current-output DAC, and one of the only ones that can be driven directly from an I/V resistor, usually by jacking the voltage up to 8V to get the desired 2V output. Lots of TDA1543 DACs are built in this way. :)

[Arkless Electronics]

Nearly all DACs are current output. Hence the I/V op amp stage universally used. I'm afraid it's not a topic that interests me....

[RothwellAudio]

I think the most likely reason I got a subjective improvement is that my prototype power amp probably likes to see a low impedance at it's input.
Yes, I was reading something recently where the author talked about a lower impedance drive to a power amp producing lower distortion. It might have been in one of Douglas Self's books but I can't say for sure and I can't remember the details. I'll come back if I remember.

[Arkless Electronics]

Yes, I was reading something recently where the author talked about a lower impedance drive to a power amp producing lower distortion. It might have been in one of Douglas Self's books but I can't say for sure and I can't remember the details. I'll come back if I remember.

Improved stability margin and/or greater immunity to RF incursion my guess.

[Yomanze]

Nearly all DACs are current output. Hence the I/V op amp stage universally used. I'm afraid it's not a topic that interests me....

Obviously not considering that most modern DACs have a voltage output. The opamps are used as gain stages or buffers rather than for I/V conversion. Of course vintage players are different, at a time they were all current output...

[Arkless Electronics]

Obviously not considering that most modern DACs have a voltage output. The opamps are used as gain stages or buffers rather than for I/V conversion. Of course vintage players are different, at a time they were all current output...

Very probably.... I don't pay much attention to DAC technology. They were all current output when I was last aware of such things many years ago...

[Yomanze]

Very probably.... I don't pay much attention to DAC technology. They were all current output when I was last aware of such things many years ago...

It's a shame it went that way, but real analogue silicon is much more expensive to produce than modern devices that operate purely in the digital realm. True multibit DACs with current outputs sound better though. ;)

[jandl100]

A valve preamp arrived this morning.
Initial thoughts on the sonics are :eek:
But it isn't exactly a visual match made in heaven with my Pass power amp!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2343_zpsk4o2eiea.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2343_zpsk4o2eiea.jpg.html)

[struth]

knobs are same colour:)

[jandl100]

knobs are same colour:)

Err, no. Not really!

Pre and power need to be in different systems.

[Roy S]

The Bel Canto pre didn't last long.

[jandl100]

I was settling in very nicely with the BelC, and then this valve job came along on eBay.
Sometimes you just can't say no. Well, I can't anyway. :)

Still settling in with the Pure Sound L10 - not entirely cumfy with it yet. It has a very BIG sound - much more room filling than I am used to. I've narrowed the spacing between speakers to bring it a bit under control.
Also ordered a replacement valve for the cheap Russkie 6n6p job that resides inside. A nice JJ Gold ecc99. I'll see what that does. I can't believe that it won't be better than the cheapo Russkie.

[Ali Tait]

ECC99 not always a straight swap Jerry if memory serves, be a good idea to check first.

[User211]

6N6P is a discontinued Russian super tube which makes a good 211/845 driver tube. I have two on them in each of my 211 monos.

The ones I use have the nipple painted red. I also have a box full for backup. They are (or were not checked recently) super cheap. These non-red nipple ones sound duff. I dunno why maybe they need a lot of break-in but they DO sound duff. Mr Lampi (http://www.lampizator.eu/UPGRADE/upgrade%20noval%20tubes%20to%206H6P.html)seems to hint they do need break-in as they can sound duff to start with.

They look identical internally. I suspect yours say OTK on them as I have never seen another type.

I searched for replacements for ages and never had the guts to use anything else.

That said those 211 monos are my favourite amps of all time. So they can't be too hampered by the 6N6P.

[jandl100]

Hmm, yeah, your 211 amps don't sound too shabby, Justin.

