A few Changes

[Zoidburg]

I thought that I would post a few photos of my system since I have changed things recently.

This is how its set up at present

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9216/img1287to.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/img1287to.jpg/)

The main changes are that I am now using a a pair of speakers I made myself, something I have been thinking of doing for ages. I cant take any real credit for them because I copied a design put forward by another member on here, Steve (activexp). They use a 100mm full range driver and a mission 160mm woofer within a bass reflex cabinet. Considering what they cost for me to make them I am really happy with how they sound (Steve sells the kit so if you fancy a simple and great sounding DIY speaker project give him a shout).

Due to a lack of tools / garage and "know how" I finished them in a vinyl wrap which im not sure looks perfect but will do for now. They were only ever intended as a cheap entry into DIY speakers for me and since they have performed really well and have been enjoyable to build I am now thinking of building another project next year.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6812/img1282pq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/27/img1282pq.jpg/)

The other area which has seen a recent change is my turntable, I recently had a new cartridge fitted - Goldgring 2500. To say I am happy with it is an understatement. It sounds slightly smoother and warmer than my old 2m blue but seems to reveal so much more detail.

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2721/img1281ry.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/img1281ry.jpg/)

I recently popped my deck back to SRM Tech as it had developed a slight problem with the motor (all fixed under warranty) and whilst there Stuart carried out their sub platter upgrade for me. I cant fault SRM Tech (STuart is very helpfull and obviously loves what he does and the products he makes) and really love this deck, I also bought the matching cover for it at the same time which I think really sets it off well.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/178/img1271fk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/443/img1271fk.jpg/)

[jandl100]

Nice!

I like those SRM tt's - a fast and agile sound. Very engaging.
Interesting comments about the Goldring 2500 cart - 'word on the street' is of a bright sound, but that is obviously not what you are hearing.

Interesting DIY speakers, too - they look fine in the photos!
You say fullrange drivers ... but obviously (?) they don't do the bass thing?
What drivers are they?
I must admit I am very wary of DIY speakers - some folks think you can just stuff some drivers in a box and they'll get fab sound. :scratch: I've heard some really awful things in my time. But it sounds like you've done the job properly by following an established design. :thumbsup:

[Ali Tait]

Looks like a Fostex full ranger?

[Zoidburg]

Nice!

I like those SRM tt's - a fast and agile sound. Very engaging.
Interesting comments about the Goldring 2500 cart - 'word on the street' is of a bright sound, but that is obviously not what you are hearing.

Interesting DIY speakers, too - they look fine in the photos!
You say fullrange drivers ... but obviously (?) they don't do the bass thing?
What drivers are they?
I must admit I am very wary of DIY speakers - some folks think you can just stuff some drivers in a box and they'll get fab sound. :scratch: I've heard some really awful things in my time. But it sounds like you've done the job properly by following an established design. :thumbsup:

They are actually tang band 100mm drivers, you can see more details on steves website, he had thread about them
in the classifieds section a while ago I think.

I'm glad there's some love on here for SRM, I really love the sound and the customer service side of things is always good.

[Zoidburg]

Hello all,

Well seeing as its been ages since I last posted any pictures of my system I've decided to add a few pix of things. I think the system has come a long way in that time (its certainly sounding better to me than it ever has).

So anyway here's things as they currently stand. I've just had my Yaqin MC10L back after a service and it sounds pretty good. It was bought about 6 months ago as a replacement for another Chinese valve amp and it proved to be a big improvement. However not long after getting it it blew a fuse and was withdrawn from service (on a whim I then bought a Consonance Cyber signature amp which I am over the moon with and will be staying with me for the foreseeable future). The Yaqin will be up for sale shortly I think (its been fully serviced, checked over and had a bucking tranny cunningly fitted inside one of its rear casings by Mike at MPA Services in Bolton :-) )

I also changed my speakers to the IPLs just before Christmas and love them. They replaced a pair of MA RS8 which sounded harsh in comparison. These seems to have far more heft to them but also a lovely shimmering treble as well and are very non fatiguing over long listening periods.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20140405_190305.jpg

The rest of the system in a bit more detail

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20140405_190341.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20140405_190323.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20140405_190336.jpg

And finally the Consonance with uprated valves

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20140405_190412.jpg

For some reason my TV looks like its scratched but its not thankfully. Plans for the future? Not much at present but ideally a DAC upgrade at some point maybe.

Anyway cheers for looking I'm off back to the sofa for some more listening.

[John]

I notice a new speaker build they look nice

[Macca]

Those speakers look a million dollars.

[Zoidburg]

I notice a new speaker build they look nice

Thanks! I cant claim to have built them, I bought them off a guy on the wam who was their 2nd owner. They are finished to a very high standard though and cost me almost next to nothing really.

[Zoidburg]

Those speakers look a million dollars.

Thanks for the comments Martin, I could never have produced something as good as them as my DIY is average at best!

[struth]

Nice to see a SRM in such a nice system Ben; a very underrated TT...:)

[Zoidburg]

Nice to see a SRM in such a nice system Ben; a very underrated TT...:)

Cheers Grant, I dont plan on changing it any time soon but think a better arm would take up a notch or 2.

[struth]

Mine is difficult to change as it is drilled for a rega 250/300. Don't fancy trying to drill another hole in the thing but yes I would have liked to change mine too.
Do you have a special mat or are u using the one that came with it. Was thinking of a change

[Zoidburg]

Iv used it with the matt it came with and without it but didnt notice any difference between on and off. Aside from cartridge changes the high current power supply made the biggest difference I think.

[struth]

Thanks....mine is one of the very first 10 made of the Arezzo's, so thought that they may have made several upgrades....the psu upgrade was quite expensive but I might save up and do that; I was not sure if it would make all that much difference but obviously it does.

[agk]

Beautiful kit, great username and Svet's. All in all a bloody good post man.

[Zoidburg]

Beautiful kit, great username and Svet's. All in all a bloody good post man.

Cheers Andrew

[Zoidburg]

Mine is difficult to change as it is drilled for a rega 250/300. Don't fancy trying to drill another hole in the thing but yes I would have liked to change mine too.
Do you have a special mat or are u using the one that came with it. Was thinking of a change

iv always assumed something like an audiomods arm would be a drop in replacement but il hold my hands up and say thats just an assumption.

[Zoidburg]

Thought I would post up a few photos of my new arm as I am am amazingly pleased with it :D

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/13.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/13.jpg.html)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/9-1.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/9-1.jpg.html)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/10.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/10.jpg.html)

For those not familiar with The Wand its made by Kiwi outfit Design Build Listen with its main feature being its big diameter carbon armtube and unipivot design. I believe its been around for a few years now and has picked up very positive reviews in the hi-fi press.

