View Full Version : Richb's System(s)
Finally getting round to sharing with you guys, I've enjoyed being a member of this forum and thought it time to give something back...
Here are my humble systems for your perusal:
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1190366.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1190365.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1190364.jpg
Lounge system is: Old Dell laptop for streaming, Beresford TC-7520 (just ordered new LM4562NA opamps to replace this weekend), Arcam Solo Neo, Speaker Cable is Rega FSC Quatro, Interconnects QED Perfomance, Maplin Toslink connecting TV audio to standac, Telly is cheap Samsung, Virgin Media Tivo box and a an old Phillips DVD Player (does its job). Round the back everything audio is plugged into a Tachima Mains Conditioner.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/PB300358.jpg
Spare room system is an HP Slimline PC, Beresford TC-7520 (unmodified), Pioneer A400 amplifier, Mission 760SE Speakers with Rega cable and Monster interconnects. Media Monkey for ripping and playback.
all a bit untidy but it works for me:cool:
Hi Richard. A couple of nice systems you have there matey, I particularly like your little study system. The 7520 could have been purposefully designed to sit on your monitor base and the A400 is a classy amp, I bet it sounds great driving those little Missions :D
I have a similar HP monitor to you (although its power button is on the underside of the screen) and I find it to be an excellent display. The clarity and colours it produces are much more vivid than the 20" Viewsonic I used previously before it died a death.
Thanks Dave, it occurred to me when i put it in the beresford was a perfect fit under the monitor and breathed a lot of life into a system I'd had since i was a teenager. The Pioneer amp/Mission speakers has been nothing short of workhorse, daily service for over 20 year and been everywhere with me... as i might have mentioned before they've seen their fair share of noisy parties in the early 90s when rave was the name of the game!
I fear they are now approaching retirement and at some point in the not too distant future i might go for new t-amp, dac and desktop speakers combo. I'd like to see what results could be had for around £150. The opinions of AoS members are welcomed on this.
I agree the HP monitor is very nice, and probably the best thing about what has otherwise been a terrible PC purchase for me. Nothing but problems with the slimline design, should have just got a laptop or built my own full tower PC. The last one i built never skipped a beat in 6 or 7 years and i'd reinstate it tomorrow had it not been donated to friend.
Both systems will be moved and tidied up in the next few weeks, whilst the old place undergoes a thorough redecoration, perhaps with some built in units in the alcoves, old power sockets replaced, and the ultra flat rega wire hidden under some new carpets.
Don't be too eager to retire the A400 Rich as it is a seriously capable amplifier, a recap and service will bring it back from the grave with a vengeance believe me ;)
I've always built my own computer systems and my current one is the best yet. It hasn't missed a beat in over two years and despite it having an early 3ghz Core2Duo CPU it is no slouch :cool:
i'd love to see the A400 back to fighting form again but when i looked into the costs it didn't seem worth it, thought money might be better spent on trying something new. was quoted 60-70 quid for a service, not including new caps or parts. the missions still have plenty to give though so i'd consider keeping them on.
If you ever consider letting the A400 go Rich I might be interested if I have the finances available, in which case could you keep me in mind please? ;)
jandl100
20-01-2012, 08:02
Which Rega speakers are those, Rich?
I had Juras, then stacked Juras, and liked them a lot. :)
i'd love to see the A400 back to fighting form again but when i looked into the costs it didn't seem worth it, thought money might be better spent on trying something new. was quoted 60-70 quid for a service, not including new caps or parts.
;) Give one of them Mini-T (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170765537046?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661) t-amps a go for £65 ... I suspect you will be amazed. :cool: If not, send it back!
... you might be well advised to try it in your main system as well! :eyebrows: ... does the Arcam have pre-amp output sockets? If so, just crank the Mini-T up to full volume and use it as a power amp. :)
Stacked Jura's? Bloody 'ell Jerry, you're a glutton for punishment :D
I loved the Jura's and was able to get very good sounds from them, especially bi-amped. never tried them stacked though :)
Those Rega's look like RS3's to me..
jandl100
20-01-2012, 09:08
Werll ... seeing as you asked, Dave - here they is :D
{Sorry for the thread hijack, Rich.}
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/RegaJuraSuperTowers.jpg
Good fun, but they didn't see off the Thiel CS2.3 which can be seen peeking out at the sides.
{Sorry for the thread hijack, Rich.}
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/RegaJuraSuperTowers.jpg
No problem buddy, its worth it just to see that pic of stacked Juras... made my day that has!
Yes, the Regas are RS3... I love them having traded in a pair of Monitor Audio RX1s to get them... a fantastic speaker but rear ported designs on stands just didnt work in that bay window space and i was chasing the bass all over the room and kitting the room out with foam panels wouldnt have gone down well with the OH. The Regas fit right in, she likes their quirky design :eyebrows:
I tried them with the side woofers firing outwards but found the soundstage better and more focused with them firing inwards. They would have been firing at side walls otherwise. I like the fact they are pretty unfussy about where they are positioned.
If you ever consider letting the A400 go Rich I might be interested if I have the finances available, in which case could you keep me in mind please? ;)
yes, of course... I'd rather let it go to somewhere it will be appreciated than sold for a song to some fleabay hawk trying to make a quick buck.
Being honest I'd say it is in need of a proper refubishment and could probably shine again if treated properly. The volume pot crackles quite a bit but is fine when left alone, one of the silver input terminals on the back is missing (an overtight interconnect pulled it off). I'd imagine this could be easily replaced. The inside is probably full of dust now so I'd want to clean it up before selling it on.
If you'd be interested in taking it on, I can send you some close up pics so you could make an assesment for yourself and we could come to some arrangement, on the understanding of course that you'd continue to tell its story on AoS for us all to enjoy:cool:
I am interested in one of the mini t-amps but a bit concerned by their apparent lack of power, the arcam does have pre-outs and I'd considered a separate power amp for it (Quad , Rega or Arcams own) but hadnt thought of using a t amp as a power amp... are they really that good? is it possible they can be better than the arcams own 50w or so??? I'm intrigued at the idea and whilst had entertained the notion for a desktop system it hadnt even occurred to me they could be a part of the main system. would a teeny tiny t-amp really have the welly for this? My interest is well and truely sparked now, wonder how they sound with the standac as a pre.
jandl100
20-01-2012, 18:14
.... would a teeny tiny t-amp really have the welly for this? My interest is well and truely sparked now, wonder how they sound with the standac as a pre.
It's worth a go. Chris (the Mini-T seller) is a top bloke - I'm sure you will get a no-quibble refund if you return it.
Will it work in your system? ... all depends on your room size, speaker sensitivity and load, choice of music, choice of volume level. There are no hard and fast rules in this game.
And yes, I'd not be at all surprised if it beat the Arcam for transparency, detail, bass control, imaging, sheer musical presence. It's a different sort of presentation, though - Arcam is usually a bit on the relaxed side, the Mini-T definitely is not! - so it may suit or it may not.
Have you been following this thread? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15086
Excellent review by Christian at post 94 on page 10! :)
Go on, give one a go! ;)
If you'd be interested in taking it on, I can send you some close up pics so you could make an assesment for yourself and we could come to some arrangement, on the understanding of course that you'd continue to tell its story on AoS for us all to enjoy:cool:
Pics would be great Rich, cheers. I will of course report on its progress should I take it off your hands ;)
Stacked Juras... :stalks:
Jerry, you really are a legend my friend!!!
As for RS3s - lovely they are. Nice system Rich. :)
jandl100
22-01-2012, 07:19
Werll ... you gotta try these things, Alex!
I liked a single pair of Juras so much (lovely fruity mids!) but they didn't quite do the scale I wanted.
A stacked pair did the job. :thumbsup: I enjoyed them a lot and the Thiels had a rest for quite a few weeks!
just a quick update for Dave re the A400, on the way home from work tonight i popped by maplins and picked up a can of air duster and a can of contact cleaner. I opened the old gal up and promptly set about the amp with a soft toothbrush and a few cotton buds. For a total spend of around a tenner the pioneer is now singing like it hasn't in a long while, the volume pot no longer crackles, and there is noticably less noise overall. The old gal still seems to be in pretty rude health, i did notice a little fluid seemed to have leaked from the bottom of the big caps at the rear and they were not split or bulging. (wonder if these are easy to replace and if anyone knows how to do it?) I know you were interested but i might be keeping hold of her for a while yet! Thanks to yourself for inspiring me to give her some tlc rather than replace her. You are right, its still a fairly classy amp.
That is excellent news Rich and I am so glad you have rediscovered this excellent amplifier :D
If the caps are leaking they need to be removed and replaced asap as the fluid will ruin the circuit board eventually. There are those on AoS with far more experience than I who may help you to choose suitable replacements for the caps and might even carry the work out for you for a few tinnys or some smokes ;)
Indeed, if anyone was able to replace these caps for me I'd make sure they were suitably rewarded!
Also the LM4562NA opamps have arrived for the TC-7520, whilst I understand replacing the old ones is a fairly straightforward operation I'll be popping by my mate's place tomorrow (he builds guitar pedals and deals with opamps) for him to oversee proceedings.
**Update** After a bit of browsing around I've since established that the white stuff i thought was leaking from the A400's caps is in fact some sort of resin/glue they used to isolate the caps from the psu, looks untidy but serves a purposes, so all seems to be well and the amp works fine. Seems like its 'breathing' again after having all that dust removed from its innards (hangs head in shame). All the same i'd be interested in knowing if there were any mods could be made to this old amp to keep it running sweet for years to come.
Further to last week's clean up of the A400, I've been enjoying hearing it kick butt again (somehow the slighty harsh sound it hard when i first got it has returned), it feels as if its all settling down again. Generally has a lot more life in it with the 20 years of dust now removed.
Thing i've noticed now the amp seems to be punching its weight again is greater vibration from the speakers on the desk and these can be actually felt when i place my hand on the amp. Never bothered me before and have used this set up for years. So time to improvise some home-brew isolation technology...
First attempt, a chunk of mdf 2cm thick between the desk and amp, less vibration and everything seems to be a bit tighter sounding, some cheap rubber feet purchased from B&Q whilst on a decorating mission were also added to the speakers. Still sounding quite harsh and sharp with flac rips in particular.
Bass is now hugely resonant, certain frequencies just seem to kick my ears in and slightly overpower everything... fun at first playing some old dub stuff but novelty quickly wears off...
Next step, turning to my stash of home office supplies, located 4 squishy stress ball thingies and stuck these under the improvised platform. Now we're talking, excessive bass resonance gone, music is tighter and levels can be pushed up a bit higher before i start to worry for my hearing. Amp doesnt feel as if theres any movement when the speakers are rattling the rest of the desk around. For my next trick i locate 2 old mouse mats, trim them to size take the feet off the speakers and plonk them down. All the harshness has now gone... quite happy with the outcome of today's experiments. Have another DAC arriving this week, an ebay bargain bought out of curiosity and will report back with impressions using the desk system as its my main source for the file based stuff.
After a few changes heres some quickly taken pics of my systems as at July 2012.
First the main system which is now all Rega, right down to the interconnects and speaker cable... more on this decision later
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1010568.jpg
A view from the listening chair showing all the sources into the DAC, spotify (tivo via optical), laptop (USB) for streaming and cheapo Philips DVD Player (Coaxial) for spinning discs. Just to the side is a pile of my most recently purchased discs ready for perusal.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1010570.jpg
And the second system with TT used for ripping duties, just out of shot is a large leather armchair i can sit back in when not at the desk itself.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1010571.jpg
The TT and cans....
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1010572.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1010573.jpg
Under the desk cable spaghetti, the black box is a Hot Audio Dac Destroyer and the silver Behringer box is USB phono stage which actually gives a very nice balanced input for Audacity. Cables are always changing, at the moment its a mixture of Monster Interlink 100 and Belkin Pure AV Silver Series.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/P1010574.jpg
Gmanuk101
16-07-2012, 12:00
get some cheap ceramic floor tiles Rich to balance all those "hot boxes" on
Looking good Rich. I see you have acquired a pair of Ditton 15XR's, how are you getting on with them? The stands the Dittons are sitting on look interesting. From the photo the Ditton's look to be sitting on them asymmetrically, is this the case?
get some cheap ceramic floor tiles Rich to balance all those "hot boxes" on
which boxes you mean? the ones on the floor or the main system? the little Dac Destroyer will be part of my travelling set up in the next few months with the laptop, an external hard drive and a pair of AKG k450, I'm burning in the cans now ready for the road. that way I can still have tunes down in the smoke without waking the neice! http://img1.digitalversus.com/produits/170/11581/170_11581_2.jpg
Looking good Rich. I see you have acquired a pair of Ditton 15XR's, how are you getting on with them? The stands the Dittons are sitting on look interesting. From the photo the Ditton's look to be sitting on them asymmetrically, is this the case?
