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Spectral Morn
19-12-2008, 22:35
Those moments in life where one has a complete audio revelation are sadly rare but over the last year I have had such an experience from some kit that was left in for me to hear by one of my customers. Now one thing when working in the trade that most live in fear off, is the customer who says he has found or designed gear. The problem comes when you have to tell him/rarely her that their precious is not very good or even dangerous. This happened to me early this year when a customer, now a friend, told me about some amps he had found in New Zealand. The story goes that he was walking down the street and heard a fabulous sound coming out of a record shop. after a conversation with the shop keeper he had learned about a repair guy who makes his own valve kit.
My friend went to this guys workshop and a relationship both with him and his designs was born. He calls his designs Ecofan Sound and he is based in Auckland.
( www.ecofansound.com ) Murray Dick makes a small range of products, all valve and ranging from low power single ended to high power push pull and a Pre-amp with built in phono stage. Ecofan has also introduced a Tube buffer and a Boost it. I have heard the Tube Buffer, but as it is new and not run in, I will not comment on it at this stage.

The items I am reviewing are the active two input, 6SN7,6N7 pre-amp and the 5 Watt 6A3 valve power amp. The power amp is class A and does run quite hot. It is very compact ( 10 x 8 x 6 inch's tall (Transformers) and ways a ton for its size ( if you ever wondered what a crushed car might weigh, this is a good indicator). Fit and finish are good but very plain and there is a retro feel to things. If you want bling look elsewhere. The pre -amp is a two input, two output design with the valves mounted on the outside of the very compact case ( 4.5 w X 3.5 h X 8 d inch's) . switches are very retro flick types and the action in use is very solid. The volume control is very smooth and easy to set, with gain over the whole range not just the first quarter; everything is manual, no remotes here. All mains leads are fixed, so it would seem that Murray does not believe in after market power cords. I did not see the packaging or instructions and during the times I have used these products I have had no issues. All worked flawlessly every time used. Internal construction is hard wired, parts quality is good, and is neat but cramped due to the compact nature of the designs.

The 6A3 is a double plate triode with a 6.3 volt filament, pictures of these at (www.tubeworld.com/6a3.htm ). During the course of this review I also tried a number of 6A3 valves. These included Vt 52 by Western Electric. 6A3's by Rca, Tung-Sol, Cunningham and Raytheon. The best sound in my system was achieved with the Raytheon, with the Cunningham's next in quality. The others just sounded thin or overly warm and lacked the gain of the Raytheon 6A3's. These valves are similar to the 6b4G but are a 4 pin design to the 8 pins of the 6B4G and thus can't be substituted. It may be in your system/application that one of these other valve makes may sound better so feel free to try.

The System used was as follows. Marantz CD 7 ( on a Project wall shelf with a Clear light Audio Isolation board, Mains lead was a TCI Boa Constrictor.) Ref 3A Dulcete Speakers on Attacama R 724 stands with 4 inch granite slabs supported via Michell Tender Feet. The Amps sat on a Mana Reference frame and Base 02 isolation platform. Speaker cable was XLO Type 6 and interconnects Audience Au 24 rca-rca 1m. There were no mains filters or regenerators used, and the room is 7 foot deep x 8 and a half foot high x11 foot long.

Music used was Rickie Lee Jones - Magazine, track 4 It must be love. Nitin Sawhney - Beyond Skin, track 1 Broken skin,track 2 Letting go and track 5 Tides. I also used The Dali Demo disc, track 3 by Hugh Masekala The coal train.

Murray Dick is a no BS kind of guy and while I have never met him, he reminds me of Roger A Modjeski of Music Reference in the United States (www.ramlabs-musicreference.com/), he also is a no BS kind of guy. I have a Music Reference Rm 200 amp which is a 100 watt KT66 valve amp with a solid state input, fabulous sound. Having read Roger's site and communicated with him via e-mail I feel he and Murray are cut from very similar cloth, but have their own unique views as well. Roger is another rare thing in audio a no compromise designer who values the end user more than many others. Read about him on his site, its a good read. Murray believes in no positive or negative feedback and no caps in the signal path (direct coupled), except for the bypassed bypass ones on the power tubes cathodes. He also believes in maintaining correct phase through out. He states that not to do this "Decreases the thereness of the sound " Ecofan make their own transformers in house and I believe Murray winds them himself. The transformer are very large for the physical size of the amps and much of what they do is down to these quality output and power transformers.

The Amps were allowed to warm up for about an hour before listening began but sounded good after about 30 mins. Being a class A design the power amp runs very hot and good ventilation must be given to it.

I could give you a blow by blow account of how each track sounds but I don't feel its absolutely necessary, so I will give you the salient points. These Amps posses a clarity and purity I have never heard before. I know that single ended does this and I have heard many such amps before. However I have never experienced this degree of purity. When lent these amps before my friend asked what I thought. I responded by telling him that " He had ruined me ". For a few thousand pounds these out performed all my other amplification, much of it well regarded (most of it up to 5 times the price ). Bass was deep and extended and a very wide screen sound stage hung between the speakers. They disappeared leaving just the music and wow what sweet music. I was constantly amazed at how the sound was so effortless, responding to each change with total ease (and this with speakers that while suiting the room perhaps are not the best choice for these amps. What would bigger more sensitive ones sound like ?). Constantly I was blown away by how well percussion was reproduced. Cymbals had air and shimmer and very real decay, even multi layered tracks still allowed space for this type of decay. This Pre-power combination managed to make every type of music sound both beautiful, delicate and yet powerful the degree of frequency coherence was like nothing else I have ever heard (so far ).

The Hugh Masekela track a South African Song of sorrow ,Stimela ( The Coal train ) has everything bar the kitchen sink in it. Guitar, keyboards, Sax, Trumpet, percussion and drums and the very soulful voice of the lead singer ? On the liner notes for the cd and I quote " The band groves like there is no tomorrow and the laid back performance forces the listener to ask;How can anything so laid back and yet so tight at the same time ?" This is one of the best live recordings I have. It was like being there. every part of the performance hung in space. The fabulous musicianship both moving and breathtaking. The swings in dynamics tracked with ease, never once did the sound waver. When the ten minutes had passed I just wanted to immerse myself once again in this music. Sumptuous.

If there was any negative compared to the experience I achieve in my other system, it was a slight lack of weight and scale. However as I have already hinted a bigger room and more sensitive speakers would give that extra bit more. In the small room I was using for this review, I don't see how the sound could have been any better.

I consider myself to be very blessed to have heard this set up and as Murray refuses to play the audio game (direct selling, bespoke construction) only a very few will have that pleasure. No magazine would review this kit because of the craftsman nature of Murray's business model, small production runs and mostly to order only. I wanted to share this Ecofan Sound with you because I feel Murray is one of those rare exceptions in audio life a true gifted genius who refuses to compromise on his vision. Pure commercialism at worst destroys this, at best it forces compromises which rob many designs of their true potential.

I award (In my system 9 out of 10 ) I don't know if a 10 exists but this is as close as I have got. Someday I want to hear these on the end of bigger speakers. The degree of valve rush with the speakers and Raytheon valves was good but not silent so very high sensitivity horns may not be suitable (however the other tubes tried did have varying degrees of noise and some were more silent than these, but did not sound as good, in my system.) I think these amps are worth a punt especially at such a low cost, even with the joke the pound had become recently. This is at the end of the day, the most amazing factor in this, the very low cost for so much sound WOW ! Your right Murray it is like being there, and your entry level kit has got me more there than anything else Thank You.

Thanks to Francis for the loan once again. When I am back in work I will be buying these.

Photos to follow when I work out how to do it HELP ?

Regards D S D L ----- Neil

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000849.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000852.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000858.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000860.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000869.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000871.jpg
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000874.jpg

For those interested, a link to Ecofan's website http://www.ecofansound.com/


Edit... No part of this review may be reproduced without written permission...content and photos are copyright of NK.

John
20-12-2008, 09:14
Nice review
Thanks for sharing Neil

Beechwoods
20-12-2008, 10:10
Good work Neil, I'll have a proper read through later. Sorry you had trouble losing your work half way through! It's always an idea to write long posts in notepad and then cut and paste it into the reply box, that way you still have your work if there's some problem with the system logging you off or going wobbly.

You can post pictures via the 'attachments' bit of the Advanced Reply bit. They then appear as thumbnails at the bottom of your post. If you want them to appear in your text you need webspace, or tell me where to put them and I'll sort it out for you.

Cheers!

Spectral Morn
20-12-2008, 10:38
Thank you to you and John for your kind comments. Yes I lost the lot. It is at times like this that I realize just how challenged I am when it comes to PC use.

If I can't (with my wifes help get the photos up) I will take you up on your offer.

While Ecofan is not available in the shops I just had to share this amazing experience that I have had with them over the last year or so. Francis brought the amps back to me a few weeks ago to cheer me up after he heard about the job situation. Bit of a double edged sword as I can't afford to buy them. But they will be mine, oh yes they will . Francis also has a set of Ecofan mono blocks as well I can't wait to try them too. when the tube buffer is run in I will comment on it as well. Those are available from stock I think. We bit like what Musical Fidelity did a few years ago in the X 10D but will be better. I have one of those so I can compare them.

Sadly about an hour ago Francis came for his Ecofan amps, as he left a tear rolled down my cheek. I took a few more photos. Very hard to take good pictures of small black boxes. Jan early hes going to bring the Ecofan 2A3 mono blocks for me to try. Review to follow.

Thank You

D S D L --- Neil :)

Spectral Morn
21-12-2008, 22:36
Hi Guys Photos now in post. Above ^

Thanks to Ian a friend who does all this as a living. He says its easy but as I watched him I just got lost and confused. :confused:

Regards D S D L ----- Neil :)

Mike
21-12-2008, 22:38
Ooh!....

Pretty pictures, me likes! :)

Beechwoods
21-12-2008, 22:47
Fantastic pics! Very cool... I can NEVER get the low light ones to come out like that!

Spectral Morn
21-12-2008, 23:59
Very easy, just set up on a stable platform and use a night time mode. My camera is a Panasonic DMc-FX01. The mode is called Night Scenery. Stability is the key. I also have some nice pictures of my Music Reference RM 200 in the dark. Amp with light ash sides on the bottom of the Mana stand in first photo.

I have now cured my log out problems ( I hope, so far so good ) Ian sorted it out for me. Once again thanks for the help Ian.

thanks for the nice comments.

regards D S D L---- Neil :)

Giant Haystacks
21-01-2009, 01:29
Hi i am the owner of these amps ,I have had in depth conversations with the engineer of Ecofan Murray Dick,this 10 years he is trying to learn two young enthuasists to help ,so he can drink more whiskey
I will give roughly for now some of the products he does
Valve phono stage solidstate or valve rectified
Moving coil step up
Valve line stage solidstate or valve rectified
6a3 valve power amp single ended 5w
6550 valve mono blocks single ended 50w
6080 valve otl monoblocks single ended 15 w
I will write loads more but my articles time out so all for now

Dave Cawley
21-01-2009, 08:01
If these are new products I would be interested in distributing them in the UK. And in return offer concessions to registered Art Of Sound members!

Thanks

Dave

Spectral Morn
21-01-2009, 09:04
Hi Dave

Firstly, no, these are not new products as such. Murray has been producing his core items for quite awhile, with some new items (the Boost it and Buffer it, being new). My understanding is that Ecofan are not interested in the usual business model(distribution). Murray prefers to deal with his customers direct. The sad fact is if he ever went down the traditional model the extra costs would ruin the value for pound factor. The costs involved in doing distribution from the New Zealand/Australian zone are much higher than from Europe or perhaps even the States. If AOS readers want to deal with Murray I suggest they contact him direct(mentioning Francis and myself as the/a source for your interest, and the AOS review). However you may have to wait as Murray builds the units himself by hand and building amps is not his main source of income as he is an audio repair man. Thus he builds an item every so often. You may find he has what you want built, but more than likely you will have to commission it and wait a little while.

