Deaf Row!

[jandl100]

Hmm, interesting, those 3116 chip amps.
I've just ordered a Breeze Audio one. £17.22 :). Be interesting to compare it to an Amptastic Mini-T.

[walpurgis]

Yes, it is a remarkable little amp Tony. I'm using mine all the time and all my bigger 'fancier' amps are sidelined at the moment.

I'm sure you could locate an RCA/phono switching box to provide more inputs.

If anybody else is interested, here's the Breeze Audio branded one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-HIFI-2-0-Stereo-Output-Digital-Power-Amplifier-TPA3116-50Wx2-U4O2/283114302764?epid=2276139557&hash=item41eaed6d2c:g:M6IAAOSwjDJZ4EKJ:rk:33:pf:0

And here is the power supply I use: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/96W-Universal-Laptop-Power-Supply-110-220v-AC-To-DC-12V-16V-20V-24V-Adapter-VH/183377374065?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 This may need a UK kettle lead. I use mine on the minimum 12v setting.

[spendorman]

Yes, it is a remarkable little amp Tony. I'm using mine all the time and all my bigger 'fancier' amps are sidelined at the moment.

I'm sure you could locate an RCA/phono switching box to provide more inputs.

If anybody else is interested, here's the Breeze Audio branded one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-HIFI-2-0-Stereo-Output-Digital-Power-Amplifier-TPA3116-50Wx2-U4O2/283114302764?epid=2276139557&hash=item41eaed6d2c:g:M6IAAOSwjDJZ4EKJ:rk:33:pf:0

And here is the power supply I use: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/96W-Universal-Laptop-Power-Supply-110-220v-AC-To-DC-12V-16V-20V-24V-Adapter-VH/183377374065?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 This may need a UK kettle lead. I use mine on the minimum 12v setting.

I have the same type power supply, it's OK, but it's power efficiency is not as good as some others, mine gets a bit warm in use, the one I prefer is a genuine Toshiba 19V laptop unit. This unit runs much cooler.

[walpurgis]

Going by the bench test for the amp 19v is a little higher than I'd want to use, in any case the one I bought seems just fine with it when set at 12v.

I have got a beefier 12v power supply somewhere that I may try with it.

[spendorman]

Going by the bench test for the amp 19v is a little higher than I'd want to use, in any case the one I bought seems just fine with it when set at 12v.

I have got a beefier 12v power supply somewhere that I may try with it.

From memory! the TPA3116 is OK up to 24V, I've used mine at that voltage. You won't get much power output at 12V and 8 Ohms.

[jandl100]

Hmm, interesting, those 3116 chip amps.
I've just ordered a Breeze Audio one. £17.22 :). Be interesting to compare it to an Amptastic Mini-T.

I've a 15V Linear PSU going spare - would that be OK for it, Geoff?

[spendorman]

It's just as well to check the power supply capacitors on the TPA3116 board for voltage rating. Some boards used capacitors that were not really rated high enough.

[spendorman]

From Texas Instruments site

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7811/46346791224_cecfaefae8_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dBvqkj)tpa3116 (https://flic.kr/p/2dBvqkj) by A60man (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41679262@N02/), on Flickr

[walpurgis]

From memory! the TPA3116 is OK up to 24V, I've used mine at that voltage. You won't get much power output at 12V and 8 Ohms.

It's the modest heat dissipation of the small heatsink in the amp that could be an issue with higher voltages.

See the benchtest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6WkVSr_Hn8

[walpurgis]

I've a 15V Linear PSU going spare - would that be OK for it, Geoff?

Should be fine. See benchtest above.

[spendorman]

It's the modest heat dissipation of the small heatsink in the amp that could be an issue.

See the benchtest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6WkVSr_Hn8

Not a problem under normal music conditions and an 8 Ohm load. My amp is in an even smaller case.

[struth]

could always try a laptop psu and see how it fares

[spendorman]

There's a massive thing here about TPA3116.

I've read most of it over the years, fool!


http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/tpa-3116-vs-the-tripaths.574806/

[spendorman]

could always try a laptop psu and see how it fares

I've tried many, most work well.

[mightymonoped]

Currently using a NUC power adapter 19V 3.42A which seems ok with the MS400, they seem pretty efficient and rated around 30W max anyway.
Will check it out after a prolonged session.

[spendorman]

Currently using a NUC power adapter 19V 3.42A which seems ok with the MS400, they seem pretty efficient and rated around 30W max anyway.
Will check it out after a prolonged session.

Should be fine, you should have more than enough output with those speakers in an average room.

I always check the output voltage of these supplies, just in case there's a rogue one that's out of spec.

[walpurgis]

I always check the output voltage of these supplies, just in case there's a rogue one that's out of spec.

Yes. I do that too.

[spendorman]

There is one point that is often overlooked, most TPA3116 have their output inductors optimised for a lowish impedance, say 4 Ohms. If one uses a higher impedance speaker, a very mild treble lift will occur. Even driving my clone 15 Ohm LS3/5a's it's hardly detectable.

[walpurgis]

World's cheapest passive pre-amp just arrived. Bought for a bit of fun, sounds OK though. Way better than you'd expect actually!

http://i64.tinypic.com/r2vjmb.jpg

Cost me a whole £3.14 delivered and only took a week and a half to arrive.

Link here if anybody is imterested.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Home-Audio-Amplifier-Bass-RCA-Gain-Level-Volume-Control-Knob-LC-1-Black-X9N2/283023465577?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

[walpurgis]

Well it's here and sounding awesome! The L Pass2 pre-amp. Love the button controlled inputs and gain level x3.

This should be a great match to the Quad power amps as they have varying input sensitivities. I reckon this could be the only one in the UK.

http://i66.tinypic.com/20sc8ig.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/e8493p.jpg

[struth]

Looks the biz geoff

[Macca]

That looks like a funky bit of kit.

[walpurgis]

Only had it on for half an hour tonight, but things are very promising.

Another addition to my collection of Hi-Fi nobody else uses! :D

[struth]

Rarities

[walpurgis]

Rarities

There'll be fewer tomorrow. The big EL34 monoblocks are due to be picked up by their new owner Sat afternoon.

[Firebottle]

The mains socket is upside down.
:ner:

[southall-1998_mk2]

Well it's here and sounding awesome! The L Pass2 pre-amp. Love the button controlled inputs and gain level x3.

This should be a great match to the Quad power amps as they have varying input sensitivities. I reckon this could be the only one in the UK.

http://i66.tinypic.com/20sc8ig.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/e8493p.jpg

Which ebay seller that came from?

S.

[walpurgis]

Which ebay seller that came from?

S.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/hifi-original-audio?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

He hasn't got any more of these pre-amps though, nor does anybody else on ebay.

[struth]

There'll be fewer tomorrow. The big EL34 monoblocks are due to be picked up by their new owner Sat afternoon.Liked those

[Edward]

Looks very professionally done Geoff. Does it have a remote vol control?

Before you put up the ebay link I wanted to find out more and saw this link:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/L-Pass-2-Hifi-fever-MOS-FET-front-level-four-input-amplifier/32799125429.html

[walpurgis]

Looks very professionally done Geoff. Does it have a remote vol control?

No remote. I'm not fussed about remote controls anyway, they're just more to go wrong.

[southall-1998_mk2]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/hifi-original-audio?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

He hasn't got any more of these pre-amps though, nor does anybody else on ebay.

Thanks, Geoff.

S.