Cheers Dave, I love the Dittons... I got them from a recycling centre for a tenner! Fortunately the guy who worked there has a good eye for decent gear. I scraped off the dead snails and wired them up to find they worked perfectly. They're not the last word in refinement but they are fun and fill the room with great sound and thats what the hobby is about for me, they normally sit pretty square on the stands with the tweeters pointing 45degrees at my head when i'm working on the computer like an oversized pair of heaphones! Sometimes if I'm just chilling in here when Mrs B is watchin telly in the other room i turn them outwards so I can sit on the armchair which is currently covered in LPs to be ripped and assorted paperwork. They actually sound pretty good on the end of the A400, loads of detail but no harshness at all. They sounded a bit thin with the mini-t (wheras my old missions loved the mini-t and begged to be fed loud dance music!). The stands are a pair of alphasons I picked up off a local guy for 20 quid.. http://www.auractv.co.uk/images/speakerstandsakross.gif
morris_minor
17-07-2012, 07:46
Rich - I see some Rega speakers in your pictures, RS5? I'm considering a pair of these - how do you find them? I too would need to place them against the wall, and did you try them with the side speaker facing outwards?
Thanks,
Bob
Rich - I see some Rega speakers in your pictures, RS5? I'm considering a pair of these - how do you find them? I too would need to place them against the wall, and did you try them with the side speaker facing outwards?
Thanks,
Bob
Hi Bob, they are RS3 the RS5s little brothers. Whilst they are an acquired taste lookswise (not the prettiest of boxes) I absolutely love them. Dont know if you are familiar with Monitor Audio stuff but they couldnt be more different in presentation. They dont dazzle, shatter the earth with bass or blast you with treble they are just sort of nice and cope with pretty much everything very well. Many friends who have heard them commented how they responded well to strings and vocals in particular and I'd go along with that. I previously used them with Arcam watts but it was a very laid back kind of presentation, detailed and warm if a bit lacking in gloss, pairing them up with a Brio R really brings out the best in them and they take hardly any driving... the whole Rega system synergy thing is no myth.
I've experimented a few ways with the side firing woofers and cant say I've noticed too difference, I just have them pointing inwards as to me the bass sounds slightly tighter but they are reasonably flexible wrt to positioning and can go well against a back wall, I'd say mine are approx 10in from the rear wall and the sound is nice and balanced from my listening chair. Like I say if you looking for something to blow your socks off on a first listen then the RS3s probably wont do itm if however you are looking for a nice non fatiguing sound which you will love gradually more as time goes on then give them a try. I'd have had RS5s but floorstanders were always pushing the WAF and she was skeptical, until i put the proms on one night and she started smiling!
morris_minor
17-07-2012, 17:21
Thanks a lot, Rich. You've given me a lot to think about. The choice of floorstanders around £1k is very wide, but the Regas definitely get to the short list! Cheers, Bob.
morris_minor
21-08-2012, 10:14
Rich, I missed a pair of RS5s on eBay but took a punt on some PMC GB1i speakers. To my surprise I won those - immaculate nick, at 40% of list price.
Quite tall, but very slim, and with transmission line loading great bass response.
hoopsontoast
21-08-2012, 10:43
There are some RS7's for sale over oh the wigwam, taking offers @ £1k.
I had some R7's, sold them for £550, which was cheap to be honest. I had the R1, R3 and R7's and the 7's are a big step up. They fill out the bottom end well but manage to keep most of the speed and agility of the R3's. Great soundstage on them too!
nice one, let me know how they sound.
A dealer in my area was running a rather pricey pair of PMC with rega's flagship isis and osiris disc player and amp. It was absolutely sublime and made me invest in lottery ticket for that night's draw!:eyebrows:
morris_minor
21-08-2012, 12:55
My PMCs are their smallest floor stander, the GB1i, and I'm using them in my AV system. They were bought as the first step in turning it in a pukka stereo system which does a bit of AV on the side, rather than the other way round.
I'd been using a pair of the small AVI Neutron 5s with a BK sub. The AVIs were very clear and neutral sounding but I never quite got the right integration with the sub for playing music - I was forever tweaking the level. I'm not an avid movie buff so I have much lower standards for cinema sound than most here I suspect (providing explosions sound nice 'n deep and you can hear the dialogue I'm happy).
So switching to the full range GBis and going "pure direct" on the AV amp was a very interesting move. PMC claim a bass response of 29Hz for the GB1is but the initial impression of them was a little underwhelming. The problem was that I was so used to a rather bloated bass from the sub that a clean, fast and articulate bass wasn't as in-your-face. But playing a number of different types of music - from Afrobeat, West Coast Jazz, female vocal, large orchestral, choral, organ - made me realise that deep bass was definitely there, but it was now in the right proportions.
With a midrange clarity and HF sparkle that improved on the already good AVIs the addition of a properly integrated bass of surprising depth for the speaker size has added up to a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying listening experience.
In my younger days I lusted after the big IMF and TDL transmission lines, and now I hear what the fuss was about then. PMC have definitely got this kind of loading nailed. I see that even their small stand mount and wall mount speakers use the same methods, and if I ever needed a small speaker they'd be at the top of the list. I can only imagine what their fully active Bryston-amped models sound like :eek:
The next step for me is to sort the amplification out . . . .
hoopsontoast
21-08-2012, 13:31
The R7 and RS7 are a very good example of a Tuned Pipe loading similar to the PMC's. They (the PMC and Rega's) are not real TL designs really though.
morris_minor
21-08-2012, 13:35
They (the PMC and Rega's) are not real TL designs really though.
Have you told Pete Thomas? :lol: Whatever you call it, they sound very good . . .
Out of interest, what are real TLs then?
hoopsontoast
21-08-2012, 13:41
Well, my understanding a true TL (Transmission Line) has no opening at the end and is used to damp the rear wave of the driver to almost nothing. The 'TL's used by most are tuned pipes, tuned to usually 1/4 wavelength of the resonant frequency of the driver.
But from what I have heard, the 'TL' in the Rega R7's produces better quality bass (Fast and tight) than the PMC models I have heard.
morris_minor
21-08-2012, 14:44
If you believe this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_transmission_line) TLs can be open or closed, but TBH I don't care either way.:D
hoopsontoast
21-08-2012, 14:49
TBH it does not really matter really (its just a name) but I would not 100% trust wikipedia ;) sorry for distracting the thread.
My point, is that I would look at the Rega R7/RS7 if you were in the market for a 'TL' slim floorstander :D
morris_minor
21-08-2012, 15:09
. . . but I would not 100% trust wikipedia ;) sorry for distracting the thread.
My point, is that I would look at the Rega R7/RS7 if you were in the market for a 'TL' slim floorstander :D
99.999% of the internet isn't trustworthy, really (forums and all). And I actually wasn't looking for a speaker with any particular type of loading, just one that sounded good. And I found one that suits me . . . :)
Just a quick update. This weekend I plan to experiment with upgraded mains cables for the amp and DAC. I've ordered 2x1.5m lengths of Black Rhodium Fusion cable with Martin Kaiser silver plated IECs and MK silver plated tough plugs from the MCRU sale. Dave is kindly supplying a cloverleaf adaptor for the Rega DAC with my order.
I've so far been pretty agnostic on the benefits of upgraded mains cables so this is uncharted territory for me. As it didn't break the bank I thought it may be worth a try.
I'm also going too replace my mains outlet with some better quality MK ones from the local DIY store. Again this will only cost a few quids and they have to be better than the old ones which are there.
I was also agnostic about mains cables, but they do 'seem' to make a difference. I experimented with making up my own with some PTFE silver plated cable and it was a definate change for the better; the sound seemed free-er. Perhaps this has to do with the conductivity characteristics of the cable, but then each leg of the cable I made was rated at 50 amps or so.
One thing I have learnt those is you should try to use cables that are all the same. My friend, a Naim convert, discovered this when he used different mains cables and noticed some odd 'smearing' of the sound which disappeared when he went back to the bog standard Naim mains cable. Whether this is an oddity of Naim, or maybe Naim is just more sensitive to mains I don't know.
Worth a try to extract every last ounce that you can.
At a recent show Russ Andrews demostrated that you could buy a Arcam Alpha system for about £200 wire it up and it sound like to was worth £4,000 plus.... the only caveat was that the price of the cable was going to cost £2,000... but it showed a point that to extract the last ounce from a system, give it the best you can both mains wise and the interconnecting cables.
Just a quick update. This weekend I plan to experiment with upgraded mains cables for the amp and DAC. I've ordered 2x1.5m lengths of Black Rhodium Fusion cable with Martin Kaiser silver plated IECs and MK silver plated tough plugs from the MCRU sale. Dave is kindly supplying a cloverleaf adaptor for the Rega DAC with my order.
I've so far been pretty agnostic on the benefits of upgraded mains cables so this is uncharted territory for me. As it didn't break the bank I thought it may be worth a try.
I'm also going too replace my mains outlet with some better quality MK ones from the local DIY store. Again this will only cost a few quids and they have to be better than the old ones which are there.
With the Rega kit mains cables make a difference, especially with the amp.
I have a spare Rega Mains lead (the £90 one) I can pass on if your interested Rich? £35 + del.
I'm going to replace my Wall sockets to MK unswitched ones too, so interested in how you get on Rich.
AS to the Dac mains cable, I'm using an adapter similar to what you will have, but cant help think its not the ideal setup.
Ideally If theres a "cloverleaf IEC" I could get and fit to the Dac cable, could be the cure for my cable ocd!
Not saw anything though, wonder if theres any out there?
Have fun with the cables!
I was also agnostic about mains cables, but they do 'seem' to make a difference. I experimented with making up my own with some PTFE silver plated cable and it was a definate change for the better; the sound seemed free-er. Perhaps this has to do with the conductivity characteristics of the cable, but then each leg of the cable I made was rated at 50 amps or so.
One thing I have learnt those is you should try to use cables that are all the same. My friend, a Naim convert, discovered this when he used different mains cables and noticed some odd 'smearing' of the sound which disappeared when he went back to the bog standard Naim mains cable. Whether this is an oddity of Naim, or maybe Naim is just more sensitive to mains I don't know.
Worth a try to extract every last ounce that you can.
At a recent show Russ Andrews demostrated that you could buy a Arcam Alpha system for about £200 wire it up and it sound like to was worth £4,000 plus.... the only caveat was that the price of the cable was going to cost £2,000... but it showed a point that to extract the last ounce from a system, give it the best you can both mains wise and the interconnecting cables.
Thanks for the advice Kim, as I say I'm doing this on a budget and it seems very good results could be had for little outlay. The mains is the last link in my chain I need to sort out.
With the Rega kit mains cables make a difference, especially with the amp.
I have a spare Rega Mains lead (the £90 one) I can pass on if your interested Rich? £35 + del.
I'm going to replace my Wall sockets to MK unswitched ones too, so interested in how you get on Rich.
AS to the Dac mains cable, I'm using an adapter similar to what you will have, but cant help think its not the ideal setup.
Ideally If theres a "cloverleaf IEC" I could get and fit to the Dac cable, could be the cure fNot saw anything though, wonder if theres any out there?
Have fun with the cables!
Cheers Ga, replied via PM.
It seems it is not possible to buy a cloverleaf IEC and we may be stuck with using the adaptors for now. I've heard some say this was a Rega ploy to stop folks messing around with aftermarket cables. I think a more likely explanation was trying to find a connection which fit the small form factor of the DAC case. Seems a bit paranoid to suggest Rega would want to pee off the sellers of aftermarket cables.
mad-moon
15-01-2013, 15:44
Went to Rich's place on Saturday evening gone...to have a listen to his system...Rega amp, dac and rs3's...lovely sound...very open with lots of detail..and very reasonable bass considering the small side firing subs...a real nice system.....could listen to this system all day and night...I thought it was going to be too bright and sparkly...but no..very easy on the ears...even at low volume it still retains dynamics...bog standard Techy 1210..performs pretty good too...so when modded..will be impressive....He's got a pair of speakers in his office set up which are a particular favourite of mine..as i like vintage gear..which he stole from the guy he bought them from...a tidy pair of Celestion Ditton 15's...first dabs at them rich..if you ever decide to move them on...great evening all round...some techy discussions and a few loaners from Rich...which I've yet to try out...Bloody good bloke...cheerz Rich...Alan..
Went to Rich's place on Saturday evening gone...to have a listen to his system...Rega amp, dac and rs3's...lovely sound...very open with lots of detail..and very reasonable bass considering the small side firing subs...a real nice system.....could listen to this system all day and night...I thought it was going to be too bright and sparkly...but no..very easy on the ears...even at low volume it still retains dynamics...bog standard Techy 1210..performs pretty good too...so when modded..will be impressive....He's got a pair of speakers in his office set up which are a particular favourite of mine..as i like vintage gear..which he stole from the guy he bought them from...a tidy pair of Celestion Ditton 15's...first dabs at them rich..if you ever decide to move them on...great evening all round...some techy discussions and a few loaners from Rich...which I've yet to try out...Bloody good bloke...cheerz Rich...Alan..
