A Beobloke blog - Beoblog?

[Beobloke]

Just some random ramblings and pictures of the stuff that miraculously keeps finding its way into Beobloke Towers.

So let's start with the dodgiest DJ setup you've ever seen - a pair of Strathearns!

https://i.imgur.com/tMKdjD1.jpg

Yes, they both work, go round at the right speed and sound quite decent. Then again, the SM2000 (on the right) did start throwing a bit of a wobbly when the heat of the amplifier underneath it got it a bit hot under the collar! :D

[Macca]

To own one Strathearn could be seen as carelessness. To own two of them...

[Beobloke]

The only pair of speakers (and possibly the only component full stop...) that David Price, Noel Keywood and I ever agreed on as being brilliant - Usher S-520s.

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

(And Kylie in the background keeping an eye on me, obviously...)

[Marco]

Interesting.... I quite like the look of the one on the left. However, would this thread be better served in the Gallery?

Marco.

[Beobloke]

The absurdly complicated Akai AP-Q80 turntable.

My friend who dragged it kicking and screaming back to life reckons that, compared to fixing this, repairing a Sony Biotracer or re-writing the control software for a B&O Beomaster 8000 receiver from scratch, were an absolute doddle.

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

[Beobloke]

Yamaha CDX-9 needs a new tray loading belt. It's in there somewhere!! :D

https://i.imgur.com/S2mnToW.jpg?1

[Beobloke]

Interesting.... However, would this thread be better served in the Gallery?

Marco.

Er....according to the link at the top of the page, it IS in the gallery...

[Marco]

Sorry, my fault. I thought it was Blank Canvas - not woken up yet!:doh::eyebrows:

Carry on...

Marco.

[Beobloke]

:lol:

You clearly need coffee!

[Marco]

Indeed - just about to have it! :)

Keep it up, btw. Interesting thread.

Marco.

[tapid]

Usher s tonally flat according to what hi fi ?. Still I will back the judgement of the 3 wise men over W. Hi fi .

[jandl100]

https://i.imgur.com/tMKdjD1.jpg

I'm not keen on the Strathies, but oi loiks the look of the receiver bottom left - is a close up of that planned? :popcorn:

[Beobloke]

Usher s tonally flat according to what hi fi ?. Still I will back the judgement of the 3 wise men over W. Hi fi .

That’s interesting to know and I do, of course, completely respect WHF’s right to an opinion.

Even thought it’s complete arse in this case... ;)

[Beobloke]

I'm not keen on the Strathies, but oi loiks the look of the receiver bottom left - is a close up of that planned? :popcorn:

Yes, I can do that for you at some point. It’s a Yamaha CR-500 and quite a sweet sounding little thing.

[Spectral Morn]

Yes, I can do that for you at some point. It’s a Yamaha CR-500 and quite a sweet sounding little thing.

Left side, looks like an Akai. I have one of their tuners and that amp looks like the match for it, or it could be a Pioneer.

[Big Vern]

Hi Adam,

Have you any update on progress with the Yamaha that arrived on these shores somewhat the worse for shipping company handling!? You may be building up to it, so apologies if you have it in the pipeline!

Oh, and if I've missed it...sorry! :)

Very best wishes,

Paul.

[Beobloke]

No, sorry Paul - I have all the bits and they’re all repaired; I just still haven’t got my backside into gear and reassembled it.

Fear not, though, there’ll be pictures here and in the original thread in the Analogue section when it’s done!

[Big Vern]

Hi Adam,

That's a relief...I was beginning to fear the worst, although your amazing repair on the plinth should have told me that this was a project that would come to fruition!!:)

As you were, Sir, as you were!

Best Wishes,

Paul.

[Beobloke]

Some B&O fun.

First up a Beogram CD50 CD player for a new transport belt and a general clean-up of its internals, which had solidified somewhat!

https://i.imgur.com/64KsISR.jpg

[Beobloke]

And a Beogram 2000. Bought for £21 and sold as 'making a scraping noise' - it's also filthy. Sadly, this one's still currently mid-fettle as we had a power cut last night at 7pm and it didn’t come back on until 5am!

https://i.imgur.com/Cz34YcX.jpg

[hornucopia]

Cut was probably a trial run for next week, when anti-Trump actions get going. Look out for Mobile phones going dead. Helicopters (his?) being diverted to Iceland,etc.,......I wish.

[Beobloke]

Actually, according to a local farmer who rang our neighbour, it was a transformer up a pole in nearby field exploding in a shower of sparks!

[Beobloke]

Latest happennings at Beobloke Towers include a new memory backup battery for a Beomaster 5000. It now retains its sound settings and radio presests when powered off, which is handy.

https://i.imgur.com/Qf06WQR.jpg

[Beobloke]

And a new turntable arrival in the form of a Vestax PDX-A2MkIIs 'battle style' DJ turntable. Checkout that red arm!!

https://i.imgur.com/6lJdiOA.jpg?1

"But, wait" I hear you cry. "Isn't that one of those short, straight DJ arms that will destroy all your vinyl and bring about the end of days?". Well, yes it is (although it won't) but fear not - look what I have tucked away waiting for just this occasion...

https://i.imgur.com/Ob70hNs.jpg?1

[Beobloke]

A few items of junk hi-fi to be saved from the skip turned up yesterday, which means for the first, and hopefully LAST time -looks what's in my house! :vomfest: :no:

https://i.imgur.com/qGT2dI9.jpg

[Macca]

BOSE Wave radio? Cool.

