Deaf Row!

[StanleyB]

A good mate of mine designed the NAD audio amps that came out in the nineties. But when the company got sold and the design department up the road from me in Barnet got closed down and moved to Vancouver in Canada he ended up getting a director's job over there. I hear he is now vice president of product development. He sometimes does stuff on Youtube. I miss his company actually. Fantastic friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRSBrZrjqdU

[walpurgis]

Just playing 'James Newton Howard and Friends' LP through the cheapo rig I've just set up. Standard TD150 Mk.II with Shure M75ED, into Cambridge Audio 'Azur' 540P phono stage driving a NAD 3130 amp powering my Monitor Audio R852 speakers.

I have to say, this whole little system is far greater than the sum of its parts might suggest. It's very punchy and dynamic, with great detail and decent transparency (something I wasn't expecting from an M75ED). The bass is lovely and tight, not short on perceived depth either. The TD150 is such an underrated deck it's almost criminal!

Excluding cables and speaker stands this lot only stands me in about £350.....Amazing!

Rather chuffed. :D

Now what am I going to rig up and play with next? :)

[Macca]

i can imagine that being good. I was always a fan of the 75ED. Still got one somewhere.

[walpurgis]

Playing a 'Porcupine Tree' CD now though the system on the Pioneer PD-S505 Precision, this is sounding great! :)

[Macca]

in todays money to buy that little lot you'd be spending £3K I reckon. The NAD alone would be about £600. I bet the speakers would be well over a grand. Don't know about the Thorens but got to be at least a grand. And what would Shure be asking for the E74D? £300? Must be in that area. Say £400 for the Pioneer.

So it should be pretty decent.

[walpurgis]

in todays money to buy that little lot you'd be spending £3K I reckon.

I think you're right Martin.

[Barry]

I can imagine that being good. I was always a fan of the 75ED. Still got one somewhere.

Lived with one for about a year, before climbing up the Shure ladder to the V15s, and then abandoning Shure for Ortofon and Decca cartridges. (The M75ED was also fitted to the TP13 arm on a TD150 deck). :)

[walpurgis]

Pushing the penny pinching boundaries even further. CD playing via Panasonic DVD-S38 into a vintage Cambridge Audio P80 amplifier driving my much more modern Cambridge Audio 'Aero' 2 speakers. This shouldn't really work, funny thing is, it does! Sounds way better than expected. I may have to revise my original thoughts about the Aero 2 speakers.

https://i.ibb.co/tYJ9tZW/IMG-1007.jpg (https://ibb.co/CVHfZJT)

[Barry]

Those Cambridge P-series amplifiers were ahead of their time. Being one of the first to use the newly introduced toroidal transformer, they were able to achieve an elegant slim enclosure. Other innovations were the inclusion of the volume control in the feedback loop.

I have a P50 with matching T55 tuner and have used it to drive B&W DM2a speakers to good effect.

[walpurgis]

My P80 sounds rather nice. Needs a service though as the volume control crackles a bit until the amp warms up. I can't be bothered to tinker with it, so I'll probably sell it on 'as is', bit of a collector's item.

[walpurgis]

Hmm, wonder what these little things will be like? Just bought a pair of Goodmans Maxim 2 speakers off ebay to play with. They were cheap and look mint in the photos. I know some members are rather fond of these, never heard any myself. They should be good for the second system.

https://i.ibb.co/MgDCzTj/Screen-Shot-06-12-21-at-10-55-AM.png (https://ibb.co/L0zZTwq)

[Barry]

I don't know about the Maxim 2 speakers, but the original Goodman Maxims are not well regarded amongst audio enthusiasts.

Interestingly the BBC assessed the Maxim as an alternative to the LS3/5.

[walpurgis]

I don't know about the Maxim 2 speakers, but the original Goodman Maxims are not well regarded amongst audio enthusiasts.

Yes, I know Barry. I had several pairs and thought they were pretty useless.

The Maxim 2 is an entirely different speaker. They were well liked by Jerry at the Kegworth shindig a couple of years ago and (Adam) Beobloke, who's opinon I respect has praised them, so I thought I'd try them.

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?63360-Jerry-s-Kegworth19-photo-thread/page2&highlight=goodmans+maxim

[Pigmy Pony]

Yes, I know Barry. I had several pairs and thought they were pretty useless.

The Maxim 2 is an entirely different speaker. They were well liked by Jerry at the Kegworth shindig a couple of years ago and (Adam) Beobloke, who's opinon I respect has praised them, so I thought I'd try them.

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?63360-Jerry-s-Kegworth19-photo-thread/page2&highlight=goodmans+maxim

I heard those at Kegworth, I think it was one of those 'suitcase challenge' set ups - not how I expected them to be, I would be happy with them in my 2nd system :)

[walpurgis]

I'm looking forward to hearing them.

The bass/mids are of a series used by KEF, Monitor Audio and Heybrook amongst others by the look of them, so probably not bad. The tweeters are fairly ubiquitous, a type sold by Audax and other OEM providers.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Used to have a pair of original 1960s Maxims.

I'd rather have a £60 Bluetooth speaker over the old Maxim. Sounds a million times better too!

S.

[walpurgis]

Hmm, wonder what these little things will be like? Just bought a pair of Goodmans Maxim 2 speakers off ebay to play with. They were cheap and look mint in the photos. I know some members are rather fond of these, never heard any myself. They should be good for the second system.

https://i.ibb.co/MgDCzTj/Screen-Shot-06-12-21-at-10-55-AM.png (https://ibb.co/L0zZTwq)

These are rather good, it turns out. They arrived yesterday and are in nigh on perfect nick! Well balanced, with no obvious flaws to the sound apart from no deep bass as you'd expect. Quite reminiscent of the Mission 780SE in many ways. An extended comparison with my Ruark Swordsmans should be interesting.