Cheers for the feedback Alan. It was nice to have your company and you'd be welcome again. Aside from a few tweaks here and there as we discussed I'm now happy with all the main components of my systems and they give me a lot of enjoyment. Be keen to hear your thoughts on the loaners as there's been so much written about them on here (and elsewhere) that a fresh perspective might be in order. As far as they go I think the 2 items in question give excellent performance for pocket money.
http://img1.digitalversus.com/produits/170/11581/170_11581_2.jpg
How are these shaping up Richard, I have been thinking of buying a pair for work?
How are these shaping up Richard, I have been thinking of buying a pair for work?
I've been quite happy with them, they've been all over the country with me on the end of my laptop and tablet pc. They did take a while to come on song but werent dreadful out of the box, as an alternative to the beats type headphones they are more accurate and 'hi-fi' than those type of things. When i first saw the flimsy looking cabes they come with I thought 'oh dear' but they have proved surprisingly robust in practice and the case keeps them in nice condition. Longer replacement cables are cheaply available. I did try them with my dac destroyer and they were stunning, very comfortable to wear for long periods, headband is light and does not hurt unlike some i tried, the earpads are very comfy too . If you want them sounding good straight away then run them constantly for a few days with a pillow or something over them. I didn't bother with that and used them a few hours every night when I was away from home (living with my sister and 2 year old niece which is why i needed them!) and enjoyed how they seemed to get better with time. They go in my bag on every trip and for the £50 they cost I'd say were worth it. Got mine from Richers as you should beware of fakes going around on the auction place and the large river. For best sound a cheap dac/hp amp will bring out the best in them. Hope that helps.
Many thanks for that, very helpful indeed, think I might take a punt ;)
One final question . . . what about comfort, as they will be on for long periods of time whilst sat at my desk in the office. I use Sennheiser PX100's at the moment with a portable iBasso DAC/HaedAmp and I can literally wear them all day without discomfort.
Many thanks for that, very helpful indeed, think I might take a punt ;)
One final question . . . what about comfort, as they will be on for long periods of time whilst sat at my desk in the office. I use Sennheiser PX100's at the moment with a portable iBasso DAC/HaedAmp and I can literally wear them all day without discomfort.
I think it depends on how you will be using them I guess, for all day listening at a desk there may well be better and more comfortable models out there however for comfort and portability on the go, these can't be bear. They are very light so you barely know you've got them on, the only downside (as with all on ear types) may be a bit sweatyness after a long session. Ear pads are soft leather.
Thanks again Richard, might not be an issue now anyway, as at 1500 today I got told myself and two others in my office are being 're-deployed' as we are too expensive and our jobs are going to be filled by lesser trained (read cheaper) replacements! So at the moment I doubt I will need them :rolleyes:
Thanks again Richard, might not be an issue now anyway, as at 1500 today I got told myself and two others in my office are being 're-deployed' as we are too expensive and our jobs are going to be filled by lesser trained (read cheaper) replacements! So at the moment I doubt I will need them :rolleyes:
I've had 3 jobs this year since being made redundant last Jan from a job I loved and did well for 9 year. Its tough mate but we keep going and find a way. I hope it all works out OK for u. Its not much consolation but you're not the only one.
I'll survive no doubt, thanks for all the info though and I might just buy them anyway ;)
mad-moon
21-01-2013, 13:03
More on the loaners from RichB
Rich has asked me to try out the little Tripath 2020 20w T-amp..I'm very surprised the way it drives my Roksan Darius speakers...copes very well..good volume..However I find this amp very bright..too toppy for my liking...and lacking in bass..the build quality is exceptionally good....He also lent me a pair of Belkin interconnects...which I am not a great fan of...tried these in my main system...very flat accoss the board (I have also tried the Belkin AV speaker leads and these are samey..flat..)...nice heavy quality made leads..but don't live up to this...They make the T-amp less bright stangely retaining a lot of the dynamics but lacking some detail........Neither the T-amp or the Belkin interconnects work for me...T-amp too too bright...Belkin interconnects flat..If you like your music sparkly...The T-amp might be for you...everyones ears are different...
Cheers for the feedback Alan. It was nice to have your company and you'd be welcome again. Aside from a few tweaks here and there as we discussed I'm now happy with all the main components of my systems and they give me a lot of enjoyment. Be keen to hear your thoughts on the loaners as there's been so much written about them on here (and elsewhere) that a fresh perspective might be in order. As far as they go I think the 2 items in question give excellent performance for pocket money.
More on the loaners from RichB
Rich has asked me to try out the little Tripath 2020 20w T-amp..I'm very surprised the way it drives my Roksan Darius speakers...copes very well..good volume..However I find this amp very bright..too toppy for my liking...and lacking in bass..the build quality is exceptionally good....He also lent me a pair of Belkin interconnects...which I am not a great fan of...tried these in my main system...very flat accoss the board (I have also tried the Belkin AV speaker leads and these are samey..flat..)...nice heavy quality made leads..but don't live up to this...They make the T-amp less bright stangely retaining a lot of the dynamics but lacking some detail........Neither the T-amp or the Belkin interconnects work for me...T-amp too too bright...Belkin interconnects flat..If you like your music sparkly...The T-amp might be for you...everyones ears are different...
Cheers for your thoughts on those Al. Both these items can divide opinion. I tried the Mini-T with all my speakers and by a long stretch it sounded best with my old Mission 760SE bookshelf speakers, heaps of bass and a very fun sound which begged to be fed lots of dance music. In other words a real portable party set up. Not so good with my Dittons or RS3s though where the lack of bass was in evidence.
I find the Belkins to be also good for the money in that they were well made and neither added or took away anything from the sound. I've tried these in both my main system and the office one but eventually decided for the Rega clone and a QED one as they are just a bit more livlier all round.
By the way I've added the granite to the main system and the new DIY mains cables along with a v-link transport. Suffice to say its just made it even smoother and you'd be welcome round again for another listen soon.
mad-moon
24-01-2013, 13:41
Cheerz Rich...If you are free this Saturday...give me a shout...and i'll drop the t-amp and the IC's back...Very interested to hear the improvements in your system...I quite like it...I've just picked up a rather nice pair of speakers..B&W DM4's.....a little wire wool to the cabs and some oil and they will be very pretty..
Cheers for your thoughts on those Al. Both these items can divide opinion. I tried the Mini-T with all my speakers and by a long stretch it sounded best with my old Mission 760SE bookshelf speakers, heaps of bass and a very fun sound which begged to be fed lots of dance music. In other words a real portable party set up. Not so good with my Dittons or RS3s though where the lack of bass was in evidence.
I find the Belkins to be also good for the money in that they were well made and neither added or took away anything from the sound. I've tried these in both my main system and the office one but eventually decided for the Rega clone and a QED one as they are just a bit more livlier all round.
By the way I've added the granite to the main system and the new DIY mains cables along with a v-link transport. Suffice to say its just made it even smoother and you'd be welcome round again for another listen soon.
I'm still waiting for news on the new T amp as is everyone else here, but I continue to use and enjoy the Amptastic phono lead, which incidentally I bought for the same amount of dosh as any of you could - around twenty notes for a 1m length........... The sturdy cable, good and simple plugs and two ferrites serve to keep the sound well under control and a great match to the Mini-T I feel. Yes, the Mini-T can and does sound bright and thin if pushed a little too hard into a speaker it's having a little difficulty with, but since I was all but ordered to try one, I was genuinely won over by its charm into easy *and efficient* loads and/or at low levels - no issues with bass then! :)
The Belkin Silver Pure AV phono leads are very good, but the 1.2m ones seemed to run out almost immediately and mine are the 2.4m ones, which are ungainly if you don't need this length. No dispute at all on sonics though (mine was when they were still well under a tenner).
mad-moon
06-02-2013, 07:12
Visited Rich for a couple of hours last night...some simple inexpensive adjustments to his system...way in front of the last time I was there..a good 15% improvement..I'm very impressed with his Rega equipment...Rich will have to spend a lot of money now to get any better imho..crystal sounds..very transparent open music...lovely job Rich..Nice new diy shielded mains cables made to a very high standard..new speaker plinths and spikes now in the speaker bases...very tight bass..anyone interested in using mains conditioners...try out the very keenly priced Tacima...an impressive piece of kit...works very well in Rich's kit...Rich has lent m a new mains cable..which I'll give a run out today..a Black Rhodium fusion mains cable..
Hey this is my 1000th post on AoS, does that make me a proper daftee now. Really enjoyed the banter here and been lucky enough to meet some of the members (past and present) who are always welcome to pop round for a cuppa and a listen btw. Look forward to meeting more daftees at some point in the future.
Since making the move to an all Rega system I've had no regrets, the bits here really are made for one another and gives me enjoyment every waking day.
Anyway, to mark the occasion here are a couple of pics of the main system as at yesterday, speakers are now in a great location, making a nice big soundstage. The built in cupboards are a new addition, CD player, mains conditioner and of course loads of CDs are hidden inside. Still haven't figured where to put the turntable yet. The 1210 project still waiting for funds and time to get sorted. Anyway, its all sounding great and has high WAF. The trailing cable you see is a toslink from my tivo box, this will be hidden under new carpet once the rest of the redecoration is complete.
A view from the sweet spot (although anywhere on the sofa is good), the RS3 side woofer firing outwards...lovely big sound, really opens them up.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/DSC_0272.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/DSC_0272.jpg.html)
The digital front end: Laptop, Supra USB 2.0, V-Link II, Toslink, Rega Dac, Brio R.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/DSC_0271.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/DSC_0271.jpg.html)
A peek inside (still to be properly sorted out) Tacima, Marantz CD-63 used as transport to DAC, Mains cables are Black Rhodium Fusion and TM3 Connections.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/DSC_0269.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/DSC_0269.jpg.html)
Cheers all, heres to the next 1000 posts!
The Grand Wazoo
19-07-2013, 23:45
Hi Rich.
Very nice indeed - and may your next thousand posts be even dafter.
realysm42
20-07-2013, 09:33
I heard the rs5 on demo, they're great speakers.
Nice..... Northern Soul CD on show. Something I have a dilemma with is speaker placement. With the speakers placed near to the rear wall (to optimise the bass response) I find the soundstage collapses. Well out into the room the soundstage is "walk through" and I hear so much more detail and placement of instruments etc, but of course the bass suffers. I counter this with the use of two subwoofers.
As this is the way I like it (and no-one else uses the system) this is how it is set up. However, I always have in the back of my mind that this is a cheat and I should let the main speakers do their stuff unassisted.
Spectral Morn
20-07-2013, 21:46
Nice clean minimal set up
Regards Neil
The lovely thing about the RS3s is that they're not fussy about placement but give them room to breathe and turn the side woofers outwards and you'd be really surprised how big they can sound. At one of the bake offs a while ago they found a few new admirers who had overlooked them previously.
For me any speakers in this room have to be front ported, I used to have large rear ported standmounts and the bass used to reflect all over the place. You could never pin the sound to a particular spot, they drove me barmy. The RS3s were a bit bland at first but once they came on song I fell in love with them. This was what prompted the change to all Rega system. They particularly love strings and vocals but can party pretty well with the brio-r cranked up a notch.
That's a really pretty and understated Hifi system you have their Rich. I also love the way you have incorporated the cabling and Hifi into the built-in cupboards.
P.
That's a really pretty and understated Hifi system you have their Rich. I also love the way you have incorporated the cabling and Hifi into the built-in cupboards.
P.
Thanks, Its the trade off one makes for a happy marriage... I like it quite inconspicuous. Still sounds great and I'm done messing around with the architecture of the system now so putting things out of the way stops me messing with them.
The question is still where to put the techie when its done. I'm actually thinking of putting that inside of one I'd the cupboards too. Some on here might consider it sacrilegious.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/IMG_20131027_111740.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/IMG_20131027_111740.jpg.html)
Thought I'd update on some recent (and very enjoyable) addditions to the system.
As it stood, my main system didn't have any headphone capacity and I was finding that not being able to run my speakers to an effective volume when having a late night session was spoiling my enjoyment. For times such as these when the other half is getting her beauty sleep (she needs it :lol:), I decided to add to proper Headphone capacity to the main rig. I knew I wanted this to be as speaker like as possible and started to consider the options.
The first move was purchasing a Creek OBH-21se headphone amp which was a rare ebay bargain at around £50, I'd been considering other options but at this price it did seem like something of a steal, it arrived boxed and in practically new condition. I was chuffed.
