hello everyone

[tannoy man]

Hi, im new to forums like this and a bit of a luddite so computers are still a bit of a mystery so here is my introduction.

My name is Paul and im from Cardiff in Wales. Got my first hi fi in the mid 70s aged 14 and have been spending money ever since [ Pioneer pl 115d, Shure m75 ed, Rotel ra 313 and Wharfdale Linton 3xp.] absolute bliss, I still remember the first record I played on it, Let Me Roll It by wings. but I was reading hi fi mags and we all know what follows, upgrades or moving like a crab sideways as I now think of it.

Remember any of these JVC JAS 11g, Sansui SR 222, Nad 3020 all good but not huge steps forward. at 18 or 19 it had all changed Denon DP 2500, ADC ALT arm, Ortofon VMS 30, Nad 3020 as pre, Sugden p51 power, Mission 770 mk 2.

Many, many changes later here I am Thorens TD 124 mk 2, Jelco 750 d , Denon DL 103, Sony XA 20 es transport, DPA Enlightenment DAC, Nad phono stage, QED Vectaur pre, Leak Stereo 20, Radford sta 25 series 3 and Tannoy Arden mk one all powered from an Isotek Substation.

Next change is Icon Audio LA4 pre then step up transformers then phono stage and Ortofon SPU, so as you can see I may have some questions for you lovley people, thanks and bye for now

[Barry]

Phew!
First of all 'tannoy man' welcome to AoS.


Thanks for describing your system, but may I please request that:

(1) You learn to use the shift key on your keyboard so that you use capital letters where necessary; your post was difficult to read,

(2) What is your real name - we like to use first names here on AoS; it makes for a more friendly forum,

(3) Where are you from - we don't want to know your exact address, just roughly where you live (country, state or county will do),

(4) Tell us your tastes in music. Don't be shy, we listen to anything and everything here.

Apropos the equipment you use: Thorens 124/II; Jelco 750D; Denon DL103; the Leak Stereo 20; the Radford STA25/III and Tannoy speakers - 'tannoy man' you are in very good company here.

Your interest in the Ortofon SPU is prescient; we have a founder member who has just discovered the joys of this cartridge and is going through the process of optimising conditions for its use. I'm sure he will be along soon to welcome you himself.

Feel free to ask all the questions you want - we all learn from one another.

Regards

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Paul

Welcome to AOS.

We were all new to the joys of forums and computer use once so take your time and if you need any help please ask....we are always happy to help.

Hope you don't mind but I have reworked your post to make it easier to read.

What kind of music do you like ?


Regards D S D L

[Techno Commander]

Hi Paul, the Ardens are stunning speakers. :):)

[Barry]

Hello Paul,

Sorry I didn't spot your name, nor your location. My apologies - blame it on the difficulty I had in reading your initial post.

Again welcome to AoS.

Regards

[Alex_UK]

Welcome Paul, nice introduction (thanks to Neil for tidying it up) - great system, and yes - we would love to hear what sort of music you play on it. Enjoy AoS.

[DSJR]

Ah, Someone with 'Ard-Ons.... :lol:

Unless appearances are important, may I suggest a Croft preamp, preferably the "R" version? His pre's are really good and sound better than most out there - the economy casing only adds to the charm IMO..

I used to sell most of the stuff you list from the mid 70's. the JAS11G wasn't as good as the previous JAS310, but we still sold loads of 'em at the time.

[Marco]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to AOS! :)

You and I have a few things in common in terms of the type of gear we like. I'm also a big fan of Tannoy DCs, particularly the larger vintage varieties, and use 15" Monitor Golds (with upgraded crossovers) in 300-litre Lockwood cabinets.

I also am a huge fan of the SPU, and have just bought a Classic GM MKII, which although only an 'entry level' SPU, is still one of the most musical sounding cartridges I've ever heard. I also like your taste in valve amps!

As you will see from my signature, I also use a Jelco SA-750 and (sometimes) a DL-103.

Regarding your phono stage situation, along with Dave, I'd also recommend you try one of Glenn Croft's preamps, as their built-in valve phono stages are quite superb and difficult to beat at almost any price.

If you get one of those and an A23 (SPU) SUT, which is stunningly good with the SPU, you'll have a very good vinyl set-up indeed, as the Jelco simply loves the SPU, which is virtually identical to Ortofon's own tonearm, the TA-100 (as Jelco make it for them), and specifically designed for the SPU.

Anyway, get stuck into the various discussions as soon as you can, as I think you'll enjoy it here :cool:

Marco.

[tannoy man]

Hi guys thanks for your veiws, I had a Croft Vitalle pre and its output overloaded the leak and I did not have any range on the volume controls, it would have suited quads.
The Icon audio has hi and low outputs im told like my old Elite 600 c.
Any thoughts on this would be welcome. thanks.

[quadsugdenman]

Hi Paul,
I use both Icon Audio LA4 and a highly modified Croft SMA as preamps into a Croft Series 7 power amp. The Icon Audio is much smoother than the Croft at present with both very hard to separate for detail and depth. However I am about to have the Croft modified by GC with an outboard power supply and better transformer.
The Icon Audio has two outputs as you quite rightly identified. Output 1 has a maximum of 30 volts while Output 2 has a maximum of 5 volts. Obviously the lower output (Out 2)should help with your overload problem. I can recommend the Icon LA4, despite some of the adverse comments you might encounter, it is a good piece of kit. Yes it is made in China, but to a British design and manufactured to British quality standards.
Speak to David Shaw or Adrian at IA and take you power amps with you to Leicester. As advised, I would also listen to the Croft type R pre amp. However It doesn't have variable outputs if I remember correctly.
I see your from Cardiff, I'm a Swansea 'Jack' but had many good student times at a friends flat in Miskin Street!;)

[hifi_dave]

Hi guys thanks for your veiws, I had a Croft Vitalle pre and its output overloaded the leak and I did not have any range on the volume controls, it would have suited quads.
The Icon audio has hi and low outputs im told like my old Elite 600 c.
Any thoughts on this would be welcome. thanks.

If you need a Croft pre to partner your Leak, this is no problem at all. Just specify this when ordering. You won't look back.

[tannoy man]

Thanks guys all helpful. Is anyone using Bobs devices cine mag transformers they look good. Marco have you tried a ground wire from the Tannoy chassis ? it works for me.
My music tastes are vast and eclectic, latest fave is elvis perkins, kasabians new one is great, Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Dylan. Glam rock, Punk, New wave, Arias, Country I could go on forever.
ps Try the 2046 soundtrack.

[Rare Bird]

Elite 600 c.


Nice i think i still have mine somewhere i know damned well i didnt sell it.. :scratch:.. I know i sold the power amps but not the pre!