My bits and pieces

[hoopsontoast]

I think, much the same as the previous Decware built Decware Zen although different CDP/Pre and Speakers!
Only had it on for 3hrs so far last night and enjoyed it but that was 3hrs from being built.

[jandl100]

Wow - fabulistic :respect:

... but do you really think you can just switch off the boxswapping bug? :scratch: - I reckon it cannot be done! :nono: :lol:

[hoopsontoast]

Who knows, there is a little tube rolling to be done on the input tubes on the Decware and the Doge as well as possibly a sub or more fancy cabinets for the Veravox drivers. Then I need a TT at some point.....

[jandl100]

Aha! - that's more like it. :)


... Then I need a TT at some point.....

Not sure if my old Mitsubishi auto direct drive is still available on the Wam ... that was a kool unit at a low price. :thumbsup:

[howlindawg]

DIY is just as addictive as box swapping Jerry.
A bit harder on the wallet though.

It's like giving up weed and getting hooked on methadone. :eyebrows:

[hoopsontoast]

Yeah I was eyeing it up when you were selling it, then the new seller.
Cant really justify this month, spent far too much last month including a new camera and LOADS of music/dvds!

[jandl100]

DIY is just as addictive as box swapping Jerry

Yep, I'm sure it is!

I was just getting the impression that Rob was "finally getting there".

All true boxswappers know that the destination doesn't exist :nono: it's all about the journey! :D

[hoopsontoast]

Oh I hope this is getting there, I have the 'best of' system at the moment with my favourite speakers (well drivers) with my favourite amp, CDP and the Pre is new.
Its sounding good so far I have to say.
And yes its about the Journey, I have been lucky enough to try some of my 'to-do-list' stuff in the past year or so including the Quad 57, Magnepan MMG, KEF 104/2, Acoustic Energy AE2, Denon PMA-2000AE, Audion Sterling, Restek Challenger as well as re-visiting some old flames like the Sony 770ES/Kord Vulcan and some new kit like the Icon LA3, Doge 8 and of course the original Decware Zen I had.

The only speakers I want to try in the future is the Rega R7 again, just as I thought I never got the best out of them.

I am certainly happy with where I am considering the whole system at the moment is about as much as I paid for just the Maggies before. I will be happy if I can keep it under £1k once I have added a TT and possibly a little sub again like the BK Gemini.

[User211]

What recitifier is in the DECWARE?

If I've got it right, it'll take these, which are rather good but they're about £190 each delivered in the UK. I'd say it might even be worth it, they do seem to be really good in my pre.

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Emission%20Labs/SDC14308_zpsb0034cbc.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Emission%20Labs/SDC14307_zps7eebf59c.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Emission%20Labs/SDC14305_zps5b914704.jpg

EDIT: photo spying reveals Russian OTK 5U3C... might try some looking at the ebay prices:)

[hoopsontoast]

I think there are a variety that will fit but not sure if they need any modifications with the different rectifiers.

[dantheman91]

what you gonna do with that eagle then..

[hoopsontoast]

The Eagle is being kept for a second system, I need to replace a few components in it as it developed a few issues.

[Gordon Steadman]

Wow - fabulistic :respect:

... but do you really think you can just switch off the boxswapping bug? :scratch: - I reckon it cannot be done! :nono: :lol:

Just don't get it in the first place. Its a separate hobby, if its the music you are after, get a system that does the job and sit and enjoy what its supposed to be all about.:scratch:

[dantheman91]

The Eagle is being kept for a second system, I need to replace a few components in it as it developed a few issues.


Hi

Fair..Would of been i pain if i bought it first time then..

Anyway nice looking system

[hoopsontoast]

Just don't get it in the first place. Its a separate hobby, if its the music you are after, get a system that does the job and sit and enjoy what its supposed to be all about.:scratch:

The main reason I have done so much 'box-swapping' is previously I had been in rented houses and moved just about every year so the room was changing every year which meant what worked well in the previous room did not always work well in the new one.
I have been fortunate enough to buy my first place last year so have gone a bit over board in trying stuff that I have always wanted to hear as I know I wont be moving for a good while!
This current system is a 'greatest hits' of stuff I have had and really liked, so there is some sort of method to the madness! :lol:

[jandl100]

Just don't get it in the first place. Its a separate hobby, if its the music you are after, get a system that does the job and sit and enjoy what its supposed to be all about.:scratch:

Yes, you do get it.
-- well, partly. :eyebrows:

You are spot on - it is a separate hobby. Although the two hobbies of music and hifi are mutually supporting.

Why am I only allowed 1 hobby? :(

Anyway -- getting "a system that does the job".
Now that's an interesting view - but not one that I share.
No system or component is perfect - all shed different lights on the music. It's like looking at the same thing from different perspectives and in different lighting and from different distances.
For me, varying the hifi increases my appreciation of the music. :thumbsup: It helps give a more rounded view.

I don't think anyone who has visited Jerry Towers and seen my music collection would doubt my dedication to music. ;)

And boxswapping is good fun, too. :carrot:

[Gordon Steadman]

Anyway -- getting "a system that does the job".
Now that's an interesting view - but not one that I share.
No system or component is perfect - all shed different lights on the music. It's like looking at the same thing from different perspectives and in different lighting and from different distances.
For me, varying the hifi increases my appreciation of the music. :thumbsup: It helps give a more rounded view.


I don't see this at all, if my system sounds exactly like the musical instruments I make, then why would I look elsewhere? One can only assume that the system isn't 'doing the job'. I am no objectivist but I need my hi-fi to tell me what is happening, if its not telling me the truth...............:scratch:.

Perhaps you just haven't found it yet so you'd better keep swapping:eyebrows:

[MartinT]

if my system sounds exactly like the musical instruments I make

Not possible. A very good system can approach tonally the sound of certain instruments (although piano is notoriously difficult, and I would add to that voice) but I know of few which can even attempt the dynamic range of acoustic instruments performed live. Ever heard a sax close up, for instance?

We all strive for the best approach to that perfection within the envelope of budget and our room environment. Most of us make occasional big steps. Jerry makes frequent small steps. Our objectives are the same, it's just different methodology.

[Gordon Steadman]

Not possible. A very good system can approach tonally the sound of certain instruments (although piano is notoriously difficult, and I would add to that voice) but I know of few which can even attempt the dynamic range of acoustic instruments performed live. Ever heard a sax close up, for instance?

We all strive for the best approach to that perfection within the envelope of budget and our room environment. Most of us make occasional big steps. Jerry makes frequent small steps. Our objectives are the same, it's just different methodology.

Well, it seems its an afternoon for disagreeing:lol:

I play piano and classical / bass guitar, repair brass,woodwind and the viol family. Believe me, I am 'intimately' acquainted with the sound of all these instruments. I have heard systems that claim to be able to reproduce enough of the frequency range to reproduce them accurately and have yet to hear one that I a) liked and b) got anywhere close the the fundamental sense of the real thing that I get at home. Just reproducing the noise does not reproduce the music anyway.

I have had the same system for 25 years (just changed the amp but the sound is basically the same just adds a few degrees of bass) as it consistently gives me the same answers and so I can judge the nature of one piece of music against another. If I keep changing the system, I would have to reassess every piece of music I had ever listened to.

