Arkless 640P phono stage loan list.

[Arkless Electronics]

It's been 6 months or more since my demo unit last went on its rounds so I'm starting a new list here in which people can ask to try it for themselves.

I will need a minimum of four people for this to be tenable.

I'm sure most will have heard of it and be aware of its giant killing reputation... if not, google it. The many, many rave reviews are no doubt more meaningful than me telling you how wonderful it is :eyebrows:

You will not often see a manufacturer mention anything negative in what is basically a sales thread... but as the internet can be a harsh mistress with one hell of a long memory, and I've recommended googling it, I'll mention (mainly for those unfamiliar with the saga who may stumble across this "albatross around my neck") that there was an issue with untenably long delivery times around 5 years ago which earned me a personal slagging off on some forums. You will not find anything negative about the actual product, just rave reviews, and such issues are long in the past. You may buy with confidence:)

MM and MC cartridges are catered for and any loading can be applied using loading plugs. Current price is £225 plus return postage and you need to supply a Cambridge Audio 640P or 651P for conversion.

[Boyse6748]

Hi Jez,

I missed out on this offer last time. Is there any chance of being on the list this time? Always looking for perfection.... but does it exist??

Let me know either way and I'll PM you.

Peter


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[Arkless Electronics]

That's Peter "Boyse6748" first on the list then:)

[Boyse6748]

Thanks Jez,

Quite excited [emoji41]

Let me know if you need more info.

Peter


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[Bigman80]

Suppose I still not allowed an audition?

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[Arkless Electronics]

Suppose I still not allowed an audition?

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

Just like Ford always send their stuff to BMW's marketing department and say "Hi guys, how about you write an unbiased review of the Ford V the BMW hatchback?"
Daftee:D:)

[Bigman80]

Just like Ford always send their stuff to BMW's marketing department and say "Hi guys, how about you write an unbiased review of the Ford V the BMW hatchback?"
Daftee:D:)
Hahaha, I like that.

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[Arkless Electronics]

Right folks does anyone else want to hear the best budget phono stage around? It won't be going anywhere unless I get a minimum of 4 interested people.

[Truckletheuncivil]

Stick me on the list I'd like to hear what it can do.

[smangus]

Seems to be a ridiculous amount of raving on those forums due to certain influences. Very unhealthy.

[Bigman80]

Seems to be a ridiculous amount of raving on those forums due to certain influences. Very unhealthy.
Indeed.

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[Marco]

Ok, guys, no more references to a certain banned forum., which have now been removed. You know the rules!

Also, no more thread craps making negative comments about Jez's phono stage. If you're not interested in obtaining a loan of an Arkless 640P, with a view to buying one, then don't post on this thread, which is solely for that purpose.

If you want to discuss reviews of other phono stages, in comparison with Jez's (which have taken place on forums allowed to be mentioned here), then start a new thread.

Marco.

[flatpopely]

Hi Jez.

I'll borrow one if that's OK. Be interesting to see how it sounds compared to the inbuilt stage ion the JVC.

Andrew.

[Arkless Electronics]

Been laid up with suspected food poisoning while all this was going on so would have been interested in knowing more about whatever complete bollocks was being said. I had no idea there had been any reviews on these forums and if they were bad reviews they were complete bollocks. I know how good it is, as do the many customers who have bought one. I haven't found the lies masquerading as a review but it is strange that my phono stage has had nothing but rave review after rave until "reviewed" by a "competitor". I use the term competitor very loosely.... In every legitimate review I know of the Arkless 640P has easily beaten everything it has come up against.

Had a quick look at [banned forum] and whilst it was news to me it seems there is an ongoing campaign against me... much of it personal and by [expletive removed] who have never even met me or done business with me. They must be worried about the competition. I know you will read this [banned name removed] and as you will gather you've just made it personal.

[Firebottle]

.. it seems there is an ongoing campaign against me...

Join the club Jez, lets just enjoy the shared experience.

[Arkless Electronics]

Join the club Jez, lets just enjoy the shared experience.

Yeah... I hadn't realised this had been going on... not to anything like this extent anyway.

[ramsden]

Hi Jez,
Please add me on the loan list too.
Thank you
Ras

Odoslané z A0001 pomocou Tapatalku

[Arkless Electronics]

Some unedited user reviews..... I have missed out user names as I can't be getting permission to quote each person but anyone doubting the authenticity is welcome to trawl the web and find the originals... This is just a small selection...

"Just received an Arkless modded phono amp, only one word to describe the sound through this thing, stunning!

BTW, if anyone finds a jaw in the Glasgow area please get in touch as I've lost mine."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I've just received mine too. Sounds great straight out of the (Coors Light) box.

A big step up from my local TRed PreFix."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Thanks Jez
I've spent the afternoon playing records, the biggest compliment i can pay Jez and his amp is that I can't stop listening to records.

Everything I've played has been a revelation, Jazz, Soul, seventies stuff like Lou Reed, nineties stuff from the likes of R.E.M, Norah Jones etc etc.

Best I've heard vinyl on my system, just fantastic.

