View Full Version : My return back to Hi-Fi.
Sold all my a/v gear and returned to stereo and not looking back.
It has taken me 3 months to get this far and must say very pleased with the result.16761167621676316764
Turntable:- JVC QL-Y55F
Pre-amp:- Pioneer C-73 Reference
Power amp:- Pioneer M-73 Reference
Cd player:- Pioneer PD 91 Reference
Tuner:- Pioneer f91 Reference
Speakers:- Dynaudio Confidence C1
Plus others
rikardo1979
22-04-2016, 20:20
really nice setup
I love how clean this looks. :cool:
Nice looking system there. Very tidy.
Looks great Paul.. nice stuff, all of it.
walpurgis
22-04-2016, 21:48
Nice. What cartridge are you using in the JVC?
Nice. What cartridge are you using in the JVC?
Came with the deck it is a AT150MLX Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge, a bit sceptical at first as I have always had M/Cs before but I must say it does sound very nice and would most certainly recommend.
Fab looking system you got there, that old Pioneer gear is outstanding. Looks the business :thumbsup:
Spectral Morn
23-04-2016, 10:55
Nice looking system :)
RobbieGong
23-04-2016, 13:27
I love vintage kit and this system shows why. Pioneer reference is top draw and gorgeous. I love my PD91 too :)
HackneyRF
23-04-2016, 13:49
Agree with the others Paul. Lovely looking set up.
Hi Paul,
Lovely selection of gear there - bet it sounds fab! :)
Excuse my ignorance, but are the speakers vintage too, and if not, why didn't you go vintage there as well? :cool:
Marco.
Hi Paul,
Lovely selection of gear there - bet it sounds fab! :)
Excuse my ignorance, but are the speakers vintage too, and if not, why didn't you go vintage there as well? :cool:
Marco.
Hello Marco,
The speakers are dynaudio C1s and they do take quite a bit of power to drive them as they are sub 4 ohms which the pioneers are more than capable of handling.
I felt that I would get more out of the vintage turntable,CD,receiver and amps by running a modern pair of high quality speakers and that it does.
I also have a neet bluetooth receiver box and stream my hi-res files from my sony experia z5 via the amps and that too does sound very good into these spaekers.
Thanks for your interest.
Paul
Nice one, Paul. No worries - I'm sure it sounds great. If you ever decide to scratch the vintage speaker itch, I think you may be pleasantly surprised at what some of the best examples can do in that area :)
I'd love to hear your turntable sometime, as it looks rather intriguing.
Enjoy :cool:
Marco.
Floyddroid
26-04-2016, 10:01
Fantastic. Gorgeous looking and i will bet it sounds great too. I would love one of those CD players. I can see why you came away from av. I never took av seriously to be honest. Enjoy your system, it is really quite something.
Nice one, Paul. No worries - I'm sure it sounds great. If you ever decide to scratch the vintage speaker itch, I think you may be pleasantly surprised at what some of the best examples can do in that area :)
I'd love to hear your turntable sometime, as it looks rather intriguing.
Enjoy :cool:
Marco.
Fantastic. Gorgeous looking and i will bet it sounds great too. I would love one of those CD players. I can see why you came away from av. I never took av seriously to be honest. Enjoy your system, it is really quite something.
Thank you for your comments.
The CD player took me a long time to find and in fact I had to go to Holland and buy it of a chap that worked for pioneer back in the early 90s and hevhad kept it since them and maintained it, I was very lucky as it is in as new condition, and sounds absolutely amazing
I thing is I do not now have any remote control units and it is a joy to get up and put a vinyl on or change vthe CD rather than just sitting down and pressing buttons and quite often flicking from one track to another I now actually listen to all tracks to the end.:)
Couple of pics now camera is back!
