View Full Version : Mike's ever changing system...
Well the Yammies are settling in...
Even Mrs H has, somewhat begrudgingly, admitted 'they sound good'. :) She still thinks they look hideous though, and may have a point, the redness is a bit OTT. ;)
Might be time for an amp change too (she won't like that!), they're pretty sensitive and should be a good match with a reasonably beefy SET. :eyebrows:
Decisions, decisions....
Glad to hear they sound good Mike.
She still thinks they look hideous though, and may have a point, the redness is a bit OTT. ;)
Forget about changing the amp - you need to change your turntable - try this Da Vinci - she'll never mention the speakers again! ;)
http://www.da-vinci-audio.com/new_product_pics/AAS%20Gabriel%20Ferrari%20red.jpg
Good luck with the amp change - anything on the shortlist or lined up?
Good luck with the amp change - anything on the shortlist or lined up?
Nope!... just mulling it over. :)
Nice one, Mikey. Glad the Yammies are doing the biz for you now :)
They'll defo be more 'truthful' than the MLs and in my opinion something you can build a system around... My kind of speaker!
Amps?
Well, Anthony TD is selling another of his Copper amps. There were originally three made (mine, and a bloke in America has one). This one has 'appeared' recently due to a guy going through a divorce and wanting to sell it....
That's if you can get in there before the Toyster :eyebrows:
Marco.
anthonyTD
08-09-2009, 17:30
Nice one, Mikey. Glad the Yammies are doing the biz for you now :)
They'll defo be more 'truthful' than the MLs and in my opinion something you can build a system around... My kind of speaker!
Amps?
Well, Anthony TD is selling another of his Copper amps. There were originally three made (mine, and a bloke in America has one). This one has 'appeared' recently due to a guy going through a divorce and wanting to sell it....
That's if you can get in there before the Toyster :eyebrows:
Marco.
hi marco/mike,
there were infact four of the 30 watt class A copper amps made, yours was the third one made and was one of a pair that i made for studio monitoring, it was in fact the exact unit reviewed by Jason Kenedy of hi fi choice fame in 1998.the sister of your amp still resides with its original owner in reading, the first one made [my own amp] resides in hong kong, the one i have here for sale at the moment is the second one built and untill recently belonged to its original owner who lives in cardiff.
just a bit of history encase anyone is interested!:)
regards,anthony,TD...
Ah, thanks for the clarification matey :)
yours was the third one made and was one of a pair that i made for studio monitoring...
That would probably explain why it acts as such an open window onto the music. Mine is going nowhere - ever! I shudder to think how much a commercial 'hi-end' manufacturer would charge to produce something remotely like it... :eek:
Anthony, what are these NOS Tesla KT88s like that Steve was talking about - how do they compare to the GECs?
Marco.
anthonyTD
08-09-2009, 17:53
Ah, thanks for the clarification matey :)
That would probably explain why it acts as such an open window onto the music. Mine is going nowhere - ever! I shudder to think how much a commercial 'hi-end' manufacturer would charge to produce something remotely like it... :eek:
Anthony, what are these NOS Tesla KT88s like that Steve was talking about - how do they compare to the GECs?
Marco.
the Tessla KT88's that are fitted in the amp i have here hence the ones steve mentioned were the last KT88's produced by the original tesla factory [not JJ ] before they closed their doors for good around 2003. they are the versions that EAT used to make their original cryo treated diamond series their sonic performance is well documented elsewhere.
A...:)
Primalsea
08-09-2009, 18:05
Well the Yammies are settling in...
Even Mrs H has, somewhat begrudgingly, admitted 'they sound good'. :) She still thinks they look hideous though, and may have a point, the redness is a bit OTT. ;)
Might be time for an amp change too (she won't like that!), they're pretty sensitive and should be a good match with a reasonably beefy SET. :eyebrows:
Decisions, decisions....
If only we could swap and change our wives as easy as our hifi;) Saying that though some people do:lolsign:
Personally I would have never thought that someone would go from ML's to Yammies. But saying that I have never heard your model of ML's or a set of Yammies so I guess I should keep quiet!
Would you be interested in a WD Kel84:eyebrows: Probably not but worth a try anyway.
the Tessla KT88's that are fitted in the amp i have here hence the ones steve mentioned were the last KT88's produced by the original tesla factory [not JJ ] before they closed their doors for good around 2003. they are the versions that EAT used to make their original cryo treated diamond series their sonic performance is well documented elsewhere.
A...
Ah, gotcha! :cool:
Are there any differences between the Copper amp for sale and mine, and if so, what are they?
Marco.
anthonyTD
08-09-2009, 18:22
Ah, gotcha! :cool:
Are there any differences between the Copper amp for sale and mine, and if so, what are they?
Marco.
hi marco,
the main diffrences are component wise and of course valve line up, all four share the same hand wound transformers and hand made copper chassis, socketry, and fittings, this one however has no carry handles as the original owner prefered to; for what ever reason put his back under even more stress than needed to lift it!:confused::scratch::mental::)
regards,anthony,TD...
Bloody hell, what does it weigh - 40kg or something? :eek:
Marco.
anthonyTD
08-09-2009, 18:28
something like that!:)
A...
Well, Anthony TD is selling another of his Copper amps. There were originally three made (mine, and a bloke in America has one). This one has 'appeared' recently due to a guy going through a divorce and wanting to sell it....