I am well aware that we all have different priorities and attitudes to the hobby so there is no one 'correct' answer. However the fundamental fact remains that the idea is to reproduce music and for me, to quote Hoffnung, "I'm not talking about you, I'm talking about me", any spare dosh is better spent on music that constantly making micro adjustments to what is probably a perfectly decent system.

[MartinT]

We may be violently agreeing!

[jandl100]

Congratulations on having found a perfect system, Gordon. :thumbsup:

Please share, I am curious to know what makes a perfect system for you.

[Gordon Steadman]

Congratulations on having found a perfect system, Gordon. :thumbsup:

Please share, I am curious to know what makes a perfect system for you.

Whichever system allows me to forget I am listening to the hi-fi.

[Audioman]

If Gordon's system is perfect for him why change. I am not surprised his 'vintage' kit gets the basic tonality of instruments right given he has components that are well regarded and sought after even today. Some people concentrate on hi-fi things like a little extra bass or sharper/smoother treble but does not necessarily alter the basic way music is reproduced. I'm sure we have all heard high end systems that do 'hi-fi' but fail to reproduce music properly.

If you keep box swapping it only indicates that you are never satisfied with what you have got and have no real idea of the sound you like or how real music performance should sound. I long ago decided to concentrate on building up my music collection (mainly vinyl) with the odd tweak every few years while being aware that the current system could be significantly improved. Due for some major changes soon though but will be building on the strengths of what I have rather than a completely different approach. Chopping and changing can easily amount to the cost of a complete high end system investment every decade or so.

Paul.

[Audio Al]

If you keep box swapping it only indicates that you are never satisfied with what you have got and have no real idea of the sound you like or how real music performance should sound:sofa:

[Gordon Steadman]

:sofa:

:lol::):eyebrows::cool:

[jandl100]

Yeah, sorry. I have to respond to this.


... If you keep box swapping it only indicates that you are never satisfied with what you have got and have no real idea of the sound you like or how real music performance should sound.

Complete and utter bollocks.

Why do some people have to be so judgemental about the preferences of others?

We're all different - why not celebrate that rather than denigrate it?

[Gordon Steadman]

We're all different - why not celebrate that rather than denigrate it?

Absolutely agree. Its just that if they disagree with me, they are wrong.:eyebrows:

[jandl100]

yep.

the trouble is, you really mean that. :rolleyes:

[Gordon Steadman]

yep.

the trouble is, you really mean that. :rolleyes:

How do you know, are you Clare Rayner or something?

[jandl100]

Enough.

Two drongos go onto my Ignore list.

[Oldpinkman]

Gordon -easy tiger. Dont get france thrown out of aos before I even get there. I'm worried enough the uk will leave the eu before i move in. It is very satisfying to have a system you are happy with and feel no need to change. And there's a lot to be said for not looking everywhere if you like what you've got. Because its very wearisome sometimes sitting down to listen to a record and ending up listening to kit instead. This bloody power amp has got me doing that.

But - there can be exciting discoveries too. Like the fact you make guitars. I bet you will struggle to knock the 63s if I get the system how I want it. And if you build me a guitar as good as a maton messiah, I'll somehow get you a pip2 to hear.

[Gordon Steadman]

Enough.

Two drongos go onto my Ignore list.

What a very nice man.

[walpurgis]

Amazing how Hi-Fi gets onto an emotional level.

Much as I like the topic (it soaks up a lot of my time), it's not worth the 'touchy, touchy' stuff. How about a bit of 'touchy, feely' instead?

[Gordon Steadman]

Amazing how Hi-Fi gets onto an emotional level.

Much as I like the topic (it soaks up a lot of my time), it's not worth the 'touchy, touchy' stuff. How about a bit of 'touchy, feely' instead?

I'm cool:peace:

[Gordon Steadman]

Gordon -easy tiger. Dont get france thrown out of aos before I even get there. I'm worried enough the uk will leave the eu before i move in. It is very satisfying to have a system you are happy with and feel no need to change. And there's a lot to be said for not looking everywhere if you like what you've got. Because its very wearisome sometimes sitting down to listen to a record and ending up listening to kit instead. This bloody power amp has got me doing that.

But - there can be exciting discoveries too. Like the fact you make guitars. I bet you will struggle to knock the 63s if I get the system how I want it. And if you build me a guitar as good as a maton messiah, I'll somehow get you a pip2 to hear.

I'm quite sure that AOS has seen worse spats than this little blip.

By the time I've finished the house, I'll be too old to see, hear and feel enough to make another guitar:(. I know what a Maton Messiah is but I had to look up what a pip2 is/was!! Please don't suggest any more changes to my system, I might get all emotional, I have enough with that Firebottle bloke trying to upset my equilibrium:doh:

[hoopsontoast]

Bit of an update, the Zen is doing well, cant fault it really!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9395360280_8972950e68_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9395360280/)
Decware Zen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9395360280/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9570038929_bc8f675ec7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9570038929/)
Decware Zen (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9570038929/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Then I decided to have a play with some other full-range-drivers that I have used before in some Jericho horn cabinets, the Fostex FF225K.
They are around 96-97dB/1m and have a very smooth response up to around 10kHz where they drop off.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9579540110_0da8934865_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9579540110/)
Fostex FF225K (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9579540110/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

In comparison to the 5" Veravox 5S drivers I have ATM:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/9579526558_091e7b991d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9579526558/)
Fostex FF225K & Veravox 5S (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9579526558/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9579546342_18878c1ce0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9579546342/)
Fostex FF225K & Veravox 5S (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9579546342/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

And the original plan was to go for a corner horn or BiB type cabinet, but after hearing them in another Wammers system yesterday, I decided to literally knock some baffles together and have a play:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9597033555_75da90e337_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9597033555/)
Test Baffle #1 Fostex FF225K (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9597033555/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9599820938_75edbc7b69_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9599820938/)
Test Baffle #1 Fostex FF225K (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9599820938/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/9597149591_3c91a0595c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9597149591/)
Test Baffle #1 Fostex FF225K (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9597149591/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I have just ordered some Ribbon tweeters to do the ~8kHz and up and some active bass should be on the cards soon!

[jandl100]

They look seriously cool, Rob!
How's the sound?

Any news on the tweeter arrival? -- are they sorely needed? Quite a few speakers droop off above 10KHz and don't sound too bad for it at all.

Was it Andy P's system that gave you the inspiration? It seems that your inspiration is very similar to his system. I've always enjoyed his open baffle / active bass efforts. :)

[hoopsontoast]

They look seriously cool, Rob!
How's the sound?

Any news on the tweeter arrival? -- are they sorely needed? Quite a few speakers droop off above 10KHz and don't sound too bad for it at all.

Was it Andy P's system that gave you the inspiration? It seems that your inspiration is very similar to his system. I've always enjoyed his open baffle / active bass efforts. :)

I have yet to implement the tweeters, it will be next week as I need to order some crossover bits.

Yeah having heard his a couple of times now, and I took the Fostex drivers over to try in his system, he bought a pair too to use in his so I must be on the right track!

