Show Us Your Thermionics [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

User211

04-08-2013, 12:54

Some of the attraction of using valves is their appearance.

However, photographing them well isn't so easy.

I thought it'd be interesting to see who can come up with the best "by night" shots of their own valve gear. I'm going to cheat and use some old photos, but I'm sure they can be bettered esp. by people with better cameras than my 6 year old Samsung compact snapper.

So - let's have them...:)

Just to make it more fun, at some time decided by me (4/10/2013 actually), if I declare you the winner, if you send me a photo of your hand written address by said valve, I'll send you your choice of music media from Amazon to the value of £15.

Offer open to UK residents only. If you are foreign, you cannot win. Sorry.

http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9154&stc=1&d=1228172304

http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=9152&stc=1&d=1228171214

lurcher

04-08-2013, 13:13

Not my picture, but

http://www.triodemafia.com/images/304TL.jpg

losenotaminute

04-08-2013, 14:52

This is the best I could manage - at least I know they are in there somewhere ;-)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9434328977_d5485ba54f_c.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9437101568_e23ef3fd09_c.jpg

hifi_dave

04-08-2013, 15:18

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/041.jpg

Not very artistic but it's tubes innit !!!

User211

04-08-2013, 15:27

Well yeah but if you're in it to win it then by night, glowing...:)

istari_knight

04-08-2013, 15:49

My poor effort, it never did glow much... I'm sure Hoops will be along shortly with a winning shot of the Decware ;)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9434759883_98b142db9e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87920837@N06/9434759883/)

RobsterD

04-08-2013, 16:17

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac68/RobsterD/CIMG0853.jpg

RobsterD

04-08-2013, 16:19

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac68/RobsterD/CIMG0402.jpg

RobsterD

04-08-2013, 16:20

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac68/RobsterD/CIMG0298.jpg

OK the last two aren't on :)

realysm42

04-08-2013, 16:47

C'mon gents, some night time shots capturing the glow!

Tim

04-08-2013, 16:57

I'm finding it a bit warm for my thermals at the moment, but these give me a warm glow :D

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/1cd_zps732642c0.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/1cd_zps732642c0.jpg.html)

Wakefield Turntables

04-08-2013, 17:04

I cant take part, mine being repaired 8-(

Spectral Morn

04-08-2013, 17:13

Photos of a few valve amplifiers I have owned, still own or have reviewed.

All photos are Adventures in High Fidelity Audio Copyright.

Eco Fan pre and power

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000860.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/P1000860.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/P1000858.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/P1000858.jpg.html)

Eco Fan Triode 2000

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/EcofanSound2A3review007.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/EcofanSound2A3review007.jpg.html)

BAT VK55

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/LondonSept07Hi-FiShowandHomehi-f-10.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/LondonSept07Hi-FiShowandHomehi-f-10.jpg.html)

Music Reference RM200

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/LondonSept07Hi-FiShowandHomehi-f-15.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/LondonSept07Hi-FiShowandHomehi-f-15.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/LondonSept07Hi-FiShowandHomehi-f-12.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/LondonSept07Hi-FiShowandHomehi-f-12.jpg.html)

Regards Neil

Ali Tait

04-08-2013, 17:21

Nice photos Neil.

losenotaminute

04-08-2013, 17:27

Neil, wow, IMO this is the money shot, brilliant.

Lawrence

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/EcofanSound2A3review007.jpg

Spectral Morn

04-08-2013, 17:44

Nice photos Neil.

Thanks Ali

Regards Neil

Spectral Morn

04-08-2013, 17:46

Neil, wow, IMO this is the money shot, brilliant.

Lawrence

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/EcofanSound2A3review007.jpg

Thank you :)

Regards Neil

User211

04-08-2013, 18:39

Definitely in the right vein, Neil.:)

I'll have ago at my preamp at some stage, though I am exempt from the competition.

User211

04-08-2013, 18:43

http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac68/RobsterD/CIMG0853.jpg

Whilst my wife refers to valves as "light bulbs" in this instance she'd be right. This shot, therefore, while ultra cool, is banned. Heh, heh.

Spectral Morn

04-08-2013, 19:36

Definitely in the right vein, Neil.:)

I'll have ago at my preamp at some stage, though I am exempt from the competition.

Thank you :)

Regards Neil

RobsterD

05-08-2013, 18:29

Whilst my wife refers to valves as "light bulbs" in this instance she'd be right. This shot, therefore, while ultra cool, is banned. Heh, heh.