[walpurgis]

Oh no, what's he done now? :)

Having been rather chuffed at how good the slightly grubby and scruffy recently purchased NAD 3130 sounded, I couldn't resist this one. It looks immaculate in the pics and I think the previous owner had it from new. It's alleged to have had little use.

https://i.ibb.co/pzkpWgx/s-l400-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/85QVzJ0)

https://i.ibb.co/tDfLJMD/s-l400-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/Yh90L7h)

[struth]

sorry mate your pic quality doesnt pass test :ner:

[walpurgis]

sorry mate your pic quality doesnt pass test :ner:

ebay pics. Not here yet! :)

[Puffin]

Hmm, wonder what these little things will be like? Just bought a pair of Goodmans Maxim 2 speakers off ebay to play with. They were cheap and look mint in the photos. I know some members are rather fond of these, never heard any myself. They should be good for the second system.

https://i.ibb.co/MgDCzTj/Screen-Shot-06-12-21-at-10-55-AM.png (https://ibb.co/L0zZTwq)

There was a Hifi World DIY supplement to make these active. I did have all the supplements and may have it if you are interested.

[Firebottle]

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.

That sounds like it could be a fault on a 'loudness' tapping on the VC. Check that area first if there is an extra connection part way around the VC.

[walpurgis]

That sounds like it could be a fault on a 'loudness' tapping on the VC. Check that area first if there is an extra connection part way around the VC.

I think there is Alan. It's tucked away at the moment, but I'll fish it out and see if I can figure things out.

[Lawrence001]

That sounds like it could be a fault on a 'loudness' tapping on the VC. Check that area first if there is an extra connection part way around the VC.I didn't know about that, does it allow the loudness contour to be changed (reduced?) as the volume gets higher?

[Firebottle]

Yes exactly that. Not particularly common.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Hello Geoff! Hope you are well.

How is the Hi-Fi journey going?

S.

[walpurgis]

Hello Geoff! Hope you are well.

How is the Hi-Fi journey going?

S.

Hi Shane. Yes, I'm still tinkering. The big Tannoys are gone and I'm using some Monitor Audio R852MDs at the moment until I get my speaker build off the deck, also playing with a variety of NAD amps.

What have you been up to?

[southall-1998_mk2]

Hi Shane. Yes, I'm still tinkering. The big Tannoys are gone and I'm using some Monitor Audio R852MDs at the moment until I get my speaker build off the deck, also playing with a variety of NAD amps.

What have you been up to?


I still have a decent recollection of those Tannoys. They had very good imaging and deep bass. Still miss them to some extent.

Just taking care of a ill elderly relative at the moment. Nothing too severe.

S.

[walpurgis]

And now. Another pair of KEF Corellis, given to me today by my best mate. They were recently recapped and are sounding absolutely wonderful on the end of my latest NAD 3130 amp. The currently resident Monitor Audio R852s are good, but not in the same league as these Corellis (it's my second pair, I should have kept the first ones).

https://i.ibb.co/n7cW11b/IMG-1026.jpg (https://ibb.co/y6y3kkX)

[Macca]

Resolutely back in the early 1980s there Geoff. Like it.

Reminds me off a pal's system, Audiolab 8000A into KEF KIT speakers. People always slag off the 8000A but it was perfect with those old KEFs.

[walpurgis]

Resolutely back in the early 1980s there Geoff. Like it.

Yeah, got the trusty Pioneer PD-S505 Precision feeding it all and sounding super as always. This little lot could embarrass some seriously good systems.

[Edward]

Those Correllis look pretty good. Grills as well? Will you do a recap?

It was you Geoff that encouraged and helped me in restoring the ones I picked up for £14.50. Really glad I did and you are right that they beat many other speakers.

[struth]

Nice speaks those.

[walpurgis]

Will you do a recap?

Already done Edward. The previous owner (my buddy) did them.

If you still have yours, try and find a NAD 3130 amp to drive them. It's a great match!

[walpurgis]

Nice speaks those.

They'll be even better once I've given the cabinets a tart up :).

[Edward]

Already done Edward. The previous owner (my buddy) did them.

If you still have yours, try and find a NAD 3130 amp to drive them. It's a great match!

Yes I bet a NAD 3130 would be a great match. Back in the late 70s I had a NAD 3120 driving Leak 3030s. Nice memories.

Yep still have the KEF Correllis.

[walpurgis]

Another phono stage on the way, Cambridge Audio 'Azure' 640P. I already have three phono stages, but always had a soft spot for these since my last one years ago. They sound way better than the modest prices would imply, I also thought it sounded decent on MC, despite what others said.

https://i.ibb.co/WxVF4DS/Screen-Shot-09-01-21-at-09-49-AM.png (https://ibb.co/JB32wxX)
download high res from instagram (https://500pxdownload.com/)

[walpurgis]

Well this is remarkably good.

https://i.ibb.co/HNRfmpt/IMG-1037.jpg (https://ibb.co/7gBd7Nn)

Shure M75ED cartridge in my TD150 II, fitted with a very rare NOS Goldring M75E stylus. Yes, that's right, Goldring made replacement styli for Shure cartridges for a while and this one is unused (until now). I expect it to be every bit as good as the Shure original, it's sounding truly fine.

[walpurgis]

Er?

https://i.ibb.co/zSmD6T9/IMG-1059.jpg (https://ibb.co/br6DbMw)

[southall-1998_mk2]

You need help man :lol:

S.

[walpurgis]

You need help man :lol:

S.

I'm afraid the therapy failed. :(

[Macca]

As if you ever went to therapy for anything.

[walpurgis]

:D

[southall-1998_mk2]

Just kidding, lol. Hope you are well, Geoff.

S.