You can get rid of all that hi-fi tat now, the WAVE is like having the orchestra in your living room.

Allegedly.

[Barry]

Yes - now that you have upgraded to Bose, you can send all that obsolete and inferior B&O gear to me for safe disposal! ;)

[Beobloke]

Your generosity is truly touching!

[Beobloke]

Been a bit quiet on here lately, so here's a nice Pioneer PL-3F:

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

[Beobloke]

I'm also hoping I can remember how this goes back together...

https://i.imgur.com/OQ3Qmpl.jpg

:scratch:

[Beobloke]

Finally started fettling my Leak 3090s yesterday.

Work in progress:

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

Upper cabinets as-bought with wrong tweeters bodged in

https://i.imgur.com/mV6oB3E.jpg?1

[Beobloke]

Out with this crappy bass driver/input wiring!

https://i.imgur.com/2VQXWuj.jpg

Crossover out - surprisingly minimalist, especially when compared to the earlier 2075, which had about three times as many components!

https://i.imgur.com/y8zr0Tv.jpg?1

[Beobloke]

Wiring changed, correct tweeters fitted and sat outside for the teak oil to dry off. Just need to grab some hardware from work today to re-fit the handles which have pulled out of the left hand cabinet, then they're going back together for testing and sale.

https://i.imgur.com/81hdorj.jpg?1

[Gazjam]

Nice thread!
Bit of a sucker for photo blogs m’self.

What internal wire did you use?
Curious about that as a potential upgrade over the cat5 currently in my monkey coffins.

(Assumimg it’s worth upgrading cat5?)

[struth]

big girls those. how to lose neighbours :eyebrows: nice job

[hornucopia]

Matching mine, now.
Mine were equivalently upgraded. I wonder how many are left.
Hadn't realised the cross-over was so simple, though I do have the diagram of the upgrade/new modern components.
Will have a look next time I turn the drivers-as I believe the magnets succomb to gravity over time and need turning.
Am I right? A visitor once regaled my (glazed eyed) wife with this info about the original Sandwiches.
25780

[Beobloke]

Nice thread!
Bit of a sucker for photo blogs m’self.

What internal wire did you use?
Curious about that as a potential upgrade over the cat5 currently in my monkey coffins.

(Assumimg it’s worth upgrading cat5?)

I used 1.5mm sq. mains cable which worked very nicely in my old 2075s.

I’ve heard about using CAT 5/6 cable for speakers before and assumed it was a joke, as the CAT cable we use for industrial communications at work is perfectly standard stuff, but has cores that are as skinny as bell wire! Am I missing something?

[hornucopia]

CAT6 wire? A bit like multi-strand?
I hope....as I use it!
DNM wire is pretty thin too....

[Gazjam]

I used 1.5mm sq. mains cable which worked very nicely in my old 2075s.

I’ve heard about using CAT 5/6 cable for speakers before and assumed it was a joke, as the CAT cable we use for industrial communications at work is perfectly standard stuff, but has cores that are as skinny as bell wire! Am I missing something?

No, your not missing anything. :)

Used braided cat5 Ethernet cable as speaker cable in previous systems and it sounded great.
Multiple strands mean large csa, and coppers high purity.
Cable made to this recipe:
https://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/triple_t_e.html
Cable sounded fab, but due to its characteristics not suitable for every amp.
Using different cable nowadays after changing my gear.

Current monkey coffins are internally wired with cat5, just wondered if there was any mileage it swapping it out, and if it was worth the hassle.

[Beobloke]

I have finally had a chance to check out the Leak 3090s.

I plonked them roughly in the right place in the lounge, connected up a Yamaha CD-M77 CD player and AV-M99 amplifier and sat down for a quick listen.

I’m still here two and a half hours later.

They are really very good. No, scratch that - they’re bloody superb. Midrange is just magnificent - vocals are smack bang centre stage and project out beautifully; treble is gloriously clean and smooth (unlike the old 2075s!) and bass is big, brawny and effortless.

All in all, it’s a disaster. This was a quick makeover and then I need to sell them as they’re taking up room I don’t have and the funds from them are already earmarked. I didn’t want to like them and I certainly didn’t want to absolutely love them.

Oh poo...

[vinylspinner]

Hi Gary,
Are you still running the Edingdales?

Nigel

[Gazjam]

Yeah Nige.

[Macca]

I have finally had a chance to check out the Leak 3090s.

I plonked them roughly in the right place in the lounge, connected up a Yamaha CD-M77 CD player and AV-M99 amplifier and sat down for a quick listen.