Might be fun to try the JJ Gold ecc99, though.
What's the worst that could happen? ....

http://bestanimations.com/Military/Explosions/nuclear-atom-bomg-explosion-animated-gif-5.gif

[jandl100]

Some internal pics of the Pure Sound L10 pre.
Transformers all over the place. :)
It weighs 17Kg - quite a lot for a pre!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2341_zpsdfqlauaa.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2341_zpsdfqlauaa.jpg.html)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSC_2340_zpsroejfrkh.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSC_2340_zpsroejfrkh.jpg.html)

[Macca]

How many traffos? 6 of them? Crikey!

[User211]

Hmm, yeah, your 211 amps don't sound too shabby, Justin.

Might be fun to try the JJ Gold ecc99, though.
What's the worst that could happen? ....

http://bestanimations.com/Military/Explosions/nuclear-atom-bomg-explosion-animated-gif-5.gif

It is one of Guy's just e-mail him for an opinion I'd say. Also, Tom had one (Montesqieu or however you spell it) that he had up for sale here and claimed it was fully Amperex'd. Could e-mail him.

You could just plug the f*cker in and see what happens. I'm awaiting the mushroom cloud in Portishead...:D

[User211]

The OTK stamp means mil spec 6N6P so it appears. There's some gold grid non-OTK ones around and a Chinese knock off too that I haven't seen before. Actually I was aware of the non-OTK gold grid ones now I think about it. 10 gold grids for £30 odd quid isn't bad really. My OTK ones have been going for years now with no issues.

Which Rusky one(s) have you actually got?

[jandl100]

The L10 only has 2 valves inside.
The 6n6p and a 6z4.

I can't recall what 6n6p is in there, but I'm sure it didn't have a red nip - and I can't be bothered to take it out of the rack and pop the lid again!

Yes, I noticed the gold grids on eBay, some gold pins as well.

I've ordered us a batch of 8 gold grids for £20 from sunny Ukraine (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8x-6N6P-ECC99-E182CC-Soviet-GOLD-GRID-Same-Date-Double-triode-tubes-NOS-/272263038663?hash=item3f642446c7:g:asgAAOSwJ4hY-Rcr)?
I'll keep 2, you can have 6.

[Ali Tait]

Pin 9 is an internal shield in 6n6p, in ECC99 it is the heater centre tap for 12.6v operation. Check with Guy, will depend on the circuit.

[diceman]

6N6P is a discontinued Russian super tube which makes a good 211/845 driver tube. I have two on them in each of my 211 monos.

The ones I use have the nipple painted red. I also have a box full for backup. They are (or were not checked recently) super cheap. These non-red nipple ones sound duff. I dunno why maybe they need a lot of break-in but they DO sound duff. Mr Lampi (http://www.lampizator.eu/UPGRADE/upgrade%20noval%20tubes%20to%206H6P.html)seems to hint they do need break-in as they can sound duff to start with.

They look identical internally. I suspect yours say OTK on them as I have never seen another type.

I searched for replacements for ages and never had the guts to use anything else.

That said those 211 monos are my favourite amps of all time. So they can't be too hampered by the 6N6P.

My SJS pre has been modified (much to Simon's dismay I suspect given some of the components) to use a 6N6P so I did a little research on the tube and what could be had/found. The red top it is suggested is a "specially selected" marker and probably 1970s vintage.

The common consensus appeared to be that the best sounding ones were 1960s OTK (military quality approved marker) versions. I have 1 spare 1965 NOS OTK tube if you fancied trying borrowing it to compare. (PM with address Jerry). They are a PITA to find though now.

[jandl100]

Thanks JP. :)

I'll PM you.

--- but what if I can't bear to be without it? :eek:

[diceman]

Thanks JP. :)

I'll PM you.

--- but what if I can't bear to be without it? :eek:

They can be found and are circa £35 each IIRC. TBH I haven't done any real tube swapping as it came with a 1960s OTK and 1 spare so if you find something better it'd save me the hassle of tube swapping :-)

[jandl100]

"diceman has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space."