British high fidelity
27-04-2016, 16:06
Utterly superb
Sent from my LG-H961N using Tapatalk
http://i.imgur.com/idwm47el.jpg
Finally bought the cassette deck I have been after and have now shoe horned it into the rack, Connected it all and to say I am happy is an understatement, However I am in two minds as to whether or not re-site my record deck and put a Pioneer rt-909 (Black) on top, I know they are as rare as hens teeth and expensive but I hope to listen to a 909 shortly to determine whether or not to proceed.
Therefore does anyone have or know of a (reasonably priced and well looked after) rt-909 Black for sale?
System at present:-
Pioneer Reference - CT-91a Cassette deck.
Pioneer Reference - PD-91 Compact disc player.
Pioneer Reference - F-91 Tuner.
Pioneer Reference - C-73 Pre-Amp.
Pioneer Reference - M-73 Power -Amp
Looks stunning, lovely to see great looking equipment instead of multi shaped and multi colour boxes, not that there's anything wrong with that of course. 11 out of 10 there Paul :)
The Black Adder
07-12-2016, 16:59
Very nice. I've had the PD-91 and if I was going to go back to CD that would be the only player I would pursue.
Love that era of Pioneer. Stunning, congratulations :)
Fantastic stuff, Paul! I admire your choice of equipment and lateral thinking. So what made you go that route - have you always been a fan of the JVC, and of that era of Pioneer amps? :)
It's certainly a complete sea change from an AV system! :eek:
Enjoy :cool:
Marco.
jandl100
07-12-2016, 18:28
Oh :wow: !!
:respect:
Magnificent Tower of Power you have there.
I'm seldom jealous of other folks' gear, but I may be prepared to make an exception for that pile of electronics!
Yep, ditch the tt and put one of these on top instead ...
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/77CGTgK_6yk/hqdefault.jpg
Awesome.
jandl100
07-12-2016, 18:45
.... or how about one of these instead? :wowzer:
http://thumbs.picclick.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/fNoAAOSwZVlXmK-G/$/Pioneer-PL-7L-PL-90-Very-Rare-Reference-Direct-Drive-_1.jpg
RobbieGong
07-12-2016, 22:19
High end jap gear just love it with a capital L and always have since school days in the '70's.
That R2R looks simply fabulous and no need to even bet that it's built to sound awesome and does.
The black pioneer turntable looks a battleship beauty, pretty much in the same vain as some of the bad boy Sonys - TS8000 and PS X9 come to mind as well as the Trio L07d.
As for the PD91 - Lets just say it's my last cdp :)
The Black Adder
08-12-2016, 08:12
I once had the swiss black RT-909 - It was a beauty and fully fitted and refurbished my myself. It took an age but in the end it was fantastic. The pic shown of the black RT-909 is a cheap version as all of the buttons, guides etc are still silver.
I think the swiss version cost me around £2500 inc. machine which I got for £400. All labour/refurbishment was of course my own time. I think they retail for over £4k now.
Nice machines to look at/use and once sorted they are a very reliable machine. Sound is really nice but once you have seen (inside) and heard a Studer for example you definitely see that the RT-909 is more aesthetics than anything else.
RobbieGong
08-12-2016, 10:07
I once had the swiss black RT-909 - It was a beauty and fully fitted and refurbished my myself. It took an age but in the end it was fantastic. The pic shown of the black RT-909 is a cheap version as all of the buttons, guides etc are still silver.
I think the swiss version cost me around £2500 inc. machine which I got for £400. All labour/refurbishment was of course my own time. I think they retail for over £4k now.
Nice machines to look at/use and once sorted they are a very reliable machine. Sound is really nice but once you have seen (inside) and heard a Studer for example you definitely see that the RT-909 is more aesthetics than anything else.
Interesting stuf Josie.
Can be the case with some beautiful jap gear BUT thankfully, the high end often does look and sound great too ;)
Thanks Marco,
Until you have seen, held and heard the older vintage gear it is not possible to appreciate how well designed and built they are, something I believe will never be repeated.