[Roy S]

Aliexpress have them

[walpurgis]

L Pass2 pre-amp sounding great with the Quad 306. This is a very musical combination. Nicely transparent and fluid, good smooth top end with plenty of detail.

I've got the pre-amp gain set to minimum and it matches the Quad nicely, just as I was hoping.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2choviq.jpg

[Macca]

Tasty CD player that too.

[walpurgis]

Tasty CD player that too.

That's the 507, I bought it new around 2003. It doesn't get a huge amount of use, I've been running the Trichord Research Digital Turntable mostly lately. As a stand alone unit the Meridian is excellent though.

[Macca]

What speakers have you got on the end of it all?

[walpurgis]

What speakers have you got on the end of it all?

The Cheviots. (no, they're not lopsided, it's just a bit of barrel distortion from the camera :))

This is just a trial rig-up, it's not even in my listening room.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2mcss5k.jpg

[walpurgis]

Got the Quad 707 working with the L Pass2 pre-amp now. Also sounding very nice.

http://i66.tinypic.com/1z5rs5v.jpg

[Roy S]

Which do you prefer Geoff? I favoured the 306 over a 606.

[walpurgis]

Which do you prefer Geoff? I favoured the 306 over a 606.

I'm actually using a 707, but they sound near enough identical to the 606 Mk.II. Anyway, I think I may also be leaning more towards the 306, at least in my current system setup. Of course with different speakers or pre-amp or front end that could be different. That's not to say the 707 isn't good though, because it sounds very fine.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Geoff, which extension block is that in the background?

S.

[walpurgis]

Geoff, which extension block is that in the background?

S.

A nice chunky one I got from LIDL years ago.

[walpurgis]

Bought these today for a bit of fun. Ruark Swordsman Plus speakers, nice sounding compacts. That's a listing photo, I'm due to collect Wednesday.

http://i63.tinypic.com/m7awww.png

[tlscapital]

You'd be surprised how heavy the drivers both are. Pretty hefty for the size. I have a project in mind using only vintage drive units.

Clue. I'll have to design a steep 13.5 kHz supertweeter filter now.

Hi there, old post I know; I've just been given a single Eagle DL 67 speaker (the other was lost...). I would like to bring it back to life for it to find a new home and life. The potentiometer, the capacitor and the coil do look clean, in shape and good. A multimeter test could tell otherwise, that I'll do later.

But when plug it in my amp and give it some volume the horn just screech real nasty like and intermittently. That is when it does sound by fiddling with the potentiometer. Other wise it's silent. The medium driver sounds less bad but also intermittently. Did you manage make yours sing since ?

[dantheman91]

Bought these today for a bit of fun. Ruark Swordsman Plus speakers, nice sounding compacts. That's a listing photo, I'm due to collect Wednesday.

http://i63.tinypic.com/m7awww.png

Sold my ones for £60 what i payed they are much underrated i liked them..

[walpurgis]

Sold my ones for £60 what i payed they are much underrated i liked them..

I'm looking forward to trying these. Not heard any for years, but I remember them sounding very decent.

[walpurgis]

Hi there, old post I know; I've just been given a single Eagle DL 67 speaker (the other was lost...). I would like to bring it back to life for it to find a new home and life. The potentiometer, the capacitor and the coil do look clean, in shape and good. A multimeter test could tell otherwise, that I'll do later.

But when plug it in my amp and give it some volume the horn just screech real nasty like and intermittently. That is when it does sound by fiddling with the potentiometer. Other wise it's silent. The medium driver sounds less bad but also intermittently. Did you manage make yours sing since ?

At a guess, I'd say the L Pad (potentiometer) needs cleaning with some switch cleaner. The speakers are not well designed, as the crossover rolls the tweeter in at around 3kHz at 6db/oct. It should actually employ a 2nd order (minimum) filter above 5kHz.

I bought a couple of pairs of DL67's simply for the bass drivers, as they were made by Coral and are very nice sounding units. Well suited to horn cabinets and the like.

[walpurgis]

Been giving the Ruarks a spin. Sounding very nice!

[spendorman]

6 1/2" bass units?

[walpurgis]

6 1/2" bass units?

Yes. Don't seem short of bass though. The overall balance is good.

I had them on top of the Tannoys earlier, just rigging them up in the den at the moment. Got no stands, so they're perched on the Rega Ela cabinets at the moment. I'll have to track down some 24" or 30" items.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Those Ruarks are old gits. Hence why Geoff likes them :D

S.

[walpurgis]

Those Ruarks are old gits. Hence why Geoff likes them :D

S.

:ner:

[walpurgis]

Oh dear, what have I done? :eek:

Even more speakers. Got a pair of Mission 762's to collect, they are only five minutes away so I couldn't resist. Look decent enough, but need new cone surrounds, that's no big deal. Waiting for the seller to contact me.

They look like this:

http://i65.tinypic.com/6865qh.jpg

[walpurgis]

Seller just messaged, I collect the Missions Friday. Now to track down some suitable cone surrounds. :)

[dantheman91]

Tut Tut....

[walpurgis]

Tut Tut....

I know. The shame...........I'm getting like you Dan! :lol:

[spendorman]

One can't have too many loudspeakers.

[dantheman91]

I know. The shame...........I'm getting like you Dan! :lol:

I've been very good i have you know.

I was given the opportunity to view my dads friends 30 year HI-FI collection as he is moving half is due to be listed on ebay so keep a look out at HI-FI House but half has been sold to others i only bought a couple bits in the loft i think some of the gear was my dads back in the day Linsley hood pre amp , Crown Pre, Rogers & PYE monoblocks , Yamaha CR 2020 those were the days i missed all the good stuff i was given first look in October but declined gutted i didn't take the offer up now quality gear - my couple of bits dont work so off for a service i could not pay more than £20 each worth it if they can be repaired..

[dantheman91]

Got the Rogers Ravensbrook Working was missing a fuse sounds very nice indeed

[walpurgis]

Got the Rogers Ravensbrook Working was missing a fuse sounds very nice indeed

Yeah. I've had a few of them, they're very nice sounding. I had one driving a pair of AR4XA speakers once and they were made for each other, great combo.

The bigger Ravensbourne amp does not sound as good to my ears.

[spendorman]

Yeah. I've had a few of them, they're very nice sounding. I had one driving a pair of AR4XA speakers once and they were made for each other, great combo.

The bigger Ravensbourne amp does not sound as good to my ears.

Agreed.

[dantheman91]

Yeah. I've had a few of them, they're very nice sounding. I had one driving a pair of AR4XA speakers once and they were made for each other, great combo.

The bigger Ravensbourne amp does not sound as good to my ears.

+ 1 will put a little pair of Tannoy Eclipse on the rogers later these Tannoys are really good ones in avatar...

[walpurgis]

On its way. Yes, another Quad 306 power amp. And yes, it has a slight ding in the top, but it was cheap and I can remove the dent. Couldn't resist it!

http://i64.tinypic.com/2dkk611.png

Thought I'd stock up while you can still pick up the occasional cheapy. Prices have started rising fast, they'll be fetching £400+ in a year. Trust me.

[Barry]

Just as well I have four upgraded/fettled Quad 405s, two 303s and some 50Es. As well as a pair of 510s and a 520. :doh:

But you're right, the 'old school' Quad gear is becoming sought after; though the tuners and CDPs appear to be neglected.