[diceman]

space cleared

[User211]

I'll keep 2, you can have 6.

What a jolly nice chap. Might send you a pressie back. May not be useful now but stash them in the valve box and I am sure they will be in the future.

So is the Puresound growing on you or not?

[User211]

My SJS pre has been modified (much to Simon's dismay I suspect given some of the components) to use a 6N6P so I did a little research on the tube and what could be had/found. The red top it is suggested is a "specially selected" marker and probably 1970s vintage.

The common consensus appeared to be that the best sounding ones were 1960s OTK (military quality approved marker) versions. I have 1 spare 1965 NOS OTK tube if you fancied trying borrowing it to compare. (PM with address Jerry). They are a PITA to find though now.
Interesting info JP hope all is well.

[jandl100]

So is the Puresound growing on you or not?

Oh yes - the Puresound is magnificent.
Very open and transparent, it majors on clarity and in-room presence.
Transients have a startle factor 'spang' to them.
Probably the most dynamic pre I have heard. A very big, room filling sound.
Bass is deep and powerful, not quite as taut as the best I have heard but by no means flabby and it's very entertaining. Some wadding in the rear ports of the MBLs is needed to keep the bass within bounds in my room.

The overall imaging is different to what I have had before - a bit of speaker repositioning is in progress to get the best out of it.

The remote volume control comes in for a lot of stick on the forums as being essentially unusable, but I find it just fine. The guy I bought it from says he bought the pre new only 9 months ago, so maybe that issue was sorted in more recent production.

Yup, enjoying it very much so far.

[diceman]

Interesting info JP hope all is well.

All good cheers Justin. Apogees have been boxed up for a few years due to children but getting my kicks with some NS1000M and REL subs which are one of the few "box speakers" that I can't hear honk :-) I may consider selling the Apogees but only when I can accomodate/source a bigger pair.

Main system at present is Ortofon MC5000, Hashimoto HM-3 SUT, Art Audio Vinyl 1, Garrard 401/Audionote Silver arm in DIY plinth, SJS Arcadia Model 1 (but only really the PSU and rough circuit is retained as all components swapped) into either my rebuilt Krell KSA50 or the Apart Champ amp. Digital is still a vintage Sony CDP555-ESD into a Kinshaw perception DAC. The office/study system gets more use TBH but is PC/Asus Xonar Essence STX direct into Denon POA-2400 into ProAc Response 2.5 clones with some Hovland caps in it. Probably not that much different to before!

[jandl100]

JP, so you are more appreciative of the talents of the Apart Champ amp now than when you first got it?

[jandl100]

Some wadding in the rear ports of the MBLs is needed to keep the bass within bounds in my room.

Whoops - no.
Wadding out - it was congesting up the sound.
Moved the speakers further from rear wall.
Yup, getting there!

[diceman]

It's better than when first plugged in by a long shot, that is mainly as I went through and tweaked the sub freq/level and level controls on the Yamahas. Every amp swap seems to require a week or so of fine tuning to get an evenly balanced sound and the yamahas can sound a little shrill if fed directly from the vintage Sony (as I was doing initially) rather than the Kinshaw DAC.

It was a massive shock going from a highly modded Leak Stereo 20 though! Certainly injected a fair bit more pace and control which has shifted my listening choices for a few months.

[User211]

I'd say more but I'm on holiday and drinking Scotch and honey, so it would probably be bollocks anyway...:)

[User211]

It's better than when first plugged in by a long shot, that is mainly as I went through and tweaked the sub freq/level and level controls on the Yamahas. Every amp swap seems to require a week or so of fine tuning to get an evenly balanced sound and the yamahas can sound a little shrill if fed directly from the vintage Sony (as I was doing initially) rather than the Kinshaw DAC.

It was a massive shock going from a highly modded Leak Stereo 20 though! Certainly injected a fair bit more pace and control which has shifted my listening choices for a few months.

