View Full Version : I Think I'm sure I'm Finished...or Zeppelin to Sinatra & Back
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They are now history.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160801/a72895fce204aa4500044ff6aae29a06.jpg
When you say "history", you don't mean you've sold them? Shurely not :eek:
Marco.
Blown them up partying too hard
What are the white things under the racks? Looks like you cut the feet off of some snowmen. But that can't be right as they would have melted all over the carpet by now.
Just catching up with this thread now. Apart from the brilliant advice you do get a laugh on here. Martin, you should be writing scripts for the Simpsons. That was pure Homer!
Think my favourite funny post is the one you wrote Grant about Marco eating the horse's head and leaving the review...lol
Still enjoying that one :D
the poly corners for i robot:D no still got speakers. probably for rest of my time lol might not be too long way im fallin apart
Have got a pic of the robot Grant:D
Have got a pic of the robot Grant:D
will need to look... its one of those hoovers. was inclined to try and get under the shelf and crack its sensor on the shelf.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160808/387891193a45b64b6a7389f3ecb8b2ed.jpg
You haven't answered my question, daftee :)
Marco.
You haven't answered my question, daftee :)
Marco.
Thought I did... yes, ive still got, and keeping them too. they are awesome ... Tannoys, ha!! who needs em;)
Good news, 'cos you'd be a loon to let 'em go! ;)
Marco.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160808/387891193a45b64b6a7389f3ecb8b2ed.jpg
Thanks for the pic Grant I am quite interested in vacuum cleaners - yes I know it's a bit weird but we have quite a collection at work!:)
Good news, 'cos you'd be a loon to let 'em go! ;)
Marco.
lol.... still got the single driver ones too. might refurbish them at some stage, if i ever feel better . may sell the others, if I find interested parties. might even sell the singles but not at moment.
Thanks for the pic Grant I am quite interested in vacuum cleaners - yes I know it's a bit weird but we have quite a collection at work!:)
Thats a bit old tech now, but works well. Italian made I believe, although sold by Aldi. Son has a new fancy one with touch screen and more power. its very good
Funny how it goes this hobby. I,m so happy with the sound i am getting i dont have to listen to it now :)
May sound odd but i just stick it on when i want a tune, and its been a while since i could say that with conviction. No desire to change anything either, so i may actually have cracked it.
This thread has been going for nearly 3 years( seems like yesterday), and has produced over 2000 posts, much of them mine, but plenty help and encouragement too, so thaks all for the help.
Final finished pic
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160811/18bf299880bd2ff9c99c00b5eb238d99.jpg
Parkie37
11-08-2016, 23:54
Funny how it goes this hobby. I,m so happy with the sound i am getting i dont have to listen to it now :)
May sound odd but i just stick it on when i want a tune, and its been a while since i could say that with conviction. No desire to change anything either, so i may actually have cracked it.
This thread has been going for nearly 3 years( seems like yesterday), and has produced over 2000 posts, much of them mine, but plenty help and encouragement too, so thaks all for the help.
Final finished pic
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160811/18bf299880bd2ff9c99c00b5eb238d99.jpg
It sounds like you are happy and content with your system Grant. That is a very good thing! I am glad to hear that, as not many of us reach the satisfied stage. I will say that I understand not having to always play your system. I am finding that I like to really look forward to some music and then I turn on my system and just sit and enjoy. I don't have to have it on every moment of every day. For whatever reason, it always feels a bit special this way, like a treat. My job takes me out of town a few days at a time, so that helps me appreciate listening to my system as well.
The only thing I'm unsure of is the 'hair by Marco'. :eek:
brian2957
11-08-2016, 23:58
System's looking good Grant . I've been lucky enough to hear this latest incarnation and it sounds very good indeed . Enjoy mate.
Hair by marco lol... Just as it started to look like the title credits of a movie i thought that was apt as you usually see it in there Don.
Only thing missing is the badges which are under order.
Good place to be Grant and Ive enjoyed your updates on the thread. :)
Systems looking and no doubt sounding great mate.
You,ll need to get a listen sometime. As I will with yours
Funny how it goes this hobby. I,m so happy with the sound i am getting i dont have to listen to it now :)
May sound odd but i just stick it on when i want a tune, and its been a while since i could say that with conviction. No desire to change anything either, so i may actually have cracked it.
Nice one, mate. I can also empathise with that, as I'm in the same happy position with my system - and have been for some time.
The definition of system contentment: spending far more on the software than the hardware! ;)
Enjoy.
Marco.
Nice one, mate. I can also empathise with that, as I'm in the same happy position with my system - and have been for some time.
The definition of system contentment: spending far more on the software than the hardware! ;)
Enjoy.
Marco.
indeed i will Marco... got badges on order.. a bit dearer than I wanted but hey ho, thats why I sold the headshell
http://imageshack.com/a/img921/9122/2sVXu5.jpg
Noice, very noice.... :thumbsup:
Marco.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/63e44e24eaf38299aba747aaf6be259e.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/4308cf89c7dee2a800eea7f993c562ab.jpg
Badges fitted. Nicer than I thought they'd be and bigger
walpurgis
20-08-2016, 10:05
They certainly give the speakers a finished look Grant. Nice! :)
Gotta be worth a grand of anyone,s money :lol:
The high rez ones are processed
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/4d3f820d4eaf87158daf772e5688f18e.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/517982743110c67cc4b18826baeb8f40.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160820/02feada7d6796ed282a9aece36b67895.jpg
Systems lookin' tremendous, quite different from how it was at the start of the thread!
Great journey, might have to change the title of the thread (again!) :)
Thanks... its certainly different. Liked the old one too, but this is a bit special as I did the work lol
Why don't you use the Telefunken logo/badge as your avatar? Your current one, for some strange reason, I find unsettling.
lol... its just temp til i get time to put a proper one on... dunno what's unsettling?
Got some more cloth. This time peat. Again it looks better in natural light and goes to photo well but I like it
Dunno what it's for but it'll go into stock for now
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160825/b1a11fad4a97a18c9a9b91b0f0b47368.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160825/85f7ed68af133b93d84b128e8c04977d.jpg
brian2957
25-08-2016, 11:54
Thought you were finished ??
Thought you were finished ??
Well I am, sort of....lol. Just took chance, just in case per chance, i need to change something...
Thats my story and im sticking too it!
Grill cloth doesnt go wrong. Ive got a few bits around.
Ok, im bored lol
walpurgis
25-08-2016, 13:35
Got some more cloth. This time peat. Again it looks better in natural light and goes to photo well but I like it
Dunno what it's for but it'll go into stock for now
You'd get a nice waistcoat out of that Grant. ;)
brian2957
25-08-2016, 13:40
Probably get a suit out of it Geoff :lol:
Being unable to hide the bottom screw holes well, i used rule of plain sight and made a feature of them
Cut some oak slices 8mm diam and inserted them. Adds a little i think.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160826/3db15798da344258a89e914e8fc0ff3d.jpg
brian2957
26-08-2016, 12:40
Looks pretty good mate :)
Thanks Bri.. Better than it was if not great. Will do for now. Might make another set of fronts for changing decor with lol. Or may re veneer and recover the single teles... Thats something i would like to do, but not made up my mind. If i had a buyer for some of my speakers i might but its hard to let go.
brian2957
26-08-2016, 15:20
Hah ! That's you '' finished '' then .........maybe :lol:
A couple of old pals came home lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160909/bba32983ef05aeb3fc3d41439b960bfb.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160909/f7ea3f6eec9ea5fd0217f01bb64ac28f.jpg
Have been out on loan for a number of years. Ditton 130's. Very good little speakers they are for money too. Can give a lot of more expensive one a good run
But what do I need with YET another set doh
walpurgis
09-09-2016, 17:57
Never tried a pair of those Grant. The tweeter looks rather Sony like.