Hi Jerry thanks for that, Yes that was exactly the player I was after, Until I read Josie's comments on the real black player, as for the turntable that could be my next purchase if one comes along:)
Hello Josie,
Now that is very interesting, I have never seen pictures of an original one, did you have any photos or are there any photos? I cannot seem to find any on the net.
Can you tell me where the mechanics identical and how easy was to maintain?
Thanks
RobbieGong
08-12-2016, 13:58
Thanks Marco,
Until you have seen, held and heard the older vintage gear it is not possible to appreciate how well designed and built they are, something I believe will never be repeated.
Can only vouch Josie - What my Sansui AU 919 vintage integrated amp does is just a revelation and 1978/9 at that :eek:
Hello Robert,
Sansui was second on my list to compile a complete system they made some superb vintage gear but more difficult to find, 3rd would have been Marantz.
Can only vouch Josie - What my Sansui AU 919 vintage integrated amp does is just a revelation and 1978/9 at that :eek:
The Black Adder
08-12-2016, 16:04
Hi Paul Yes here is a pic of mine.
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/archive%202012/909/DSC06579.jpg
FYI the original black series were made for the US Military in the late 70's. There are only a handful of those decks left but on actually seeing one in real life the finish wasn't very good. This was because of the poor quality aluminium. Back in the 70's the coating wasn't good and so you had blotches.
All the black parts you see above were all made in Germany by a really top end hifi company (of which I can't remember at this moment in time, but it will come to me). The finish was perfect in every way. The over-print on the main deck panel was pin sharp too. The supplier of these parts only had a few sets made due the cost of a low quantity run. The process of doing this was very specialised due to the base material not being very good.
The tape head block laser aligned and heads re-lapped by JRF in the U.S and a fully functioning custom made remote control was also fitted.
The RT in it's stock form is quite a clunky machine but mine had custom made updates to the brake drums and a custom made oil damper which engaged with the Solenoids that controlled tape guides. It was like using a high end Nakamichi cassette deck. Very slick. This should have been done from the start on the RT IMO, but I suppose Pioneer were looking more on cutting costs.
I was going to do the DBX II update but it wasn't meant to be.
One of the biggest undertakings I've ever done, a real labour of love but after a while I fancied moving in to other things so I sold it on.
As I said, asthetically it amazing. But once you take the panels off it's not particularly good quality compared to a Studer. For example the main fascia plate on the RT is a simple press braked bit of sheet steel which on most decks isn't very accurately done whilst on a Studer/Revox it's a cast plate. A fully serviced up Studer also sounded much better.
If I had the DBX II done I'm sure it would certainly be up there with any other semi-pro decks or maybe a Revox or something.
Would I have one again? Yes... Would I do it all again... Yes because let's face it, it's a lovely thing.
That is truly amazing, wish I was around when you sold it but never mind, not sure how long I will have to wait for another to come up for sale but I will see how things go.
Very grateful for all the other additional info and photo, after your last reply I typed in Swiss pioneer rt-909 and loads of other info came up.
Thanks again.
Hi Paul Yes here is a pic of mine.
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/archive%202012/909/DSC06579.jpg
FYI the original black series were made for the US Military in the late 70's. There are only a handful of those decks left but on actually seeing one in real life the finish wasn't very good. This was because of the poor quality aluminium. Back in the 70's the coating wasn't good and so you had blotches.
All the black parts you see above were all made in Germany by a really top end hifi company (of which I can't remember at this moment in time, but it will come to me). The finish was perfect in every way. The over-print on the main deck panel was pin sharp too. The supplier of these parts only had a few sets made due the cost of a low quantity run. The process of doing this was very specialised due to the base material not being very good.
The tape head block laser aligned and heads re-lapped by JRF in the U.S and a fully functioning custom made remote control was also fitted.
The RT in it's stock form is quite a clunky machine but mine had custom made updates to the brake drums and a custom made oil damper which engaged with the Solenoids that controlled tape guides. It was like using a high end Nakamichi cassette deck. Very slick. This should have been done from the start on the RT IMO, but I suppose Pioneer were looking more on cutting costs.
