Bit unconventional but sounds good to these ears ................... :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/7/5/75c341fc25b2681ef7a637c50f78c7a98aa9468b_1_666x500 .jpg

[alphaGT]

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/7/5/75c341fc25b2681ef7a637c50f78c7a98aa9468b_1_666x500 .jpg

Looks cozy!

Russell

[Ian7633]

Looks very nice mate, clean and uncluttered. We all like lots of exotic boxes with glowing valves etc but sharp, unfussy lines are great.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks chaps.

A bit too cosy at the moment, as the power amp sure kicks out some heat :doh:

[Idlewithnodrive]

Slight update -

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/0/3/0368aee651c5f3f8734918909e85fef40583d813.jpg

[hornucopia]

A bit like someone described MY set-up....''like having giant headphones"?
I think it's the resonance from the VW van that helps?

[Lawrence001]

Another update to come..? :)

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[struth]

giant power amp that

[Idlewithnodrive]

Another update to come..? :)

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

Oh yes -

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/9/a/9a255efb71d684a999e5bcbf5dcd52cbea459534.jpg

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/e/8/e87a3f63c2ed0aee1f6f88b0697c3c5720089305.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

'tis quite a lump Grant :)

[Marco]

Nice!

Btw, you need to put your first name somewhere on your profile... Ta!:)

Marco.

[Lawrence001]

Does the TVC work well with your power amp?

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

Does the TVC work well with your power amp?

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

Very well Lawrence. I'd tried a number of passives, up and down the food chain, with no joy; much preferred actives, until now.

I've been wanting to try a TVC for a while, but I've made a few fairly expensive mistakes on the pre front recently and didn't want to risk another £500. So, when this came up, it was a no brainier.

Matches perfectly, so now the question is, do I stick with this, or move up the TVC food chain ? I'm inclined to believe that this one does use Audio Music components, as the feel of all the switches is pure quality and it just sounds so open and "right". I might not gain a great deal without spending silly money.

Well pleased ��, so thanks very much.

[Lawrence001]

Yes the clicks on the selectors feel good don't they. I'm glad to have helped someone, having issues with pres myself over the years, still looking.. If at any point you upgrade please give me first dibs back as I know I'll find a use for it again.

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

Sure thing Lawrence, although it won't be going anywhere for a while :)

[Marco]

Oi, Mr Idle... See post #11. You need to put your first name on your profile, which I presume isn't "I'm kickinbacklistenintotchoons";)

Themz the rules. Ta! :cool:

Marco.

[Idlewithnodrive]

If I'm Mr Idle, surely my name is Eric :)

Done

[Marco]

Lol, like it... That's better! It's mainly for newbies to know what to call you, Eric:eyebrows:

Marco.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Another update (improvement ?)

https://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/c/5/c52ea5d8a44093512caebd5459ee886eaeea4f24.jpg

https://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/e/7/e7b1fdf00bbc9b7b0deb033710d7a394247bf2f4.jpg

[Lawrence001]

Is that one of those heavy Technics that can apparently play upside down? Always wanted to hear one.

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

Hiya Lawrence.

Yes, it is, a Technics SL-10; I think you'd be surprised :)

[anubisgrau]

given the lettering, are remton and xiang sheng related?

[Idlewithnodrive]

Not than I am aware of. Xiang Sheng are Chinese, Remton are Czech.

[Idlewithnodrive]

A poor picture, and the last one for a while, but more or less gives an idea of the “finished” system -

https://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/5/6/567a16ccdf842de90bd23c72bce48294f9ad21ed.jpg

There is a matching speaker on the other side, and I have a 310MC cart incoming but then I’m done for a while.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Except for, this has now appeared -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/2/7/2721ea21371f7222b39adaf46ec35cc3bffe6e21.jpeg

[Primare]

Hello Mike,
I have no experience with Garrard TT but have read that the original plinth of 401 is 25 mm thick. Your's is massive one and quite good looking.
Is there any sound benefit in more thickness beside the good look?
BR,
ivo

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thank you Ivo,

Yes, apparently there is an audible benefit to a high mass plinth. This one is layered and keeps as much mass as possible in each layer.

It's a pretty heavy lump :)

[lordmortlock]

Except for, this has now appeared -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/2/7/2721ea21371f7222b39adaf46ec35cc3bffe6e21.jpeg

Whoa! That’s not an sl-10 ...

Very very nice!

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks Jake.

Decided it was time for a change :) I sold 2 of my SL-10's and an SL-7, but I did keep an SL-7, as they are just too good to not have one as a spare.

[hermit]

I didn't realise you had a thread here Mike. Really lovely deck. I'm a big fan of the AT33PTG, lovely fluid midrange with some body to it.

[lordmortlock]

Kept the 7 over the 10 eh? Interesting.

You holding on to the tp4 carts Mike? I’d happily buy back that adc cart if you’re selling, I rather miss it.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I do prefer the 7 to the 10 Jake.

Really sorry mate but the ADC went with one of the SL's :(

[lordmortlock]

Ah not to worry Mate, probably for the best, someone enjoying it rather than it sat in my drawer!

[Idlewithnodrive]

Where I'm at, at the minute -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/6/7/6775d904f0a1aa22e810b520df8788086c11ac84.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Just added a hot Rodded DCB1 instead of the TVC.

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/b/1/b126bcdce5563bd451cd5cf0a4f927436d3c1092.jpeg

Not at all sure about this; seems a bit forced / too much in your face and the sound stage, both horizontal, vertical and front to back isn't all that.

At the moment I prefer my TVC; we'll see.

[Bigman80]

Just added a hot Rodded DCB1 instead of the TVC.

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/b/1/b126bcdce5563bd451cd5cf0a4f927436d3c1092.jpeg

Not at all sure about this; seems a bit forced / too much in your face and the sound stage, both horizontal, vertical and front to back isn't all that.