I like it on the Mark & Daniels as it runs cool, doesn't consume lots of power when left on all day, doesn't get hot, drives them well and never sounds shrill or indeed bad. All brilliant for £200.

You could e-mail Jon about the Calipers he might be interested. I've only ever heard two pairs, one not good, and the other pair surprisingly good but recently restored to an average spec. It was up against some Usher Dancer BE in a tiny room and not well placed, but I'd rank them about equal with maybe the Ushers having a slight lead in the high treble. But even the small Caliper bass panel was knocking out some great bass with some really snappy mid range. They did sound quite different and I like Ushers but after hearing the first pair which really were not good I was surprised.

I reckon if you tricked the Calipers out with new braced frames, high quality external x-overs, new thicker covers, new ribbons etc etc you'd have a shock. That is an arse, though, but someone might like to trick them out if you pass them on.

It also requires balls and a lot of faith. Not many have it:)

[pure sound]

Having looked at the pictures Jerry, this one does have the additional resistance in series with the motor driving the pot so the response to the RC is friendlier than earlier versions which had the pot moving more quickly. It should be fairly easy to set the level you want with this unit.

As someone pointed out 6n6 are not direct substitutes for anything I know of because of pin 9 being a screen. But no matter, the 6n6 is still easy to get & they do sound pretty good.

Two power transformers (1 LT & 1 HT) valve rectifier, L-C-L-C power supply & output transformers. Regulated supply for the 6n6 filament. Nice low gain which is handy given the sensitivity of some power amps and the 2V RMS output of most digital sources.

[jandl100]

Thanks Guy

As you may have seen above, some folks have looked into the types of 6n6p available, for other amps. I shall try a few in the L10 and see what happens!
I'm pretty sure that the valve inside is Russian not Chinese. I won't pop the lid again until the gold grid 6n6p arrives.
Maybe Justin could send me one of his spare red nip 6n6p to try?

It's a shame that in my early enthusiasm I ordered a ecc99! :doh: :)

The serial number of my L10 is 016 120 so I guess it is the 120th made last year?
The seller said it was 9 months from new, so that probably confirms it.
And a manual came with it.

I am absolutely fine with the remote volume, it's spot on in its action as far as I am concerned.

[pure sound]

120th amplifier sold (not just L10's!) I wish it were :)

[hifinutt]

one of my favourite pre amps , the L10 . it just has that musical ability that makes you want to dance . great you have one in situ jerry

[jandl100]

one of my favourite pre amps , the L10 . it just has that musical ability that makes you want to dance . great you have one in situ jerry

Yes, I know what you mean!

Did you ever play around with the valves, Phil?

[User211]

Hey hands of my nipples! I only have 4 that came with the amps originally. Since they still sound the best they are going nowhere.

They probably are just standard OTK mil spec jobbies but marked for some selection reason. They look identical to the non red nips I have. Maybe they were rejects for all I know. Doubt it but you never know. Maybe it is all in my head but I really do think they sound better. Maybe it is just year of manufacture. Who knows.

[jandl100]

Oh, sorry.
I thought you said you had loads of spares


Gold grids haven't arrived yet.

[User211]

Yup I do but they aren't red nips. Nor are they gold grids. Can send you a couple if you want but they may be what you have at the mo i.e. OTK.

[jandl100]

Yup I do but they aren't red nips. Nor are they gold grids. Can send you a couple if you want but they may be what you have at the mo i.e. OTK.

No, that's fine.
If I can't get hold of your red nipples I'm not interested. :nono:

[jandl100]

Current electronics ....
(actually just trying out Imgur photo hosting :eyebrows:)

http://i.imgur.com/o8lEYZM.jpg (http://imgur.com/o8lEYZM)

Yay - that works. :)

So da big boy Pass X150 power amp fed by either Pure Sound L10 or Bel Canto PRe3 preamps.
Both preamps are good - I bought the L10 and put the BC up for sale, but actually I think I will keep both and swap 'em every now and then.
Both are great preamps in somewhat different ways.