If Murray were ever to opt for the distribution model, there are those all ready waiting, in hope he might change his mind (going by what Francis has told me) to take his products on. However snow balls in hell, would have more chance, as I can't see him compromising this way.

Regards D S D L----Neil :)

Giant Haystacks
21-01-2009, 22:36
Its hard to understand the purity of these amps without hearing ,they use all bog standard parts ,Mains transformer ,output transformers,chokes ,are all wound by Murray himself ,the power amp uses valve rectification, (the two in front of the mains transformer) if you were a little short on cash you could buy the valves for this amp for very little , the signal is dc coupled .this amp can be built in the 2a3 version or using px4 valves.

adam_ecofansound
10-04-2009, 09:47
have a look in the 'coral project' folder at this link

http://picasaweb.google.com/arustyrednail/

see stephenred's lounge featuring the mighty ecofan 6A3 amp and boost-it running tannoy 12" hpd's

later, a

Spectral Morn
10-04-2009, 15:23
Thanks for the link Adam.

How is everyone down in NZ ? Keeping well I hope.


Regards D S D L

adam_ecofansound
10-04-2009, 20:23
hi,

first southerly flow from the antarctic, bringing clear blue skies alternating with hail and thunder...

will be sending murray indoors to do some equipment building i hope...

have a couple of small stereo amps and a couple of 12w sv-811-10's ready for assembly, transformers wound, chassis prepped - but like the seasons, murray moves at his own natural pace,

greetings to our audio brethren in the north,

regards, a

stephenred
11-04-2009, 01:57
Hi- thanks for showing the world my scruffy lounge Adam! However, the 6A3 Ecofan does sound outstanding with the Tannoys. However, the Boost It is there for computer sound- while you gain gain (!) after the AS Pro Passion pre there is a slight loss in ultimate purity from a standard CD source such as my trusty CD7. I am using the Ecofan buffer in my study this week with a Marantz DR17, Accuphase E-301 integrated and 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5As. Listening to an old Allman Brothers live album at the moment....the buffer really adds to the sound. Suddenly, you are not listening to solid state.
Since Wednesday when Adam last came round I have converted my system to the other extreme for a bit of rock over the holiday weekend with monolithic JBL 4344s biamped through the BSS FDS360 active crossover driven by the 350watt Jeff Rowland Model 7s on the 15" woofers and the hybrid 120 watt class A Lewitts on the mid and top. They are another rare and wonderful NZ amp whose maker possibly exceeds Murray Dick in brilliance, outright eccentricity and eremitic characteristics- but it's a close call. The Lewitts have SE triode front ends, mosfet power stages, massive hand wound transformers and zero feedback. They overpower the Tannoys but give the JBL mid and top end real life. Combined with the Rowlands we get SPL levels that are dangerous and probably illegal. When this system is cranked up the neighbourhood browns out.
The big challenge for Adam and I now is to get Murray focussed on the SV811-10 monos- they should have that extra degree of OOMPH for the 12" Tannoys (best allround speaker I've had) and be brilliant for the 15" Golds if I can ever work out how to build GRF Pro cabinets. Heard some the other night and must have a pair.
Is this audio business never finished?
Also, just bought another eccentric amp which should arrive next week - a Radford TT100 which was Arthur's swansong design, a hybrid with solid state front end and KT88s on the business end.

Spectral Morn
11-04-2009, 13:21
Hi Guys


Thanks for the updates...

Yes Adam keep Murray building.....

You have a very interesting collection of kit stephenred.



Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
17-05-2009, 06:41
Looks like i had better get some more amps built! Some of the 5w type 6A3 amps coming shortly. A couple of the SV-811-1 ones also are go. One, and probably both are taken though i think. I am looking forward to hearing them myself! I'd in fact like to keep one i think. Only two chassis for those i have. Five of the 6A3 ones. New headphone amp on the bench. One channel lashup has impressed. Been bludging as usual during Summer. Also big fun shaking up the world of men's fashion on www.skirtcafe.org!(see "Jack Track"). The SV-811-10 amps are same circuit as the 6A3 ones. A new phono preamp which should do low output moving coils is "on the drawingboard" Jack.

Jack Williams
17-05-2009, 06:58
These amps are not monoblocks, but bigger same looking amps as th 6A3 ones. Jack.

Spectral Morn
17-05-2009, 18:15
Glad to hear it....sadly now being out of work I wont be able to buy one of the 6A3's or any Ecofan Sound product:(:(:(. If I was still in work I would not hesitate to get the amplifier and the new pre-amplifier. My personal circumstances have changed but my opinion on the 6A3 haven't; in fact if anything they have grown stronger, as I still have to hear anything which can compete in regards to purity of sound and as Murray say "thereness" I am not saying it doesn't exist, I just still have to hear it.

Keep up the good work Jack,Adam and Murray.


Regards D S D L

Giant Haystacks
18-05-2009, 01:15
I see that there is an Irish company selling skirts for men , i think i will have to get one , this will help getting a Ecofan price reduction ,
I have a few purchaces to make this year a battery powered el95 parallel single ended 5w for my car audio ,and his phono stage , i was telling him that there is a very highly rated phonostage called Allnic and this man like him winds all his own chokes and transformers so he has good respect for a man like that ,

Jack Williams
23-05-2009, 13:51
Great stuff Giant Haystacks. Be good to see you in your skirt. Way to go! Great feeling. Next only to that of a dress! See "Jack Track" above. SV-811-10 AMPS next, with 6A3 ones. Bufferzone available now. Jack.

Jack Williams
28-07-2009, 02:32
Here is a bit of a rant from the "Design Side". Something to keep an eye on is "Headroom". With headroom comes low distortion. I think the new version of the Line Amp should have both volume and "gain" controls. There seems to be a bigger variation in output between digital discs, especially music videos, than other media. This means you con overload the first stage if the volume control is further along in the circuit, reducing noise and in this case not being a voltage divider. Using the "passive" preamp (valves for the phono, just a voltage divider for other input selections) i have found lately a huge variation in output between some music DVDs, and have to back off the voltage divider on for instance the Dixie Chicks, compared with Mary Black, where the voltage divider is full up and the recording of the band sounds absolutely beautiful! As good as the vinyl. I have a Garrard with Pritchard low mass rosewood arm and Garret Brothers cartridge. Sounds good to me but obviously not one of your $30,000 monsters. In fact get that album: "Mary Black Live". Two discs: Live at the Olympia and a doco: Still Believing, and you'll see what i mean. Only got a "Garrard" of a DVDplayer:"Yukai". Refuses to play some discs sometimes,then, for instance the Cowboy Junkies can be heard (seen) again after an absence. A friend gave me that machine when he upgraded. Much better than MY other one though!

Marco
28-07-2009, 06:35
Great stuff Giant Haystacks. Be good to see you in your skirt. Way to go! Great feeling. Next only to that of a dress!

I'm making no comment on this whatsoever - no siree, none, niento! :lol: :lol: :lolsign:

Marco.

Jack Williams
30-07-2009, 07:38
I'd say that system should be transparent enough. I use the same Line-amp as in the review above, but driving the "lash-up" of the 12wrms SEOTL power amp. That has been running for a couple of years now, and doesn't seem to be going through 6080s. That amp has good, and adjustable damping factor (without feedback) and certainly "crisps" up my 12" cones. The tops and midrange are professional pressure units (British). I have gone to a lot of trouble getting a natural, believable female speaking voice. That is one of the most difficult for speakers. Male not so hard. But what i was going to say was that no matter what gear you have, we are at the mercy of the joker on the desk at the recording. For instance a really good album (on DVD) suddenly has bass half way along, as the bloke wakes up and discovers "Oh--uh....better move that up...zzz." It would be good if some sort of standard on the levels could be achieved. The engineer on the Mary Black album should be given a medal, and most of the other jokers the sack!

Spectral Morn
30-07-2009, 09:42
I'd say that system should be transparent enough. I use the same Line-amp as in the review above, but driving the "lash-up" of the 12wrms SEOTL power amp. That has been running for a couple of years now, and doesn't seem to be going through 6080s. That amp has good, and adjustable damping factor (without feedback) and certainly "crisps" up my 12" cones. The tops and midrange are professional pressure units (British). I have gone to a lot of trouble getting a natural, believable female speaking voice. That is one of the most difficult for speakers. Male not so hard. But what i was going to say was that no matter what gear you have, we are at the mercy of the joker on the desk at the recording. For instance a really good album (on DVD) suddenly has bass half way along, as the bloke wakes up and discovers "Oh--uh....better move that up...zzz." It would be good if some sort of standard on the levels could be achieved. The engineer on the Mary Black album should be given a medal, and most of the other jokers the sack!


Very true indeed JW. Mary Black's music is very good indeed. Mary's music was first discovered in the show room of a shop I used to work in. Dave Marchant of Mission, was visiting and in full flow (if know Dave, you will know what I mean;):lol:)when he heard her on vinyl (I think...it was 20 odd years ago) he thought she was amazing, and took her under his wing a bit, and used Mission speakers to promote her and create the first Mission demo CD. She was a firm fave during Hi-fi demos for years, a bit like Eleanor Mcevoy is now.


Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
31-07-2009, 06:25
It would appear that Mary still has a top engineer. I wanted her on vinyl (probably still do) but that DVD was there for the plucking at Real Groovy Records (yes they are still big vinyl nuts!) I do think on Digital Versatile Discs there is more audio room than a conventional CD. They do seem so to me. If the engineer can do his job. Of course if the cam and sound guys were really on the ball, when the piano was soloing, the guitar would be not still showing. Dunno if that is all that hard, but some groups do a lot better job of it than others.

Jack Williams
05-09-2009, 12:39
Thanks guys for the kind thoughts! Here is a recent photo to say "I'm in good health...

Jack Williams
10-09-2009, 04:53
Click on thumbnail for zoom. Jack.

Jack Williams
25-09-2009, 11:26
Hmm.. No response. What can i do next to create a bit of interest? I'm working on it.

Jack Williams
11-10-2009, 11:56
Well, i have just spent a few hours listening to another of the above 6A3amps just completed. Admittedly it is still running in, but yes the amount of bass for just 5wrms is pretty amazing, although it does not have the damping factor of the SEOTL, which has totally spoiled me over the couple of years or so that it has been in use. Compared with the SEOTL, the 65khz top end sounds dull against the SEOTL's 100khz. You wouldn't think you'd notice. However, the SEOTL has died rather over the period, so now i have the opportunity of checking it out on the bench and making necessary adjustments. Because of the weird circuit and partly direct coupling, the biasing is somewhat bizarre and i could be thrashing one half of a 6080 but not the other, sort of thing. Soon i will find out, and will update shortly. Jack.

Jack Williams
14-10-2009, 02:05
Well, i guess the Triode6A3 amp has "burned in" a bit now, because the tops seem to have sparkled up, and an evening with my friend Dennis included a DVD of Etta James, and that band sounded HUGE! And i just measured it at 5wrms! the speakers are 95db, 12" bottom,(4cuft Thiel), professional pressure mid and top horns. I get a very believable female speaking voice (a difficult test for speakers) while having smooth bottom to 25hz. The room was rockin'! Not having heard one for a while i'm impressed with my own little amp! The SEOTL is on the bench. Both halves of each 6080 seem to be aging the same. Of the four, three were well down while one was 100%. Puzzle. What does Giant Haystacks reckon?

Giant Haystacks
18-10-2009, 02:24
hi jack maybe you could write a little on amplifier construction, as there are lots of silent readers out there who do not contribute, but im sure they are very interested in reading ,
there is another valve engineer who explains things very well and interestingly.he trys very hard and is not outspoken.
i think personally this sort of amp ,is seen as something that cant possibly provide a good sound and cant work ,and tared and feathered ,
you could explain a little from time to time on your ideas or tell about some of your history ,help to educate hobbyists like myself chat soon

Spectral Morn
18-10-2009, 09:13
Hi Jack

A few photos of the Eco-Fan products you are talking about would be helpful as not everyone knows what they are...I don't mean the 6A3 though as my review has photos of this amplifier. Get Adam to take some digital shots and upload them onto your posts.


Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
19-10-2009, 05:17
A bunch of us had a good session on Saturday evening with the resurrected SEOTL and the 6A3 amp. Really, after a "few", everything sounded great on either amp! Yesterday new 6A3amp owner (Barry) brought over the John Blue 4s. The amp was still on the 12" drivers, so we listened to his CD of a Beethoven piece i had never heard before (a Beethoven joke piece Barry said) comprising big orchestra, huge choir plus soloists and a ringing, obviously Steinway piano. That certainly sounded impressive. Then we swapped to the John Blues, without altering volume setting or anything. The effect was the same! Same decibels, weight of orchestra, swelling of choir, ringing piano. I thought the tops of the John Blues sounded sweeter than my phenolic domes. But it was astounding hearing all that power and performance coming from those tiny cabinets on that 5wrms little amp. Then i put on the DVD called Celtic Woman, which opens with a muscular drummer, club-like big drumstick in each hand pounding shit out of a huge high-mounted bass drum, with lilting melody from orchestra and the beautiful singers parading in formations outside an excellent castle. That was all handled with alacrity. The recording was quite a bit louder than Barry's Beethoven CD, OK for me but too powerful for Barry. No problem with headroom that's for sure. Barry has another bigger Ecofan amp and a pair of Keffs (G-H has seen those) and i mentioned his then comment that only the Ecofan amp was the reason for an acceptable sound from the Keffs. Barry said he'd try the John Blues on that system (another room). He might be amazed.

Jack Williams
19-10-2009, 05:25
Jack back. Yes, i can take shots with my Canon digital. Not sure what of at present, the SEOTL is in lashup form (but tidied up a bit now) and i have the same Line Amp as in the photo above

adam_ecofansound
19-10-2009, 18:58
hi,

good quality professional pictures of ecofan gear can be seen at www.ecofansound.com - just click on the name of a model on the left of the page.... doesn't give you a sense of the relative size of the equipment though, the 100W single ended monoblocks are a challenge to carry compared with the compact 6A3 stereo amp...

cheers, adam

Spectral Morn
19-10-2009, 19:05
hi,

good quality professional pictures of ecofan gear can be seen at www.ecofansound.com - just click on the name of a model on the left of the page.... doesn't give you a sense of the relative size of the equipment though, the 100W single ended monoblocks are a challenge to carry compared with the compact 6A3 stereo amp...

cheers, adam


I see the websites been updated excellent.


Regards D S D L

adam_ecofansound
20-10-2009, 04:30
hi,

comparing jack william's comments on the JB4 with those of the 6moons* reviewer is an interesting exercise

from 6moons: 'No bass to speak of, an inability to play loud... you can imagine that the JB4 is no champ at playing large orchestral pieces...'

and,

'My issue with the JB4 is that it does not like anything but violins and women's voices and it certainly does not like anything played at any sustained sound level.'

just goes to show what a difference the right amp can make,

rusty


*www.6moons.com/audioreviews/johnblue5/jb4.html

Jack Williams
21-10-2009, 06:04
"6moons should get hold of one of those amps alright. He may be amazed. Jack.
P.S.''Giant Haystacks'' has one, perhaps he can lend his.

Jack Williams
21-10-2009, 10:09
"Giant Haystacks" asked: How do i build amps? Well i never build one amp. Even two doesn't take twice as long as building one, but six or so is a good number.

Old system: Lay out sockets etc on a piece of wood to see what size the chassis has to be and make a drawing on that size piece of paper.

Mark out position of sockets etc as underneath and get actual capacitors and other things and lay out where they have to go, moving sockets a bit for best fit. Draw a representative of them on the drawing, with all the wires shown. This can then be used as a paper "prototype" while actually later assembling.

Make a full scale drawing and take to metalworkers and get them to bend and weld a bunch (the more, the cheaper per each). Then i drill, punch and file all the holes using a template to mark the centres. That was the old system, where the local blokes didn't have the hole punching etc. However, now we have a local firm (Design Steel) who, if i make the drawing with all the holes also on it, can punch, bend and powdercoat, so all i have to do is assemble.

So then i put in all the sockets, tag strips etc and then put first the wires in, then the components. While the metal guys are generating the chassis, i have been winding all the transformers and chokes for them.

Once the amps are wired up, i then mount the transformers, and connect in the wires from same. In the case of the 6A3 amps, there is a board with tag strips, diodes and capacitors for the D.C. filaments of the 6A3s which i have completed, and this is mounted over the power transformer winding after the transformers are installed, and connected in.

Next is to install the valves, connect to instruments and fire up. Usually, if all the valves are good, there you are, a bunch of amps! At present i have a collection of 6A3, SV811-10, and single-ended big monoblocks on the go. Unfortunately these chassis are the old system. The "Bufferzone" and "Boost-its" are the new one though.

Jack Williams
12-02-2010, 10:36
How in fact do "Ecofan" products stack up in the "Ecological' stakes?? Here is a bit of a breakdown: Materials: Built mostly of steel and made to last. The longer a product lasts, the more ecological it gets as it staves off the use of materials to provide a replacement. Some recycled materials where possible. Copper wire, and some plastics in the usual components and panels. Components are chosen for quality and sound, generously rated and it is rare to have to replace much. Power consumption: Per watt RMS valve amps are less efficient on the surface than solid state. But when it comes to listening, given the same RMS, valve amps, especially triode output ones produce a lot more perceptive sound . The current 6A3 triode amps, using techniques for a big sound, appear more powerful than the cold bench instruments would suggest. But the real crux is the efficiency of the speakers.Obviously a set of efficient speakers will require not such a big amp, and thus a smaller power bill. The 6A3 amp would compare favourably with the consumption of the average TV set, and you don't necessarily need a huge set of speakers. The 6A3 amp sounds huge on classical music on a pair of John Blue Fours, which have single 4" cone and stand about 18" high.

Jack Williams
01-08-2010, 04:43
Could't resist posting this picture. How to clean your vinyl records!

Jack Williams
25-08-2010, 14:19
Friends brought these classic Ecofan amps in for a look over.

aquapiranha
25-08-2010, 21:32
Some lovely pics there Jack, many thanks for sharing! I am only sad I never got to listen to the Ecofan's Neil had when I visited.

Jack Williams
06-09-2010, 06:34
A photo of "Ten Tube Preamp" of same era, with power supply, but can also be run from the power amps.

Jack Williams
09-09-2010, 12:04
Not a lot happening. Here is the photo that got me banished forever from the local audio site!

Jack Williams
18-09-2010, 13:26
That is a lot better than the blue denim dress one. (I would delete it!) but here is a good one soaking up live music over three days at the WOMAD yearly music festival.
Jack

twelvebears
19-09-2010, 10:36
That is a lot better than the blue denim dress one. (I would delete it!) but here is a good one soaking up live music over three days at the WOMAD yearly music festival.
Jack

That kind of behaviour will NEVER cause problems here at AOS.

I fact a read through may of the threads on here will soon reveal that it is something of a pastime for certain key members! :lolsign:

Jack Williams
24-10-2010, 02:25
Look at this device. Made in the 1920s. More expensive than a transformer at the time. Without it the world as we know it could not exist. No radio. No internet. This is one of the first commercially available Capacitors.
And still measures 100% O.K. today!

anthonyTD
24-10-2010, 19:27
Look at this device. Made in the 1920s. More expensive than a transformer at the time. Without it the world as we know it could not exist. No radio. No internet. This is one of the first commercially available Capacitors.
And still measures 100% O.K. today!
i still have a few of these too!
Anthony,TD...

Jack Williams
30-10-2010, 11:16
I guess the other site couldn't handle my Wizard robe!
Lately cooking up a revolutionary "new" amp circuit, with all the advantages of single ended and also those of push-pull, without the disads. Not a new idea, but in the past "unavoidably compromised". Methinks I have solved the problem. Winding the transformers at present for a type 45s version. "Watch This Space"!
If is's as good as I think, the 4x6550 version will appear.
Here is a typical interstage transformer that that capacitor replaced. I still think one can get a better sound through a capacitor than a transformer, in spite of the current fashion for using them.

Jack Williams
07-11-2010, 09:03
It seems one can get disks (sic) of what appears to be 90% bass drum. One can also buy "stereos" where they have carefully designed the large speakers to resonate big around 100hz. This means they don't need to supply a very big amp.
This causes the so-called "Jukebox" one note bass; although I think a bit of an insult to Jukeboxes.
So neigbours at the rear decided to open up the Summer with a front yard party. A tent attached to the front of the partially built-in carport to enhance the projection of the speakers, and proceed to boom at huge decibels (my widow glass was rattling.) for twelve hours starting in the middle of the afternoon yesterday (Saturday our time).
What can little ole me do about it with a lot of half-drunk maoris there? Arthur, the head of the house is actually a nice guy. But how nice really subjecting me and other neigbours to that lot? People on the other side of the road two sections away were aware of it.
There was no possibility of out-booming them, as Ecofan speakers are carefully designed not to boom.
But I can out-tweet them...
In the junk room was a little "TOA" brand outdoor PA horn speaker. Rated at 5WRMS (8Wmax) it said 100db @ 1 metre. So I mounted it just below my high up (on the outside) bathroom window where I could perfectly angle it to cover the outdoor party area. With the little 10W amp (2xEL84) I use in the workshop to check tuners, preamps etc and an oscillator I found that 1WRMS at 3000HZ made a really big noise.
When I tried it out about mid-day when they started up again I tried it at a not big volume and later a burst of one watt.
Arthur and wife were visiting in a flash, and I said to them the boom box was a bit much, and one thing followed the other, or words to that effect. I am always on the front foot in these sort of situations, and it has been a nice lower level most of the today, and better if they play something civilized like Reggae.

Jack Williams
07-11-2010, 09:43
P.S. I'll have to invite soon Arthur to have a few "burbs" and hear a pair of proper speakers. And I have plenty of Reggae and dub. Some sort of "deal" could perhaps get him a pair of Ecofan speakers and they'd hear a good 25 and 40 hertz for a change, and we would all be much happier! I guess...
Here is a photo of an amp.

Jack Williams
12-11-2010, 13:24
That booming was pretty traumatising. My friend Sue next door, who's house is right in line with their boomers was quite distraught, and was very appreciative of my managing to mitigate it somewhat for their following day/night blast.
I could invite Arthur over sometime to sit under the trees and listen to my little outdoor JBLs around the other side of the house. He could hear the lovely bass-lines of some of the same bods he plays. Who knows what the Summer will reveal...
If I play something believable like guitar or a piano trio and go for a walk along the road, from the other side of the nearby intersection (in line really through the trees) it does sound like a live performance. Which you hear from the street around here, as in this street there are a few schools with halls for hire, and the bands hire them for band practice. During the weekends. They always sound good.
P.S. "Is that a string quartet I hear playing in the bushes?"

Jack Williams
14-11-2010, 22:46
The above amp was in a feature in a local architecture magazine (Urbus). I have no idea how he got it up there, as it's about as much as I can lift!

Spectral Morn
14-11-2010, 23:24
and he/she uses Technics turntables as well.....nice :) Ecofan and Technics :rave:


Regards D S D L

Alex_UK
14-11-2010, 23:29
But what are those speakers? Looks like something from a nightclub (to match the Techies! ;)) but possibly Tannoys? (Don't think so, but not sure, maybe it is a PA rig) :scratch:

Spectral Morn
14-11-2010, 23:34
Pass :scratch: over to you Jack ?



Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
15-11-2010, 10:38
They are in fact Tannoys, but I have no idea of the model. For the photo they removed the cables!
Here's a photo I took today just to bug the younger generation.

Techno Commander
15-11-2010, 12:44
They look like I15's with the grilles removed.

http://img2.buy.si/2/20154073.jpg

Alex_UK
15-11-2010, 13:22
That's great, thanks for clarifying.