The tweeters:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/9622758556_88968717b9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9622758556/)
Fountek JP 2.0 Ribbon Tweeter (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9622758556/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9622952412_1cc55759bf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9622952412/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9622952412/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Also a massive change at hoops manor, one of these will be arriving in the next week or so, a birthday present to myself:

http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/header-images/header3.png

[AlfaGTV]

Ahh, a vinyl spinner! Congrats! I'm sure youll enjoy it immensely!
Regards Mike

[hoopsontoast]

Yes I hope so, its sort of been my dream deck and finally managed to get hold of one.
I have had a Focus One previously which was lovely!

[AlfaGTV]

They are absolutely beautiful! Have been considering p/x-ing my TecnoDec for a Gyro SE, but i belive it's more the looks that will change than the audio?
Either way, the Michells are the best finished players i've encountered in non-astronomical priceranges. :)

Looking forward to reading 'bout your impressions later!
Regards Mike

[hoopsontoast]

Only just seen this reply, Looking forward to getting the TT, slight delay at the moment, Michell are very busy!

[southall-1998]

The Gyro is a very glamorous turntable & very musical too. Good choice!!!!

[The Black Adder]

+1 I had one and it's a lovely deck.

One little uprgade Michell offer is a dampening material that goes under/inside the frame. It's a great upgrade and cheap as chips.

Another was a Delrin bearing on the main spindle shaft.. Again chips for budgies.

[hoopsontoast]

The Heresys have arrived :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/9921411834_becc4ba240_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9921411834/)
Klipsch Heresy II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/9921411834/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[jandl100]

Yuk, I hate Heresy 2. :lol: Quite lively and boppy, which is fun. But too coloured for me. :nono:
Some folks love them, mind.

What do you think of 'em, Rob?

[hoopsontoast]

Only had them an evening, not making any rash judgements yet, they are coloured but then I am coming from a Open Baffle project and the little Kolts.

[Macca]

They certainly look like they can do the business. I have read that they are actually a bit light in the bass despite the large cab and 12 inch driver. Have you found that to be the case?

[hoopsontoast]

They maybe a 12" driver but to get high sensitivity, you sacrifice either a big cabinet or bass extension. These being a relatively small cabinet (for a 12" driver) and sealed sacrifice the deepest bass to get the sensitivity up around 97db/2.83v.
In most US rooms, I would imagine that they would indeed lack bass, but in my room, I am pretty pleased with how they do. I am by no means a bass head.

[hoopsontoast]

Gyrodec all set up:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/10044744576_6ea04d1d9c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10044744576/)
Michell Gyrodec SE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10044744576/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/10041066653_74eb16eab2_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10041066653/)
Michell Gyrodec SE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10041066653/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I need to order the Michell VTA adjuster :)

And a bit of a tidy up, with the addition of another Ikea 'rack'. Probably the neatest my hifi has ever looked.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/10041002116_be2da61d9e_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10041002116/)
Michell Gyrodec SE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10041002116/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/10040953144_78a54720d8_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10040953144/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10040953144/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

The Heresys have been moved on, they sounded OK but a bit 'meh' in the mid range and the imaging was rubbish. I liked the dynamics and punch though, which has formed the next speaker project, a full active DSP horn speaker which should be taking shape in the next month or so.

[jandl100]

:thumbsup:
Looks great, Rob!

What's the cart? - Orty MC15?

[hoopsontoast]

Ortofon MC10 Supreme :)

[hoopsontoast]

Now with correct VTA:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/10194735754_61e131bf85_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10194735754/)
Michell Gyrodec SE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10194735754/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/10194944973_a7a21563ce_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10194944973/)
Michell Gyrodec SE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10194944973/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/10194878236_c332638472_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10194878236/)
Michell Gyrodec SE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10194878236/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Some Macros:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/10326437194_078dcd32f1_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10326437194/)
Ortofon MC10 Supreme Macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10326437194/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/10326486256_edfbe88ecb_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10326486256/)
Ortofon MC10 Supreme Macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10326486256/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/10326413444_8d69bb8d54_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10326413444/)
Ortofon MC10 Supreme Macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10326413444/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

And some new toys for the big speaker project:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/10210075323_71d5f56b5c_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10210075323/)
Speaker Bits (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10210075323/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/10210004136_ddd434fb75_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10210004136/)
Speaker Bits (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10210004136/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Picking up the Radian 850PB drivers / Stereolab 400Hz Tractrix Horns and MiniDSP next week!

[realysm42]

Nice, is that a Raal ribbon?

[Tarzan]

Nice, is that a Raal ribbon?


No, it is fake! Ker ching!:D

[hoopsontoast]

Its a Fountek JP2.0 Ribbon, RAALs are out of my budget at the moment, they sound ever so lovely though!

[brian2957]

Very nice photos of a very nice turntable Rob . Lucky man.:cool:

[hoopsontoast]

No, it is fake! Ker ching!:D

:rolleyes:

[Reffc]

Welcome to the Gyro club Rob...looking good as is the rest of the system. How do you rate the ortofon?

[hoopsontoast]

Welcome to the Gyro club Rob...looking good as is the rest of the system. How do you rate the ortofon?

I dont really have a comparison, as my last TT was a Luxman PD-272/DL103 combo with all different Amp/Speakers.

It sounds really good, cant really fault it for £100.

[Rare Bird]

Chopping board finger cut outs should be at the bottom :eyebrows:

[hoopsontoast]

Chopping board finger cut outs should be at the bottom :eyebrows:

Good point, there are a few marks and pencil lines on the other side, it was going to be the basis of a DIY TT.

[istari_knight]

Finger cut outs ? You mean "accessory holders" :eyebrows: You can have your carbon fibre brush in one side and... I dunno, something else in the other :D

[hoopsontoast]

More bits:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/10458586595_661b24aa62_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458586595/)
DIY Active Speaker Build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458586595/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/10458535646_8ec603fe78_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458535646/)
DIY Active Speaker Build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458535646/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Cabinet test fit:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/10458698113_da3144b63b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458698113/)
DIY Active Speaker Build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458698113/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Assembly

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/10458472674_c3d06871f0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458472674/)
DIY Active Speaker Build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10458472674/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/10478766354_ea3044ecc0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10478766354/)
DIY Active Speaker Build (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10478766354/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Completed cabinet(s) and Kolts for size comparison:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/10493158685_9a2ea5fb2e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10493158685/)
DIY Active Speaker V3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10493158685/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Speaker V1:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/10489772663_2f226d4ed1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489772663/)
DIY Active Speaker V1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489772663/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/10489607696_9abf95cf6e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489607696/)
DIY Active Speaker V1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489607696/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Speaker V2:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/10489578205_12c8cd4f22_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489578205/)
DIY Active Speaker V2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489578205/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/10489614755_acef044ffe_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489614755/)
DIY Active Speaker V2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10489614755/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Test configuration with MiniDSP software +T-Amp:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/10508809394_3d6f10220c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10508809394/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10508809394/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[MartinT]

Interesting, but which is the 'proper' configuration? :scratch:

[realysm42]

And how does it all sound?