The next step was to add some phones, I already own a couple of different pairs inlcuding by Beyer DT100s which I bought when doing some music production many years ago and my trusty AKG450 which go virtually everywhere me when I'm travelling around with work. I knew that neither of these would fit the bill for me as it was a large 'open' kind of sound I was looking to create, not isolation or portability as primary concerns.
After a bit of browsing and bearing in mind my limited budget for accomplishing this, I settled upon a pair of ex-demo Grado SR60i which were bought at significant discount from Audio Affair online. When these arrived it seemed as if all the manufacturers seals were in place and they were brand new.
I never got the chance to test them out properly as I was away with work a lot but luckily the last few days have yielded up some spare late night hours to get to grips with my new head rig. My first observation is on the Grados, I'd say mission accomplished when it came to my original requirements, the sound from these is just so big, lively and open with a soundstage so big. If I ever had to live without a pair of speakers then I think I could probably survive with just a pair of these! They are that good, and exceptional value at around £70 which is what I paid. The only downside I can really think of is that at certain volumes some material can seem a bit sharp edged, but they seem to be mellowing as I run them in and keep them below 'heavy metal' type volume.
The Creek amp is somewhat harder to describe, for me it was a necessary addition as I didnt have any headphone capacity in my main amp or DAC. What I can say is that it can go loud driving any of my cans and seems to resolve the music well when fed from the tape outs of my Brio-r. I guess I'm not sufficiently qualified to be able to determine where the amp starts and the phones end if you'll get my meaning. Perhaps I'm not meant to as my system still retains the qualities which the Rega combo has become renowned for, most notably the DAC.
So all said, I'm more than content with it and it is serving the purpose well, allowing me to turn the wick up late at night and keep the better half happy (she thoroughly approves of this set up;)) I think I did quite well given the whole thing cost around £130 and I dont feel as if getting the cans out is a compromised listening experience anymore.
sounds like a top class bargain rich.....Grado's are always a good buy, as is creek head and phono amps....I have disposed of my head amp as it was not getting used, but liked it when it was.
sounds like a top class bargain rich.....Grado's are always a good buy, as is creek head and phono amps....I have disposed of my head amp as it was not getting used, but liked it when it was.
Yes, they are quite unlike any other headphone I've owned before. For the money I'd recommend everyone has to hear a pair of these. They're really changed my perceptions of what headphones can be capable of.
Grado's are great headphones... I have a pair of SR-125 and they still sing like no tomorrow after 20 years from when I bought them when they first came into the UK from a certain Mr Grado himself :) :)
Grado's are great headphones... I have a pair of SR-125 and they still sing like no tomorrow after 20 years from when I bought them when they first came into the UK from a certain Mr Grado himself :) :)
Yes, these seem to get better by the day. You'd never have thought such a big sound was possible. Certainly changed my expectations of what headphones can do. I'd imagine their higher end models are even better.
Btw, the stand was bought as a special offer from Oscars audio who think is a member here. Very good quality and keenly priced.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0440-1.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0440-1.jpg.html)
Why its only a Rega p3-24 with an Exact cartridge fitted! I picked this up as a used bargain from the excellent hifisound in Stockton. Excellent condition and took 2 mins to set up.
How does it sound with the rest of the gear? Awesome... yes lots of synergy from the off. Mrs B came and said how nice it sounded. Winner:eyebrows:
The only fear I have that most of my vinyl collection doesnt do this excellent deck justice.
Floyddroid
16-11-2013, 22:47
Been fancying a Creek headphone amp Rich. You have me convinced. You must get yer ass down to Meister towers some time for a blast and a sherry.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/IMG_20131027_111740.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/IMG_20131027_111740.jpg.html)
Thought I'd update on some recent (and very enjoyable) addditions to the system.
As it stood, my main system didn't have any headphone capacity and I was finding that not being able to run my speakers to an effective volume when having a late night session was spoiling my enjoyment. For times such as these when the other half is getting her beauty sleep (she needs it :lol:), I decided to add to proper Headphone capacity to the main rig. I knew I wanted this to be as speaker like as possible and started to consider the options.
The first move was purchasing a Creek OBH-21se headphone amp which was a rare ebay bargain at around £50, I'd been considering other options but at this price it did seem like something of a steal, it arrived boxed and in practically new condition. I was chuffed.
The next step was to add some phones, I already own a couple of different pairs inlcuding by Beyer DT100s which I bought when doing some music production many years ago and my trusty AKG450 which go virtually everywhere me when I'm travelling around with work. I knew that neither of these would fit the bill for me as it was a large 'open' kind of sound I was looking to create, not isolation or portability as primary concerns.
After a bit of browsing and bearing in mind my limited budget for accomplishing this, I settled upon a pair of ex-demo Grado SR60i which were bought at significant discount from Audio Affair online. When these arrived it seemed as if all the manufacturers seals were in place and they were brand new.
I never got the chance to test them out properly as I was away with work a lot but luckily the last few days have yielded up some spare late night hours to get to grips with my new head rig. My first observation is on the Grados, I'd say mission accomplished when it came to my original requirements, the sound from these is just so big, lively and open with a soundstage so big. If I ever had to live without a pair of speakers then I think I could probably survive with just a pair of these! They are that good, and exceptional value at around £70 which is what I paid. The only downside I can really think of is that at certain volumes some material can seem a bit sharp edged, but they seem to be mellowing as I run them in and keep them below 'heavy metal' type volume.
The Creek amp is somewhat harder to describe, for me it was a necessary addition as I didnt have any headphone capacity in my main amp or DAC. What I can say is that it can go loud driving any of my cans and seems to resolve the music well when fed from the tape outs of my Brio-r. I guess I'm not sufficiently qualified to be able to determine where the amp starts and the phones end if you'll get my meaning. Perhaps I'm not meant to as my system still retains the qualities which the Rega combo has become renowned for, most notably the DAC.
So all said, I'm more than content with it and it is serving the purpose well, allowing me to turn the wick up late at night and keep the better half happy (she thoroughly approves of this set up;)) I think I did quite well given the whole thing cost around £130 and I dont feel as if getting the cans out is a compromised listening experience anymore.
Sounds smashing Mr Meister! If you'd like a loaner of the Creek to see if its for you then let me know. Likewise if you're ever passing Gateshead then do call in!
More Rega goodness at our place this week....
Last night I put one of the white upgrade belts on the P3-24, a visit from Al (mad moon) and a bit of turntable fettling and it was singing away. Particularly loved the Carol Kidd lp he fetched round on Linn records. Totally kicks my digital and PC set ups into the long grass when it comes to involvement with the tunes.
In anticipation of flogging a few more bits of my bass gear I today took the plunge on a TT PSU but haven't had a chance for a good listen so tomorrow I hope to get a few hours in. Initial impressions were an immediate reduction in background noise I wasn't aware of before I added it! It just seems the music comes forward a bit more readily than before and it certainly was no slouch to start with.
Guess what... A Rel t zero arrived at my house today and its currently running in the main system. The bass improvement is subtle but not insignificant. This thing appears to work very unobtrusively in a 2 channel set up. Early days and haven't decided if its a keeper yet but its worth experimenting though.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/DSC_00311.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/DSC_00311.jpg.html)
A quick pic of the diminutive new sub in the system from the sweet spot, still messing around with final placement but enjoying what this does for the overall sound. None of the musicality has been lost and that extra bit body to kick drums is all there. I've dialed it back quite a bit so it is very unobtrusive. Will hide the unsightly cables when I've decided on the final positioning, probably in the left hand corner I think.
jollyfix
20-07-2014, 09:57
Nice Rich.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/P_20150217_230149.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/P_20150217_230149.jpg.html)
Just a quick pick of a techie dragged kicking and screaming back to life from the cupboard it has lived in for years. The old tonearm assembly was knackered and I've been putting off sorting it for years.
It's revival was prompted by a recent purchase of an at1005 mk ii arm from a member here. The quest for an appropriate armboard was sorted via a discussion with Speedy Steve who crafted a birch ply board for me and retrofitted the arm with new rest. His work documented on his trade thread.
I've stuck a new at440mla on a sumiko headshell for now just to get it playing. It sounds fab, almost CD like. That would have some here running for the hills but not me. I like it clean sounding and the cart is low noise joy to hear. Others have claimed it's inner groove distortion eliminating properties and I'd go along with that.
I'm installing a shelf for it this week and giving my Rega to a mate on a long term loan. There's a new headshell coming and the bearing/psu side of things will get sorted this weekend. It's a bit cosmetically scruffy but I'm trying to get away from such concerns a bit and focus on sound quality alone these days.
This thinking has also triggered some other changes in the system being made, in particular trying some different cables, pres and amps. The outcomes of which I'll post here when they're all sorted.
So after a highly satisfied spell of being a one brand system man I'm branching out again, ringing a few changes and having a bit of fun in the process. Watch this space..
Great stuff Rich. I saw Steves post about it but never connected it to you, always nice to branch out from what you know now and then.
Finishing touches to my deck this afternoon...
Vantage bearing and MCRU/LDA linear PSU installed. Initial impressions are favourable, all working and no noticeable vta adjustment required with the new bearing. Strobe indicates timing is spot on.
Immediately lower noise floor and detail retrieval improved. From a quick spin of Men at Work and some Grant Green on Blue note I'd say a slight improvement in the lower registers immediately evident.
I know these mods will take a while to bed in so I'm just going to leave it spinning for the remainder of the night. It all sounds very new at the moment given we've had a new arm, headshell, cartridge and now these mods in the last few weeks.
Also since the Rega amp went I'm out of my comfort zone and the focus now moves to the phono stage. My cheap behringer which has been on duty since the Rega's departure is only a stop gap and not doing this deck any justice. Watch this space.
The Barbarian
01-03-2015, 21:48
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/DSC_00311.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/DSC_00311.jpg.html)
Is the ankh on your foot a sign of eternal audio life?
Is the ankh on your foot a sign of eternal audio life?
It is a sign of drunken day out with my Mrs in the early days of our relationship many moons ago.
She already had one in the same place so we sealed our union in ink.
When we're on hols and walking barefoot people look at us suspiciously as crazy cult members or summer.
Lol - they must be really nosey/observant (delete as you feel appropriate), as I don’t think it’s something I’d even notice!
Marco.
Lol - they must be really nosey/observant (delete as you feel appropriate), as I don’t think it’s something I’d even notice!
Marco.
Hi Marco,
If we ever get another NEBO sorted I'd be keen for you to hear my techie and give me your appraisal of the mods. I've come at it from quite a different angle to you, and within a more modest budget but I think you'd approve.
You might recall a brief discussion we had on technics mods where I felt they played well to bringing out the analytical qualities of the deck but often at the cost of 'soul' in the music. I felt this what what yours had achieved and was the aim of the quest I set upon. It's all there now in terms of the details but the soul is lacking, whether you like Rega decks or not, I feel they communicate this well, albeit at the expense of musical information.
I'm hoping that as the mods begin to bed in, I'll see more of the soul emerging... key to this of course is the phono stage, for which the court is still in session.
R
Hi Rich,
Nice work. You’re definitely on the right track, especially with the AT tonearm and ebony arm board, both of which will significantly contribute to the ‘musicality’ of your Techy.
My advice, if you want to move further in that direction (unless you really love the AT), is to ditch it and invest in a nice, but relatively inexpensive, low-output moving-coil, such as a DL-103, perhaps re-bodied in a high-quality shell. Most AT cartridges have a rather ‘cool' CD-like balance, which I don’t really get on with, and certainly don’t consider as being musical - or liable to inject the ’soul’ you desire.
If you don’t want to go the LO-MC route yet, then something like one of the mid-range Nagokas will produce a more musical sound, with more ‘meat on the bone’, as it were, without the loss of any genuine fidelity.
To ‘do MC properly’, of course, if you want ‘soul’, you’ll need a good tube MM phono stage and a quality SUT and/or head amp. Don’t lose sight of the fact that much of the sound you heard at NEBO, which you loved, was down to the judicious use of valves! ;)
On a smaller point, which T/T mat and feet are you using?
Those play a significant role in allowing the Techy to sound musical. In terms of the former, you need something that both addresses the rather resonant Technics platter and provides a good impedance match with vinyl (or in the case of the Resomat, supports the record and isolates it from any detrimental effects of the mat/platter).
Anyway, you’re definitely on the right road, but there’s PLENTY more to come yet! :cool:
Marco.
P.S If you ever find yourself in my neck of the woods, you’d be very welcome to pop by with your T/T and have a listen to it in my system.
Hi Rich,
Nice work. You’re definitely on the right track, especially with the AT tonearm and ebony arm board, both of which will significantly contribute to the ‘musicality’ of your Techy.