Giant Haystacks
15-11-2010, 13:32
hi jack thats a lovely skirt you have there you remind me of the monks in the mountain monastrys in italy ,i will have to send you over some bottles of whiskey for christmas.
there were 2 hifi shows in ireland in last 2 weeks one in n.ireland in belfast and mr cloney had one in dublin i was at both .i was speaking to a uk valve amp maker called pure sound and was telling him about your new amp circuit -he said about using transistors in a similalar way i wrote it down his description but cant find now. he had his linestage which had a 300b in it and 845 mono blocks on demonstration -he said that he prefered 845 to the 211

Jack Williams
16-11-2010, 11:21
I'm told they're CTA 15s. Does that ring a bell?
Jack.

michaelhigh
19-11-2010, 23:58
Just to read about such audio delicacy is amazing; to live it and breathe it must be intoxicating. As a musician I struggle with kit that can barely translate the complexities of the sound I envision, especially as I've been playing at/with electronica more and more and pop stuff less and less. I could only imagine the thunderous reproduction of my sonic mayhem with such beautifully simple, unfettered equipment. My speakers are a lash-up at best- never mind the awesome combos you guys are running. From a true lover of all things musical, I applaud the spirit of this undertaking and only wish the best upon those involved with these awesome animals. Rock on in the very best way, all of you, to your own best end, whatever that seems to be in the midst of the discovery of how well your gear is being received...

Jack Williams
21-11-2010, 21:53
The tremendous Mediaeval Baebes have got their new double album "Temptation" at the manufacturer at last, available for Christmas. Their two existing DVDs, "Live at Gloucester Cathedral" and Tenth anniversary one are absolutely supurb and continue to be my highest "rotation" DVDs. Only available from their site these days. www.mediaevalbaebes.com

Jack Williams
29-11-2010, 04:49
Well, the push-push circuit does in fact work a treat. I did find though that I do need a bigger power supply and more HT for four of type 45 in this circuit than for two of 6A3 in single ended. I really need some 100 extra volts to get the best out of it but as is I do get about 4wrms/ch to listen to. Even that though, sounds quite grunty compared to a single-ended 45. But the sound is quite beautiful, in fact when I first got a channel of it going on Saturday, and then tried the local classical music station on the rubbish bench speaker that's what came immediately to mind: how beautiful it sounded.
On the livingroom speakers last night the bass was quite impressive on DVD. (other than radio, of course the first thing I tried was the Mediaeval Baebes!) That drum was realistic, and it did a great job on the voices. I quite impressed myself!
It ran out of headroom on a heavy "dub" CD in that if you pushed it up too much it intermodulated, but the depth of bottom was there. I made the OPTs for about 18wrms. The bigger power transformer will also improve the bottom, regardless of the extra power.
More voltage will ice the cake, but I'll also have to keep an eye on the plate dissipation. If I can come up with 10wrms I'll be happy.

Jack Williams
01-12-2010, 02:12
After a couple of nights of extended listening, can't say there is much wrong with the amp as it is. It seems to have enough volume for most things. The bottom end is extended and meaty with good damping. In use at present the amp does not have the power measured on the bench, as I only had one channel set up at first. The power supply sagged somewhat supplying two. A beefed up power transformer will give room for more voltage and taps, but I don't think I can go much more toward AB1. About two-thirds class A right now. The 45s plate dissipation is about seven watts at present, but the current is as high as you'd want to go, although the voltage across the 45s is only 150v. I will develop this direct coupled design for SV-811-10s. Monoblocks. I think they'll be pretty nice.

Jack Williams
04-12-2010, 23:33
I thought "Push-push" sounded a bit rude. It differentiated from "Push-pull" though. Balanced single-ended is closer to what's happening anyway.
So "What's Happening"?
Got the bigger power transformer created and installed yesterday. On the tap that got me the original bench results but with both channels going, the amp sounded amazingly more powerful. (It was measuring 3WRMS with smaller transformer both channels going; 4WRMS with bigger transformer) but after some listening I thought the 45s felt a bit hot, so I backed it off to just one notch (20 volts HT notches) above where the smaller transformer was. I'm not sure, feeling the 45s whether they are a lot cooler, but the transformer is noticeably so, so the current must be quite reduced.
But personally, I think the amp sounds better on the reduced voltage/power...
It is surprising how powerful this setup sounds for the low power. On about 94db speakers.

Jack Williams
09-12-2010, 01:37
Okay, I have borrowed a friend's 6A3 amp as above for comparison with this new amp. The new one sounds every bit as powerful, perhaps more so I think. Swapping quickly many times between the two amps while pausing on a range of music DVDs I find I do always much prefer the new amp. While there is nothing in it as to the top end, this amp sounds fuller and clearer. Without the 2nd harmonics I would guess. The bottom end sounds bigger and more extended. I think it has a warmer and fatter sound, perhaps more "friendly". More three-dimensional?
I'll try to get a perfected one over for a review in the coming year.
This is the BSEA! It stands beside the SEOTL.

Spectral Morn
09-12-2010, 11:01
Okay, I have borrowed a friend's 6A3 amp as above for comparison with this new amp. The new one sounds every bit as powerful, perhaps more so I think. Swapping quickly many times between the two amps while pausing on a range of music DVDs I find I do always much prefer the new amp. While there is nothing in it as to the top end, this amp sounds fuller and clearer. Without the 2nd harmonics I would guess. The bottom end sounds bigger and more extended. I think it has a warmer and fatter sound, perhaps more "friendly". More three-dimensional?
I'll try to get a perfected one over for a review in the coming year.
This is the BSE! It stands beside the SEOTL.


That would be very interesting :)


Regards D S D L

Giant Haystacks
10-12-2010, 14:14
i have 2 friends going to auckland in the new year and i have given them 6 bottles of the local n.ireland bushmils whiskey for you to keep all the engineering going.
it was below zero here and i had to put a heating bulb in the roof space .i will have to try to get a set of your single ended otl power amps for next year.
it will be nice to hear your new amp when you finish proto typing keep well murray

Jack Williams
12-12-2010, 11:52
More compareings of the amps. I thought they were a bit "apples and oranges" in that the 45 is a polite friendly bottle anyway, compared with the more up-front 6A3.
So the other night I just tried plugging in a set of 2A3s. They're about midway between 45s and 6A3s in sound.
The amp came alive! The intermodulation basically disappeared, probably because of the extra headroom. I thrashed on into the night...
In the morning I checked it out on the bench. Really only a small tweak on a couple of settings optimized the best power/waveform/balanced clipping syndrome. You are hogtied in direct coupled as to the class the output is running in. The 2A3s are cruising with only 45ma plate current and 150 volts across, where the 45s are pushed at 40ma and 150 v. That's with the full 400v HT, but the 45s are backed off to a lot less. However the 2A3s don't mind the full volts, so I get a good five watts.
WOT! No more than one bottle in the amp above?
Ah yes, BUT! Firstly the bottles are cruising compared to the one in the6A3 amp. But you also get a choice between two quite different sounding amps of similar power. Adam thought the 6A3 was "etherial" and the BSEA sounded "HiFi". Whatever that is..

Jack Williams
29-12-2010, 20:40
A happy Christmas and a merry New Year to all!

Jack Williams
30-12-2010, 04:54
i have 2 friends going to auckland in the new year and i have given them 6 bottles of the local n.ireland bushmils whiskey for you to keep all the engineering going.
it was below zero here and i had to put a heating bulb in the roof space .i will have to try to get a set of your single ended otl power amps for next year.
it will be nice to hear your new amp when you finish proto typing keep well murray
Francis:
Three bottles each will be duty-free.
Murray.
PS: They'll help me get my Steam-powered turntable up and running.(Don't laugh!)

Jack Williams
31-12-2010, 07:54
A check of the junk room came up with these bits. The platter from Collaro's version of the Garrard 301 and Garrard bearing. Very heavy, being die-cast metal. A good reason to play with model stream. Never had something to drive, before another guy in a hobby mag made one. His however is a pretty bad sound. I have a good low mass arm to go with this one.

adam_ecofansound
01-01-2011, 19:14
greetings from the sunny southern seas,

here is a link to picture and video of aucklander simon jansens' handsome, (but aurally iffy), steam powered turntable - the inspiration for 'jack williams' current efforts mentioned above.

http://trialbysteam.com/2010/12/05/steam-powered-record-player/

quite lovely to look at...

adam

adam_ecofansound
19-01-2011, 18:26
hi,

for your mild amusement,

a

Spectral Morn
19-01-2011, 20:47
:lol:

Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
22-01-2011, 11:27
Nothing much to say to that.

Jack Williams
29-01-2011, 09:40
While not a huge priority, this is progressing, with belt groove being made, and lip removed. Also, the parallel hole in the Collaro platter tapered for the Garrard bearing. This diecast platter is much heavier than the Garrard 310 one. I have a heavy lead intermediate fly-wheel for between belt from engine and belt to platter. Should be very smooth, and could be driven from any sort of motor.
I have my eye on lovely British spirit boiler and Aussie donkey engine kit. Should be great looking and rival some of the best turntables for performance. A bit of a hoot.

Alex_UK
29-01-2011, 11:55
Sounds amazing - look forward to some pics!

Jack Williams
31-01-2011, 11:12
THE problem that has me thinking, is that on all the engines the pulley is vertical, whereas one needs a horizontal one for a turntable.

Techno Commander
31-01-2011, 12:37
Might be worth looking out for a steam engine kit that has a governor. You will get much better speed control then.

Jack Williams
01-02-2011, 10:38
Yes, too right! I have thought of that, and have the bits to do just the job on whatever engine I come up with. Same as the one on a wind-up gramophone, but on a smaller scale.

Jack Williams
02-03-2011, 11:01
The friends did get here, and we had a really enjoyable afternoon with music DVD they knew, but mostly talking. We took each others photos, although I wish I'd washed my hair! Here is photo I took.
They were impressed with the balanced single ended sound and he's keen to get the 100W version. Off the top of my head I probably quoted a vastly under price. But heck, they'll be in Saudi Arabia!

Jack Williams
02-03-2011, 11:10
Lost track of the photo there, but with luck, here it is. Friends from Ireland. Didn't think about the whiskey at the time come to think of it!

Spectral Morn
02-03-2011, 19:02
Murray that guy could be my Dad's brother :eek: He looks very like my Dad.


Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
26-03-2011, 11:37
The BSEA amp has evolved somewhat.
Changing the driver from 6N7 to 6SN7 has improved the rise time and lowered the noise.
This version is the direct coupled amp using two of type 6A3 valves per channel.

RobsterD
14-05-2011, 21:16
I have the 6A3 courtesy of Francis,driving AER MD2's in an active two way Oris horn config using a Trinnov ST2 for room optimisation and its digital 2way crossover feature.
The 15" bass is driven by a MC2 MC450 at the moment but Francis is sending over his other 6A3 so I can have a play with a fully active setup using the 6A3's :)

Got my BD Design Ref 2010 bass cabs almost finished,some pics on the wam in the DIY forum looking forward to getting it all together

Spectral Morn
14-05-2011, 23:05
I have the 6A3 courtesy of Francis,driving AER MD2's in an active two way Oris horn config using a Trinnov ST2 for room optimisation and its digital 2way crossover feature.
The 15" bass is driven by a MC2 MC450 at the moment but Francis is sending over his other 6A3 so I can have a play with a fully active setup using the 6A3's :)

Got my BD Design Ref 2010 bass cabs almost finished,some pics on the wam in the DIY forum looking forward to getting it all together

First I knew he had two 6a3's unless the other one is Noel Clonney's of Clonney HiFi.

Lovely amplifiers but they do need to be built into a bigger case. They run very hot, so give them plenty of ventilation.

Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
10-06-2011, 01:32
A bloke we know is a dairy farmer. He has a classic valve system consisting of Revox G-36 valve tape recorder, Quad II preamp and monoblocks (not sure of the speakers in use) playing to the cows in the cowshed at milking. He says the cows notice the difference; due to the milk production.
It could be that the cows have grown up with the old valve radios in the shed, and the solid state was a bit of a shock.

adam_ecofansound
10-06-2011, 19:17
hi,

i'll find out what the cows are listening to - something bucolic i expect...

rob - glad to hear you've got 'giant haystacks' amp in your system - looking forward to your impressions

cheers all,

a

Alex_UK
10-06-2011, 22:16
I don't believe a word of it - a load of old bull.

;)

Macca
12-06-2011, 09:26
I don't believe a word of it - a load of old bull.

;)

Quit milking it, Alex

adam_ecofansound
12-06-2011, 19:25
of course it's all about the moo-sic...

Jack Williams
20-06-2011, 01:51
Maybe an Ecofansound setup would make New Zealand's dairy production even more prolific!

adam_ecofansound
05-07-2011, 19:38
hi,

i've scanned and posted an article murray has written for the nz vintage radio society newsletter, too big to fit here, have a look at:

https://picasaweb.google.com/arustyrednail/Coral4A70Project

cheers,

adam

Jack Williams
09-07-2011, 23:47
A sunny-ish, rather windy winter Sunday here, not hugely cold, but enough to layer up a bit.

Folkboy
10-07-2011, 10:54
A sunny-ish, rather windy winter Sunday here, not hugely cold, but enough to layer up a bit.
Looks like my Auntie Rose (who was Uncle Roy on weekdays).

Spectral Morn
10-07-2011, 11:51
Looks like my Auntie Rose (who was Uncle Roy on weekdays).

Jack's one of the most talented, underrated, unknown, audio designers out there. He is based in New Zealand and fronts Ecofan Audio and I have been blessed to hear a number of his designs and review them.

Hope you're keeping well Jack.


Regards D S D L

adam_ecofansound
14-07-2011, 18:46
hi all,

an interesting development down here - a batch of 'ten tube' and 'eight tube' ecofan preamps will be completed this quarter, please feel free to make contact if anyone is interested. spanking new valve rectified power supplies on the way too...

regards,

adam

p.s. thanks dalek supreme, m cuts his own path...

Jack Williams
20-07-2011, 09:28
Adam: Please use the "caps-lock"!
Amps coming: 6A3 ones (single-ended, direct coupled) and pre-prodution BSEA small and bigger monoblocks.

Jack Williams
22-07-2011, 11:50
Got the steam turntable platter back from expert machining by a good friend of mine the other day.
Stripped and perfectly centred here it is with Garrard bearing, Audioquest Sorbothane mat and 12v DC brushless motor. A good idea to get the hum away. Go camping with a car battery.

Jack Williams
01-08-2011, 09:28
I lived on a beach away fom the grid at one time.
It was interesting when checking if the mike input was working on my battery reel to reel tape recorder. Put finger on input. No hum. Not that the input isn't working, but that there is just no hum.
Is this constant living in a hum field benificial or not??

Spectral Morn
01-08-2011, 09:38
I lived on a beach away fom the grid at one time.
It was interesting when checking if the mike input was working on my battery reel to reel tape recorder. Put finger on input. No hum. Not that the input isn't working, but that there is just no hum.
Is this constant living in a hum field benificial or not??

Hope you are keeping well.

That is an interesting question. I suspect not (gut feeling) but I don't know enough to say more than that.


Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
07-08-2011, 06:30
This is progressing. A stereo chassis a-la single-endeds. Fourteen valves including four of 6A3 in outputs. As I am using at present with 2A3s, but as for type 45s, in "lash-up" form. Tranny will be altered for the 6A3s this very morrow.
Chassis is ordered.

adam_ecofansound
21-08-2011, 20:29
hi,

have recently listened to the revised BSEA amp, very smooth and musical, good frequency extension, an 'effortless' sound...

murray is certainly onto something good

cheers,

a

Jack Williams
24-08-2011, 06:15
The amp has been operating for a while now with the 6A3s and new power transformer tailored for them. I have to say, now it is "burned in" and after an hour, say, of warm up it has great depth and presence.
I have had a comment about the 6A3 single-endeds being a bit hummy on big sensitive horns. The BSEA of course gets over all that with the balanced output, but no phase splitter. Transformer magnetising current also balanced out of course, so no gap, and extended bass. I have the OPTs rated over three times power of amp.
Although this amp does not show hugely more power than single 6A3 one on instruments, it gives the impression of effortless power on these 94db speakers.
Definitely the best of both worlds! Getting three chassis made and will have couple of these machines for sale and maybe even review.

adam_ecofansound
31-08-2011, 05:50
hi,

all go in this hemisphere - cup fever in the wider populace and plenty of action at ecofan... stay tuned for further news.

we will be shipping a new 'balanced single-ended' amplifier to the uk within the next month or so - feel free to get in touch if you are interested hearing it.

regards,

a

adam_ecofansound
15-09-2011, 07:41
hi,

new to the ecofan family are a pair of altec lansing A700's (with altec electronic crossover and very serious ss amps...) - should ease the development of the 'super low noise' triode equipment,

more news as it happens,

a

Jack Williams
17-09-2011, 08:40
Not a follower of rugby as such, but the Kiwis will overcome all opposition (or not!) so it remains to be seen. We do have a reputation for "punching above our weight" here, probably spurred by our smallness and isolation. We have to be larger than life to be even noticed on the croweded world stage.
Looking into the bigger monoblocks using four of 6550, I have come to the conclusion that the best sustem there is still the parallel single-ended system. The most power, and lovely elegant design amps, worthy of carring forward. Expect more of these shortly.
On BSEA amps: Five chassis are being ordered, two for a couple of four times 6A3 ones, and two of same with 2A3s.
Exra chassis is experimenal to try such as SV-811-10s or what about type 50??

Jack Williams
02-10-2011, 08:31
A bit of interest in preamps lately, so am revamping some earlier ones and looking into a couple of new ideas.
Alongside power amps of course, and while the blokes get on with the amp chassis.

Jack Williams
04-10-2011, 09:27
A bit of interest in preamps lately, so am revamping some earlier ones and looking into a couple of new ideas.
Alongside power amps of course, and while the blokes get on with the amp chassis.
Should have been a couple more dots after "chassis".
Big interest in another batch of the circlotron monoblocks, of which another three pairs are also being concocted.

Jack Williams
17-10-2011, 12:19
Adam showed photos of high end gear ten times the price of Ecofan equivalent.
What sort of circuitry and transformers are under those bizarre cosmetics?
Makes one wonder if there's room in "HiFi" for sensible products at believable prices.
I think I've just about cleaned out the posibilities of amplifiers. Direct coupled, no phase splitter, balanced output as in push-pull?
No output transformer at all as in the circlotron OTLs. (But still a phase splitter)?
Then there is the SEOTL, which has no phase splitter OR OPT.
That has been in use for some time last year or so, and is being upgraded with upsized power transformer and more grunty front end as in BSEAs. That's a pretty ultimate amp, but is pretty inefficient and hardly "eco"!
It also doesn't sound like an amp at all.

Jack Williams
02-11-2011, 01:51
Here is a merry blaze of perfectly good transformer windings!
For many years I have saved the core laminations from surplus transformers and used them in various amps and projects. I have kept any good windings in case one is needed to replace a burned out one of the same type.
These have piled up in nail boxes and never been needed. Also, if one is in fact ever needed I can easily wind a nice brand new better one.
Copper is some $7.00 a kilo right now.
Two of those bins is worth more than a $250 melted down $20,000 work of art in the news.

Jack Williams
03-11-2011, 01:10
It's really neat actually. The lamination size of the power trannies on the above amp and also the 20w OTLs are the most common old valve radio ones. The covers are too off them.
So those have already entertained people for decades, and are now away again in a new life. Generations of entertainment from them! Modern ones in the OPTs though.
This is, after all, Ecology Fanatic Sound Ltd.

adam_ecofansound
07-11-2011, 18:51
hi,

the ecofan altec-lansing a700 system is going to be housed at nz's 'audio foundation' hq.

the a.f. is a not for profit org that runs exhibitions and concerts of avant-garde and experimental music - as well as an annual festival that attracts prominent composers and performers from around the world.

http://audiofoundation.org.nz/

the rig will be serving as high intensity sound reinforcement for the next few months before becoming the ecofan 100db/w test rig,

regards,

adam

John the Measurer
11-11-2011, 08:39
Hi all,

I've recently been fortunate enough to be able to compare the Ecofan 6a3 and Ecofan OTL monos in my system.

The 6a3 produced a warm, but not overly lush, sound. Bass and treble were balanced and extended, and images were well defined and three dimensional. The Almarro A318B sounded warmer in comparison, with greater low end weight, but subjectively less extension and control. The 6a3 just sounded familiar and right.

The OTL's most impressive trait was the bass. Forward, controlled and detailed. Possibly too forward in some systems, with certain material, but very impressive with the Musical Affairs Grand Crescendos.
Treble was extended and detailed, but not at all bright. Mid-range was cool yet textured and holographic. The OTLs produced a room filling sound that was like a cool breeze on a hot day.

I didn't prefer one amp over the other. They are both great amps, but in very different ways. The 6a3 was immensely pleasing to listen to, the OTLs extremely refreshing.
I used a Silk TVC and an Intact Audio AVC. Both very pure, but both sounded rather lifeless compared to Murrays Linestage.

Photos to follow.

Jack Williams
15-11-2011, 11:43
Here is a fun quiz:
The below circuit is part of a product by a well known maker of HiFi audio.
What can you find wrong with this circuit, and what are it's advantages?

Jack Williams
24-11-2011, 10:48
Not much interest in that, but meanwhile last Sunday I painted up this skirt.:)

Alex_UK
24-11-2011, 11:57
Afraid I don't know my diodes from my thyristors when it comes to electrical circuits Jack, but the skirt's nice! :)

Jack Williams
26-11-2011, 12:00
Decided it needed some white acrylic. Photo soon.

adam_ecofansound
10-12-2011, 19:18
hi all,

here are a couple of pictures for you - nikos and murray having a chat and nikos' 30W OTL - a seriously big amp - a two man job to move it or turn it over safely....

cheers,

adam

adam_ecofansound
10-12-2011, 19:20
the pic of the OTL

Reid Malenfant
10-12-2011, 19:24
Wow, 8 power tubes per channel :stalks: Nice work on getting an OTL going & it looks to be dual mono as well if I'm not mistaken, the whole amp looks a bit of a beast :eyebrows:

I'm guessing it's not exactly small? :scratch:

:eyebrows:

adam_ecofansound
11-12-2011, 18:24
hi,

the stereo otl is very substantial - though as you'll see from the picture below, the otl monoblocks are no light weights either - the wooden bases are by wayne, the current owner...

cheers,

adam

Spectral Morn
11-12-2011, 18:59
Looking very interesting Adam and Murray.

Happy Christmas to you both.


Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
11-12-2011, 23:18
hi, this is adam on murray's login....

seasons greets to you d.s. and to all the forum members,

here is the link to photos of the current ecofan OTL

http://www.ecofansound.com/30w-otl/

cheers,

a

Jack Williams
12-12-2011, 00:30
Yes, that big OTL is not a one man lift. A bit ridiculous really, but two of them were made and both alive and well.
Was putting new cathode caps on the EL34s of this amp, one of the earlier efforts, seen here with "bookshelf" preamp.

Jack Williams
31-12-2011, 11:51
What more is there to say?
Expect more interesting products in the inimitable 2012!

Spectral Morn
31-12-2011, 15:42
What more is there to say?
Expect more interesting products in the inimitable 2012!


Happy New Year to you Murray and to Adam as well.

Regards D S D L

Jack Williams
12-01-2012, 02:13
Having the actual items that mount on the chassis enables a correct drawing to be made where everything will then fit! We may have metric, and we may have Imperial, (Transformers are resolutely in inches!) but in fact things like pilot lights, fuse holders etc have a planet of their own! Everything gets reduced to millimetres!
Progress will be noticed between first and second photos. Two versions of the amp accommodated, the 6A3 one and SV-811-10s. (Bigger OPTs)
I'll get four of each made, enough to be getting on with for now.