That's if you can get in there before the Toyster :eyebrows:
Well I'd love to try one but I reckon Steve will 'get in there' long before me. I'm sure it's well out of my price range... my budget will be limited to whatever I can get for the Melody!
:(
Personally I would have never thought that someone would go from ML's to Yammies. But saying that I have never heard your model of ML's or a set of Yammies so I guess I should keep quiet!
Would you be interested in a WD Kel84:eyebrows: Probably not but worth a try anyway.
It might seem like an odd move on the face of it, but you might be surprised!... there are some definite similarities in the mids and HF. Not as 'holographic' as ESL's can be, but nice enough all the same. Then there's the bass, of course! :eyebrows:
Kel84?... Hmmm, you never know. I'm just 'thinking out loud' at the moment, so there are no definite plans so far. ;)
Cheers...
Bloody hell, what does it weigh - 40kg or something? :eek:
Marco.
That's about the same as the Mr Liang, t'is just a baby!... You should try picking up an AA Maestro! :lol:
Ali Tait
08-09-2009, 19:51
Mike,when I come down,I can bring the 813,a kel84 and an original WAD 300 b PP-this works fine,but has a hum issue to sort out,just need to change the earthing I think.Anyway,should give you some different sounds to consider!
Mike,when I come down,I can bring the 813,a kel84 and an original WAD 300 b PP-this works fine,but has a hum issue to sort out,just need to change the earthing I think.Anyway,should give you some different sounds to consider!
Top man! ;)
Is the 813 the Audioromy or your new fancy thingy? :)
I've only heard one 300B (Tony's) and loved it, that should be interesting too!
Ali Tait
08-09-2009, 20:18
It's the Audioromy.The direct coupled amp would only work if you still had your ML's and you let me butcher them! The direct amp drives the membranes directly so gets rid of the audio step-up trannie in the speakers.2kV down your speaker cables!:eyebrows:
That's what I thought... I remember you saying Nick had designed it to directly drive ESL's.
I was looking at Audioromy stuff today on fleabay, prices seem reasonable ATM.
Ali Tait
08-09-2009, 20:33
Yeah they're not too bad.They were cheaper last year though! All Chinese stuff seems to be creeping up in price...
That Audioromy has rather bad manners.... It's a f*cking riot! :fingers:
:eyebrows:
Marco.
Ali Tait
08-09-2009, 20:50
Yes,you could say it can be,how shall I put it? A little "outspoken" on occasion. :)
Sounds interesting! :smoking:
What are they like with UK mains?... I seem to remember Ali saying the internal construction was a bit, err... shite! :lolsign:
I don't mind that so much though, as long as the basic ingredients are there then there's scope for further improvements for paper round money (in the grand scheme of things, that is). If, however, it's going to need major surgery (new mains tranny for instance) before it's safe then it's always nice to know in advance! :eyebrows:
OTOH... I've still got a huge urge to have a go at a DIY WAD300B clone, I've got all the schematics 'n stuff... but what about the transformers? I don't have the spec's for them so dunno where to start! :confused:
Ali Tait
09-09-2009, 09:37
Well the internal construction is a bit shite,but all voltages are in spec and it sounds pretty damn good! I think there would be a lot of scope for improvement though-given the shite construction I doubt the trannies are any great shakes,yet the amp sounds great.I think it could be something special with top components and trannies.
This red colour is going to have to go... it makes me wince every time I walk in the room! :lol:
Beechwoods
09-09-2009, 20:21
At least it doesn't make you angry :steam: :lol:
Built rather well with quite a few choice components... pretty good stuff. :)
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5926/p1013948.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7), shot with u30D,S410D,u410D (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=u30D%2CS410D%2Cu410D&make=OLYMPUS+CORPORATION) at 2009-09-09
Ali Tait
09-09-2009, 21:46
Very nice Mike! 11 out of 10,you get a gold star for that one! :lolsign:
P.S. If I was at home I'd post a pic of the guts of the Audioromy.Might give you nighmares though. :)
Very nice Mike! 11 out of 10,you get a gold star for that one! :lolsign:
I didn't build it, thats how they come out of the box. ;)
And I spelt 'giblets' wrong! :doh: :lol:
Ali Tait
09-09-2009, 22:13
Ok,so what is it then?
Ti's a Melody Astro Black 50... http://www.melody-europe.com/UK/AB50.htm
Ti's a Melody Astro Black 50... http://www.melody-europe.com/UK/AB50.htm
Careful with that link, according to Firefox Melody-Europe is a reported attack site. That doesn't mean that there is anything dodgy about Melody but their website could well have been compromised by a third party, proceed with caution.
Careful with that link, according to Firefox Melody-Europe is a reported attack site. That doesn't mean that there is anything dodgy about Melody but their website could well have been compromised by a third party, proceed with caution.
Strange... non of my multitude of security gizmo's reports anything. :scratch:
Better safe than sorry though... :smoking:
Gonna try a new (to me) speaker cable a bit later. :)
Varun has kindly sent me some 'The Missing Link' Slingshot cable to try which should be interesting, I've fancied trying some of their speaker cable for ages. Surprisingly slim stuff, it is! :smoking:
Gave it a go last night, sounded promising. :)
Then I popped a KT88 and fun & games went home for an early bath! :(
Ali Tait
11-09-2009, 17:09
Not good Mike.:( I've been lucky in that regard,I've never had an output bottle go on me.Lost a few rectifiers though!