My advice, if you want to move further in that direction (unless you really love the AT), is to ditch it and invest in a nice, but relatively inexpensive, low-output moving-coil, such as a DL-103, perhaps re-bodied in a high-quality shell. Most AT cartridges have a rather ‘cool' CD-like balance, which I don’t really get on with, and certainly don’t consider as being musical - or liable to inject the ’soul’ you desire.
If you don’t want to go the LO-MC route yet, then something like one of the mid-range Nagokas will produce a more musical sound, with more ‘meat on the bone’, as it were, without the loss of any genuine fidelity.
To ‘do MC properly’, of course, if you want ‘soul’, you’ll need a good tube MM phono stage and a quality SUT and/or head amp. Don’t lose sight of the fact that much of the sound you heard at NEBO, which you loved, was down to the judicious use of valves! ;)
On a smaller point, which T/T mat and feet are you using?
Those play a significant role in allowing the Techy to sound musical. In terms of the former, you need something that both addresses the rather resonant Technics platter and provides a good impedance match with vinyl (or in the case of the Resomat, supports the record and isolates it from any detrimental effects of the mat/platter).
Anyway, you’re definitely on the right road, but there’s PLENTY more to come yet! :cool:
Marco.
P.S If you ever find yourself in my neck of the woods, you’d be very welcome to pop by with your T/T and have a listen to it in my system.
Thanks Marco, I think you've hit a few nails squarely on the head with this comment. I'd entirely agree, the AT is a very 'cool' sounding cartridge and I'd confirm it is CD like in presentation, some of the soul may well be lost here. I initially liked how clean it sounds, as vinyl has been very much a second or third source for me until relatively recently, its digital like presentation has some appeal oddly enough. How long this lasts we shall see. I did consider the DL-103 but didn't feel ready to go the MC/SUT route just yet, this may turn out to be somewhat false economy as I think it will remain an itch I need to scratch. I'm keeping my eyes and ears open.
The various valve stages I heard at the NEBO certainly left an impression soundwise of what I'm aiming for and that remains a point of reference for me as I go on to audition a few different options.... Having now heard it a couple of times I do however love the sound of AlanT's paradise stage, which I think is the pinacle of the SS designs I've encountered and certainly shows what is possible. There were no valves in that system with his Voyager monos as I recall and that had the edge for me.
At the moment I'm using a two part cork/nitrile type mat, not dissimilar to the blue horizon pro-mat. This sounds better than a thick rubber techie stock style mat, or indeed Rega's awful wool/felt thing (which I've never even rated on Rega decks). Do you rate the resomat type designs then? They look within my budget. I've done nothing with the feet at the moment as the deck will be going on a wall mount with a heavy oak shelf and spikes in the next week or two (the order from audioflair has been delayed or it would be on there now). I'm going to do nowt with the feet until the shelf is up as I'm hoping that will take care of any vibration/resonances.
Ironically, the reason I dug my techie out and started the journey in the first place was because I'd never heard one I liked until the last NEBO. I've seen them done in a variety of ways. All of them resulting in a very clinical and soulless sounding deck, I just didn't see the point until I'd heard yours. I've had a few pals go the modding route only to flog them and buy an RP6 or a some vintage kit as they just did musicality better. Hence the challenge I set myself after hearing yours was to make a techie I could live with... You never know till you try right, and it keeps me out of trouble I guess.
Likewise, if you should ever find yourself in this neck of the woods again then look me up... not least so we can arrange your initiation into the North East Prog Collective lol (i.e. a day on the lash with me an the floyddriod):cool:
Thanks Marco, I think you've hit a few nails squarely on the head with this comment. I'd entirely agree, the AT is a very 'cool' sounding cartridge and I'd confirm it is CD like in presentation, some of the soul may well be lost here. I initially liked how clean it sounds, as vinyl has been very much a second or third source for me until relatively recently, its digital like presentation has some appeal oddly enough. How long this lasts we shall see. I did consider the DL-103 but didn't feel ready to go the MC/SUT route just yet, this may turn out to be somewhat false economy as I think it will remain an itch I need to scratch. I'm keeping my eyes and ears open.
You can take it as read, Rich, that the AT you’re using now, whilst being a perfectly good cartridge, will not take you where you’re wanting to go with the Techy. You need a nice MC in there, with a phono stage that can bring the best out of it - and in terms of the former, a re-bodied 103 would be perfect.
The various valve stages I heard at the NEBO certainly left an impression soundwise of what I'm aiming for and that remains a point of reference for me as I go on to audition a few different options.... Having now heard it a couple of times I do however love the sound of AlanT's paradise stage, which I think is the pinacle of the SS designs I've encountered and certainly shows what is possible. There were no valves in that system with his Voyager monos as I recall and that had the edge for me.
That’s fair enough. For me, as much as I loved the Paradise (and it is a superb piece of kit), Nick’s valve phono stage was an altogether more musically natural sounding device. Personal taste aside, much of this of course will be influenced by the system any phono stage is used in. However, from experience I can tell you that if you’re planning to get a 103, then unquestionably, in terms of the partnering phono stage, it responds best to valves. Interestingly though, an SS head amp can often sound better with it than an SUT.
At the moment I'm using a two part cork/nitrile type mat, not dissimilar to the blue horizon pro-mat. This sounds better than a thick rubber techie stock style mat, or indeed Rega's awful wool/felt thing (which I've never even rated on Rega decks). Do you rate the resomat type designs then? They look within my budget.
Yes I do. I’ve used the Blue Horizon mat, and it’s ok, but you’ll get better results from using a Resomat, particularly because cork isn’t the best impedance match with vinyl. However, to get the best out of the Resomat, on the Techy, you must use it in conjunction with something that dampens the rather resonant stock Technics platter, and stops it from ringing, as the Resomat on its own is too light to do that job.
In that respect, the best combination I’ve found is an SDS Isoplatmat, see here: http://www.sounddeadsteel.com/hifi.html used in conjunction with the Resomat. Trust me, that will give you a pretty big all-round improvement over what you’re using now!
I've done nothing with the feet at the moment as the deck will be going on a wall mount with a heavy oak shelf and spikes in the next week or two (the order from audioflair has been delayed or it would be on there now). I'm going to do nowt with the feet until the shelf is up as I'm hoping that will take care of any vibration/resonances.
It will - and that will help greatly - however [and I can’t stress this enough] you *MUST* get rid of those horrible stock feet, designed simply for use in DJ environments, not for hi-fi purposes. Honestly, they kill the sound of the Technics and are a major contributory factor towards its often sterile sound, so LOSE them at once! In their place you should fit either some Isonoes or one of the many available Sortbothane ‘rubber’ solutions, such as the Vantage Audio feet, if you can still find some now that VA have gone tits up.
That will make a dramatic improvement to your T/T’s ability to resolve subtle information on recordings, essential to allowing it to have the musicality you crave. The other thing you should look at is tonearm cables. Are you just using whatever came with the AT tonearm? My advice, when funds permit (do the mat and feet first), is to upgrade the cable and look at some of the ones Jannis Tome does. It doesn’t need to be his top of the range stuff - even his entry level cables are excellent, offering superb SPPV and allowing cartridges to ‘sing’ in a way I haven’t experienced so far from any other tonearm cables.
The Yannis cables I’m using on my Techy are also a fundamental part of creating that ‘soul’ and emotion you crave from vinyl replay, so do bear that in mind.
Ironically, the reason I dug my techie out and started the journey in the first place was because I'd never heard one I liked until the last NEBO. I've seen them done in a variety of ways. All of them resulting in a very clinical and soulless sounding deck, I just didn't see the point until I'd heard yours. I've had a few pals go the modding route only to flog them and buy an RP6 or a some vintage kit as they just did musicality better. Hence the challenge I set myself after hearing yours was to make a techie I could live with...
Glad you liked it. It’s a journey that’s taken me about six years to complete, so it’s not a sound I’ve just arrived at overnight. The key is knowing exactly what you want and how to achieve it - and being determined to get there. That reduces the amount of mistakes you’re liable to make! It’s also important to learn from your mistakes, and also the successes of others on a similar journey, and incorporate them into your T/T building methodology. Just use your ears, and follow what you consider as good advice, and you’ll get there.
Likewise, if you should ever find yourself in this neck of the woods again then look me up... not least so we can arrange your initiation into the North East Prog Collective lol (i.e. a day on the lash with me an the floyddriod):cool:
Sounds good to me! I know it’s a bit of a trek from where you are, but if you can, try and make it to the Scalford Hall show at the end of the month, as it’s like NEBO, only much bigger, with a variety of different approaches and systems, most of which are totally divorced from the average commercially produced pap you hear at the likes of Bristol. If you go (take Floydy with you), there’ll be a few pints with your names on it at the bar! :)
Marco.
Wow, thanks for this insight Marco.
Lots to consider there. I'll add the mat and feet to the immediate shopping list. The rest will need to wait a while but all sound logic there.
No worries, dude. Just trying to help you stay on the right path and achieve your aims! Keep us posted (with pics) on future progress :)
Marco.
No worries, dude. Just trying to help you stay on the right path and achieve your aims! Keep us posted (with pics) on future progress :)
Marco.
Unfortunately I can't get to Scalford as I'm playing a charity gig with a band that weekend, we've sold 200 tickets for it and it's an unusual outing for me as part of a female fronted jazz combo. I expect we'll be celebrating late if the gig goes down well so I won't be up to driving on the Sunday. Hope you have a blast though mate, sounds right up my street.
Some new amps arrived today, a pair of NVA A40 mk2 monoblocks.
They're just running in but I do say they sound nice with my RS5s. I'm feeding them some Radio Paradise from the squeezebox and DAC now and about to settle in for a bit of a late night initial evaluation. Pouring myself a decent single malt. I'd say they're even taming some of the RS5s more exuberant treble
I'm using an Icon Audio passive pre between them and and the Squeezebox and it's a good sound indeed. They are honest, open sounding, balanced and very musical.
The new system is gradually coming together and is likely to be quite a different beast from my last one but I'm enjoying the changes.
A key part of this will be tuning my deck but until the new stand arrives I'm powerless to do anything as I've ran out of unit space for the gear.
Ali Tait
07-03-2015, 00:19
Like to hear the amps Rich. How do they sound compared to the 300b monos at NEBO?
Like to hear the amps Rich. How do they sound compared to the 300b monos at NEBO?
Very different animals Ali, but not all that easy to say as we were really lamping those 300Bs. I'm just having a low level listen at the moment and enjoying the resolution these amps are known for. They are amongst some of the most honest sounding kit I've heard. Nowt added not taken away. Very hovis in fact.
Ali Tait
07-03-2015, 00:49
Like to hear them sometime Rich, not something I've yet had the pleasure of listening to.
southall-1998
07-03-2015, 01:10
NVA gear can be fantastic!
S.
Like to hear them sometime Rich, not something I've yet had the pleasure of listening to.
I'd very much like that Ali. I know you call it like it is, and I think you'd find a lot to like about these amps. They have achieved a similar trick to the valve monos in opening up the music and projecting the sound from what is quite a small speaker out to the boundaries of the room. No integrated has done this in my system. Your valve amps were much more assertive though.
NVA gear can be fantastic!
S.
I agree Shane, As ever it's all about the system. A big part of this is using them with a passive pre I think, putting nothing between the power amps and the music is really important with these.
I'll compare them with my previous Rega stuff and say that whilst they lack some of the Rega's verve in presentation, they more than make up this in lower noise and musical information. Pipe and slippers they are not.
I've never heard NVA amps, but (almost) everybody who owns them raves about them.
I hope that one day I get to hear them is a system that does them justice.
As for comments about cartridges for the Techie, although a LOMC is on the shopping list, I am having great results with my HOMC - the SAE1000LT, running through my Reflex M and into my valve based Pro-Ject preamp.
For the feet, talk to Mr MCRU and see if he will send you a trial set of Techniboots. They worked really well for me, and they will fit the standard feet, as well as the Isonoes.
I'd also love to hear how my Techie compares to Marco's, as believe it or not, mine was done on a budget with some judicious spending. A couple of the nicer bits were bought 2nd hand.
Sometimes I wish I still lived in the UK, so I could get to some of the shows easier (Scalford, Cranage etc.) and some of the bake offs. I think this is the best way to hear different gear.
orbscure
07-03-2015, 16:22
I'm over the moon to see that the Icon Audio pre is doing the business for you Rich :) As a caveat, if you can get the chance (perhaps something for the future) try an NVA P90sa passive pre. I know its all subjective and of course one is more expensive than the other, but out of the Icon and the NVA, I'm gutted I decided to move the latter on :doh:
Glad you like the NVA. I know I have to be careful what I say here about them, but, for ME at any rate, the lack of 'grain' and the basic honesty of the presentation is highly addictive as long as you use 'em right. Want more bass 'verve?' get a bigger one ;)
Hi Dave,
Glad you like the NVA. I know I have to be careful what I say here about them….