Bah .....rumbled :doh:

RobsterD

05-08-2013, 18:38

OK here's a real one
http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac68/RobsterD/CIMG0645_zps7fed6380.jpg (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/RobsterD/media/CIMG0645_zps7fed6380.jpg.html)

realysm42

05-08-2013, 18:46

Nice Rob, you've got the new lampi monos, how do they sound?

Ali Tait

05-08-2013, 19:28

That copper plates you've got in there?

BTH K10A

05-08-2013, 19:53

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/GarageSale_1202427039_15193_zpsa91af558.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/GarageSale_1202427039_15193_zpsa91af558.jpg.html)

tubehunter

05-08-2013, 20:00

http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t350/halx00/IMG_5602_zpsc98682d2.jpg (http://s514.photobucket.com/user/halx00/media/IMG_5602_zpsc98682d2.jpg.html)

A World Audio Design K5881 I had in 2011 for awhile.
Duncan

RobsterD

05-08-2013, 20:31

I must fess up,the owner Greg at Gpoint let me have them while he's on his hols - lovely chap
very nice amps with the copper plate Gm70's installed.
big amps :eek:

Jonboy

05-08-2013, 20:38

My Lafayette EL84 amp and EL84 Duncan (Tubehunter)built Valve dac

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/jonboy_01/DSC_0126.jpg

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/jonboy_01/DSC_0125-1.jpg

Andrew B

05-08-2013, 23:45

Puresound A30
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/mrcartmenez/Hifi/image-54.jpg (http://s885.photobucket.com/user/mrcartmenez/media/Hifi/image-54.jpg.html)
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/mrcartmenez/Hifi/image-53.jpg (http://s885.photobucket.com/user/mrcartmenez/media/Hifi/image-53.jpg.html)
Edit: just read the first post. I didn't take these pics but they are lovely and I do have an A30

daytona600

06-08-2013, 07:55

Frankyc2003

06-08-2013, 09:01

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/20130806_194234_zpsf7af3101.jpgURL=http://s835.photobucket.com/user/frankyc2003/media/53b40b41-8429-4f4d-a76c-5f97030750f2_zpsa6b546e4.jpg.html]http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/frankyc2003/53b40b41-8429-4f4d-a76c-5f97030750f2_zpsa6b546e4.jpg[/URL]

With added EL34...

loo

06-08-2013, 12:54

hoopsontoast

06-08-2013, 13:56

The little 6P15P-EV are quite dim on the Zen:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9395360280_8972950e68_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9395360280/)
Decware Zen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9395360280/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9392596753_4eb9a4eb40_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9392596753/)
Decware Zen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9392596753/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9101089965_61bfe53988_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9101089965/)
Decware Zen SE84 DIY Build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9101089965/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9107277390_30d14d0499_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9107277390/)
Decware Zen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9107277390/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

And some previous amps:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8317132405_a9fd0872b0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/8317132405/)
Puresound A10 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/8317132405/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/7983419879_9f6545a085_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/7983419879/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/7983419879/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7775041676_c0efe57867_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/7775041676/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/7775041676/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2326/2607707263_93592a661a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/2607707263/)
Consonance Cyber 10SE KT88 SET (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/2607707263/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

User211

06-08-2013, 17:30

OK here's a real one

Yeah how is the Lampy amp I assume you have off Greg on loan? I'm really enjoying the L3 G4 DAC til the L4 turns up.

Nice shot from Tubehunter of the WAD. Puresound A30 from Andy has the potential to be awesome - get a good camera on yours Andy.

Very nice from Hoops but BTH K10A is definitely very nice too, probs best so far.

NeilNZ

06-08-2013, 19:53

Here's my old Shindo Montille 6V6. Such a great amp.10275

Firebottle

07-08-2013, 20:13

I thought it would be rude not to post on this thread as I love valve gear, so here is mine:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/P1030285.jpg

I always thought I would get my name in (thermionic) lights one day :D

:cool:Alan

Jonboy

07-08-2013, 20:33

Nice Nixie touch Alan

synsei

07-08-2013, 22:20

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/DSC_0028.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/DSC_0028.jpg.html)http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af316/Sgtgrash/Hifi%20Stuff/SAM_1759.jpg (http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Sgtgrash/media/Hifi%20Stuff/SAM_1759.jpg.html)

Do I get a prize for the worst night shot? :D

Firebottle

08-08-2013, 08:51

Nice Nixie touch Alan

If I had seen the photo without knowing I would have thought Nixie. They are in fact numitrons, maybe that's a new one for you?