Better pic
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160909/76c1196a442080d9c81240d012d23400.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/cTgAAOSwl-FXM8iE/s-l1600.jpg
nice little dome tweeter.
Think they are worth more than the speakers oddly
visco elastic.... Here is a full test n review from HIFI classic
Celestion's Ditton 130 is the lowest priced of a group of three new speakers from that well-known British manufacturer. It uses a newly designed tweeter-the HF1001-whose 1-inch dome has visco-elastic damping for control of high-frequency-resonance breakup modes. The new tweeter has higher efficiency and greater power-handling ability than its predecessors by virtue of a two-layer voice coil and a magnetic-circuit design that focuses the field in the voice-coil gap.
The Ditton 130 is a compact, two-way system whose acoustic-suspension woofer (located close to and in a vertical line with the tweeter) has an effective diameter of 6 inches (nominally an 8-inch speaker). The crossover frequency is 2,300 Hz, with cutoff slopes of 12 dB per octave for the woofer and 18 dB per octave for the tweeter. There are no user-adjustable controls.
The nominal impedance of the Ditton 130 is 8 ohms, and its frequency response is rated at 75 to 20,000 Hz ±3 dB. Its maximum rated power with program material is 50 watts, and a 1-watt input produces an 87.5-dB sound-pressure level at a 1-meter distance.
Laboratory Measurements
The reverberant-field frequency-response curves of the individual speakers were averaged, corrected for known room-absorption characteristics, and spliced to a close-miked woofer-response curve. The composite frequency response was exceptionally smooth and flat over the full range of the speaker, with no "bumps" or "holes" greater than a couple of decibels (which is within the uncertainty range of the measurement method).
The frequency response was flat within ±1.5 dB from 200 to 10,000 Hz, and the output rose at higher frequencies to a maximum of +3.5 dB at 15,000 Hz (it was still above the midrange level at 20,000 Hz). The woofer had its maximum output between 100 and 140 Hz, falling at 12 dB per octave below 100 Hz. With the average midrange output level as a reference, the speaker output was within ± 3.5 dB from 60 to 20,000 Hz, easily meeting the published rating and representing very fine performance for a speaker of this size.
The high-frequency directivity of the tweeter could be seen readily in the response curves from the left and right speakers, since the microphone was on the axis of one and about 30 degrees off the axis of the other. The two curves began to diverge at frequencies above 5,000 Hz, with a growing separation above 10,000 Hz. In subjective terms, the beaming of the highs was not significant, but it was measurably somewhat greater than we have seen recently.
A small woofer must inevitably have more distortion than a larger one (all else being equal) at very low frequencies and/or high power inputs, since its cone excursion is correspondingly greater. At a 1-watt input, the distortion of the Ditton 130 was under 1.5 per cent down to about 70 Hz, rising to just over 5 per cent at 40 Hz. This amount of bass distortion is negligible-in fact, it can be considered excellent. However, "pushing" the speaker with a 10-watt input resulted in a distortion characteristic that increased linearly with decreasing frequency, from about 1.5 per cent at 100 Hz to almost 15 per cent at 40 Hz.
The measured sensitivity of the Ditton 130 was slightly higher than rated and near the upper end of the range for an acoustic-suspension system. An input of 2.83 volts of random noise in an octave band centered at 1,000 Hz (nominally 1 watt) produced an 89-dB sound-pressure level at 1 meter. The speaker impedance was 8 ohms at 20 Hz, rose to about 25 ohms at the bass-resonance frequency of 80 Hz, and dropped to 8 ohms between 140 and 250 Hz. Normally, this would justify the Ditton 130's impedance rating of 8 ohms. However, after rising again to about 30 ohms at 2,000 Hz, the impedance dropped to a minimum of 5 ohms between 5,000 and 11,000 Hz. In itself, this is of minor importance, but should one parallel two pairs of these speakers the amplifier would "see" a load of only 2.5 ohms at 10,000 Hz or so, and not all amplifiers react kindly to such stress.
Comment
Celestion has done considerable pioneering work in the use of laser interferometry for measuring the vibration modes of speaker cones, including the use of computer processing to generate three-dimensional displays that show vividly how the cone flexes and otherwise misbehaves under certain conditions. (This should not be confused with the computer-derived displays of acoustic response and decay characteristics that have been used with great effectiveness by several speaker manufacturers.) The Celestion method involves scanning the cone with a laser beam and processing the reflected light; it is capable of resolving cone displacements comparable to the wavelength of the laser light.
We mention this measurement technique not because it has necessarily been used in the development of the drivers in the new Celestion speakers (we have no information on that), but rather to show that Celestion engineers are able to determine with great accuracy exactly what is happening in a driver or a complete system under different operating conditions. It would be a fair assumption that they also know what constitutes a good speaker and when they have created one.
That assumption is impressively confirmed in listening to the Celestion Ditton 130. If one ignores its size and simply listens to it or makes comparisons with other speakers, the results are both surprising and gratifying. We compared it with several other fine speakers priced up to seven times higher than the Ditton 130. Naturally, the larger speakers had superior output and distortion characteristics in the low bass, but that was not always apparent in their sound, since most program material has little energy in the range below 70 Hz or so. Otherwise, it was sometimes very difficult to decide which speaker was playing. There were differences between all of them, but the Ditton 130 sounds close enough to many to be a near "twin" sonically speaking.
Much to our surprise, it was not possible to say unequivocally that any of the other speakers sounded "better" than the Ditton 130 (frankly, we are not sure what "better" means when one is listening to speakers above a certain quality level). When there was a distinct difference in sound between two speakers, any individual might express a preference for one or the other, but more often than not the difference was just not very important.
This does not mean that this diminutive, moderate-price speaker is the equal of larger systems selling for many times its price. Its power-handling ability is limited by the laws of physics. If room-shaking sound levels are your preference, this is not the speaker to use (although it can play at a very healthy volume, and do so with only a few watts of drive from an inexpensive receiver). We tried to push the Ditton 130 to its limits with a 200-watt amplifier and had no difficulty in doing so. However, unlike many lesser speakers, when the Ditton 130 is driven to high levels it does not get "mushy" and give advance warning of excessive input. Instead, it just gets louder- always sounding clean-until suddenly the woofer reaches its limits. That produces a sharp "snap" or "click" that cannot be ignored; backing down slightly on the volume control restores the inherently clean sound of the speaker. (Continued on page 44) We did not damage the speaker by driving it to such high levels, but undoubtedly it could be destroyed if regularly pushed beyond its limits. It takes a large amplifier, used incautiously, to do this, and if the manufacturer's power recommendations are followed we doubt that any trouble will result. If a very powerful amplifier (say, 100 watts or more) is used, we would suggest fusing the speakers (consult the manufacturer for suggestions on appropriate fuse ratings).
The Celestion Ditton 130 is priced to compete with a number of other fine speakers, including some of those with which we compared it in our tests. The fact that its size and weight permit it either to be placed on the smallest bookshelf or to be used as an attractive floor-standing speaker (on its optional stand or an equivalent) is another considerable advantage of this system. As our A-B tests showed, it can hold its own against many far more expensive speakers if the program does not exceed the Ditton 130's low-frequency or power limitations. Personal preference aside, we have no hesitancy in placing the Ditton 130 among the finest speakers in its price range.
Found an old photo of the cartridge, and been enlarging and cleaning it up. Have to say this program is rather good once you get to grips with it..
http://imageshack.com/a/img923/2716/tYnUAy.jpg
brian2957
24-09-2016, 18:47
Oooh ! I've got one of those ..with a Jico stylus fitted . And very good it is too :)
This is a very nice piccie mate .
might be forced to save up for the program when license is due... They may reduce it further if I play hard ball though. acdsee ultimate 10.... its new
I might add it was actually taken with my iphone so it shows how well the program fixes things. :)
A couple of winter warmers arrived
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161101/63f1fa6b0ee372dc3bdb7ee2c1c2cb74.jpg
Ferrograph f307 and Pioneer sa8100. Both in need of a little(I hope) work only
Look great considering
walpurgis
01-11-2016, 11:09
Should be fun. They look good. Keep us briefed! :)
Good looking amps Grant. The Ferrograph in particular is a lovely clean design, very much of its time but none the worse for that. Gorgeous.