I'm still "evaluating" it :eyebrows: But I think its safe to say that from the first disk it played it was obviously quite a bit better than my old arm :eek:

Sorry the pictures are not great but I only have a phone cam unfortunately.

[struth]

Hope its bedding in well now and still love that chunky wand.

PS, I found out the price of the psu and decided to not go there.lol:doh:

[Zoidburg]

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20150814_165147.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/20150814_165147.jpg.html)

I thought I would post a quick system update photo as its been ages since I posted anything in the gallery.

Changes since last time are as follows

Arcam rdac has been pulled out and replaced by an m2tech Young dac and dedicated power supply.
My cheapie phono stage has been temporarily replaced by Alan's excellent Firebottle stage.

Both of these items have made a massive improvement to the quality of sound and I am now really very content indeed (so content that iv asked Alan to build me one of his FB+ stages as a "keeper"). So now apart from wanting to possibly source a few more mark grant cables I doubt I will be changing any of my hifi for a while.

I have also started using a trail of the "Tidal hifi" streaming service which seems to me to sound really good.

I realise everything is a bit of a mess and tbh im running out of space for everything.............but next weekend im picking up a new hifi rack and a new TV unit so il be back shortly with a few more pix when everything should look a lot more ship shape!

[Zoidburg]

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20150823_1305541.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/20150823_1305541.jpg.html)

Spent the morning re-organising the living room. The main kit (amp, dac & PS, TT and phono stage) now sits on a Stands Unique rack I picked up on ebay for £80 which I think looks really good and also (more by luck than judgement it has to be said) matches the new Alphason tv unit. Stlll good a bit of cable tidying to happen but so far very pleased.

Will try and upload a few better photos when I get a chance as this one does not do it justice really.

I have to say that I am now really pleaseed with everything, the addition of the Young Dac and its power supply has made a HUGE :D:D improvement to things, the emount of detail now on offer is pretty amazing I think.
The loaner Firebottle phono stage has really impressed me as well so much in fact that hopefully in a few weeks I will actually own one myself. And for the time being I think im very happy, cant see me changing anything much for the forseeable future but you never know:eyebrows:

[Zoidburg]

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_184441.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_184441.jpg.html)

[Zoidburg]

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_184431.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150823_184431.jpg.html)

[walpurgis]

Neat and very nice. Nothing at all like my pigsty! :D

[orbscure]

Looking good Ben... :)

[jandl100]

Wow - that looks supa-dupa. :thumbsup:

Still can't get over the looks of that tonearm! - is the cart easy to fit?

[Zoidburg]

Wow - that looks supa-dupa. :thumbsup:

Still can't get over the looks of that tonearm! - is the cart easy to fit?

Thanks Jerry!

I really like the looks of the Wand too (besides the fact it sounds great) and it really does seem to suit the look of the SRM.

Was pretty easy to fit the cart too, being a unipivot you can remove the arm invert it and easily fix the cart before placing it back in position and tweeking it as necessary.

[Zoidburg]

Since I now have a decent camera for possibly the first time in my life I thought I might try and share a few better quality pix of my system. I realised my photography skills are way below the abilities of the actual camera but I hope you get the idea [emoji1]


http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/c4ba2eeb35e80b6b1ec0641a9f8deeeb.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/24a0b85704401b024cafdfef9472c335.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/2e83ea17915aab8dfe37b9f8088be32f.jpg

[Zoidburg]

Turntable and arm

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/1a534b17c16a371eace218963d77034a.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/f85fd891da3d4f49a8eefa1443f12272.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/b596f182661322cc2f7aeb406105cc31.jpg

The Firebottle plus phono stage has proved to be a big step up in quality and the service from Alan was top notch too[emoji106]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/96452251bc2e51389953caac3915e258.jpg

[Zoidburg]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/67d6e7275422d3db60dc6c33457c9c26.jpg

The glowy bits!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/c47c7ffbf78dd2ee25deef1d35105946.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/d57fc1f23e1f1305014a39772fec1972.jpg

A few of the things currently "on rotation"

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/05/7eedc59ff3c56484f6fd1f04f55b6d10.jpg

[walpurgis]

Not bad shots Ben. System looks good.

Your framing of the objects is decent. Try using 'fill in' flash if the subject is backlit (lit from behind). Don't forget the 'macro' facility for close ups, the shot of the Consonance amp would have been sharper.

You're doing pretty well if it's your first serious camera though. I've been taking photos for forty years and still cock some up.

[Zoidburg]

Thanks for the comments Geoff,

Its only a Panasonic TZ70 Lumix

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_tz70_review/

so I guess its not a "serious" serious camera but its light years ahead of anything I've ever had use of before. I just use it in auto mode for the time being but hope to progress onto the manual side of things at some point in the future........:eyebrows:




Not bad shots Ben. System looks good.

Your framing of the objects is decent. Try using 'fill in' flash if the subject is backlit (lit from behind). Don't forget the 'macro' facility for close ups, the shot of the Consonance amp would have been sharper.

You're doing pretty well if it's your first serious camera though. I've been taking photos for forty years and still cock some up.

[walpurgis]

The DMC-TZ70 is an excellent camera.

Bit of a coincidence. I've just bought its sister camera, the Lumix DMC-LF1, which is very similar. Bought to replace a very good Nikon P7100. I needed the EVF with dioptre adjustment for my crap eyesight and for shots in bright sunlight where a monitor screen is useless. It's also handy having a camera as good as these that actually fits in a pocket.

[Zoidburg]

My Dad is an avid snapper and I took some advice from him on the camera purchase. I sent him loads of links to various cameras and he kept telling me to get the TZ70. We've just returned from a week on the Amalfi coast and we used it loads, the image quality when viewed on our 55 inch TV is stunning, really pleased with it and as you say about the LF1 its small enough to fit in a pocket which is a plus point.

[Zoidburg]

Thought id post a quick pic of the Denon before it (hopefully) goes off to its new home.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j435/zoidburg1975/20151209_194541.jpg (http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/zoidburg1975/media/20151209_194541.jpg.html)

2m Black due this weekend.......................:eyebrows::lol::)

I have also been in contact with Designbuildlisten who make the Wand tonearm. As mine is a fairly early classic model it came without an arm lift assembly (the Wand Plus model gets the armlift as standard). However Simon a DBL has offered to send me an armlift assemble to use on mine for a very reasonable outlay. Its being posted to me direct from new Zealand as we speak:D great service from DBL I have to say.

[struth]

Good decks the srm's. Surprised you see so few forum users with them.