They are low voltage filament indicators, RCA DR2000.

:cool:Alan

topoxforddoc

10-08-2013, 16:49

http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj516/topoxforddoc/TRONVoyager-9270049.jpg (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/topoxforddoc/media/TRONVoyager-9270049.jpg.html)
http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj516/topoxforddoc/TRONVoyager-9270060.jpg (http://s1265.photobucket.com/user/topoxforddoc/media/TRONVoyager-9270060.jpg.html)

My TRON Voyager 6W SET using an EML 20B triode.

Charlie

WOStantonCS100

10-08-2013, 17:31

Here's my old Shindo Montille 6V6. Such a great amp.10275

...luv the look of Shindo gear. Deserves a bigger/better photo, IMHO.

tubehunter

10-08-2013, 22:41

My latest build, an EL34 Single Ended Ultra Linear without feedback.

http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t350/halx00/IMG_6658_zpsc0de836a.jpg (http://s514.photobucket.com/user/halx00/media/IMG_6658_zpsc0de836a.jpg.html)

Duncan

Firebottle

11-08-2013, 20:12

I've updated the headphone amp with some Russian 6P1P tetrodes:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/P1030291.jpg

:cool:Alan

Jonboy

11-08-2013, 20:26

If I had seen the photo without knowing I would have thought Nixie. They are in fact numitrons, maybe that's a new one for you?

They are low voltage filament indicators, RCA DR2000.

:cool:Alan

certainly a new one on me, i will have to look them up

Andrei

14-08-2013, 12:15

Why are are valves glowing green? never mind, this is the best thread ever. Who cares what they sound like - valves are the epitome of cool!
Rob, you would have to own a forty foot yacht to have something that was a better chick-puller.

Andrei

Aahh no, no not glowing green ... it was the reflection from my face!

Andrei

14-08-2013, 12:18

Do I get a prize for the worst night shot? :D
Yeah, Six months of listening to Diana Krall - serve you right.

loo

14-08-2013, 20:09

My favourite room heater
by day
http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s612/loonieboo1/system/DSCF1337_zpsd451008e.jpg (http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/loonieboo1/media/system/DSCF1337_zpsd451008e.jpg.html)
by night
http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s612/loonieboo1/system/729a56f0-5aad-4019-b4ff-0f5bda203048_zpsd09b6630.jpg (http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/loonieboo1/media/system/729a56f0-5aad-4019-b4ff-0f5bda203048_zpsd09b6630.jpg.html)

User211

14-08-2013, 20:44

I didn't realise 6C33C went thermonuclear at night time:)

Have some more 75V and 150V voltage regulators at the back of my 211s. Old juke box valves, basically:)

http://www.apogeeacoustics.com/forum/download/file.php?id=6

User211

14-08-2013, 20:53

Night time shots of this Chinese must be shite but isn't preamp yet to be done...

http://www.apogeeacoustics.com/forum/download/file.php?id=124

http://www.apogeeacoustics.com/forum/download/file.php?id=123

loo

14-08-2013, 21:00

wow that Cayin is one pretty preamp :stalks:
does it feel as good as it looks
and the sound?
seems the Chinese have an eye for sharp design

User211

14-08-2013, 21:09

Loo yeah in the flesh it is a cracker to look at. It is a modded unit though missing a top plate in favour of huge rectifiers.

I really like the sonics - it might sound nuts to say this but it is one of the few preamps I have heard that sounds and images in a very balanced manner between two channels. I'm sure that it is something to do with the very long mid/treble ribbons in my speakers - any slight deviations between channels becomes apparent. Either that or one of my ears is screwed and this makes up for it by being equally screwed in one channel!

It is nice and 3D, big, bold and easy to listen too. Brings a smile to my face, anyway:) Resolution is fine too.

Ali Tait

14-08-2013, 21:09

I imagine the Emission Labs valves help!

loo

14-08-2013, 21:15

User211

14-08-2013, 21:19

Yes Loo. I've got another pair of stupidly good ones being built at the moment. Not that the ones I have now are bad...:) Just been looking at your pics. Very nice kit you have.