I was going to do the DBX II update but it wasn't meant to be.
One of the biggest undertakings I've ever done, a real labour of love but after a while I fancied moving in to other things so I sold it on.
As I said, asthetically it amazing. But once you take the panels off it's not particularly good quality compared to a Studer. For example the main fascia plate on the RT is a simple press braked bit of sheet steel which on most decks isn't very accurately done whilst on a Studer/Revox it's a cast plate. A fully serviced up Studer also sounded much better.
If I had the DBX II done I'm sure it would certainly be up there with any other semi-pro decks or maybe a Revox or something.
Would I have one again? Yes... Would I do it all again... Yes because let's face it, it's a lovely thing.
The Black Adder
08-12-2016, 17:08
Your very welcome, Paul. :)
If I hear of one going I'll let you know.
Now that I sold my Dynaudio c1s, I ordered from e-Bay (Germany) and took delivery of these yesterday to add to my Pioneer collection (Pioneer s-2ex)
These speakers are the best finish on a speaker I have ever seen and they are heavy and solid, looking forward to connecting them up and once I have finished making up the stands I will update.
Looking forward to hearing the TAD drivers and Beryllium dual-concentric tweeters on the speakers.
I have set aside looking for the Pioneer RT-909 for now as they are impossible to find, however I am now looking to replace my current JVC turntable for a Pioneer PL-90, so if anyone wants to sell one or knows of one please let me know, hopefully they are easier to find than the black RT-909:)
http://i.imgur.com/YVqHCt1l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fS6yhFAl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rlxYl8gl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gFTQ2Hrl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/D9UXFfVl.jpg
Bigman80
23-03-2017, 12:23
😍
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Gorgeous looking system, my kinda kit. :thumbsup:
Almost there, having recently bought the speakers stands on this site a couple of weeks ago and having a larger top plate milled up to site the new speakers on, I have spent that time rubbing them down, staining, oiling and finally polishing them up, therefore gone from oak finish to ebony finish, but bear in mind the stands for these speakers come to over £1k and that's if you can find them, these stands have only cost me £138 and a little bit of hard work, well happy.
I cannot make up my mind whether to have the grills on or off though :scratch:
All connected up and I must say how good these speakers sound and everything does sound so much better than the dynaudios I had (And they were brilliant little speakers), that I am listening to all my music again, problem is these speakers will highlight any inferior and poor quality recordings even on new 180g vinyl!
Just like to add I am still looking for an elusive Pioneer PL-90 turntable so if anyone has one or knows of one for sale please let me know as that is all I now need to complete my system.
http://i.imgur.com/kdZGaFul.jpg http://i.imgur.com/zsgxj9Ol.jpg
Well after over 2 years of searching for the turntable to complete my project I have found it and what a turntable, It has been worth it as these are a rare as hens teeth and to find one in this condition (Absolute mint and really in as new condition) with the original box is I believe unheard off, I for now will not ever throw any boxes away like I used too.
I would like to thank those that had replied to my threads which helped me make the decision on this.:cool::cool:
https://i.imgur.com/gDco6jXl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HXzcRial.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iLcg3GCl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UamseWDl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nuA41xnl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MV9CI5Ml.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5gjeF7Bt.jpg
Bigman80
23-10-2017, 11:29
[emoji7][emoji7][emoji7][emoji7][emoji7]
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
Spectral Morn
23-10-2017, 11:47
:stalks:
Never seen one of those before. Looks very nice.
Now *THAT* is a proper turntable! Major respect, Paul :respect:
It's the sort of thing we might have seen on our shores, 'back in the day', if we hadn't been subjected to the Linn/belt-drive BULLSHIT brainwash... "Jap crap" indeed! :doh:
Anyway, where did you get it from, which cartridge are you using, and could we please see close-ups of the rest of your gear (along with supplying a list of what's what)?