Both are in ok nick. Thanks... ferro has age related scratches on top, but also has a lovely patina that will be a shame to destroy so may leave it. Also has a phono mm and a ceramic stage. Not able to try at moment as unpacking has done me in lol. Will have to remove the casework of the pioneer for renovations and check out whats going on inside. Front has a scratch and a few marks but is still serviceably good looking i think . Might do a repair of the scratch though. 9 knobs and 8 switches on front. 2 phono connectors as well.. a high and lower gain i think they were. Remember these coming out and were expensive for a youth.early mid 70's at guess.
Love the Ferrograph. Timeless looks IMO.
walpurgis
01-11-2016, 16:04
The looks of the F307 are like that to match the control panel of the series 7 tape recorders.
http://i68.tinypic.com/2aag6io.jpg
Ok so first up is the pioneer sa8100
It's badly needing a clean and the old paint job and handle on one side and feet on other removed There is a nice amp hiding
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/e7380b4f6ef9592227bbd65a3ccb03ed.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/5ff4ec3027a0ce29393c24f8aa9d157a.jpg
A bit of meths and it's a fair bit cleaner
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/41cbca7e9cb974c8cd929626ed1ccb70.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/b9427746ac3827636c31e36b27c7530f.jpg
Stuck on feet have a good grip so will leave them for now
Handle is well made and strong
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/7a30b6d9b7491e847a0605da335e62bc.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/09b4d9fb1872bf95fc2a91bb95b23091.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/9dd7159c0bb189290762517ac49568e0.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/53310d154fe6a2acbd895f1460f11169.jpg
Hoping to have some quicker paint remover soon but I do have my emergency secret stuff lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/952d13d97d797ca06dadccc1ac46326e.jpg
Looks ok under the paint which is pretty tough stuff
Spent some time with this again. Cleaned all the controls inside and out. Someone had attempted this a long time ago with god knows what. It had crystalised anyways.. all sounding quiet now. Amp working as well as i would expect on these test speakers so far.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161104/63469695583af9d1c6cfbd3b6802f7e3.jpg
Alas the wood case had been treated with some black stuff.. i hesitate to call it paint but it might have been. Certainly oil or celulose ... unfortunately whoever did it appears to have sanded it in places and not in others causing seepage into the grain in places. Also the veneer on it is extremely thin and some is missing. Got it off but will have to decide on what i want to do next. A few options come to mind lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161104/e4e0ebf05c0804ef98f54f197ff67752.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161104/8b0d854868cdc7fbf10013cb3c463a3f.jpg
Still its a nice amp for all its troubles. Shame someone used it as a guitar amp or pa system. This they had done before the blackening as when feet came off there was a nice colour of shiny wood under it..
walpurgis
04-11-2016, 16:34
Had quite a few marks like that on my Tannoy cabs Grant. As long as the veneer is clean and porous, dabbing boiling hot water into depressions can expand the fibres and raise the surface again. You may have to keep doing it for a while and drying in front of a rad. Ronseal Multi Purpose Wood Filler comes in various shades and can fill any dings that won't steam out. I finished off with a bit of stain and satin varnish put on with a pad. Came up like new.
Might darken it down too, and just varnish it Geoff. Yes the water trick might help. Other thing is just to reveneer it. Got some decent stains there and also veneer in stock.
The speaker switch was the only major issue with the Pioneer apart from all the switchgear needing a squirt of something. Speaker B works just fine, but A (and A+B) causes the protection to cycle. I reckon it's something stupid on the speaker switch.
'That' F307 sounded utterly charming to Dave and I and it was the first time I listened to one in decades. Not much power but what it has is delightful - I hope you agree.
Arkless Electronics
04-11-2016, 18:36
The speaker switch was the only major issue with the Pioneer apart from all the switchgear needing a squirt of something. Speaker B works just fine, but A (and A+B) causes the protection to cycle. I reckon it's something stupid on the speaker switch.
'That' F307 sounded utterly charming to Dave and I and it was the first time I listened to one in decades. Not much power but what it has is delightful - I hope you agree.
I've got an F307 and yes they do sound pretty good...for a 60's SS amp..... I wouldn't have said it would worry a half decent modern amp though.
Ever heard a ReVox A78? I have one and it sounds very good indeed! Even the (MM only) phono stage sounds great. About '74 I would guess...
walpurgis
04-11-2016, 18:48
I had two new F307 amps.
The first one had a terminal hum problem that a couple of returns did not sort, so they gave me another new one. Even then, I was not entirely happy and replaced it with a new Rotel RA-611, which I still think was a great amp. It sounded so much better and worked flawlessly for the few years I ran it.
Just trying to remember what succeeded the Rotel. Think it was a Quantum pre-power combo. That sounded great too.
I ran all these amps into Tannoy IIILZ speakers. Thought they were very fine at that time.
Arkless Electronics
04-11-2016, 18:56
There was a factory "partial recall" on the F307 to fit different output transistors and a few other mods BTW.... Early ones were dodgy. I believe it was a case that any returned to dealers or factory, for any reason, were given all the mods FOC.
The speaker switch was the only major issue with the Pioneer apart from all the switchgear needing a squirt of something. Speaker B works just fine, but A (and A+B) causes the protection to cycle. I reckon it's something stupid on the speaker switch.
'That' F307 sounded utterly charming to Dave and I and it was the first time I listened to one in decades. Not much power but what it has is delightful - I hope you agree.
Yes the switches were pretty firey initially but have cleaned up well to silent. Sounding quite good really for its age . What is it? , about 73? Believe its an OCL amp; wanted one o these when they came out but was only an apprentice and no dough lol. Plenty enough power for most folk in a domestic environ too. about 40wpc I think. Must get the circuit off thr engine site.
Ive not managed to try the 307 yet, but its a looker. Plenty power for my system, although it may be a tad lean for my speakers; time will tell.
A few repairs and decided to stain it ... first coat is pretty red, but it will tone down a little once finished. Hope to get the 3 sides done today. Then let that dry overnight properly.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/d3782d231c585c25822adadf974e7a82.jpg
walpurgis
05-11-2016, 15:54
That will look good once you've finished it Grant. Did you have bother with the little dings?
No, i fired a little steam over the worst bits and let them draw up.. the holes i filled with sandable and stainable usa filler. Nice stuff. A good sand with fine the on with a made up stain mix of rosewood and yew water stain. Very nice stuff, and used it before a few times. The 2 front pillars of amp are a bit rosewood, unlike the main body, so this will match it up ok i guess. I did a set of speakers similarly.
Grant, you're a star!
Jez, I listened to this F307 with a vintage eye and was very pleasantly surprised how nice it sounded. I don't need a vintage amp like this - I have an even older (rebuilt) 33/303 here which does the 'Ah' factor perfectly for me (and this particular 303 on its own sounds sublime with the BC2's I've discovered, and was apparently the amp model used when they were designed). None as open and involving as the NVA's but hey, we're talking OLD STUFF here, which I like to tinker with when I have the time.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/949d8a1ffad99d63fa8066c67312ef71.jpg
Probably as good as the faceplate is going to get.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/98916bdb44495067715cea8428bfb680.jpg
Some lacquering. Decided i like the dark so will leave it as is. It was shellac sealed before the final coat
Once thats dry, hopefully it will be about done for now. Sounds pretty decent within the crappy speakers' limits
I might veneer it next year when its warmer if i feel the need.
walpurgis
06-11-2016, 12:19
Looking forward to seeing your end result Grant.