[Lawrence001]

Well this is remarkably good.

https://i.ibb.co/HNRfmpt/IMG-1037.jpg (https://ibb.co/7gBd7Nn)

Shure M75ED cartridge in my TD150 II, fitted with a very rare NOS Goldring M75E stylus. Yes, that's right, Goldring made replacement styli for Shure cartridges for a while and this one is unused (until now). I expect it to be every bit as good as the Shure original, it's sounding truly fine.The colour makes it look like something that comes out of a cracker [emoji38]

[Macca]

The colour makes it look like something that comes out of a cracker [emoji38]

if you buy Harrod's crackers maybe you can find Koetsus in them.

[walpurgis]

Bugger! My faithful old Pioneer PD-S505 Precision CD player has given up. It loads, but won't play. Good job I have a few more players.

[Barry]

Well this is remarkably good.

https://i.ibb.co/HNRfmpt/IMG-1037.jpg (https://ibb.co/7gBd7Nn)

Shure M75ED cartridge in my TD150 II, fitted with a very rare NOS Goldring M75E stylus. Yes, that's right, Goldring made replacement styli for Shure cartridges for a while and this one is unused (until now). I expect it to be every bit as good as the Shure original, it's sounding truly fine.

The Shure M75ED works well in the Thorens TP13 arm. Lived with that combination for a year.

[walpurgis]

The Shure M75ED works well in the Thorens TP13 arm. Lived with that combination for a year.

It's sounding vastly better than I had anticipated (or remembered). I was going to bung an ADC or even ZYX in the deck, but I will put a hold on that for now.

[Barry]

It's sounding vastly better than I had anticipated (or remembered). I was going to bung an ADC or even ZYX in the deck, but I will put a hold on that for now.

Wise move Geoff. I don't think the TP13 arm is up to the likes of an ADC (10E ?) cartridge.

[walpurgis]

Wise move Geoff. I don't think the TP13 arm is up to the likes of an ADC (10E ?) cartridge.

I have used the 10E Mk.IV in what would seem to be heavier than optimal arms successfully. I do have other suitable armboards and lower mass arms though.

[walpurgis]

After the Pioneer PD-S505 Precision CD player (seemingly) let me down, I bunged the Trichord Research Digital Turntable transport into the system with the trusty little V-DAC and it's sounding really fine. Stupid thing is, I had the same non-reading of discs as I'd had with the PD-S505................. it was a dud CD! :rolleyes: Talk about overlooking the obvious!! Anyway, I'll reassemble the PD-S505 and test it with another disc, bet it'll be fine. I have to say, I've never had a CD that wouldn't play at all before.

https://i.ibb.co/BTpjL9R/IMG-1089.jpg (https://ibb.co/KVP76JH)

Yes, I know it all needs a dust and polish :).

[Shovel_Knight]

Well this is remarkably good.

https://i.ibb.co/HNRfmpt/IMG-1037.jpg (https://ibb.co/7gBd7Nn)

Shure M75ED cartridge in my TD150 II, fitted with a very rare NOS Goldring M75E stylus. Yes, that's right, Goldring made replacement styli for Shure cartridges for a while and this one is unused (until now). I expect it to be every bit as good as the Shure original, it's sounding truly fine.

The humble M75 is my favourite Shure cartridge. I sold both my M95 and my V15-III but kept the M75.

[walpurgis]

The humble M75 is my favourite Shure cartridge. I sold both my M95 and my V15-III but kept the M75.

I wouldn't mind an M91ED to go with it.

[Shovel_Knight]

I wouldn't mind an M91ED to go with it.

Literally the same thing in a different plastic shroud... The old M75-6S (with the metal clip mount) is the best M75 to have because it accepts both M75 and M91 styli. The part that goes inside the cartridge body is the same on both M75 and M91 styli, it's only the shape of the plastic grip that's different.

[walpurgis]

I had several M91ED's years ago and loads of the M75 variants. I just fancied another M91ED to round off the (modest) collection.

[Pigmy Pony]

After the Pioneer PD-S505 Precision CD player (seemingly) let me down, I bunged the Trichord Research Digital Turntable transport into the system with the trusty little V-DAC and it's sounding really fine. Stupid thing is, I had the same non-reading of discs as I'd had with the PD-S505................. it was a dud CD! :rolleyes: Talk about overlooking the obvious!! Anyway, I'll reassemble the PD-S505 and test it with another disc, bet it'll be fine. I have to say, I've never had a CD that wouldn't play at all before.

https://i.ibb.co/BTpjL9R/IMG-1089.jpg (https://ibb.co/KVP76JH)

Yes, I know it all needs a dust and polish :).

Perhaps the CD needed a dust & polish too. I had a mate who swore by T-cut for his scratched discs. Though I suggested he not leave them unboxed on the floor for his kids to walk on...

[struth]

we used tcut and similar in the industry.. we had hundreds of cd jukes and they can be hard on cds at times.. tcut etc, and my preference was the wadding version fixed 95% of them

[walpurgis]

Perhaps the CD needed a dust & polish too

It is mint. I'll be having another look at it though.

[southall-1998_mk2]

What speakers are you using now, Geoff?

S.

[walpurgis]

Well I have a variety Shane, but the current rig is driving two pairs of Corellis in parallel and sounding surprisingly good.

[southall-1998_mk2]

You gravitate to the Corellis a lot. I remember you having a pair a few years back.

Have fun.

S.

[Edward]

Well I have a variety Shane, but the current rig is driving two pairs of Corellis in parallel and sounding surprisingly good.

Geoff, how are you managing impedance between your NAD and your double Kefs? My understanding is the NAD is (nominally) rated at 8Ω and the KEFs also (nominally) at 8Ω. However running the Kefs in parallel brings the impendence load to 4Ω. But perhaps my understanding is wrong. Or perhaps the NAD can dip way below 8Ω temporally and/or you are not playing music very loud with lots of bass such that the load presented to the NAD is very benign in practice.