I’m still here two and a half hours later.

They are really very good. No, scratch that - they’re bloody superb. Midrange is just magnificent - vocals are smack bang centre stage and project out beautifully; treble is gloriously clean and smooth (unlike the old 2075s!) and bass is big, brawny and effortless.

All in all, it’s a disaster. This was a quick makeover and then I need to sell them as they’re taking up room I don’t have and the funds from them are already earmarked. I didn’t want to like them and I certainly didn’t want to absolutely love them.

Oh poo...

Did you change any xover components or was it just wiring and tweeters?

[hornucopia]

WEll, I'm not surprised at your reaction! Those guys at Leak knew a thing or two.
Interesting to hear your comment on the treble; can't just be the Iso tweeter? Perhaps it 's the different X-over?
You're reminding me to smarten up my own boxes which have the odd cup ring -that you don't notice when listening of course.
Shall have a matching listen later-I use mine with the Kuro TV. (Panasonic Receiver) Digs out the deep bass well on some films!
At least you have a NICE problem! Albeit a rather large-physically- one!
I'll miss mine (if anyone appears!) otherwise, happy to keep owning.

[Beobloke]

Did you change any xover components or was it just wiring and tweeters?

No, just new tweeters and input/bass driver wiring. If I had been intending to keep them I would have done more but I’m not.

Well, I thought I wasn’t anyway...

[hornucopia]

You forgot to mention the huge bass inductors, described as 'made of rolled 1+1/2 inch copper sheeting'!

Plus, if they sound good now, why change anything.....unless....?

[Beobloke]

Only the 2075s had the big flat bass inductors - they’re standard coils in the 3090s. Victims of cost-cutting I understand!

[hornucopia]

Sun out. Wife away. Neighbours absent.
Perfect time to wind up the 3090s and listen.
Starts with Shchedrin-Bizet 'Carmen'- an arrangement with FIFTY-SEVEN percussion instruments!! - to loosen the rafters.
A bit of cool Lee Ritenour. Then some live recording of Bob Marley to remind me seeing them in their early-in-UK days.
('Live at the Roxy' CD) Those guys had played together for a decade before we got them; Aston 'Family Man' Barrett's bass coming over well via the 14 inch unit.
A bit of Oscar Aleman's cheery (mono) jive.Long time favourite.
Then some late John Hiatt, obviously recorded live as a group, great aura.
A bit of Enrique Morente to recall nights in Andalusia ('Suena la Alhambra' just before he died -very atmospheric + melancholy.)
Sometimes it's nice to relax with these great speakers!

[Beobloke]

My 3090s sounded great again this afternoon. I thought so and so did the bloke who then drove off with them, leaving me behind an envelope full of cash.

I’m sad but, on the upside, the hall is looking a lot bigger again...

[Lawrence001]

Know what you mean Adam, my Airedales were sitting in my hall for a few weeks until someone bought them. It was a struggle getting the pushchair in! Hope yours weren't there for too long.

Incidentally, where did you list your Leaks, Chris might find it helpful to sell his?

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[Beobloke]

I put mine up on a “well known auction website” as they say.

I started them at £950 and only had one bid, although lots of stupid questions including one from a bloke who wanted to know if I’d got the start price wrong and could I correct it to £95 so he could bid, please?

The buyer was a very nice chap who owns 2060s and had been looking for a pair of 3090s for years - he borrowed an estate car and drove from Ipswich to Hampshire to collect them!

[tapid]

Yes, saw them on there, blinked and they were gone !. That maybe just might be the best 200 mile round trip he s ever made ;)

[Beobloke]

You must have caught them late, then as they were up on a standard auction for a week!

[tapid]

Oh right, was mistaken. 95 quid though, there s always some clown :lol:

[hornucopia]

£95? Must have thought (despite pictures showing the difference!!) that they were 'basic' Sandwiches?
Thanks for message Adam.
They ARE rare-I've only seen 2 sets go in years.

[Beobloke]

Latest fun on the Beobench is a work colleague's recently acquired B&O Beosystem 5000.

Beogram 5000 up first for a clean and service:

https://i.imgur.com/wb4SlUH.jpg

You can see the lubrication for both the turntable and the technician in this shot... :D

[Beobloke]

And the Beomaster 5000:

https://i.imgur.com/C9mPlR7.jpg?1

[Beobloke]

My hallway this morning:

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

One pair of speakers is for review; the other is for the music for our annual neighbourhood summer party this weekend.

Now, which one was which.....? :scratch:

[walpurgis]

Hmm, Elipson. Not seen any for years.

[Macca]

The look good - from the picture on the box, anyway. Is that there so people don't think they have bought a fridge freezer by accident?

[hornucopia]

Only Klipschorns are fridge-freezer size!

[Beobloke]

Been a while since I updated this but I know you lot like your Japcrap just like I do, so here's something tasty passing through my listening room for review!

[Beobloke]

And of course, I couldn't resist combining old and new for a bit... :)

[struth]

nice clean lines as you expect from yamaha... interesting to see how it sounds

[Macca]

Tasty. $10K for the power amp alone!