The amp should sound good. I've not heard a bad vintage Pioneer. Bet the phono stage'll be decent too.
I suspect from previous form this is going to look a million dollars when it's finally finished.
Lol.. na, it will look better but not stellar. Cabinet has too many faults. Tbh its a fairly easy structure and could be replicated i guess. If it looks ok sitting there then it will be a big bonus. Its been abused and used as a pa band amp or something similar, although inside there doesnt appear to be any obvious stressing of components. Maybe a compliment to its sonic abilities that it was used this way?
Does sound like on good speakers it will do ok. I really just want to look at it lol. Love all the switchgear, even if most of it is not overly needed.
Ok, its recased but not bolted yet... better than i thought
Did a quick video too if i can find it.
Some pics
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/ed2679f6d79542c7af645f9892185d7f.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/c87e0254a3374c539f50524cb099b412.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/3d073d5e486bd67064452c1c39d84d2b.jpg
https://youtu.be/4z_441IRyvw
From something that looked like this
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161106/b6b938e735b835c48f51cf95aa8da139.jpg
vinylspinner
06-11-2016, 14:14
Hi Grant,
The Pioneer amps from this age were decent, I owned the SA9100 and it served me for many years without any serious issues, sad to see it go tbh.
Hi Grant,
The Pioneer amps from this age were decent, I owned the SA9100 and it served me for many years without any serious issues, sad to see it go tbh.
Cheers nigel. Its seems good. Well enough made inside and certainly looks the part now i think. Need to wait a while till the lacquer is nice n hard then bolt it up, and find some kind gent to lug it indoors. Im on 2 sticks today so it aint gonna happen lol
walpurgis
06-11-2016, 15:17
Looking good Grant. A keeper?
Sure, yes i intend to keep it .... for now anyways.. it looks too nice to sell. Lol
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
brian2957
06-11-2016, 20:56
Aye nice job Grant , what a difference from when you first started this amp refurb :)
Thanks Brian. Its a nice sit out on show amp again. hoping to get in indoors in next couple of days when I get a lift. put it upstairs for now in place of the other pioneer and run it for a while. Should be able to get more room up there soon.
Next up is the Ferrograph, which Ive yet to try. Got the cable wired for it.(thanks again Dave)
jandl100
07-11-2016, 09:06
Lovely job on that Pioneer, Grant. It looks absolutely fab. :thumbsup:
You're a talented guy.
Lovely job on that Pioneer, Grant. It looks absolutely fab. :thumbsup:
You're a talented guy.
Thanks Jerry ....
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161107/2c9ea7a5c4cada4123ff0f25ef608d5f.jpg
A glamour shot
What a gorgeous thing that is. :eek:
Really well done Grant, looks the business!
Thanks mate. Its not perfect by any means but its a lot better now and presentable... gonna get it into a wee system upstairs eventually . When ive got strength lol. Could do with getting rid of the wardrope in that room first though. Ive no need of it.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161107/3c537b525e112d17b53c473016c7e656.jpg
Sounds really good
Finally got the ferrograph out for a test etc. Has some issues with the left channel in stereo mode. Seems fine in mono. Lower level, and occasional slowish increase then fades a bit. Mono has a huge increase in volume so something is going on. Id expect some increase but not that much.:scratch:
Looking at cabinet under the big strong light i see its not patina, but someone has tried to restain it badly. Thats no problem and will get sorted. Just have to decide on colour.....anyone know if other colours were ever used?
Will need to get a diagram off the engine, although i think i might actually have one somewhere
Will say, it sounded very good. Maybe after fettling will be a great amp to have.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161108/d1acb4db29cace4cb17bc6f393f75207.jpg
walpurgis
08-11-2016, 16:36
I had one with a rich teak sort of coloured case and one with an almost walnut colour. They were original and hadn't been restained.
Mmm, walnut ... sounds better than this inbetween teak and pine i think. Think i remember a black one too, or very dark. Might have been dark walnut. Amp looks like it will pop out of case easily enough. Knobs seem to have grubs...maybe hex? Fiund a diagram fir mk2.. not sure if its a mk1 or2 tbh. Dont think there was a lot of difference. Something internal if memory serves
walpurgis
08-11-2016, 16:55
I have seen the occasional F307 with a white case. Whether that was an option or done afterwards by an owner I don't know. But it looked very good and set off the colour of the front panel rather well.
not seen a white one. was looking online at pics there. they seem to be pretty much all same.
Sorted the off balance problem, and its playing fine now. A bit of hum if my body is close to it. Odd that. Still, although perhaps a tad bass light,( doesnt have much in way of capacitance in it) its a nice sound.
https://youtu.be/FKk8ugjsv7g
That Ferrograph plays lovely tunes with its 20W output though and I thought the midrange had some shape and substance to it, if not up to modern well designed small amps. The Pioneer didn't do it for me the same way.
Tracks played from Pierre Moelen's Gong - Time Is The key...
P.S. Just to note also that ten-thirty on the volume controls with a 2V CD source is basically clipping point on the F307. Appreciate that most CD's are not fully modulated to 100% all the time but just thought I'd mention it.
Not heard it through good speakers david. Just the old testers. I will get it fettled and inside later. Can tell its good enough to be worth some work.
hifi_dave
10-11-2016, 16:47
Bloody 'eck Grant, you've done a brilliant job with that Pioneer. It looks so much better now than it did sitting on my shelf..:youtheman:
Thanks Dave. Shes sweet n pretty now :)
The pioneer has a now friend.... a tanberg cassette player. Very nice it is
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jandl100
11-11-2016, 14:11
Awesome.
You da man. :respect:
brian2957
11-11-2016, 15:20
The pioneer has a now friend.... a tanberg cassette player. Very nice it is
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Ah she lives !! I was just about to leave Grants place today when the Tanberg tape deck arrived . It was swiftly unpacked and examined . This thing reeks of quality and is beautifully built . Unfortunately I had to leave before it was fired up .
Have you tried it yet Grant ?
The pictures of your newly refurbished Pioneer amp just don't do it justice mate . It's absolutely beautiful , and it sounds excellent to boot .
Thanks for having me over today and for treating me to some excellent sounds and some very nice coffee Grant . It's always a pleasure mate :)
walpurgis
11-11-2016, 15:42
Tandberg looks very nice Grant. I know what they sound like 'cos I had one (and the 300).
How's the Pioneer sounding? Should be very nice.
(hope Brian didn't pig all your biscuits. :D)
jandl100
11-11-2016, 15:43
Almost makes me want to move to Scotland.
Almost. :D
Ah she lives !! I was just about to leave Grants place today when the Tanberg tape deck arrived . It was swiftly unpacked and examined . This thing reeks of quality and is beautifully built . Unfortunately I had to leave before it was fired up .
Have you tried it yet Grant ?
The pictures of your newly refurbished Pioneer amp just don't do it justice mate . It's absolutely beautiful , and it sounds excellent to boot .
Thanks for having me over today and for treating me to some excellent sounds and some very nice coffee Grant . It's always a pleasure mate :)
Sounds good mate. Not able to record yet. Need another long interconnect...well 2 actually lol. Will have to go out tomorrow and have a rake. The reeler is working too, although could do with work
Almost makes me want to move to Scotland.
Almost. :D
Hell, with our weather ?
Tandberg looks very nice Grant. I know what they sound like 'cos I had one (and the 300).
How's the Pioneer sounding? Should be very nice.
(hope Brian didn't pig all your biscuits. :D)
Never offered a biccie as i didnt have any doh... got a classy coffee though.... pioneer is sounding pretty good tbh. It could easily make it to top system......maybe:eyebrows:
walpurgis
11-11-2016, 15:50
Almost makes me want to move to Scotland.