At the moment I prefer my TVC; we'll see.Is that the 'expertly built' one from the forum a few weeks back?

[Bigman80]

Is that the 'expertly built' one from the forum a few weeks back?I'll answer my own question, it is.

Matey, don't judge the DCB1's capabilities on that unit.

Pics are of the inside of mine, which I think adequately demonstrates that there may be a few things I'd change about yours before I even considered judging it.

Revisiting the pics, it needs some work.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181209/ee96b44f646f9629f1c28f76b4136d5c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181209/fc2dbb6d7b0b75d2f44514de1ef26854.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181209/a840b349ad059754bcb7d64179defb76.jpg

[Firebottle]

Change the attenuator to an Acoustic Dimension http://www.acoustic-dimension.com/attenuators/attenuators-main.htm then tou will definitely change your mind.

The current pot is holding that back;

[Idlewithnodrive]

There is no doubt it needs some tidying up, but I can't see a posh box making a heap of difference. It works fine and all of the components (bar the attenuator) are high quality. It doesn't sound bad; I just don't like the presentation. Everything seems a bit too (as in artificially forced) real.

Alan's point about the attenuator, however, is valid.

[Bigman80]

There is no doubt it needs some tidying up, but I can't see a posh box making a heap of difference. It works fine and all of the components (bar the attenuator) are high quality. It doesn't sound bad; I just don't like the presentation. Everything seems a bit too (as in artificially forced) real.

Alan's point about the attenuator, however, is valid.No I'm not suggesting putting it in a posh box would improve it on its own but the TX is right on top of everything, which can't be good.

The pot is not good quality, the wires look like bare copper to me, I'd change that. The selector switch needs replacing too.

What I want starting to highlight is that you shouldn't judge it on that unit alone.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Post withdrawn

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/e/e/ee80c39fcb2cb558e6be0fef75cca9baec5c961e.jpeg

The PM-4 has no right to sound this good :D

[Bigman80]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/e/e/ee80c39fcb2cb558e6be0fef75cca9baec5c961e.jpeg

The PM-4 has no right to sound this good :DWhatever the sound is like, it looks wonderful.

Congratulations.

[Roy S]

Didn't keep the 401 long then?

[Idlewithnodrive]

No. The SL-7 is my back up deck until the plinth arrives for my SP-10.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Whatever the sound is like, it looks wonderful.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Fortunately, it sounds every bit as good as it looks :gig:

[Bigman80]

Thank you.

Fortunately, it sounds every bit as good as it looks :gig:[emoji106]

[Idlewithnodrive]

All up and running and sounding very nice indeed.

The Hana SL is a heck of a surprise straight into the MC stage of the PM-4 :yay:

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/c/6/c694a7e1b505ef272d35488be2ff61a20a772273.jpeg

[antonio]

No fancy bling - looks the business.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/0/e/0e665355badc3644a88d7500ea81a4962f8f14f7.jpeg

New mat

[Idlewithnodrive]

and as we are now -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/5/0/50ce83dc256311d435898474b8167baca279133a.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Latest addition -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/2/6/2688e4424b3d31c53bb429ebdbd0ebc169fe3387.jpeg

[oldius]

Latest addition -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/2/6/2688e4424b3d31c53bb429ebdbd0ebc169fe3387.jpegEnjoy . I bloody love mine.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

Enjoy. I bloody love mine.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Cracking phono stage on it Geoff !

[oldius]

Cracking phono stage on it Geoff !Yes there is!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[oldius]

You have it set on reverse polarity I think. Have a look at the mode dial and it'll sound even better!

I don't know whether you know but the phono stage automatically adjusts the gain required for each MC cartridge.

[Idlewithnodrive]

You have it set on reverse polarity I think. Have a look at the mode dial and it'll sound even better!

I don't know whether you know but the phono stage automatically adjusts the gain required for each MC cartridge.

I figured out the reverse polarity Geoff and you were right !

No, I didn't know that the MC stage auto adjusted, but it would explain a lot. Well impressed.

[oldius]

Bloody built to last but have a good look at the forty year old caps. The other interesting point is that the headphone amp is a stormer.

https://audio-database.com/DENON-COLUMBIA/amp/pma-850-e.html


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

Update, after a fair few speakers. These

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166817589323&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1068&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2F7%2Fd%2F7df34201 fa8c9ff1066ed170f998ab18b4c2473f.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

then these

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166836789027&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1069&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2F6%2Ff%2F6f772300 e55f12f18a6ad29528997129770e2997.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

finally (and extremely happily) settling on these -

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166850545433&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1070&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2F7%2F0%2F70b0734a c2d00c4be29fe653d6de724f486b89a0.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166855346434&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1070&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2Fb%2F6%2Fb63c85a4 b6725ee96004889f6b651d4a71997a6f.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

[alphaGT]

Update, after a fair few speakers. These

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166817589323&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1068&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2F7%2Fd%2F7df34201 fa8c9ff1066ed170f998ab18b4c2473f.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

then these

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166836789027&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1069&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2F6%2Ff%2F6f772300 e55f12f18a6ad29528997129770e2997.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

finally (and extremely happily) settling on these -

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166850545433&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1070&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2F7%2F0%2F70b0734a c2d00c4be29fe653d6de724f486b89a0.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_156166855346434&key=8ace3fc8b4830d32ead5520650c6ce6e&libId=jxf4uh8701000ad7000MApvhu31zk&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Ftopic%2 F133145-whats-yer-bitsnbobs%2F%3Fpage%3D1070&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Faudioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Foriginal%2F3X%2Fb%2F6%2Fb63c85a4 b6725ee96004889f6b651d4a71997a6f.jpeg&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fhifiwigwam.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2 F8-2-channel%2F&title=What%27s%20yer%20bits%27n%27bobs%20%3F%20-%20Page%201072%20-%202%20Channel%20-%20HiFi%20WigWam&txt=

Those are some handsome speakers! (The last one) And I love the crossovers in the cigar box, that gives me ideas for my own design I’m hoping to build some day soon.