User211

14-08-2013, 21:22

I imagine the Emission Labs valves help!

They are nice, as are the TJs. I'd say the EMs give a smoother, warmer sound, whereas the TJs are rather more lively. The EMs are the classier, more refined act, the TJs when you want something with a tad more get up and go.

loo

14-08-2013, 21:26

2 pairs now that's greedy:eyebrows:
heard a pair years ago Huge they were and the best sound I have ever heard from any speaker
they are what led me down the road of panel speakers had numerous Quads (next best thing to apogees), ML's ,Maggies
but never a pair of my dream ,maybe one day ;)
Thanks for the comment of my meagre stereo:)

User211

14-08-2013, 21:32

Meagre? You've got some good shit there...:)

loo

14-08-2013, 21:36

Do you Wanna come round and tell my missus that:lol:

User211

14-08-2013, 21:37

Got mine stashed away in a secret no go area 51.:lol:

pjdowns

14-08-2013, 21:39

User211

14-08-2013, 21:48

Thanks Paul. Picked it up for extremely reasonable money too - in my opinion anyway.

pjdowns

14-08-2013, 21:50

You've got me intrigued now Justin!

User211

14-08-2013, 21:52

£900 on tut'bay.

pjdowns

14-08-2013, 21:52

Wow and for something that pretty...

User211

14-08-2013, 22:00

Been comparing it to Jerry's (JANDL100) Restek Consensus - a solid state pre. Very different presentation from the Restek. I'd post a pic but it is a solid state jobbie.

They are both excellent preamps but very different. The Restek majors on ultra precise imaging and ultra-fine resolution. The Cayin fleshes things out and bigs things up to a much greater extent but still with nice resolution. Both I find very likeable. I'm taking the Restek back to Jerry's tomoz so he can have a quick go with the Lampizator Level 3 Gen 4.

Firebottle

15-08-2013, 06:35

The valve line up in my Firebottle phono:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/P1030301.jpg

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/P1030302.jpg

I like this thread, what a surprise :rolleyes:

:cool:Alan

walpurgis

17-08-2013, 21:16

Right class! Pay attention and no talking at the back.

Hands up if you can tell me what these are? Very rare and not oriental.

They're a little old fashioned in having captive mains leads and spade speaker connectors, but they sound bloody marvelous! And yes those are mirrors behind the valves.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2cxtfl1.jpg

I think Shane knows.

southall-1998

17-08-2013, 22:18

User211

19-08-2013, 19:12

Pretty wacky and original looking. I like them.

If no one has got it by now spill the beans Geof?

walpurgis

19-08-2013, 23:33

Pretty wacky and original looking. I like them.

If no one has got it by now spill the beans Geof?

Soon!

walpurgis

20-08-2013, 19:57

OK, I'll spill the beans.

They are Modern Classic Tubes CT15 Class A EL34 monoblocks from Germany. I've had them about twelve years and love the sound they make. There's next to no info about these on the net and I've only once heard of another pair and they were on eBay a good while ago.

BTH K10A

20-08-2013, 20:04

Anyone care to guess the valve lineup?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/GarageSale_1202427039_15193_zpsa91af558.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/GarageSale_1202427039_15193_zpsa91af558.jpg.html)

User211

21-08-2013, 21:01

PE1/100, 5687, some 5U4G rectifier? and a dunno that looks a bit like an EF86 with a metal base.

Bad guesswork with some cheating:(

BTH K10A

21-08-2013, 21:38

PE1/100, 5687, some 5U4G rectifier? and a dunno that looks a bit like an EF86 with a metal base.

Bad guesswork with some cheating:(

Close, you're right about the PE1/100 and 5687 but the rectifier is an RV200/600 (similar to an FW4/500 or 800) and the pentode drivers are 6SJ7GT which is a predecessor of the EF86.

For a single ended amp it will drive just about anything and has no problems with the lower frequencies. Put's out somewhere between 16 watts with an OS51 valve and 19 watts with PE1/100 or 6083

Rare Bird

21-08-2013, 21:41

Hi Andy
Going by the Transformer covers construction/slight trace of spot welds im assuming that's a new build amp?

BTH K10A

21-08-2013, 21:52

Hi Andre

Yes it is. I've had it for about three or four years now.

It's got Siemens traffo's under the covers.

User211

21-08-2013, 21:53

Andy,

Have you got anymore pics of it? The cool factor is high here, and some new angles on it would be well appreciated.