[walpurgis]

Quad 306 No.2 has arrived and is up and running (yes, it's on top of the 707). Sounding very fine through the Tannoys. I swear these are the best sounding of the Quad power amps I've tried.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2a4wz9s.jpg

[southall-1998_mk2]

In the next 10 years. I predict 306's will be fetching for LS3/5a tier level money!

Who to blame?....Some grump based in West London ;)

S.

[Macca]

He's stoking demand whilst building a stockpile. Smart grump!

[walpurgis]

With a useful real fifty watts, it's actually all the amplifier most systems need. It's clean, detailed and transparent. No nasties whatsoever! It's also fairly tiny, which I like.

Who knows, I may even end up with another (or two).

The 707 is sold by the way, pending collection. It's nice, but the 306 beats it soundwise in my opinion.

[JohnJo]

I like the look of the 306 too :thumbsup:

[Macca]

Me too. Compact, solid, purposeful, no bling. True of the 303 too.

[walpurgis]

Only one thing to bear in mind with the 306, the input sensitivity is high, so not every pre-amp will be happy with it. But that can be changed by swapping two very easy to reach resistors for about a quid!

Yes, the 306 is almost competition for my seventeen quid TPA3116 Chinese Class D mini amp! :D

[walpurgis]

Me too. Compact, solid, purposeful, no bling. True of the 303 too.

There's no comparison soundwise though. The 303 does little wrong, but it's a pipe & slippers softie.

[walpurgis]

Just making a passive pre-amp to go with the Quad 306. It will have two switchable inputs and one output. I'm using a 250k log pot, as the Quad has a high input sensitivity, hopefully the volume advance with this will be OK. I've finished cutting out the holes in front & rear panels, now to wire up and assemble.

http://i64.tinypic.com/xeo85t.jpg

[JohnJo]

Nice work Geoff.

[walpurgis]

I should finished it later. If the pot value suits what I'm doing, I may order a similar value stepped attenuator.

[walpurgis]

Bugger, can't find any suitable wire (so far). I'll just use whatever I can find in my workshop for now just to get it working.

[walpurgis]

Done now. I'll try it out shortly.

http://i63.tinypic.com/2hro3g5.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/jfvomo.jpg

http://i63.tinypic.com/2hmldh1.jpg

[southall-1998_mk2]

Looks neat.

S.

[dantheman91]

Superb work Geoff...

[Pepperamip]

Is that metal casework or some other material? Looks neat and tidy.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Is that metal casework or some other material? Looks neat and tidy.

It's an anodised case with enamelled back and front plates. Seems sturdy enough and looks OK.

I've been trying out this passive pre-amp and it sounds very decent. The switchable dual inputs should be useful.

[walpurgis]

On its way. Just bought this Thorens TD150 Mk.II in what looks like near mint condition. Lovely little turntables these.

http://i65.tinypic.com/w9tr7s.jpg

[southall-1998_mk2]

Never heard the TD150. How do they sound in stock form?

S.

[walpurgis]

Never heard the TD150. How do they sound in stock form?

S.

Very nice. People don't rate the arm, but it's actually OK, just not suited to heavy low compliance MC's and the like.

[Macca]

Seems to have been well looked-after that Geoff.

[walpurgis]

Seems to have been well looked-after that Geoff.

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Really looking forward to getting this, I had a couple of TD150's when I first got into Hi-Fi and loved them. Had a beauty that I put a Decca International arm on, it sounded great.

[walpurgis]

The Thorens TD150 arrived and it's in amazing condition for a deck that's been around for half a century. I'm considering keeping it standard, although the non Thorens plinth may be replaced.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2eyicg8.jpg

[southall-1998_mk2]

The old git's turntable. Suites you very much, Geoff ;)

S.

[struth]

Nice tts those. A thicker bottom is all it needs really

[Barry]

Used one in the late '60s before I acquired a TD124/II. Yes the arm is good enough for medium to high compliance cartridges. The one I listened to had a Shure M32E cartridge fitted. The arm was later replaced with an SME 3009HE.

Well worth keeping Geoff.

[walpurgis]

Tonight's project.

A pair of Mission 762 speakers with completely rotted foam cone surrounds. Got some rubber (not foam) surrounds that don't fit due to the originals having a very narrow roll so I've trimmed about 4mm off the cone all round to make them fit. It'll work and I'll have these up and running soon.

Don't care about originality on these as long as they work.

http://i64.tinypic.com/21eqmh0.jpg

[walpurgis]

Well worth keeping Geoff.

But will I end up with two? I have two of everything else. A pair of Toshiba SR-370's and a pair of Connoisseur BD1's plus two Pioneer PL-12D's. :)

[Barry]

But will I end up with two? I have two of everything else. A pair of Toshiba SR-370's and a pair of Connoisseur BD1's plus two Pioneer PL-12D's. :)

Why not? You have three Mission 774 arms and AFAIK two ADC 10Es.

It's good to have 'spares'; I have two of several items: ADC 10E Mk. IV; ADC 25; EMT TSD15; EMT XSD15; Ortofon SPUGE; Ortofon SL15E Mk. I; SME 3009 S2; Quad 50E; Quad 405 and three Thorens TD124/IIs.

[Macca]

I can believe it! It is embarrassingly good. I thought I might try one for myself, so ordered one on the fly for £19.99 inc postage from China.

Didn’t really have a chance to listen until I plonked an old NUC system power supply into it and plugged in the Allo Boss and MS 400’s expecting a fairly ‘meh’ sound.

Even on the short listen (30 mins) to a variety of ‘usual suspects’ tracks, it is astonishing value.

Enough to make me want to explore routing more sources through it.

Wondering what would be the least expensive/disruptive option to connect more than one source, a simple RCA switch box maybe?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/9efd14c4e0a6e111d19c47eaafe5a54c.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/854a3f182af73d152089d080c8cdcaa4.jpg




Geoff kindly sent me one of these little things to try and I've just got round to plugging it in. Early days yet and I'm not going to pass a final verdict until I've run the gamut of my testing but I've got it playing The Cult 'Love' right now and this thing is good! Okay so you have to account for the fact that it is tiny and costs so little that it is practically free and so expectations are not going to be as high as if I was trying out a five grand pre-power combo. But even so! Something quite odd about seeing large speakers being driven by an amp the size of a Sony Walkman (although the power supply is a separate unit about the same size again) but it works and it works well.


Instant criticisms: it is slightly soft-sounding and the gain appears to be set way too high, presumably to give the impression of more power. Barely need to move the volume knob off of zero to get adequate levels. But yeah, I'm impressed.

[jandl100]

Hmm, yes, they are good.
Somehow I've ended up with 3 of them. :scratch:
One in use in my 2nd system and a couple spare.

If anyone would like to borrow one and already has a 15-25V psu, let me know!

[walpurgis]

I wondered if you'd got around to trying the TPA3116 amp Martin.

The volume advance is not so pronounced in my system, could be highish output from your source.

As I suggested, for some people and in some systems, it could be all the amplifier that's needed. It's certainly capable of showing up some respected alternative amps and more able to drive 'proper' speakers than one would expect from looking at it.

Total bargain really! :)

[Macca]

It's quite sweet-sounding until it starts clipping, very easy on the ear. I like that. It's my main criteria for a good amp. So far I've only played old stuff like Steely Dan and Bozz Scaggs. I'll try it with something that was digitally recorded and see if that bit of softness is actually just tape compression. Although I don't think it is.

