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symon
12-04-2009, 12:15
Ok, after many promises, here is my system.
I thought it would be good to show how it was when I joined, and how it is now (with a little bit of how I got between the two!)

So, here is my old system (apologies for rubbish photos!):
Front
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3434329060_8f33228e63_b.jpg
Side
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3434426210_22ee9c90bd_b.jpg
Speakers
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3434426212_7db94fa311_b.jpg

Very quickly, that is a Denon amp, matsui cdp, NAD tt, 2 TASCAM DAT decks, an MD deck, and some AE speakers

symon
12-04-2009, 12:21
The changes that brought me here and lead to my current system started with these little beauties:
Quad 405
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3433522315_b63d44a88d_b.jpg
Quad 33
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3434330524_aeebbf7042_b.jpg

Added to this was a Technics SL3 tt, same speakers but not bi-wired, and a Fusion cdp. Leading to my new system mk I:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3434331988_21930c76c1_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3433523757_82359b6e07_b.jpg

symon
12-04-2009, 12:28
Next, and this was the shift that really opened my eyes and ears, came the Pioneer PD-S703:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3434426214_516507213f.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3434426224_370f143288.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3434426230_1c7d567e77_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3434426234_1ba06947cf_b.jpg

Add in a Technics SL DD 33
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3433643097_f0e2866eb8_b.jpg

And we get to my system as it is today:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3433643093_b929aca219_b.jpg

symon
12-04-2009, 12:34
The Pioneer really was the link that lifted all this into new territory and finally helped me understand why the mad people here do what they do! And, so, I join the mad parade :lolsign:

What's next? Well, the Technics is nice, but not great. So, my next task is to get this beast working:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3433643087_845236730b_b.jpg
I will start a thread in the DIY section about this.

When funds allow, my next step will be a DAC.

So, there we are, a journey into hi fi over the course of a few months. And all done on the cheap - either free of at knockdown prices. So, I'm very happy.

Oh, and the other next step is to build stands for this lot so that they are separated from each other. I have some marble pastry boards, lazy suzannes, and glass cutting boards which I think I will use as stands for each component, on a frame made from Conti board shelves (or whatever I can find in the shed!). And, I intend to put Paul's suggestion to the test that tea towel holders make great feet!

Beechwoods
12-04-2009, 12:45
Thanks for posting some system pics up, Peter! That Pioneer really is a bit of a beast isn't it? And the speakers aren't retiring either! You seem to have been on a similar journey to me. From DAT, MD and an accumulation of modern bits back to the 'basics' of good, almost simple, tried and tested hi-fi components :)

Once you have your Lenco up and running I'd be interested to hear how that compares with the Technics DD.

symon
12-04-2009, 13:00
I'm fairly sure it's going to beat the pants off it!

symon
16-12-2014, 00:14
Hmm, I think it's time for an update. I still have some of the gear mentioned above, but none of it is in my current system (oh, except maybe the DAT deck). All change over the years. I'll try and get some photos up soon.

struth
16-12-2014, 00:38
51/2 years; I think so Simon:)

symon
16-03-2015, 23:31
The system as it is today. Very happy with all this.

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/IMG_1440_zpsqtjkqt4p.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/IMG_1440_zpsqtjkqt4p.jpg.html)

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/IMG_1437_zpsazwuhbgh.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/IMG_1437_zpsazwuhbgh.jpg.html)

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/IMG_1436_zpslntqxtbw.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/IMG_1436_zpslntqxtbw.jpg.html)

I do enjoy this set up, but I have little experience of other stuff, so I don't know how much better it could sound. I will no doubt do some speaker swapping in a gentle way just to get some idea of how different it could sound.

walpurgis
16-03-2015, 23:43
All coming together rather well Peter.