Justin

BTH K10A

21-08-2013, 22:04

Not a close up and taken on my iphone but the only one I have to hand

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/IMG_1409_zpsdb4d7cd5.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/IMG_1409_zpsdb4d7cd5.jpg.html)

walpurgis

21-08-2013, 22:27

Wot is de big boxes wid de tweed fronts man?

User211

21-08-2013, 22:32

With that many records it gets listened too. I surmise the owner really likes what the system does:)

BTH K10A

22-08-2013, 04:49

Wot is de big boxes wid de tweed fronts man?

Westrex 2326A

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/IMG_1472.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/IMG_1472.jpg.html)

Firebottle

22-08-2013, 06:58

Hmm, a supercharged system ehh?
Do you play the the thermionics through the 550Ks at all :eek:

:cool:Alan

walpurgis

22-08-2013, 10:12

[QUOTE=BTH K10A;473109]Westrex 2326A

Ah, bet they sound interesting!

BTH K10A

22-08-2013, 21:04

[QUOTE=BTH K10A;473109]Westrex 2326A

Ah, bet they sound interesting!

Better than most current offerings under £10k. Not bad for a product made in 1961

SteveTheShadow

01-09-2013, 14:36

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7181882/kt120insitu.jpg

My newly built fully balanced KT120 push-pull amp. No phase splitter needed as it only accepts balanced XLR inputs.

Rare Bird

01-09-2013, 14:38

Looks nice that Steve..Like the Green, reminds me of the old Lowther amps.. It would look better with an old vintage knob..

chelsea

01-09-2013, 14:56

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd493/pilpil2/amp005.jpg

Marco

01-09-2013, 16:16

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7181882/kt120insitu.jpg

My newly built fully balanced KT120 push-pull amp. No phase splitter needed as it only accepts balanced XLR inputs.

Lovely stuff, Steve. I really like the look of that - very classy! Bet it sounds fab, too :)

Sometimes, you need a wee bit more than 2 watts per channel, eh? ;)

Marco.

SteveTheShadow

01-09-2013, 17:01

Lovely stuff, Steve. I really like the look of that - very classy! Bet it sounds fab, too :)

Sometimes, you need a wee bit more than 2 watts per channel, eh? ;)

Marco.

Thanks Marco/Rare Bird.
I've been umming and ah-ing for around 12 months about whether to go down the more powerful push-pull amp route.
The thing that inspired me in the first place was an EL34 transformer coupled push-pull build that Nick Gorham brought
to a meet.
Played through my speakers it was such an improvement on my low powered single ended jobbie, it wasn't funny.
Right after that I set about building a push-pull EL84 ultra-linear amp and was bowled over again, even though it only put out 12 watts
and looked like an explosion in a scrapyard.
I then built a single-ended KT120 amp, which put out the same power as the EL84 push-pull, and sounded really good.
But there was a problem for me in that I had heard what a decent PP amp could do with my speakers and, it just kept on nagging
at the back of my mind until I finally decided to do something about it and build the KT120 push-pull you see above.

It frankly walks all over everything else I have built, shows my speakers who is boss, is powerful, controlled and sweet without being syrupy.
I guess I'm converted to the idea of "real world power" valve amps. Been a long time coming, but I'm glad I eventually got there.

Rare Bird.
I have a nice ivory coloured, chicken head control knob, I think I'll fit that
As you say, it'll be more in keeping with the looks, than the Maplin plasticky
thing it has at the moment.

Ha'porth of tar and all that! :)

The Grand Wazoo

01-09-2013, 18:12

Beautiful Steve!

User211

01-09-2013, 18:34

How many Wattages does it issue Steve? And what speakers are you using?

Nice glowy:stalks: pic would be most welcome and could win... see first post.

Jonboy

01-09-2013, 19:45

Loftin White by day

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/jonboy_01/DSC_0398_zpsb108ff8b.jpg

And by night

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/jonboy_01/DSC_0401_zps8af1cbce.jpg

SteveTheShadow

01-09-2013, 19:52

@ User 211
It puts out 25WPC as it is running in triode mode at the moment.
Speakers are a concept of mine called the Metronome, which has been developed further
by Scott Lindgren and also Dave Dlugos of Planet10 hi-fi in Vancouver.
They are based on a quarter wave expanding transmission line, where the port exits through
a down firing vent in the base of the cabinet. Drive units are Fostex FF225WK wideband unit
assisted at the top by a Fostex FT17H horn tweeter.