Almost. :D
Scotland is beautiful, but unfortunately just not quite warm enough for me (nor is England really, most of the time).
brian2957
11-11-2016, 15:54
Tandberg looks very nice Grant. I know what they sound like 'cos I had one (and the 300).
How's the Pioneer sounding? Should be very nice.
(hope Brian didn't pig all your biscuits. :D)
Tight 'ol git didn't offer me a biscuit Geoff . I think he's too tight to buy any :lol: Coffe was very good though :D
Ha. Gave you 50 dvds ;). Rarely buy them actually as i just eat em
brian2957
11-11-2016, 15:56
Almost makes me want to move to Scotland.
Almost. :D
Gimme a shout when you're ready mate and I'll look for a place for you :)
brian2957
11-11-2016, 15:58
Ha. Gave you 50 dvds ;). Rarely buy them actually as i just eat em
42 Actually . Dropped most of them off at the charity shop on the way home :)
Thanks. Hope someone gets sommat out of them.
brian2957
11-11-2016, 16:10
I'm sure they will mate .
PM me your number again will you Grant .
walpurgis
11-11-2016, 16:14
Need another long interconnect...well 2 actually lol. Will have to go out tomorrow and have a rake.
Got a spare 3.0m Techlink here if you need it Grant. Nice cable.
Got a spare 3.0m Techlink here if you need it Grant. Nice cable.
will let you know Geoff.. I will check my warehouse first lol. Am currently using the other 2 sets you made for me.
walpurgis
11-11-2016, 19:28
will let you know Geoff.. I will check my warehouse first lol. Am currently using the other 2 sets you made for me.
If you need any made up, just let me know.
If you need any made up, just let me know.
Made 2 cables into 1 with a diuble connector i found :D. Where theres a will lol.. so tried a recording onto a new tape off cd. Reproduction was excellent i have to say. Only tricky thing is the output to recorder was perhaps a tad strong.. still, more than happy,
Tried a tape in the reel to reel machine that had music on, but one channel was going up n down. Must either be duff tape or it was recorded bad, as another tape seemed ok. Not used this for some time. Needs an on off switch too, plus the pause lever is very stiff. Bulbs, meters knobs all work other than that.
More work tiday on the ferrograph amp.
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http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161115/a2e203b498777aace061c2172807072b.jpg
All checks well and looks well made.
Now case has been stripped and had its first coats of a nice Bolgers water based Yew stain, that should be a good base
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Now hanging up to dry
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Bit more work and we have this
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161115/a76cc27e7caf5a935426d268fd400102.jpg
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walpurgis
15-11-2016, 16:09
Looking good Grant. Have you had a listen to the amp on your main system yet?
brian2957
15-11-2016, 16:10
Flippin eck Grant , you're a magician mate . This looks absolutely beautiful :)
Thanks... no, ive not tried it yet. Fancy it with my big rolas but it will get a try with something else. Not sure about it with 6ohmers. Might just be too low for it. Slightly better colour though i think.
Ps brian those plugs have arrived thanks. Will give em a buff soon if needed.
brian2957
15-11-2016, 16:20
Aye , I think they will need a little bit of work Grant . I tried to be as accurate as possible:)
Aye , I think they will need a little bit of work Grant . I tried to be as accurate as possible:)
They are pretty good mate.. nice soldering. Will take dremel to them if ness. Next time im out.
The lacquer is touch dry so it can cure overnight upstairs
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walpurgis
15-11-2016, 17:23
Thanks... no, ive not tried it yet. Fancy it with my big rolas but it will get a try with something else. Not sure about it with 6ohmers. Might just be too low for it..
I seem to recall something about the F307 not liking low impedances.
I seem to recall something about the F307 not liking low impedances.
think its supposed to be 8 ohm minimum alas. my rolas are 15 so will be perfect for it. 15 should increase bass response too I think. works ok on 8 though so initially will probably try that .... need to unbox the rolas as I was considering selling them... but this might be a mean combo :lol:
Looks fine in a situ I think. Still has that slight tack as per but not bad. Will get it flatter then waxed up
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161115/6a773ca2c51835698d4e49e089677ba2.jpg
better than the pictures tbh
brian2957
15-11-2016, 20:20
Looks like a nice match for the speakers mate :)
Quite a nice colour tbh. Didnt want to change it too much in end as most seem to be like this.
Now fitted to amp again and looking quite smart i think
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/f37e3978c466f545623d90c68900653c.jpg
brian2957
16-11-2016, 13:42
Aye , you're building up a very nice collection of vintage amps Grant . You really do need a nice shelving unit to show them off :)
How's it sounding BTW .
Indeed. Must do something soon
Got this just in
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/d1fa8f8d76464ea1e70ac7bb49b9b662.jpg
We're keeping the courier companies busy between us today...
Lol. Was a heavy box, stuffed full of these...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/70665207c3ec854bbd52f98c652f43b3.jpg
Untested but hopeful some will be ok it not all... been used at some point... thanks hifidave
Amp is now indoors. Looks superb from a couple of paces tbh.
Will try and get a set up done soon
Well I suppose you couldn't have used Sassenach brand tape.
Well I suppose you couldn't have used Sassenach brand tape.
Tis dipped in whisky ;)
rigger67
17-11-2016, 12:15
Is that "Bodger's" wood stain I see you're using there, mate ?? ;)
Is that "Bodger's" wood stain I see you're using there, mate ?? ;)
Your point being?;)
Been trying to tidy spare room and fit another stereo at other end of room lol
Not getting too far but at least trying
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walpurgis
18-11-2016, 19:11
Have you given the F307 a whirl Grant?
Have you given the F307 a whirl Grant?
Not yet with decent speakers Geoff. Just got things roughly in place. need to sort some power over that side of room next. Going to have 2 sets of speaker available that side eventually. Got smaller celestions underneath, but will have to do some angling inside the outer cabs so they come out and up a bit. Thats for later thou hoping to get it working over weekend
Been trying to tidy spare room and fit another stereo at other end of room lol
Not getting too far but at least trying
Got two spare rooms and they've both got systems set up in them (and there's one in my bedroom to of course ;) )
Probably got enough gear to set up at least four systems. At the moment I only have two systems set up: the main one in my lounge, and the second, which mostly performs AV duties, in the TV room (don't and won't have a TV in the lounge/listening room!).
But a third system in the bedroom? No, there are only two things that are done in the bedroom, and listening to music is not one of them. :eyebrows:
No, there are only two things that are done in the bedroom, and listening to music is not one of them. :eyebrows:
Ravel's Boléro? (although the pace is a little slow for me :eyebrows:)
Ravel's Boléro? (although the pace is a little slow for me :eyebrows:)
Well it could be described as 'orgasmic' (my GF certainly thinks so; whether the Ravel original, or the version by Angelique Kidjo 'Lon Lon'). ;)
Well it has balls in it...nearly.
This it just a dumping ground these days so setting up a system at both ends for testing really, and so i can see the stuff etc.
Wired up this morning and "........bollocks". Only one channel :doh: so after few checks it came down to the speaker. Opened and a wire had come adrift somehow... anyway its resoldered and now working. Think it sounds a tad better on the 15ohm ones .. big celestion rola 12" fullrange drivers. They could do with being wider apart i think. Still that job done now.
Will pop a pic on later
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brian2957
19-11-2016, 14:02
Now that is a very nice vintage system Grant . Well done that man :)
hifi_dave
19-11-2016, 15:41
Lovely looking Ferrograph there..:thumbsup:
Reminds me a bit of Bagpuss. Broken, raggedy old gear goes into Grant's house and is transformed into something that looks like it just came out of the shop window.
I don't think he does it himself, he just goes to sleep and mice come out and do all the work, singing 'we will fix it'. Whilst being supervised by a wooden bird.