[oldius]

Tasty. $10K for the power amp alone!Pretty sure I saw £11k the pair.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Beobloke]

Pretty sure I saw £11k the pair.


Official RRP is £6,499 each.

[Lawrence001]

Been a while since I updated this but I know you lot like your Japcrap just like I do, so here's something tasty passing through my listening room for review!They're no good there's no variable loudness knob [emoji38]

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Beobloke]

They're no good there's no variable loudness knob [emoji38]

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

Ha - Good point! I shall dock points accordingly...

[dantheman91]

Just going through my Yamaha Stack

CR 820
CR 1000
CR 2020
CDX 860

:eek:

Warming up the 820....

[Lawrence001]

Ha - Good point! I shall dock points accordingly...I wouldn't do that, at least not publicly, your reviews will be blacklisted by the cognoscenti [emoji38]

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Beobloke]

Well, the Yamaha review must have gone down well as they've sent me another toy to play with. All I can confirm so far is that it is definitely "Gigantic"...

[Audio Al]

Well, the Yamaha review must have gone down well as they've sent me another toy to play with. All I can confirm so far is that it is definitely "Gigantic"...

Ooooo
A Record player :)

[Beobloke]

Ooooo
A Record player :)

Indeed. They’re the latest thing amongst the young people, apparently!

[Audio Al]

Indeed. They’re the latest thing amongst the young people, apparently!

Indeed , I am in that category , Honest :D

[Beobloke]

OK whippersnapper - meet your grandad!

28294

[Macca]

OK whippersnapper - meet your grandad!

28294

You've still got that powder blue Vestax? I remember you reviewing that what seems like a lifetime ago.

[Beobloke]

You've still got that powder blue Vestax? I remember you reviewing that what seems like a lifetime ago.

I remember the review in HFW, but it wasn't me that reviewed it - I've only owned this one for a year or so.

[hornucopia]

Vestax? Must investigate.....

[Beobloke]

Vestax? Must investigate.....

If you need any help, just ask. I’ve owned..................one or two.

[hornucopia]

WEll, I found this...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRAb6--_Z1A
but had never heard of Vestax until now.
Only 100 t/tables!

[Gerry]

OK whippersnapper - meet your grandad!

28294Gigantic & Tremendous = GT...,and they are that.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200810/87e753268c127cea4f2335cf2df00a9e.jpg

Sent from my moto g(8) plus using Tapatalk

[Beobloke]

WEll, I found this...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRAb6--_Z1A
but had never heard of Vestax until now.
Only 100 t/tables!

Never seen one of those in the flesh but they're a bit gimmicky! If you want to check out a Vestax at a reasonable price, grab a PDT-5000.

[Beobloke]

Bit of surgery on my lovely Yamaha A.960II tonight to replace the broken bass and treble sliders. Finding replacements required paying £60 for a pair from a breaker unit in the USA and I still had to rebuild one of them before I could fit it!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201209/ab312947fda895777d5de91e11f27ea0.jpg

[Lawrence001]

You'd get on really well with my Yammy A700 in the classifieds [emoji16]

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Macca]

You weren't buying a box full of air back in those days were you? That enclosure's no bigger than it needs to be. To the millimetre.

[Beobloke]

You weren't buying a box full of air back in those days were you? That enclosure's no bigger than it needs to be. To the millimetre.

Indeed. Unfortunately it was before the era when Japanese manufacturers got their acts together in terms of ease of assembly and service - the amount of stuff I had to take out/disconnect/move to get at the tone PCBs was quite something.

In fact I’ve got a horrible feeling I forgot to re-connect the volume control PCB when I reassembled it...

[hornucopia]

I hope the last sentence isn't so!
Sliders! reminds me of my Metrosound ST70 (?) I had in the 70s.

[Beobloke]

I was right...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201210/168e544e007201a53a09001155964020.jpg

[hornucopia]

I counted them out....and I counted them in again?

[Beobloke]

Latest arrivals - a pair of very rare Goodmans Magnums that have taken me 17 years to track down.

Not Magnum K, or K2, or SL or even the ones with the LED meters on the front panel. No, rather the 1990s versions. These are new, unused and still have their tag on.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210309/22eeeb46168b7db4c64645d73c507015.jpg

[Beobloke]

And a family reunion shot with the Maxims and Mezzos!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210309/a7b5b9670400667ccff170b74d563c34.jpg

[Macca]

Still got the old tagger on. They can never be played. Don't touch them! Don't even look at them!

[brian2957]

Hahaha...straight back in the box with them in case the sunlight gets to them :)

[struth]

Latest arrivals - a pair of very rare Goodmans Magnums that have taken me 17 years to track down.

Not Magnum K, or K2, or SL or even the ones with the LED meters on the front panel. No, rather the 1990s versions. These are new, unused and still have their tag on.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210309/22eeeb46168b7db4c64645d73c507015.jpg

very nice things. collectors pieces of course.. quality.. still have a fancy for a mint auto b and o deck before i pop off.. such class

[Beobloke]

Well, my shiny new SME V is installed and singing. It replaced an SME 309 which I always felt offered around 80% of the performance of the V.