A complete bargain too plus Jez is a top bloke to deal with."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I've just had a very brief listen to the Arkless at home (AndyC's been on the loaner program)

Compared to my Prefix (which I rate highly) there's so much more information. On my favourite ZZtop album there was an extra musician on percussion, the cymbals were there in the room, before they weren't in the same building!

Its impressed enough we're both getting on the list to buy our own, again the idea of source first comes into play.

It makes me wonder just how much informations on those old fashioned black discs."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'll add to that,

First of all it's really quiet there's hardly any hum or back ground noise ,I've been using it on the moving magnet setting my cartridge is a dynavector 10x5 ,

So how does it sound ? Well it sounds great , The bass is deep and tight sounding but the midrange is what impressed me the most , every instrument seems to stand out from the background and have its own place in the mix ,

One of my favourite records since being a kid is Bruce hornsby"s "the way it is ", now I've played this record hundreds of times and on the track madoline rain I'm hearing instruments at the start that I've never heard before .

So after having it in my system for nearly a week the biggest complement I can give it is that despite having a really busy week at work and having to get up at 530am every morning I've found that I've played more vinyl this past week than I have for ages ,

I'm not looking forward to having to post it on , hopefully jez will forget about it !"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I also had a sneaky listen to one of Jez's modded 651P when it was out on loan
I had my 640P and a 651P original's on hand to compare it to
Basically it blew them both out of the water its very quiet, transparent and 3 dimensional and has good bass slam I liked it a lot, the originals sound completely bland by comparisson ."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I received my modded 640P Arkless phono stage today.

I am sure others will write far more eloquently than I about the qualities this phono stage brings out in your music system.

A slightly different take. My Rega RP6 also arrived today. The sheer musical quality of the Arkless phono stage means the new turntable is still sat in it's box. I am just enjoying the old turntable through this new phono stage too much."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Arkless modified Cambridge 640P: First Impressions
My modded 640 arrived today courtesy of Jez.
It's quite a remarkable unit. It has replaced by £800 Astin Trew and it completely blows it out the water.
I now have a record deck that sounds like I want it to. A great bottom, middle and top end. A while ago I posted and asked why my sub kicked in playing flac files but not with vinyl. The consensus was that my cartridge didn't go low enough. Well the Arkless does the bass in spades and is certainly the best I've heard in the sub £1000 market."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Right here we are , my full review (complete with spelling mistakes, incorrect grammar and bad punctuation!)

to gain some context my system is
AVID VOLVERE
SME IV
KOETSU BLACK GOLDLINE
MF A5 PRE
MF A5 POWER
RUARK EQUINOXES

I had this last weekend which actually fell at exactly the right time , Jez had very kindly delayed the arrival so I could take delivery of my new cart as I wanted to try this with a MC cart , which it also happened that I had been able to 'get used to' or run in the new cart beforehand which gave me time to try out quite a few records and familiarise myself with that wonderful Koetsu house sound, I was smitten.

Then arrived the Arkless, I honestly was not prepared for what this thing was going to do to what I thought was an already alluring , addictive sound.

The Arkless has turned everything I thought about the Koetsu on its head (including me) , I was never a great proponent of seperate phono stages, having borrowed a Tom Evans in the past which I wasnt over enamoured with, once plugged into the Arkless my cart came to life , everything tightened up and the sound lept from my speakers.

I was experiencing a slightly loose bass with the Koetsu (an inherant problem with this cart apparently) but the Arkless took this, tightened it up and made it better , midrange too was energetic and exciting. The highs are smooth notes are extended and possess remarkable clarity.

My girlfirends analogy was bang on when doing a back to back comparison, she said my MF A5 pre amps phono was like the music was in a box, the Arkless opened it and the music was free.

Before you say 'oh the MF phono is crap its hardly a good start' I did borrow a freinds phonostage as a 'benchmark' , I am not going to lie, it was better than the MF inbuilt stage, but the Arkless took the whole experience to another level, the only caveat being that record noise was far more prevailent , but this could be , as Jez postulates , due to the other manufacturers rolling of the high frequencies .

I seriously have no doubt in recommending you try this , I am aghast at how/what Jez is doing to make this thing so good for so little money and I have read that he is going to do more esoteric things, I for one would be very interested to see what else he can produce as if this little phono is anything to go by, great great things are indeed on there way.

Music played
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
The Stone roses - the stone roses
dead can dance - anastasis
Metallica - Metallica
Yell - Stella"

[Marco]

Good stuff, Jez. The best advert is always the honest feedback from satisfied customers! :)

Marco.

[Spider]

Well I heard a 640 modded Arkless phono stage for the first time on Sunday.
It had my Garrard 401 with a heavily modded OL rb250 arm and a NOS ortofon Mc15 mkii. With Canary valve amp and a selection of different speakers and I've got to say it sounded wonderful.
You would have never guessed it cost just a couple of hundred pounds. Every bit as good as my much more expensive phono stages. Great product.

Similarly I've heard the fire bottle valve phono stage and it is good too and I am currently using his prototype head amp in my system and it is a great battery powered head amp.