Let’s get one thing absolutely straight, in order that you know *exactly* where you stand in relation to the above, so please listen up:
You are most welcome to comment on NVA equipment AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE, when it is appropriate to do so, i.e. in circumstances such as here, where the subject is relevant. It is then up to others, who are aware of your connections with the company (i.e. that you are being sub-contracted by RD to assemble his cables, and paid for it), to judge the validity/worth of what you’ve written, and how honest it comes across.
However, you will not be prejudged on that.
You can also mention or recommend NVA equipment, by starting a thread about it yourself, or bring it up during any discussion here - there is no problem.
What I don’t want to see, and which I know you won’t do, is to start spamming/shilling NVA all over the forum, in an attempt to try and generate sales for the company. *That* is the only thing that won’t be permitted here, and will of course be monitored, in terms of your commenting on NVA.
I hope that clears things up! :cool:
Marco.
I'm just having a low level listen at the moment and enjoying the resolution these amps are known for. They are amongst some of the most honest sounding kit I've heard. Nowt added not taken away. Very hovis in fact.
Nice one, Rich. Glad you’re enjoying the NVAs. I too heard some (don’t know if they were the same as yours, or not) at someone’s house I know who had them, in conjunction with my Croft preamp, and was very impressed with the combined sound, showing that NVA kit doesn’t *always* need a passive preamp in the equation, in order for them to perform at their best ;)
Indeed, Macca, who was also there, brought his matching NVA passive preamp along to the bake-off, and the Croft (to the ears of all the assembled listeners: Macca, Jason and myself) outperformed the passive (in conjunction with the NVA power amp) - and by a considerably large margin, too…
Therefore, if you keep the NVAs, don’t automatically think that you need to use them with a passive volume pot - a good neutral sounding valve preamp can do the trick, too! Enjoy, dude :cool:
Marco.
Sovereign
07-03-2015, 23:44
NVA gear can be fantastic!
S.
Defo, I run a monster Class A amp made by TQ but I still have a big NVA TSS and it's a superb amplifier.
Thanks for the comments guys. All really constructive stuff and I've a few questions I'll address to you all separately.
For now though it's off to bed, I've just returned from a pals place who wanted to try my Rega deck in his modest marantz/monitor audio system. Blooming heck it sounded great. Better than it did in mine, go figure....
We've spent a most enjoyable evening downing a few beers and enjoying his record collection, the guitars even came out and we rounded off the night with a bit of a jam. Anyway, I'm tired and tiddly so I'll catch you'd tomorrow, or is that today lol:lol::cool:
I've never heard NVA amps, but (almost) everybody who owns them raves about them.
I hope that one day I get to hear them is a system that does them justice.
As for comments about cartridges for the Techie, although a LOMC is on the shopping list, I am having great results with my HOMC - the SAE1000LT, running through my Reflex M and into my valve based Pro-Ject preamp.
For the feet, talk to Mr MCRU and see if he will send you a trial set of Techniboots. They worked really well for me, and they will fit the standard feet, as well as the Isonoes.
I'd also love to hear how my Techie compares to Marco's, as believe it or not, mine was done on a budget with some judicious spending. A couple of the nicer bits were bought 2nd hand.
Sometimes I wish I still lived in the UK, so I could get to some of the shows easier (Scalford, Cranage etc.) and some of the bake offs. I think this is the best way to hear different gear.
Thanks Cagey, New feet for my techie are on the shopping list. Having done the bearing, arm and board, headshell and PSU recently I now need to raise some more funds to take it even further. I'm not in a mad hurry with this system and if it takes shape over the course of a year or two then that's ok with me.
Marco and I have been discussing the merits of LOMC and nice valve phono stages and nothing is off the table in this system.
The philosophy behind this system has been developed by attending a few bake offs and hearing things which have led me to consider some different approaches and rethink some of my preferences. Some of the influences I've taken onboard were Marco's techie, Alant337's voyager monoblocks and paradise phone stage, Ali's 300b monos, Nick Gorham's way with PSUs.
I am a bit of magpie by nature and there were elements of all these things I've taken away which I wanted in my system. However as I can only do these within my budget and means, I also had to find my own way. Hence everything is on the table potentially and nothing is out of bounds in this system.
I knew I wanted to try some monos and the NVA seemed to offer excellent VFM with the opportunity to try things in my own home so they were quite a low risk proposition.
I've also resolved to stay away from the high street as far as possible with this system. I've been down that route before and believe that better value can be had by sourcing as much as possible from the various artisans in our community. This may conflict with some of social mores of the various forums but I'm actually not bothered if it gets me to where I want this system to go..
I'm over the moon to see that the Icon Audio pre is doing the business for you Rich :) As a caveat, if you can get the chance (perhaps something for the future) try an NVA P90sa passive pre. I know its all subjective and of course one is more expensive than the other, but out of the Icon and the NVA, I'm gutted I decided to move the latter on :doh:
I have actually tried an NVA P50 passive pre with a different power amp and whilst it was certainly very good I decided it wasn't for me for me for a couple of reasons. Firstly it seemed to spread the music very wide, almost to the extent that my soundstage had no middle. Very strange and whilst all the transparency was there, something was missing. There was also a secondary consideration that I must have a remote control. Some may scoff at this but as my system shares a common space it must be user friendly for Mrs B and a remote is a small concession to her as it is occasionally used for movies and TV too. Hence the icon fit the bill perfectly as it addressed both these issues. It works very well with the power amps and is quiet as a mouse as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Glad you like the NVA. I know I have to be careful what I say here about them, but, for ME at any rate, the lack of 'grain' and the basic honesty of the presentation is highly addictive as long as you use 'em right. Want more bass 'verve?' get a bigger one ;)
Dave, notwithstanding your involvement with the company I have no problem with you making any comment on the amps on this thread. You mention 'using them right' can you expand on what this means this for you as I'm open to any suggestions which gets the best out any element in the system.
Nice one, Rich. Glad you’re enjoying the NVAs. I too heard some (don’t know if they were the same as yours, or not) at someone’s house I know who had them, in conjunction with my Croft preamp, and was very impressed with the combined sound, showing that NVA kit doesn’t *always* need a passive preamp in the equation, in order for them to perform at their best ;)
Indeed, Macca, who was also there, brought his matching NVA passive preamp along to the bake-off, and the Croft (to the ears of all the assembled listeners: Macca, Jason and myself) outperformed the passive (in conjunction with the NVA power amp) - and by a considerably large margin, too…
Therefore, if you keep the NVAs, don’t automatically think that you need to use them with a passive volume pot - a good neutral sounding valve preamp can do the trick, too! Enjoy, dude :cool:
Marco.
That is useful Marco and I will be making efforts to try some valve preamps in this system when time and funds allow. In line with the philosophy I've outlined here you can probably guess that Croft would be on that list. I'll also be taking your other recommendations on the phono side of things onboard. In this system everything is up for consideration and I've come to the realisation that life is too short to be tied to one brand or approach so it's all up for grabs I'd say. If that also means I can support the little guy a bit then that's what we're all about here isn't it.;):)
Marco, I don't make the cables, but do assemble the smaller gear up to the mono amps (although this may develop further as time goes on).
'Using 'em right' was purely suggesting that you use their speaker cables for most consistent results, that's all. Nothing else hidden :)
In my own office/workshop system, I have too much gain even with a passive preamp as I listen at very low levels. I have thought of putting a second pot in series to reduce the gain again :eek!: but it depends on the speakers I use, as the Diamond IV's need substantially more on the volume control than the LS5/9's.
Ah, thanks for the clarification, regarding the cables - noted. So your assembly work is related to the equipment side - cool :)
Still, the fact is, when you cut to the chase, RD is paying you to work for him, so there exists a commercial relationship between you, which like it or not, puts your posts here about NVA in a different context to that of an enthusiast, who has no such connection - and the same would apply to any other NVA sub-contractor who may decide at some point in future to post here about NVA.
That’s just the way it is, mate. I can assure you that it's not part of some insidious AoS plan to discourage interest in NVA, as the contents of previous posts here in praise of NVA equipment should prove.
Therefore, please don’t let any of this discourage you from commenting about or recommending NVA gear, because as long as its within the earlier stipulated guidelines, you’re free to talk about it as often as you wish! :cool:
Marco.
By heck, that Croft preamp is good!
Which one are you referring to, Rich? :)
Marco.
Which one are you referring to, Rich? :)
Marco.
Its a Micro basic with phono stage and upgraded valves procured from Mr Orbscure of this parish. I'm essentially using it as buffer/phono stage into my passive pre at the moment and it sounds amazing.
I've not tried the phono stage yet due to a major cockup with the turntable stand I ordered arriving smashed to bits! Fair play to the retailer, they've refunded and taken it away. Not their fault.
It's been trials and tribulations with this system but an interesting journey all the same. The croft with the NVA amps makes for a beguiling combination indeed.
Told ya, dude. It was exactly the same when I used my Croft, as a full-fledged preamp, in conjunction with the NVAs: a beguiling sound indeed… If you listen to yer uncle Marco, you’ll not go wrong! ;)
Marco.
Told ya, dude. It was exactly the same when I used my Croft, as a full-fledged preamp, in conjunction with the NVAs: a beguiling sound indeed… If you listen to yer uncle Marco, you’ll not go wrong! ;)
Marco.
I'm using it into the pre at the moment as there are times when I don't want it on, and wearing the valves out. We watch a lot of movies and stuff and for that DAC to pre is perfect, also I tend to play a lot of internet radio when I'm kicking around the house and SBT to pre is fine for that as well. My plan for the Croft is to use it when I'm having a proper listening session with the vinyl or CD player connected up to it.
Sounds like a reasonable short-term plan, dude. However, you’re unnecessarily complicating the signal path, by using the Croft simply as a buffer, although I understand and accept why you’re doing it. You’ll get even better results, though, using the Croft as a preamp on its own.
Btw, I wouldn’t worry about wearing out the valves inside the Micro Basic. Small signal valves, such as ECC83s, unless faulty in some way, last for AGES, especially quality NOS ones (like Mullards), which will probably outlive you! ;)
Marco.
Haven't had a look to see what the Croft uses but I've got quite a few Ecc types if you fancy doing any "rolling" [of the legal kind;)] -- Mick
Sounds like a reasonable short-term plan, dude. However, you’re unnecessarily complicating the signal path, by using the Croft simply as a buffer, although I understand and accept why you’re doing it. You’ll get even better results, though, using the Croft as a preamp on its own.
Btw, I wouldn’t worry about wearing out the valves inside the Micro Basic. Small signal valves, such as ECC83s, unless faulty in some way, last for AGES, especially quality NOS ones (like Mullards), which will probably outlive you! ;)
Marco.
Aye, I'm just using that way while the system is in flux. For proper listening sessions it will feed the power amps directly. I'm all for not complicating the signal path.
Cool :cool:
Btw, don’t forget that when you have the Croft in line, that it phase-inverts the signal, so you have to compensate at the power amp or speaker end, by reversing polarity, and thus the positive and negative ends of the speaker cable, so that black goes to the right channel and red goes to left one.
If you haven’t done that, then you haven’t really heard the Croft yet! ;)
Marco.
Haven't had a look to see what the Croft uses but I've got quite a few Ecc types if you fancy doing any "rolling" [of the legal kind;)] -- Mick
Here's what it's got at the moment Mick.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?37240-FS-Croft-Micro-25-Basic-Pre-Amp-amp-extra-valves
I'm not very up on what's what with tubes but I know they're a specialty of yours so let's have at it!
Cool :cool:
Btw, don’t forget that when you have the Croft in line, that it phase-inverts the signal, so you have to compensate at the power amp or speaker end, by reversing polarity, and thus the positive and negative ends of the speaker cable, so that black goes to the right channel and red goes to left one.
If you haven’t done that, then you haven’t really heard the Croft yet! ;)
Marco.
Yeah I noticed that when running it into my pre, the left pot adjusted the right channel and so forth, so I switched the wires round and all was well.
I know that Glenn Croft has definite ideas as to what he likes in his amps ,but saying that ,I've got some original Mullards , Brimars [poss Tele's] and others . He would have to buy as used or just odd new ones here and there [impractical]. Anyway ,everyone has different tastes and no harm in trying different valves to voice it as you like. Dig the box out tomorrow and see what Ive got.ps the Croft is a bit diferent to the Little Bear you were talking about trying [great fun they are] Be in touch, Mick
Absolutely, Mick. The thing is, Glenn has to use current production valves, as he needs to ensure consistency. Much as the best NOS valves are far superior sounding, when they’re right, you never know for sure what’s going to happen until you plug them in! ;)
However, a good pair of NOS Mullards, Amperex or Teslas will blow away anything modern from China, or from Russia (Electro Harmonix).