[walpurgis]

Yes, it becomes a nominal 4 ohm load. The NAD should cope just fine.

[Macca]

Old school NADs are in the ranks of the few budget amps that don't mind low impedance/reactive loads. Within reason anyway.

The 3020 was still fairy acceptable into 2 ohm.

[walpurgis]

Another toy. Yamaha TX-480L AM/FM/LW tuner. Only a cheapie, but nice to use and sounds very good on FM. I like the combination of scanning via knob (on auto) and pre-sets. That's 3 tuners I have now :).

https://i.ibb.co/D9wcQdM/IMG-1096.jpg (https://ibb.co/5rspLZj)

[Barry]

Another toy. Yamaha TX-480L AM/FM/LW tuner. Only a cheapie, but nice to use and sounds very good on FM. I like the combination of scanning via knob (on auto) and pre-sets. That's 3 tuners I have now :).

https://i.ibb.co/D9wcQdM/IMG-1096.jpg (https://ibb.co/5rspLZj)

Beginner - I have seven! :mental: But I agree with you, the combination of tuning with a rotary knob and then being able to store the stations as pre-sets is perfect.

[dantheman91]

Another toy. Yamaha TX-480L AM/FM/LW tuner. Only a cheapie, but nice to use and sounds very good on FM. I like the combination of scanning via knob (on auto) and pre-sets. That's 3 tuners I have now :).

https://i.ibb.co/D9wcQdM/IMG-1096.jpg (https://ibb.co/5rspLZj)

Niccccccccccce :)

[walpurgis]

Just a bit of fun.

Second system set up to try in the living room. Panasonic DVD-S38 DVD player used as CD player and TPA 3116 D Class mini amp driving Ruark Swordsman speakers on stands.

Sounding way better than I expected, very decent sound.

https://i.ibb.co/8KMMGVX/IMG-1097.jpg (https://ibb.co/VjVVb83)

[southall-1998_mk2]

Nice neat system.

S.

[Alex_UK]

Always fancied trying some Ruarks, but your post has reminded me that I cannot for the life of me remember where I’ve put my class D chip amp... probably in the dark and dingy confines of the garage or loft hi-fi graveyards, but that’s not much help... :lol:

Anyway, looks a nice neat solution, glad it’s sounding good. :)

[dantheman91]

Niccccceeee and simple Similar path for a bit of fun as main rig

Topping TP 30 MKII - Pro Ject DAC - Pioneer PDS 505 Precision - Van Damme Coax Cable and Tannoy Chesters

[Macca]

Those Tannoys make it all look proper 'studio'.

[walpurgis]

Just had a little vintage standmount speaker shoot-out with the bargain basement system.

Toshiba SD-220E DVD player on CD duty, into the dinky TPA 3116 mini-amp, a very effective little combo costing peanuts.

First driving the Ruark Swordsman speakers, then the Monitor Audio R852 MD, followed by the KEF Corelli. There was a winner, guess which speaker won.

[Macca]

Going to say the KEFs

[walpurgis]

Going to say the KEFs

Yes, hands down actually. Even my wife noticed and said "everything sounds deeper and clearer". The R852 MD's were superior to the Ruarks, but the Corellis are in a different league.

[struth]

corelli are very good..

[Lawrence001]

Really I'd have gone with the 852s. That's from owning the 952s and Concertos myself.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Really I'd have gone with the 852s

It's a comparison I've done several times with various amplifiers and the Corellis always win out. They don't sound like the Concertos, more like a beefier LS3/5a.

[Lawrence001]

Sound like something I'd like [emoji16]

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

Sound like something I'd like [emoji16]

They are definitely a bit special in my view. Better than any of the contemporary KEF 'Reference' models of the time. Online user opinions suggest I'm not the only one who thinks so. Good ones getting scarce now and prices are on the up!

[Macca]

Even the budget KEFs from that late 70s early 80s period were well engineered.

I had the Cadenzas for a while, a friend has them now and they are just outstanding in his open plan house, you'd think he'd paid thousands for them.

Although if KEF have ever done a properly bad speaker I can't think of it. Even those little Eggs were good.

[walpurgis]

I had the Cadenzas for a while, a friend has them now and they are just outstanding in his open plan house, you'd think he'd paid thousands for them.

The Cadenzas were the forerunner to the Reference 104 and 104AB, which in turn led to the Calinda, another speaker that has yet to receive proper recognition. They were pretty decent. I never quite came to terms with the 'rubbery' bass from the ABR in the Cadenza and 104s, but I think it was better controlled in the Calinda.

[Macca]

The Cadenzas were the forerunner to the Reference 104 and 104AB, which in turn led to the Calinda, another speaker that has yet to receive proper recognition. They were pretty decent. I never quite came to terms with the 'rubbery' bass from the ABR in the Cadenza and 104s, but I think it was better controlled in the Calinda.

Ah right it was the Calinda I had not the Cadenza. I always get them mixed up.

[walpurgis]

There's a tidy set of Calindas not far from me for less than £200. I might get tempted.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Hello Geoff. Hope you are well. What system are you using nowadays?

S.

[walpurgis]

Hello Geoff. Hope you are well. What system are you using nowadays?

S.

Hi Shane, hope all is well. How's Wales?

I've got two systems rigged up. KEF on the end of the NAD in one room and Monitor Audio with Promitheus TVC and Alphason Adonis power amp in the other. Plugging whichever CD player suits me at the time.

What are you using?

[southall-1998_mk2]

Hi Shane, hope all is well. How's Wales?

I've got two systems rigged up. KEF on the end of the NAD in one room and Monitor Audio with Promitheus TVC and Alphason Adonis power amp in the other. Plugging whichever CD player suits me at the time.