Jack Williams
03-02-2012, 07:51
Well this is probably not relevant, but this cafe's got sound. Not on at this moment that I could hear, but there is the speaker.
Looks like quite a respectable one.

Jack Williams
04-02-2012, 10:53
Well that was a bit of frivolity, but here are a few observations in the field of audio:
At present I have the BSEA6A3 into the "ESL" (Ecofan Sound Ltd!) speakers (all British) without a line amp. Radio is all valve: Quad FM tuner (Foster-Sealy detector) to Murray Dick reinvented multiplex decoder with straight-wire mono (ten valves). I hear a really clear concerto with zero percepted noise floor in wonderful wide-screen stereo. As good as any LP or digital source, against which I have set it up of course.
Being summer here, at present there is the ball-by-ball cricket, which is on AM Radio Sport for a lot of hours per day.
I wanted to along to the shops about a kilometer away, so waited till between innings (lunch) at the cricket before going along, (on foot or bus if one was soon enough coming). So I thought I might visit Dick Smiths electronic outlet to see what little pocket radios they might have to follow cricket on while walking or bussing. And yes, from a selection I got the Sony walkman version with little black phones for $50.00.
It uses one of size AA battery (cell!) That is a plus over the other ones which use AAA ones for me, because I have standardized my battery devices on that size and have very good solar powered charger for the rechargeable ones. It does do AAAs too but. AAs open cans and run the ohms ranges on my FETVOM for instance. The rechargeables (NH-AA HR6 Mignon 1.2v 1000mAh) Is that an ampere-hour? I find that hard to believe, have a much lower internal resistance than the others, which is just what one wants for ohms range, and anything else really.
So tonight I was listening to live concert on Concert FM on the above mentioned Murray Dick stereo, and I then put in the little earbuds and tuned in on the Sony at the same time. The phone leads are the antenna, and I found that if I held the set (smaller than a cigarette packet) in my right hand I got the best signal.
It sounded really spectacular at first hearing, but you realize very soon that it sounds as if you haven't got the FM de-emphasis on. Very toppy and audience clapping very over crisp. Also very big hiss level. Two reasons for this. El cheapo decoders use swiching method rather than proper multiplexing. Result: much higher hiss level. OK I guess in a $50 radio, but it does need de-emphasizing.
I can improve the sound by a little unit between the socket (standard mini-jack) and phones with bypass cap. I think that will make world of difference.
Younger people are perpetually plugged in these days, on the bus or anywhere. So I reckon a good thing to do is get a really good pair of HiFi phones plugged into my little Walkman on the bus. That sort of sticks it to the younger bods even if I'm only listening to the cricket on AM.

Jack Williams
04-02-2012, 11:05
PS: Are these things so toppy because the young people have destroyed their hearing with them? It does come with a warning about volume level.

Jack Williams
20-02-2012, 12:22
I guess that's the case, but nobody gives a hoot against the much larger challenges that confront Mankind!

Jack Williams
09-03-2012, 10:33
Experimenting with type 50s, which are a whole something else again.

Jack Williams
21-03-2012, 09:13
Certainly outsound the compromised 6A3s
I've been hearing some live bands outdoors at the weekend.
Here's a few photos, but I did video several songs on my camera, and it's surprising how good they sound. I'll try and put some up on YouTube, but it's not easy.

Jack Williams
21-03-2012, 09:26
Here're are a few more shots.

mantha3
30-03-2012, 20:03
Jack,

It was nice talking to you yesterday from Minnesota, USA. I'm in the market for the Boost it. I hope Adam still has the 120 volt transformers for the Boost-It that you had wound...

Reid Malenfant
30-03-2012, 20:08
Hi Andy, would you mind popping into the welcome area of the forum & introducing yourself please? Perhaps you didn't see that it is required of all new members in the activation email you received....

Thanks in advance :)

Jack Williams
01-04-2012, 13:11
Hi Andy,
Nice to talk with you the other day. Yes, we have 120v transformers. Boost-its in both voltages coming up. Check with Adam on progress. They have one megohm in, and 3500 ohms out with some 12db gain. 6DJ8 valves.
The amps do all have 120/240v changeover.

mantha3
03-04-2012, 13:50
Reid,

Sorry I missed the Welcome. I took a moment to say hi and introduce myself. Nice forum

Murray,

I'm a little new to tube audio but enjoying the learning experience. If a source has 2v signal and that 2v signal runs thru the Boost-It having 12 dB gain.. What is the approximate voltage on the signal out?

This is more a curious question... I'm not fully getting gain/dB and I'm wondering if my thought is off that "gain" just means a slightly stronger voltage out. So one question was what the approx voltage would be out if the 2 volt in example were in play?

I have a freind who has a Decware ZSTAGE which is somewhat similar to what you have in the Boost-It.

ZSTAGE -http://www.decware.com/newsite/zstage.html

I like the use to two 6DJ8 over the single 12AU7 and I like the BoostIt not having the volume knob.... I have the passive pre for that.

Question 2
Each channel is driven by a 6DJ8/E88CC. One triode for Impedance buffering and then the next triode section of the same tube for the Gain on a given channel?

Thanks for the time

Andy

Jack Williams
06-04-2012, 07:58
Hi Andy,
No you would need the nill gain "Bufferzone" for that. It would then present the player with 1.5 megohms. Otput is 2500 ohms.
The "Boost-it" is for inputs up to about 600mv.
Re other question, yes, that is correct.
Murray.

Jack Williams
06-04-2012, 08:36
A bunch of BSEA2A3 and BSEA6A3 amps are being concentrated on at present.

mantha3
26-04-2012, 18:28
Jack,

Just checking in... I purchased a BoostIt wired for 120V AC US. I know you have some amps in the works... The excited guy I am thought I'd write to check in.

Thanks,
Andy of Minnesota

Jack Williams
01-05-2012, 12:15
Just a distraction. I made some lo-fo music and other videos with my little Canon IXUS70 camera recently and have them on YouTube.
Have a look at MrMdick and enjoy the show!

mantha3
12-06-2012, 23:11
Hi,

I am hearing some progress is being made on the Boost It on the way for me. I'm excited to hear it in my system. Learning about the 6DJ8/E88CC/6922 tube family I am really liking the tube. I also am learning more about direct coupled components and like that design over coupling caps.

I hear a newer Boost It chassis is on the horizon... Any photos?

Thanks,
Andy

Jack Williams
17-06-2012, 10:09
Hi Andy,
Yes indeed I did see a 115v Boost-it the other day with Mike, so will keep you posted.
Murray.

mantha3
18-06-2012, 17:03
Jack,

Adam sent me a photo of the near complete boost it yesterday. Excellent to see the photo of this nearly complete. I also was happy to see you looking into the build with Mike. I know Mike knows what he is doing with audio circuits but it is nice to have you looking over things as the designer. Always nice to have someone double check things like this.

PS - I do have 120 volt AC in my home. I am sure the 115 volt will work in the 120 volt AC I have. Any concern here?

Thanks for the time to respond. Stay warm with winter coming on in NZ. As for me the Hot of Minnesota winter is on. Too hot. Fair well from the other side of the world

Regards,

Andy

Jack Williams
25-06-2012, 10:58
Hi Andy,
No prob on the voltage, 110-120v is the norm cover. Same as 220-240 here, when we run 230v here, but Aussie have 240.
New BSEA6A3 amps getting closer, keep an eye on this thread.
Murray.

Jack Williams
05-07-2012, 02:58
Here's the stuff. Brown filament wire. Heavy conductor but not fat insulation, thus can be tightly twisted together to minimise hum radiation. This reel has already lit a plethora of amps!

Jack Williams
16-07-2012, 08:46
Progressing nicely.
Here I am relaxing after getting much transformer winding together.
Cheers!

mantha3
31-07-2012, 18:51
We call that Happy Hour up in Minnesota

RobsterD
05-08-2012, 21:36
A bunch of BSEA2A3 and BSEA6A3 amps are being concentrated on at present.

Any updates Murray ??

adam_ecofansound
12-08-2012, 19:55
hi all,

metal work for bsea chassis' should be ready in the next day
or two - then off to the powder coaters.

fresh batch of 'bufferzones' underway - available shortly.

more news as it happens,

thanks for following,

adam

adam_ecofansound
18-08-2012, 20:24
hi all,

bsea powder coating underway so
murray will be able to begin amp
assembly this coming week,

thanks for following,

adam

Jack Williams
27-08-2012, 05:27
Two available, from my friend Grant. One on local "Trademe" site, and one on Ebay shortly.
See review under "Strokes of Genious"

adam_ecofansound
29-08-2012, 19:14
hi all,

below is a picture of murray and the new
amp chassis...

thanks for following,

adam

adam_ecofansound
08-09-2012, 19:56
hi all,

one of murray's earlier amps on
it's way through for a service

cheers,

adam

Jack Williams
09-09-2012, 11:08
A bloke on the "skirtcafe" site plays keyboard, and put up link to a recent bloke playing "Doll Dance". I noticed related thumbnail of him playing "12th St. Rag".
Well everybody plays that one and straight away I had: Mead "Lux" Lewis (an original, born 1905), "Ace" O'Donnell, Mary Lou Williams, Dell Wood. Probably could come up with others. Joe "Fingers" Carr?
See if I can get up a link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWTQRBFNJiM

Just bit of paint touching up needed on that amp I found.

mantha3
09-09-2012, 13:32
Hi

Andy from Minnesota here... I got my Boost-It about 3 weeks ago. Love it!

I run a Passive Preamp. I dig it but it can be less than ideal with some sources. My digital comcast box for instance is somewhat weak on signal.

I have this Boost-It running as a output stage on the comcast box and it is just what I needed. I have the palladia tv high def channel and this Boost it is just what I needed. Robust dynamic sound that fills the room. I was watching some concerts last night and it felt like I was at the show.

The build quality is excellent. Much time put into doing everything right.

Ecofan has a new build Mike who knows what he is doing!!!




http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m601/amanthey/Misc%20Audio/P1030076.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m601/amanthey/Misc%20Audio/P1030078.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m601/amanthey/Misc%20Audio/P1020496.jpg

Jack Williams
10-09-2012, 00:41
Wow, the Boost-it looks great with that system!
Wot? No turntable? How could I play my old Honky-tonk records over it? Maybe those YouTube clips will have to do!

mantha3
11-09-2012, 15:56
No turntable.... :doh:

I just turned 40 and when I got into audio/music it was all about tapes and then CDs. I have never owned a record. I have listened to some nice turn table systems and dug it.

So far it is a CD player, Digital Audio, DVD/Blue Ray and the Digital cable TV converter box. I've started building up my system 2 years ago and a turn table will be on the horizon at some point. This hobby can get expensive!

PS - the other weekend I was listening to an older DVD I have "MTV Alice in Chains Unplugged" and it was excellent with the Boost it. So vivid. Then some Incubus Live on Paladian and a "Beastie Boys - Fight For Your Right (Revisited) Full Length" on Paladian... Amy Winehouse: Live at Porchester Hall and some Slayer at Sonisphere.... And a Portishead DVD of them Live in NYC.

The Boost it audition was a hit!

I'll be building some 4PI speakers this winter and then maybe a turntable next year

OR my wife will cut me off.... $$$

Good work Ecofan!

Spectral Morn
11-09-2012, 19:38
Looking good and sounding it as well... nice one.

Jack Williams
12-09-2012, 07:33
Must admit I'm addicted to music videos, but without the pic, you can apreciate the crackle and pop!