[Macca]

Okay so on further listening it isn't a recording thing, the slight sheen of softness appears to be the 'character' of the amp. But it isn't unpleasant. I've had a million budget amps over the years, this is up there with the best of them.

[walpurgis]

It's quite sweet-sounding until it starts clipping.

Not had clipping driving the Tannoys and I've had it up loud. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough? :)

[Macca]

Not had clipping driving the Tannoys and I've had it up loud. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough? :)

Your big Tannoys a bit more sensitive though. And they're Tannoys! I've only got 90db. And a bigger room to drive. But it was clipping at levels beyond what I'd usually listen at. No problem with that given the price and that it doesn't make any claims to be a powerhouse. There is that sort of soft sheen over everything though. A bit like you get with SACD. If you like the character of SACD/DSD you'd like this amp.

[walpurgis]

91db my Tannoys.

[Macca]

Pretty much no difference there then. But I heard it clipping when I was listening to 'Silk Degrees'. Not catastrophically but it was there on the peaks, so I had to back volume off a bit. That's a good album for showing up issues. Something about his vocals. It was still at a good volume level after I backed it off though and after that no problem.

[walpurgis]

As I finished building my passive pre-amp recently, I thought I'd also make something to go with it, so this compact amplifier case is on the way.

http://i64.tinypic.com/2w21xmr.jpg

It's not as big as it looks in the picture. The front panel is nine inches across.

I've ordered some TPA3116 bits that will be going in it! :)

[walpurgis]

That was quick!

The amplifier case just arrived. Six days from China.

http://i63.tinypic.com/2wf3cyd.jpg

I'll unpack and assemble it later for evaluation.

I just need to wait for the rest of the components to get here.

[walpurgis]

Not impressed with the quality of the amplifier case received the other day. The front panel has a defective surface grind finish. Seller has agreed to send a replacement panel from China. We'll see how that works out. I like the case and can always get the front panel powder coated if need be, more aggro though.

http://i67.tinypic.com/24mdlz9.jpg

[Firebottle]

That's not good is it? Makes me wonder if anyone has a proper look at these before they are sent out.

My experience is no Chinese case is 100% perfect, always a tiny ding, offset hole or blemish in the finish for instance.

[struth]

you need to stand over them with a big banner saying quality control apparently ... they can produce great stuff but its not in their vocab, this QC:doh:

[walpurgis]

Looks like it's goodbye to these. Just been sold on ebay. Had them since 2013. They sound fabulous, among the very top sounding Tannoys I've ever heard and that's all the classics near enough.

https://i.imgur.com/bvBAcAj.jpg

[Barry]

Not impressed with the quality of the amplifier case received the other day. The front panel has a defective surface grind finish. Seller has agreed to send a replacement panel from China. We'll see how that works out. I like the case and can always get the front panel powder coated if need be, more aggro though.

http://i67.tinypic.com/24mdlz9.jpg

Can you not reverse the panel - or is the satin finish on one face only?

[walpurgis]

Can you not reverse the panel - or is the satin finish on one face only?

The back was scratched, but they sent a replacement Barry, so all is good. :)

[Edward]

Looks like it's goodbye to these. Just been sold on ebay. Had them since 2013. They sound fabulous, among the very top sounding Tannoys I've ever heard and that's all the classics near enough.



Hope the sale completes ok and the buyer does not muck you around Geoff.

[walpurgis]

Hope the sale completes ok and the buyer does not muck you around Geoff.

Fingers crossed. The buyer has good feedback.

[dantheman91]

What are you replacing the tannoys with?

[walpurgis]

What are you replacing the tannoys with?

I've also got smaller Tannoys and my little Ruarks and loads of interesting drive units. There might be a horn speaker project soon :).

[dantheman91]

I've also got smaller Tannoys and my little Ruarks and loads of interesting drive units. There might be a horn speaker project soon :).

Master plan interesting. ☺����

[walpurgis]

Just bought these KEF Q3 cabinets off ebay for a bit of fun. It'll allow me to test some drivers I have knocking about.

https://i.imgur.com/KAs4pgU.jpg

[walpurgis]

Tonight's project.

A pair of Mission 762 speakers with completely rotted foam cone surrounds. Got some rubber (not foam) surrounds that don't fit due to the originals having a very narrow roll so I've trimmed about 4mm off the cone all round to make them fit. It'll work and I'll have these up and running soon.

Don't care about originality on these as long as they work.

http://i64.tinypic.com/21eqmh0.jpg

Finally got these done. Sounding very decent actually. I seem to have mislaid two driver mounting screws, I'll rummage for replacements.

https://i.imgur.com/FsHbq8l.jpg

[walpurgis]

Had a box delivered this afternoon.

https://i.imgur.com/Gc7IpHM.jpg

[Firebottle]

Yah!
When you've checked them out and found out how good they are you may want to slow the fan down to make it quieter.
Wire a 180 ohm resistor in series with the fan. The case splits left and right btw.

[walpurgis]

OK Alan. Cheers. :thumbsup:

[struth]

never got round to doing this. only been planning it for years :eek:

[walpurgis]

Had a box delivered this afternoon.

https://i.imgur.com/Gc7IpHM.jpg

This is silly. An amp costing less than forty quid shouldn't sound this good. It's punchy and very transparent and clean. I'll listen more before drawing proper conclusions though.

Will look for suitable rubber feet and check out the fan slowing mod.

[struth]

This is silly. An amp costing less than forty quid shouldn't sound this good. It's punchy and very transparent and clean. I'll listen more before drawing proper conclusions though.

Will look for suitable rubber feet and check out the fan slowing mod.

thought you'd like it... I have mine sitting on a non slip rubber matting cut to size of amp. its cheap and seems to work ok.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcRIGYAp_Jvsa7EBZ8u4Gae3vqmKJ6V Y2QfEC93jvh8FvgHp987ThBZ-yOw3QA&usqp=CAE

[walpurgis]

On their way from China. More drivers!

6.5" full range units. Looks like a quarter wave horn system is the way to go this time round.

https://i.imgur.com/qsPhs3L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Sd60VHr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qt1d2tX.jpg

[walpurgis]

I shall alter the cabinet design slightly to suit my needs.

This driver has a 51.4Hz resonance, but other drivers may be tried too, so a variable port may be included so I can tune the system resonance accordingly to hopefully fall in the driver roll-off region. This reduces bass humps and extends bottom end output.

If I can get away with say a 40Hz system resonance, there should be output below this, albeit rolling off.

[struth]

big magnets on those geoff. good luck with it mate

[Puffin]

This is silly. An amp costing less than forty quid shouldn't sound this good. It's punchy and very transparent and clean. I'll listen more before drawing proper conclusions though.

Will look for suitable rubber feet and check out the fan slowing mod.

Hi Geoff, are these Class D or A/B? I see that they can be got for around £100 for a pair......is that right? Are they monoblocks? Lastly....what do they sound like? Specs look good.

[Firebottle]

Hi Geoff, are these Class D or A/B? I see that they can be got for around £100 for a pair......is that right? Are they monoblocks? Lastly....what do they sound like? Specs look good.

They are class AB pro gear, nicely made. They have a button on the back to switch to monoblock, speaker connection then across the two red terminals.
They sound very good indeed, when Oli and I connected one up after listening to something very special it was surprising how good the sound was.
I am using one as my daily driver at the moment, in stereo mode driving Quad ESL57's.

Try a lower offer if you fancy a pair, I know £80 has been accepted recently.