[Zoidburg]

Good decks the srm's. Surprised you see so few forum users with them.

Yep very happy with mine tbh Grant. I may consider a move up the range at some point but it wont be for a while.

[Zoidburg]

There's been a few changes at chez Zoidburg recently so I thought id take the opportunity of sharing a few more photos.

Sometime before xmas my lovely wife managed to knock the TT arm whilst removing its cover and this resulted in a thoroughly "effed" cart. As a stopgap I bought a DL110 but for me it seemed like a fairly big step down from the goldring and we both decided that it couldn't stay. Luckily I then managed to pick up a low hours 2m black from a very nice guy over on PFM.

I initially fitted the black myself and it sounded "OK" but was not tracking 100% correctly and it was only after Oldius popped round to check and sort my set up that things really started to sing.

So here's a few pics of it now set up and producing the goods. Those with an eye for detail may also note that the Wand now has a new arm lift assembly which means no more totally manual use thankfully, it can also be locked in position when not being used so hopefully this will avoid any further accidents!

pics to follow when photobucket stops messing me about!!

[Zoidburg]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/26/97a54a58ceb870b7b1ca5a4c8301b27d.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/26/282e26b2fa3eaabc18966a505fc5a3c0.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/26/81320e16453ea0e1ac2ffd60175a1a6a.jpg

[struth]

Real nice set up Ben. Loved my SRM, and that wand really goes well with it.

[Zoidburg]

Real nice set up Ben. Loved my SRM, and that wand really goes well with it.

Thanks Grant, im really very happy with it all now. The new cart has really taken things up a notch. For me what's most impressive about it is that it plays without any hint of surface noise at all, stunning really.

il post a few better photos up soon (my camera was out of charge last night!)

[Marco]

Yup, lovely T/T, Ben. Like Grant says, strangely 'off the radar' here, considering that it offers superb SPPV and is very well made. The wand's a great match, too :)

Btw, if you're not using their 'Revolution' record clamp, you should be, as IMO, it's one of the best and most effective around: http://srm-tech.co.uk/epages/4c008923-2265-416e-a207-cc9dd8b06028.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/4c008923-2265-416e-a207-cc9dd8b06028/Products/RSC

I'm currently using one on my Techy, with great success :cool:

Marco.

[Zoidburg]

Yup, lovely T/T, Ben. Like Grant says, strangely 'off the radar' here, considering that it offers superb SPPV and is very well made. The wand's a great match, too :)

Btw, if you're not using their 'Revolution' record clamp, you should be, as IMO, it's one of the best and most effective around: http://srm-tech.co.uk/epages/4c008923-2265-416e-a207-cc9dd8b06028.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/4c008923-2265-416e-a207-cc9dd8b06028/Products/RSC

I'm currently using one on my Techy, with great success :cool:

Marco.

Hi Marco,

cheers for the comments - I've never considered a record clamp before, what would one "bring to the table" so to speak?

[Marco]

Well, the SRM-Tech one, shown above (click on the link and have a read of the description) should be tailor-made for your turntable :)

There are a multitude of record weights and clamps on the market, all of which do different things to different T/Ts, but in terms of the 'Revolution' (above), I've found that the way it dampens vibration on the spindle, and crucially on the record itself (as one tap on the record label 'before & after' its use shows), really does make a difference to how well information is retrieved from the grooves, and not allowing it to be masked or blurred.

The net result is that vocals are clearer and better defined, bass is tighter and more tuneful, etc, and top end is nicely detailed and free of grain or harshness. For me, it's use is a no-brainer, and somewhat of a bargain, but as ever, these devices are very T/T and system dependent.

However, the basic principle behind how this 'soft clamp' operates makes sense, and certainly (on my T/T) delivers on what it promises, so theoretically, being made by the same manufacturer as your turntable, should be a good match, as that's likely what it would've been tested with during its development.

For £30, I'd say it's worth a punt, and could well give you a nice little upgrade! :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

Well, the SRM-Tech one, shown above (click on the link and have a read of the description) should be tailor-made for your turntable :)

There are a multitude of record weights and clamps on the market, all of which do different things to different T/Ts, but in terms of the 'Revolution' (above), I've found that the way it dampens vibration on the spindle, and crucially on the record itself (as one tap on the record label 'before & after' its use shows), really does make a difference to how well information is retrieved from the grooves, and not allowing it to be masked or blurred.

The net result is that vocals are clearer and better defined, bass is tighter and more tuneful, etc, and top end is nicely detailed and free of grain or harshness. For me, it's use is a no-brainer, and somewhat of a bargain, but as ever, these devices are very T/T and system dependent.

However, the basic principle behind how this 'soft clamp' operates makes sense, and certainly (on my T/T) delivers on what it promises, so theoretically, being made by the same manufacturer as your turntable, should be a good match, as that's likely what it would've been tested with during its development.

For £30, I'd say it's worth a punt, and could well give you a nice little upgrade! :cool:

Marco.

Thats the one I had for my srm.. Quite good.. The Nagaoka one I and Marco has would be great and an improvement i think.. A bit dearer maybe.
https://www.divineaudio.co.uk/nagaoka-rc-401-round-cleaner-record-weight?gclid=CMS-m63mzsoCFasEwwodCr0HKQ

[Zoidburg]

Thats the one I had for my srm.. Quite good.. The Nagaoka one I and Marco has would be great and an improvement i think.. A bit dearer maybe.
https://www.divineaudio.co.uk/nagaoka-rc-401-round-cleaner-record-weight?gclid=CMS-m63mzsoCFasEwwodCr0HKQ

I've literally just pressed the "buy it now" button on the SRM website! Thanks for the link though Grant.

[struth]

Its a good gadget Ben. Just be carefull when putting on as the hole can wear a bit as its soft

[Marco]

Good stuff, Ben. It'll be interesting to see what you think :)

Marco.

[Reffc]

Lovely set up Ben. I had a Cyber Siggy amp a few years back and enjoyed it. The IPLs are a pretty decent sounding 'speaker too. Must be a good match.

[Zoidburg]

Lovely set up Ben. I had a Cyber Siggy amp a few years back and enjoyed it. The IPLs are a pretty decent sounding 'speaker too. Must be a good match.

Thanks Paul, I really happy with the set up cheers. I was lucky with the speakers as they cost me next to nowt and are far better sounding than the (much more expensive) monitor audios they replaced. The consonance has been faultless in the couple of years I've had it and again cost not a lot of money lot looks and (to me anyway) sounds great.

[Marco]

Hi Ben,

Has your SRM-Tech 'The Revolution' record clamp arrived yet? :)

Marco.

[Zoidburg]

Hi Ben,

Has your SRM-Tech 'The Revolution' record clamp arrived yet? :)

Marco.