When he wakes up, there you go, minty Ferrograph.
brian2957
19-11-2016, 15:54
Yup , sounds good to me Martin :D
To be sure i have... 2 Leprechauns, so an i have:Dhttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161119/ad55b39b7745c8fca7b80f435b18fb09.jpg kiss me im irish
Finally got that fisual speaker cable made up
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Fitted one end with audio technica bare wire convertors. Nice bit of kit those. Fitted to the pioneer. Sounds pretty good i think
This is the connectors. Japanese market by looks of it and well made. Dunno from when but i will guess 80's
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walpurgis
27-11-2016, 17:09
Never tried anything from Fisual. Looks substantial.
Its very good. I left the screen floating. Not sure why it has one tbh, but heyho. Its foil. The inner has a dummy coax (ie a central blank plastic inside the coax web)construction, with silver plated copper i think and 2 spacers within the outer to keep 2 cores apart. For the correct money its still probably worth it, but at the sale price its surprisingly good.
Is this the stuff Paul Stewart was raving about?
Been moving around in spare room last few days. Mostly done for now with 2 systems up and running
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161127/da37fb6c88014723f03cca288db53d70.jpg
Amps Pioneer sa8100 and Ferrograph f307. (leak 2200 for storage but not connected)
Ancilliaries Denon 2900 cd/dvd, leak 2300 tuner, Akai 4000D tape and Tanberg tcd310 cassette. Also laptop running foobar through to HRT dac.
Speakers currently Rola Celestion 12" fullrange and celestion ditton 130 in Georgian cabs.
Is this the stuff Paul Stewart was raving about?
it is Barry. I got it a while a go, but only got round to making up
My foray into headphone portable listening is now going well
Borrowed an amp and using an old phone which both sounds good and has a good battery. Also it will accept a USB dac like the one I have upstairs as far as I know. Need a otg cable apparently for that lol.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161209/34e459077c182093e4bcaf91b880176c.jpg
Started with amazon unlimited and now have trial of Spotify premium
Earbuds currently are Marshall mode eq which are quite decent I think
Amp is a Lear fsm 02 v2 which actually has 2 amps. A normal one and a class a which I prefer at moment with these buds. Lots of switches etc too
Currently listening to my sweet lord on the extreme stream so 320 know I presume
Still to try casting it to stereo
Enjoying this but will need to pick up a big set of cans too I think
Anyhoo upwards we go
brian2957
09-12-2016, 13:16
You're always playing aboot with something mate :D
You're always playing aboot with something mate :D
Who me? :eyebrows: got it streaming to one of the chromecasts. Sounds ok. Not cd quality but very listenable. One of the big advantages of spotify is its ability to cast from its apps. Amazon cant
The lear has an external multivoltage psu input as well as a standard 5v mini usb one. Ive connected it up to my linear psu at 12v and , hey this has improved drastically..Bass is superb now, very tight n deep.(ps its now not going to be sold) can also use other output at 5v for the phone to keep it powered up if needed.
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walpurgis
09-12-2016, 15:06
I don't even know what that is Grant. :scratch:
brian2957
09-12-2016, 15:15
Neither do I , I think he's lost it Geoff :lol:
I don't even know what that is Grant. :scratch:
Which bit". The double psu is pictured in last picture. The other one is a phone and a headphone amp
brian2957
09-12-2016, 15:47
I recognise the Chinese PSU , what's sitting on top mate ?
I know you had problems with this PSU , but once you got it fixed it has proven to be pretty versatile .
Lol..ignore that, its a crystal bowl with bitsnbobs in. It usually sit there. Might have to resite it later. Still its weight will em, help with vibrations ??:eyebrows:
brian2957
09-12-2016, 15:59
Hah ! That's what I thought it was there for . Just checking :lol:
I recognise the Chinese PSU , what's sitting on top mate ?
Warning warning warning Grant's using Foo !!
brian2957
09-12-2016, 19:15
Nope not Foo Mike . These PSUs are excellent . I use one myself to good effect :)
You could get 3 months of Tidal lossless service for an £8.99 purchase if that was any good to you Grant ;)
Nope not Foo Mike . These PSUs are excellent . I use one myself to good effect :)
indeed, they are. Just have to bung an earth on. Chinese dont seem to think it important lol. I offered it to a member who asked about it but he never got back to me(guess i was asking too much) and glad now as its made a big difference to this setup. They are quite flexible too voltage wise.
Nope not Foo Mike . These PSUs are excellent . I use one myself to good effect :)
Lol I was talking about the fruit bowl!
Lol I was talking about the fruit bowl!
Thought you might be Mike ;) Its not linear though :ner:
You could get 3 months of Tidal lossless service for an £8.99 purchase if that was any good to you Grant ;)
In fact with a little work you can do a whole year for £36 and even less if you sell the items bought to get the Tidal vouchers. Well I think I can get it work for the year but having only done the first 3 months I won't know until I try months 4-6 ;)
In fact with a little work you can do a whole year for £36 and even less if you sell the items bought to get the Tidal vouchers. Well I think I can get it work for the year but having only done the first 3 months I won't know until I try months 4-6 ;)
I saw that being talked about by someone here. Was it sandisk products? Tidal is too expensive for me so dont want to get used to it lol. I tried some flac through it and there was not much difference tbh to 320kb on a lot of stuff
T'was me Grant.
Got a new Sandisk 64gb microSd card from Carphone Warehouse when I got my new mobile phone.
It had a 3 month Tidal subscription.
Dont know about Spotify 320K quality, but a gnat's Baw-hair difference between Tidal and the same album on Flac played from my hard drive.
Seriously thinking of keeping Tidal on after the trial...seriously.
I saw that being talked about by someone here. Was it sandisk products? Tidal is too expensive for me so dont want to get used to it lol
Yip Sandisk 32gb USB sticks for £8.99 free year of Sandisk Recovery Pro and 3 months Tidal voucher in each pack, the same offer is on the 16gb ones at £5.99 so that makes it even cheaper, but I figured 32gb be easier to sell on
Just bought a sandisk 32 gb micro sd card from amazon for the phone. doubt it will have it but you never know. Will come tomorrow
Fingers crossed Sir! :)
All this humble gentleman knows is that Tidal is 95% as good as the same album from your hard drive.
And that missing 5% is worth all the new music you may come across.
If it is it'll be on the inside of the actual packaging
Just read the amazon ad again it says frustration free packaging, so think it unlikely alas. Never mind I might get another later. The one in phone is just a 2 gb so wanted room for downloads from the sites.
Fingers crossed Sir! :)
All this humble gentleman knows is that Tidal is 95% as good as the same album from your hard drive.
And that missing 5% is worth all the new music you may come across.
It sounds good. Just out of my range at moment long term. Probably gonna be spotify actually, as I think its got the edge on amazon, if for nothing else, the chromecast ability
brian2957
09-12-2016, 22:15
Yes I've compared Spotify and Amazon Music and I agree . Spotify sounds better .
Bought a Chromecast to stick in the telly based on your reccy Grant, its bloody good!!
Yes I've compared Spotify and Amazon Music and I agree . Spotify sounds better .
In fact I just signed up to spotify. 3 months for 99p then £9.99. cancelled amazon as cant afford or need both. I would have stuck with amazon and kept it in house if they can cast but so far not.
Bought a Chromecast to stick in the telly based on your reccy Grant, its bloody good!!
They are, yes.. red book quality and dead easy to use. spotify and possibly tidal have cast abilities.
Just read the amazon ad again it says frustration free packaging, so think it unlikely alas. Never mind I might get another later. The one in phone is just a 2 gb so wanted room for downloads from the sites.