What are you using?

Hello Geoff.

I'm alright. Still adjusting to Wales. I miss Torquay a little bit.

I have a pair of Dali Spektor 1 Speakers packed away. Also got a NAD C516BEE CD Player lying around. Might think about getting the Vista Spark Amplifier - http://www.vista-audio.com/products/Spark/index.htm

S.

[walpurgis]

Well the Monitor Audio R852 MD speakers were collected by the new owner today. He seemed rather chuffed.

I have slightly mixed feelings, as they were sounding pretty damn good on some Christine Collister and K D Lang this morning. Female vocals suited them well.

https://i.ibb.co/v1f4QBP/Screen-Shot-02-24-21-at-08-20-AM.png (https://ibb.co/XX6x34s)

[struth]

what you using now mate? kefs?

[walpurgis]

what you using now mate? kefs?

Well on that system there's now a little set of Ruark Swordsman and on the other system paralleled pairs of KEF Corellis (for then time being).

[struth]

corellis will sound good like that i think

[southall-1998_mk2]

Do you sometimes think about returning back to Tannoys? Or are you done with Tannoys?

S.

[walpurgis]

Do you sometimes think about returning back to Tannoys? Or are you done with Tannoys?

S.

I loved my Tannoys Shane, but don't want anything quite that big and heavy now.

[walpurgis]

Had a mate round Sunday, he had a proper listen to the current set-up and was well impressed. Said it was, "rich, powerful and very transparent". He has loads of H-Fi, but doesn't really understand it well :).

I have to agree with his estimation though, for what many would regard as a 'two bob' system, the sound from the doubled up Corellis driven by the 3130 is remarkable.

[Macca]

aye no need to spend a fortune if you know what you're doing.

[walpurgis]

aye no need to spend a fortune if you know what you're doing.

You think I know what I'm doing? :lol:

[Macca]

No I just suspect.

You really should post us a picture of it.

[walpurgis]

No I just suspect.

You really should post us a picture of it.

I'll see what I can do :).

[walpurgis]

Current rig. I have loads of other gear, but it's stashed away. Don't feel there's any hurry to alter anything.

(that's a Trichord Research 'Digital Turntable' under the 3130 amp and a little V-Dac to the right sitting on an X-10D)

https://i.ibb.co/CP1GLMk/P1010246.jpg (https://ibb.co/LNk7KJL)

[Macca]

what's your tuner? And what are the two gizmos on the top shelf?

[walpurgis]

what's your tuner? And what are the two gizmos on the top shelf?

A cheapo Marantz ST385L that I got for about a fiver (works & sounds just fine), The white things are the satellite speakers for the TV 2.1 subwoofer/multimedia system (very effective Cyruslink job). In front of them is a dinky Blaupunkt DVD player.

[walpurgis]

Amp shootout?

My best mate dropped by today and brought some goodies with him.

When he arrived I was using the NAD 3130 driving the KEF Corellis and it was sounding very decent.

The NAD was disconnected and next up was my friend's Rega Brio R, this sounded very detailed and transparent, possibly not as beefy as the 3130 but nice though.

https://i.ibb.co/SfbkMnd/IMG-1156.jpg (https://ibb.co/3R2xjNM)

Followed by his Townshend Allegri + autoformer preamp feeding a Pass Labs Aleph 3 Class A power amplifier. Now you're talking, long warm-up to come together though but the wait was worth it. I couldn't point a finger at anything I didn't like about this combo, it just sounded rich and beautifully balanced and clear with great depth. And it suited the Corellis amazingly well, they just sounded like LS3/5a's on steroids :).

https://i.ibb.co/1GxW8DG/IMG-1155.jpg (https://ibb.co/KxHvFMx)

I briefly rigged up my pot passive pre-amp in place of the Allegri, It sounded pretty bad, weedy and too bright. A definite mismatch.

As was the introduction of my Quad 306 on the end of the Allegri, that also sounded weedy and thin. Another mismatch.

https://i.ibb.co/zQs1583/IMG-1160.jpg (https://ibb.co/CmBqtJj)

I know though that the pot passive and 306 sound great working together. It's all a case of mix & match, you never know how various combos will work out.

Anyway, to round off, I dug out my 4 watt Class A 6V6 Raphaelite integrated valve amp. This is a very nice sounding unit and drove the Corellis surprisingly well considering their low sensitivity and the limited amp power. A nice beefy sound that was very transparent and detailed and just kept getting better and better for some time. The first time I'd tried it with the KEFs. The Raphaelite didn't like the big Tannoys I had a while back.

https://i.ibb.co/nn0SC0L/IMG-1158.jpg (https://ibb.co/9Vvjtvr)

The Aleph/Allegri pair were probably the best sounding setup, but the Raphaelite was so good after coming on song, I'd be hard put to pick a winner.

I'm hoping for a listen to his Lavardin IS Reference next time he drops by!

Source today was my Trichord Research 'Digital Turntable' CD transport via the Musical Fidelity V-DAC through the MF X-10D buffer stage.

[Jimbo]

Some nice old gems there.

[Macca]

tidy little valve amo that, I don't remember you mentioning it before.

So what was the best combo on the day then?

[Puffin]

You should build yourself a Pass Amp Camp Amp. Seriously good for silly money.

[Firebottle]

What a great shootout with very varied kit.
I recall you showing that little 6V6 amp before, a bit of a gem.

[walpurgis]

tidy little valve amo that, I don't remember you mentioning it before.

So what was the best combo on the day then?

I had shown the Raphaelite before quite a while ago. I'd sold it to a mate for a while, but bought it back as he'd not used it (too much gear :rolleyes:). I originally ordered it from China, as Raphaelite although not well known here, make some extremely decent equipment to a high standard and I wanted a 6V6 amp. There's something a bit special about 6V6 sounds.