As far as my ears hear it both Jez and Alan do a great job. Keep up the good work.

[Colinijohnson]

I bought one of these this year. My advice - don't loan, just buy ;)


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[Arkless Electronics]

Thanks for the thumbs ups there guys:)

Peter (Boyse6748) will be receiving the demo unit tomorrow so lets see what he makes of it...

[Boyse6748]

Arkless Cambridge Azure 640 / 651p Modified Phono Stage Review.

Jez may think this too soon but 10 hours is enough to assess.

Firstly, let me clarify…. I have no association with Arkless Electronics (Jez) other that what has been submitted on this Forum.

This is also not a professional assessment or an assessment against other phono stages, just stuff that I use on a daily basis.

Review equipment:

Turntable: Rock 7 / SME V
McIntosh MA 2275 Amp
Cartridges: Decca Gold (mm) / Benz Wood (mc) “Note” for all you experts out there, I know this is not a true mm cartridge and is more a tie wire system, I.e. Moving Iron. (Just so no flack is sent). Sorry.!!!
Phono Stage: Whest Two.2 (Replaced by the Arkless modified phono Stage)
Speakers: Kef 105/3 & Revolver Cygnis (Tried both, just to make sure)

Music: (A selection of stuff, that some will like and others not)

Tubular Bells (2003 half Speed Master)
London Grammar – Truth is a Beautiful Thing
Willie Nelson Wynton Marsalis – Two Men with the Blues
Sade – Diamond Life (Supermarket Music, but a stupendous recording)
Beth Hart – Fire on the Floor
Diana Krall – Turn up the Quite
John McLaughlin / Al Di Meola / Pacco Delucia – Passion Grace & Fire / Friday night in San Francisco

So, a mix of Male / Female voice, some Jazz / Classical / Blues (sorry guys….. no POP or Rock) although a big Black Keys fan…. Amongst many others.

Decca Gold:

So, initially connecting the Arkless phono stage, I had to check that I had actually removed the Whest, as being a bit shocked from the start was a bit disconcerting. Background noise was also non existent.

Music just purred out of the speakers. Dynamic, yes / Musical, yes / listenable, yes.

To keep it brief, the Arkless phono stage is a fifth of the price of the Whest ( or thereabouts) and yet was filling the room with a delightful sound. “OH Dear”

Unfortunately, for me this continued throughout the listening period …. Regardless of what was played.

Have I spent the best part of £1400 on the Whest…. Thinking it was the dogs !!!!!!

However, there is some consolation. (Sorry not quite the correct Word). Changing over to the Benz Wood (mc). Things weren’t so straightforward. The load matching was not quite so good…… BUT, Arkless offers customised load matching for MC cartridges, it’s just the the provided 1100 ohm devices and didn’t quite do it for me but this I’m sure can be resolved with customised load requirements and is not really an issue.

For this part of the review, the Whest was better.

To finalise, because I’m sure you are bored to death by now!!!

For the money….. and provided you have a donor piece of kit, this really is a very fine phono stage. Equal to the majority of so called “High End” phono stages out there.

Here lies the rub….. I have tried without success to get a donor unit (Preferably the 651p unit, black) as it has an on/off switch). This would have been used for a second system. “Perhaps I will be able to obtain a unit in the future so I can get this terrific piece of kit”

Any questions are welcome… criticism on my spelling or typo’s is not the order or the day.

Thank You Jez. I hope your expertise is rewarded, for you have developed a fine piece of kit.

Peter



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[Arkless Electronics]

Arkless Cambridge Azure 640 / 651p Modified Phono Stage Review.

Jez may think this too soon but 10 hours is enough to assess.

Firstly, let me clarify…. I have no association with Arkless Electronics (Jez) other that what has been submitted on this Forum.

This is also not a professional assessment or an assessment against other phono stages, just stuff that I use on a daily basis.

Review equipment:

Turntable: Rock 7 / SME V
McIntosh MA 2275 Amp
Cartridges: Decca Gold (mm) / Benz Wood (mc) “Note” for all you experts out there, I know this is not a true mm cartridge and is more a tie wire system, I.e. Moving Iron. (Just so no flack is sent). Sorry.!!!
Phono Stage: Whest Two.2 (Replaced by the Arkless modified phono Stage)
Speakers: Kef 105/3 & Revolver Cygnis (Tried both, just to make sure)

Music: (A selection of stuff, that some will like and others not)

Tubular Bells (2003 half Speed Master)
London Grammar – Truth is a Beautiful Thing
Willie Nelson Wynton Marsalis – Two Men with the Blues
Sade – Diamond Life (Supermarket Music, but a stupendous recording)
Beth Hart – Fire on the Floor
Diana Krall – Turn up the Quite
John McLaughlin / Al Di Meola / Pacco Delucia – Passion Grace & Fire / Friday night in San Francisco

So, a mix of Male / Female voice, some Jazz / Classical / Blues (sorry guys….. no POP or Rock) although a big Black Keys fan…. Amongst many others.

Decca Gold:

So, initially connecting the Arkless phono stage, I had to check that I had actually removed the Whest, as being a bit shocked from the start was a bit disconcerting. Background noise was also non existent.