Well it's bound to happen sooner or later. :eyebrows:
It was a bit undramatic actually, I was thinking the volume control seemed to need quite a bit more 'leaning on' than usual when I noticed one of the valves had stopped glowing. Bye bye heater... :(
Nightmare, Mikey... Does your amp need matched Quads or can you get away with replacing the dud one, as long as it measures as close as possible to the rest?
If so, Anthony's yer man, as he's got quite a few KT88s kicking around and could measure one for you before sending it :)
Marco.
Nightmare, Mikey... Does your amp need matched Quads or can you get away with replacing the dud one, as long as it measures as close as possible to the rest?
If so, Anthony's yer man, as he's got quite a few KT88s kicking around and could measure one for you before sending it :)
Marco.
S'ok... I have all the original valves as spares.
Nae worries :smoking:
Marco.
Ali Tait
11-09-2009, 18:06
At least it didn't short and take out some caps and resistors!
Anyone else using these?
I'm trying to find some cables that work well with them, I've tried a few so far but non of then sound quite right. Silver plated copper seems to be out, the ones I've tried so far sound great to start with, but after a short acclimatisation period it becomes clear that they are (to some degree or other) a bit tiering to listen to.
Maybe some good fat copper stuff is the way to go with these?... Anyone played this game? :scratch:
Anthony will confirm or deny this, but I'm told that all this matching valves into pairs or quads goes out the window within a few hours of use anyway. A pair of valves should normally mesh together well all on their own, as long as you're not using a knackered one with a brand new example - a qualified radio chappie suggested that they should ideally be changed in pairs - old pair out, new pair in, as near as possible..
Anyway, a heater blowing isn't the same as the terminal KT66 on one of the Quads, which crackles through the speakers and glows bright red inside given half a chance. It's definitely the valve, as the problem swaps channels with it..
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 17:51
Dave,yes that's quite true.Makes me a bit sorry for all those people that pay a lot of money for "premium" matched valves.It really isn't that necessary.I've said it before,but near enough really is good enough!
As an aside,when Nick was designing the direct-coupled amp,since it is a PP amp,he decided to incorporate a Blumlein-Gartner circuit (I think that's what it's called) This allows the use of any old valves in the output to be used as it balances the current between each valve in each channel,so if you are using say,NOS 813's or GM70's for instance,you can just buy four single valves from any source and they wiil work perfectly in the amp.Clever!
Wonder why commercial amps don't use it? Or perhaps they do and I'm not aware. :scratch:
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 18:07
Mike,I have some different cables you could try,including a 3m pair of 10mm squared twin and earth that I haven't tried yet! What are you doing next weekend? I'm thinking it's about time I brought the amps down to try on the end of those yammies. :eyebrows:
Anthony will confirm or deny this, but I'm told that all this matching valves into pairs or quads goes out the window within a few hours of use anyway. A pair of valves should normally mesh together well all on their own, as long as you're not using a knackered one with a brand new example - a qualified radio chappie suggested that they should ideally be changed in pairs - old pair out, new pair in, as near as possible..
Anyway, a heater blowing isn't the same as the terminal KT66 on one of the Quads, which crackles through the speakers and glows bright red inside given half a chance. It's definitely the valve, as the problem swaps channels with it..
Hi Dave,
I had the complete set of (hardly used) original valves included with the purchase of the amp, so put the whole set in. The amp is 'fixed' bias which, somewhat confusingly, means it's manually adjusted. So matched sets are unnecessary anyway.
In an amp with self bias (AKA cathode bias) there may be a point with matched valves. But as you and Ali say, the matching only lasts 'so long' anyway... ;)
Mike,I have some different cables you could try,including a 3m pair of 10mm squared twin and earth that I haven't tried yet! What are you doing next weekend? I'm thinking it's about time I brought the amps down to try on the end of those yammies. :eyebrows:
Sounds good, I'll double check with Mrs H and PM you! ;)
Cheers...
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 19:33
Jolly good! Look forward to it. :)
I'm a numpty! :mental:
I've got a works 'do' next Saturday... is the weekend after any good? :o
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 20:43
Yes,should be fine,unless my good lady comes up with something.Will let you know.Will give me a chance to see if I can fix the hum on the WAD 300b!
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 21:24
I really wanna hear the 813 on those yammies! :eyebrows:
Spectral Morn
25-09-2009, 21:44
I heard NS1000's on the end of a Musical fidelity Tri-Vista Amplifier and matching SACD player the cable was Kimber 8TC The black and brown twisted one... Sounded amazing. Your Melody would be a bit warmer than a Tri-Vista amplifier. The Iron Fist in a velvet glove is how they called MF sound then. Yes but it was also musical...not something MF is now/or last time I heard them KW500 etc.
Regards D S D L
I really wanna hear the 813 on those yammies! :eyebrows:
Me too! :eyebrows: :)
I heard NS1000's on the end of a Musical fidelity Tri-Vista Amplifier and matching SACD player the cable was Kimber 8TC The black and brown twisted one... Sounded amazing. Your Melody would be a bit warmer than a Tri-Vista amplifier. The Iron Fist in a velvet glove is how they called MF sound then. Yes but it was also musical...not something MF is now/or last time I heard them KW500 etc.