What are the speakers? They look like Linn to me.

symon
16-03-2015, 23:53
Thanks Geoff. Yeah, it's definitely gone up a few notches this year.
The speakers are Mission MX3s, that I bought new a few years ago. I bi-wired them recently, and that opened them up a bit more - a noticeable difference.

symon
16-03-2015, 23:58
I want to try some Celestion Ditton 15s for a while, then maybe some Spendor BC1s, and then possibly Tannoys of some sort. Just to give them a go. The idea being that I get a pair, live with them for a while, sell them on and get something new (whilst keeping hold of the Missions).
And, I wouldn't mind getting a Trichord Genesis transport at some point, and maybe a Monarchy Audio DAC if one turns up at the right time.

walpurgis
17-03-2015, 00:09
I want to try some Celestion Ditton 15s for a while, then maybe some Spendor BC1s, and then possibly Tannoys of some sort.

Why mess about Peter? Just get the Tannoys. A pair of 15" Berkleys with a few sensible mods will get you there. ;)

(then you'll find out what the rest of us Tannoy users have been on about. There's no going back once you've got the bug)

symon
17-03-2015, 00:11
Ha. Well, Tannoys have a high opinion of themselves, and charge accordingly.
Plus, I'm not a person who does mods at the moment. But, that could change.

symon
17-03-2015, 00:13
And, there's something about the journey, too. I like what I have, but only because I have very little to compare it too. Surely there must be some fun in trying out different stuff. :)

walpurgis
17-03-2015, 00:25
Ha. Well, Tannoys have a high opinion of themselves, and charge accordingly.
Plus, I'm not a person who does mods at the moment. But, that could change.

Well there's a pair of rare 3128 Cheviot II speakers in Ireland which may go at a sensible price. These are what I use and they sound absolutely superb, apart from a little rewiring they have no mods. They're notably better than the similar sized HPD Cheviots and Monitor Gold Chatsworths (which I've also owned in very good condition). A strong recommendation from me!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tannoy-Cheviot-Speakers-/161633040979?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item25a2147a53

symon
17-03-2015, 00:50
Thanks. I shall keep those in mind. Maybe look for some in England without the £150 postage :scratch:

jandl100
17-03-2015, 06:43
Nice looking system. I've not come across those Mission speakers before - sounds like they do it for you, Peter. But yes, a little speaker swapping is enormous fun when done sensibly.
Interesting that the presumably quite low power valve amp (el84?) manages to drive them well. Power is often overrated, ime! - it can be surprising what a low power amp can achieve.
-- EDIT: Ah, OK, just checked the Missions out. Low price but good according to the usually reliable WHF review. 89dB/W - yep, that should boogie!

You mentioned the T-word (Tannoy :eyebrows:) - not my cuppa char, but a marmite flavour definitely worth trying if the sound appeals to you. And you aren't too far from Paul @RFC who can do wonders with Tannoy mods and is a great source for advice. :thumbsup:

In the sort of used price range you are considering, the real standout speaker from my speaker swapping days was a pair of JBL L110 Monitors - blimey! - cost me less than £150 iirc, and one of the best speakers I have owned at any price! Definitely worth looking out for a pair of JBLs of that sort of vintage (late 70s early 80s). :)
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/image.php?u=52924&dateline=1229454430

petrat
17-03-2015, 07:06
The KEL84 amp is a little star .. not just in VFM terms, but in absolute performance. You'll have to go a long way up the upgrade path before you'll get anything significantly better IME. If you've just got the standard kit components installed, consider getting some better signal capacitors, which would bring clear improvements for relatively little outlay. It's a job that most technicians familiar with valve gear can do, as it is a simple circuit (also, see World Designs forum).

struth
17-03-2015, 11:12
Nice looking system. I've not come across those Mission speakers before - sounds like they do it for you, Peter. But yes, a little speaker swapping is enormous fun when done sensibly.
Interesting that the presumably quite low power valve amp (el84?) manages to drive them well. Power is often overrated, ime! - it can be surprising what a low power amp can achieve.
-- EDIT: Ah, OK, just checked the Missions out. Low price but good according to the usually reliable WHF review. 89dB/W - yep, that should boogie!