Following today’s comparisons I’d like to revise that figure to 70%. Maybe 65%.

I’m a very, very happy bunny. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210329/d12eb5e241d320a127bb01ae5bad5875.jpg

[Gazjam]

Enjoyed the time with my V, when I had mine.
Long term itch I enjoyed scratching, thing was a beast!

[Macca]

I read somewhere that SME used to do an offer at shows where if you could break one in half they'd give you one for free. No-one ever managed it.

[hermit]

The V looks lovely on that deck Adam. I'm sure it'll bring you years of pleasure.

I very much like the look of your record weight. Do you know how much it weighs? Please could you provide a link to it as I quite fancying buying one if it's not too heavy and is still in production.

[Beobloke]

The V looks lovely on that deck Adam. I'm sure it'll bring you years of pleasure.

I very much like the look of your record weight. Do you know how much it weighs? Please could you provide a link to it as I quite fancying buying one if it's not too heavy and is still in production.

It’s the original weight that was supplied with the turntable from new. As a result, I suspect that the chances of finding one now will be somewhere between slim and zero, sadly!

However I’ve weighed it and it’s 650g.

[hermit]

It’s the original weight that was supplied with the turntable from new. As a result, I suspect that the chances of finding one now will be somewhere between slim and zero, sadly!

However I’ve weighed it and it’s 650g.

That's a pity but thanks anyway.

[Beobloke]

New toy day!

It’s been a 12 year wait to find one, but I reviewed it back at Hi-Fi World and it’s one of the finest phono stages I’ve ever heard. Very happy!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210506/30eb3ee580d6ae30f09aa73c8d4b2451.jpg

[Beobloke]

Adam’s handy service tip No.27:

Spending money on high quality jigs and tools makes the life of a turntable fettler much easier.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210523/3db6492cb43122d9c861b3f80e1a2261.jpg

[struth]

at least they are quality beans...they wont let you down

[Beobloke]

Today’s fun on the Beobench - a friend’s Bose AV3-2-1 system (yes - I know, I know. I’m sorry!) Wouldn’t read DVDs or CDs so obviously the drive, which is an old Toshiba computer DVD-ROM drive.

They’re long discontinued, rare and expensive now but……wait. One on eBay for a tenner!

Well, I bought it and fitted it but no go, however the seller swore it worked, so I swapped the laser from the new to the old and bingo - back to life.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/834de11e8c80c511beec248b9c4bc8ab.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210704/7cde933eab24090b55f3b6f874c60f8b.jpg

[struth]

good job; nice adaptation

[cube-tube]

Great thread! I love vintage gear, especially Yamaha gear. In fact, I wish they would come back with those large acrylic backlit buttons again.

[Beobloke]

New arrivals!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210726/25c35ef997ab42d40b650fa4eedf754f.jpg

[Macca]

Tasty!

Come on then get them set up!

[Puffin]

Is this your review?

https://www.hifinews.com/content/yamaha-c-5000m-5000-prepower-amplifier-page-2

[chartz]

Hi Adam,
Now following this.
More B&O please!

[Beobloke]

Is this your review?

https://www.hifinews.com/content/yamaha-c-5000m-5000-prepower-amplifier-page-2

Yes, that's the one.They took out my bit questioning the sanity of anyone who turns the power amp's meters off! :D



Hi Adam,
Now following this.
More B&O please!

Don't worry, there's plenty of B&O waiting in the wings for attention, just not enough hours in the day/days in the week to get onto it quickly enough!

[Macca]

Yes, that's the one.They took out my bit questioning the sanity of anyone who turns the power amp's meters off! :D


Meter Deniers!

[Barry]

I would turn the meters off - they serve no purpose and are distracting.

[Beobloke]

I would turn the meters off - they serve no purpose and are distracting.

Well then sadly you won’t hear it at its best, as everyone knows meters make anything sound better!

[Barry]

Well I'm unlikely to use an amplifier fitted with meters, so I'll never know. :D

[chartz]

Ah but you should try a Technics SE-A3, a joy to own and behold believe me.
Ever come across one Adam?
That would make a nice vintage review.
Is that one in the HFN&RR “vault” by any chance?

Here’s mine.

https://vintage-audio-heritage.fr/download/file.php?id=21425&mode=view

[Lawrence001]

It's a well known rule of audio, the bigger the meters, and the higher the proportion of the fascia they take up, the better the sound.

[Beobloke]

Ah but you should try a Technics SE-A3, a joy to own and behold believe me.
Ever come across one Adam?
That would make a nice vintage review.
Is that one in the HFN&RR “vault” by any chance?

Here’s mine.

https://vintage-audio-heritage.fr/download/file.php?id=21425&mode=view

No, haven’t had one come my way so far but I’ve always thought they looked fab.

[Beobloke]

Tasty!