Ta! :cool:
Marco.
Bigman80
23-10-2017, 12:37
Looks like a AT150MLX to me. Hard to tell.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
rigger67
23-10-2017, 12:44
I can't help thinking you should stain the wooden rack posts a darker shade to match the tone of the turntable and the equipment cheeks .. but then I am OCD ;)
Lovely turntable. I has the envy :lol:
Hello Marco The other items in the rack are in my signature.
I bought this from a very nice Chap from Canada, and had an intermediary (PFM member) who viewed it, reported on it and paid on my behalf, then double boxed it while I made arrangements from DHL to call, collect and deliver to my home address in the UK.
It really is some deck but what makes it special is the suspension and tonearm/wand, I did not think that these would make such a difference but how wrong was I.
If interested click on link and read the brochure https://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-90.shtml
Thanks for comment.
Now *THAT* is a proper turntable! Major respect, Paul :respect:
It's the sort of thing we might have seen on our shores, 'back in the day', if we hadn't been subjected to the Linn/belt-drive BULLSHIT brainwash... "Jap crap" indeed! :doh:
Anyway, where did you get it from, which cartridge are you using, and could we please see close-ups of the rest of your gear (along with supplying a list of what's what)?
Ta! :cool:
Marco.
You are correct, Superb m/m Cartridge.
Looks like a AT150MLX to me. Hard to tell.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
I know what you mean, I am a bit like that and that is exactly what I will do once I have moved.
I can't help thinking you should stain the wooden rack posts a darker shade to match the tone of the turntable and the equipment cheeks .. but then I am OCD ;)
Thank You, It is an early retirement present to myself :)
Lovely turntable. I has the envy :lol:
Bigman80
23-10-2017, 17:51
You are correct, Superb m/m Cartridge.Ha! I knew it. Yes heard very good things about them. I may have to try one at some point.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
.Picked up this the other day:), Have waited years for one of these to turn up in as new condition and soon to fit on arm and spin.
https://i.imgur.com/1CxtaAUl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uTyTqYGl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G3GcKG4l.jpg
Kiseki Purple Heart.
RobbieGong
21-02-2018, 18:51
Gorgeous system and a gorgeous cart :thumbsup:
The new TT and the Cart just top it up! Hands down - really lovely setup. Congrats. Enjoy it!
Thanks.
Now on arm and singing like a nightingale :),
One thing I like about the cartridge other than its audio qualities is that the body is threaded and it just require a bolt and not a nut, why do cartridge manufacture's not do this? I have ruined so many a stylus in the past trying to attach the cartridge to the arm.
https://i.imgur.com/FHzD90tl.jpg
montesquieu
25-02-2018, 12:29
Jolly nice, Kiseki is on my list of stuff to try at some stage. Had a few Koetsus but somehow never gelled with them, had more enjoyment out of SPUs and Miyajimas.
Update:-
Recently sold the Kiseki and bought the Audio Technica ART9 M/C to replace it, Even out of the box it sounds so much better than the Kiseki which in itself was a superb cartridge.
https://i.imgur.com/gsRqjFfl.jpg
gets a good name the art9.. Not cheap, but is compared to some makers..:)
Paul,
This is a very nice all Pioneer system:thumbsup:
BR,
Ivo
Thank you Ivo, I am always looking out for more interesting pioneer pieces.
UPDATE:
Just added a clearaudio phono stage basic+ and power supply, and what a upgrade over the phono stage of the Pioneer C-73 intergrated. The M-73 Power Amp also lets me connect directly to it via the line in as it has a gain (Volume) control which gives me 20watts of pure class A, I may even get another power amp and bi-amp it give me 40watts.
I am now on the lookout for the Clearaudio ACCU Power Supply, so if anyone has one please let me know.
https://i.imgur.com/KajBBB7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/N1KKRjQl.jpg
Audio Al
13-03-2020, 03:15
:stalks: That's a mighty fine looking system you have Paul :eyebrows:
Made in 1968
13-03-2020, 06:47
Nice those 'PL-91' decks, did you have to import it?