[Puffin]

They are class AB pro gear, nicely made. They have a button on the back to switch to monoblock, speaker connection then across the two red terminals.
They sound very good indeed, when Oli and I connected one up after listening to something very special it was surprising how good the sound was.
I am using one as my daily driver at the moment, in stereo mode driving Quad ESL57's.

Try a lower offer if you fancy a pair, I know £80 has been accepted recently.

Thanks for that Alan. It is silly money so I am very tempted.

[struth]

they are selling fast:lol:

[walpurgis]

Ahem. Seems I have another one of these on the way. It was so cheap, I couldn't really refuse. This one has a removable rack mount plate which will be removed. I'll soon have enough of them to build a small shelter I can hide in. :D

https://i.imgur.com/ODuO8lh.jpg

[dantheman91]

[QUOTE=walpurgis;1135943]Ahem. Seems I have another one of these on the way. It was so cheap, I couldn't really refuse. This one has a removable rack mount plate which will be removed. I'll soon have enough of them to build a small shelter I can hide in. :D

Nice one Still adding to collection? I've completed mine now.:)

[struth]

what is it? A quad heat sink?

[walpurgis]

306 power amp.

https://i.imgur.com/E6iN2cp.jpg?1

[struth]

thought it was a quad, bit can only see a plate

[southall-1998_mk2]

Wondering if that 306 met some celebrities, lol!

S.

[walpurgis]

Wondering if that 306 met some celebrities, lol!

S.

It's meeting me. What more could it ask for? :lol:

[southall-1998_mk2]

It's meeting me. What more could it ask for? :lol:


It certainly got plenty heart to face you ;)

S.

[walpurgis]

Oh dear. What have I done now?

Just arrived, A pair of empty Tannoy Dorset cabinets.

https://i.imgur.com/fpaOvdD.jpg?1

Rather smaller than the superb Cheviots that went recently, these are 26.5" tall and I have stands that should be perfect for them. They need a tidy, but I'll have no problem doing that.

In my den, there's a pair of scruffy small Tannoy Ascots with excellent drivers that should fit straight in the Dorset boxes, as they are the original type.

Ascots:

https://i.imgur.com/zDx1rf5.jpg?1

In a move away from standard spec, the plastic cones will be removed and a set of treated paper pulp SRM 10B items fitted instead. Should work a treat.

The lower opening for the original ABR will be blanked off with a braced panel and a tuned port introduced instead.

Should be a nice project.

[walpurgis]

Restoration phase one. Tops and sides, I mixed colour matched filler and mended dinged corners and edges, plus panel scrapes. Will dry overnight for a rub down tomorrow, then I'll do the bottoms.

https://i.imgur.com/3zSV90B.jpg

[southall-1998_mk2]

Is that a ikea lack table in the background, Geoff?

S.

[walpurgis]

Is that a ikea lack table in the background, Geoff?

S.

I think so. It certainly 'Lacks' any quality. :)

[Pepperamip]

How are the speaker cabs coming along Geoff?

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

How are the speaker cabs coming along Geoff?

I'll show some photos once the cabs are ready for colouring and polishing Paul.

[walpurgis]

Right, some progess.

Didn't get anything done last week, was a bit under the weather. Now the cabinets have had the veneered faces largely repaired, it took a lot of prep and sanding. I'm finishing the bottoms first as they are the worst.

The one to the left has just had the first coat of satin finish, it's patchy but will be perfect once completed. The one to the right awaits a final brief rub down before it gets a coat, it actually looks better than the left one did. At least the gouges and dings are far less visible.

https://i.imgur.com/TibURFL.jpg

[walpurgis]

First coat on No.2 base. Yes patchy again and the marks still slightly visible, the camera flash is enhancing them, they don't show much in normal light. These cabinets are actually no worse than my last Tannoys and those looked beautiful by the time I'd finished. I'll let these dry properly overnight now before doing more.

https://i.imgur.com/MmUMVAS.jpg

[struth]

Look OK for first coat

[Pepperamip]

Definately better than before.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Definately better than before.

Well they're coming along now. I've done this kind of restoration a good few times and they will look fine eventually, although it would probably have been just as easy to reveneer the cabs. :)

A bit more rubbing down and polishing later today and I may post another photo or two.

The real fun starts once I have these boxes finished. I have to alter the baffles to accept ports instead of the original ABR, whip the drivers out of the scruffy Tannoy Ascot donor speakers, recone them to (modified) SRM10B spec and install them in these cabs along with re-capped crossovers.

[walpurgis]

Oh well, this Quad 303 is now on its way to me. Not sure quite why I bought it, but there you go. :)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293360359172?ul_noapp=true

It looks cosmetically rather good and may even work and it was cheap!

Not heard one for many years.

[AJSki2fly]

Could be a good bargain, fingers crossed.

[hornucopia]

Oh well, this Quad 303 is now on its way to me. Not sure quite why I bought it, but there you go. :)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293360359172?ul_noapp=true

It looks cosmetically rather good and may even work and it was cheap!

Not heard one for many years.

Was told a side effect of Parkinsons was urge to gamble-I did wonder if hi-fi purchases fitted that description!

[Roy S]

Was told a side effect of Parkinsons was urge to gamble-I did wonder if hi-fi purchases fitted that description!

It can be a side effect of the meds you take for it, can also cause obsessive behaviour.

[Lawrence001]

It can be a side effect of the meds you take for it, can also cause obsessive behaviour.If I was to hazard a guess I'd say a few people on the forum might be on them [emoji23]

[dantheman91]

Oh well, this Quad 303 is now on its way to me. Not sure quite why I bought it, but there you go. :)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293360359172?ul_noapp=true

It looks cosmetically rather good and may even work and it was cheap!

Not heard one for many years.

Uh oh he's turned Quad Fanboy thats 2 306s and a 303 now �������� it's a classic had mine on the weekend still going strong try the passive will work really well..��

[walpurgis]

You are mistaken old chap. It's THREE Quad 306 amps! :D

[dantheman91]

You are mistaken old chap. It's THREE Quad 306 amps! :D

Awesome:stalks::D

[walpurgis]

One of the 306's is a boxed minter, the other two were cheapies that have some cosmetic needs, but they all work.

I may have a dabble at colour matching the case enamels to respray the scruffier ones.

[Barry]

Looks to be in good cosmetic condition, so ought to be in good working order. Well done. :)

Are you after my status as Incorrigable Quad Fanatic? Three 306s and a 303 isn't bad, but you're up against 4 tuners; a pair of speakers; 3 405s (all fettled); a pair of 'monoblocked' and heavily modified 405s; a 303; a 303K; a 520f, and a pair of 510 monoblocks.

[walpurgis]

I suppose in principle, I should be looking for a 33 to go with the 303, but they don't really appeal so much.

Not heard the 5 series. Heard plenty of 405's and recently sold a 707, but find the 306 the sounds nicest to me.

Other will no doubt have their own opinions.

[Barry]

That reminds me I should have added a 33 and 44 to the list.

I wouldn't bother with either - a passive should go well with the 303. :)

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Yes a passive, works very well with a 303, or 306

[walpurgis]

Yes a passive, works very well with a 303, or 306

I have several and active pre-amps.

[walpurgis]

'Back in action!'

Me that is, not just the system. Following an unexpected and rather dramatic hiatus in proceedings.

I have recently obtained a selection of interesting vintage (pre 1970) speaker drivers which will be employed in a long planned project. I'll bung some photos up later.