Come on then get them set up!

As requested - all set up in the Yammie-rack and sounding fabulous. More importantly, though, meter action is first class!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210802/7c4df4b2d8690e0b361313f89a8070d0.jpg

[chartz]

Yammy!
Next to the Beolab…

[Beobloke]

Yammy!
Next to the Beolab…

Oh yes, that’s not going anywhere.

I’d like to find space for the Beomaster 8000 around here, but the damn thing’s so big!

[chartz]

Still waiting for a vintage review in HFN :violin::please:

Surely Tim has that.

[Beobloke]

Beomaster 6000 Quad coming next… ;)

[Beobloke]

Had a bit of an interesting weekend working through a big pile of hi-fi. Half came from the study of a friend’s uncle who passed away recently and the other half came from her father’s study. He died around 6 years ago but her mum couldn’t bear to get rid of his stuff until now.

Anyway, I’m going through it all, servicing and repairing where necessary ready to sell it. There are a few little treats in there, like his old Garrard 401 that I restored for him about 15 years ago.

I’ve spent the last half an hour reacquainting myself with the good old Pioneer A-400 amplifier. I always disliked these back in the day and could never understand the fuss about them, but wondered if time has been kind to it. Nope - still a hard, shouty nasty thing that’s tiring to listen to!

However, there was huge disappointment far worse than this! It turned out that her father had an original pair of Goodmans Maxims tucked away. Well, I unpacked number one yesterday, and it’s a beauty…

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/148bc00c26f9dca3eea584925f001628.jpg

With that one cleaned up, I moved onto number two in great excitement. I popped the grille off and……oh dear….

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/de655c2e9044325f5f72a6d622ae234b.jpg

Woofer fallen apart and tweeter missing. I could have cried! I can repair the woofer but will need to see if I can find a tweeter. They’re too nice to part out.

[walpurgis]

Had a few pairs of those from boot sales about forty years ago. And I had a bunch of NOS tweeters (from RTVC in Edgware Rd if I recall), all long gone!

[Beobloke]

Well, the plinth is a rudimentary box and it deserves much better but, my god, it still sounds lovely!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/578d9ee4ad67e0e1d4cd048f20ec9e45.jpg

[WESTLOWER]

nice
btw adam i still have these drivers here in a box for you!!

[Beobloke]

Oh flippin’ heck - I’d completely forgotten about them!

[Marco]

Well, the plinth is a rudimentary box and it deserves much better but, my god, it still sounds lovely!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/578d9ee4ad67e0e1d4cd048f20ec9e45.jpg

Perhaps just a rudimentary box, but for me, visually at least, that's one of the nicest 401s I've seen. It's compact, and the colour of the plinth suits the motor unit. What arm is that? I rather like that, too... Plus, what cartridge were you usng?:)

Marco.

[Barry]

It's a Thorens TP13A arm, fitted as standard to the Mk. II versions of the Thorens TD150.

It's a good arm, though you are limited by the use of Thorens headshell and their unique arm coupling arrangement.

[Marco]

Cheers, Barry. I like 'fat' headshells like that, and the retro looks of the arm suit the turntable, but no doubt Adam will soon strap some modern SME onto it:doh::D;)

What's the cartridge, Adam?

Marco.

[Beobloke]

Thanks for that Marco – it is rather neat, I will admit, but the plinth definitely doesn’t do the unit justice, sonically!

The story is that it belonged to our friend’s father; a chap called Derrick. He was a bit of a hi-fi fan and we used to chat regularly about this when one day he mentioned that he had this old 401 tucked away. Well, I nagged him about getting it back up and running but nothing happened until our friend grabbed it without his knowledge when she was visiting, with the intention of getting it fixed for a birthday present.

I cleaned and serviced it, her husband is a carpenter by trade and so made the plinth and then I sourced the arm and cartridge for it. The arm is a Thorens TP-13A and was originally fitted to the Thorens TD-150MkII. It’s a surprisingly good arm that cost me around £30 IIRC, but handily came with the original Thorens arm lift. This would have normally had a separate control on the original Thorens deck, but I linked it into the Garrard’s on/off switch so that when you start the deck, the arm lowers – Derrick had a major stroke around 30 years ago and so was in a wheelchair with greatly reduced mobility in his limbs. The cartridge is a good old Audio Technica AT-95E – again a sturdy and reliable performer but, importantly, with a cheap replaceable stylus in case of any accidents!

Well, Derrick was thrilled with it and used it a great deal over the 8 or so years he had it until he passed away about 7 years ago. It’s been sitting in his study gathering dust ever since until our friend cleared it out a few weeks ago. As mentioned, his widow hadn’t touched anything but her brother died recently too and she’s been sorting his house out, so I think she decided it was time to clear Derrick’s stuff as well. As a result, I have a massive pile of CD players, amplifiers, double cassette decks, speakers, subwoofers and a beautiful old portable stereo record player with a flip-down front to reveal the deck to sort out and sell.