[hoopsontoast]

Interesting, but which is the 'proper' configuration? :scratch:

Ah, I think I may have missed out the post with the main designs, this will be a modular system:

There will be two main configurations:

V1 - 2 way using a Volt BM251.3 Mid-Bass (<800Hz) and Radian 850pb compression drivers in a 400Hz Stereolab Tractrix horn (>800Hz)

V2 - 2.5 way using the Volt BM251.3 Mid-Bass (<300Hz) and the Veravox 5S wide range driver (300Hz-~8kHz) with a Fountek JP2 ribbon (passive >8kHz) on top.


I have only started to have a play late this evening with the V1 so far. Interesting.

Its mainly going by ear at the moment as I am waiting for the microphone to arrive.

[User211]

Its mainly going by ear at the moment as I am waiting for the microphone to arrive.

Behringer?

[hoopsontoast]

Behringer?

Its the MiniDSP UMIK.

[hoopsontoast]

The V1 configuration is sounding very promising now on a second try, compared to a quick play with the V2.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/10579602414_b378c0a71d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10579602414/)
DIY Active Speaker V1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10579602414/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/10579546426_c17a924fc0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10579546426/)
DIY Active Speaker V1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10579546426/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/10579562136_3c419f4321_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10579562136/)
DIY Active Speaker V1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10579562136/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[hoopsontoast]

well played around with the horns for a while, but lusted after a more simple system.

An Behringer A500 came in to run the bass:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/11341956815_a020430fa7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11341956815/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11341956815/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Ribbons added in above ~5kHz:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/10928525813_0c1ac29c36_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10928525813/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/10928525813/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

A breif flirt with another Sony 770ES, hoping to use the pre/power sections as a loop with the MiniDSP but it did not work so that idea was knocked on the head:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/11141418985_516578af48_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11141418985/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11141418985/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Audio Note M-Zero-R comes in to replace the Doge:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/11342018976_0b2fc65d1f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11342018976/)
Audio Note M-Zero R Pre Amplifier (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11342018976/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Final shot of the Active Horns before they were broken up:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/11341972905_07423ab60e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11341972905/)
3-Way DIY Active Speakers (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11341972905/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Some cheap Rega Alyas were bought in for a play, were advertised locally with a bust bass driver. They had been upgraded to the latest ZRR tweeters as well by a previous owner:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/11455482443_eeba28352f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11455482443/)
Rega Alya / DIY Active Horns (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11455482443/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Had a play with a Toshiba SD-9500E too, I like the digital inputs but prefer the Sony S9000ES for both Picture and Sound Quality:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/11514753924_c08f74d03d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11514753924/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11514753924/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/11530731466_d5f2cb27fe_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11530731466/)
Rega Alya (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/11530731466/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

To complement the Alyas, and to satisfy my need for something Big, Efficient and Ugly once again, some Vintage Goodmans Axiom 201 drivers in an ~80Litre ported cabinet arrive:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/12026877805_ae19ab7519_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12026877805/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12026877805/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/12026820475_2a66ddd9d7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12026820475/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12026820475/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

There is a Ortofon 2M Blue on its way after I bust the cantilever on the MC10 Supreme :( , as well as hoping to solve the Phonostage hunt too.

[MartinT]

Looks like you haven't found a solution to make you happy yet, Rob.

[jandl100]

.... There is a Ortofon 2M Blue on its way after I bust the cantilever on the MC10 Supreme :( , as well as hoping to solve the Phonostage hunt too.

Oh poo. :(
Woolly jumper?

Re: phonostage hunt. What's the stage like in your big Sony amp? - the one in my Sony ESD1000 pre is surprisingly good!

[hoopsontoast]

Oh poo. :(
Woolly jumper?

Re: phonostage hunt. What's the stage like in your big Sony amp? - the one in my Sony ESD1000 pre is surprisingly good!

Hi Jerry, no not a woolly jumper, just caught the cantilever right off when dusting :doh:

Re the Phonostage, I have just bagged the Croft Micro 25 Basic (with MM input) in the classifieds, will replace the AN M-Zero-R.

[AlfaGTV]

You take some seriously good pictures hoops! What kind of camera do you use? Optics?
Regards Mike

[hoopsontoast]

Camera(s) are both Sigma DP models. The Wide angle (28mm equivelent) is the older DP1X and the telephoto (75mm equivelent) is the DP3 Merrill.

[Bazil]

You take some seriously good pictures hoops! What kind of camera do you use? Optics?
Regards Mike

+1 as always Rob fab photos.

[hoopsontoast]

Croft has made a good impression after a week in the house, although at the moment using it as a fixed output input selector and Phono Stage into the Zen with the Sony CDP going direct into the Zen for the moment.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/12148712055_d785f0a640_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148712055/)
Croft Micro 25 Basic (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148712055/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/12148608215_d50a17bfa0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148608215/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148608215/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/12148854343_c739bc1ee1_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148854343/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148854343/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Goodmans Axiom 201's:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/12148990484_08c889d782_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148990484/)
System (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148990484/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/12148749433_25288c664b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148749433/)
Goodmans Axiom 201 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148749433/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/12148525925_e61b852580_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148525925/)
Goodmans Axiom 201 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12148525925/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Close up of the Zen:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/12149072394_0f37ba34c4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12149072394/)
Decware Zen SET (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/12149072394/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[istari_knight]

I like the nude Zen ! Any plans to fit it into a wood sleeve or something ?

[hoopsontoast]

I like the nude Zen ! Any plans to fit it into a wood sleeve or something ?

That was the plan originally, along when I had my first one too.
Not really got round to it yet, its certainly a keeper as along with the Gyro and Kolts, I will never part with them so I have plenty of time ;)
I cant imagine beating the Croft for more than the £150 I paid for it and the S9000ES was free to me so see no reason to change it other than the fact I fancy a Rega Planet again at some point.
No idea about the Goodmans, they are not the most neutral, or dynamic, or perfect but they do just seem to play music rather than analyse every note.

[istari_knight]

I dont blame you, looks better as is IMO.

How is the Zen with/without a pre ? Or in other words have you found a pre essential or just more convenient ? I stumbled across a Zen schematic last night & was impressed at how simple it is. Might have to put one together... If it will handle 4ohm, 91dB/1w speakers ? Maybe monoblocks are the way forward :D

[stupinder]

Hoops, out of interest is your rack an Ikea jobbie and if so how did you go about altering the shelf layout...and could a chimp like me do it?

[hoopsontoast]

I dont blame you, looks better as is IMO.

How is the Zen with/without a pre ? Or in other words have you found a pre essential or just more convenient ? I stumbled across a Zen schematic last night & was impressed at how simple it is. Might have to put one together... If it will handle 4ohm, 91dB/1w speakers ? Maybe monoblocks are the way forward :D

Well I have been using it direct from the Sony CDP and also with the pre connected as well for other inputs (I have two inputs on the Zen).
It works fine without the pre although it can do with some of the extra gain that a pre-amp gives but it would work fine with a passive pre if you wanted to add more inputs.
It would handle the speakers fine as long as they dont have complicated crossovers, its supposed to be stable at low impedance loads, its even fine with a dead short acording to Steve @ Decware. Its only limiting factor is lack of power, if you want to go loud with lower sensitivity speakers, not bass control IME.

