My Valve System Upgrades

[Wakefield Turntables]

This is thread will hopefully detail all the trails and tribulations of upgrading my Valve system. I intend a pretty major overhaul of all the components with some simply being serviced whilst others will be significantly pimped.

The first victim of this upgrade cull is the SME 3012. It's going to be serviced by J7 @ Audio Origami.

My 4 Box Paradise phonostage is staying the same.

My Croft Epoch Pre-amp & Sondex S100 power amplifier will be modified. This is currently being organised.

Mundane tasks over the coming week include cable management and optimising power cord lengths.

I also have x3 DC blockers being delivered from the USSR so this should be fun.

No pictures as yet, so will keep you all posted.

[Wakefield Turntables]

It's started :eek:. I've decided to part with my Nordost TYR tonearm cable, erm, Mr. Yannis...................

[Wakefield Turntables]

Well the first bits have arrived and now all my system is all over the uk. The SME 3012 is with Audio Origami. My pre and power are going to LongDog audio Tomorrow. I managed to get a quick listen to my new DC blockers on my pre and power amp. First impression are quite good. I could swear I'm hearing less transformer hum over the Tannoy's. Soundstage has quitened down a bit and seems a little more solid, cohesive and sure footed.


16603

The DC blockers come from an eBay seller in Russia which I highly recommend. Very solid in build quality. They look extremely 70's NAIM in design. I love 'em. Still too early really to tell if they make much difference but I shall be trying them with the various components in the Valve system.

[brian2957]

Got a link to the DC blockers Andrew ?

Good luck with the upgrades , you've certainly picked some top notch guys to do the work for you . The amp which Nick built for Gary sounds stunning .

[Wakefield Turntables]

Got a link to the DC blockers Andrew ?

Good luck with the upgrades , you've certainly picked some top notch guys to do the work for you . The amp which Nick built for Gary sounds stunning .

Brian, I think there's a link on AOS with the seller, I think the links called DC blockers, I'll dig it out for you if no one else posts. They cost about £55 each with the postage. Alexander is fluent in English, build quality is very good and he updates you on a regular basis.

[brian2957]

Thanks Andrew , I'll have a look as these look interesting and at a decent price .

[jandl100]

There's this DC blocker seller in Bulgaria.
Good feedback for the kit. ~£65 UK del.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-trap-blocker-filter-for-toroidal-transformers-assembled-in-case-/131654666919?hash=item1ea73acaa7:g:Wt0AAOSwEeFU55r v

[Wakefield Turntables]

That's the guy, but he's now in Bulgaria :scratch:?

[brian2957]

Thanks gents . I did see this but when I saw the seller was in Bulgaria I thought it better to look for the one Andrew was posting on which was in Russia .

[Wakefield Turntables]

That's it now no turning back, amps have been dumped off for further evaluation, repair, biasing and whatever else needs doing to them. Looks like the 3012 is coming back pretty soon.