Marco.
Here's what it's got at the moment Mick.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?37240-FS-Croft-Micro-25-Basic-Pre-Amp-amp-extra-valves
I'm not very up on what's what with tubes but I know they're a specialty of yours so let's have at it!
Hi Rich,
I have NOS Tesla,s in my Croft 25R and they sound stunning + a NOS GE 12BH7a in the line stage.
If you can Isolate the Pre it makes a BIG difference, sound stage will widen and deepen and you will find everything in the recording will separate out. Much easier to follow.
Don't use it on anything that picks up excessive vibration. Closer to the floor is better. Oak cones under the pre do amazing things as i found out tonight. Oak cones and an Isolation platform really will bring out the best.
Nice one, Jim. Told ya! It was also me who recommended it to Joe ;)
Marco.
Nice one, Jim. Told ya! It was also me who recommended it to Joe ;)
Marco.
Yes - good call Marco.
Can,t believe how much more you can get out of the Croft Pre with a bit of tweaking. Honestly the sound stage and details in the recording stood out like holograms:eek:
The C-X of mine is the most tweaked/modified component in my system, much like Joe’s Epoch :)
However, all that does is let you hear how good the circuit is that Glenn chose and implemented. It’s a really well-thought out and (crucially simple) design. As an aside, I had my preamp measured recently on a test bench (using an oscilloscope), and it measured flat, creating a perfect square sine wave, from 3V, peak-to-peak (output), to a megahertz! :eek:
That’s as good as almost any top-notch solid-state preamp would measure. Aside from that, and much more importantly, it sounds as musical as a very musical sounding thing, because apart from measuring well, it’s been ‘voiced’ (via the judicious choice of valves, caps, etc), to reproduce recorded music accurately - and thus make it sound ‘real’ (read as, believable/lifelike).
Marco.
Thanks for the advice fellas, as it stands much of this system is still bedding in and I'm still getting to grips with the many facets of how it sounds. The pace of change has been drastic for me.:lol:
Hey, almost as fast as you went from wearing nylon knickers to cotton panties! :D
Marco.
The C-X of mine is the most tweaked/modified component in my system, much like Joe’s Epoch :)
However, all that does is let you hear how good the circuit is that Glenn chose and implemented. It’s a really well-thought out and (crucially simple) design. As an aside, I had my preamp measured recently on a test bench (using an oscilloscope), and it measured flat, creating a perfect square sine wave, from 3V, peak-to-peak (output), to a megahertz! :eek:
That’s as good as almost any top-notch solid-state preamp would measure. Aside from that, and much more importantly, it sounds as musical as a very musical sounding thing, because apart from measuring well, it’s been ‘voiced’ (via the judicious choice of valves, caps, etc), to reproduce recorded music accurately - and thus make it sound ‘real’ (read as, believable/lifelike).
Marco.
They make for addictive listening, especially when playing vinyl!:)
They make for addictive listening, especially when playing vinyl!:)
That's what I found the moment I put the croft pre in the system, it was instantly captivating and that was just playing Spotify from the squeezebox touch. They definitely have a pleasantly smoothing quality on digital sources too.
That's what I found the moment I put the croft pre in the system, it was instantly captivating and that was just playing Spotify from the squeezebox touch. They definitely have a pleasantly smoothing quality on digital sources too.
Valves do seem to have magical abilities with music.
That's what I found the moment I put the croft pre in the system, it was instantly captivating and that was just playing Spotify from the squeezebox touch.
Remember what I said before about the valve effect, in terms of your quest for ‘soul’? ;)
They shouldn’t smooth anything out though (which suggests adding coloration); merely make the sound more listenable, as a result of ameliorating the sonic sterility of some digital sources.
Marco.
Remember what I said before about the valve effect, in terms of your quest for ‘soul’? ;)
They shouldn’t smooth anything out though (which suggests adding coloration); merely make the sound more listenable, as a result of ameliorating the sonic sterility of some digital sources.
Marco.
Maybe I should have said sweeten rather than smoothing. Remember the R2Rs at the NEBO and the positive transforming effect they had on music which had come from the various digital sources? Well I guess it's a bit like that. Same sort of effect.
If that's coloration then a bit isn't a bad thing. The first time heard R2R done well I turned to Mick and said 'I could listen to that all day', this was a very similar experience.
Ali Tait
14-03-2015, 00:18
Indeed.I still remember how the 300b monos sounded on your speeks. If that's colouration, then long live colouration!
Yeah, ALL audio equipment is coloured to some degree, so simply choose your favourite colour! ;)
Marco.
Maybe I should have said sweeten rather than smoothing. Remember the R2Rs at the NEBO and the positive transforming effect they had on music which had come from the various digital sources? Well I guess it's a bit like that. Same sort of effect.
Yup, I know exactly what you mean. It’s the way your ears pick up on ultimately what’s wrong (unnatural) about the sound of digital music reproduction, and conversely what is intrinsically right with analogue, done right! :)
Marco.
Yup, I know exactly what you mean. It’s the way your ears pick up on ultimately what’s wrong (unnatural) about the sound of digital music reproduction, and conversely what is intrinsically right with analogue, done right! :)
Marco.
Interestingly I find vinyl even though it may come from a Digital recording still sounds more listenable than digital. Similarly Alan's R2R recordings at NEBO, although from digital, sounded very nice indeed.
Couple of small points.
From Marco in post #113 regarding Phase reversal.
" so that black goes to the right channel and red goes to left one"
No not quite, the black goes to the posetive and the red goes to the negative terminal. You do not swap left and right channels in any way.
I know you didn't mean it that way Marco but a novice might read it as written.
Rich - I don't know whether you realize it, but the built in Phono stage plays through the Line stage (as in most set ups).
The phono only lifts the signal to about line level depending on cartridge output, all line inputs are amplified by the line stage and the phono output is treated as one.
Also from post #115 in response to Marco you said "when running it into my pre, the left pot adjusted the right channel and so forth, so I switched the wires round and all was well."
This is confusing left and right channels with Phase. Phase is +/- terminals, two on each channel, reversing phase will not effect left/right output from the volume pot. ;)
Couple of small points.
From Marco in post #113 regarding Phase reversal.
" so that black goes to the right channel and red goes to left one"
No not quite, the black goes to the posetive and the red goes to the negative terminal. You do not swap left and right channels in any way.
I know you didn't mean it that way Marco but a novice might read it as written.
Sure, that’s what I meant. It also goes without saying that it's important to listen to the results of the above in your OWN system, as there could be a number of variables present within that which may skew matters.
As ever, nothing here is written in stone, so use yer own lugs and system to decide what’s best! :)
Marco.
Fear not guys, I've got it.;)
:thumbsup:
I am enjoying my Croft Pre a lot, we should compare experiences at some point Rich, taking note of what is being said on here and I will try this valve rolling thing at some future point.
Fear not guys, I've got it.;)
You’ve always ‘had it’, darling, and unashamedly flaunt it, too!! :bum:
:eyebrows: :eyebrows:
Marco.
:thumbsup:
I am enjoying my Croft Pre a lot, we should compare experiences at some point Rich, taking note of what is being said on here and I will try this valve rolling thing at some future point.
The Croft Pre does seem to be particulary sensitive to tube rolling and therefore you can really tailor the sound you want quite specifically to your own taste.
I have tried a number of ECC83's and found Mullard, GE and NOS Tesla were some of the best I have heard. The GE 5751 is a nice one to reduce a bit of gain.
The biggest waste of time and money ever....
I find no joy in this, tis a fool's errand.
I give up.
Gordon Steadman
20-03-2015, 19:52
The biggest waste of time and money ever....
I find no joy in this, tis a fool's errand.
I give up.
We bother because it can sound fantastic. Origin Live/Steadman 12" arm/ Technics EPC205/ Firebottle Phono+ - bloody aural magic and for pennies compared to some. You just need to find the right combination.
We bother because it can sound fantastic. Origin Live/Steadman 12" arm/ Technics EPC205/ Firebottle Phono+ - bloody aural magic and for pennies compared to some. You just need to find the right combination.
I know Gordon, and you are right.... I'm just having a 'moment'.
I'm switching it all off and going to the pub
Ok so having had a bit of drunken strop with the system last night I've made a few changes, yanked some stuff out until I get my other shelf in and gone back to a fairly simple and effective set up which makes a fabulous sound I can get on with.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0013.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0013.jpg.html)
Gone is the vinyl and valves until they can be properly sited, the cables across the system have been re routed and noise is now minimum. All are of a screened variety. The laptop is feeding tunes to the VlinkII and Rega DAC which is souning great, lively and engaging. The DAC also has a toslink running to it from the TV on the other side of the room. This is fed by the TV and Chromecast which gives me easy access to Google Music and Youtube as well as a wealth of movies and shows.
Also gone is the Squeezebox Touch and its BOTW PSU. I dont use it and its simply another plug/wire to worry about. The laptop/Vlink/JRiver sounds better to me and doesnt throw a strop when I use remote apps.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0010.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0010.jpg.html)
So here's the boxes for now, the CD player lives in the cupboard below and feeds the DAC via a Belkin silver coax. The Icon Audio pre works fabulously with the NVA amps. When not playing music the whole system is as quiet as a mouse and this is important to me. I like it noisy as hell when the music is on and silent when it isnt.
Meanwhile, here's the croft and the techie banished to the naughty corner (i.e. the coffee table) until such time as I get them properly sited on their own shelf. All the vinyl has been put away on racks in the other room until I get my mojo back for messing around with it.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0009.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0009.jpg.html)
Apologies if my tone on this thread has been terse of late, some of sources were doing my head in a bit and I've been so busy/knackered with work I've not been able to get to sorting them and this has left me frustrated. So today its been about getting back to something I know and liked and for now while the music is playing I'm in a happy place again.
Lol - wotcha loike? :eyebrows:
Hey, dude, as long as yer happy now. That's the main thing! :)
What you really need are some proper hi-fi racks (and I'm talking about ones that not only keep your gear off of the floor, but make it sound better, too).......
Marco.
Sometimes when your simple system works it is prudent to leave well alone bar a touch of tweaking.
Absolutely - I couldn't agree more. The key, when making significant changes, however, is to have a proper plan of action, and know what you're doing and where you want to go, not just 'upgrading' things willy-nilly, for the sake of it.
Marco.
Lol - wotcha loike? :eyebrows:
Hey, dude, as long as yer happy now. That's the main thing! :)
What you really need are some proper hi-fi racks (and I'm talking about ones that not only keep your gear off of the floor, but make it sound better, too).......
Marco.
Aye, I can get on one and start overthinking it.
In this room its a matter of compromises with the furniture but that's going to change. Its warm and cosy in here and my sofa is comfy so I can be content with that. I just need to stop spending money on useless stuff and get the bloody loft conversion underway. Its a massive space and all mine to what I please with, I've drawn up the designs and they sit in a folder on my desk. Proper racks and record/cd storage feature highly in the design. Mrs B however has begun consulting on a new bathroom, it does need doing to be fair, so short of a windfall, it stays a design for now.
Halfway Tree
21-03-2015, 18:59
Great to hear you've got the music back again Rich. How do you find JRiver? I've been trialling it myself recently (need to decide if I'm going to purchase it in the next few days). I'm quite impressed with it.
What are you using to control it? I started out using Gizmo on my android phone, but then tried Lenworth Rose's EOS and found it much more intuitive, with a really well designed screen. I'm now using it on a Hudl 8" tablet - find it very quick and stable.
Gordon
Cheers Gordon,
I do like Jriver and its been my player of choice for the last few years and I haven't really compared it with any of the alternatives in a long while. Is it better SQ wise than Foobar, I couldnt honestly say but it was the UI which clinched it for me, that was worth the 20bucks or so. Using the gizmo app was the icing for me. Its always worked flawlessly. Some might find it cheesy but when I connect the laptop to the telly the theatre mode gives some nice artwork and relevant images pulled from the web. A bit like Radio Paradise HD.
I've not heard of the other app you mentioned, I've just got a new android phone so I'll have a go at it.
This set up does strings and vocals so well and the bass is just so much deeper than with the SBT. So much in fact I've isolated the speaker spikes again with a few coins. The 20p upgrade I call it.
R
Halfway Tree
22-03-2015, 10:05
Rich, if you decide to take a look at EOS don't bother with the free trial version as its functionality is seriously curtailed. The full version is less than $5 so not a big gamble. It fully supports Chromecast and there's good support from the developer. I think you'll find it a real step up from Gizmo.
I have one question regarding JRiver - do you have to pay for major updates?
cheers
Gordon
Ali Tait
22-03-2015, 10:41
Yes you do.
Rich, if you decide to take a look at EOS don't bother with the free trial version as its functionality is seriously curtailed. The full version is less than $5 so not a big gamble. It fully supports Chromecast and there's good support from the developer. I think you'll find it a real step up from Gizmo.