As to the best combo? As I said, the Aleph 3 and Allegro + probably just edged it, but the 6V6 was close enough for the jury to be out for a long time :).

All I need now is a pair of big BLH speakers to do the Raphaelite justice!!


Later, I'll bung the 306 and pot passive back in the system together as I'm sure they deserve another bash at showing what they can really do.

[walpurgis]

Later, I'll bung the 306 and pot passive back in the system together as I'm sure they deserve another bash at showing what they can really do.

Well that rather confirmed my thoughts. The 306 & pot passive sounded crap in isolation yesterday, now I have them in the system together again and sounding amazing! Rich, silky smooth and very transparent, lovely! Plenty of poke too. Not inferior to the Pass and Townshend combo in any way that jumps out at me, nor the 6V6 either.

The 306 really is as good an amplifier as most systems could need. I'm no Hi-Fi snob and if something cheap(ish) sounds great, I'll say so. That's why I keep using the NAD 3130 as my main amp :).

https://i.ibb.co/f4YHfzn/IMG-1161.jpg (https://ibb.co/xJS6Wtf)

[Macca]

The only problem with 306 is inability to drive some speakers. Surprising how many speakers present a difficult load for the amplifier. I think it accounts for most of the differences between amplifiers and why some people will love a particular amplifier and others think it is junk.

With pre-power matching I find my Krell power amp sounds best with the Pass passive buffer pre-amp, but my NAD power amp sounds best with the Philips active pre-amp. I suppose it is a question of output/input impedance and sensitivity. Which is 'best' is so often circumstantial rather than absolute.

[struth]

dunno what speakers it was made to match initially, but the 306 can sound very good.

[Macca]

dunno what speakers it was made to match initially, but the 306 can sound very good.

well the 303 was intended for the ESL speaker as transistorised replacement for the QUAD II. I suppose the 306 with a bit more power was just a logical development from that.

In the 1980s typical partnering speaker at that level of budget would be 8 ohm nominal, fairly flat impedance trace, no crazy phase shifts, so not really a tough load. Nowadays you see even little bookshelf speakers having 3 ohm or less in the bass, lots of amplifiers will sound sub-optimal or even bad driving that load.

[walpurgis]

dunno what speakers it was made to match initially, but the 306 can sound very good.

ESL63 I believe. The 306 came into production before Quad offered dynamic speakers as I recall. It apparently also works well with the original ESL57.

[walpurgis]

Been having a rummage, seems I have at least 25 Japanese horn tweeters knocking about (not to mention a bunch of dome units too).

https://i.ibb.co/RYS7Ckn/IMG-1167.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZGJNhps)

The silver ones will probably be sold, but the black ones are a favourite as they sound terrific, despite being a comparatively cheap tweeter at the time! They were sold in the UK during the seventies and known as Eagle CT10 units, but are really the Coral 2H-10 model.

https://i.ibb.co/THbBkKJ/Screen-Shot-05-25-21-at-04-45-PM.png (https://imgbb.com/)

I'll be trying a set with the KEFs, should be fun! :)

[Lawrence001]

Pretty sure I sold or gave away on here a pair just like the Corals but with no name on the back. I've found another pair of horn tweeters to give away in the new year, I just want postage.

[walpurgis]

Strange things horn tweeters. They seem to either sound horrible or wonderful with no middle ground.

[walpurgis]

Tweeter tweaking.

https://i.ibb.co/3dtXHkR/IMG-1181.jpg (https://ibb.co/9gRXjGZ)

Played around with a variety of tweeters from my collection and at the moment using the KEFs with a pair of BMR units. They are freestanding and not on baffles, but crossing over at 3kHz this seems to work OK. Very smooth and clean with no audible phasing or integration issues.

All is not done yet, but this is rather promising.

[struth]

sweet little tweet:)

[walpurgis]

More junk! :D

Akai AT-K02L AM/FM/LW tuner in reasonable cosmetic condition (for some reason I keep getting it into my head that it's a JVC? Senility maybe :))

ebay seller was a bit naughty for not mentioning that it had no feet and not showing an underside view. All metal and ridiculously heavy for a tuner, thought I'd been sent an amp until I opened the box, it sounds wonderful! Very sensitive too. Very nice.

https://i.ibb.co/QnZRXjP/IMG-1187.jpg (https://ibb.co/xGy0381)
images upload (https://imgbb.com/)


And,

A pair of TDL RTL2 floorstanding speakers. They sound rather nice, better than anticipated and they seem dead easy to drive. A few marks here and there and one tweeter dome was well pushed in, sorted with careful use of a hot air gun to soften the doped fabric dome and a vacuum cleaner to gently suck it back into shape. Working just fine and I've ordered some Declon foam to replace what was missing from the bass ports. Like the tuner they need feet, soon to be sorted.

https://i.ibb.co/v4RqHyj/IMG-1182.jpg (https://ibb.co/SwGyPY3)

With a little work all the above should turn out pretty good. Not bad going for 36 quid for the lot!

[struth]

should triple your money on speakers alone:)

[Macca]

Good haul that. I had a demo of those RTL not long after they came out, some place in Brum.

I couldn't afford them though. I was dead broke at the time, I couldn't afford to buy a toaster let alone a brand new pair of speakers. I think they were £299.95

About £700 in today's money.

[Lawrence001]

Aren't those RTLs the Special Edition what does that badge on the front say?

[Lawrence001]

Hadn't thought about trying BMRs do you cross over with a single cap, what value do you use?

[walpurgis]

Hadn't thought about trying BMRs do you cross over with a single cap, what value do you use?