Three things influenced the original design:
1. The Voigt quarter wave pipe.
2. A Late 60s speaker from Scandanavia called the Larson Pyramid.
3.The Eiffel Tower.

Firebottle

02-09-2013, 05:56

......and looked like an explosion in a scrapyard.

:rfl: Brilliant description,

:cool:Alan

User211

05-09-2013, 20:40

SteveTheShadow

05-09-2013, 20:53

OK Justin, if you insist. :)
It's an old picture from 2011. hope you can see the influences I cited previously.
There's a thermionic on the cabinet next to the speaker; one of a pair of 6B4G monoblocks
I used to have.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7181882/metsathome.jpg

User211

05-09-2013, 21:03

Think pyramids. Maybe three of those per channel? Don't stop til you get there:);)

Andrei

05-09-2013, 21:13

I have a nice ivory coloured, chicken head control knob, I think I'll fit that

Ivory coloured - cool. Chicken head: I confess, I don't know whether you are being serious.
Fab design and colour scheme though. For a split second I thought I was looking at a Leben.

Chicken head?:scratch:

SteveTheShadow

06-09-2013, 21:29

Ivory coloured - cool. Chicken head: I confess, I don't know whether you are being serious.
Fab design and colour scheme though. For a split second I thought I was looking at a Leben.

Chicken head?:scratch:
Hi Andrei,
Chickenhead knobs are the pointer style knobs usually found on small practice guitar amps and stomp boxes.

Glad you mentioned Leben. The styling is heavily influenced by the Leben CS1000P recently released by Mr Taku.
Thanks for the positive comments chaps. I absolutely love this amp and the sound it makes.

The Grand Wazoo

06-09-2013, 21:35

Chickenhead knobs are the pointer style knobs usually found on small practice guitar amps and stomp boxes.

http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/images/uploads/Chicken%20Head%20Knob%20BLK.jpg

Andrei

07-09-2013, 06:22

http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/images/uploads/Chicken%20Head%20Knob%20BLK.jpg

Oh I seeeeeeeee

Reffc

07-09-2013, 09:16

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7145_zpseb44424f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7151_zpsbb61c03c.jpg

User211

07-09-2013, 12:56

Very pretty Paul. Would look nice paired with "mine no longer" EAR 868PL, which is currently upside down living in Australia!

EDIT: only I've just remembered it is an integrated.:mental:

Rare Bird

07-09-2013, 13:04

http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/images/uploads/Chicken%20Head%20Knob%20BLK.jpg

That would not look right to my eyes..But that's me..

Reffc

07-09-2013, 13:43

Very pretty Paul. Would look nice paired with "mine no longer" EAR 868PL, which is currently upside down living in Australia!

EDIT: only I've just remembered it is an integrated.:mental:

Thanks Justin....Thee selector and volume controls can be bypassed so it can be used as a power amp which is the way I'm currently using it. Would indeed have been a great match with the 868PL!

SteveTheShadow

07-09-2013, 14:10

That would not look right to my eyes..But that's me..

Aye..
I put the ivory coloured, chicken head knob on the front and was told by the missus to take it off forthwith.
So it's back to the black one with the silver centre until I get in some solid round ones as in your pic.:)

User211

07-09-2013, 14:33

Ultra-rare United Electronics 211 (in years I haven't seen one with the same internal structure as this one) versus Amperex (background).

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/UE%20211/SDC13942.jpg

User211

07-09-2013, 14:44

A few 274B shots...

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/UE%20211/SDC14379_zpsf71dcf45.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/UE%20211/SDC14378_zps9c8dd606.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/UE%20211/SDC14398_zps69bab59e.jpg

User211

07-09-2013, 15:39

Hm... Eimac 35T - most excellent looking device Clark.

Gimme.:D

User211

13-10-2013, 08:52

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/GarageSale_1202427039_15193_zpsa91af558.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/GarageSale_1202427039_15193_zpsa91af558.jpg.html)

I declare this shot to be the winner. It fits the original criterion, shows fine clarity and hits just the right dark/light ratio.

Hoops gets 2nd place- mainly because his photos are generally excellent both here and on the Wam.

Paul's (RFC) EAR shot - just a bit less light & more glow as a result would have done better. Lovely amp, though, lookswise.