Russell

[Barry]

I bet "Transient Random Noise Bursts With Announcements" sounds good through your system! :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

I bet "Transient Random Noise Bursts With Announcements" sounds good through your system! :)

:lol: You could well be right Baz.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Those are some handsome speakers! (The last one) And I love the crossovers in the cigar box, that gives me ideas for my own design I’m hoping to build some day soon.

Russell

The tweeters are incredible @alphaGT and the cabs are layered ply with the front baffle and rear panel being Corian. Totally inert.

[alphaGT]

The tweeters are incredible @alphaGT and the cabs are layered ply with the front baffle and rear panel being Corian. Totally inert.

Amazing. High tech materials, (does Wilson Audio make their entire cabinets from Corian?) but using it just for the front baffle is a great idea. My design also uses lamination technique, but I’m leaning more toward MDF. Anyway, I’m sure they are as awesome as they look!

Russell

[Idlewithnodrive]

Upgraded the arm

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/7/4/7415fe1e706aca19dc0942023b7519d3422d0de1_2_666x500 .jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Most :D of the TT

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/b/f/bfaed5e9d495b2e4e38280e31c11565785782231.jpeg

[Macca]

Audiomods arm? That's tasty. That's what I was going to get for my SL1200. Dom at NWA reckoned it was the one to go for.

[Bigman80]

Audiomods arm? That's tasty. That's what I was going to get for my SL1200. Dom at NWA reckoned it was the one to go for.He's not wrong. A superb arm and if I did t have the PMAT, I'd have One of these. I love the bling factor but they sound superb.

[Idlewithnodrive]

It is a very synergistic match for the Technics DD Martin and a far bigger step up from the OL Silver II than I expected.

I'm very pleased.

[AlfaGTV]

Most :D of the TT


Lovely! Bet the Audiomods arm sound exquisite! I just changed the arm on my Techy too, have a look in my Gallery-thread! :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

The Audiomods arm was quite a surprise tbh Mike. Really good.

I took a look at your thread; nice bit of work that. How's it sound ?

[Idlewithnodrive]

Been playing with a Pass F5 clone

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/4/e/4e6f76529df2febea1c7b878cb2081a94abbe18f.jpeg

It's huge :eyebrows:

[crimsondonkey]

Very nice amp.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Very nice amp.

I agree Wayne; having had it a while now, I'm really rather impressed by it. A definite keeper.

Reading around, the F5 is supposed to be more detailed, open and nimble than the other PASS Amps, and from what I am hearing, I would agree.

[mad-moon]

"Bit unconventional but sounds good to these ears ................... :)" .....the most important part of your rig...

Looks like a really nice system to me and I'll wager it sounds very fine.....;)

Love the PMA 850 by the way....cracking amp....

[Audio Al]

Is that one of those heavy Technics that can apparently play upside down? Always wanted to hear one.

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

So you can play Australian Albums :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks Alan, it sounds spot on to these ears.

The Denon ? Yes, an amazing thing, absolutely amazing. I never believed the hype, but it has seen off many amps, some costing many times it's price, and now looks like it will be doing the same to my Pass F5.

Madness ! 😀

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/b/d/bd7894fd7c636a74cfdac678c07126519a7905dd.jpeg

New arrival. Bought a few months ago but only just arrived :D

[Idlewithnodrive]

As my set up currently stands. The pre out of the Denon feeds into a Pass F5, out of shot

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/1/c/1c7d52712fb9302bb3ca1a4511ff5265aeb0f95b.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Under the hood shot. Not at all bad, for 40+ years old.

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/4/1/410a25f048bd6519c9a64383e72fae3ee1e650fc.jpeg

[Macca]

Built to last in those days. I've still never heard one.

[Idlewithnodrive]

They certainly were Martin.

Shame you're not nearer, you could have borrowed it.

[oldius]

The Denon PMA-850 has raised many an eyebrow at my bakeoffs, seeing off a lot of high end kit, as it did my own. It is a class act.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[oldius]

Thanks Alan, it sounds spot on to these ears.

The Denon ? Yes, an amazing thing, absolutely amazing. I never believed the hype, but it has seen off many amps, some costing many times it's price, and now looks like it will be doing the same to my Pass F5.

Madness ! [emoji3]It is but I remember reading a review that mocked the over engineering of the power amp stage in the Denon. They were saying there was simply no need for the effort that was made! I laughed at the reviewer rather than the engineering.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

It is but I remember reading a review that mocked the over engineering of the power amp stage in the Denon. They were saying there was simply no need for the effort that was made! I laughed at the reviewer rather than the engineering.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

The thing is, I am equally impressed with the phono stage, MM and, unusually for any sanely priced integrated that I have heard, MC too !

[oldius]

Someone I know uses it as a phono stage only in a high end system. He daren't try it against his amps though!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://i.imgur.com/rRNaP8u.jpg

Absolutely love this combo. SP-10 now sold 😀

[Barry]

If you preferred the G99 combo over the SP10, that is an interesting and significant commendation for the Goldring. :) I assume it is the use of the G99 with the Techno arm that has swayed you.

Over the years I have had a couple of G99s in my system, both fitted with SME 3009s, but good as they were they didn't replace my Thorens 124/IIs.

[walpurgis]

The G99 and G88 are very nice. I've owned both and preferred them to the Garrard 401 I had.

[Idlewithnodrive]

If you preferred the G99 combo over the SP10, that is an interesting and significant commendation for the Goldring. :) I assume it is the use of the G99 with the Techno arm that has swayed you.

Over the years I have had a couple of G99s in my system, both fitted with SME 3009s, but good as they were they didn't replace my Thorens 124/IIs.

I do prefer the G99 combo Baz and it was the Technoarm that swung it. I preferred the SP-10 to the G99 with the OL Silver.