Music just purred out of the speakers. Dynamic, yes / Musical, yes / listenable, yes.

To keep it brief, the Arkless phono stage is a fifth of the price of the Whest ( or thereabouts) and yet was filling the room with a delightful sound. “OH Dear”

Unfortunately, for me this continued throughout the listening period …. Regardless of what was played.

Have I spent the best part of £1400 on the Whest…. Thinking it was the dogs !!!!!!

However, there is some consolation. (Sorry not quite the correct Word). Changing over to the Benz Wood (mc). Things weren’t so straightforward. The load matching was not quite so good…… BUT, Arkless offers customised load matching for MC cartridges, it’s just the the provided 1100 ohm devices and didn’t quite do it for me but this I’m sure can be resolved with customised load requirements and is not really an issue.

For this part of the review, the Whest was better.

To finalise, because I’m sure you are bored to death by now!!!

For the money….. and provided you have a donor piece of kit, this really is a very fine phono stage. Equal to the majority of so called “High End” phono stages out there.

Here lies the rub….. I have tried without success to get a donor unit (Preferably the 651p unit, black) as it has an on/off switch). This would have been used for a second system. “Perhaps I will be able to obtain a unit in the future so I can get this terrific piece of kit”

Any questions are welcome… criticism on my spelling or typo’s is not the order or the day.

Thank You Jez. I hope your expertise is rewarded, for you have developed a fine piece of kit.

Peter



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Thanks for the honest review Peter.

Only comment is that the loading plugs are 100R not 1100 and the Benz is most unusual in liking a very high load of 1000R (1K) so would not have given its best into this load. As Peter says I can supply loading plugs of literally any value. One set is included with the unit and people can specify the value but if no preference is made then 100R is supplied as it suits most carts fine. Unfortunately it is not practical to start making up custom sets for use with the demo unit as it goes from one person to the next and soon there would be 20 loading plugs of different values that all look identical in the box!

For anyone having trouble getting a second hand 640P or 651P there is always the option of a brand new CP2. I was amazed how many people in the past actually bought a brand new 651P and had it delivered directly to me for conversion!

[Boyse6748]

Hi Jez, this is a super bit of kit..... I hope you haven't read my review as negative.... for that's not the case. It was just superb [emoji41][emoji41]

Just struggling with what to purchase as a donor to modify! Really keen to get this kit.

If I offended... my apologies.

It was not intentional.


A truly super bit of kit


Peter


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[Boyse6748]

Jez, can't find the cp2,,,,eBay or other????
Some guidance please.

Peter


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[Arkless Electronics]

Hi Jez, this is a super bit of kit..... I hope you haven't read my review as negative.... for that's not the case. It was just superb [emoji41][emoji41]

Just struggling with what to purchase as a donor to modify! Really keen to get this kit.

If I offended... my apologies.

It was not intentional.


A truly super bit of kit


Peter


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

:scratch: No offence no... not sure where you're getting that from:)

I'm sure with the correct loading plugs it would have impressed just as much with the Benz... It's fine to try the Benz with no loading plugs BTW just in case far too high suits it better than far too low... as I say 1000 Ohm is best for Benz.

Usually plenty of second hand 640P and 651P on evil bay (they don't need to work even as most of the innards are replaced;)) but prices are shocking! A 640P was only £60 new for a long time and some are asking £70 and £80! The 651P (identical but for added on/off switch) was £119 new and again many are going for £80-£90. It's not difficult to find one for £40-50 though... Current CP2 is same as 640P and 651P but has a balance control on the back (eh?!:scratch:) which I would have to remove and bypass. These are £150 new.

[Arkless Electronics]

Jez, can't find the cp2,,,,eBay or other????
Some guidance please.

Peter


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Richer Sounds.

Or this for example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/cambridge-audio-640p-moving-magnet-moving-coil-phono-stage-mm-mc-/132261455244?epid=110874344&hash=item1ecb65a58c:g:9ykAAOSwjKFZRU3x

[kbury25]

I would love to be able to send you my 651 for the mod. Is there a way I can contact you about it all?

[Macca]

I would love to be able to send you my 651 for the mod. Is there a way I can contact you about it all?

You need to have made 5 posts on the forum, then you will be able to send Private Messages.

[kbury25]

Thank you for the heads up about five posts.

[Arkless Electronics]

I would love to be able to send you my 651 for the mod. Is there a way I can contact you about it all?

From Texas? You're keen! I'm sure I can accommodate that though.

PS If you could remove your "friend request" that would be great.... I can't get rid of the notification so I keep thinking I have a PM every time I look at the top of the page!

[Hannes]

Thanks for the honest review Peter.

Only comment is that the loading plugs are 100R not 1100 and the Benz is most unusual in liking a very high load of 1000R (1K) so would not have given its best into this load. As Peter says I can supply loading plugs of literally any value. One set is included with the unit and people can specify the value but if no preference is made then 100R is supplied as it suits most carts fine. Unfortunately it is not practical to start making up custom sets for use with the demo unit as it goes from one person to the next and soon there would be 20 loading plugs of different values that all look identical in the box!

