Log in

View Full Version : Nostalgia plus



majex45
14-09-2025, 15:55
This is my latest (small) system. It is just on the coffee table at the moment but SWMBO will insist it is tidied up soon.
Input is from a Rega turntable with NADMAT 500 platter. Someone had covered the plinth in Walnut veneer which was peeling off, underneath was the gloss black you can see in the photo.
On this I have put my FrankenSME. I bought this as a box of bits and have finally finished making various bits and generally fettling it until is works reasonably reliably. Cartridge is a Shure M75 ED type II. SME interconnects.
The Amplifier is a Sansui SAP 201V which is 40W per channel and has phono inputs as well as line and DAC in. So a bit later than the rest of the system. I first used a Yamaha amp but I found this a bit boomy, possibly too powerful (85W) for the rest of the system/room, maybe some feedback?
Speaker cable is Bandridge Superflex 1.5.
The Speakers are a 1970s pair of Bowers & Wilkins DM4s. Very similar drivers to the Spendor BC1s. I'm a big fan of B&W having also got a pair of DM1s which I bought in about 1974 and which are still working.
Overall a well balanced system and a joy to listen to.
I've played everything from Led Zep through Vangelis to Bowie so far and I'm enjoying it very much. All from the 70s.
I have a Marantz CD63 MKII SE that I will try if the wife gives me a few days grace.

31605

31606

31607

Barry
14-09-2025, 16:33
Nice outfit Peter.

All of the components are/were well regarded, even though they have been superceded by later models.

I have a couple of 3000 series SME arms and a pair of B&W DM2A speakers, so I can admire and appreciate your system.

Macca
14-09-2025, 17:24
Some classic kit there.

Chas B
14-09-2025, 17:54
Very nice! I particularly like your SME tonearm resto.

majex45
15-09-2025, 20:03
Thanks everyone for your generous comments. The one thing I am still looking for is the arm lift clip for the arm tube, my home aluminium made one is a bit ecentric and the arm moves outwards as the lift lowers.
Dire Straits at the moment. I'm liking this more each time I use it.

majex45
25-09-2025, 18:56
I have now made a cover for the turntable. I used some plastic sheet left over from Covid. I think this is polycarbonate (not perspex) and about 9mm thick! It weighs a ton - actually 2.5kg. So I am not using hinges as I think the turntable would topple over when I open the lid.

31618

Macca
25-09-2025, 19:35
looks like that armoured glass they put round valuable exhibits in museums.

majex45
26-09-2025, 19:57
looks like that armoured glass they put round valuable exhibits in museums.

The amount of effort I've put into this - it is priceless!

majex45
03-10-2025, 16:44
The amount of effort I've put into this - it is priceless!

I think it is the same material used in police riot shields.