The monoblocked Zen gives around 6wpc IIRC, but as its bridged it might not be suitable for 4 Ohm loads as the amp would 'see' 2Ohms, although it may be fine. Best to check with Decware :)


Hoops, out of interest is your rack an Ikea jobbie and if so how did you go about altering the shelf layout...and could a chimp like me do it?

Yeah its an Ikea Expidit (2x2) with one of the support shelves taken out, you just dont put it in before the top part, saw off some of the dowels that stick out the top of the bottom support then the spare divider just is held in with friction, its a tight fit so it does not move.

[istari_knight]

Thanks for that - Food for thought :thumbsup:

[hoopsontoast]

Ooops :lol:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/13404019483_89f093de1d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mqt71c)

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/13403853445_1be65ec581_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mqsfDt)

[hoopsontoast]

Well to go with the ATCs, I went for a package deal from Richard (Gromit) for the Brio-R/Apollo-R he was selling to try as a stop gap.
I really did not get on with the Apollo-R, just sounded bright/splashy in the treble and boomy/odd in the bass. Not heard so much of a change between CDPs before and it only lasted a weekend. I much preferred the Sony, much smoother all round.
The Brio-R did better than I expected though, sounded good but not brilliant. Bit rough round the edges but a lot more drive/balls than the Brio3 I had when I owned the SCM10s previously.

I can see where the Rega electronics get their lively/get-up-and-go sound from but I find it a little tiresome, I much prefer their speakers based on my experiences (R1, R3, R7, Alya and Jura)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/13471703373_9988fff882_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mws14P)System (https://flic.kr/p/mws14P) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5028/13696212015_902b82c322_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mShEEt)System (https://flic.kr/p/mShEEt) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

And the replacement for the Brio-R, a little Bryston B60:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/13985161504_af90b5a6ca_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/niPBhd)Bryston B60 (https://flic.kr/p/niPBhd) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/13984751125_5ffbbdac7a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/niMvhH)System (https://flic.kr/p/niMvhH) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

Sounds a lot better IMO and that's just on one evenings listening. Initially I thought it sounded a bit loose/soft in the bass until I went out the room and realised how loud I was listening, much higher than I usually did but it just sounded so un-strained in the mid-treble, its just the bass dynamics with the little 80dB SCM10s and 60wpc B60 has its obvious limits. As mentioned though, its louder than I would usually listen I just did not realise how loud it was!

At more normal volumes it sounds great, bass is great, tight and punchy with good depth, not the lowest but then that's the limitation of the ATCs again. There was no hint of grain/harshness in the treble I have had from the Brio-R and other SS amps, the B60 really is a gem of an amp if you dont NEED massive power. Runs quite cool as well which is nice, even after the hammering with some John Grant or Orbital at high volumes it was barely warm to the touch!

Pretty impressed I have to say! Seems to go well with the Sony as well!

[nat8808]

How did the move of bass traps change the sound? Are they good behind the speakers like that?

[hoopsontoast]

Well I only have tried the bass traps in that position with the Keesonic Kolts and ATCs. It seems to help by smoothing out the mid bass and gives the feeling of bringing the low bass up a bit, maybe by filtering out some peaks in the response and making it more even.
Soundstage seems very clean now, I have always had an 'issue' that the soundstage in my room compared to Scalford or Demos just seems confined to the speakers, now it sits in front and seems to extend further out to the sides too, not the most important thing but a nice change.

[hoopsontoast]

Another change, managed to find my DREAM speakers, after years of regretting my sale of the R7s and looking for another pair, I was offered a pair of R9s at a price I could not pass up. ATCs sold off and the Rega R9s come in!

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14428218035_f29f99c20b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nYYoxV)Rega R9 (https://flic.kr/p/nYYoxV) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14427087824_5019755543_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nYSAzw)Rega R9 (https://flic.kr/p/nYSAzw) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14250957099_b740e1e3d0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nHiT3T)Rega R9 - Close Up (https://flic.kr/p/nHiT3T) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

[Macca]

That must be quite a bit of a change in presentation, going from ATC to those Regas?

[hoopsontoast]

Its actually not as big a change as you would imagine, the SCM10s are much smoother than the newer Entry range (SCM7/11/19) and the Rega R7 and R9 are much smoother than the R1/R3/R5s IME too.
There is a lot deeper bass than the SCM10s as to be expected too.

[hoopsontoast]

Bit of an update, no real change, added a Trichord Dino (mk1) back in August but no real desire to change since getting the Regas back in June :)

Done a bit of playing around with placement of the speakers, moved them out a bit since the photo which has actually lowered the depth of the bass as I had the bass ports plugged before when they were nearer to the wall.

Only other change was a new laser for the S9000ES, it was skipping with most CDs or not reading them at all, it had not read DVDs at all for a good while. Now I have done it, its a 5 min job and the S9000ES is like new, still excellent on DVDs (picture, for the age and sound). I was looking at possibly a new CDP/DVD player but now the S9000ES is back, its all good!

I may well look again at more Passive room correction (GIK Panels etc) as well as possibly DSP via the MiniDSP module again.

The Tannoy Chesters' are in the loft awaiting a refurb and the Keesonic Kolt and Decware Zen are both out on long-term loan to a couple of (another) forum members.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14805102110_69398b7fa8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/oyh24d)
Trichord Dino (https://flic.kr/p/oyh24d) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/15225460362_57c587ef9f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pcqsVh)
System (https://flic.kr/p/pcqsVh) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

[The Barbarian]

Thunderbirds are go!

[brian2957]

Absolutely beautiful . That room must be a real pleasure to sit in and listen to music Rob :).

[hoopsontoast]

Absolutely beautiful . That room must be a real pleasure to sit in and listen to music Rob :).

Thanks, the room is not as big as it looks, would like something bigger.

[brian2957]

Something bigger :eek: Think you may need a hall Rob :lol:

[hoopsontoast]

Honestly, its not a big room, about 16ft square with a small kitchen cut out of it.

[brian2957]

It looks much bigger Rob . Still , I'm sure it's a pleasure to sit an and play some toons :)

[Gazjam]

Rob,
Loving the iconic framed film posters, what's the one very right?
Is that Alien 2nd from the right?

[struth]

Think the end one is thunderbirds, and next is Logan's Run

[hoopsontoast]

Rob,
Loving the iconic framed film posters, what's the one very right?
Is that Alien 2nd from the right?


Think the end one is thunderbirds, and next is Logan's Run

From Left to Right: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Logans Run, Thunderbirds are GO!
On the other wall is a Limited Edition Shining Print: http://shop.creativespark.co.uk/product/the-shining

On the far left, there is an original promotional 2001: A Space Odyssey Lenticular Postcard and a print with the lyrics of a Passenger song (one of me and my girlfriend's favorites)

[Floyddroid]

Don't think that for one minute mr Toast. I have a huge room and it doesn't sound as good as my old medium sized room.
Thanks, the room is not as big as it looks, would like something bigger.

[RichB]

Another change, managed to find my DREAM speakers, after years of regretting my sale of the R7s and looking for another pair, I was offered a pair of R9s at a price I could not pass up. ATCs sold off and the Rega R9s come in!