For anyone having trouble getting a second hand 640P or 651P there is always the option of a brand new CP2. I was amazed how many people in the past actually bought a brand new 651P and had it delivered directly to me for conversion!

Hi Jez,

as you know my 651p is in your hands at the moment. When I read about some MCs working better with different loading plugs, may I ask you to have a look at the following specifications regarding my Yamaha MC-9 and then decide which plug suits best for it? As I don't know which information is relevant I copied the whole specifications from Vinyl Engine:


Conversion method: cross-matrix type moving coil

Cantilever: Tapered aluminium tube

Stylus: 0.1 x 0.2mm rectangular diamond / 8 x 20 micron elliptical stylus

Armature: V-H cross shaped 78% permalloy core

Suspension: one point suspension

Damper: equalising damper for V-H control

Housing: mono-block terminals in high impact plastic case

Output voltage: 0.3mV

Channel balance: within 1dB

Channel separation: more then 28dB

Impedance: 30 ohms

Frequency response: 10 to 20,000Hz

Recommended tracking force: 1.5g (+-0.3g)

Many thanks and Best Regards from your patiently waiting customer,

Hannes

[Arkless Electronics]

Hi Jez,

as you know my 651p is in your hands at the moment. When I read about some MCs working better with different loading plugs, may I ask you to have a look at the following specifications regarding my Yamaha MC-9 and then decide which plug suits best for it? As I don't know which information is relevant I copied the whole specifications from Vinyl Engine:


Conversion method: cross-matrix type moving coil

Cantilever: Tapered aluminium tube

Stylus: 0.1 x 0.2mm rectangular diamond / 8 x 20 micron elliptical stylus

Armature: V-H cross shaped 78% permalloy core

Suspension: one point suspension

Damper: equalising damper for V-H control

Housing: mono-block terminals in high impact plastic case

Output voltage: 0.3mV

Channel balance: within 1dB

Channel separation: more then 28dB

Impedance: 30 ohms

Frequency response: 10 to 20,000Hz

Recommended tracking force: 1.5g (+-0.3g)

Many thanks and Best Regards from your patiently waiting customer,

Hannes

It's the most common question I get asked and the answer will disappoint but is the same I give to everyone... I don't give advice on cartridge loading.
Different cartridges react to loading in different ways, some are virtually insensitive to it and in some it can make a very noticeable difference. Add to this personal taste ie "one man's meat can be another man's poison" and it's a mine field.

I will supply loading plugs of literally any value but it is up to purchasers to tell me what they want. For most people a search of the internet can sometimes give suggested values on forums such as this, especially for more common models.
The set that comes with the unit is 100R if no specific load is asked for but even this set can be supplied to any value at no extra cost.

[Hannes]

It's the most common question I get asked and the answer will disappoint but is the same I give to everyone... I don't give advice on cartridge loading.
Different cartridges react to loading in different ways, some are virtually insensitive to it and in some it can make a very noticeable difference. Add to this personal taste ie "one man's meat can be another man's poison" and it's a mine field.

I will supply loading plugs of literally any value but it is up to purchasers to tell me what they want. For most people a search of the internet can sometimes give suggested values on forums such as this, especially for more common models.
The set that comes with the unit is 100R if no specific load is asked for but even this set can be supplied to any value at no extra cost.

Thank you, after having a look in the manual of the receiver I now know it's internal phono stage has 100R, too. As everything sounds fine we leave your delivered loadings as they are.

[Boyse6748]

Jez,

Please clear your inbox.... it's full and my last message was rejected.

Peter


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[Boyse6748]

Re: Arkless 640P. (A revised assessment regarding mc cartridges)

Good afternoon Jez,

First of all, many thanks for the loan of the phono stage..... it's just a stunning bit of kit that will beat many commercial phono stages out there for loads more money.

I took your advice and made up some different loading plugs for the Benz (47k Ohm and 1000k Ohm) loads.

Not much difference between the two but a massive difference in sound quality. So your advice was sound.

It appears, you need to go to the manufactures site to get the loading advice.

Before I send this on to the next lucky individual, I have say this really is a fine phono stage and have enjoyed every minute of the three days you allowed me to keep it.

I reiterate, the mc Benz Wood was as good as the Decca, just superb. I'm sure others will hear the same as I did !!!!

FINALLY, I thank you for you expertise.

My very best regards

All The best Peter




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[Arkless Electronics]

Thanks for taking the trouble to make up some 1K loading plugs for the Benz Peter. The default loading IS 47K already ie remove the loading plugs and it is 47K, the standard figure for MM carts.
I was confident from previous reviews and my own experience of the Arkless 640P that it must be just a loading issue with the Benz;)

Room made in inbox.

[PalsHuffMor]

Hi Jez,

Would you be up for loaning your phono stage for the purposes of a bake off?

A few of us in the north east would be interested in hearing different phono stages and we'd like to include one or two that are 'non-mainstream'.

We will have our existing stages - ranging from £200 to £1k, plus hopefully a couple of 'loaners'. Going by the reviews of your stage, we would love to compare it.