Yup it didnt come with the voucher...said to be frustration free but i got so frustrated i had to attack the plastic case with a big pair of scissors. Grrr
Yup it didnt come with the voucher...said to be frustration free but i got so frustrated i had to attack the plastic case with a big pair of scissors. Grrr
The vouchers are printed in the inside of the cardboard bit inside the plastic outer.
Nothing on this one Mike. Think its a special package for amazon. Has both there names on white cardboard box. Nothing inside. Not been lucky that way lol. I saw them in currys and were cheaper i think a while ago. Still this one worked out of box so no complaints. Got a nice kinps 3.5mm cable too. Nice feel and look. Sounds good enough too
Nothing on this one Mike. Think its a special package for amazon. Has both there names on white cardboard box. Nothing inside. Not been lucky that way lol. I saw them in currys and were cheaper i think a while ago. Still this one worked out of box so no complaints. Got a nice kinps 3.5mm cable too. Nice feel and look. Sounds good enough too
Ah that's a pity, ah well nothing lost
As an update, im still enjoying the earphones and a set of cheap lidl ones. Been using this amp some of time and sometimes without to see if i feel an amp does me any good sound wise. Still in the neutral side. Its not bad at all though. Been enjoying spotify as well. Hoping to pick up some good phones in xmas sales, maybe even here if anyone gets a pressie of new ones lol
Got a couple of kinps extention cables as well which are nicely made but do to an extent alter the sound. Obviously my hearing will have a big say in how i get on and my results wont suit everyone.
Intend doing a write up of lear amp b4 returning it to David(jollyfix) if indeed i do lol. Was a very generous offer and he is a top bloke.
After more tests, i think better headphones for main listening are the main priority. with this in mind, and after a fair bit of research I have gone for a set of audio technika ones.(had a set before and quite liked the presentation.)
https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91DtiVtUJzL._SL1500_.jpg
Decided in a brain wave(yes i occasionally have em) to connect a old sabre dac i had lying about via an otg connector. Didnt work on samsung phone so far but did on my old trusty lg gpad. Sound is remarkably good. Does use a bit of battery power and you do get the occasional off on of sound. Think thats when something happens so might try switching some stuff off.
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Another brainwave. Shock. 2 in one day lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161214/a601b0862c88cb42a09abf9daed9fffe.jpg
Power chromecast audio with battery and plug headphones in
Control vol with phone
Not half bad
Another brainwave. Shock. 2 in one day lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161214/a601b0862c88cb42a09abf9daed9fffe.jpg
Power chromecast audio with battery and plug headphones in
Control vol with phone
Not half bad
I've done similar but from the mains, not bad at all.
Indeed it is good, and no amp needed as there seems to be plenty volume, with the buds anyway. could save me some cash lol.
Indeed it is good, and no amp needed as there seems to be plenty volume, with the buds anyway. could save me some cash lol.
Keep your pocket and whatever you have in it warm too 😉
reckon you could use i on the go as well mike. either with a mobile data dongle or using phones own hotspot. I have both . setting it up initially might require a bit of thought though.
reckon you could use i on the go as well mike. either with a mobile data dongle or using phones own hotspot. I have both . setting it up initially might require a bit of thought though.
I now just use my mobile phone instead of my music player, it sounds much better and takes 128gb card too, in the car I Bluetooth from it to stereo and on 4g unlimited I don't worry about usage of Google Music, Amazon Prime or Tidal IF I need to use them.
Motorola X Play, battery last 2 days no problem and like I say audio from it is superb.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/1606ad0b45e70e6dc1576c576c1fdbd6.jpg
Great service from Audio Technika, and new cans here in a day. Was expecting tomorrow or monday via dpd.
These are ATH-MSR7's .
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/ce368fe682d42b48d267df48fa9365fd.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/f205c7cf6cc7a3ac0990b356a15a060b.jpg
These have come with a carry strap, metal connectors and two bags. One for headphones which is nice soft stuff with ambossed name of company..the other a freebie shopping bag.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/966dc96275b2497791a9648b4a69bb48.jpg
Also 3 detachable cables of differing lengths, all quite nice especially at the pricepoint.
Plugged into my current rig, which is samsung s3 streaming spotify into a chromecast audio dongle. Phone controls volume etc.
Intitial first few songs are very impressive.
Got these from audio technika. Like the brown colour and think its called gunmetal
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Got a freebie keyring bottle opener and a leather foldaway usb stick too. These are lovely headphones, both sound and comfort..Build quality seems excellent too.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/41f6c2fef1e49007763010dfb8f76d3e.jpg
Got a freebie keyring bottle opener and a leather foldaway usb stick too. These are lovely headphones, both sound and comfort..Build quality seems excellent too.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/41f6c2fef1e49007763010dfb8f76d3e.jpg
So...much...brown...leather...
That cat Grant is one Bad Motherf.....
http://www.tallguysgearguide.com/.a/6a0148c6c126f4970c01538e2aa39b970b-320wi
walpurgis
15-12-2016, 17:08
They certainly look the part Grant. Very smart :).
Cant please everyone :ner: I,m very impressed with them across the board. For money must be a best buy. No leather jacket alas, but a voucher for doner kebab;)
Cant please everyone :ner: I,m very impressed with them across the board. For money must be a best buy. No leather jacket alas, but a voucher for doner kebab;)
Kebab for the win! :)
Cans look great.
Kebab for the win! :)
Cans look great.
Better in the flesh actually than the pics I think. The sound direct from chromecast dongle is very good and at a good level, considering its mp3 when all said and done. The big battery lasts for ages running both the phone and the dongle.
Well, streaming spotify for some time, and after a while on the cans through the chromecast audio dongle and some investigations, decided to purchase this with my xmas pressie money mostly
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161229/83f7be2d44da7fc91ba77a090ccfdeb4.jpg
Taking the optical signal straight from the dongle into this at redbook, even if stream is only 320kb,
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161229/e28bc16d3418599fb2a5e35b8e795488.jpg
I'm getting a super sound. Also has a usb so i can with a longish repeater cable, send pc flac stuff down as well i think, although not reached that point quite yet. Obviously got more power should i need it, and think, although early days that its a cleaner and better dac than the already decent chromecast one. Its. SMSL's m6 minidac, and very nicely made it is.
Currently just using the smpsu that comes with it but will probably move to linear later, hence the psu under it
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Got the usb working from next room via a 10mt repeater cable . Flac sounded great, and you do notice the difference between it and spotify tbh. Thats not to say spotify is not great too coz it is. Very pleased with this. A driver disc came with it which was painless to install. Using win10 and jriver21, or spotify via phone,chromecast on optical. Should be able to pop spotify down from usb via the web player too....possibly still able to control from seat with phone..:lol: need to try that...happy bunny:D
Will also be able to run jriver via the remote app on tablet....:cool:
I thought i would maybe be able to control the web player with a phone or tablet on spotify but it appears not. Pity that as it would have been ideal .... maybe a way will come.
Edit... solved this... theres a pc app...lol now controlled from tablet and playing from lappy to dac .purrfik :carrot::carrot:
rmcin626
29-12-2016, 18:54
I thought i would maybe be able to control the web player with a phone or tablet on spotify but it appears not. Pity that as it would have been ideal .... maybe a way will come.
Edit... solved this... theres a pc app...lol now controlled from tablet and playing from lappy to dac .purrfik :carrot::carrot:
Looks good Grant although not sure I understand all the techie bits you have mentioned.
Looks good Grant although not sure I understand all the techie bits you have mentioned.
Cheers Robin. I will get it better orginised soon. Got to set some cabling up yet..
This should bring my quest to an end shortly if not has done. Nearly a quarter of a million hits is surprising.. thanks to all
Sorted out wiring and voltages etc and running off linear psu(dac and recharge for battery) while chromecast is still on battery for now.