Regards D S D L
It's 'on notice' at the moment... It's quite powerful for a 4 x KT88 amp, but the sound isn't quite 'there'. My previous WD88VA would have show it a clean pair of heels, I'm quite sure. :smoking:
Mrs H loves it coz it's quite 'pokey' and looks pretty smart (even if I say so myself ;))... but the sound, well....... almost! ;)
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 21:54
Maybe it's the pokey bit she likes! :lolsign: :lolsign:
Maybe it's the pokey bit she likes! :lolsign: :lolsign:
Oi!... ;)
Actually, yer absolutely right!... she likes a bit of power! Erm, I'd better shut up now! :eyebrows: :lolsign: :lol:
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 22:28
Time for a bit of SE finesse methinks..... :lolsign:
Time for a bit of SE finesse methinks..... :lolsign:
Works for me!.... Err.... this is starting to sound a bit wrong now. I'd better shut up! ;) :eyebrows:
Ali Tait
25-09-2009, 22:33
:lol:
Primalsea
26-09-2009, 08:21
Doesnt DAvid Price use a WAD KT88 with the Yams? He says the bottom end is a bit loose but very musical if I remember correctly.
anthonyTD
26-09-2009, 12:58
hi mike,
just picked up on this thread, i use townshend flat copper cable,but with the zoble networks removed [not needed for valve amps] they are very good, i have changed to lots of other cables in my system over the years but come back to these, they are the best all-round cable i have tried and they work very well in my system.
i have a brand new set here, i think they are 3 or 4 mtr length if your interested.
regards,anthony,TD.
anthonyTD
26-09-2009, 13:08
hi all,
as for valve matching, well yes it is important in push-pull amps to get two that match in current and GM, the reason they need to be matched current wise is simple and i will explain, for example, if you had one KT88 that drew 70ma at say 22neg grid bias and one that measured 80ma then the 10ma diffrence would become a standing current in the transformer core, push-pull output transformers are not designed to handle standing current in their cores, [unlike single ended class A ] in extreem cases the core can saturate if the current diffrence is subtancialy diffrent between both valves.
the diffrence in GM is also important as it will give rise to diffrences in drive causing higher distortion.
all the output valves i supply are burt in to match and will usualy age similarly over their usefull life, hence keeping the all important balance criteria needed in push-pull designs.
if however your amp has the facility to adjust each output valve individualy then the current draw diffrence can be corrected, but the GM diffrence is still an issue.
hope this helps.
regards,anthony,TD...
hi mike,
just picked up on this thread, i use townshend flat copper cable,but with the zoble networks removed [not needed for valve amps] they are very good, i have changed to lots of other cables in my system over the years but come back to these, they are the best all-round cable i have tried and they work very well in my system.
i have a brand new set here, i think they are 3 or 4 mtr length if your interested.
regards,anthony,TD.
Ooh, that sounds interesting! :)
I've got a feeling they might be expensive though... :(
Doesnt DAvid Price use a WAD KT88 with the Yams? He says the bottom end is a bit loose but very musical if I remember correctly.
I thought it was a modded 5881? :scratch:
anthonyTD
26-09-2009, 19:48
Ooh, that sounds interesting! :)
I've got a feeling they might be expensive though... :(
hi mike,
their not cheap, originaly purchased for around £500,[probably a bit more now] i will accept £200. as stated they are mint and in their original can container.
regards,anthony,TD...
Here's the innards of my latest acquisition, not the neatest thing at the moment. But that will change. :)
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2303/p1014524.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7), shot with u30D,S410D,u410D (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=u30D%2CS410D%2Cu410D&make=OLYMPUS+CORPORATION) at 2009-12-15
And here's the re-capped driver board....
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/8666/p1014532.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7), shot with u30D,S410D,u410D (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=u30D%2CS410D%2Cu410D&make=OLYMPUS+CORPORATION) at 2009-12-15
I still need to track down the culprit that's causing a buzzing noise on the left channel though. So far it's defied all attempts at being unearthed. :scratch:
I'm getting lots of help from the good folk over on the WD forum though, so I've got high hopes of getting it sorted! :)
Cheers...
Hi Mikey,
I'm getting lots of help from the good folk over on the WD forum though, so I've got high hopes of getting it sorted!
Have you asked people here too in our D.I.Y room? There are also a number of knowledgeable good folk here that I'm sure could help :)
Oh, and lastly, what the hell is it? :lol:
A picture of the 'outards' would be good for those of us of a non-D.I.Y bent ;)
Marco.
Ali Tait
27-12-2009, 13:33
Marco,it's an original WAD 300b PP amp.
Have you asked people here too in our D.I.Y room? There are also a number of knowledgeable good folk here that I'm sure could help :)
Not really. Those here who are likely to know about this amp will almost certainly be members of WD too, at a guess. There are folk over there who know this amp inside out, so there's no better place to ask IMHO! :)
Oh, and lastly, what the hell is it? :lol:
It's a WAD300B-PP.
A picture of the 'outards' would be good for those of us of a non-D.I.Y bent ;)
All in good time, sir! ;)
Ah... Now I know it's a WAD300B-PP, that explains why you pitched your query to people on the WD forum! :eyebrows:
If I'd known that in the first place, I would'nt have posted what I did ;)
Hope you had a nice Christmas, btw - you've been pretty quiet about it all :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
27-12-2009, 13:47
He's been trying to get his new amp sorted!
Marco,it's an original WAD 300b PP amp.
Cheers, Ali. It wasn't exactly obvious before to those not 'in the know' ;)
Marco.
Hope you had a nice Christmas, btw - you've been pretty quiet about it all :)
Coz I've had a pretty quiet Christmas... Just the way I like it! ;)
Cool - nice one :cool:
Marco.
Ali Tait
27-12-2009, 15:13
So,buzzing aside Mike,how's the amp sounding with all the new caps in?