I used an ancient Eagle crossover. Cheap and nasty but it works well enough for try-outs. 8uF cap and small inductor and L Pad which is handy for matching HF levels (used minimal reduction on BMR). Nominal X/O point 3kHz, 6db/oct slopes. BMR is usable down to 800 Hz I believe and sounds pretty good, smooth and detailed.

[walpurgis]

Aren't those RTLs the Special Edition what does that badge on the front say?

There's no indication on them that they might be an SE version. The badge says TDL ELECTRONICS.

[struth]

There's no indication on them that they might be an SE version. The badge says TDL ELECTRONICS.

special edition would be written on front badge plate if they were

[walpurgis]

Just been using them on No.2 system. Rather nice Toshiba SD-220E DVD player on CD duties and my home built passive into the Quad 306, driving the TDLs. All sounds surprisingly good, very neutral.

https://i.ibb.co/xLyjMmg/IMG-1191.jpg (https://ibb.co/sRhwF51)

[southall-1998_mk2]

Glad to see you are having fun, Geoff.

S.

[walpurgis]

Glad to see you are having fun, Geoff.

S.

Hi Shane, hope all is well mate. Yes, I'm still messing about with the Hi-Fi, got do do something to pass the time :).

Are you using anything interesting at the moment?

[southall-1998_mk2]

Hi Shane, hope all is well mate. Yes, I'm still messing about with the Hi-Fi, got do do something to pass the time :).

Are you using anything interesting at the moment?

Hello Geoff,

I'm OK, thanks.

Nowadays I keep the system simple.

Cambridge Audio One unit and a pair of KEF Cresta 1 Speakers. (early 2000s version)

Take care.

S.

[walpurgis]

Well I finished fettling the RTL2 speakers. Rather pleased with them, they look nice enough now and sound very good. They are apparently the MK.2 as indicated by the port shape, the Mk.1 had rectangular ports. Just spotted a pair of RTL4s not too far from me that may be available at a sensible price, I could get tempted :).

https://i.ibb.co/nLL2d5X/IMG-1195.jpg (https://ibb.co/hmm5QtG)

[struth]

looking good geoff. well done

[Macca]

RTL4 are proper big bangers. You should deffo go for it.

[Lawrence001]

There's no indication on them that they might be an SE version. The badge says TDL ELECTRONICS.It was the port shapes I didn't realise they changed in the Mk2

[walpurgis]

It was the port shapes I didn't realise they changed in the Mk2

I found another difference. The grilles on the Mk.1 versions on those I've seen are full length, those on the Mk.II are shorter, extending down about 2/3 of the baffle length and are rounded at the bottom.

The more I listen to these, the more I'm liking them (despite the plastic fake veneer :)). They have no obvious tonality, they just let the music through.

[walpurgis]

Hmm. This could take a while. I just dug out all my (rather dusty) CDs and will go through the lot for a thin out. There may be casualties! :)

https://i.ibb.co/Lds8PyP/IMG-1198.jpg (https://ibb.co/60qmZSZ)

There are a few MiniDiscs in there too.

[struth]

could always get a decent sized hdd and copy ones you decide to get shot of to flac. at least youll still have the music geoff.

[walpurgis]

could always get a decent sized hdd and copy ones you decide to get shot of to flac. at least youll still have the music geoff.

No, I have a spare HDD, but I'll just keep the CD's I really like.

[Macca]

must be about 1000 there?

[walpurgis]

Not counted them, but I estimate around 430.

[walpurgis]

ebay again :). I just bought a nice looking example of the first proper Hi-Fi amplifier I ever owned (I don't count the appalling Amstrad 8000II horror I'd had before it :eek:). A super rare Japanese Olson AM-395, which I purchased at the beginning of the seventies. Bought purely for nostalgia, but it sounded amazingly good to me back then. I just hope it arrives safely!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185852907311

https://i.ibb.co/Jkjrrk3/Screen-Shot-04-12-23-at-08-16-PM.png (https://ibb.co/h8F228Y)

[Macca]

Hardboard rear panel?

Looks minty though.

Does look a bit like the Prinzsound I used to have. Except a lot prettier. I see he mentions in the ad there was some connection.

[walpurgis]

And, arrived today. A pair of Sennheiser PMX80 sport headphones. I just wanted something compact and undemanding that I could plug into the PC whilst online, these are just the job and sound decent enough.

https://i.ibb.co/QrZSpsn/Screen-Shot-04-12-23-at-08-39-PM.png (https://ibb.co/3Bw64tW)

[walpurgis]

Hardboard rear panel?

Yup.

[Macca]

can't find a single thing about it on tinternet.

[walpurgis]

can't find a single thing about it on tinternet.

I know. I looked before.

[Barry]

ebay again :). I just bought a nice looking example of the first proper Hi-Fi amplifier I ever owned (I don't count the appalling Amstrad 8000II horror I'd had before it :eek:). A super rare Japanese Olson AM-395, which I purchased at the beginning of the seventies. Bought purely for nostalgia, but it sounded amazingly good to me back then. I just hope it arrives safely!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185852907311

https://i.ibb.co/Jkjrrk3/Screen-Shot-04-12-23-at-08-16-PM.png (https://ibb.co/h8F228Y)

Well done Geoff.

I can understand the sense of nostalgia. I have done the same; not with gear I used to have, but for gear which I could not afford at the time - specifically a Cambridge Audio P50 with matching T55 tuner.

[walpurgis]

It's been a long time since I owned an amplifier with a friction locked dual volume pot :).

[struth]

not heard that name for a while. looks like a nice amp.

[struth]

i see they are still making pdu's etc..

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/4824163-13a-6-way-unswitched-socket-rfi-filtered-pdu?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=ds

[walpurgis]

i see they are still making pdu's etc..

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/4824163-13a-6-way-unswitched-socket-rfi-filtered-pdu?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=ds

Yes, I've had Olson on my ebay watchlist for a couple of years and those crop up often.