The SP-10 is a superb deck, no doubt, and a total joy to use but the quality of bass and harmonics reproduction / tonality just gave the G99 the edge. The SP-10 speed stability, timing, frequency even handedness (transparency) are legendary and quite rightly so but, the G99 is a bit more foot tapping and emotionally involving. Yes, it is a touch coloured / mid forward but it seems to bring the music alive.

I also prefer the G99 to the 401 I had. At about half the price of the 401 and less than that of the SP-10, the G99 is something of a bargain.

[hornucopia]

....anyone owned a Rock? (I seem to recall Messieur Montesquieu having a De luxe one?) I always loved the engineered concept of anchoring the front end -of the arm.
Preferred it to a Linn.

[Idlewithnodrive]

....anyone owned a Rock? (I seem to recall Messieur Montesquieu having a De luxe one?) I always loved the engineered concept of anchoring the front end -of the arm.
Preferred it to a Linn.

Never owned one but always liked them when I've heard them.

[shaman]

Glad you are enjoying the G99 Mike.
How do you think the L75's compare once they are in decent plinths?
Do you have a preference when it comes to the G.99 and G.88?
Here's a few pics of my remaining Lenco's https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/d2530e7f8525657f9a8b1adc874da663.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/253f17dbce7100c7cb98400ab18c75bd.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/1daf5dd8d881e5e37ee35d98d3503fe5.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/4b6e96d23b2ba2276ee424d7def4a1ea.jpg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Barry]

I do prefer the G99 combo Baz and it was the Technoarm that swung it. I preferred the SP-10 to the G99 with the OL Silver.

The SP-10 is a superb deck, no doubt, and a total joy to use but the quality of bass and harmonics reproduction / tonality just gave the G99 the edge. The SP-10 speed stability, timing, frequency even handedness (transparency) are legendary and quite rightly so but, the G99 is a bit more foot tapping and emotionally involving. Yes, it is a touch coloured / mid forward but it seems to bring the music alive.

I also prefer the G99 to the 401 I had. At about half the price of the 401 and less than that of the SP-10, the G99 is something of a bargain.

I do wonder if that is a general characteristic of idler designs - a sense of 'drive' and purpose: the closest I get to understanding what "PRaT" is all about.

Well done on finding your ideal arm/deck combination. :)

[walpurgis]

I should mention that my current Toshiba SR-370 is every bit as involving as my G99 was. It's a turntable that gets overlooked by many.

https://i.imgur.com/J6nxVFI.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Nice looking TT's.

Yes, pleased to say that I really like the G99. Oddly, I prefer it without the Tenuto, using just a rubber mat and Achromat. I thought the Tenuto on the SP-10 made a significant difference.

I've had GL75's in heavy slate, heavy wood and composite plinths and never got one to sound 'right', good, but always a little unrefined.

I've never owned a G88, so can't comment.

[Barry]

I should mention that my current Toshiba SR-370 is every bit as involving as my G99 was. It's a turntable that gets overlooked by many.

https://i.imgur.com/J6nxVFI.jpg

Nice combination Geoff. Is that a ZYX cartridge in use?

[walpurgis]

Nice combination Geoff. Is that a ZYX cartridge in use?

Yes Barry. An R100.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I should mention that my current Toshiba SR-370 is every bit as involving as my G99 was. It's a turntable that gets overlooked by many.

https://i.imgur.com/J6nxVFI.jpg

I did spend a fair bit of time looking for a nice condition SR-370 but gave up in the end.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I should mention that my current Toshiba SR-370 is every bit as involving as my G99 was. It's a turntable that gets overlooked by many.

https://i.imgur.com/J6nxVFI.jpg

I did spend a fair bit of time looking for a nice condition SR-370 but gave up in the end.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/9/5/95cf4f39158efbcba81b981c0cc6df2fda89e350.jpeg

......... and, Stop !

[Lawrence001]

What happened to the TVC?

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

What happened to the TVC?

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

Still have it Lawrence

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PpVf6kzVqpNx8bJk9

[Idlewithnodrive]

Had a wee fettle and sounding really nice :)

https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2019_11/IMG_20191123_205336_6.jpg.ffa14b9804c967e503932b27 24eca8f9.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

New DAC

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNgAcXuGiSfp9rtQvm8r9yU2Aa1sop3AzV_Kob6I2SQ_j 9b28WGCrQu55vx7DtUHw?key=M3BJcWt4ZWkzVXVDekkwQ1FMN 3l1VXJkUmVjOURB

[struth]

Had a wee fettle and sounding really nice :)

https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2019_11/IMG_20191123_205336_6.jpg.ffa14b9804c967e503932b27 24eca8f9.jpgFab pic that. One of best I've seen

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks Grant

[Barry]

What is the 10" LP?

I have a few - and they are a bit of a bugger to find when filed along with 12" LPs. Owing to their reduced size, they slip to the back of the rack.


Good photo by the way. I have had a G99 in my system on a couple of occasions.

[Idlewithnodrive]

What is the 10" LP?

I have a few - and they are a bit of a bugger to find when filed along with 12" LPs. Owing to their reduced size, they slip to the back of the rack.


Good photo by the way. I have had a G99 in my system on a couple of occasions.

The 10" is Luxor Necropolitics by Vatican Shadow Baz. I have a few 10" s and yes, they can be a pain.

Thanks on the photo.

[hornucopia]

as in, 'I've got a touch of the luxor necropolitics-doesn't half itch"?


I thought I had a wide range of music......tip the hat in admiration.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I thought I had a wide range of music......tip the hat in admiration.

