Andrew Randle's Fully Paid Up Membership To The Triode Guild

[AndrewR]

Yes I have finally made it to the lunatic fringe in a big way.

Here's my journey.

1. As a student I got wowed by a complete Linn system with LP12 and Ku-Stone Isobariks
2. Along the way went Naim and then fully Linn
3. Really digged the demos that Definitive Audio did with the Kondo/Living Voice combos.
4. Instead of splashing many 1,000s on upgrading my Linn amps I decided to go the purist triode approach building some phreaky double-choked interstage push-pull triode (6B4G) amps with no capacitors in the signal path
5. Now I've replaced the Linn Katans with some loudspeakers of appropriate efficiency - Audio Note's AZ-Three hemp cones and the Beresford DAC with a kit version of the Audio Note 2.1 Signature DAC (NOS, transformer coupling, valve output, valve PSU) - really showing what the amps can do

Now when I listen to music, it's like "Momma!" I'm reliving the giddy disorientated excitement of those times I've been bowled over by previous landmark demos.

If I need to change anything it's the loudspeaker cable and the computer end of the source, but that's about it. Here are some photos.

http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/System1a.jpg

Here is the DAC and dual mono integrated amps. Interstage is at the front and second choke mounted directly underneath the first - all iron from Sowter.

http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/System6a.jpg

Another angle on the AZ-Threes

http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/System3a.jpg

Andrew

[Ali Tait]

Wow, very nice indeed Andrew!

[synsei]

Those amps are gorgeous Andrew :stalks:

[MartinT]

Lovely, Andrew. It's great to see so many different approaches to achieving great sound.

[AndrewR]

Lovely, Andrew. It's great to see so many different approaches to achieving great sound.

Certainly is, Martin. Whatever choice we make, it's all down to the implementation and installation achieving the desired result; getting closer to our own objectives one step at a time. Thankfully our hobby has so many different approaches and "flavours" to choose from.

Andrew

[Marco]

Damn right! Lovely stuff, Andrew - looks fab and no doubt sounds fab, too! :respect:

We've both come a long way since our Naim days, but like you say, there are so many approaches and flavours to choose from in the intriguing and diverse world of audio.

Please say that you're bringing that lot to Scalford Hall with you next year - I'd love to hear it :cool:

Marco.

[WOStantonCS100]

...
5. Now I've replaced the Linn Katans with some loudspeakers of appropriate efficiency - Audio Note's AZ-Three hemp cones...

How's the low end on the AZ-Three hemp cones? I've looked at many things Audio Note. They are definitely on my DIY radar.

Unfortunately, it's been years and I'm still agonizing over which way to go with loudspeakers.

[John]

I heard Andrew systm very nice indeed Andrew amp is very special indeed

[jason]

Thats a very nice set up Andrew.....

Jason

[AndrewR]

Cheers guys! Great to have feedback.


How's the low end on the AZ-Three hemp cones? I've looked at many things Audio Note. They are definitely on my DIY radar.


They definitely have a lot of welly in the low end. These are quasi transmission line / back loaded horn designs.

From a DIY perspective I've not come across the plans for this model, but there are kits and plans for the AN-E model. Audio Note Kits also have the option to buy ready built cabinets at a reasonable base cost (not sure on shipping).

I definitely recommend the hemp cones over the standard cones as they give a much more open mid-range; making a hemp AZ-2 sound more musical and fun than a standard AN-J (having compared). Whereas the tweeter in the AZ-3 is and AN-J is more refined and better integrated.




Please say that you're bringing that lot to Scalford Hall with you next year - I'd love to hear it :cool:

Marco.

Would love to, but I'm rubbish at driving so I don't :( but if you are ever London-way let me know and I'll host a music-sesh at my place.

Andrew

[John]

I am going up Andrew with gear I can eaisly make a detour

[AndrewR]

Oh are you exhibiting? Would be cool to share a room with my amps if you like.

Andrew

[John]

Pm sent

[AndrewR]

Today I went for a new camera, upgrading from a four year old Lumix compact to an Olympus Micro Four Thirds.

I'm really pleased, the blues on the hemp cones are more natural and the blacks on the DAC are much more noise-free. It should be great for covering next weekend's Whittlebury show. I just need to get the hang of it.

Here's a couple sample results:

http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/System13.jpg

http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/System15.jpg

Andrew

[jason]

Much better pics Andrew they look great, I have been trying to get the hang of my new camera for the last six months, I'v got a little better but its not been an easy task for me....

[AndrewR]

Here's a little tour of my system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxOqnsioKFI

Best heard on headphones at 480p. True, doing via Youtube and my camera is quite an abstract and very limited representation of its capabilities, but I hope you like it.

Andrew

[Halfway Tree]

Andrew, those amps are beautiful! I'm planning on servicing my ST70 sometime soon and would like to build a new wooden case. What did you use for yours?
Gordon

[AndrewR]

Quite simple really, two stacked chunky wooden picture frames from Habitat joined together with copious amounts of wood glue. With 3mm thick aluminium plate.

My next amp will be all aluminium, again a proprietary chassis and a similar box-style.

Another option for your ST70 would be those wooden chassis from Hammond, as seen in my other amps here:

http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/300B-Photo.jpg

Andrew

[Halfway Tree]

Thanks Andrew,
you've given me some real food for thought - I wonder if the joiner who built the frames for my Maggies would be willing to do some small pieces of work for me....I could even get some faceplates done for the Behringers to make them look a bit prettier....like this.

http://audioprana.free.fr/boitier%20DCX.htm

Still won't help with all the flashing lights tho'!:)

cheers
Gordon