DAC is the DAC3 by Starting Point Systems in France. Been here a while now and very happy with it. I use a Halide Bridge USB/SPDIF converter with it, even though it has a good USB input. The Halide just gives it that extra something.

And top left my vintage Philips Black Tulip 270 pre and 380 power. I use the 270 as a headphone amp, and excellent it is.

[Frazeur1]

I had a Pass X150 and X1 preamp for quite sometime when I was running Magnepan panels. Nice amplifier!

[User211]

In some ways a shame the Pass didn't have a go with Jerry's Maggies.

Sell the Pass to Firebottle when it's time and we can put that one right;):D

[jandl100]

Nah, the Maggies and the Pass would never have met anyway!

[pure sound]

Did you get any other 6n6 to try Jerry?

[jandl100]

Did you get any other 6n6 to try Jerry?

Yes, I have a 'gold grid' version - and it has little gold connections inside. :)
I think it is a significant improvement on the stock Russian valve in terms of solidity of image and also improvements in resolution.

These http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8x-6N6P-ECC99-E182CC-Soviet-GOLD-GRID-Same-Date-Double-triode-tubes-NOS/272263038663?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I also have 2 types of "military" OTK valve to try.

Unfortunately, I have been temporarily distracted :doh: ....

New toy. :D

My goodness, this is a bit good.
Awesome clarity.

I've a suspicion that with its pre-amp mode turned off, it will be a great match for the Pure Sound L10 valve pre.
I'll try that in a week or so - I'll enjoy the 851D's standalone performance for a while.

http://i.imgur.com/FQb5Gxx.jpg

[jandl100]

Predictably enough, I couldn't wait a week or so to see what the L10 pre brought to the party. More like an hour or so. :D

Yup, superb. You can't beat a system with a great active pre, imo.

http://i.imgur.com/FFyAV7x.jpg

[pure sound]

So is the Cambridge (as a power amp) better than the Pass?

[jandl100]

So is the Cambridge (as a power amp) better than the Pass?

The Cambridge doesn't even try - which is very sensible of it! :)

It's a Cambridge 851D digital pre-amp.
8 digital inputs, volume control (switchable), 3 digital filter options.

So the signal goes laptop streaming > 851D digital preamp > L10 > Pass X150.

[pure sound]

Apologies, I thought it was some kind of integrated. :)

[hifinutt]

Yes, I know what you mean!

Did you ever play around with the valves, Phil?

no , not really a tube roller ...i get a bit nervous about mucking about with things like that

[jandl100]

Coo, it's not often that I come across someone less brave than me about internal tinkering.
Tube rolling is as far as I go.

Stock valves are often pretty basic and can easily be improved on, or your preferred sonic flavour selected.

[User211]

OK I have had a look at my stock of 6N6P valves.

So I have quite a few as it turns out. The date stamps are 79, 80, 84 and 89 some in different months in the same year.

Despite exterior markings (OTK, red nipples, 8068, gold grid terminology) etc they all look absolutely identical internally as far as the eye can see.

In that PM I sent I was wrong when I said I saw a difference Jerry. I have double checked and there is none.

So whether there really is a different 6N6P out there to the lot I have is very questionable to my mind.

That said, I was convinced last night when I listened to Jerry's 84's that they were better than my 79's. Maybe my 79's have become a little tired - I have been using them for years. The 84's simply sounded more lively and dynamic.

All madness this hobby.

Was also messing with a pair of VT68 GPO and some KR PX-4 in the Lampy. The PX-4s are sounding great with my latest x-over mod (done about 2 weeks ago). Gonna stuff some Jantzen Alumen caps and maybe Dueland bypass caps in the x-overs as I am sure the x-over values/circuit I have at the mo is the best yet.