Yes it arrived in the week thanks Marco, I've not really had a chance to try it out much as yet though. Will get a few pics up as soon as I can.

[Marco]

Nice one, mate. Be curious to know what you think and whether or not you can hear an improvement :)

Marco.

[Zoidburg]

I suppose it was always going to happen at some point.......http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/72b85a5dc6a35ef3b7a1e149efd91c05.jpg

Picked this up from geoff101 this morning, After the almost 5 hour round trip it's now happily spinning in my living room. Too early to really say much yet other than I love the functionality and heft of it. I've stuck a new stylus on the stanton 505 it came with but having read up on the stanton that will be replaced with something more "hi fi" fairly soon ( in all liklihood an at150 mlx).

Sent from my SM-T330 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Nice one Ben. That was a pretty nice looking Techy .... It'll certainly give you a different slant to the srm

[Zoidburg]

Nice one Ben. That was a pretty nice looking Techy .... It'll certainly give you a different slant to the srm

Hey Grant,

It's an itch I've wanted to scratch for a while and Geoffs one seems in great nick so I'm v happy. Unfortunately I can't directly compare my SRM and this without a bit of a faff in changing carts and moving TT's on and off my rack so any direct a to b listening is unlikely to happen.

I will say that after only an hour or two with it I'm loving the instantaneous start up and speed change!

[Virtual-Symmetry]

You can throw tons of money down the drain now & hot rod it :D

[Zoidburg]

You can throw tons of money down the drain now & hot rod it :D

It might get a few sensible money mods but I doubt il go too mad........He says looking at jelco tonearm eBay listings...

[Zoidburg]

The deck is now sitting on a set of 50mm sorbothane isolation pods, I've swapped out the original headshell and Stanton cart and fitted a ADC headshell and At150 MLX. The felt matt that the deck came with has now been binned and I have an reso-matt sitting on a cork matt.

Some photos to follow tonight hopefully.

[Mala]

I must applaud your setup Ben :) Just kept looking better and better as progressed trough the thread ;) I see that you recently aquired a 1210 too, thats pretty cool! I "converted" too the Technics side of decks just recently and I am pretty stunned of how good these decks actually perform out of the box! It's definitely a keeper for my sake, and it will receive a number of upgrades along the line. Currently I have swapped the stock headshell with a LPGear Supreme headshell and using 2xVibro-stopp "mats". I just fitted the Isonoe feet w. techniboots on mine, looks really heavy duty and cleaned up the sound from the midst and down! Found good use of the stock feet too (pics in my thread) :D

[Zoidburg]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/8b10cc2f40d67c273216cbfb04cb0edb.jpg

A new jelco sa-750d arrived in the post for me today. I'm just waiting for an armboard to arrive and will then be fitting it to the sl121 0 with some luck!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160629/8b10cc2f40d67c273216cbfb04cb0edb.jpg

A new jelco sa-750d arrived in the post for me today. I'm just waiting for an armboard to arrive and will then be fitting it to the sl121 0 with some luck!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160716/adcb936b6284c5ef49d7254fd9808896.jpg

Sorry for the terrible photo, just thought I'd post a quick one to show that the sa-750 is now in place on the technics. Fitting it proved to be a simple job made easier by the ammonite collar. The arm came from member "tidywires" over on the Wam who took my wand in exchange, he also supplied me with a Vinyl Adventure Rebel tonearm cable which suited my modest budget ☺

I've only ran a couple of albums on it so far so it's a bit too early say what it's really like although sitting here listening to The Doors live at the Aquarius Theatre (which I think is a great live recording) it's bopping along nicely.

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[Mala]

Nicely done! I've ordered the same arm for my 1210 too :)

[Zoidburg]

Nicely done! I've ordered the same arm for my 1210 too :)

Hi Kjell, thanks for yourcomments!

It's a really nice bit of kit mate, it has a lovely solid engineered feel when using it and sounds decent too. Visually it looks good on the deck too.

[Jimbo]

Looks like it was made for the deck Ben. Nice one. How does it sound compared to your previous arm?

[Zoidburg]

Looks like it was made for the deck Ben. Nice one. How does it sound compared to your previous arm?

It certainly looks the part dont it James! I'm a bit loath to say too much about the jelco's "sound" yet as it's still early days (and im not great at putting what i hear into word's at the best of time) but so far it seems pretty good. Il deffinately report more once iv spent a bit more time with it.

[Zoidburg]

Il have to get a few photos up soon as I've just agreed to buy a new amp that's to be collected at the weekend.

I have no complaints with my current set up but sometimes you just get "itchy ears" and fancy trying something new......so anyway by the weekend I should be the owner of the Jungson amp that's been in the classified recently. I'm not sure exactly what to expect from it, ive heard its quite "valve like" in its presentation. I've lived with my valve amp for about 2.5 years now so it will be interesting to see what I make of a big solid state lump of an amp if nothing else :eyebrows:

I've also just fitted one of "Ianmac's" bearings into my sl1210 and that's just bedding in now as well.

[The Black Adder]

Never heard that Doors LP before... will have to check it out

[Zoidburg]

Never heard that Doors LP before... will have to check it out

Its a real decent performance and recording, why not treat yourself to an early xmas present :D

[The Black Adder]

lol. sounds good. I think I will :)

[Zoidburg]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170312/5c9869f1eeace237e1299be47efa080b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170312/fe280f4086ea0baa30b1d777aac3a815.jpg

I've been meaning to stick a few photos up for ages so here goes. My system has evolved over the last few months with the addition of the jungson amp bought from another member on here.

It was initially very impressive but soon developed a fault and subsequently needed its output relays replaced. Now completed its sounding better than ever, its got real weight and authority but also does detail well too.

I've also been very kindly loaned a set of Snell J 2s and matching stands which have proved a nice change from my transmission line speakers. I'm very taken with their sound so far and its got me thinking about looking for a set of AN speakers when the time is right.....maybe.....[emoji2]

Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170312/ba6e89fe28fa2cd1a86949289c1fa182.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170312/3a6747165d079cddaf6ba7eeb57adfd4.jpg

Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Looking good Ben. Bright tho

[Zoidburg]

Looking good Ben. Bright tho
You mean the amp ? Its switchable for those times you don't want to feel like your in a disco!

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[struth]

You mean the amp ? Its switchable for those times you don't want to feel like your in a disco!

Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk

Ah, thats good then. Ok during day but might be a bit annoying in evening. They get a good name, as do the speakers

[Zoidburg]

Ah, thats good then. Ok during day but might be a bit annoying in evening. They get a good name, as do the speakers
Yes Grant, ive been lucky to get to be temporary custodian of the Snell's. My only issue with my own speakers is they can be a bit wallowy low down. I've had the Snell's plumbed in a few weeks now so really should try my IPLs again to see what I think of them now.

Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk

[Ian7633]

Really great looking system, I love the clean, uncluttered look and that amp is very sexy.

[Zoidburg]

Really great looking system, I love the clean, uncluttered look and that amp is very sexy.
Cheers Ian

Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk

[petrat]

+1 :thumbsup:

.... and you have bigger meters than McIntosh, so it must be good :D

[Firebottle]

:lol:

[Zoidburg]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/7d5587db19fb5ed1c2520d54249ea9e5.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170402/856399df092cc2d275d1ef5d7548aca3.jpg

Picked the L40s up from Manny (Vinyl) yesterday and had a few hours with them yesterday. Very different presentation from the snells I've been using of late, but like anything il give it a few weeks to get used to them.

Sent from my SM-T330 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Those are one of JBL's best compact speakers. I've heard them many times and found them very good. Should be a decent match to the Jungson.

[Zoidburg]

Those are one of JBL's best compact speakers. I've heard them many times and found them very good. Should be a decent match to the Jungson.

Thanks Geoff I'm slowly getting accustomed to them, they are growing on me in terms of looks and what they sound like.

[jandl100]

I think the L40 are the little brother to the JBL L110 I used to own.
Those were superb speakers, neutral and dynamic, and showed the door to many a far more costly 'high end' contender.

I'd expect the 40 to be (a lot) more accurate than the Snells, but those Snell colourations can be very addictive!

[Zoidburg]

Not an update on my system as such but our living room has undergone a bit of a makeover during the last few weeks. Where previously we had magnolia on textured wallpaper, tired ceiling coving and yellowing skirtings (courtesy of the old couple who owned the place before us) we now have stark white walls and colour feature panels which is way more our taste.

As part of this the TV now finds itself on the new fireplace wall with all cabling routed inside (where they exit at the skirting line they will soon disappear into white trunking leading to my kit stand).

So my speakers now fire across the room rather than down the longer length but in reality it feels much better and the room has really opened up. Tbh the wife initially suggested the new arrangement ages ago but i kept fighting the idea of it. However much as it pains me to admit it [emoji23] its far better now.

Got a few finishing touches to complete (fireplace to tile, gas fire to go back in, blind to fix and pictures to hang etc) but overall the room feels so much bigger now and by the looks of things my listening seat is pretty much perfect[emoji1] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/d569b9c5795d13ed2892c6e9c83ce442.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/ca4646b6d8cb6140af5a7f3cb3fbfb94.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/4b95ba8c82a82606ba6a27585eae5ebe.jpg

Sent from my Wileyfox Storm using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Not an update on my system as such but our living room has undergone a bit of a makeover during the last few weeks. Where previously we had magnolia on textured wallpaper, tired ceiling coving and yellowing skirtings (courtesy of the old couple who owned the place before us) we now have stark white walls and colour feature panels which is way more our taste.

As part of this the TV now finds itself on the new fireplace wall with all cabling routed inside (where they exit at the skirting line they will soon disappear into white trunking leading to my kit stand).

So my speakers now fire across the room rather than down the longer length but in reality it feels much better and the room has really opened up. Tbh the wife initially suggested the new arrangement ages ago but i keep fighting the idea of it. However much as it pains me to admit it [emoji23] its far better now.

Got a few finishing touches to complete (fireplace to tile, gas fire to go back in, blind to fix and pictures to hang etc) but overall the room feels so much bigger now and by the looks of things my listening seat is pretty much perfect[emoji1] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/d569b9c5795d13ed2892c6e9c83ce442.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/ca4646b6d8cb6140af5a7f3cb3fbfb94.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/4b95ba8c82a82606ba6a27585eae5ebe.jpg

Sent from my Wileyfox Storm using TapatalkCant believe we lasted so long with the old layout ! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170831/5827a55f54b2bf981eee88a90531a6e4.jpg

Sent from my Wileyfox Storm using Tapatalk

[oldius]

That looks really nice Ben.

[Zoidburg]

That looks really nice Ben.Cheers dude, I'm so slow at finishing stuff but its just the little stuff now so won't be long.

I bought some new speaker stands for the jbls which seem to have worked out well. They are about 550mm high which initially I thought were too high but sitting in front of them now they look good, and more by luck than planning the bottom of the TV lines through with the top of the speakers so looks "right" to my eyes anyway.

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[oldius]

I like the stands. My lounge stands are 30cm which suits the Yams but they're probably a little low for the JBL which have the tweeter and midrange side by side.

[struth]

Looks good Ben..Always wanted to fire my speakers longways from the window as you had. Alas you would need a mile of cable, Sure when fire or whatever is in it will be smashing:D

not sure I didnt like the old stands better tho.

[Zoidburg]

Il give you a shout soon, if your free sat / sun after next for a demo at mine?

Sent from my SM-T330 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Looks good Ben..Always wanted to fire my speakers longways from the window as you had. Alas you would need a mile of cable, Sure when fire or whatever is in it will be smashing:D

not sure I didnt like the old stands better tho.
Thanks Grant, I know what your saying about the stands mate but unfortunately the old ones were loaners only and I've gotta give them back soon.

Sent from my SM-T330 using Tapatalk

[oldius]

Il give you a shout soon, if your free sat / sun after next for a demo at mine?

Sent from my SM-T330 using Tapatalk

I'll check. Nice one.

[Zoidburg]

Slowly coming along. Got the rack & cabling tidied up a lot and some trunking installed to hide some of it. Still awaiting some more pictures for the wall but almost there.

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Sent from my Wileyfox Storm using Tapatalk

[Spectral Morn]

Looking nice :)

[brian2957]

Very nice Ben :)

[Zoidburg]

Mini update -

New phono stage in the form of Alan's "breathed on" Tron Convergence. In my set up its taken things to a new level & the system sounds better than ever to me. Happy Days.


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Sent from my X16 using Tapatalk

[Bigman80]

Looking good! The Tron is a lovely bit it of kit. Good purchase!

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[nuff]

Looking good Ben! Good to see the Jungson still with you! I forgot how big it was until I saw it in your rack, it's a whopper isn't it.

[Zoidburg]

Looking good Ben! Good to see the Jungson still with you! I forgot how big it was until I saw it in your rack, it's a whopper isn't it.

It's a big old lump of an amp lol.