Thanks. I listen to most genres, bar Classical, Opera and Choral / Chamber and yes, I guess my collection would be classified as broad / obscure / esoteric by some :lol:

[Idlewithnodrive]

My trusty old TT -

https://i.imgur.com/K6pIr5d.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

and in situ -

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/7/e/7eaaf102052849137eb8f91fba92b09b1ad37878.jpeg

sort of organised chaos :cool:

[hornucopia]

Thanks. I listen to most genres, bar Classical, Opera and Choral / Chamber and yes, I guess my collection would be classified as broad / obscure / esoteric by some :lol:
Didn't Spike Milligan say he liked radio 3, except the singing? I'd add strings (not guitar ones!) to that.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Diving back into the whacky world of valves for a bit ��

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/8/5/85f2a29153db10fa8a085b6b5f95c0b3180a28bf.jpeg

Under the hood

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/a/5/a5ba51ecbc62da833f2f2c10e721de7ea5b55f2b.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

And as we are now

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/232010/5654420/IMG_20201217_164007_0.jpg

It isn't as cramped as it looks.

Edit: See layout pic a couple of posts up.

[Frazeur1]

That Copland sure is a thing of beauty. Always did like the looks, and sound of them! Enjoy!

[Lawrence001]

Just out of interest what happened to the TVC you bought off me near the start of this thread? Always wanted to try it again sometime..

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

It's still here Lawrence, and surplus to requirements, if you are still interested :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

All change, yet again :rolleyes:

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/232010/5789646/PXL_20210227_142039354.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/232010/6061686/PXL_20210402_122152567.PANO~2.jpg

Gives a bit better flavour of the room

[Puffin]

How far do you sit from the system? I used to have a nearfield listening position dictated by the dimensions of the room at the time. I was prob 4ft from the speakers. I liked the amount of detail that could be heard.

[Idlewithnodrive]

How far do you sit from the system? I used to have a nearfield listening position dictated by the dimensions of the room at the time. I was prob 4ft from the speakers. I liked the amount of detail that could be heard.

I sit just over 6ft from the speakers and the speakers are 7 1/2 feet apart.

Great sound.

[Puffin]

I sit just over 6ft from the speakers and the speakers are 7 1/2 feet apart.

Great sound.

That's about the same for me now.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Arrived today

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/4/8/488801ee9d4d015e3a5ad8b51ca3716358a4ef72.jpeg

Step down arrives tomorrow

[Macca]

I love the look of those Denons.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Me too. I hope it sounds as good as it looks.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Up and running perfectly. Well pleased ��

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/b/6/b682949d0eb3a1614ede729cc247c12ea386f99e.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Upgrade

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/1/8/18f338586c56746d20920c0997a37bd02496e4af.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

Latest incarnation

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/232010/6326170/PXL_20210615_181759302.NIGHT.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://imgur.com/a/nlXHk9U

[Idlewithnodrive]

Today, my stereo mainly are -

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2021_07/871925283_PXL_20210703_1617420622.jpg.be1a2de4f18c ac14b78486c0b6e8af15.jpg

[walpurgis]

What speakers are those Mike and do they use ribbon tweeters?

[Idlewithnodrive]

What speakers are those Mike and do they use ribbon tweeters?

They're Transmission Audio M,1i's Geoff and, yes, they use
5 element openn dipole ribbons.

They're designed by the same guy who did the Mark Levinson Red Rose speakers.

[walpurgis]

They're designed by the same guy who did the Mark Levinson Red Rose speakers.

I recall those. Don't think I ever saw any in the flesh though.

[Lawrence001]

I remember being tempted when they were listed on here/another forum. I think I remember you grabbing them.

[Light Capture]

Wonderful stereo system! Enjoy hours of listening pleasure.

[Idlewithnodrive]

New to me Clearlight rack

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/232010/6441126/PXL_20210819_174404301.MP.jpg

[Macca]

what era is that A21 from? Never seen one like that before, that's quite tasty.

[Idlewithnodrive]

It's the A21aL, Ithink it's about 2005 Martin. The last of the sweetest sounding Suggies, imo. Glorious midband, yet still relatively fast and detailed.

[Marco]

It's the best sounding one, trust me!:)

Early 2000s, I think... What followed it was notably sonically superior, although of course that's not what Sugden said;)

Marco.

[Marco]

I think it's about 2005 Martin. The last of the sweetest sounding Suggies, imo. Glorious midband, yet still relatively fast and detailed.

Ah, you beat me to it, lol! Yes, and you're right, Mike.

If you haven't done so already, and are curious, try and get to listen to a pair of Harbeth Compact 7-ES3s with your Suggie (on Something Solid stands). Trust me, it's a match made in heaven!:)

Marco.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Harbeths have always sounded a bit pedestrian to me Marco.
I did try a pair of ProAc SC1's briefly but ultimately preferred my M1i's.

[Macca]

It's the A21aL, Ithink it's about 2005 Martin. The last of the sweetest sounding Suggies, imo. Glorious midband, yet still relatively fast and detailed.

From the styling I'd gave guessed 1980s. I always wanted to get one but the price of them kept going up faster than my income did.

[Marco]

Harbeths have always sounded a bit pedestrian to me Marco.
I did try a pair of ProAc SC1's briefly but ultimately preferred my M1i's.

In general, I agree. However, there was a really nice synergy between both when I heard it - very detailed, expansive and musical sound:)

Much like your Suggie's the best of those made by the company, I'd also argue that the Compact 7s come into a similar category with Harbeth.

Yeah, not surprised that the Prozacs put you to sleep!:zzz::D

Marco.

[Idlewithnodrive]

From the styling I'd gave guessed 1980s. I always wanted to get one but the price of them kept going up faster than my income did.

I hear what you're saying, but for good reason. They really do sound fabulous, Sugden still support them, at very reasonable cost and they've seen off amps costing 3 and 4 times as much, in my system.

Hi-fi ? Not really. Musically engaging ? Hell yeah ! In spades.

[Idlewithnodrive]

New, to me, cans

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/6/b/6bcacf4957bcd518742af5e44a4640564ab76f72.jpeg

[Barry]

From the styling I'd gave guessed 1980s. I always wanted to get one but the price of them kept going up faster than my income did.