[Arkless Electronics]

Predictably enough, I couldn't wait a week or so to see what the L10 pre brought to the party. More like an hour or so. :D

Yup, superb. You can't beat a system with a great active pre, imo.

http://i.imgur.com/FFyAV7x.jpg

Opposite IMO.Passive always better.

[User211]

Opposite IMO.Passive always better.

I thought that for years then changed my mind. Might change it again:D

[jandl100]

That said, I was convinced last night when I listened to Jerry's 84's that they were better than my 79's. Maybe my 79's have become a little tired - I have been using them for years. The 84's simply sounded more lively and dynamic..

I suspect it is a real difference.
It's a different comparison, but I found my new gold grids more dynamic and vibrant.

[User211]

How old is the L10?

[jandl100]

Less than a year.

[User211]

No wear to speak of on the stock valve then. Mine have been worked hard driving 211s for years. Last time I messed with the 6N6Ps was not long after I got the amps.

That said who knows.

BTW order Dueland inductors and you have to wait 3 months for them. Learn something everyday.

[hifinutt]

Coo, it's not often that I come across someone less brave than me about internal tinkering.
Tube rolling is as far as I go.

Stock valves are often pretty basic and can easily be improved on, or your preferred sonic flavour selected.

yes indeed ! thats me ! i leave the tinkering to other folks !

[jandl100]

I swapped in an OTK 6n6 in the L10 pre yesterday. Not the one JP loaned me, I haven't tried that yet.
Sounded a bit different to the 'gold grid' but OK.
Listening today - I've settled in with the sound ... and I was losing the will to live. It's kind of drab and lacklustre.:zzz:
Swapped back to the gold grid and the system is boogying again! :dance: :yay:

[User211]

I might smash a couple to see if the ones described as gold grids do indeed have gold grids and the others don't.

Ordered £200 of foo for the crossovers yesterday. Including PathAudio resistors which are more expensive than base model Dueland resistors. Just couldn't get myself to buy pencil lead resistors LOL.

If it proves positive I'll order even more foo.

[Macca]

Foo (if You Think It's Over)

[User211]

Foo (if You Think It's Over)
Chris Rea is the test track then:D

[Macca]

Or the arguably superior Elkie Brooks version of course.

[diceman]

I swapped in an OTK 6n6 in the L10 pre yesterday. Not the one JP loaned me, I haven't tried that yet.
Sounded a bit different to the 'gold grid' but OK.
Listening today - I've settled in with the sound ... and I was losing the will to live. It's kind of drab and lacklustre.:zzz:
Swapped back to the gold grid and the system is boogying again! :dance: :yay:

Interesting. I look forward to reading how the 1960s OTK fairs. Most of the internet hyperbole on tubes is written by dirty old men in wee-stained macs that have no semblence of HF hearing left - I hope at least I have some HF hearing to differentiate me!

Maybe if your Gold ring beats my silver rocket & Justin's red nipple; I could have a play with one of yours?

[Firebottle]

Maybe if your Gold ring beats my silver rocket & Justin's red nipple; I could have a play with one of yours?

That could be construed in so many ways :eek: :o

[walpurgis]

That could be construed in so many ways :eek: :o

I dunno. Speaks for itself really. Still, what people do in private is no skin off my nose! ;)

[jandl100]

Most of the internet hyperbole on tubes is written by dirty old men in wee-stained macs that have no semblance of HF hearing left

Ah, so that'll be me, then. :wheniwasaboy:

I was wondering what the smell was.

[jandl100]

Maybe if your Gold ring beats my silver rocket & Justin's red nipple; I could have a play with one of yours?

You can play with mine anytime, jp.
I'll send you my spare gold-ilocks when I return your fancypants OTK.

[User211]

Or the arguably superior Elkie Brooks version of course.

Indeed. Diarrhea's version was a bit shite and Elkie's version is much more hi-fi system taxing having played both in a row. Elkie's EQ is much brighter.

And there's a problem there. There just isn't any standard EQ on recordings. So getting a sound that actually sounds balanced on very revealing systems is doubly difficult. A real case for graphic equalisers/digital EQ etc etc.