Very happy with it though cheers Nathan

[Zoidburg]

Picked up a lovely set of JBL L50's from Philv of this parish. Just been sat in front of them for the last hour or so. Very very similar to my L40's but possibly with a bit more sparkle in the top end. Anyway very pleased with them indeed. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180728/75f4334989f83f37303190a9672ede0f.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[jandl100]

Nice.
Very nice. :thumbsup:
Love the lava lamp.

[Zoidburg]

Nice.
Very nice. [emoji106]
Love the lava lamp.Why thank you, belongs to the Mrs [emoji16]

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[jandl100]

I've got two biggies (27 inches tall) between my speakers. :)

I love the JBLs, too - I used to have L110.

[Zoidburg]

I've got two biggies (27 inches tall) between my speakers. :)

I love the JBLs, too - I used to have L110.Yes I've become a bit of a JBL fanboy lol. Very pleased with them & they look good with the covers on too

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Maybe I'll end up with some L100's at some point......https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180728/e8173843358adf9c30429d9b1ce635fc.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

In a remarkable turn of events I appear to have found myself as temporary custodian of pair of yamaha NS1000's.

Once again I'm in debt to the amazing generosity of Geoff (Oldius of this parish) for the loan of them.

Suffice to say that I will be spending quite a bit of time getting to know then over the next days & weeks.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/90448f39ee0cd00b843674f3181304b4.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[andyrlb]

I thought I recognised those front covers , lucky you [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[oldius]

Takes a special person for me to entrust!

[andyrlb]

I wish you all the best Geoff in your new life adventure [emoji1303]


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[Zoidburg]

Takes a special person for me to entrust!I'm still a bit flabbergasted tbh mate[emoji16] but yiu know they will be very well cared for.

Sarah's off out into town shortly so I'm gonna chill out with a few tunes in due course

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[oldius]

I'm still a bit flabbergasted tbh mate[emoji16] but yiu know they will be very well cared for.

Sarah's off out into town shortly so I'm gonna chill out with a few tunes in due course

Sent from my EML-L29 using TapatalkThat's why they're with you and I thought you'd enjoy them too.

[oldius]

I wish you all the best Geoff in your new life adventure [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThat's kind. Thank you Andy.

[Lawrence001]

In a remarkable turn of events I appear to have found myself as temporary custodian of pair of yamaha NS1000's.

Once again I'm in debt to the amazing generosity of Geoff (Oldius of this parish) for the loan of them.

Suffice to say that I will be spending quite a bit of time getting to know then over the next days & weeks.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/90448f39ee0cd00b843674f3181304b4.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using TapatalkThey look a bit precarious on those stands, hope the dog doesn't fancy a back scratch off of one :)

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

They look a bit precarious on those stands, hope the dog doesn't fancy a back scratch off of one :)

Sent from my BLN-L21 using TapatalkNo chance if that thankfully.

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Good to see. [emoji3]

[Zoidburg]

Spinning illmatic by Nas, some superb jazz influenced beats in this Inc miles Davis on track 2 I think. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/f5876b542b8a74983b1aec6910960fa8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180811/9f4097d300d2a9f4e50e282c26977d7a.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Today Il mostly be listening to my JBLs. I have no real plans today except to lounge around the house listening to loads of music before football later this afternoon and then maybe a bit of the boxing on bt-sports.

First up is this from Matthew Halsall & Gondwana orchestra, very new to me but sounding really good. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180818/b808a591232c9f370fcce6e9e5574b68.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180818/197c1fc2dc02a0bf97a7717d0065a5a0.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[oldius]

Messaging you from Bucharest. Enjoy the Yams and the Matthew Halsall; that is a great album. Yours sounds like my kind of day!

[Zoidburg]

Messaging you from Bucharest. Enjoy the Yams and the Matthew Halsall; that is a great album. Yours sounds like my kind of day![emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Since I've been fortunate enough to have Geoff's yammies on long term loan until Christmas I thought I'd take the opportunity to have my recently acquired JBLs looked at and serviced by a professional. This was mainly for a sense of "peace of mind" considering they are 35 years + old and also likely to be a long term fixture in my system.

I've used Mike at MPAV in bolton for a few jobs in the past and so dropped them over to him about 3 weeks ago. After an initial inspection he quickly advised that one of the mid range drivers had seen better days and before doing much else I'd need to source a replacement for the pair of them ideally.

Checking online I was presented with 2 options, find a used original JBL driver (EL-5) or look at one of the new Chinese produced like for like replacements. Fortunately for me eBay threw up a very nice set of original mid drivers located in the UK at a surprisingly reasonable cost. Although they were a very slightly different model designation (EL5-9 rather than the original EL5-10s that mine came with) reading up on line showed them to be near identical as close as I was likely to get unless I cast my net further afield towards the USA. In short I snapped them up and dispatched them to Mike for checking and fitting.

Mike tested the new drivers and confirmed they were in great all round condition before fitting them. He then set about stripping the crossovers and replacing the old caps with new equivalents, after testing he advised that some of the old caps were significantly out of tolerance. He also fitted a set of better quality binding posts for me as well.

Yesterday I got them back home and spent the afternoon listening to them.

Initial thoughts are that the sound is considerably tighter, and the midrange sounds far more detailed. Before they had what I can only describe as a woolyness to the midrange (I guess in part to do with the damaged mid driver) which has now been removed.

It's early doors but I'm already very pleased with the outcome so far and cant wait to get some more tunes through them, roll on the weekend!

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[Audio Al]

Good result for you , I have also used MP for a power amp rebuild , Good man who knows his stuff

[Zoidburg]

Good result for you , I have also used MP for a power amp rebuild , Good man who knows his stuffYes he's a nice down to earth bloke, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him either.

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Playing around with speakers tonight.

Living room looks like a used hifi showroom but still what's not to love [emoji41][emoji16][emoji41][emoji16]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190208/4fd53e96f0aa19e5e3b897e1fb2cef71.jpg

Sent from my EML-L29 using Tapatalk

[Firebottle]

What do you mean? You haven't got nearly enough 'stuff' in there :ner:

[Audio Al]

I think you need lots more equipment , :)

I can show you my room if you are brave :D

[Firebottle]

Go on Al.

[Audio Al]

Go on Al.


Will do over the weekend , off to work now :(

[Zoidburg]

My system hasn't changed much over the last few years but a few days ago I bought a bluesound node 2i streamer which has considerably improved the sound. Amazon ultra hd tracks through it are bloody good, however even vanilla spotify sounds great. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200613/6b6341009fe8e95b4f31e1e859e37552.jpg

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[nuff]

You still have the Jungson then! I did like that amp. A right big beast.