[Barry]

It's been a long time since I owned an amplifier with a friction locked dual volume pot :).

Removes the need for a 'balance' control. It's a neat idea. :)

[Barry]

i see they are still making pdu's etc..

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/4824163-13a-6-way-unswitched-socket-rfi-filtered-pdu?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=ds

Are you sure it is the same company? I have a couple of their 13A socket distribution units and they are made in the UK.

[struth]

Are you sure it is the same company? I have a couple of their 13A socket distribution units and they are made in the UK.

yup afaik anyway. they started in about 1961 working from home. they made various things but are now big in pdu's and sell a lot to the nhs and for servers.

[walpurgis]

Just messing about.

I've got a bunch of decent full range drive units that have not been used, so I'm doing a quick evaluation by mounting them in spare cabinets on temporary baffles, with some wadding added. I'm mainly listening for general tonal character and top end definition. No, I'm not doing anything 'by the book' here, but it'll give me an idea.

First up, 5.5 inch Chinese 8 ohm Aucharm units. These are very nicely built and finished, on a par with Coral and Fostex. They sound very punchy and clear, you'd not guess you were listening to such small units, no top end nasties at all either. Seem easy enough to drive, I think sensitivity is around 90db (I have the details somewhere).

https://i.ibb.co/RQ0TqGx/IMG-1331.jpg (https://ibb.co/vLP4SC7)

I'll be trying 5.5 inch Canon units later, they should be nice too, I've used them before.

[walpurgis]

Now the Canon drivers. Used by Canon in their own branded speaker systems, quite probably from Taiwan or similar. These are actually 5.25 inch units and barely cover the baffle aperture.

Nowhere near as detailed or vibrant as the Aucharm units, less bass too. Can't really grumble though, I picked these up for a song ages back.

They go back into storage I think. I may have an idea for using them, I built two pairs into big folded horns years ago and that worked very well.

https://i.ibb.co/hF2jJLS/IMG-1332.jpg (https://ibb.co/m5hwVb3)

Next, some vintage Eagle/Coral 6.5 inch 16 ohm extended range speaker units, not twin cone. I'll do 'em later.

[Macca]

Now the Canon drivers. Used by Canon in their own branded speaker systems, quite probably from Taiwan or similar. These are actually 5.25 inch units and barely cover the baffle aperture.

Nowhere near as detailed or vibrant as the Aucharm units, less bass too. Can't really grumble though, I picked these up for a song ages back.

They go back into storage I think. I may have an idea for using them, I built two pairs into big folded horns years ago and that worked very well.

https://i.ibb.co/hF2jJLS/IMG-1332.jpg (https://ibb.co/m5hwVb3)

Next, some vintage Eagle/Coral 6.5 inch 16 ohm extended range speaker units, not twin cone. I'll do 'em later.

probably the same unit used in the old S35? https://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/695canon/index.html

https://i.ibb.co/rt04nv5/canon.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)

[walpurgis]

probably the same unit used in the old S35?

I believe it may be.

[walpurgis]

Now playing with the old 6.5 inch Eagle/Coral drivers. I first had a pair of these around 1972, the twin cone version, marketed as the FR65, wish I'd kept them. They are single cone, extended range units with long throw doped fabric roll cone surrounds and are from the DL67 speakers system, I have a few 8 ohm pairs but these are the only 16 ohm ones which date from around 1968. Sounding extremely good, with no colorations standing out, firm and fast with good treble and detail. Could be the best tried out so far.

https://i.ibb.co/QMQ7z6Q/IMG-1336.jpg (https://ibb.co/KWhcR9h)

https://i.ibb.co/0mLLQc3/IMG-1335.jpg (https://ibb.co/fqWWQ27)

[walpurgis]

Playing a bit of classical through these now. Ina Boyle, Symphony No.1 "Glencree", sounds lovely. Great timbre, depth and detail, good weight too. I haven't even lagged the boxes properly or tuned the bass yet. Very nice.

[walpurgis]

Right, more playing around.

These 6.5 inch Chinese drivers up next, I'll need to do a bit of woodwork to fit them first. No idea what they'll be like, but they look decent.

https://i.ibb.co/4gT14mW/IMG-1338.jpg (https://ibb.co/1JqzRvZ)

https://i.ibb.co/TLBLT0z/IMG-1340.jpg (https://ibb.co/BNVNP68)

[Lawrence001]

Are those whizzer cones Geoff? I don't know why exactly but they don't look quite the same as usual to me like they are too stiff or not wide enough or something. Maybe they will sound better than the usual ones.

[Lawrence001]

probably the same unit used in the old S35? https://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/695canon/index.html

https://i.ibb.co/rt04nv5/canon.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)I think they had a coaxial tweeter the S30s may have been the full range driver ones.

[Lawrence001]

I found this, but the whizzer cone looks white

https://images.app.goo.gl/yRdcgpez1vU4WFBu7

Edit: might be the S50s

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/canon-s-50-wide-directivity-speaker-review.13982/

[walpurgis]

Are those whizzer cones Geoff?

They are.

The parasitic cones on twin cone drivers seem to vary enormously in size compared to the main cone. I suppose it's all down to the maker's experimentation to judge what suits.

[walpurgis]

Right, back to driver comparisons.

The latest Chinese 6.5 inch units are performing very nicely in the try-out rig. Very clean top end and nicely detailed, bottom end is tight and punchy and there's definitely some decent transparency. Think I'll stick with these as a project for now. My valve amp should be happy with them.

https://i.ibb.co/7KRBkLC/IMG-1341.jpg (https://ibb.co/tDxnLFK)


No info came with these, so I'll now have to poke around on the net to see if there are some specs around, if not, I'll figure it out.

(yes, I know the cable you can see is rubbish, it's just for a quick hook-up :))