The custom Tannoys I'd been working on are actually nearing completion and will be finished relatively soon (hopefully :)).

[Made in 1968]

:thumbsup:

[walpurgis]

:)

[struth]

Good to see your contemplating more speakers

[walpurgis]

Good to see your contemplating more speakers

Got an amp or two to assemble as well.

[walpurgis]

For the first time in half a lifetime, I am now Tannoyless.

My little Ruarks will tide me over for moment, but when I recover a bit more from my recent health glitch and feel fully able physically, I shall be building something interesting. I have already bought all the bits & pieces I'll need to get me started.

I've started working out a design for the new speakers and am hoping to order materials soon. These will not employ Tannoy drivers, but should have similarities tonally. I'll spill the beans as and when :).

[andyrlb]

What ? Geoff is Tannoyless !!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

What ? Geoff is Tannoyless !!

Yes, I'm afraid so. For the first time in nearly fifty years apart from a small hiatus when I built some transmission lines about thirty years ago.

[Firebottle]

Keep well Geoff :)
Look forward to whatever the build will be..

[walpurgis]

Keep well Geoff :)
Look forward to whatever the build will be..

:)

[struth]

tannoys are what tannoy are.. they are not the b all... sure your skills will produce summat good; maybe better

[walpurgis]

tannoys are what tannoy are.. they are not the b all... sure your skills will produce summat good; maybe better

A good set of Tannoys is a wonderful thing, but many don't deliver. As for the proposed project, well It'll be different to anything anybody here has built.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Hang in there buddy ;)

S.

[Macca]

What ? Geoff is Tannoyless !!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He's gone 'cold Tannoy'.

[walpurgis]

He's gone 'cold Tannoy'.

Yup!

[walpurgis]

Birthday present. Nothing spectacular, just a NAD 312 to play with for a bit of fun. Last of the 3020 derived amps I believe. Got to wait for it to arrive now.

https://i.imgur.com/2StAmDc.jpg?1

[Macca]

You know I've never owned any NAD equipment. Don't know how I've managed to avoid it. Or why. When I've heard it elsewhere it always sounds good.

[walpurgis]

The only NAD unit I owned for a while was a rare 524 CD player. A nice sounding unit that I kept for a few years. I recently obtained a 1020 pre-amp for much the same reason as the soon to arrive 312 integrated. It's something to play about with :).

[southall-1998_mk2]

Never underestimate some of the NAD stuff.

S.

[walpurgis]

Weird. I was trying out the newly arrived NAD 312 amp on vinyl. The old Thorens TD150 sounds really good, whereas the Pioneer PL-12D is crap! Both using supposedly identical (and equally vintage) Shure M75ED cartridges. I suspect the stylus in the PL-12D may be a bit tired, although it does look OK, I'll swap them over and see.

https://i.imgur.com/BATDiPZ.jpg?1

The NAD 312 by the way, sounds remarkably good with my Meridian 507 CD player.

[struth]

maybe the cart geoff?

[walpurgis]

maybe the cart geoff?

Yeah, I reckon so Grant. I'll dig out a spare stylus or cart (got loads :)), I know the PL-12D can sound much better than this.

[Macca]

Why not just swap the stylus over from the one on the Thorens?

[walpurgis]

Why not just swap the stylus over from the one on the Thorens?

I said that in post 934 :).

[southall-1998_mk2]

Looks like another Naim killer has walked into Geoff's life :ner:

S.

[walpurgis]

It's back! My Raphaelite 6V6 valve amp. Sold to a mate some time ago, but he never used it so I got it back. I parted with it 'cos the big Tannoys needed more grip, but they are now gone and I have plans for the 6V6, driving tweeters only in my next set-up, the treble quality is fantastic. The 6V6 valve is not seen often in Hi-Fi amps, but it is highly regarded for use in guitar amps.

https://i.imgur.com/1RYcuGq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NxCkaoE.jpg


Also, I've started refurbishing the case on a scruffy and battered Quad 306 power amp.

https://i.imgur.com/AfwpyRl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Su4Bs1y.jpg

It's coming along well. First coat of primer is on now and will be followed by gunmetal grey metallic and a couple of coats of lacquer.

The front panel was very chipped, but I've colour matched it and touched in by hand and it looks great.




(and in case anybody is wondering, yes, I have renamed this thread, it was called 'Whatever Next?')

[Macca]

Good-looking amp that Raphaelite.

[walpurgis]

Good-looking amp that Raphaelite.

You should hear it. It's even more mellifluous than the Quad II and that's saying something. A deeply flawed and ultra 'valvey' sound, but wonderful! :)

[Firebottle]

It's back! My Raphaelite 6V6 valve amp. Sold to a mate some time ago, but he never used it so I got it back. I parted with it 'cos the big Tannoys needed more grip, but they are now gone and I have plans for the 6V6, driving tweeters only in my next set-up, the treble quality is fantastic. The 6V6 valve is not seen often in Hi-Fi amps, but it is highly regarded for use in guitar amps.

https://i.imgur.com/1RYcuGq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NxCkaoE.jpg



6V6 single ended, what is the output power Geoff?

Found it, 4W at less than 10% THD.

[walpurgis]

Yeah. 4 watts it is, not that you'd realise using it, there's no obvious shortage of power. It's only going to be driving tweeters initially, so more than enough. The tweeters will be vintage Japanese 10w horns made by Coral.

Now I have to decide on what power amp will be driving the bass drivers.

[walpurgis]

Quad 306 cosmetic restoration now finished. Case resprayed gunmetal metallic, battered front panel cooling fins touched in to match original colour, I had to mix to get the right colour. One new + speaker banana socket fitted. All looks really nice!


https://i.imgur.com/M4GiKUc.jpg

[struth]

good job.. i like the 306

[Macca]

Looks factory fresh. Tidy job.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Looking good, Geoff.

S.

[walpurgis]

Sounding very good too :thumbsup:.

[Marco]

You should hear it. It's even more mellifluous than the Quad II and that's saying something. A deeply flawed and ultra 'valvey' sound, but wonderful! :)

It defo looks nice, but the above doesn't compute with me, and qualifies as an oxymoron...:eek::nono::D

;)

Glad you're enjoying it, though!

Marco.

[walpurgis]

It defo looks nice, but the above doesn't compute with me, and qualifies as an oxymoron.

Marco.

The sound has all the attributes that some seek from valves. It's warm and extremely airy, what might be might be described as 'rose tinted' sound. Certainly not in my view an accurate representation of music.

incidentally, it will be driving only the top end, comprising 16ohm HF1300 tweeters partnered with 16ohm Japanese HF horns. The bass end will be solid state powered and I'll be using passive crossovers. I may also play around with some type of supertweeter arrangement.

[Marco]

The sound has all the attributes that some seek from valves. It's warm and extremely airy, what might be might be described as 'rose tinted' sound. Certainly not in my view an accurate representation of music.

incidentally, it will be driving only the top end, comprising 16ohm HF1300 tweeters partnered with 16ohm Japanese HF horns. The bass end will be solid state powered and I'll be using passive crossovers. I may also play around with some type of supertweeter arrangement.

Cool... Your second paragraph explains it, and I can see where you're going. I also think it will work nicely:)

However, I'm firmly NOT in the camp of liking valves to sound 'warm' or 'rose tinted'; 'cuddly', etc, indeed the best examples of such don't. For me, those are not attributes, but rather negatives... TBH, valve amps which sound like that give the 'side' a bad name!;)

Marco.