[Audio Al]

Will do over the weekend , off to work now :(

Looks like I forgot so here goes
.
.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49842420212_59876b3785_k.jpg

This is only one end of the room and no i'm not showing you the 2 bedrooms upstairs :eek:

[Zoidburg]

Looks like I forgot so here goes
.
.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49842420212_59876b3785_k.jpg

This is only one end of the room and no i'm not showing you the 2 bedrooms upstairs :eek:

Is that a top loading Sony CD player you have there Al?



Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

You still have the Jungson then! I did like that amp. A right big beast.Yep mate, i occasionally think I should move it on cos it's such a big lump of an amp and but tbh apart from its bulk I absolutely love it, it sounds great powering the JBLs too. I think I'd need to spend a large chunk of cash to better it as well.

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[struth]

Looks like I forgot so here goes
.
.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49842420212_59876b3785_k.jpg

This is only one end of the room and no i'm not showing you the 2 bedrooms upstairs :eek:

marvellous mania.. some great stuff

[RobbieGong]

marvellous mania.. some great stuff

Ditto - Couldnt have put it better ? :)

[nuff]

Yep mate, i occasionally think I should move it on cos it's such a big lump of an amp and but tbh apart from its bulk I absolutely love it, it sounds great powering the JBLs too. I think I'd need to spend a large chunk of cash to better it as well.

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

It’s also the VU meters that make that amp, There huge! FairPlay mate. Enjoy! :thumbsup:

[InThe Sticks]

.....1.....

[Audio Al]

Is that a top loading Sony CD player you have there Al?



Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

Yes indeed it is :)

[oldius]

I get back to my system in a fortnight, having spent two years living in Bucharest. No changes for ages (sort of) and no changes planned.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49562223546_6368dd815f_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49563983826_4f04570402_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49598842071_5a9edf3cba_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49561986387_c6e030e24c_z.jpg

[Zoidburg]

I get back to my system in a fortnight, having spent two years living in Bucharest. No changes for ages (sort of) and no changes planned.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49562223546_6368dd815f_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49563983826_4f04570402_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49598842071_5a9edf3cba_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49561986387_c6e030e24c_z.jpgWill he to catch up when your back Geoff, dog walk round sefton?

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Yes indeed it is :)I remember reading the review of it in what hifi when it came out. I sooo wanted one but I was young and skint lol

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[oldius]

Do you know, I was going to suggest the same to you but Sutton Manor!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Do you know, I was going to suggest the same to you but Sutton Manor!

Sent from my SM-G930F using TapatalkGive me a bell when your around and we can sort something out mate, that would be great.

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Decided to treat myself to a new cartridge as its my birthday at the weekend.

Been very happy with the AT 150ml for the last couple of years so the newish AT-OC9XML seemed like it would fit the bill and give me a chance to try my first MC cart.

Initial impressions were great only to realise a fault with my phono stage (loss of left channel) after about 10 mins of playing. Checked everything out and its deffo the phono stage at fault.

Luckily its now happily playing via a loaner amp. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200922/34e3c40fd6f6bc54870cf0db1fbcb189.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200922/ec305415c6926696909f4a9fdaff912e.jpg

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Somehow ive unexpectedly ended up buying an SME IV arm to go with my new AT OC09xml. Took me a while to set it up properly but all seems good now. Like REALLY good:-) 28808https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201107/c1f23d0b3f62508a918b4cf2a2f26276.jpg

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[RobbieGong]

Looking good Ben, glad it's coming together :thumbsup:

[Wakefield Turntables]

That looks good Ben. I had the OC09 MK2 https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-oc9ml-ii sitting on my SME V some years ago. It was a great combo but I sold it to part fund buying the Cadenza black that I now own. How are you finding the upper treble with the AT/SME partnership?

[Zoidburg]

So I had a few hours of listening to the new combo last night and there's a definite difference to the sound after changing from the jelco to the sme arm. There's now what I can only call a much better sense of precision across everything which is really wonderful. Everything sounds cleaner and more detailed but the bass so far seems to be the star of the show.

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

[Zoidburg]

Evolution rather than revolution here, I've been thinking of upping my streaming game for a while and so last week I ordered the fidelity audio pro low noise psu & interface for my node 2i.

https://www.fidelityaudio.co.uk/bluesound-node-2--2i-pro-low-noise-psu--interface-4483-p.asp

Installation took about 20 mins (Inc removal of the old "gubbins") and was really easy.

Just plugged it all back in and its working, no explosions or smoke!

Needs a few hundred hours of run in apparently so il see how things develop over the next few weeks.302373023830239

Sent from my Redmi Note 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[Macca]

looks good but nothing needs hundreds of hours of run in. I don't know why manufacturers say that stuff, other than it's expected of them I suppose.

[Pigmy Pony]

looks good but nothing needs hundreds of hours of run in. I don't know why manufacturers say that stuff, other than it's expected of them I suppose.

Probably a 'get out' by the manufacturers. "I bought this amplifier, and I find myself rather underwhelmed by it". "Have no worry sir, they do need a few hundred hours to run in, after which you'll be much happier with the sound". By which time it'll be too late to take it back and change it.

More likely it's the listener's ears that need time to get used to it.

[Barry]

I can understand electronics might need a period to "burn in" - although that should be done by the manufacturer before it is sold.

What I can't understand is the need to burn in cables. A friend of mine has just bought himself a set of 'high end' cables that supposedly need at least 100 hours to burn in. :scratch:

[Pigmy Pony]

I can see it with mechanical things, like where there are two mating surfaces that need to 'bed in', like it used to be with brand new cars (what happened to all the bumper stickers which said "Running in, please pass"?)

My loudspeakers apparently run for eight hundred hours before leaving the factory. I doubt they would bother if they didn't think it was necessary.

[struth]

I can see it with mechanical things, like where there are two mating surfaces that need to 'bed in', like it used to be with brand new cars (what happened to all the bumper stickers which said "Running in, please pass"?)

My loudspeakers apparently run for eight hundred hours before leaving the factory. I doubt they would bother if they didn't think it was necessary.

worn out before you get them. i'd want second hand prices:D

[Pigmy Pony]

worn out before you get them. i'd want second hand prices:D

If only! They saw me coming with those buggers.

[Barry]

I can see it with mechanical things, like where there are two mating surfaces that need to 'bed in', like it used to be with brand new cars (what happened to all the bumper stickers which said "Running in, please pass"?)

My loudspeakers apparently run for eight hundred hours before leaving the factory. I doubt they would bother if they didn't think it was necessary.

Yes - but what about the speaker cables?

[Pigmy Pony]

Yes - but what about the speaker cables?

While accepting that different speaker cables of different thickness, material or construction will affect the sound, I don't see how that sound can change as the cable ages (oxidised terminals notwithstanding). But as always I'm happy to be educated.