My first solid state amplifier was a copy of the original A21 (I knew someone who knew Jim Sugden, and was able to get me all the parts and boards 'at cost') fed by a Sugden C51 control unit (pre-amp). Later upgraded the A21 to that of the A51 (25w/channel) to drive the Quad 57 ESLs.

[Idlewithnodrive]

My TT

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2021_09/PXL_20210925_172257855.NIGHT.jpg.c27dd7944213cee1d 524f9d2f054fde7.jpg

[walpurgis]

Nice! :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks Geoff

[hornucopia]

I've used Wharfedale Isodynamic headphones for last 10-15 years, after having them stored away for much longer (bought circa 1973).
I had a 'eureka' moment; in the 90s i owned Audio-Technica ATH 1000 headphones, but digging out the Isos showed me much better sound!
They just need more watts - I run them from speaker outlets.
I've often wondered how they compare to more modern planars. Jerry (Jandl)got a pair in his hi-fi travels and tells me the Isos are better than several phones he's tried.
I've had the pads recovered by a Leatherworking friend.
The Oppos interest me-well, so do the Meze Elites, but....£4K?
I'll have to find a local Oppo owner.....and compare.29778

[Idlewithnodrive]

I'm happy to send them to you, if you want to give them a try for a bit.

[Qwin]

From the styling I'd gave guessed 1980s. I always wanted to get one but the price of them kept going up faster than my income did.

I had one of those Sugdens Martin, nice sounding amp, but boy do those heat sinks get hot.

This thread has opened my eyes to all things Lenco, they seem to have sneaked past me un noticed in the past.

I feel a project coming on.

[Macca]

I had one of those Sugdens Martin, nice sounding amp, but boy do those heat sinks get hot.

This thread has opened my eyes to all things Lenco, they seem to have sneaked past me un noticed in the past.

I feel a project coming on.

I remember you brought it along to one of the NEBOs. When I got there you had it through some Tannoys and were getting a good sound and then we couldn't get a decent sound out of them for the rest of the day. We never figured that out.

[Qwin]

I remember you brought it along to one of the NEBOs. When I got there you had it through some Tannoys and were getting a good sound and then we couldn't get a decent sound out of them for the rest of the day. We never figured that out.

That's right, well remembered.
I had a similar issue at another meeting when one of my Nord amps sounded strange, muffled, in both cases got them home and they sounded fine. :scratch:

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/1/0/100f8953727e4aaf3f9daf05e8f40977435dca19.jpeg

Taken with my phone with just the ambient light through the skylight window.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Bit of an update -

Phttps://imgur.com/a/Ux565Y7

[Idlewithnodrive]

Bit of an update -

https://imgur.com/a/Ux565Y7

I cannot get an image to post ��

[Firebottle]

Here you go, image is a bit big though.

http://i.imgur.com/Of0hX0D.jpeg

[AJSki2fly]

Oh yes -

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/9/a/9a255efb71d684a999e5bcbf5dcd52cbea459534.jpg

http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/e/8/e87a3f63c2ed0aee1f6f88b0697c3c5720089305.jpg

Looks good Mike, lots of knob to twiddle still:D. What’s the parallel tracker TT, I go to recognise it? What speakers are on the end of it all?

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks Alan.

It's a Technics SL-7 Adrian. I still have 2 of them and a Technics SL-10.

The speakers are Transmission Audio M1i's. They are a bit unusual, using dipole quad-ribbon tweeters with aperiodically damped Aluminium 5" woofers.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/attachments/1698420740163-png.149005/

Sorry, still don't seem able to link from another site ..... durrr !!!

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/attachments/1698420740163-png.149005/

[Idlewithnodrive]

New set of clothes for the old girl :thumbsup:

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/2/2/22311ed3a3898f8d42d5ce9e046ebfac8cd60db2_2_666x500 .jpeg

[struth]

looks nice

[Idlewithnodrive]

Thanks Grant, I'm pleased with it.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/8975813/1000018075.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9025382/1000018961.jpg

My late 80's "Vintage" system into a pair of refurbished JPW AP3's. Magical.

[Lawrence001]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9025382/1000018961.jpg

My late 80's "Vintage" system into a pair of refurbished JPW AP3's. Magical.That ifi unit proves that time travel is possible [emoji23]

Sent from my PCT-L29 using Tapatalk

[Pigmy Pony]

That ifi unit proves that time travel is possible [emoji23]

Sent from my PCT-L29 using Tapatalk

A mate of mine had an Audio Innovations amp similar to that in the 90s, it was shiny chrome iirc.

[Idlewithnodrive]

New arrival

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/4/a/4ab8c717272844ba8ff1350cf0887780fe827363.jpeg

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995%2F9024197%2Fmceclip0.jpg

[vinylspinner]

Nice collection of turntables, do you still have the DP80?

[Idlewithnodrive]

Nice collection of turntables, do you still have the DP80?

Thanks Nigel. I do indeed, and 5 others �� :/

Illness ? What illness ?

Seriously, though I am going to thin them out, as I'm running out of space.

[Barry]

5 turntables! :eek: I thought I was a bit mad in having 4 of them, worse still 3 of them are the same model. :doh:

[Ali Tait]

As my T shirt says, "It's not hoarding if it's vinyl" :-)

[Idlewithnodrive]

5 turntables! :eek: I thought I was a bit mad in having 4 of them, worse still 3 of them are the same model. :doh:

I actually have the 3 plus 5 others Baz

[Macca]

lol

[Pigmy Pony]

5 turntables! :eek: I thought I was a bit mad in having 4 of them, worse still 3 of them are the same model. :doh:

What is it they say about the definition of madness? :ner:

[Macca]

Multiple redundancy - how's that thing go? 'Three is two, two is one, and one is none.'