So,buzzing aside Mike,how's the amp sounding with all the new caps in?
They've had no time to settle in yet, Ali, so it's sounding a bit 'forward' ATM. From past experience with RIFA's they can take a while to burn-in so I'm confident that it should end up sounding really detailed but smooth with it. :)
Ali Tait
29-12-2009, 10:52
Like the new avatar!
More pic's... might be for sale soon. Very soon in fact! :)
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4208/p1014603.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7).
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4421/dscf0020yh.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7).
It's not going to win any beauty contests, but I'd happily put this up against any amp in the world (this side of £10K) for the quality of it's midrange and top end! There's a few amps that would beat it for 'bass slam' though. ;)
What's replacing ya baby then, Mikey or is that top secret? :eyebrows:
Btw, are those Russian military grade teflon coupling caps I can spy there? :)
I put some of the SCR Teflons from Hi-fi Collective in the Croft and they're bloody amazing - Ali was right! :cool:
Marco.
Btw, are those Russian military grade teflon coupling caps I can spy there? :)
Yes.
And the rest is completely 'top secret' for the time being! ;)
Hehehe... Thought so! ) 0.22uF? They're bloody superb :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
26-03-2010, 20:58
What's replacing ya baby then, Mikey or is that top secret? :eyebrows:
Btw, are those Russian military grade teflon coupling caps I can spy there? :)
I put some of the SCR Teflons from Hi-fi Collective in the Croft and they're bloody amazing - Ali was right! :cool:
Marco.
Telt Ye!!
Aye, ye were an 'o... Ah suppose ye hud tae be right oboot somefin in yur life! :lol:
Ay'll be daen a wee write-up in the D.I.Y room aboot them, so keep yur peepers peeled, daftee! ;)
Marco.
Ali Tait
26-03-2010, 21:16
How many hours do you have on them?
About 72 hours on them at the moment, matey, and they just sound fabulous!
They definitely open up more as you use them, but the clarity is just stunning, and it's done in a way that's not 'pushed' at you, or fatiguing in any way - happy days! :cool:
Marco.
Ali Tait
26-03-2010, 22:04
Yep,as I said! worth the money methinks.
Yup - probably the best £100-odd quid I've ever spent on my system :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
26-03-2010, 23:13
Aye,I said when I'd fitted mine that it was the biggest single component upgrade I'd ever heard.
It's all gone a bit wrong... :(
The guy I was going to buy the new amps from received an offer he couldn't refuse and I couldn't hope to match.
I sold my VPI tonearm and then had a change of heart on the one I was going to buy. So I'm armless.
On top of that, my silver disk spinner is playing up again! :steam:
And I've run out of money.
Cock!
Now what? :scratch:
Oh well, in the meantime I shall entertain myself with a few tweaks to the WAD300B amp...
New Soniqs ICT input wiring. Doesn't look like much but I know from previous experience how well this stuff works. It's a bit of a cow to use though.
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7471/dscf0074ik.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2010-05-15
New hum-bucker pots. One of mine 'rustles' a bit when turned so they may as well be replaced while I'm inside.
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7949/dscf0072dy.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2010-05-15
Planar wound non inductive resistors. For the 300B cathodes.
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/198/dscf0070v.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2010-05-15
Swanky new valve sockets. CNC machined Teflon bodies with gold plated pure copper contacts, I've got some B9A's for the input valves too... dunno where I've put them though. :scratch:
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2338/dscf0075a.jpg
By Shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Shian7) at 2010-05-15
Selection of different 5687's and a new 6072 to have a play with...
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/8334/dscf0068vp.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2010-05-15
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/273/dscf0065y.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2010-05-15
Shiny new (old stock) Mullard CV378 (GZ37). Not telling how much this cost me, but it was an utter bargain! ;)
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/591/dscf0077wj.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2010-05-15
At least they should keep me busy for a few hours! :)
Anyone remember these Yammys?
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8885/p1013891.jpg
By Shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Shian7) at 2009-08-29
Well, they are no more!
Take a look here: http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3396&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
:)
Reid Malenfant
15-06-2011, 19:48
I loves Yamaha NS1000+ speakers (when i say 1000+ i mean any of the 1000 or higher series), nothing else like them in my opinion :)
Maybe it's why i bought 3 pairs :eyebrows:
I just couldn't part with the drivers (mid & treble), stuff the enclosures even though as standard they are pretty damn good. I kept one pristine pair of enclosures, the rest saw the blunt end of a sledge hammer after removing anything handy :cool:
Here's some nice ones... :)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160602699368&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Ooh...lurvely (although I quite liked the red) :)
Marco.
I replaced NS1000's with some ES14's, these latter seeming to climb in value now to a good few hundred notes.
The collapse and probable death of the more popular midrange audio market has left the few customers for this stuff buying classic used "legacy" gear it now seems. Don't know how Arcam are doing these days, but Rega seem to be rising to the challenge :)
Reid Malenfant
15-06-2011, 19:57
Here's some nice ones... :)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160602699368&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Yeah, typical - collection only due to huge mass & that's no kidding :eyebrows:
Never mind, i have all i need driver wise & thankfully all good to! I remember auditioning a pair & the hifi shop didn't notice the dead tweeter on one channel, cost them over £200 to replace it with a consequent increase in price ;)
Of course we remember them Mike! Looking lovely in their new suits! :)
Hope you're well, BTW and life isn't too bad these days.
Beechwoods
16-06-2011, 06:05
Nice one Mike - a really professional job!