Jack Williams
12-09-2012, 09:42
Yeah, not the greatest example of the hi-fiddle-de-dee. I just put a piece of hardboard against the end of the monitor on the table and put the cover there to focus the camera on. That meant the camera was about 4ft from the left hand speaker. So what we hear is a recording of that. A good thing to get might be, not a "D-to-A converter", but an A to D converter. Dunno if such a thing exists, but it would be handy.
The "Ace" O'Donnell, and Mead "Lux" Lewis discs were on a budget Phillips "HiFi Tops" label. Big tops. The Dell Wood though is on proper RCA.
During the '50s as a teenager, believe it or not my younger brother was listening to Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra..
Sorry. But there was a mini revival of Honky-tonk piano, which I really dug. Listen for instance to 12th St. Rag by Mead "Lux" Lewis. Born in 1905. That rocks.
Glad I raked up some great records. Mary Lou Willaims.. A few of hers. Rare records now.
Dell Wood, a young woman in the '50s, rips into those tunes. Always a biggie with me. When I put on "Down Yonder" I couldn't lift the pickup.
Of course, then came along Jerry Lee Lewis (no relation I think), Bill Hayly, Elvis, Beatles, which kind of blew us all away. Except for my brother; he's Bing boy to this day.

Jack Williams
13-09-2012, 10:20
Nothing to do with the topic, but other fun! http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=ULBqpaBeRBtUs&v=BqpaBeRBtUs&feature=player_detaihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?list=ULBqpaBeRBtUs&v=BqpaBeRBtUs&feature=player_detailpage#t=0slpage#t=0s

Jack Williams
15-09-2012, 00:52
I did notice that a local electronics shop offered a USB turntable. Junk of course, but it would be an easy way to get soundtrack onto computer for video of stationary record cover. Better at least than current Heath Robinson method!
Problem: synchronizing sound and picture...
Probably possible, but beyond my current computer literacy I guess!
The reason I had thought of getting one of those turntables was because it does 78s, which my current pickup hasn't the stylus for. I thought it would be good to download some great 78s I have. ("Your Feets Too Big" by Fats Waller for instance languishes under my bed!) and burn me a disk of them.

adam_ecofansound
16-09-2012, 02:46
hi all,

today's pictures from out at murray's workshop -

> murray hard at work

> solid state power supply for the ecofan ten tube
preamplifier - inside view

> neatly superimposed input and output waveforms

> affixing label and scribing the fuse info

regards,

adam

Jack Williams
23-09-2012, 07:10
A bloke interested in preamps mentioned my "old fashioned " switches. Not in a derogeritively way. Perhaps that is the point.
Standard toggle switches have stood the test of time. What do you see in industry and aviation? Those. Enough said.
Except to say, this computer, a Lenovo T61 is seen on the space station.
Yeah, not about to crash any time soon.
It was interesting at the shop where I got my camera. He had is computer up. I said: "Have a look at my YouTube videos". (made on his camera).
Before we'd seen anything much it seized solid. Pathetic.
What do I notice at the bank on their monitors? Lenovo. IBM. International Business Machines.
I hope I measure up.

Reid Malenfant
23-09-2012, 22:40
I hope I measure up.
You look like a size 16 sweetie ;)

Nice clean oscilloscope trace in one of the previous pics I might add :)

Jack Williams
26-09-2012, 07:47
Size 16 true, dunno about the sweetie!

That trace was on double beam 'scope, input and output traces superimposed.

Size 16 (L) it is!

Jack Williams
30-09-2012, 11:08
Woodwork here can be done.

Coelacanth
07-10-2012, 21:45
G'day Jack, don't get that long, flowing garment stuck in your bench saw mate! Cade

Jack Williams
08-10-2012, 08:17
Not a show mate!!
More worried about the glue/paint!

Coelacanth
08-10-2012, 08:51
Yes that would bring new meaning to "Glued to the SET" hehe... I am coming up for a visit on wednesday....

Jack Williams
08-10-2012, 09:12
I'll be in my best workdress.

adam_ecofansound
16-10-2012, 19:28
hi all,

i visited david spillane a musician friend of murrays.
has a great collection of open reel machines and
even has a proper vocal booth in a spare room...

will check with murray about the model details -
pictures below,

cheers,

adam

Jack Williams
17-10-2012, 02:05
Yes, that is the "Super Audion MK-VI" Amp and one and only "bookshelf" phono preamp.

adam_ecofansound
19-10-2012, 19:39
hi all,

a couple more pictures of dave spillane;
has a room set up for recording (he plays
sax and (left handed) guitar. sweet teac
open reel and a soundproof vocal booth,

cheers,

adam

adam_ecofansound
25-10-2012, 18:27
hi all,

peter c, an old friend of murray's has
this fantastic stack of ecofan gear.

3 way system with amps for tweeter,
mids and bass. one amp has internal
crossover; one external crossover,
switching unit, line amp and phono stage.
bass amp has, i think, partridge OPT's.

speakers waiting for new woodwork but
are kef/bbc units.

cheers,

adam

Jack Williams
26-10-2012, 03:33
Correct. The amp on the bottom is basically the Super Audion Mk-IV but with power supply separated and Peter's provided Partridge OPTs.
The "Mid" amp is one of the Super Audion Mk-III ones. Both of those amps are tranny driven, rest of cirtcuit direct coupled.
Top one is a "Tweeter Amp" I made a few of. They have internal crossover and air cored OPTs.
One of my old "Audion" preamps above the Scott tuner..

adam_ecofansound
30-10-2012, 18:28
hi all,

have a horn project brewing - using the drivers
from the A700's - 909 mid/tweet and 515 woofer.
thread underway at the altec users group.

http://www.hostboard.com/forums/f700/179870-909-8a-400hz-tractrix-horn.html

planning to fabricate and test a series of horn flares - am
consulting with the greybeards - all welcome.

also have access to some altec 299's - (become 288 with
alternate diaphragm),

regards,

a

Jack Williams
01-11-2012, 00:03
Here is my friend Julian Mitchell, owner of a Super Audion Mk-VI amp who brought in his Leak Point One pre-power combination for a preamp switch problem to be sorted. That is his beach bach system.

Jack Williams
02-11-2012, 05:15
"Robojock"
Garrard Type A.
Side pusher rather than centre muncher.
Frequency locked synchronous motor.
Really heavy decoupled cast iron platter!
With my mods it operates at one gram.
Long ago the massive clunky original arm replaced by Pritchard rosewood arm I happened to have at the time.
Current cartridge: Garrett Bros P66 "Dynamic Coil" high output moving coil.
For a long time I used a Shure M75ED.
Everyone is highly impressed with the sound of this machine.
It'll stack a dozen, but for 12" EPs I use a "Sonic Research" acryllic hard mat for six records optimizing the VTA. About a dozen 7" 45s on the original mat. It does depend on the thickness of the records. Ten of 78s, but not with this cartridge! I have a 78 stylus for the Shure, and used to add a coin to the top for those.
I do need an extra Pritchard head shell!

Jack Williams
02-11-2012, 06:31
A couple of wee mods I added which are not very noticeable in these photographs.
The Decca Lifter I added so that you could "pause" if the phone rang without rejecting the record.
The other one is the little stylus cleaning brush on a spring, as in a jukebox, which scrubbs the stylus between records!
The decoupling under the cast iron (which is heavier than the aluminium one on the 301) was a donut of foam. Currently I have two donuts of blister pack with a felt one in between.

Jack Williams
02-11-2012, 07:24
When I was a young apprentice at Akrad, Ron Skinner, one of the supervisors at the time, used to take us for night classes.
In the "radiograms" they made, the turntables were horrible BSR, Collaro etc rubbish, and I wanted to get my HiFi good. I already had 5 cubic foot one and a quarter inch ply huge speakers in my mum's sitting room!
He said: Garrard have come up with this Type A. It's a side pushing changer with heavy decoupled platter etc. We're not going to use them, but I can get you one out from Garrard as a sample if you like.
Good old Garrard! They shouted me this wonderful machine! It could be the only one in the country.
Has anyone else on the site got one?
It's certainly way ahead of any old 301!

Alex_UK
02-11-2012, 08:32
What a fantastic contraption! Congrats.


Side pusher rather than centre muncher

Sounds like a girl I used to know! ;)

The Grand Wazoo
02-11-2012, 08:57
Thanks for this Jack, that's a fascinating changing system, I've never seen that before. I took a look at a few You Tube videos of this machine.

This one has the most incredible dust cover:

1jQVHgMZqtQ

I like the way the little bar by the tonearm comes across to presumably measure the size of the next record, so the arm knows where to land:

-Qpa74Sorys

The Grand Wazoo
02-11-2012, 09:07
Jack,
I've copied these last few posts over to another thread specifically about autochangers (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14121&page=2)

Jack Williams
02-11-2012, 09:52
Yes, that is indeed the machine! With the original clunker arm!
I love the concept of this unit. A heavy lump of cast iron suspended on air!
Away from any influences such as kind of plynth, shape of the room acustics, people walking by in old wooden house, you name it, record stable.
The unit is on springs, which gives it a kind of two stage vibration filter!
By the way, if anyone wanted to know how to upgrade the pivots to lighten the mechanism to perform to one gram, I can oblige. You would need to get rid of that arm first!
Interestingly, while mine has white main deck and grey rear part, that one is the other way round!

Jack Williams
05-11-2012, 10:47
I'm doing some research. I can easily put up the soundtrack by plugging into the "mic" input on the computer, but for the video I have to take the video picture with the camera and then download it and then upload it to YouTube.
Thus there is no synchronization...
Today I see my digital literate friend along the road and see what he has to say. Probably there's some hugely expensive software I have to buy!

Jack Williams
11-11-2012, 11:04
Adam suggested, and I have downloaded and registered on, "Audacity" website for recording and editing sounds onto one's computer.
Doesn't say anything about synchronising with video though.

adam_ecofansound
13-11-2012, 18:52
hi all,

slow progress here - held up by overworked contractor...

still hope to have BSEA's up and running by christmas,

cheers,

a

Jack Williams
14-11-2012, 09:22
My oath. Need the bux!
There are orders for BSEA2A3 and BSEA6A3 ones actually.

RobsterD
14-11-2012, 22:48
I'm still interested in the BSEA's what's the difference between the 2A3 and 6A3's variants.
If Adam could email updates with prices again,it's been a long time ;)

adam_ecofansound
15-11-2012, 18:58
hi rob,

2A3, 6A3 and 6B4G all related, filament voltage
increases between the first two and perhaps
someone can remind me about whether the
pins change between the 'A3 and 'B4G.

valve lore and history not my strong point i'm
afraid - am from the 'liberal/fine' arts side of
the equation and admire the electronics as
an outsider...

cheers,

a

RobsterD
16-11-2012, 22:20
really output power interested in,look forward to having a listen maybe the 6A3 as currently have a 2A3 amp.

Jack Williams
17-11-2012, 00:18
The power output and other characteristics between the 6A3 and 2A3 are essentially the same. Perhaps a bit more HT can be used with the 6A3. They are treated as separate bottles in the literature, not just same except for filament like many other valves.
I think the tops are a bit nicer with the 6A3, but it may be just my imagination.
The difference in price of the amps just reflects the somewhat dearer more rare 2A3.
Below: This is a reggae "sound system" these bods have built. "HiFi" they say. Not sure I want to hear it.
Some neigbours right near me have been spending months building a reggae sound system into their car with two 15" woofers in the boot. It's disconcerting to have the glass rattling in my living room window while I try to listen to some music. I did go out and confront them last week, explaining that I couldn't hear my stereo and could they perhaps turn it around and down or something. They momentarily reduced it a couple of db.
I've sorted that now though with a small outdoor PA horn pointed and bathing them in 4500HZ. That seems to have done the trick. A summer of thunder? I think not. They don't look pleased!