Or something like that.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Multiple redundancy - how's that thing go? 'Three is two, two is one, and one is none.'

Or something like that.

In my case, multiple lunacy :lol:

[Barry]

What is it they say about the definition of madness? :ner:

Well in the case of the three turntables, they are no longer made but are still sought after. A typical price is around three grand. I paid less than a tenth of that for mine. They allow me try out different arms and cartridges.

The fourth turntable has an integral arm and equalisation amplifier. Again it is no longer made, and again sought after by enthusiasts. Samples in good condition now go for around seven grand; I paid about a tenth of that for mine.

Both makes are professional items used in broadcast studios.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Well in the case of the three turntables, they are no longer made but are still sought after. A typical price is around three grand. I paid less than a tenth of that for mine. They allow me try out different arms and cartridges.

The fourth turntable has an integral arm and equalisation amplifier. Again it is no longer made, and again sought after by enthusiasts. Samples in good condition now go for around seven grand; I paid about a tenth of that for mine.

Both makes are professional items used in broadcast studios.

Looking at your profile you are obviously an EMT (nice TT's) fan but, if you don't mind me asking, how on earth did you get them all at 10% of value ? Asking for a friend, like.

[Barry]

I bought them a long time ago; between twenty and fifty years.
The EMT was a bit of a "bucket list" item, and in retrospect I probably wouldn't buy one now - but it was a snap decision.

[Macca]

All my equipment was bought on snap decisions. And my house. If there's another way to do it I don't want to know about it.

[Idlewithnodrive]

My late 80's / early 90's rig -

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9036500/1000019224.jpg

All of the components are pretty much minty, so I've been extremely lucky to find them.

I know it's a looong way from being optimally set up, but it sounds very good and, boy, does it boogie :dance: :dance:

[Pigmy Pony]

My late 80's / early 90's rig -

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9036500/1000019224.jpg

All of the components are pretty much minty, so I've been extremely lucky to find them.

I know it's a looong way from being optimally set up, but it sounds very good and, boy, does it boogie :dance: :dance:

Is that a bass trap next to your turntable? I saw a few of them for sale at Carpetright last week, but they were all 4 metres tall :)

[Barry]

Looks like a rolled up off-cut of a corridor carpet runner.

[rigger67]

You never see the bigger box JPWs these days, do you ??
I had a pair of P1s and loved them - stupidly "upgraded" at some point in my early 20s - and I've only seen a pair of AP1 (??) since, which was at HiFiHangar probably ten years ago now.
Apparently the rubber perished on most of the bass units so I guess they got binned by anyone who owned them.

Shame, because the sound really was good.

See loads of the mini monitor jobbies, usually for £20 or so. Ideal for a kitchen set-up.

[Idlewithnodrive]

You never see the bigger box JPWs these days, do you ??
I had a pair of P1s and loved them - stupidly "upgraded" at some point in my early 20s - and I've only seen a pair of AP1 (??) since, which was at HiFiHangar probably ten years ago now.
Apparently the rubber perished on most of the bass units so I guess they got binned by anyone who owned them.

Shame, because the sound really was good.

See loads of the mini monitor jobbies, usually for £20 or so. Ideal for a kitchen set-up.

No, you don't Paul. These are the AP3's and they were completely refurbed by Anapeach, nearly 2 years ago. Their sound really amazed me; that soundstage is one of the best I have heard, regardless of price.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196749200472?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jMgGQuwVRiy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=XzadQ_2iR5C&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Stone cold bargain.

[narabdela]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196749200472?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jMgGQuwVRiy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=XzadQ_2iR5C&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Stone cold bargain.

"They have been reformed"? What does that mean? :scratch:

[Pigmy Pony]

"They have been reformed"? What does that mean? :scratch:

They split up years ago to pursue mono careers. But it didn't work out, so now they're back together to be sold as a pair :)

[Alex_UK]

They split up years ago to pursue mono careers. But it didn't work out, so now they're back together to be sold as a pair :)

:lol:

[Macca]

They split up years ago to pursue mono careers. But it didn't work out, so now they're back together to be sold as a pair :)

I assumed they'd spent a couple of years in a Borstal.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9066288/20241111_191217.jpg

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9066289/20241111_191027.jpg

A surprisingly capable and super enjoyable little system through the AP3's.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/3/3/33434e161068d98aea637a3906580f14922ee4dd.jpeg

System 2 done now. The AI300 MkI is a bucket list amp for me.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Blimey difficult to keep to track of all your gear!

[Idlewithnodrive]

Blimey difficult to keep to track of all your gear!

Famous last words I know, but I think I'm done now. Very happy with both systems.

[andyrlb]

Sounds good to me …
Proper dual mono ( 2 x power cables )
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241126/bf19388ac7c86040e13d46f8d5170190.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241126/4ccf9630a301a4eb898d3815d7265008.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241126/7593ce2a26b9971a87cc7bc99e26a408.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241126/455cdb30039360fe245ae403cc5b40ee.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Firebottle]

Is that the only heatsinking on the output transistors, I bet they get toasty!
Never seen anti vibration measures applied to those type of heatsinks before.

What is the output power, do you know?

[andyrlb]

Is that the only heatsinking on the output transistors, I bet they get toasty!
Never seen anti vibration measures applied to those type of heatsinks before.

What is the output power, do you know?

Hi Alan ,
No idea and no idea [emoji2369]

It’s lasted this long though [emoji16]
I’ve emailed RA today .
Dc offset is a little higher in the left channel but sounds good .
I don’t think it’s a powerhouse though


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Puffin]

Seen your post on DIYaudio. Someone there might have some info. RA's mantra is rubbish in rubbish out, hence the mains conditioners he pushes and lookingat the innards with all those caps it should be a smooooth as butter.