Yeah, typical - collection only due to huge mass & that's no kidding :eyebrows:
Never mind, i have all i need driver wise & thankfully all good to! I remember auditioning a pair & the hifi shop didn't notice the dead tweeter on one channel, cost them over £200 to replace it with a consequent increase in price ;)
I'm considering some sort of tweeter protection actually... New ones are like rocking horse crap these days!
Hope you're well, BTW and life isn't too bad these days.
Hi Alex,
Actually, life's pretty damn good at the moment... thanks for asking! :)
Nice one Mike - a really professional job!
I really don't think Colin knows any other way! :)
Reid Malenfant
16-06-2011, 16:23
I'm considering some sort of tweeter protection actually... New ones are like rocking horse crap these days!
No kidding :eek: I'd suggest these Mike (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250429561888&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT) :)
I'm nothing to do with the post. They look to be able to give decent protection though without strangling things ;) Bought 2 sets myself..
Ah excellent! thanks for that, Mark.
Bet you any money they're exactly what's used in THESE! (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tweeter-protector-Yamaha-NS1000-NS-1000m-NS1000m-/250833684935?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3a66da49c7) ;)
Reid Malenfant
16-06-2011, 17:06
Aye, i did my research as well :lolsign: If they aren't the same then they are sure as hell similar & will do the same job at the end of the day :)
Agreed! I've ordered a pair, seeing as the 'speakers are going to get re-wired now would seem the right time! :)
Cheers...
P.S. I have a few AV questions too so I'll pop into the AV room later and start pestering! :eyebrows:
Reid Malenfant
16-06-2011, 17:49
No worries Mike, if i don't know about it i'll ignore it :lolsign:
.... to fit this tomorrow! :uhho:
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5626/img0669u.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2118/img0671vq.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6555/img0670o.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
Scares the crap out of me fitting these things! :sofa:
Beechwoods
04-05-2012, 21:48
:eek: You can see its bits!
:eek: You can see its bits!
Yes... and I can distroy them in an instant!
Reid Malenfant
04-05-2012, 21:50
Why do I get the impression that was expensive? :scratch: Could it be the fancy box :eyebrows:
Nick, you shouldn't be looking :lol:
"Allnic Verito Z".... Google it!
Beechwoods
04-05-2012, 21:52
Don't tell me mum :)
Reid Malenfant
04-05-2012, 21:55
"Alnic Verito Z".... Google it!
Well I wasn't wrong :eek:
Beechwoods
04-05-2012, 22:00
You are a very lucky man Mike. Maybe a Scotch beforehand might steady the nerves. I'm sure it will be worth it.
I got it for a very good price. I'm still terrified of it though!
There's been a few new gadgets in the system recently, I hope the Allnic doesn't end up being a wrong turn like these might turn out to be...
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4790/img0207os.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-02
I'm quite enjoying this though.
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/5843/img0632u.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-02
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2992/img0636ln.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-02
.... to fit this tomorrow! :uhho:
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5626/img0669u.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2118/img0671vq.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6555/img0670o.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
Scares the crap out of me fitting these things! :sofa:
Get a proper arm with a detachable headshell, and you'll be fine! :eyebrows: ;)
Seriously though, that's a very interesting cartridge. I remember reading it about it last year in one of the mags. Hope it hits the spot for ya, dude!
Marco.
I'll probably snap the cantilever off... :rolleyes:
Nah - you'll be fine, as long as yer sober! ;)
What made you try one of those babies, btw?
Marco.
It was offered to me, so I took a punt. Simple as that! :)
Ah, silly me, I thought you'd done some research on it, or sumfin', first. Apologies for being daft! :D
It got a pretty good write-up anyway, in HFW, I think.
Marco.
Well, I did have a think about for a while and do a bit of reading. ;)
These arrived like this. Not happy. :(
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/29/img0624y.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5645/img0625ih.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/8480/img0628m.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8542/img0629xc.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-05-04
Bugger!
Shit, that's PISH... I feel your pain, dude! :(
Was there any extra protection around the valves, in the form of bubble wrap, or whatever, or were they just plonked inside the box, as shown in the pics?
If not, that's really shoddy and insufficient packaging, considering how delicate big valves like that are.
I presume that the supplier/seller will refund or replace them?
Marco.
Ali Tait
05-05-2012, 08:49
Aye, I had that happen to a pair of 845's, what a bummer! what's the amp Mike?
That Allnic cartridge looks very interesting but it's BIG! I'm not sure it would fit all arms/headshells. What arm is it going in? It's low output, so how will you be boosting it?
A 12" PU7 into the phono stage I built a few years back. There's a thread about it in the DIY section somewhere , the output is similar to my AT ART1...
what's the amp Mike?
Those Jolida Music Envoy 211's a page or two back, Ali.
Ali Tait
05-05-2012, 11:14
Nice. Whaddaya think of them? Do you still have the 300b?
Nice. Whaddaya think of them? Do you still have the 300b?
Yep, I've still got the WAD and prefer it by some margin, so far! :)
Ali Tait
05-05-2012, 11:30
Aye, 211's are difficult and expensive to do right IMHO. Get it right though and they are sublime..
FidelityArt
05-05-2012, 22:56
Hi Mike,
I would recomend investing in good isolation Rack.
It doesn't have to be one of mine, but will appreciate if considered.