We would write up the findings for you (we aim to create our own blog in time).

It wouldn't be until mid Autumn (most of us are away at some point or other during the summer hols).

Thanks, in advance.

Christopher

[Arkless Electronics]

Hi Jez,

Would you be up for loaning your phono stage for the purposes of a bake off?

A few of us in the north east would be interested in hearing different phono stages and we'd like to include one or two that are 'non-mainstream'.

We will have our existing stages - ranging from £200 to £1k, plus hopefully a couple of 'loaners'. Going by the reviews of your stage, we would love to compare it.

We would write up the findings for you (we aim to create our own blog in time).

It wouldn't be until mid Autumn (most of us are away at some point or other during the summer hols).

Thanks, in advance.

Christopher

Sorry but no.

[PalsHuffMor]

Sorry but no.

Hi Jez,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I will send you a link to the blog once it is up and running...just in case a bake-off loan is something you might consider a little further down the line.

Warm regards,

Christopher

[Arkless Electronics]

Anyone else want to try the Arkless 640P before I have it sent back to me? You will not be able to try it once it is returned to me for about 6 months.
Others on loan list either can't be contacted or don't have enough posts.

[Truckletheuncivil]

I have been using Jez’s loaner phono stage for the past week. It was used with a Luxman PD272 turntable, a Technics EPC-205C mkIII cartridge, Sony STR-6060 amplifier and Castle Warwick speakers.
After a few days of listening to a range of different music I am very impressed - it was always engaging and very musical. All the details are there but nothing is exaggerated. I haven’t heard anything which sounds as good for the same sort of price (and quite a lot of more expensive stuff which doesn’t).
Unfortunately I won’t be buying one. Why? I have decided that I would be better off waiting until I can afford to get Jez to be build me a pre-amp with a built in phono stage - let the scrimping commence.

Kev

[Arkless Electronics]

I have been using Jez’s loaner phono stage for the past week. It was used with a Luxman PD272 turntable, a Technics EPC-205C mkIII cartridge, Sony STR-6060 amplifier and Castle Warwick speakers.
After a few days of listening to a range of different music I am very impressed - it was always engaging and very musical. All the details are there but nothing is exaggerated. I haven’t heard anything which sounds as good for the same sort of price (and quite a lot of more expensive stuff which doesn’t).
Unfortunately I won’t be buying one. Why? I have decided that I would be better off waiting until I can afford to get Jez to be build me a pre-amp with a built in phono stage - let the scrimping commence.

Kev

Glad you liked it Kev:) I have had a full pre amp with phono stage commissioned and a build thread with photos of the construction etc will be going in my trade area soon. It's one of the valve hybrid ones I said would go into production anytime soon about a year ago but never did anything more about...

As I mentioned earlier if anyone else wants to try the Arkless 640P demo unit then it is important that it is now. Ask me in a week and the answer will be no....

[Truckletheuncivil]

I remember you discussing it - look forward to seeing how you make it

[flatpopely]

All plugged in and ready to go!

https://afzx3w.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y4mjd1wx7ybChX5Nl_VbLmtlPo2Ve6Alm56sR6iXleIiCRS4X0 mmQbFg5obH7Yl5AuCbxagWPwtZ6SNo8h22QHYlir1AOnXgc8eU bicja4GyuqIcI8XDlc6Mem6GcMH22beEI0YgKHsdYIAMhsGt4f 7lsYhO2NetGtr1AlWbdnkLB-e75b_v-FkLhoZMlAnHRhxOAy92JvFCBBcizLTDpse3A?width=1024&height=681&cropmode=none

[flatpopely]

So the Arkless 640p arrived on Thursday and I had a good listen to it last night with a variety of music.

To cut straight to it - its very, very good but not enough to want me to buy one in place of the JVC AX-Z1010 internal stage. Jez did intimate that it might struggle against it, its got a very good deign with some super posh components in it.

The A640 sounded very good straight off, indeed at first I thought it might be better. Bass lines seemed a bit more up front but I realized it had more gain that the 1010. Once I had sorted that out things became a bit clearer. It has very low noise as well which is good.
Everything was easy to hear and the music was enjoyable. One thing I did notice is that the micro dynamics in the music were not quite as easy to hear. Not totally gone but on the 1010 singers breathing, fret noises etc. were always there, you didn't have to strain to hear them. These little ques are what makes music sound 'live' to me and not a facsimile.
The 640p is a great stage though and for the money is very good value - I could easily live with it.
Thanks to Jez for making this available and if your in the market for a phono stage you should give this one a try! Jez you should allow it at bake offs.................

https://plv03w.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y4mTeBYHBLz8J3P2oGBuQ3GV5J-cRmCbtYiYnBxgskYXtiK6nyPOls9PZIInPaZbf5Cwu-aUtJn9QsVFBOKTJoUK9NnVCQDNH8Uz3KdwqG2TYI-xVO0f2YFY1RK-FqGmtSZK0jqQFDeY68R6sG8Z0XYNBH3kPdnjnGr5SW5VTqJ8sg TLoNZthXY4Koa88TwzaVZpj7lN4U-M6iF15dPstMz-g?width=1024&height=681&cropmode=none

I made recording in audacity at 48k 24bit. Here is 1 min 30 secs of a good track.
I normalized them to make sure they are the same volume, other than that they are not tampered with.
Which do you prefer?