You mentioned the T-word (Tannoy :eyebrows:) - not my cuppa char, but a marmite flavour definitely worth trying if the sound appeals to you. And you aren't too far from Paul @RFC who can do wonders with Tannoy mods and is a great source for advice. :thumbsup:

In the sort of used price range you are considering, the real standout speaker from my speaker swapping days was a pair of JBL L110 Monitors - blimey! - cost me less than £150 iirc, and one of the best speakers I have owned at any price! Definitely worth looking out for a pair of JBLs of that sort of vintage (late 70s early 80s). :)
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/image.php?u=52924&dateline=1229454430

you sell the crown Jerry? thought you loved it.

jandl100
17-03-2015, 11:32
you sell the crown Jerry? thought you loved it.

Yup, excellent amp - I still have it - but due to amplifier turnover it's now on my "to be sold" shelf. :eyebrows:

symon
19-03-2015, 01:46
The KEL84 amp is a little star .. not just in VFM terms, but in absolute performance. You'll have to go a long way up the upgrade path before you'll get anything significantly better IME. If you've just got the standard kit components installed, consider getting some better signal capacitors, which would bring clear improvements for relatively little outlay. It's a job that most technicians familiar with valve gear can do, as it is a simple circuit (also, see World Designs forum).
Thanks. Yes, I am very pleased with it. It's very easy and sounds splendid. I think if I do get around to changing it, it will probably be replaced with a pre and power amp. I was sorely tempted by Vinylspinners WD power amp - especially as my amp came from him, too!

symon
19-03-2015, 01:56
Those JBLs sound interesting, Jerry. I'll keep an eye out for them.

But, I think, a pair of Dittons will do to start. I have a few options for getting some, just need to wait for things to fall into place.

Other than that, I'll be looking out for a reasonably priced Trichord CD transport. I really enjoy the Pioneer stable platter, very pleasing to use.

And, a Monarchy Audio DAC might be nice. I've got a Cambridge Audio Azur DACmagic which is doing good things. Not ready to change DACs yet, but will consider it down the line a bit. May be tempted by something other than a Monarchy.

And my Ariston RD80 is wonderful. I really need to set it up properly and put in the Nagaoka cartridge I have for it. But, without all that, it already sounds lovely. Not sure quite where I'd go next in this area. Maybe a Rega? And, I have a Dino with the standard psu. I'm not sure I want to spend what I consider to be lots to upgrade it. Hmmm.

So, yeah, lots of fun now, with more fun to come.

vinylspinner
19-03-2015, 07:54
Hi Peter,

Glad that you are still enjoying the KEL84, it really is a great little amp for the money, I actually miss it tbh.

Nigel



Thanks. Yes, I am very pleased with it. It's very easy and sounds splendid. I think if I do get around to changing it, it will probably be replaced with a pre and power amp. I was sorely tempted by Vinylspinners WD power amp - especially as my amp came from him, too!

symon
19-03-2015, 09:05
Nigel, thanks. It has been doing sterling service since I got it. You can't have it back. ;)

symon
08-06-2015, 23:19
Some changes have occured.

First, these have grown on me a lot since I got them. Thought I'd made a terrible mistake when I first heard them, but they just needed to wake up a bit. They've woken up and I'm really enjoying them:
Celestion Ditton 15s on Atacama stands:
http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/011_zpsrqzl51bj.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/011_zpsrqzl51bj.jpg.html)

But, the real joy has been the new record deck - a GL75 on a DIY plinth, with an RB300 and a Linn Asak MC cartridge. Amazing (thanks Steve)!
http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/012_zpss37uyvel.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/012_zpss37uyvel.jpg.html)
http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/026_zpscfyvlcms.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/026_zpscfyvlcms.jpg.html)

struth
08-06-2015, 23:22
Likes that deck but couldnt afford it at the time. glad it found a good home. is that a wad kel84 integrated?

symon
08-06-2015, 23:38
It's amazing, to the point of my search being over for record decks (phono stages is another matter, though).
Yes, it's integrated. It is lovely, and I really enjoy it. I've occasionally thought about trying other things, but I like this too much to get beyond idle thoughts of not using it.

struth
11-06-2015, 22:57
It's amazing, to the point of my search being over for record decks (phono stages is another matter, though).
Yes, it's integrated. It is lovely, and I really enjoy it. I've occasionally thought about trying other things, but I like this too much to get beyond idle thoughts of not using it.