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa405/sawik1977/FA/1ST_1796.jpg
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa405/sawik1977/FA/1ST_1806.jpg
Chris
Hi Mike,
I would recomend investing in good isolation Rack.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Yes, I'm sure that's good advice, it's something I'm going to look into. Those in your pic's look very nice, where can I find more info such as prices etc?
I've got some stands on the way for the JoLida's but the rest of the system could do with a good home... trouble is, I'm not sure which components are staying or going at the moment. Tricky!
FidelityArt
06-05-2012, 22:23
Mike,
Are you far away from Doncaster? Any chance you can pop in for a demo?
The shelves in the Rack are suspented on string mechanism which is hidden inside the legs.
http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa405/sawik1977/FA/DSC_0153copy.jpg
More info on http://www.fidelityart.co.uk/furniture/
Regards
Chris
Mike,
Are you far away from Doncaster?
Err, no. I was there quite recently for my sisters funeral. Sorry, that sounds a bit morose.... but it's the first thing that popped into my head! :scratch:
FidelityArt
06-05-2012, 22:47
Don't know what to say, Mike. I say sorry.
Don't know what to say, Mike. I say sorry.
No, don't worry about it. My fault, I just went a bit weird for a moment! :scratch:
The racks look great, really! Once I've got an idea which bits will be staying I may well be in touch. They do look nice! :)
Cheers...
FidelityArt
06-05-2012, 23:09
You're always welcome, Mike.
You're always welcome, Mike.
Cheers... :)
Well, the Yammies have gone off to their new home, should be back in my old home town of Sheffield by now... I'll miss them. :(
Right up until their replacements arrive! :eek:
Let the guessing game commence.... :eyebrows:
I reckon something by Topsy or some Tannoys
Some species of baboons have blue arses... :lol:
http://asset0.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/sc/20605365-2-300-0.gif
A free digital interconnect cable to the fist correct answer. No clues! :eyebrows:
Uu
ADM9s! :D
Marco.
Nope.... and Tannoys are too small! :ner:
Lol... No doubt they'll be suitably bad-ass! :hairmetal: :hairmetal:
Marco.
Sand Dancin Donkey Walker
19-07-2012, 21:48
A free digital interconnect cable to the fist correct answer. No clues! :eyebrows:
Do I get a guess :ner:
Ho bugger, I already have one of your digital cable.
Had better leave the guessing game to the rest of the forum.
Andy - SDDW
Do I get a guess :ner:
Ho bugger, I already have one of your digital cable.
Had better leave the guessing game to the rest of the forum.
Andy - SDDW
You sir, are sworn to secrecy! ;)
Sand Dancin Donkey Walker
19-07-2012, 22:03
You sir, are sworn to secrecy! ;)
But you know what a total 'Gob S***e' I am.
Just to make things clear, I have no problems with bribery and corruption.
Highest bribe wins the low down :eyebrows: - NOT
Andy - SDDW
Spectral Morn
19-07-2012, 22:09
Usher's of the massive type.
Usher's of the massive type.
Nope... not even close. ;)
I smell something 'horny'....
Marco.
The Grand Wazoo
19-07-2012, 22:14
Big flat things then - Maggies?
Spectral Morn
19-07-2012, 22:14
Nope... not even close. ;)
drat I put 2 and 2 together i.e that Mr Donkey Walker had sold his 8571's to you.
Ali Tait
19-07-2012, 22:17
You sir, are sworn to secrecy! ;)
Tee Hee, me too! :ner:
Sand Dancin Donkey Walker
19-07-2012, 22:25
drat I put 2 and 2 together i.e that Mr Donkey Walker had sold his 8571's to you.
Hi Neil
The Ushers went early last year, have been running the VMPS RM40's since then.
But a good guess anyway.
Andy -SDDW
Big flat things then - Maggies?
Second choice actually, but nope. ;)
I smell something 'horny'....
Marco.
Wash yer nose out! :rolleyes:
Are we talking big and panelly?
Martin Logans?
Oh, is that the time?... must dash! :door:
:doh:
Why the ":doh:"?
I just needed to get my arse in gear and head off to work, you're still wrong! :D
:)
Horning
Dunlavy
ProAc
IMF
TDL
Wilson
:)
Horning
Dunlavy
ProAc
IMF
TDL
Wilson
Well Done, Martin!....
All wrong! :eek:
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 13:01
I've got it!
You're planning on getting these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KENWOOD-SPEAKERS-KL-777D-/190703428506?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudio HiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item2c66cf639a#ht_500wt_1361) aren't you Mike?
Nah, Mike realises now that ALL passively driven speakers boom in the bass and have severe phasey harshnes in the treble, so he's going to significantly upgrade his legacy system for a pair of these -
http://www.avihifi.co.uk/adm9.html
Even though these are the cheapie ones, I'm informed that they're so much better than anything passively driven that Mike could ever own, that he'll be absolutely delighted with them..... I mean, NS1000M's BOOMY???????????
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 13:24
.........no, maybe not!
Nah, Mike realises now that ALL passively driven speakers boom in the bass and have severe phasey harshnes in the treble, so he's going to significantly upgrade his legacy system for a pair of these -
http://www.avihifi.co.uk/adm9.html
Even though these are the cheapie ones, I'm informed that they're so much better than anything passively driven that Mike could ever own, that he'll be absolutely delighted with them..... I mean, NS1000M's BOOMY???????????
Marco beat you to that one, Dave! ;)
I'm a bit slower on the uptake than my usual snail's pace today - end of term and all that....