Sorry needledrops removed due to potential legal action from MOR 70s stadium rock group

[Arkless Electronics]

So the Arkless 640p arrived on Thursday and I had a good listen to it last night with a variety of music.

To cut straight to it - its very, very good but not enough to want me to buy one in place of the JVC AX-Z1010 internal stage. Jez did intimate that it might struggle against it, its got a very good deign with some super posh components in it.

The A640 sounded very good straight off, indeed at first I thought it might be better. Bass lines seemed a bit more up front but I realized it had more gain that the 1010. Once I had sorted that out things became a bit clearer. It has very low noise as well which is good.
Everything was easy to hear and the music was enjoyable. One thing I did notice is that the micro dynamics in the music were not quite as easy to hear. Not totally gone but on the 1010 singers breathing, fret noises etc. were always there, you didn't have to strain to hear them. These little ques are what makes music sound 'live' to me and not a facsimile.
The 640p is a great stage though and for the money is very good value - I could easily live with it.
Thanks to Jez for making this available and if your in the market for a phono stage you should give this one a try! Jez you should allow it at bake offs.................

https://plv03w.bn1303.livefilestore.com/y4mTeBYHBLz8J3P2oGBuQ3GV5J-cRmCbtYiYnBxgskYXtiK6nyPOls9PZIInPaZbf5Cwu-aUtJn9QsVFBOKTJoUK9NnVCQDNH8Uz3KdwqG2TYI-xVO0f2YFY1RK-FqGmtSZK0jqQFDeY68R6sG8Z0XYNBH3kPdnjnGr5SW5VTqJ8sg TLoNZthXY4Koa88TwzaVZpj7lN4U-M6iF15dPstMz-g?width=1024&height=681&cropmode=none

I made recording in audacity at 48k 24bit. Here is 1 min 30 secs of a good track.
I normalized them to make sure they are the same volume, other than that they are not tampered with.
Which do you prefer?
Phono A https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aq3wnXTamss2hOgBAb8usgKJKpFvrg
Phono B https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aq3wnXTamss2hOgAMFOAUZtf6b0yfw

Thanks for the review Andrew. About as I expected on the outcome and as I said in PM's. The JVC's built in stage is VERY good and has been further modified with better op-amps etc...


Anyway... Anyone else want to try it while it's doing it's rounds?


(edited, inappropriate comment about other website removed)

[Macca]

I made recording in audacity at 48k 24bit. Here is 1 min 30 secs of a good track.
I normalized them to make sure they are the same volume, other than that they are not tampered with.
Which do you prefer?
Phono A https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aq3wnXTamss2hOgBAb8usgKJKpFvrg
Phono B https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aq3wnXTamss2hOgAMFOAUZtf6b0yfw

Phono B for me. Not a massive difference through laptop speakers though.

[YNWaN]

B for me too - I wouldn't say the difference is subtle though!

[struth]

tried it through my headphones and dac. bass is better on b........ a had a slightly lifted upper mid. thought both lacked a bit of sparkle

[Bigman80]

For me,

Phono B sounded much more open. Phono A sounded a veiled.

Phono B had better bass

I agree with Grant, there wasn't a standout moment between . I used my Sony MDR700 cans and my phone which has exceptional sound quality. It's the reason I bought it lol

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[Arkless Electronics]

Utterly pointless comparisons IMHO. "Needle drops" (I hate that term!) are as much use as a chocolate fireguard! If I record from vinyl even at 2496 it sounds a travesty of the sound without the digital processing ;)

On a slightly different subject, I wonder if many would be interested in a "Jezadise" phono stage for maybe £800 ish? I was using the basic operational concept of the Paradise 20 years before it came out in a design of my own which I sold several of back then (all still in use as none of the owners has ever found anything better!). The Paradise takes the idea a step further by in effect having only one stage... as does the concept below...
Recent computer simulation I've been doing is looking very good and should be doable with "only" 6-8 transistors per channel needing to be carefully matched:) It's looking doable to not use any capacitors in the signal path as well, unlike the few electrolytics in the Paradise. It would be MC only. It should be possible to make a MM only version as well but they would have no interchangeability between them, ie you could not have one converted to the other easily. IMHO if one is serious about vinyl replay one will be using an MC anyway so I'm only mentioning the possibility of an MM one for the sake of eccentrics who may want one for use with a Decca or some such beasty:D

How would it compare with the legendary Paradise? I've no idea, maybe better, maybe not as good, it's vapour ware at the moment so just putting the feelers out to see if there would be enough interest to take it further;) The salient point IMHO being that if the Paradise was available as a commercial product it would probably be around £5000, so if I could make something that works on the same principle and gets to even 90% of the Paradise's performance for £800...

Meanwhile does anyone else want to try the Arkless 640P?