Jack Williams
17-11-2012, 02:43
A contact on Flickr, Ron, drew my attention to some of his favourite YouTube videos. Here's one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJLcwIEWD9o&feature=BFa&list=FLwK4O9g-uTv7oTgW5UlbUhw

Jack Williams
17-11-2012, 05:09
At present those bods are sitting in the car in their garage listening to it, (not loud). I gather they haven't got a stereo in the house!
Meanwhile:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlsHbiKi5-8
And:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avu9Weua9EU
Well, another really good organ sound somehow got lost. However I found this number of an old favourite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tE_CJjdNXM&feature=related
Hit it guys! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPrg7OKKQTM&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL04E445DE2D2E68D7
Meanwhile I've got a ticket see this guy in the new year:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeH8s_RAuTI
Here he is as we'll see him, a clip from August 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FohObskJyLU

Jack Williams
17-11-2012, 07:23
Jack's track is a Jukebox!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn7vWeTxUhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMvI5OX6nUw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecz3ykm_TRU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jySUpMqmzd4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcrEqIpi6sg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNoerg38gjo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxSFSdcGPLM

Jack Williams
17-11-2012, 10:28
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQIYEPe6DWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biba07vlGHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_342329&feature=iv&src_vid=EONC5dczfYE&v=1xXuKvtOlaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxuThNgl3YA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzYcNY8tDCc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu_C_g8VoPE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYrcXX4nWOA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdkGaNQVOFs&feature=BFa&list=PL17D310741FA7B228
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnuAaKiX1sg&feature=BFa&list=PL17D310741FA7B228
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpws72fGmWg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0v7nv2s3tQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvFDTvT000Y&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXCA5z6kQZM&feature=related

Jack Williams
18-11-2012, 10:57
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRot9IjNSso
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkG3kvcej74
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvJV3K64WbI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwb4SpNuKo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4foLKDlcE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvYxFX-gC-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1zZ_352agU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlR2v7CkUOo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHkFuVQGCQI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3Or7huOK7o&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNQAebSpqVw&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DS4bNWjY90
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1zZ_352agU

adam_ecofansound
20-11-2012, 00:09
" This is a reggae "sound system" these bods have built. "HiFi" they say. Not sure I want to hear it.


hi all,

jack's right, not sure he wants to hear it.

went and heard it the other evening - really
needs to be played outdoors. perhaps felt it
would be a better description of the experience...

all vinyl and analogue front end, custom eq for
live shenanigans - trailer for documentary on
jamaican soundsystem cultures here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_snA7APY94

a top effort by a dedicated crew - maybe we
can encourage them to get a valve top end

cheers,

a

Jack Williams
22-11-2012, 04:59
It will be good this summer to see some live outdoor music at WOMAD. Something a bit less one track than just reggae. Also, can't complain about the sound quality there!
Here's something from last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeSIiXRUlJI&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LSZTJz1l68

Jack Williams
28-11-2012, 11:21
Here I am sort of sending up the fashion pages, but you can see a pair of globe 50s in this photo.

Alex_UK
28-11-2012, 21:59
Still haven't finished all those You Tube links, but enjoyed what I have seen so far, thanks!

And as for the latest - why does Madonna's Vogue spring to mind - "strike a pose, there's nothing to it" :lol: ? I think she had a pair of globe 50s too! ;)

Jack Williams
30-11-2012, 08:20
She did?
My estimation of that girl just rocketed.

Jack Williams
30-11-2012, 09:02
I'm more a fan of the girl visible here over my shoulder.

Jack Williams
03-12-2012, 11:16
In a '57 Chrysler Plymouth.

Jack Williams
03-12-2012, 11:19
Record player.

Jack Williams
03-12-2012, 11:57
My friend Glen Barrett whose car this is would love to get more of the records.
They are sixteen & two/thirds RPM 7" and play one side only for one hour.

Alex_UK
03-12-2012, 12:14
Gorgeous car! I've heard about the in-car record players but had no idea they were a special format.

Jack Williams
05-12-2012, 05:04
There is also one by Philco which is a record changer for 45 RPM 7" singles. It holds 14 records and plays the underside of the record, the whole stack revolving. The records drop into a bin and you can reach over and cram them up again as you go. A lovely machine. There is a flywheel at the top. It has a rugged 12V commutator motor.

adam_ecofansound
09-12-2012, 18:38
hi all,

some progress here, patiently waiting for engraving
for new amp panels - perhaps good news today.

murray has a new design brewing too - expect an
announcement in the new year.

thanks for following,

adam

Jack Williams
10-12-2012, 05:30
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4ll0iYPyoY

Jack Williams
12-12-2012, 10:44
Adam might waffle on about a new product, and yes I have an idea for a new product.
But then I have to sit down and make a bunch of drawings, taking many hours. Then someone has to use those drawings to hopefully generate something.
This is an example. Sure, the holes in the metalwork and those in the panel line up perfectly. Except for the input socket ones missing from the chassis..
Too bad the wording is upside down.
Once upon a time I used to do it all. Bend and paint the chassis, engrave my panels, mount everything up and wire it, and there would be an amp. A lot of work, but there it was.
Try farming it out to other people. Pass.
I'm over it.
What keeps me alive is valve repairs and National Superanuation. I'll never live to see a profit from what remains a hobby.
I'm headed for the beach.
Later:
Adam was just here and it is that, no the panels are correct, but the metal guys put the rear panel of the chassis upside down, in spite of specific attention on the pictorial drawing that the IEC socket was given distance from the bottom, not the top. That's a relief actually, because that was the last of that pannelling the engravers had.

adam_ecofansound
13-12-2012, 18:06
hi all,

yep, when you only have a small job for a contractor
sometimes you are grist for t'mill...

new metalwork coming - very disappointing

more news as it happens,

a

adam_ecofansound
15-12-2012, 17:58
news:

metalwork production manager on the job

powder-coater ready for us

hooray,

a

Jack Williams
17-12-2012, 01:57
I believe I'll have chassis before Xmas, which is important, as New Zealand goes into holiday hibernation from about now untill about February!
It's a lot better these days though. I used to have to allow nine months for panels to be engraved. Took two years for some white powdercoat on my milkshake mixer..
I doubt either of those outfits is in business now though.

Jack Williams
21-12-2012, 05:25
Ahah! They perform here at the very good "Civic" venue in Auckland in February. Naturally a very good ticket I have purchased.
Good sound on this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLt4B_War90&list=PLD78365031A3C5E1D
This is the single I've had for years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARfARi-gpWc&playnext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CrGtxxzIeUmvKzedxZnqLw

Jack Williams
24-12-2012, 10:59
Here is a fairly recent collection from them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YjAgR5Lp08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwO4QFqJHjo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEfHnN7RL4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUh0dV6cDEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--A5H5jum7w

adam_ecofansound
24-12-2012, 19:20
hi all,

chassis' next year....

dad once booked the manhattan transfer
for a trade show in the late 70's - for akai

anyhow,

seasons greets,

a

Jack Williams
29-12-2012, 13:06
Yay! Season's greetings to all at the site.
Nothing much to report for a short while meantime.

Jack Williams
02-01-2013, 09:02
A happy New Year to all!
I think the thing to concentrate on for 2013 is the speakers. I notice a joker has on the market ones inferior to mine for thirteen grand.
We rip into some pairs and they'll be a market beater.

Look out for the new ESL loudspeakers. 25HZ to 30KHZ plus or minus 4db.
94db 1w/1mtr.
Easy to drive with any Ecofan amp.

The Grand Wazoo
02-01-2013, 09:12
I'd think a lot of us would be interested to see those Jack.

Jack Williams
02-01-2013, 10:07
Well here they are with the midranges not installed.
The type 50s contol the 12" cones excellently well, and they sound really realistic on a plethora of stuff.
In the BSEA amp they have about 6WRMS available.
The 6A3s and 2A3s a bit less.

You can also see new kauri plynth for steam turntale plus Kate Middleton and Pamela Anderson!

adam_ecofansound
05-01-2013, 18:08
hi all,

speakers pictured have wharfedale pro
compression drivers - phenolic for the
tweeter and alloy? for the mid; the 12"
is a classic richard allan.

cheers,

a

Jack Williams
09-01-2013, 12:00
The mids are actually 2" titanium domes.
Jack.

adam_ecofansound
09-01-2013, 19:00
hi all,

nz still on summer break - action in the next week

murray enjoying a camping holiday 'up north'....

cheers,

a

Jack Williams
10-01-2013, 11:04
Well no. The high wind blew most of the camp down, so we came back yesterday!
All but my little one in the middle that is!

Jack Williams
14-01-2013, 01:39
A Facebook "friend" (Gloria O'Neil Savage) put up a link to this great video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK_DOJa99oo&feature=youtu.be

adam_ecofansound
20-01-2013, 18:14
hi all,

pleased to report the remade bsea chassis'
are now at the powder-coater - getting their
'black ripple' applied this week.

hoorah!

cheers,

a

adam_ecofansound
24-01-2013, 03:03
hi all,

stout black chassis' now in
murray's workshop...

thanks for following,

a

Jack Williams
24-01-2013, 08:58
Good-oh. Have to do some functioning..
Actally, of the four chassis so far, three are already sold..

Jack Williams
28-01-2013, 09:32
Yeah, before I add more stuff such as steam etc, have to update audio system accomodation.
Today cut out all the wood for solid one and a half inch thick 100 year old native kauri timber bench to mount gear. Top is five feet long by twenty-two inches wide. Max for space available, but will see steam and other turntables accomodated with amps, preamps, tuners etc on lower levels. Stands 3' high.
Progress photos coming.

Jack Williams
30-01-2013, 22:05
Adam mentioned this might be interesting.
First pic is on the bench for cable lengthening.
In the car is I think on other computer...

Jack Williams
30-01-2013, 22:48
In the car.

synsei
31-01-2013, 03:16
Well no. The high wind blew most of the camp down, so we came back yesterday!
All but my little one in the middle that is!

http://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=8007&d=1357815881

Ye Gods, Fiat's Multipla made it all the way down to NZ??? You poor buggers... :eyebrows: :lol:

Jack Williams
31-01-2013, 09:03
At least has headroom enough for owner my over six-foot friend Denis, and I can keep my hat on!

Jack Williams
04-02-2013, 11:10
Be transported to the Caffe Vivaldi in NYC with Tom Hubbard on bass and Don Relic on piano.
http://solitairemiles.com/Video.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqkS6lFf2EU&list=UUcEPnYE5OmO-sJGyngac9SA&index=5

synsei
06-02-2013, 08:18
At least has headroom enough for owner my over six-foot friend Denis, and I can keep my hat on!

Ah, I knew there had to be a reason Jack :D My experience with a Multipla was not a good one, damn thing broke more than it worked so I didn't keep it long. I hope your mates is more reliable than mine ;)

Jack Williams
07-02-2013, 12:16
So far so good.

adam_ecofansound
12-02-2013, 18:33
hi all,

a local chap named paul supplied the valves
for the current batch of 'black boxes'

he has a juicy collection and worth dropping
a line if anyone is hunting for something special

contact details in the article linked to below.

regards,

a

....

short piece on valve rolling from the local
audio board 'witchdoctor'

http://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/index.php/2013/02/the-magic-of-valve-rolling-a-short-primer-and-an-experiment/

Jack Williams
22-02-2013, 11:11
Just back from their show at the Civic, Auckland.
Here's a song. (no, they didn't do this one in the concert)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--A5H5jum7w
The above lineup as seen here tonight.
This song they did do:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDzkNa4qK5E
Acknowleging Ella of course.
Couldn't miss with this song, same lineup as tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=uUh0dV6cDEw&feature=endscreen
It sure was good to hear this one. (I had a good spot, a few rows from the front, to the left a few metres from the bass array:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=zZQ4Vajec0Y&feature=endscreen
Don't hear this song very often:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=Z_MvfqDsWgQ&feature=endscreen

Jack Williams
22-02-2013, 12:25
Should be a-bed at this hour, but her little CD of Gershwin got at the show sounds superb while noodle.

Next morning: Actually, their renditions of those numbers here in Auckland were at least as good as in the clips above, and on "Birdland" much better.
They like New Zealand audiences (and country in fact) and have played here a few times before. And they head to New Zealand. Not just a spinoff from an Aussie tour.
I was certainly pleased to get to that gig with time for a couple of reds. Very pleasant chatty female company each side too.
Good random internet derived seat a few rows from the front. The Civic was jammed, with extra rows added down the front.

Jack Williams
18-03-2013, 04:42
...meanwhile, back in the workshop..