[walpurgis]

The intended new speakers will be big. Four feet tall with the main driver well below the top and a port at the bottom. No, not transmission lines, not reflex, not horns either. I'll let you work it out.

They'll be tall and fairly slim with one main driver and a tweeter (to start off with). Construction will be relatively lightweight but well braced internally. It's a low energy storage type.

If I can get a dry day, I'll finish sawing the wood.

[Lawrence001]

I'd have said open baffles but you mention a port..

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Yes. It's an enclosure.

[Filterlab]

Bandpass enclosure?

[walpurgis]

It does have bandpass characteristics.

[Lawrence001]

Aha, understood.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Five quid Chinese DAC.

https://i.ibb.co/qpp5GZD/Screen-Shot-02-01-21-at-09-29-AM.png (https://imgbb.com/)

I had this USB powered mini DAC sent from China last year as a cheapo back-up and for something to play with. I tried it yesterday for the first time, to be honest, I'd not expected much and thought it would probably sound thin and bright. I was wrong, it actually sounds damn good on CD. Deep, solid and well defined bass, nice transparency and detail and no 'nasties' anywhere that I can hear. For a mere fiver?? Amazing!

It has digital coax and optical inputs and comes with USB power lead and Toslink optical cable. I spent two quid on a mains USB adaptor to power it, but it's still a great bargain.

[struth]

probably struggle to buy case for that money over here. surprising how these things can sometimes sound good

[walpurgis]

I'll compare it to my Monarchy Audio M22B later. I have a funny feeling there may not be much in it.

[walpurgis]

Here's a link if anybody wants to try one, what is there to lose (apart from a fiver :)).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Optical-CoaxCoaxialToslink-to-Analog-RCA-L-R-Audio-ConverterAdapter/264888110302?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

You'll have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive. Just listening to mine now :thumbsup:.

(I've ordered another for the second system)

[antonio]

Put a bid in on this Geoff to go with, a few people have said an LPS really makes a difference to that dac. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5v-linear-power-supply/274665560928?hash=item3ff357db60:g:eS0AAOSwNM9gFVU p

[Floyddroid]

Cool... Your second paragraph explains it, and I can see where you're going. I also think it will work nicely:)

However, I'm firmly NOT in the camp of liking valves to sound 'warm' or 'rose tinted'; 'cuddly', etc, indeed the best examples of such don't. For me, those are not attributes, but rather negatives... TBH, valve amps which sound like that give the 'side' a bad name!;)

Marco.

I would agree with your valve philosophy.

[walpurgis]

Put a bid in on this Geoff to go with, a few people have said an LPS really makes a difference to that dac. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5v-linear-power-supply/274665560928?hash=item3ff357db60:g:eS0AAOSwNM9gFVU p

I think I may have one tucked away somewhere David. I'll have a rummage. :)

[dave2010]

Here's a link if anybody wants to try one, what is there to lose (apart from a fiver :)).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Optical-CoaxCoaxialToslink-to-Analog-RCA-L-R-Audio-ConverterAdapter/264888110302?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

You'll have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive. Just listening to mine now :thumbsup:.

(I've ordered another for the second system)Does that still get under the customs barriers? I think the new rules might change things a bit.

If it's only 20% VAT added on there won't be an issue, - will cost £6 instead of £5, but if there's some extra payment due it might not be worth it.

[Firebottle]

https://i.ibb.co/qpp5GZD/Screen-Shot-02-01-21-at-09-29-AM.png (https://imgbb.com/)


Bought one of these a while back to try. I use it on the TV powered from the USB socket, can't fault it.

[walpurgis]

Better than I expected.

https://i.ibb.co/0sNb1jM/P1010113.jpg (https://ibb.co/wcHm8NW)

Never been struck with the Musical Fidelity DACs I'd heard, but I though I'd try this little thing as it was reputed to be decent. It is!

Smooth, detailed and properly transparent. No nasties at all that I can detect from a couple of brief listens. It doesn't major on slam, but turn the volume up a bit and you don't notice. Pretty good, cheap too :).

[struth]

Better than I expected.

https://i.ibb.co/0sNb1jM/P1010113.jpg (https://ibb.co/wcHm8NW)

Never been struck with the Musical Fidelity DACs I'd heard, but I though I'd try this little thing as it was reputed to be decent. It is!

Smooth, detailed and properly transparent. No nasties at all that I can detect from a couple of brief listens. It doesn't major on slam, but turn the volume up a bit and you don't notice. Pretty good, cheap too :).

i had one of their bigger dacs. it was a decent thing tbh, and had a nice, non threatening sound that i liked.

[walpurgis]

Having a play with this NAD power-amp, it sounds rather good. Better than I expected, laid back, punchy and very transparent. Took half an hour to 'come on song', usually a good sign, it means the designer actually listened to the amp after it was warmed up.

https://i.ibb.co/bb1TQgp/Screen-Shot-02-15-21-at-10-49-AM.png (https://ibb.co/qJBK7Mb)

[struth]

had a nad once.. looks fairly cheap but the money is spent inside. good value amps

[walpurgis]

Well these won't be staying.

https://i.ibb.co/Np4pjHs/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-18-AM.png (https://ibb.co/Xpwpsvb)

Cambridge Audio Aero 2 speakers. Bought out of curiosity, as I wanted to hear what a BMR equipped speaker could do. They do nothing wrong and seem to match the user and review impressions I've seen. Unfortunately I find them uninvolving, so they'll be going.

[struth]

Well these won't be staying.

https://i.ibb.co/Np4pjHs/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-18-AM.png (https://ibb.co/Xpwpsvb)

Cambridge Audio Aero 2 speakers. Bought out of curiosity, as I wanted to hear what a BMR equipped speaker could do. They do nothing wrong and seem to match the user and review impressions I've seen. Unfortunately I find them uninvolving, so they'll be going.

i take they are a type of full range thing?

[walpurgis]

Unlike these, which will be staying.

https://i.ibb.co/jTYYCb7/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-20-AM.png (https://ibb.co/PNyy2FB)

Monitor Audio R852 MD. Arrived yesterday and sounding rather good. I'm familiar with these, heard them before and liked them a lot. They will get a rub down and re-finish, as somebody has tried to stain them in the past, We'll soon sort that! :)

[walpurgis]

i take they are a type of full range thing?

Almost. The top unit is the BMR and crosses over from the bass driver at 250Hz.

[Lawrence001]

Better than I expected.

https://i.ibb.co/0sNb1jM/P1010113.jpg (https://ibb.co/wcHm8NW)

Never been struck with the Musical Fidelity DACs I'd heard, but I though I'd try this little thing as it was reputed to be decent. It is!

Smooth, detailed and properly transparent. No nasties at all that I can detect from a couple of brief listens. It doesn't major on slam, but turn the volume up a bit and you don't notice. Pretty good, cheap too :).I use one of them in my second system with a Maplin 12v LPSU. Very nice, the USB input is a bit dated though so I use a Jkenny converter.

It's fit and forget sonic wise which is what I want, no constantly thinking there's something not quite right about it.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[Lawrence001]

Unlike these, which will be staying.

https://i.ibb.co/jTYYCb7/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-20-AM.png (https://ibb.co/PNyy2FB)

Monitor Audio R852 MD. Arrived yesterday and sounding rather good. I'm familiar with these, heard them before and liked them a lot. They will get a rub down and re-finish, as somebody has tried to stain them in the past, We'll soon sort that! :)Yes I imagine they will be nice, Robin Marshall design IIRC. I use to have the R952, really liked them at the time.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

I use one of them in my second system with a Maplin 12v LPSU. Very nice, the USB input is a bit dated though so I use a Jkenny converter.