[Barry]

While accepting that different speaker cables of different thickness, material or construction will affect the sound, I don't see how that sound can change as the cable ages (oxidised terminals notwithstanding). But as always I'm happy to be educated.

Me neither - but there are many who unquestionably follow and believe what the manufacturer tells them.

[Zoidburg]

Couple of photos of my recently purchased Alchris ar-6 speakers.

Sounding very nice so far albeit very different to my old JBL's.
306053060630607

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[Zoidburg]

I think I've found my end game speakers. These Yamaha ns1000's came up for sale recently about 15 mins from me and I couldn't say no to them.

I'd had a pair on long term loan from a friend a few years back so I knew they would work in my room but I'd forgot just how wonderfully real they sound.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230821/b7c1bf3b445f2b98d24ea84a8c4fe495.jpg

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[Macca]

Proper speakers those, congratulations.

Still better than the majority of modern speakers all these years on.

[Barry]

Proper speakers those, congratulations.

Still better than the majority of modern speakers all these years on.

Agreed! I belive the speakers were developed for Japan's state broadcaster.

[Zoidburg]

Proper speakers those, congratulations.

Still better than the majority of modern speakers all these years on.Cheers mate [emoji16]

I will need to find some decent stands for them at some point as they are currently sitting on some hideous old things I'd had spare. They could perhaps do with being up another few inches.


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[Zoidburg]

From my seating position.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230821/24b1cd9eae5a0943aa6337f9b6ff9b02.jpg

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[Puffin]

Nice. I have never heard these in a domestic setting.

[Macca]

Nice. I have never heard these in a domestic setting.

There was a bloke had some at the last Wigwam show, with Sony pre-power. Really good - and I don't say that lightly.

[Zoidburg]

The continual system evolution is ongoing.

My old hulk of an amp (Jungson) has been moved on to a very happy new owner and in its place now sits a Denon PMA 1700ne. The driving force behind this was the Jungson remote failing and not being able to replace it. I chose the Denon based on a lot of positive reviews and the fact that it had an onboard dac as well as a switchable phono stage. I've not really used the phono stage as I have the Tron but its nice to know its there. My Node 2i is fed into the onboard Dac and sounds better for it.

Overall id say the Denon seems to be a bit leaner sounding than the Jungson but I am in no way unhappy with what I'm hearing.

The Yamahas I picked up a few months ago were dropped off with a local audio engineer who gave them a good going over and replaced some of the out of spec cross over components (the 47µf 250 VAC and 2.7 µf 250 VAC replaced with new Monacor MKP Polypropylene caps), cleaned up the attenuators and fitted some new binding posts for me. I also managed to find a nice set of 300mm high Atacama stands for them on ebay which means they sit at the right height for me.

I didn't expect to ever buy another CD player but recently I became aware of the Technics SL DZ 1200 and fell in love with its looks. Weirdly enough not long after one popped up on ebay UK and so for a very reasonable amount its now mine. It was technics entry into the club DJ market in about 2004 but due to some initial software issues it failed miserably and soon the market moved on with Denon and Pioneer decks becoming the benchmark.

Il never use the multitude of DJ functions it has but I love the 10inch revolving platter that echoes the look & feel of my 1200 turntable, as a conversation piece its cool and sounds pretty good too.

[Zoidburg]

Technics SL DZ120031239

When set into DJ mode the top platter spins and can be used like a conventional turntable for "scratching" lol. Theres lots of delay, echo and filter buttons that can be used (if you have any idea what you are doing - which I don't).

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[Zoidburg]

Looking slightly Christmassy if a bit messy. 31240

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[Macca]

cool CD player - I want one!

[Zoidburg]

cool CD player - I want one!That's exactly what I thought.

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[Lawrence001]

I'll join the queue. How much do they tend to go for?

[Macca]

I'll join the queue. How much do they tend to go for?

between £250 and £450 on ebay (sold listings)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=technics+sl+dz+1200&_sacat=0&LH_PrefLoc=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc

[Macca]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEff9_UkXrQ

[Zoidburg]

I paid £250 for it which I was happy with, I was weighing up what else I could get for that sort of money and couldn't really think of much which looked anywhere near as funky.

I've had a slightly modded SL1200 mk2 for a few years now so this makes a nice companion to it. It's got the same feel to it, weighs a ton and feels bombproof.

It's been fun digging out our old CDs from storage, I might also buy a few new ones now too.



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[Lawrence001]

I like this one, described as new, the title says works well, the description says never been used [emoji848]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115945300042

[Puffin]

I like this one, described as new, the title says works well, the description says never been used [emoji848]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115945300042

Seller "mykhuk" could be Mick Hucknell :eek:

[oldius]

Seller "mykhuk" could be Mick Hucknell :eek:He may take offers if money's too tight to mention.

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[Puffin]

He may take offers if money's too tight to mention.

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I see what you did there:)

[struth]

I see what you did there:)

enough....;)

[Zoidburg]

Treated myself to a new to me DS audio cartridge and phono equaliser a couple of weeks back. Very happy with the results so far. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250730/63d2571fd5b2daa7bb8f410ff976234d.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250730/e78f86b70e1d662245008a139ef88474.jpg

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[Barry]

I didn’t know PS Audio made a cartridge. Glad you are pleased with the result. Well done. :)

[Macca]

I didn’t know PS Audio made a cartridge. Glad you are pleased with the result. Well done. :)

They don't it's a typo - it's a DS Audio (Digital Stream Corporation).

[Barry]

They don't it's a typo - it's a DS Audio (Digital Stream Corporation).

That would explain the labelling in the second photo. :thumbsup:

[Lawrence001]

And I didn't know DS Audio made a cartridge either. But then I wouldn't as I've never heard of them [emoji23]

[Zoidburg]

My mistake LOL, I've just updated the post.

[Barry]

I've just been reading up on DS optical cartridges. Certainly they are a bit of a rara avis.
The last time an optical cartridge was marketed was in the mid to late '60s by Sony. I remember seeing one in an audio store in Munich in 1970.

I did hear one of the earlier DS cartridges at one of the Heathrow audio shows in the '80s. It was part of a system, all of components of which were new to me and demonstrated in a room which was far too small, so sadly I came away very unimpressed.

Which is a shame as in principle the optical modulation by the record groove appears to be a good idea. Perhaps Ben can tell us how the cartridge sounds in his system

[Zoidburg]

I'm really rubbish in describing what I hear unfortunately

I haven't done back to back comparisons but my initial observations are that the DS cartridge and phono equalizer pair feel a bit brighter maybe, in comparison my previous Tron / AT set up sounded dark and a bit more shut in.