I have one question regarding JRiver - do you have to pay for major updates?
cheers
Gordon
as Ali says the major updates like when 19 went to 20 you have to pay although you get a discount for having an older version. normal updates are free.personally i prefer foobar sound wise although the interface is not in same league
Rich, if you decide to take a look at EOS don't bother with the free trial version as its functionality is seriously curtailed. The full version is less than $5 so not a big gamble. It fully supports Chromecast and there's good support from the developer. I think you'll find it a real step up from Gizmo.
I have one question regarding JRiver - do you have to pay for major updates?
cheers
Gordon
They seem to release a new version every 18 months or so, I started on v18 and upgraded to v19 out of curiosity, there were a few small changes to the UI but no other discernable differences. I believe it's now in v21 and I haven't bothered with any more upgrades as my older version works fine. I'd say if you go for it then check the jriver wiki site to see if the new version adds anything you're interested in. If it doesn't then don't bother, your older version will still work and you'll receive critical updates which are few and far between.
I'll definitely give EOS a try as I love Chromecast. Don't know if you use it yourself but for 30 quid and using the showbox app plus allcast I've got every show and movie I could ever want! Last night I was reviewing some YouTube suggestions in the spinning today bit of this site, casting them to my tv and having sound via the system. Worth the money for this alone.
When I get all my analogue gear sorted, I had outlined plans for a file based system using Jriver - Jplayer - Kernel streaming via USB.
It was based around an article from CAD (Computer Audio Design) on building the best file system possible. They won best sound in show the year before last at Bristol on such a system.
They sell turn key solutions but they are £££.
The CAD, DAC starts to get confusing with the naming, but you can see the temptation to play on the word.
Halfway Tree
23-03-2015, 12:38
Thanks guys for the info regarding JRiver updates.
Grant - I'm curious about why you prefer the SQ of Foobar? I don't want to hijack Rich's thread here so shall I start one in Digital Expressions - unless its already been discussed there before - in which case just point me to the thread.
thanks
Gordon
Thanks guys for the info regarding JRiver updates.
Grant - I'm curious about why you prefer the SQ of Foobar? I don't want to hijack Rich's thread here so shall I start one in Digital Expressions - unless its already been discussed there before - in which case just point me to the thread.
thanks
Gordon
Ive tried jriver every which way and cant get it sounding as good as Foobar does. may just be my equip.ent or me. but it has more depth and warmth for me. jriver is a nice thing to use and i keep trying to like it but always return to the foo.
sorry for the drift Rich
Ive tried jriver every which way and cant get it sounding as good as Foobar does. may just be my equip.ent or me. but it has more depth and warmth for me. jriver is a nice thing to use and i keep trying to like it but always return to the foo.
sorry for the drift Rich
Don't apologise, I use Jriver. It's relevant :)
337alant
24-03-2015, 20:45
So hows the new system settling in Rich ?
alan
A big leap forward today. At long last finally added a new shelf to the room to take the deck and phono stage.... paint is drying as I write. This was the last major hurdle and we could be close to getting all the pieces in place this weekend following some changes on the cable front and a recent new addition to the technics.
Full update in the next few days.
When the techie's finally up and running, *we'll* need to 'talk' to you about phono stages :lol: :respect:
When the techie's finally up and running, *we'll* need to 'talk' to you about phono stages :lol: :respect:
That conversations been and gone and we've agreed to disagree.... for now anyway.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0249.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0249.jpg.html)
A box arrived and I'm about to open it. Anyone care to guess what's in it?
Benchmark dac1?
Spot on... Benchmark DAC 1 HDR.
Just waiting for her to stop watching her programme on the box so I can get it set up!
You see I do take notice ;) Hope you enjoy it Rich.
brian2957
28-08-2015, 19:55
I'll be interested to see how it compares with the Rega DAC Rich .
I'll be interested to see how it compares with the Rega DAC Rich .
I've not got rid of the Rega yet so I can do side by side comparison.
She's finished watching the TV so I'm setting it up now. We could be in for a long night ahead:)
brian2957
28-08-2015, 20:44
Aye get the feet up and a refreshment of choice by your side mate . Enjoy :)
Nice one Rich
I heard Benchmark DAC 1's in Gordon's (Halfway Tree) system, very clean and detailed, ruthlessly honest presentation, really shows up the diffrences between good and bad recordings. Enjoy.
brian2957
29-08-2015, 08:18
:popcorn::popcorn:
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0251_1.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0251_1.jpg.html)
Here it is feeding the NVA power amps.
Ken wasn't kidding on the detail this thing retrieves. Didn't get much time to listen last night so I left it on to warm up then playing some radio paradise since this morning.
Sounded hard as a bag of spanners when I first put it in but that was due to everything being switched off and the power amps need to warm up for a bit before they start singing.
Anyway I wouldn't have thought it possible to get more musical information than I was getting before but I am. An extra backing vocal in a Metallica track I'd never noticed before. Patty Griffin pausing for a breath on one of her tracks.
Still very musical though... The Rega seems a bit 'slower' by comparison and less fussy on the source material.
I'll be deleting all my lower bit downloads if this keeps up.
Anyway it's begging me to feed it rock music now so I've dug out the Sisters of Mercy's Floodland on CD to see how it gets on via coax.
brian2957
29-08-2015, 15:53
Shaping up nicely then Rich :)
[]
Anyway it's begging me to feed it rock music now so I've dug out the Sisters of Mercy's Floodland on CD to see how it gets on via coax.
Good choice sir.
Shaping up nicely then Rich :)
Yep, if it's there in the source material this baby will find it.
VesaLato
30-08-2015, 19:55
You seem to be very happy with benchmark? I see you have put icon audio for sale. How does bm work as pre with your phono amp and tt?
Halfway Tree
28-09-2015, 13:40
Yep, if it's there in the source material this baby will find it.
Been meaning to respond to this for a while - must check in more often!
Welcome to the club Rich! You are absolutley right about the detail these extract from recordings and needing warm-up time - which is probably the reason they don't have a power switch.
Considering they are now quite an old design (in digital technology terms, anyway) they are still exceptionally good. I had loan of an Exasound e28 8 channel dac during the summer (about £2k) and although it was very good in the mids and treble, the bass just seemed soft and lacked detail compared to the Benchmark - Ken (Qwin) and Steve (Floyddroid) came along for a listen and they both agreed that the Exasound seemed soft in comparison.
There is some really solid engineering in these - unit to unit the clocks are so good that several can be used in parallel for multichannels as I do. Enjoy!
Gordon
Are we going to hear this system at NEBO Rich ?:)
Floyddroid
28-09-2015, 20:25
Why a croft Pre amp and not a matching passive Jobbie Rich? I too have been lucky enough to have heard Gordon's Benchmark DAC's and i have to concur with Ken, they are rather special. If i were to go down the root of buying a DAC that would be the chap for me methinks. glad it's shaping up Rich. I must get up yo your gaff and have a listen.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0493.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0493.jpg.html)
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0494.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0494.jpg.html)
Here's a couple of pics of some prototype NVA Cubettes sent to me for demo and taking along to NEBO as a bit of something different from the big boxes we'll have there. I've had these in the system for a week or so, clearly they're quite petite but fill the room up surprisingly well for such a small speaker. Sound is very open and revealing and they don't do stereo image so much as create sweet music all around you. A new kind of listening experience for me and one I hope you'll get to experience at the NEBO.
Nice setup Rich.
Anything sitting between the new cubes and the tables?
Nice setup Rich.
Anything sitting between the new cubes and the tables?
Nope. They're pretty heavy for such tiny boxes as they're lined with steel plate so they just sit firmly on the stands which are designed for my JBLs.
Just to reiterate, they're not mine. I've just got them on loan for demo of their designs but I've enjoyed having them in my system.
Since we've not had a pic in ages on this thread here's one of the Edingdales.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307_1.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307_1.jpg.html)
brian2957
27-08-2016, 09:22
Very nice mate . These are not only fine sounding speakers , they're also beautiful pieces of furniture . What are you using with them Rich ?
Very nice mate . These are not only fine sounding speakers , they're also beautiful pieces of furniture . What are you using with them Rich ?
A hefty lump of Arcam integrated until I raise funds for a bespoke Arkless class A design.
The Arcam verges on the mellow side of things but with the Edingdales it's very musical and enjoyably warm.
brian2957
27-08-2016, 09:31
Ah ! Interesting mate . If you get the Arkless amp please keep us posted :)
Ah ! Interesting mate . If you get the Arkless amp please keep us posted :)
Will do Bri. To be honest the stereo has been less of a priority as during the summer months I become distracted by live music, festivals and getting out and about. Combine that with a few hefty bills, loads of fun and games on the work front and a couple of band projects and the hifi begins to gather dust.
Dare say that'll change as the nights draw in. I've also become a bit disenchanted with forums too. Can't really put my finger on it but I've not felt the need to participate with the usual regularity.... That'll change again if I find something to inspire me.
HackneyRF
27-08-2016, 10:21
I've also become a bit disenchanted with forums too. Can't really put my finger on it but I've not felt the need to participate with the usual regularity.... That'll change again if I find something to inspire me.
That'll be the 'getting out and about' that's done that Rich! ;)
Terrific looking speakers by the way.
Phoar! :)
Since we've not had a pic in ages on this thread here's one of the Edingdales.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307_1.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307_1.jpg.html)
They still remind me a bit of the navigator's 'vehicle' from Dune. But they are bloody good speakers for the money. Getting an Arkless class A up them sounds like a great idea.
jandl100
05-09-2016, 06:23
Very nice -- I do fancy getting a listen to a pair of Eddingdales one day.
So, are those ribbon or electrostatic tweeters, Rich? ;)
Very nice -- I do fancy getting a listen to a pair of Eddingdales one day.
So, are those ribbon or electrostatic tweeters, Rich? ;)
Ribbons Jerry.
I can't recall precisely what they are but Ali Tait or Toppsy could say.
Ali Tait
05-09-2016, 09:02
It's a Monocor ribbon, fitted with an L-pad so treble can be adjusted to suit the room/taste.
jandl100
05-09-2016, 09:36
Yes, I know they are ribbons, Rich - I was just harking back to our FB conversation. :)
Yes, I know they are ribbons, Rich - I was just harking back to our FB conversation. :)
My mate has gone travelling so I've got his RS3 speakers. Put them in last night. Sort of back to the future for me as I had a pair of these originally. Playing some 'island presents' reggae compilations this morning. There is a real lovely balance to these little speakers and very musical. Sure they don't grunt as deep or scream as high as the others but they're just so right and easy to listen to.
Think I'll bring these to NEBO.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0406.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0406.jpg.html)
Jac Hawk
14-01-2017, 11:15
i'd love to see the A400 back to fighting form again but when i looked into the costs it didn't seem worth it, thought money might be better spent on trying something new. was quoted 60-70 quid for a service, not including new caps or parts. the missions still have plenty to give though so i'd consider keeping them on.
Trust me Rich it is, I upgraded mine, then stupidly sold it, but as people have already said, it's a great amp definitely worth holding on to and spending some money on
Trust me Rich it is, I upgraded mine, then stupidly sold it, but as people have already said, it's a great amp definitely worth holding on to and spending some money on
I remember you saying you'd worked on yours Mike. Sadly that amp gave up the ghost a couple of years ago.:(
You have a lovely home, Rich. It's somewhere I'd imagine it's great to relax in. For me, the room is very important too.
You have a lovely home, Rich. It's somewhere I'd imagine it's great to relax in. For me, the room is very important too.
Thanks Andy, it's nowt flash, just your average bungalow but adequate for our needs.
My new years resolution is to finally sort out the spare room/office and move the vinyl into there. This room is a shared space where my need to play music must balance with the other half's need for quiet time and rubbish TV. For those times I have a couple of pairs of decent headphones.
Yesterday acquired a new CD player, traded out some other kit and donated my old Marantz to a friend who has just inherited a Cambridge Audio amp and some speakers to complete his system.
My new squeeze is an Arcam CD17, smooth as bloody silk it is. Lovely rich sound from it, probably the most analogue CD sound I've heard. Very sweet indeed.
This bloke was quite keen on it http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/arcam-fmj-cd17-cd-player-and-fmj-a28-integrated-amplifier-tas-198-1/
Definitely having a bit of a love affair with this CD player at the moment, and have also installed some of Brian's Klotz MC500 connecting it to the amp. I'd describe the sound as muscular, loads of detail and it puts in a very convincing performance whilst retaining that slight warmth which people associate with Arcam.
It's good enough to have me revisiting a lot of my CD collection again which is no bad thing.
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0462.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0462.jpg.html)
Since all the photo links are broken now, this thread is :deceased:
Mods pls remove it. Ta.
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