It's fit and forget sonic wise which is what I want, no constantly thinking there's something not quite right about it.

Yes, it's doing a decent job.

Mind you, I put my Monarchy Audio M22C DAC back into the system last night for the first time in years. That was a bit of a revelation! :D

[struth]

Yes, it's doing a decent job.

Mind you, I put my Monarchy Audio M22C DAC back into the system last night for the first time in years. That was a bit of a revelation! :D

monarchy dac was a nice thing, along with the dip.

[Macca]

Well these won't be staying.

https://i.ibb.co/Np4pjHs/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-18-AM.png (https://ibb.co/Xpwpsvb)

Cambridge Audio Aero 2 speakers. Bought out of curiosity, as I wanted to hear what a BMR equipped speaker could do. They do nothing wrong and seem to match the user and review impressions I've seen. Unfortunately I find them uninvolving, so they'll be going.

nearly bought some a few times just out of curiosity. On paper they should be good. Maybe they could have used a tweeter and leave the BMR as a midrange driver? There would still be the benefit of the low crossover point.

[walpurgis]

nearly bought some a few times just out of curiosity. On paper they should be good. Maybe they could have used a tweeter and leave the BMR as a midrange driver? There would still be the benefit of the low crossover point.

That would obviously work, but sort of defeats the point. In any case, I've heard many two way speakers with crossover points in the supposedly 'critical' 2kHz to 4kHz region that sounded perfectly well integrated and seamless. I don't do three way speakers, never heard any I liked (apart from the old Spendor S100).









.

[karma67]

Unlike these, which will be staying.

https://i.ibb.co/jTYYCb7/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-20-AM.png (https://ibb.co/PNyy2FB)

Monitor Audio R852 MD. Arrived yesterday and sounding rather good. I'm familiar with these, heard them before and liked them a lot. They will get a rub down and re-finish, as somebody has tried to stain them in the past, We'll soon sort that! :)

id have another pair of these myself if i spot any local,i also owned the 952's as well.

[walpurgis]

id have another pair of these myself if i spot any local.

I remember you owning them Jamie and discussing them with you.

[walpurgis]

i also owned the 952's as well.

I did notice the tweeter you have for sale :D.

[karma67]

Lol, It would probably go in the 852 as well

[Lawrence001]

nearly bought some a few times just out of curiosity. On paper they should be good. Maybe they could have used a tweeter and leave the BMR as a midrange driver? There would still be the benefit of the low crossover point.I had the floorstanders. I also thought the BMR lacked some extension up top, if they had it roll off naturally to a supertweeter with maybe a second order high pass filter it would have sounded better.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[Lawrence001]

That would obviously work, but sort of defeats the point. In any case, I've heard many two way speakers with crossover points in the supposedly 'critical' 2kHz to 4kHz region that sounded perfectly well integrated and seamless. I don't do three way speakers, never heard any I liked (apart from the old Spendor S100).









.See my last post, would you have a 2.5 way, (but with extra supertweeter a la DM2a rather than low bass driver)?

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

See my last post, would you have a 2.5 way, (but with extra supertweeter a la DM2a rather than low bass driver)?

Well being pedantic, the DM2 is not exactly a 2.5 way speaker, it's a two way with top end assistance via the supertweeter.

2.5 way speakers normally utilise two similar main drivers, one rolling off early and one continuing upwards to cover the mids too, and crossing over to a tweeter above that.

[Macca]

I had the floorstanders. I also thought the BMR lacked some extension up top, if they had it roll off naturally to a supertweeter with maybe a second order high pass filter it would have sounded better.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

That's my thought but I've not heard them so only a guess, lack of top end extension can result in an uninvolving sound.

I was looking at off the shelf BMR drivers a few years back but they all have very poor power handling. Like 2 watts. The ones Cambridge use you couldn't buy.

[walpurgis]

Had a few days to get familiarised with the R852's. I have to say, I rather like these. They're not the ultimate obviously, but if you'd bought new speakers for say £800 that sounded this good you wouldn't feel robbed.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/55/7a/oMrfjB2Z_t.jpg (https://imgbox.com/oMrfjB2Z)

[Lawrence001]

Had a few days to get familiarised with the R852's. I have to say, I rather like these. They're not the ultimate obviously, but if you'd bought new speakers for say £800 that sounded this good you wouldn't feel robbed.

https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/55/7a/oMrfjB2Z_t.jpg (https://imgbox.com/oMrfjB2Z)Not surprised knowing of Robin Marshall (and having owned the 952s).

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[majex45]

[QUOTE=walpurgis;1251597]Here's a link if anybody wants to try one, what is there to lose (apart from a fiver :)).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Optical-CoaxCoaxialToslink-to-Analog-RCA-L-R-Audio-ConverterAdapter/264888110302?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

You'll have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive. Just listening to mine now :thumbsup:.

I bought one of these a while ago and I am very impressed with its performance. I am running it from a super low noise 5V PSU I built with help from a poster in this forum. I prefer the coax input over the optical, not sure why, just I fell overall happier with the copper input. It may be lass fatiquing. At the moment it is running with the output from a Denon DVD player, through a Technics amp (modified to be a pre-amp) into a public address stereo power amp, this feeds a pair of KEF Reference 104ab speakers. It is great for rock, prog etc as they were designed to sound through a PA. Haven't tried it with classical yet. Oh! Great idea - I'll go listen to music!:)

[walpurgis]

Something new to play with. Another vintage NAD amplifier, a 3130 integrated this time, in pretty decent looking nick and it's just arrived. These have a reputation for sounding good and delivering more wallop than the rated 30 watts might suggest. I'll wire it up later and check it out, it'll be interesting to see how the MC input fares.

https://i.ibb.co/0yMtNWT/NAD-3130.jpg (https://ibb.co/1Gq6Vp1)

[Puffin]

Repeat after me 'I must not look on ebay! I must not look on ebay! I must not look on ebay! I must not look on ebay! :lol:

[walpurgis]

:ner:

[Macca]

3130 is good. And it looks like a proper stereo amplifier, not a faberge egg with dials.

[walpurgis]

3130 is good.

Blimey, you're right. First time I've heard this model, got it playing CDs now, seems very punchy and extremely transparent, good bass wallop! MC/MM input is fine too and it hasn't even warmed up yet.

Hard to believe an amp sounding this good can be picked up for peanuts! I thought the little NAD 312 I have sounded great, but this could have the edge. Must compare it with the 2150 power amp.

[Barry]

In my limited experience all of the NAD designs have been very good. I think the reason why most of the models have slipped under the radar is due to their less than stylish cosmetics; which of course has no bearing on SQ whatsoever.

[Macca]

As a brand they sort of dropped off the radar a bit after the turn of the century so maybe it's only us old boys who recall them in their heyday?

They've tested a few of the old models on ASR and they up there with Accuphase.

[walpurgis]

I also have a tidy NAD 1020 pre-amp that for some reason seems to be stuck at 1/3 max output. Something on the V/C side is shorting through I think. It's a toss-up between getting it sorted or selling 'as is', somebody would want it as they are hard to find now. May use a meter and see if I can figure what's what.