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14428218035_f29f99c20b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nYYoxV)Rega R9 (https://flic.kr/p/nYYoxV) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14427087824_5019755543_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nYSAzw)Rega R9 (https://flic.kr/p/nYSAzw) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14250957099_b740e1e3d0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nHiT3T)Rega R9 - Close Up (https://flic.kr/p/nHiT3T) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

Those 9s look amazing mate, I've had RS3 and RS5 and love them so I can only imagine how good these sound.

[hoopsontoast]

Those 9s look amazing mate, I've had RS3 and RS5 and love them so I can only imagine how good these sound.

Thanks, really impressed with them, really is the pinacle after the R1, R3, Alya, Jura and R7.

If you (or anyone) is in the area, always welcome to pop in for a cuppa and a spin of some tunes.

[southall-1998]

Rob,

Have you also experience of the RS1?

S.

[hoopsontoast]

Not directly but I have owned the R1 and also some Alyas with the ZRR tweeter (from the RS range).

I thought the R1s were excellent little speakers, not quite as good as the Kolts that I had at the same time, and in a very small room I kept the Kolts as they suited the corner placement.
I had the Alyas in my current room, they had been upgraded with the ZRR tweeter, and with the good old RR125 bass driver, the same driver complement as the RS1 and I really liked them. Nice little speakers and only moved them on as I went on to bigger and better things. I would happily have another pair.

I have not heard any of the RS range directly, but as mentioned owned many other of the Rega range so I can't imagine they would be bad!

I would recommend the Harbeth P3ES that I had on long term loan before I got the R9s but they are quite a bit more second hand than the RS1s (~£800 vs ~£200). I really liked the little Harbeths, very nice midrange, sort of a mix of the linearity and composure of the ATC SCM10/SCM7 but with the ease of drive and open nature of the Regas and Keesonic Kolts.


Rob,

Have you also experience of the RS1?

S.

[southall-1998]

Thanks Rob.

I wouldn't mind trying the SCM 7's (The older ones)

Do they benefit with some ''back wall'' reinforcement? But there is a slight worry for me, the walls in my bedroom are timbre, not hard solid plaster!

No idea how my Nait 5i would cope controlling those damped heavy cones!

It'll be hard for me to part with the Naim because it is very good!!

S.

[hoopsontoast]

Thanks Rob.

I wouldn't mind trying the SCM 7's (The older ones)

Do they benefit with some ''back wall'' reinforcement? But there is a slight worry for me, the walls in my bedroom are timbre, not hard solid plaster!

No idea how my Nait 5i would cope controlling those damped heavy cones!

It'll be hard for me to part with the Naim because it is very good!!

S.

I found the SCM7 and SCM10 work best with a bit of space behind them, opens them up a little. They need very heavy stands though, I found the Target R series works really well, very heavy and solid. Adds bass depth and definition.

The Nait 5i would be OK, I was never a fan of Naim and ATC together IMO but in terms of controlling them, it was better than it would look on paper.

[southall-1998]

Can imagine the Naim/ATC combo being at bit overwhelming!

ATC does an interesting integrated. The older version still holds it's value well!!

Sorry if I'm thread crapping, Rob.

S.

[hoopsontoast]

Can imagine the Naim/ATC combo being at bit overwhelming!

ATC does an interesting integrated. The older version still holds it's value well!!

Sorry if I'm thread crapping, Rob.

S.

I like the ATC Integrated but as you say it still holds its value well. I have found the little Bryston B60 an excellent match for the SCM10s, for a small integrated.

[DSJR]

Crikey!!! ATC 10's to R9's - you couldn't get more opposite of you tried :lol:

The 10's were Billy Woodman's favourite ATC's I remember, but despite/because of the battleship engineering and woeful insensitivity, they didn't go loud and sounded more like well-tamed LS3/5A's. Great on jazz though if not played at stupid levels and a future classic I think.

[hoopsontoast]

Yes, that was the SCM10s disadvantage, you wanted to take them louder but the volume control just kept going round and no more sound came out, they just sucked all the power up! :P Some of the bass depth and punch was pretty supprising considering their size.

The R9s, like the KEF 104/2, just seem to do the least wrong.

[southall-1998]

I stand corrected. Are the SCM7's using the same bass driver from the older SCM10?

Surely ATC's SIA2-150 will push the 10's? The older SIA2-150 looks nicer with those heat sinks!!

S.

[hoopsontoast]

I stand corrected. Are the SCM7's using the same bass driver from the older SCM10?

Surely ATC's SIA2-150 will push the 10's? The older SIA2-150 looks nicer with those heat sinks!!

S.

The SCM7 and SCM10 use the same bass driver, but different tweeters. The SCM10 uses a better Vifa unit (IMO) than the Vifa tweeter in the SCM7 (Mk1 and Mk2).
The ATC SIA2-150 will be more than fine for the SCM10 but the limit will be with the SCM10, there is only so far they will go, no matter how much power you feed them.

Its all relative though, in my room I was really pushing them past where I would usually listen, SPL wise to hear the limit. In a larger room you would hit that limit earlier.

[southall-1998]

Very interesting, Rob.

Does the SCM7 go much louder with ease over the 10?

S.

[hoopsontoast]

Very interesting, Rob.

Does the SCM7 go much louder with ease over the 10?

S.

Really about the same to be honest, maybe a little more but then you give up a bit of the bass depth. I would not worry, they do better at high SPLs in my experience over the Keesonic Kolt and Harbeth P3ES I have had, as well as the Spendor S3/5R I have heard.

[southall-1998]

I can only imagine how abuse the SCM19 would need ;)

Anyway, thanks Rob!!

S.

[hoopsontoast]

I can only imagine how abuse the SCM19 would need ;)

Anyway, thanks Rob!!

S.

SCM19? Now thats a whole different kettle of fish :eyebrows: They strive on abuse! Absolutley insane the abuse you can send their way and they lap it up, the only downside was the tweeter, which I thought was the only weak point in the whole range. The new SCM19 with the ATC tweeter or the SCM20 would be my choice.

Anyway, an updated photo, no changes..... :)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15619688949_5ff713beb6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pNfZkT)
System (https://flic.kr/p/pNfZkT) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

[jandl100]

Great looking room and system, Rob. :thumbsup:

You taking it to Scalford '15? -- the system, that is, not the room ;) - or do I recall you posting you're just one of the visitor crowd next year? Shame if that is so. :)


Don't think that for one minute mr Toast. I have a huge room and it doesn't sound as good as my old medium sized room.

Absolute-a-totally! Big rooms are overrated imho - 20 - 25 feet max, preferably a bit less, beyond that they just add reverb and you get lost in a wash of sound throwing away all your hard-earned imaging and rez. 16 feet is a good dimension! ... but, yeah, get rid of the kitchen! :lol:

[hoopsontoast]

Great looking room and system, Rob. :thumbsup:

You taking it to Scalford '15? -- the system, that is, not the room ;) - or do I recall you posting you're just one of the visitor crowd next year? Shame if that is so. :)

Absolute-a-totally! Big rooms are overrated imho - 20 - 25 feet max, preferably a bit less, beyond that they just add reverb and you get lost in a wash of sound throwing away all your hard-earned imaging and rez. 16 feet is a good dimension! ... but, yeah, get rid of the kitchen! :lol:

Jerry, not decided 100% if to exhibit next year, I've done every year so far, I fancy a year off but then It would be nice to take the R9s, as they are quite rare not many people would have heard them.