Hi Paul,
Here are some rare Exclusive speakers. Never saw such in real though.
http://jbl43.com/?pid=23058062
BR,
Ivo
Nice those 'PL-91' decks, did you have to import it?
Yes, I had to import the PL-90 from Canada, But well worth the effort.
Hi Paul,
Here are some rare Exclusive speakers. Never saw such in real though.
http://jbl43.com/?pid=23058062
BR,
Ivo
Hello Ivo,
Now that is the speaker I would have if I win the lottery, But I would also have to buy a house to accommodate them.
UPDATE:-
Managed to acquire a simply stunning (IMO) contemporary 'Ligne Roset' lines sideboard to have my turntable on and cupboard to house the power amp, Phono stage and CD player. Only item to change now are the speakers.
https://i.imgur.com/XKJTvyFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/h4Xg0RMh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/no8GJGNh.jpg
Pigmy Pony
11-05-2020, 12:40
Bold design and colour shows off the T/T very nicely. I like that a lot :)
I really like that Paul, and has PP above says, shows off the tt to good effect. One question, have you noticed a reduction in sound quality since moving away from the rack.
I really like that Paul, and has PP above says, shows off the tt to good effect. One question, have you noticed a reduction in sound quality since moving away from the rack.
Hello David, Yes I have, In my opinion no rack (And I have had a few over the years) because of their flexibility in general can provide the stability of a good solid weighted sideboard /credenza. The bass is certainly more pronounced and direct.
More changes! :)
Speakers now sold and have replaced them with these superb Bang and Olufsen BL 18s 90th anniversary special edition and hung on the wall, and I am looking to finalise my system by getting the Bang and Olufsen BL 19 subwoofer, so if anyone wants to sell me there's or know of one for sale then please let me know.
Thanks
https://i.imgur.com/mSOmMfgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Rs1LBydl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9mKIcwrl.jpg
hornucopia
11-07-2020, 12:31
Interesting! I must research B+O stuff more. i guess you must be happy with the result, as those (previous) speakers were pretty fine.
Being against the wall helps with (proverbial) WAF and keeps the room looking good, though I see the equipment has escaped the .....Credenza (I'm sure we don't HAVE 'credenzas' in UK!)
Great look-I use a 150 year old solid wood sideboard top-MUCH too big to be a credenza!
Interesting! I must research B+O stuff more. i guess you must be happy with the result, as those (previous) speakers were pretty fine.
Being against the wall helps with (proverbial) WAF and keeps the room looking good, though I see the equipment has escaped the .....Credenza (I'm sure we don't HAVE 'credenzas' in UK!)
Great look-I use a 150 year old solid wood sideboard top-MUCH too big to be a credenza!
The Pio s-2ex was a fine speaker but the B/L 18s are far more open and expressive especially in the mid and top range, this I believe is down to the upward firing tweeter and designed dispersal, it does however lack the bass of the pio, that is why I would like to try the sub.
As for it being hung on the wall it makes it easier for the Mrs to Vacuum under without knocking the stands :lol:
I do like the sideboard/credenzas because of their stability over racks.
Update: - Picked this Yamaha A-S 3000 up the other day and cannot stop listening :).
https://i.imgur.com/ehrqw2Xl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lcuOWX3l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/J5TIqDMl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Z3TZEPWl.jpg
A couple of new bits to finish off my current system, That is the Beolab 19 active sub and the Yamaha CD-S2100 CD Player, and 2 new wall art prints by Adam of this manor.
https://i.imgur.com/UkOcLO0h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1EIaatDh.jpg
Latest addition to the setup are the 2 Tisbury's (Passive and Phono stage) and the Revox PR99 MK2 fully recapped and sounds superb.
https://i.imgur.com/iABI66ch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NhlaLwLh.jpg
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