[andyrlb]

I’ve currently got it hooked up to my imf super compacts and does sound rather good .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andyrlb]

I’ve now got this in the main system and hooked up to the IMF tls80 II’s , sounds fantastic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9102714/1000020354.jpg

[Puffin]

With all that special wire in it it should have a lovely Kimbre.....(did you see what I did there:lol:)

The caps are marked RATA from the early days when it was Russ Andrews Turntable Accessories.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Oops !

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995%2F9137737%2Fmceclip0.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9139572/1000021137.jpg

Main system TT.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9139579/1000018075.jpg

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9139588/1000009900.jpg

All still here, for all my sins.

[Macca]

All outstanding decks.

[Idlewithnodrive]

All outstanding decks.

Thank you.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995%2F9215402%2Fmceclip0.jpg

Hasn't been in the main system for quite a while, so I guess it's it's turn on the rack. I still think this is better than the Sony, so, decision made.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/5/8/58628e51fd22d8fad1bb00b880e3ec6230d496df.jpeg

Certainly not new to me, but the first time back n my system for a few years.

See, I do get digital :lol:

[Alex_UK]

Some great kit there. [emoji846]

[Idlewithnodrive]

Some great kit there. [emoji846]

Cheers Alex. I must be compensating for something :lol:

[Alex_UK]

Aren’t we all! :lol:

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/7/4/7416ec6cd75f08514eca7edaf166456af009ef79.jpeg

New to me Rega Aria phono.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9299859/20250430_203320.jpg

2nd system, as it currently stands. Incredibly musical.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995%2F9461114%2Fmceclip0.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/b/c/bc589379df21dd51a3fa3df161c18fba95e7ab69.jpeg

[Wakefield Turntables]

Blimey that's a big step up. I suppose you'll have to change your name from IDLEWITHNODRIVE to IDLEWITHDIRECTDRIVE. :eek:

[Barry]

Agreed - it's a superb direct drive TT. It's the only one I would consider buying.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Blimey that's a big step up. I suppose you'll have to change your name from IDLEWITHNODRIVE to IDLEWITHDIRECTDRIVE. :eek:

It's not really a step up, as I also have a Denon DP-80 and a Sony TTS-8000, both of which are pretty much as good but in slightly different ways.

[Wakefield Turntables]

It's not really a step up, as I also have a Denon DP-80 and a Sony TTS-8000, both of which are pretty much as good but in slightly different ways.

I'm in a similar position in that I have several TT's and use them for different musical presentations. I've one for Jazz / MONO duties, another for heavy metal/Prog and another for general charity shop finds. They are do a good job but just differently.

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9581868/20251124_180421.jpg

I can't remember if I've introduced my venerable Nak tape deck previously. Anyway, here it is :)

[Barry]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9581868/20251124_180421.jpg

I can't remember if I've introduced my venerable Nak tape deck previously. Anyway, here it is :)

Beautiful, just beautiful :) - I'm afraid both my Naks are boring-looking black boxes. :(

[Wakefield Turntables]

Nice piece of kit.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Beautiful, just beautiful :) - I'm afraid both my Naks are boring-looking black boxes. :(

Thanks, I love it's retro-futuristic vibe. I also have a "boring black box" one.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Nice piece of kit.

Thanks. Probably the nicest sounding 2 head deck I have heard and certainly that I have owned.

[Macca]

Very collectable now and I think will remain so.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Very collectable now and I think will remain so.

More importantly, sounds fab !

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9594778/20251204_210853.jpg

2nd system

[Idlewithnodrive]

https://d28lcup14p4e72.cloudfront.net/281995/9609946/20251218_180903.jpg

Absolutely loving this little bit of kit.

[Barry]

is it replacing your valve amp?

[Jimbo]

I use some Wiim equipment and it is astonishingly good value and seems to over achieve.

[Idlewithnodrive]

is it replacing your valve amp?

I think it probably is.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I use some Wiim equipment and it is astonishingly good value and seems to over achieve.

It's really incredible for the money and the functionality and ease of use is unbelievable.

[Barry]

How will you play your LPs or cassettes through it? Do you have an ADC for the purpose?

[Idlewithnodrive]

How will you play your LPs or cassettes through it? Do you have an ADC for the purpose?

I have a Rega Aria Mk2 phono for the LP's and I can simply swap the tape deck into the analogue input on the rare occasions I want to play cassettes.

[Barry]

I have a Rega Aria Mk2 phono for the LP's and I can simply swap the tape deck into the analogue input on the rare occasions I want to play cassettes.

I understand that, but how will you connect the Aria, which is all analogue with analogue output to the WiiM, which is all digital with digital only input connections? Clearly I'm missing something here.

[Pigmy Pony]

If it's the model I think it is, it has one pair of RCA inputs so you can connect an analogue device. And my understanding is that it is Class D, not "digital".

And the rear is probably like this:

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZWeR4L3xzWckUtVm5Qjzu8-970-80.jpg.webp

[Barry]

Ah - that makes sense. Thanks.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I understand that, but how will you connect the Aria, which is all analogue with analogue output to the WiiM, which is all digital with digital only input connections? Clearly I'm missing something here.

I thought that's what I had said "into the analogue input" :)

[Idlewithnodrive]

If it's the model I think it is, it has one pair of RCA inputs so you can connect an analogue device. And my understanding is that it is Class D, not "digital".

And the rear is probably like this:

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZWeR4L3xzWckUtVm5Qjzu8-970-80.jpg.webp

Yep, exactly that.

[Pigmy Pony]

With the HDMI ARC and sub out sockets, I reckon a pretty good 2.1 set up for your telly would be easy to put together.

[Barry]

With the HDMI ARC and sub out sockets, I reckon a pretty good 2.1 set up for your telly would be easy to put together.

That is what I was thinking. At the moment I have a relatively complicated setup for "2.0" from my TV. I'm using Bowers and Wilkins DM2a speakers, so no need for the "0.1" ( :lol: ). The WiiM could replace the Quad 520 amplifier I currently use, and make for a neater setup.