Sounding very good
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161230/619f82fc89e25913d7339328a50bedfb.jpg
Thought i,d give a few pics of the restored gear in the upstairs showroom lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/00e2b01b5b3c59268d1523be7605be40.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/fca4f11a2a2d8c6ea3e4f0503a118a38.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/be181e194fe6b0865ad152a3061bc206.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/236ddc7160ae3f2e940ce9d440c7553f.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170101/e145760cc7f4530b4d182020d8d2a767.jpg
It all works too and connected.
rmcin626
01-01-2017, 23:32
Impressive
Impressive
thanks Robin. They are pretty good things considering the cost. The ferro and Pioneer are getting thin on ground in nice nick, and the Tanberg is a wee gem, and very clean.
brian2957
02-01-2017, 20:20
Ah... I see you've managed to get everything sorted out and into the open where they should be Grant . Your gear looks absolutely beautiful . Well done mate :)
Ah... I see you've managed to get everything sorted out and into the open where they should be Grant . Your gear looks absolutely beautiful . Well done mate :)
cheers mate. As you said, it deserved to be out. its not all out of course :)
Very nice! For anyone who's never been to the Scalford show ... it's like this x 40. Mind you, even they don't have a shed system :lol:
I've wanted one of those Ferrograph amps ever since seeing one as a youth. Unfortunately, most of my five bob a week pocket-money never made it past the sweet-shop :rolleyes:
Parkie37
04-01-2017, 00:54
That looks really nice Grant. It brought back a lot of memories looking at that gear!
Very nice! For anyone who's never been to the Scalford show ... it's like this x 40. Mind you, even they don't have a shed system :lol:
I've wanted one of those Ferrograph amps ever since seeing one as a youth. Unfortunately, most of my five bob a week pocket-money never made it past the sweet-shop :rolleyes:
Lol, yes well some of it is getting on a bit now, mostly 70's i guess. A great decade sound wise.
That looks really nice Grant. It brought back a lot of memories looking at that gear!
It all sounds good too Don. not high end, but guess it was fairly in its day. I hankered after a pioneer like that when an apprentice, so finally got one. Tbh it doesnt get used, although it can be easily; more for me to look at lol
hifi_dave
06-01-2017, 17:03
So glad you got them polished up and working and looking good. Far better than sitting unloved on my shelves.
So glad you got them polished up and working and looking good. Far better than sitting unloved on my shelves.
Indeed Dave. Both look like the biz now. Enjoyed the work and will sit there for a time at least, getting a little playtime. Was going to put the pioneer in main system but its a lot of work, and im not sure it would fit in at moment. Its more of a sit on to amp tbh.
Got these little stands handed in to me. Not seen their like before. Stainless and concrete. 40 cm tall.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170125/32ab962533992e131f27c38772362f18.jpg
Firebottle
25-01-2017, 18:25
I've seen those before Grant, nice gift :)
brian2957
25-01-2017, 19:10
Got these little stands handed in to me. Not seen their like before. Stainless and concrete. 40 cm tall.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170125/32ab962533992e131f27c38772362f18.jpg
They'll probably do you a turn Grant . Nice one :)
walpurgis
25-01-2017, 20:08
I recognise those stands Grant, but can't recall where from. I'm sure they came with a specific speaker.
walpurgis
25-01-2017, 20:13
Seems I was wrong. They are Ikea.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Ikea-Speaker-Stands-Concrete-Base-60cm-tall-hidden-wires-/172105102375?nma=true&si=Pc3ppB9yV45yk%252FdhVzR0lcVkgU4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Ah, cheers Geoff.. least I know. Doubt I will use em for speakers but might come in useful for summat
hifi_dave
26-01-2017, 16:06
Whisky glass on one side of the armchair and a beer on the other.
Whisky glass on one side of the armchair and a beer on the other.
was thinking legs for a kallax type boxset to hold records, but its not a bad idea.;)
Popped the celestions I got back recently on those stands
Look ok
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/a7db6757956cea0585e98b23bd42cf18.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/0e89836b959e867da30bb492068574dc.jpg
A bit big
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/7468671d30eb824d283d147415c63a2f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170204/78c237eedf1cec670d9d66229c722d46.jpg
walpurgis
04-02-2017, 23:42
Wot're they Grant, UL8?
Wot're they Grant, UL8?
Celestion Ditton 130's with the hf1001 tweeter. decent lowish end in the day.
Sitting them on those stands make them look like more expensive speakers. I think if the stands were black, including the concrete base, they would look better.
Bases need painted black for sure. Its a small fitment that needs screwing in for safety, but maybe a non slip sheet cut to size might suffice
I really enjoyed reading the whole of this journey , your a very talented man Grant.
Thanks Garry.
You read it all. ...well done, and thanks [emoji120]
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Been adjusting the headphone rig and removed the linear psu.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170222/528d6f8f6eae81cc5cc3836bfbd3b5cb.jpg
Either from phone or pc it all sounds very good
Considering puting a headphone amp into my system. Think i could do it easily via the 2nd amp switch on my Beresford switchbox.:eyebrows: also might pop in another of my stereo monos into system using them in mono mode of course. Could maybe position each at each speaker. Would need 2 seperate rcas, one to each amp. Need to see if i can find long ones. Maybe2 to 3 metres. Then a headphone amp with analogue in, and also digi in i think.
So thats my next possible move. Might need to move on somethig though.. maybe the Ferrograph amp. Speakers too although would be difficult ...ah the thoughts of a Friday evening eh? Where is that whisky bottle ;)
In fact after yet another listen to the main system im considering getting shot of the lot. Just not doing it for me any more.:( maybe ive got used to headphones? I dont know, but im not connecting anymore.
All very sad.
In fact after yet another listen to the main system im considering getting shot of the lot. Just not doing it for me any more.:( maybe ive got used to headphones? I dont know, but im not connecting anymore.
All very sad.
That would be a real shame Grant, don't forget the old adage - act in haste, repent at leisure :(
walpurgis
07-03-2017, 16:53
In fact after yet another listen to the main system im considering getting shot of the lot. Just not doing it for me any more.:( maybe ive got used to headphones? I dont know, but im not connecting anymore.
All very sad.
You are probably like many of us Grant. If the mood isn't right, the sounds don't seem right.
Chill out later with a drink and relax with the system on. You'll probably get right back into it! :)
Been trying that. Dunno what it is. Just doesnt sound right. Although happy to accept its probably me.
You are probably like many of us Grant. If the mood isn't right, the sounds don't seem right.
Chill out later with a drink and relax with the system on. You'll probably get right back into it! :)
This. :)
Got given an old ikea carcass. Needs a bit of work but might be a nice unit for stereo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170309/9d4007bbba823a0b5836983cb0ccc690.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
After inspection and some scrubbing it looks to be ok. Just manky lol.
After inspection and some scrubbing it looks to be ok. Just manky lol.
Nice description Grant,
You've met my Ex obviously... :D
Nice description Grant,
You've met my Ex obviously... :D
And someone said women were bitchy :D. Think unit is too big lol. Its 2 ft deep, still it can double as my coffin :ner: god knows how im gonna do it but have to now
Finished cleaning for now
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170310/ee27c44f8320f95832dc2d1f369c1791.jpg
Its a big sucker... got dividers for it and a short glass front panel
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Heh... :)
Is the Ikea unit for the mancave system or for upstairs Grant?
Always liked the setup you have in the livingroom, be a shame to change it!
Was goona try it downstairs Gary. Want to try my pioneer in this system and this unit has room for it. But starting to wonder lol
Could fit records in it too i guess
walpurgis
10-03-2017, 11:05
I've got something that size, colour & shape, but with drawers in the living room. Damn handy for keeping the grand daughters bits in. :)
Its a big sucker... got dividers for it and a short glass front panel
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Had one of those Grant, struggled to give it away, dimensions were a bit odd.
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/entunit_zpsfffc2b30.jpg
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