Sweet though I am sure Elkie is, she'll only get a brief look in. Pure 70s disco is more important. But not much more. It has its times, though:)

[jandl100]

Interesting. I look forward to reading how the 1960s OTK fairs.

Gold grids rule. :)

Your 1960s OTK is less subtle in its portrayal of low level detail and the acoustic space. Less "hall" can be heard in the gentle pizzicato sections in Inoue's recording of Mahler 6th symphony, less presence and there-ness in solo lute passages from another favourite recording. Loud bits are that important fraction less nuanced, more generalised.

There's a surprising amount of difference between these 6n6 valves.

I'll post your OTK back, JP, and also send along a spare gold grid for you to play with. See what you think.
PM me your address please!

[jandl100]

With the demise of my Photobucket images I thought I would post a quick overview of some of my system history highlights, in vaguely chronological order ....

http://i.imgur.com/Z5DnLxH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FexAGYC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qHvUY0L.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mZyjUrO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/oIYxLMt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/k0QOrq2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jvfM6Qn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/G9iLalg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5mtACFB.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RM8vXxL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/03G4apu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/w98WU6q.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/c36C6Rt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/F3i9saL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NsbkQ04.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UYvkoru.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GQ3yhhH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OGe7Zij.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/gaKauAG.jpg

[struth]

some great pictures of great gear and pussys.:eyebrows: loved the look of the Carys. Other highlights the DenonTT and the maggies

[jandl100]

No Maggies there, Grant - you probably mean the Martin Logan CLS2z electrostatics - big black panels.

[struth]

are they? lol thought they were magnaplaners. :doh: anyway i like em:D

[jandl100]

Me, too - I had a pair twice. Very rare for me to do a repeat on hifi gear.
Not all rounders, but fabulous at what they did well - which was transparency and detail.
You want bass? - add a sub. But you won't be able to integrate it that well.

[walpurgis]

Nice gear. :)

[Macca]

What is the cat hoping to accomplish in picture #2?

[User211]

What is the cat hoping to accomplish in picture #2?
Decimation.

Can you rank the speakers in order of awesomeness?

[petrat]

Some lovely gear there, Jerry :thumbsup:
Seeing much of it is big, heavy, fragile and valuable, and the sheer volume of transactions you've done ... I was wondering if there a particular courier that you favour?

[jandl100]

What is the cat hoping to accomplish in picture #2?

He's just being a cute inquisitive kitten - probably about 3 months old.

[jandl100]

Can you rank the speakers in order of awesomeness?

MBLs top of the heap.
I've had them over 7 years now, which is fairly extreme for a serial boxswapper.

Best cone&dome in a box speaker were the Leema Xaviers.
Followed by AP Virgo 2, and then Proac Response 2 probably.

ML CLS2z full range stats probably share 2nd position with the Leemas, but not for all music by any means.

AvantGarde Unos were great, too. But lacked the top to bottom continuity and coherence of the MBLs.

Lots of in between which didn't really spark my interest to such an extent although I usually enjoyed them for a while. :)

[jandl100]

Seeing much of it is big, heavy, fragile and valuable, and the sheer volume of transactions you've done ... I was wondering if there a particular courier that you favour?

Hmm, no not really.
UPS, Yodel, ParcelForce ... Hermes are getting pretty good these days and are now on a apr with the others, ime.
Whatever best value service InterParcel turfs up for me on the day, really! Or convenience of drop-off station.
I've had very few problems considering the quantity of gear I have sent and received!

[User211]

Resistance is footile.

Check out these foomanchu resistors. First arrival of big crossover foo order. More to come.

They look and feel as though they will sound better. Therefore,
they WILL sound better. Repeat after me.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170719/55ce571e9de0ee17b834f710fba49f52.jpg

[User211]

Actually I shouldn't really have posted that here Jerry. Apologies. Should be about your stuff only.