I have the power version of the wad. identical bar the lack of vc and selector I believe. they are great amps and sound more powerful than there 16 watt rating

symon
11-06-2015, 23:06
Yes, I was tempted by that. But I don't have a preamp to go with it. They are lovely and, seemingly, hard to beat. Steve (accudazed) heard it the other week and was impressed.

symon
11-06-2015, 23:08
I'm considering a trichord genisis as a potential upgrade for my cdp. And then I have to decide about getting a psu for my trichord dino. Hmm.

struth
11-06-2015, 23:09
Yes, I was tempted by that. But I don't have a preamp to go with it. They are lovely and, seemingly, hard to beat. Steve (accudazed) heard it the other week and was impressed.

A passive is the way to go with the power version as I found out...especially a tvc......i'm very happy now............. Really like that deck.. its a classic

symon
11-06-2015, 23:11
The deck is amazing. Really enjoying vinyl now. Certainly beats my cd set up.
And, yes, I did wonder about using a passive preamp. Maybe one day.

struth
11-06-2015, 23:13
I'm considering a trichord genisis as a potential upgrade for my cdp. And then I have to decide about getting a psu for my trichord dino. Hmm.

Used to have a mk1 dino and liked it, but just had the normal psu. The psu upgrade is supposed to be good, but not cheap. as for the cdp, I dont like spending too much on those things as they always seem to break(with me anyways) I am using a pioneer 717 dvd player as a transport. cost me £40 all in and couldn't be happier with it

symon
11-06-2015, 23:18
I'm happy with my pioneer cdp. I've got my eye on a deck at the moment which may soon drop to a price I won't be able to resist.
I did try a £10 DVD player, second hand from bhf, and it carried itself remarkably well. So that's another option to consider in the future.
The dino upgrade is expensive, but then so is a better phono stage. It'll be a difficult decision. I did hear Steve's ifi phono stage which was just that bit sweeter than the dino.

struth
11-06-2015, 23:22
I think my Schiit Mani is better than the basic dino so worth a thought. does mc carts quite well too...tried it the other day again and have to say I could live with it happily enough. not quite a firebottle but quite close considering its low price,

symon
11-06-2015, 23:28
Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Apparently my deck sounds infinitely better through an LFD two box phono stage. But they are very expensive (for me, anyway).

symon
11-06-2015, 23:46
Oh, and yes, a firebottle could also be interesting.

symon
22-06-2015, 16:52
The firebottle 2 was interesting!
I also have some new toys that went in today. These were £20 on Gumtree - seemed to good an offer to refuse!

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/024_zpsn1seq3w2.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/024_zpsn1seq3w2.jpg.html)

At first I thought they were a bit, well, boring. But, they are waking up. They are at least on a par with the Celestion Ditton 15s. I'm not convinced they are better, but they might be.

symon
17-08-2015, 21:20
It's time for a quick catch up.
The Tannoy Mercury's were nice, but not nice enough.I now have some lovely Mordaunt Short Pageants in, which are stunning.
http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/004_zpsmgcq2ili.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/004_zpsmgcq2ili.jpg.html)

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/003_zpsra2jv0dc.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/003_zpsra2jv0dc.jpg.html)

And, the Trichord Dino and Cambridge Audio DACmagic have been replaced with an ifi and the stunning Theta Progeny
http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/011_zpszbwdqlaa.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/011_zpszbwdqlaa.jpg.html)

http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o575/Turnpikeside/013_zpsxwgpxpwr.jpg (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Turnpikeside/media/013_zpsxwgpxpwr.jpg.html)

It's sounding great. The speaker shuffling will continue for a while, although I'm not sure what's next. I liked the Dittons a lot, so maybe some Celestion Ditton 33s? Or some IMF speakers? Or, proper Tannoys? We'll see. I'm happy with the Pageants for now.
And, for main components, the next thing on the list is a Trichord Genisis (Genesis?) as a transport. I really like the Pioneer stable platter, so the Trichord fettled version sounds like a good next step. I can wait for one of those to turn up at the right price.