As to the 401, our friend and her hubby have decided they’re keeping it as it’s almost a family heirloom. And rest assured, the arm won't be changing - they want it left just as it is, although I might try and persuade him to make a better plinth for it!

As an aside, it has inspired my to sort out my own Garrard 301. It's been sitting armless and gathering dust since I bought the Nakamichi nearly 6 years ago. Need to get my Alphason HR-100S onto it and get it back into use again.

[Beobloke]

New toys! New toys!

First up, a new needle for me gramophone - Ortofon Cadenza Black.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211028/b35354d69a0939e62da0fd467b7e829b.jpg

This is intended to replace my old Kontrapunkt b which shed its diamond a few years back. However, in true audiophile style, the arrival of the new one has prompted me to sort out getting the old one re-tipped . It’s off to Expert Stylus Company next week.

[Beobloke]

Second toy is another turntable, you’ll be amazed to hear. It’s a very rare Vestax - the PDX-8000. I had one and it was brilliant - I should never have sold it.

Even better, this one’s boxed, mint and unused.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211028/edf32b7e39a87bd838cec214d6dd1bda.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211028/e3b451657225834c75dd11dc04a4c682.jpg

[Beobloke]

I was contacted over the weekend by a very nice chap I've had dealings with before. He said he'd been trying to sell some B&O gear but that no-one seemed to want it, so was I interested in the lot for £250 as he needed it gone? He then sent me some photos.

Let's just say, I didn't need to be asked twice...

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

[struth]

very nice Adam.. great scoop

[Macca]

bloody hell.

[Alex_UK]

Wowzers!

[Puffin]

Is it as good as Amstrad?

[Macca]

Is it as good as Amstrad?

I don't know. It's some foreign brand I think.

[Beobloke]

Is it as good as Amstrad?

I'd say it's on a par.

But obviously still far short of the dizzy heights of Steepletone...

[Pigmy Pony]

Is it as good as Amstrad?


https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article8987817.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200c/Alan-Sugar-Main.jpg

You're fired!

[Puffin]

[QUOTE

You're fired![/QUOTE]

:eek:

[Puffin]

I'd say it's on a par.

But obviously still far short of the dizzy heights of Steepletone...

Don't forget the pinnacle of excellence that was Lloytron :lol:

EDIT: I see that they still exist! I have locked my wallet away as a precaution.

[Macca]

I always preferred the Jap high end brands like Matsui and Saisho.

[struth]

sorny and panaphonics too:lol:

[Macca]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guck4FoWQss

'Durable outer casing to prevent fall-apart'

[Beobloke]

Just an update on the B&O haul in case anyone's interested, as I spent Sunday fiddling around with them:

- Beocord 8004: belts baggier than Nora Batty's tights so I'll need to order a set

- RL140s: work but one midrange driver somewhat 'rustly' - I think these have foam surrounds and so I suspect it'll need a re-foam.

- Pentas: midranges need re-foaming. All eight of them. As I also have a pair of the passive Beovox Pentas with the same issue, that's sixteen midranges I need to re-foam. SIXTEEN!! :(

- Beomaster 8000: powers up, the displays do what they are supposed to and it looks like it's behaving as it should, but there is no sound and no internal relay clicks can be heard. Given that it's a terrifyingly complicated beast inside, this is not good news...

[struth]

by time youve done no 16, you'll be the greatest living expert:D

[Beobloke]

I have to just say Happy Birthday to B&O.

96 years old today!

[struth]

more power to their elbow. great company and the mm cart of theres' i had was old but super good. ah one day maybe:)

[Barry]

Often dismissed by the ignorant as being just "Habitat Hi-Fi", Bang & Olufsen are the exemplar for high quality audio components with impeccable styling.

https://www.beoworld.org/article_view.asp?id=30

I have half a dozen of their cartridges and a tuner.

Happy Birthday. :)

[Pigmy Pony]

Often dismissed by the ignorant as being just "Habitat Hi-Fi", Bang & Olufsen are the exemplar for high quality audio components with impeccable styling.

https://www.beoworld.org/article_view.asp?id=30

I have half a dozen of their cartridges and a tuner.

Happy Birthday. :)

I know a lady whose late husband had a top of the range set up by B&O, costing many thousands, then when she moved house she didn't even bother taking it with her as it didn't suit the new house.

Instead she had Beo A9s (in bright red) installed in many of the rooms, and I have to say they sound great. She just tells them to play something, and away they go. So for her £15k or so she has stylish looks, great sound and zero hassle. Not so daft after all.

[Beobloke]

More goodies into Beobloke Towers…

First up, the Yamaha EQ-M77 graphic equaliser that completes my Yamaha 99 series midi system (well, except for the NS-99AV speakers and, frankly, they look crap so I’m not bothering with them!)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211124/cc77cde501aa2893b22c771d965e9c32.jpg


And an interesting one - a Yamaha PF-800 turntable.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211124/e895646aff3c4ec10d90d6977b42881a.jpg


Whilst giving their home market and the USA the delights of the GT-2000 and PX-1/2/3 linear trackers in the early 1980s, this is what they sent Europe and the UK. It’s a suspended sub chassis belt drive deck, so you can see why they thought it might have been popular! Sadly, the lack of Linn badge and weird cult surrounding it meant that not very many were sold.

