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Adrianl
07-10-2014, 16:04
Greetings.
Just joined the forum. My first post.

I inherited my hifi gear from my late father. He bought everything in 1973 and I have it now minus the Ferograph. For something that I thought was mine at no additional cost it's certainly been a bit of a wallet lightener

My rig :-

Preamp Quad 33
Poweramp Quad 303
Speakers Cambridge Audio R50
Turntable Garrard 401
Tonearm SME 3009 II (Improved)
Cartridge Shure V15vxmr, Ortofon Quintet Black
Speaker cables Black Rhodium "Twist", Van den Hul "The Clearwater"
Cambridge Audio DAC Magic
Terratec DMX6Fire usb mm/mc preamp


The Quad 33 had the full upgrade treatment by David Pritchard at Net Audioand he completely rebuilt the 303 which is now branded as "Net Audio 303" on the faceplate.

I have replaced The Cambridge Audio R50s crossover boards with new bought from Wilmslow Audio. Additionally replaced the KEF's T27, B110 drivers with Falcon FT27 MATCHED PAIR and FALCON F B110 8 ohm MATCHED PAIR. Replaced the Coles 4001 drivers with new Coles replacements. I have not replaced the original KEF B139s.

The Garrard 401 is with Terry O'Sullivan at Loricraft at the moment for a complete overhaul and remount in the Loricraft Black Skeletal plinth. I will visit Mr. O'Sullivan at his premises near Lambourn in a couple of weeks to meet him in person and collect the 401 and PRC4 record cleaner I also bought at the same time.

The Ortofon cartridge is still in the box not opened yet.
I bought the Shure V15vxmr on ebay for £300. I am assured that it is mint condition. I have bought a new replacement stylus JICO VN5xMR SAS (High Grade type) which is shipping from Japan today. Also bought a second SME detachable headshell.



As far as the SME goes I'll be servicing this myself.
I've got some new bits for this: Elastic coupling, rubber washer and 4 rubber grommets. Van den Hul MCS 150M Internal Rewire Cable. 2 x Van den Hul headshell connection wire sets.
SME Tweeks bought from Robert Graetke at Analogue Tube Audio in Schiffdorf, Germany (Bronze knife edge bearing, Bronze goundplate, RCA Conversion Kit O).

Can anyone suggest a suitable preamp for the Ortofon Quintet Black? I was looking at getting either a Project Tube Box DS or Project Tube Box S. Is the DS better by £150 worth?

I currently can only listen to music I have in digital format from my laptop via the DAC Magic or radio stations from my Virgin broadband TV box.
So far so good and I can't wait to get the Garrard back in a couple of weeks or so.

I have a wide taste in music but anything pop after about 1985 I will not have heard of. Also cannot stand the modern trend for popular female singers to mostly be caterwaulers. Will be going to the Joan Armatrading gig in Dorking Halls next March to hear a real singer.

mr sneff
07-10-2014, 16:20
Hi Adrian, welcome to AoS. I also use a Net Audio modified 303.

walpurgis
07-10-2014, 17:15
Hello Adrian, Welcome from me too.

That's a very nice vintage system you have there. I'm almost jealous, but I have owned most of the items in the past.

Nice to see that you are bringing all your kit up to date. Well worthwhile.

As far as phono stages go, I have to say I've not been keen on the ProJect offerings I've heard. I'd suggest having a listen to the dearer Graham Slee units. I find them excellent.


Enjoy AOS,
Geoff.

Barry
07-10-2014, 19:40
Welcome to AoS Adrian,

Yes, that's an almost definitive '70s UK system - wonderful!

You seem to have done all the right things regarding upgrading and refurbishing of the gear. Good move to replace the vertical plastic bearing on your SME (though early samples of the 'Improved' version used the metal bearings of the non-improved version, until stocks were exhausted).

Enjoy the Forum, and enjoy Joan Armatrading next March.

Floyddroid
07-10-2014, 19:47
Hi Adrian. Wonderful system. Welcome aboard.

Eagle owl
08-10-2014, 06:31
Hello and welcome Adrian.

Geoff. :wave:

jollyfix
08-10-2014, 08:12
Hi Adrian, welcome to AOS.

Rush2112
10-10-2014, 20:01
Hi Adrian, welcome I know you will find it interesting.