[struth]

Didnt know one was yours tbh jez. Never noticed the thread title. Just saw the 2 files and gave them a whirl. Still dont know what the 2 stages are

[Roy S]

Preferred B but both recordings seemed a little muted.

[Arkless Electronics]

My guess would be that it is more the sound of the digital recording that one is judging here, plus a bit of how well level matched the recordings are. When I tried recording vinyl to digital files in the past the results were disappointing, with a greyness and lack lustre quality to the sound compared to straight from vinyl.

[Bigman80]

My guess would be that it is more the sound of the digital recording that one is judging here, plus a bit of how well level matched the recordings are. When I tried recording vinyl to digital files in the past the results were disappointing, with a greyness and lack lustre quality to the sound compared to straight from vinyl.There's a lot of truth in that Jez. Tried myself a few times and been completely underwhelmed.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[YNWaN]

I used to do a lot of needle-drops back when they were allowed on pfm. However, toward the end I did become rather disenchanted as the digital recording system bleached out a lot of the subtleties.

[Stratmangler]

The needledrop links need pulling

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?17116-Needledrops&p=313898#post313898

[Arkless Electronics]

I take it the bit I find exciting, ie the possibility of a "Jezadise" phono stage is of no interest to any one else then? Zero feedback, passive RIAA, works in a way unlike any commercially made amplifier (AFAIK) other than the Pink Triangle PIP.... original Paradise reckoned by many to be "probably the best phono stage in the world" (Carlsberg ad voice needed there!:D). I'll certainly build one for myself as a technical curiosity if nothing else and see how it goes from there :)

[Macca]

The needledrop links need pulling

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?17116-Needledrops&p=313898#post313898

Good point. Now removed. I forgot but you can't post needledrops of any copyrighted material as google get all arsey about it. Posting drops of music you own the copyright to is fine of course.

[YNWaN]

I take it the bit I find exciting, ie the possibility of a "Jezadise" phono stage is of no interest to any one else then? Zero feedback, passive RIAA, works in a way unlike any commercially made amplifier (AFAIK) other than the Pink Triangle PIP.... original Paradise reckoned by many to be "probably the best phono stage in the world" (Carlsberg ad voice needed there!:D). I'll certainly build one for myself as a technical curiosity if nothing else and see how it goes from there :)

I find the idea exciting and £800.00 is less than a Paradise cost to build.

If you do build one I would be very happy to compare it to my Paradise.

[Arkless Electronics]

I find the idea exciting and £800.00 is less than a Paradise cost to build.

If you do build one I would be very happy to compare it to my Paradise.

Oh don't think I wasn't going to ask both you and Simon for an opinion! :)

It would be 2 box and with far less expensive PSU arrangements, hopefully as good as or better than the original PSU though. The circuitry I've designed and have been simulating for the main phono stage part has excellent PSRR and so should be relatively immune from PSU interactions. Although working on the same almost unique operating principle as the Paradise, all circuitry is of my own design and the unit would not specifically be intended to be a "Paradise clone on the cheap" but rather a unit in its own right which should be judged on its own merits rather than by "how similar to the Paradise is it". Having said that, as its modus operendi is the same it should share a fair bit of DNA with the Paradise in its SQ.

[YNWaN]

Obviously I'm biased in that the Paradise is my phonostage of choice, but it does have a remarkable transparency and unforced naturalness - huge amounts of detail, but not not thrust at you. If your phonostage also possesses these qualities then it will be amongst the very best and a stone cold bargain at £800.

[alcarmichael]

I would be interested Jez.

[Arkless Electronics]

Nice to see some interest in this prospective new product amassing:) A couple of custom builds to get finished for AOS members before I can spend time on making the vapour ware rather more tangible for now though...

In the meantime is there anyone else interested in hearing the Arkless 640P before I ask Andrew to post it back to me?

[Arkless Electronics]

One last shout out for anyone interested in hearing the Arkless 640P before I have it sent home to me.

[Colinijohnson]

I'm happy to loan mine out near Croydon for a couple of weeks in return for nice small speakers loan? Pm if interested


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[flatpopely]

Hi Jez.

It's all packed up nice and safe. Just let me know where you want me to send it.

Thanks again for the loan.

Andrew.

[Papa Dee]

Hi Jez....is your Arkless 640p still being loaned out and if so how do I get onto the list...
Thanks Dee

[Arkless Electronics]

Hi Jez....is your Arkless 640p still being loaned out and if so how do I get onto the list...
Thanks Dee

Sorry but no it is not. It is still available for anyone OK with buying one unheard of course. Many have done and all were very happy with it.

If several people want to try it then this changes of course.

[Papa Dee]

Hi Jez...thanks for the quick response... if anyone is interested in creating a new loan list please subscribe to the thread.Jez, in the meantime I'm on the lookout for a Cambridge Audio 651p donor unit to get the ball rolling.

[Arkless Electronics]

Hi Jez...thanks for the quick response... if anyone is interested in creating a new loan list please subscribe to the thread.Jez, in the meantime I'm on the lookout for a Cambridge Audio 651p donor unit to get the ball rolling.

Okey doke Dee.