Rumour has it they’re quite good, though, and I’ve fancied trying one for a while so when this boxed, mint example popped up for a decent price, it seemed rude not to grab it.

[Pigmy Pony]

Looks like a solid bit of kit. Interesting arm, I wonder what the science behind that is

[chartz]

What a turntable that is!
So much more inspiring than a dull LP12…☺️

[Beobloke]

Another crazy new purchase and my second attempt at acquiring a working one! Wish me luck...

29923

[chartz]

Beautiful Adam. Count me jealous.
Good luck then ☺️

[Barry]

Ah - the ultimate audio cuckoo clock!

https://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29923&d=1638362765

Good luck with that one! :D

[Shovel_Knight]

Ah - the ultimate audio cuckoo clock!

Shouldn't this title be reserved for the Fisher-Lincoln Model 70 changer? :)

[Barry]

Possibly:

eTKrYBSHsWs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKrYBSHsWs

:eek:

But it's more like something Heath Robinson would have concocted. :lol:

Being Swiss however, I think the Thorens TD224 is more deserving of the title 'cuckcoo clock'.

[Beobloke]

Tonight’s job - belt change on both decks of an Aiwa AD-WX727 double cassette deck.

I have to say - hats off to Aiwa for the design. Five screws to undo and each mechanism just lifts out.

Two screws to undo the motor and both belts are easily accessible. It was a pleasure of a job, and that’s a rare thing to say where cassette belts are concerned!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211209/ae371da9993289e7d9350624b74e1d64.jpg

[Firebottle]

Always good when something has had thought put into ease of maintenance :clap:

[Lawrence001]

Yeah don't see much of that these days, they want you to chuck it.

[Beobloke]

Right, let “Loudspeaker Repair January” commence!

First up, the rubbing midrange driver of my B&O Beovox RL140s - interestingly, the cone appears to have been glued noticeably off-centre when it was manufactured from new. Replacements are about £50 when they crop up but that sounds too easy!

Step 1 - remove the foam gasket

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220103/5bb97342dc9ebe5df9149d1a5e00c9f7.jpg


Step 2 - with a good, sharp scalpel, cut off the dust cap.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220103/25fb4472dc01dfd589743333db84c093.jpg

[Beobloke]

Step 3 - separate the cone from the chassis

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220103/84fae03af85c016c9b7255d71152d662.jpg

Step 4 - fit shims to re-centre the voice coil

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220103/04b40448db480b25bffede6b203a129c.jpg

[Beobloke]

Step 5 - give the chassis a clean, apply glue and stick the surround back down.

Step 6 - apply glue to the top of the surround and re-fit the gasket

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220103/ccc61963f8abfb22c831d7eb5b6107a2.jpg

Step 7 - apply a suitable weight to hold this all down and leave for 24 hours. As luck would have it, the outer platter of a Yamaha PF-800 turntable is the perfect size!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220103/553efff1444febe9068bb7873154691f.jpg

To be continued when it’s all dry…

[Beobloke]

Final step. Remove shims, re-fit dust cap, apply a bead of glue round it and leave to dry overnight.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/d3e7a67dcacddd2d68f2d752578950d8.jpg

Et voila! One midrange driver that no longer rubs.

[Firebottle]

Well done Adam.

[guy]

Tonight’s job - belt change on both decks of an Aiwa AD-WX727 double cassette deck.

I have to say - hats off to Aiwa for the design. Five screws to undo and each mechanism just lifts out.

Two screws to undo the motor and both belts are easily accessible. It was a pleasure of a job, and that’s a rare thing to say where cassette belts are concerned!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211209/ae371da9993289e7d9350624b74e1d64.jpg

Hi Adam, where do you source your replacement belts?

I have looked up the topic on the internet and there seems to be an American supplier who was/is highly thought of by some, but has had a lot of negative comments recently regarding delivery.
Also my reading of internet comments, regarding adverse effects on wow and flutter results with some suppliers belts (tape heads etc) has made me very cautious/nervous of the whole process.

[Beobloke]

I usually use Thakker in Germany but they haven’t stocked last few sets I’ve needed. Consequently, I’ve bought my last few belts from eBay user webspareparts_es in Spain - that’s where the Aiwa ones came from

Good quality, fit perfectly and fast postage so I’ll definitely use them again.

[guy]

I usually use Thakker in Germany but they haven’t stocked last few sets I’ve needed. Consequently, I’ve bought my last few belts from eBay user webspareparts_es in Spain - that’s where the Aiwa ones came from

Good quality, fit perfectly and fast postage so I’ll definitely use them again.

Cheers - I have two Aurex PCK60 AD decks which aren't working. Just opened one of them and one of the belts has turned to a tar like substance :eek: could be tricky trying to sort it.

Edit: bugger just opened the second - exactly the same :(