[jandl100]

I'd love to hear your system at Scalford, Rob. :thumbsup: --- go for it!!

[hoopsontoast]

Well another post Scalford change, all though it was planned but only picked up the speakers at the show.
The Regas have gone out on loan and I have taken delivery of some lovely Tannoy Sirling HEs.
I have wanted to try some bigger Tannoys for a good while but never really been able to afford a pair of the newer prestige range, and these Stirlings came up at a great price.

The plan is to run them with the B60 initially, then try them with the B60 (Pre) and Decware Zen (Power) and see how I get on!

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8729/16793213328_b3b855f4e4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rzXBfQ)
System (https://flic.kr/p/rzXBfQ) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16975890611_e2c3c5c576_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rS6SRa)
Tannoy Stirling HE (https://flic.kr/p/rS6SRa) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7650/16354456494_0e068bfd3c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qVbS8Q)
Tannoy Stirling HE (https://flic.kr/p/qVbS8Q) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

[struth]

TBH Rob they don't really go with your decor, so I'd sell 'em mate :eyebrows:


LOvely things that they are

[hoopsontoast]

TBH Rob they don't really go with your decor, so I'd sell 'em mate :eyebrows:


LOvely things that they are

When I got them in from the car last night, the gf said they looked really nice, prefered them to the R9s. Was not expecting that although she is not that fussed really about the looks or sound, I have sort of taken over the living room.

She thinks they look a bit old and boring with the grilles on and much better with them off, I might re-do the grille fabric with something off white to match the magnolia walls, thats if they stay long term ;)

[howlindawg]

I've heard a pair of these sounding great with Densen amplification.
It might be worth trying if you get the opportunity.

[struth]

When I got them in from the car last night, the gf said they looked really nice, prefered them to the R9s. Was not expecting that although she is not that fussed really about the looks or sound, I have sort of taken over the living room.

She thinks they look a bit old and boring with the grilles on and much better with them off, I might re-do the grille fabric with something off white to match the magnolia walls, thats if they stay long term ;)

I think they look super without the grills, but, I'd agree that they are old fashioned styling.

[Tarzan]

How do the at annoys sound rob?:)

You have had them a day and we need information.:eek:

[Tarzan]

Tannoys l meant not annoys- stupid night work.:doh:

[hoopsontoast]

How do the at annoys sound rob?:)

You have had them a day and we need information.:eek:

They are certainly very different to the Regas. I don't think they go as deep as the R9s but seem to have a lot punchier, if slightly 'thumpy' mid bass, I need to play around more with positioning.

There is that Tannoy treble presence, which is an advantage giving vocals some bite, and some sibilance in the lower treble that seems to show on female vocals, only small though.

Makes me realise how balanced and smooth the R9s are (as also commented by a fair few people at the show last weekend).

They do however have better dynamics, and reasonably more efficient, going by the volume control position as a rough guide.

Will be a bit of fun though

[walpurgis]

I think they look nice. Is that the same driver as the Turnberry?

[hoopsontoast]

I think they look nice. Is that the same driver as the Turnberry?

No, the Turnberry has a 10" DC unit as well but with a 1.3" Tweeter rather than the 1" in the Stirling.
The Stirling sit at the bottom of the range (bar the Autograph Mini) below the Turnberry and Kensignton above that.

[hoopsontoast]

A very nice Sony TA-F3000ES arrived and works VERY well with the Tannoys, as the B60 is being looked at by PMC.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8806/17083508757_d4fda2bdf3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s2BrYr)
System (https://flic.kr/p/s2BrYr) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7669/17103455920_fd4d349e35_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/s4nFz3)
Sony ES Combo (https://flic.kr/p/s4nFz3) by RSdesignUK (https://www.flickr.com/people/16900818@N06/), on Flickr

[British high fidelity]

Hoopsontoast is that a classic eagle annual comic book in your books shelf?

[hoopsontoast]

Hoopsontoast is that a classic eagle annual comic book in your books shelf?

Yes, Yes it is :)

[British high fidelity]

Wow that's awesome, have not seen one of those annuals in years, enjoy the setup brother ;-)

[Anthony K]

That amp looks lickable:rolleyes:

[Barry]

That amp looks lickable :rolleyes:

Lickable?!! :eek:

[Firebottle]

Yeah Barry, it's so tasty ;)

[Anthony K]

It looks so chunky and sweet tasting.....just how I like my women ;)

[User211]

Better than normal Sony styling. Looks almost Copland. Nice.

[Tarzan]

Nice :)

[AlfaGTV]

Yes, agreed on the stylish looks of that Sony!
But hoops's photography doesn't really give it a chance to look like sorry 70's jap-amp either! ;)
/Mike

[struth]

Better than normal Sony styling. Looks almost Copland. Nice.

Sure there is one on sale on EBay. not cheap though...... and yes, it is to die for styling wise.

[User211]

Sure there is one on sale on EBay. not cheap though...... and yes, it is to die for styling wise.

There is but it is for sale by the complete loon ball "invent a price" Retro Audio. See http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sansui-TU-9900-mint-mit-OVP-wie-neu-as-new-/130852464893?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item1e776a28fd for instance. I think I paid £400 for one in mint condition about 5 years ago.

He has had absurd prices on some Luxman kit. I don't know how many suckers he manages to find.

That is not to decry this amp though. Just this German dude is unbelievable in his greed and distance from reality.

[hoopsontoast]

Cheers, The 'little' Sony is a great amp, I would say on par with the 670ES I have had, not a chance to try it out power wise, I doubt it will have the power reserve of the 770ES.

[hoopsontoast]

Well its been a bit quiet recently, back with the B60 as its had a clean bill of health from PMC/Bryston.
The Sony is resigned to the 'stock' pile... ;)

I have been playing with these Keesonic 701A after selling the Tannoys a while back. I decided to stay with the Rega R9s for the foreseeable future, although at the moment they are on long term loan with another forum member.
The 701A are not bad, not the best soundstage and imaging but they sound quite nice, punchy and articulate in the bass, nicely controlled too. Little harsh at times in the treble but thats really nitpicking, they seem easy to drive though, if a little insensitive, around 86dB IIRC.

I have my old pair of Kord Tornado's coming back to me soon, which should give me something 'new' to play with, as well as a new arm for the Gyrodec.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/18081622822_85e7f83793_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/txP3vC)
Keesonic 701A (https://flic.kr/p/txP3vC) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[hoopsontoast]

Well thanks to Andy (wiicrackpot) I now have a beautiful SME M2-9 to go on the Gyro, as soon as the new armboard arrives :)

[hoopsontoast]

Yum yum...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/497/19757045794_2051fb4bd0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/w6S2oA)
Gyrodec (https://flic.kr/p/w6S2oA) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[Idlewithnodrive]

Yum yum...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/497/19757045794_2051fb4bd0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/w6S2oA)
Gyrodec (https://flic.kr/p/w6S2oA) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Looks rather nice Rob :)

[hoopsontoast]

Thanks Mike, its a lovely bit of kit.