Mind you you could go foo. It makes sense:D

[jandl100]

I was thinking that this was turning into the Justin & Jerry Show. :lol:

[User211]

The 6N6P started it. Bloody Ruskies:D

[Barry]

I was thinking that this was turning into the Justin & Jerry Show. :lol:

Yes - you are becoming a bit of a double act! :D

[Barry]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170719/55ce571e9de0ee17b834f710fba49f52.jpg

Why do they have three leads? And is the resistance correct to 0.005 Ohm?

[User211]

Foo.

[jandl100]

The 6N6P started it. Bloody Ruskies:D

You still using the 'gold grids'? - still giving the best results compared to your red nipples?
I've sent my remaining spare on to JP (dicemean) - be interesting to see what he thinks of it.

[User211]

Yeah GGs still in use. Still not smashed some open yet to see if grids really are different.

[jandl100]

How could you possibly doubt? :eyebrows:

[User211]

Those Path resistors had better not be really noticeably good as I could end up putting those in the Lampi and pre and power amps etc. Would get expensive very quickly.

So here's hoping they are total foo in one way😎

[jandl100]

Where are they intended for to start with?

.... 50% extra cables = 50% extra goodness :thumbsup:

[User211]

I've been doing a bit of work on the crossovers, working out the basic Apogee Duetta crossover in XSim and doing some mods and practically trying the results using cheap Monocor components.

I've then read a lot of foo component reviews to try and analyse the nature of the foo.

Based on those reviews, I have ordered foo likely to suit what I am after.

I'm just trying to get the last nth degree of performance out of Interstella. Based on hearing the world's finest gear over and over again I can't ever forsee changing to anything else apart from maybe Full Range if I move house. But that's a lot of work and hassle, nevermind money. I'm pretty happy with what I have so getting the best out of it makes sense.

[diceman]

I've been doing a bit of work on the crossovers, working out the basic Apogee Duetta crossover in XSim and doing some mods and practically trying the results using cheap Monocor components.

I've then read a lot of foo component reviews to try and analyse the nature of the foo.

Based on those reviews, I have ordered foo likely to suit what I am after.

I'm just trying to get the last nth degree of performance out of Interstella. Based on hearing the world's finest gear over and over again I can't ever forsee changing to anything else apart from maybe Full Range if I move house. But that's a lot of work and hassle, nevermind money. I'm pretty happy with what I have so getting the best out of it makes sense.

IMHO going active is the next stage. I appreciate the buggeration in finding 4 bloody good matching monoblock amps but having heard how good a najda active dsp sounds it's where I'd be heading.

[diceman]

I've been doing a bit of work on the crossovers, working out the basic Apogee Duetta crossover in XSim and doing some mods and practically trying the results using cheap Monocor components.

I've then read a lot of foo component reviews to try and analyse the nature of the foo.

Based on those reviews, I have ordered foo likely to suit what I am after.

I'm just trying to get the last nth degree of performance out of Interstella. Based on hearing the world's finest gear over and over again I can't ever forsee changing to anything else apart from maybe Full Range if I move house. But that's a lot of work and hassle, nevermind money. I'm pretty happy with what I have so getting the best out of it makes sense.

IMHO going active is the next stage. I appreciate the buggeration in finding 4 bloody good matching monoblock amps but having heard how good a najda active dsp sounds it's where I'd be heading.

[diceman]

You still using the 'gold grids'? - still giving the best results compared to your red nipples?
I've sent my remaining spare on to JP (dicemean) - be interesting to see what he thinks of it.

The 1964 otk arrived safe, unfortunately the good grid had slipped out of its shroud and the pins resemble the legs of a drunk octopus; I will try b ding back into shape and cleaning (pins look very tarnished ) and give it a whirl ;-) thanks jerry ;-)

[jandl100]

Oh bugger. :(
If you can't get it to work maybe Justin can send one of his spares, assuming he hasn't taken a hammer to them yet!