Right, back to listening to some tunes!

struth
17-08-2015, 21:40
Very good Peter. The Paegents are very nice speakers. Awad integrated as well... Ive the power version. 16 watts of loveliness

symon
17-08-2015, 21:43
Thanks.
Yeah, the amp. every now and then I wonder what other boxes might sound like, but I just can't imagine not having this amp. I am very happy with it. Adding things around it that are equally lovely has been a fun game and I'm nearly there. Although, I don't know where the speaker swapping will lead.

struth
17-08-2015, 21:48
Thanks.
Yeah, the amp. every now and then I wonder what other boxes might sound like, but I just can't imagine not having this amp. I am very happy with it. Adding things around it that are equally lovely has been a fun game and I'm nearly there. Although, I don't know where the speaker swapping will lead.

As long as they are sensitive speakers you will be fine. Plenty great ones out there that wont break the bank. Ive done my speakers swapping and have all the boxes to prove it. 9 sets at last count :doh:

symon
17-08-2015, 21:53
Yep. You have two sets that I'm tempted by, but they are out of my price range at the moment.
So far, everything I have had has been fine with the amp. Really enjoying the pageants. Better than the Tannoy Mercurys (which were, to be fair, half the price) and a good improvement on the Celestion Ditton 15s. So, I like these kinds of speakers - Dittons and Pageants.

walpurgis
17-08-2015, 21:58
You'll have to spend a bit to better the Pageant 2 speakers. I think I mentioned them to you a while back. They always sound good.

You've got a nice combination of gear now. The amp will be hard to improve on without serious expense. EL84 valves are sweet, same as used in the well regarded Leak Stereo 20. The Pioneer CD player and Theta are good together. Dunno what phono stage you're using, maybe that's an area to look at.

If you are interested in moving up the speaker chain, Grant (struth) has a wicked pair of largish and very good Tannoy 637s for sale at a bargain price.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?39727-Fs-tannoy-637-floorstander-speakers

If I had room, I'd buy them myself. The drive units alone fetch more than the asking price.

struth
17-08-2015, 22:03
You'll have to spend a bit to better the Pageant 2 speakers. I think I mentioned them to you a while back. They always sound good.

You've got a nice combination of gear now. The amp will be hard to improve on without serious expense. EL84 valves are sweet, same as used in the well regarded Leak Stereo 20. The Pioneer CD player and Theta are good together. Dunno what phono stage you're using, maybe that's an area to look at.

If you are interested in moving up the speaker chain, Grant (struth) has a wicked pair of largish and very good Tannoy 637s for sale at a bargain price.

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?39727-Fs-tannoy-637-floorstander-speakers

If I had room, I'd buy them myself. The drive units alone fetch more than the asking price.

I am considering that and keeping the cabs;)

symon
17-08-2015, 22:05
Yes, I think it was your discussions with Jamie that drew them to my attention. £40 they were. One of the switches doesn't work as it should, but it all sounds great to me.
The Pioneer is good fun, and sounds good. The phono stage is an ifi. It goes very well with the Lenco (certainly better than the Dino). If I was to move on from it, then I might consider serious spend and and get a Firebottle, maybe. I should probably invite Alan back again to hear his new beastie, or to put the Firebottle 2 up against the ifi.
And, yes, Grant's Tannoys are very tempting. As are the IMFs. But, they are not for me yet. I'm still footling around the £50 or less mark for speakers. However, I might start saving a little more and moving up. I definitely want to try the Celestion Ditton 33s (or 44s), and some better Tannoys, and some nice transmission line speakers (so, yeah, Grant's speakers). Need top put some money aside for them first.
Aside from that, I'm happy to have the Pageants here for a while. I can live with them for a bit longer.

walpurgis
17-08-2015, 22:10
I am considering that and keeping the cabs;)

Best do it the other way around. Put the drivers and crossovers in smaller, floor standing sealed cabs. That'll give you the kind of bass balance you favour.