[hoopsontoast]

Couple of changes, AT33PTG/II comes in as well as some Vandersteen 1Cs to play with:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5708/20926333663_13107e7d32_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/xTbVWg)
Vinyl (https://flic.kr/p/xTbVWg) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/713/21553866352_de4ec314c0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yQDcxo)
Vandersteen 1C (https://flic.kr/p/yQDcxo) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[hoopsontoast]

Blimey, been quite a few changes since the last update!

From Autumn 2015 above, this took me through to this in midway 2016. The big change was my long(ish) standing Gyro SE/M9 with AT33PTG/II and moved to a Rega P9 with the same AT33PTG/II. I wanted something simpler to setup and use, integrated dust cover and the P9 was, and is an excellent replacement.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7254/27339645392_71fb452d2c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HDUQ5q)
Rega P9 (https://flic.kr/p/HDUQ5q) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/7309/27438677205_f454da0cba_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HNEoMt)
Turntable (https://flic.kr/p/HNEoMt) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I found a pair of DIY speakers using Seas Aluminium drivers and a Hypex Active/DSP amp which was fun for a bit, used with a Benchmark HDR DAC as a Pre/Dac. The Sony DVP-S9000ES went out on loan and I bought a cheap Yamaha DVD player as a transport.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7474/26831376193_f76ca3f569_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GSZPmn)
System (https://flic.kr/p/GSZPmn) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

This did not stay too long as I had the chance to have my Rega R9 speakers (on long term loan) back so I decided to setup an All-Rega system comprising of an Apollo-2000 & Mira Integrated to go with the P9 and R9s.

https://live.staticflickr.com/8074/29467551366_c8d7a26574_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LTWUos)
Rega System (https://flic.kr/p/LTWUos) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

2017

Not too long after, we bought our first house with my (now) Wife, finally moving out of my 'bachelor flat'. This had a dedicated living room, not massive at around 3mx5m but at least it was not a Living Room/Diner and main room from my old flat.
I managed to add a Cursa and Maia instead of the Mira Integrated

https://live.staticflickr.com/4390/36175307830_c494453411_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X7FUFY)
IMGP3372 (https://flic.kr/p/X7FUFY) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

This stayed for a while again but I could not quite get the R9s to work well in the room so they went off on loan again to another friend and I built a pair of Frugelhorn Lite speakers as a side project. The trusty Decware Zen came back in and although they were fun, they just sounded small. I contemplated adding a subwoofer but as always, changed direction again....

https://live.staticflickr.com/4167/34502976625_8a41a67ac7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UyULTk)
Lounge (https://flic.kr/p/UyULTk) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/4181/34372517631_7d22fb5392_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Uno8Yk)
System (https://flic.kr/p/Uno8Yk) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

2018

And then had the chance to try a pair of speakers that have been on my to-do-list for a long time, the KEF 201/2.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4345/37345391862_04be2047ef_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YU5TUA)
System (https://flic.kr/p/YU5TUA) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

The Cursa/Maia3 combo was good but not really getting the best out of them so I bagged a great black-friday deal on a Denon PMA-2500NE, the newer version of the PMA-2000AE I had a few years back.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4709/39612090764_0b95774f4e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23mojw9)
System (https://flic.kr/p/23mojw9) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

These really were superb speakers, similar to the 104/2 I had a few years ago, just great at everything, and probably up there with those and the Rega R9s as my favourite speakers. The big Denon was a great match too, oodles of power, features and pretty much all the amplifier you could want, even if its a large beast!

Tried a different room layout which I really liked the looks of but sound wise, not so much!

https://live.staticflickr.com/793/40059632305_ec473da144_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/242W62B)
System (https://flic.kr/p/242W62B) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I had a bit of a dip late 2018, we had a few things going on and I sold the KEFs

https://live.staticflickr.com/864/26597392607_fe8350cf62_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GwjAbB)
System (https://flic.kr/p/GwjAbB) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I then reverted to a simple system of the Sony S9000ES, the trusty Decware Zen and added Ray Samuels F-117 Nighthawk battery phonostage to go with the P9. At some point here I bought the Rega Ania to replace the AT33/PTGII, very happy with it since, no desire to change.
The 2500NE came in and out and was eventually sold later in 2019.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1927/43392590060_a8e7bb0770_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/297snfu)
Decware / Emmeline (https://flic.kr/p/297snfu) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

2019

With the hifi taking a backseat, it took a while into 2019 before I started thinking about going down the DIY route once again, and this ended up with my buying a pair of Supravox 165-2000 drivers. A 6.5" wide range driver, with an AlNiCo magnet and designed for Open Baffle.
Initially I picked up a pair of test cabinets, around 100 Litres and made them into an Aperiodic (leaky closed box) and that worked pretty well for a good while but the ultimate goal, was to go down the Open Baffle route.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1924/44954732341_2e11c592b2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2buuKJ6)
Supravox 165-2000 (https://flic.kr/p/2buuKJ6) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1927/45329744295_2dc536f5c3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2c4CMHr)
System (https://flic.kr/p/2c4CMHr) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

At some point early in the year, I tried a Rega Saturn to keep the source side of the system tidy but I did not get on with it, as before with the Apollo-2000 and Apollo-R, I just kept coming back to the big old Sony.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7919/47272883492_4542995fdd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2f2kTio)
Rega Saturn (https://flic.kr/p/2f2kTio) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I invested in some GIK Acoustics Panels

https://live.staticflickr.com/7801/47272882582_587229d240_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2f2kT2G)
System (https://flic.kr/p/2f2kT2G) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/7881/47272883042_73390780be_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2f2kTaC)
System (https://flic.kr/p/2f2kTaC) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

I also added a Something Solid EXR rack, with my own 30mm Plywood shelves.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7916/40621515093_20983d73e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24TzTcT)
System (https://flic.kr/p/24TzTcT) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

This stayed the same until around the start of August where I finally got round to starting an Open Baffle project. I bought a MiniDSP 2x4HD (Pre and DSP/Crossover), made a input switch box and also a pair of Supravox 285GMF bass drivers to cover the lower end of the spectrum.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46937122414_a7aebbaa75_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2evF2eh)
DIY Source Selector (https://flic.kr/p/2evF2eh) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Some tube rolling, settled on a Mullard GZ32 and Tesla E88CC, superb!

https://live.staticflickr.com/7836/33405998688_47f9ae321e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/STYtyC)
Mullard (https://flic.kr/p/STYtyC) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48529742382_ede21ab40f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gWpBEf)
Supravox (https://flic.kr/p/2gWpBEf) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48433498891_64a83e2908_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gMUkPH)
Supravox OB (https://flic.kr/p/2gMUkPH) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

Seen here together, with an old Cambridge Audio A5 amp from the loft to run the bass drivers, at 99dB/1m they don't need a huge amount of power!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48481511997_1a003febd2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gS9qrT)
System (https://flic.kr/p/2gS9qrT) by Robert Seymour (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

And thats where we are. Sounding really good at the moment, still some fettling to do on the design but by far the best soundstage I have had out of any speakers, the GIK really help here. Really open and dynamic all over.

And as ever, the big Sony DVP-S9000ES and Decware Zen are ever present in and around the system, I just keep coming back to them, which I like as they have been a very cheap investment.