I sincerely hope that whatever you have your beadies on will give much enjoyment :)
Some big JBL's
Nope... ;)
I sincerely hope that whatever you have your beadies on will give much enjoyment :)
Ditto! :thumbsup:
*sigh* So far all attempts have been pretty rubbish, so let's play 20 questions. I will only answer yes or no! :eyebrows:
First question please...
Are they big?
Yes.
Question #2 please...
Are they "conventional" box speakers?
Are they "conventional" box speakers?
No.
Question #3 please...
Would you say that they work best with valve amps?
Marco.
Would you say that they work best with valve amps?
Marco.
No.
Question #4 please...
Do they smell of wee?
Marco.
Do they smell of wee?
Marco.
Yes.
Question #5 please...
Are they panels?
No.
Question #6 please...
Could one of them possibly be used as a suppository?
Marco.
Could one of them possibly be used as a suppository?
Marco.
Yes. But only for you! :D
Question #7 please...
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 18:39
Are they Apogee's?
Are they Apogee's?
No.
Question #8 please...
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 19:03
Are they Podiums?
Are they Podiums?
No.
Question #9 please...
Nearly half way through the questions folks, and there's an £80 cable up for grabs here!
If one or two of these questions had been thought about a bit more carefully we'd be quite a bit closer. Think, guys! ;)
As you were...
Are they open baffles?
No.
Question #10 please...
Actually, the last answer was a bit mean... ask it "properly" and the response might be different. Same for an earlier question from Martin. ;)
Right. Enough hints!
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 19:37
Are they dipoles?
Are they dipoles?
YES! :)
Question #11 please...
Polk
Jamo
No. (that's actually two questions, but I'll let it slide ;))
Question #12 please...
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 19:53
Do they require mains power to energise them?
Do they require mains power to energise them?
Yes.
Question #13 please...
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:05
Are they Quads?
Are they Quads?
No.
Question #14 please...
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:12
Audiostatic?
Audiostatic?
No.
Question #15 please...
Field coils?
Marco
No.
Question #16 please...
*Running out of questions folks!* ;)
Chris (or is it Pete?) has obviously narrowed it down to a certain genre... work with it! ;)
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:17
In that case, I reckon you're buying Ali's ER Audio's.
Sorry.............Question: Are you buying Ali's ER Audio's?
In that case, I reckon you're buying Ali's ER Audio's.
No.
Question #17 please...
Ali Tait
20-07-2012, 20:18
Nope, not selling those!!
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:18
It's Alfredo
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:19
I'll shut up now- I'm using up all the questions!
I'll shut up now- I'm using up all the questions!
I have already mentally assigned at least a phono plug to you, Alice. By far the best effort so far! ;)
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:23
That's very kind of you Mork - yer a gent!
That's very kind of you Mork - yer a gent!
Yer welcome, Garry!
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:25
I reckon there are only three more realistically possible answers, but there are only two questions left........is some punk gonna make Mindy's day?
#17, #18, #19, #20 still to go.... I make that four, Anne! ;)
Right... four questions left and if anyone is dimwitted enough not to realise it, Chris has narrowed it down to electrostatics. No more fuggin clues! :rolleyes:
Acoustat
I could be mean again here.... ;) (already guessed)
I could be mean again here.... ;) (already guessed)
:doh: should pay more attention
Oh, hang on, no it hasn't! :eek:
Ah never mind, my mistake so I'll let it go... ;)
Oh, hang on, no it hasn't! :eek:
Ah never mind, my mistake so I'll let it go... ;)
Just re-read it all to check my sanity :lol:
Bugger, I can't help myself, one last hint... think country of origin, they are not from the UK!
Martin (bloody) Logan (again?)
I've already said Martin Logan...
Sound Lab?
I've already said Martin Logan...
Sound Lab?
phew thats stopped me re-reading for a second time
I've already said Martin Logan...
Sound Lab?
Yes!
Now... which model! :eyebrows:
Only one guess this time! ;)
The Grand Wazoo
20-07-2012, 20:54
G'wan Martin, you can do it!
\i am going for the top of the range Majestic
you've gone all disco on us then :D
you've gone all disco on us then :D
Me? :lol:
Ermm.... :hmm:
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4233/fbimg13432368139069698.jpg
By shian7 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/shian7) at 2012-07-27
Jeez-us! Don't anyone ever say my speakers are large :stalks:
How do they sound? Hey, at least I got the brand right!
How do they sound?
Like they need a bigger room!
Wow! :eek: I'm impressed and not a little envious!
I remember hearing the Sound Lab A1's many years ago at a hi fi show. It was not a good demonstration, as the speakers were far too large for the room in which they were played.
Yours look too close to the rear wall. I think they might benefit from being move forward by at least three to four feet.
Yours look too close to the rear wall. I think they might benefit from being move forward by at least three to four feet.
Oh, most definitely! Note how they're sat on folded bath towels?... that's coz I'm constantly sliding them about. I'm actually giving very serious thought to completely removing a wall and two doorways. Honestly!
Mine are the A-3 models which are the, erm, "smallest" in the Audiophile range. Frankly, I think even these could do with a "room" the size of a f*#king castle! :mental:
Ali Tait
27-07-2012, 18:54
Wow very nice Mike. You should get good dispersion with the curvilinear fronts. Big statics are very good are they not? :eyebrows:
Beechwoods
27-07-2012, 19:25
They look fab Mike. Never heard any but I'd love to!
Awesome looking beasties, Mikey. They look like a total riot, so enjoy! :D :hairmetal:
Marco.
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