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Hi Marco,
As far as I know, there are some manufacturers in China who have a very loose or even non existent quality control. But if Yaqin wanted to join and compete in the world wide market then they should have their products complied with any safety standard. I have used the Yaqin for over a year and it has not caused a single problem. I assume that it is safe enough to use it in U. k. as it indicates on the box it is a 240V version.
King
King,
That's what it said on the box of a few people's Yaqin amplifiers I know of that caught fire...
I don't wish to alarm you unnecessarily, as your Yaqin has obviously worked fine for over a year, but internal components, such as capacitors, overheating due to being incompatible with the over-voltage imposed on the secondary circuits, as a result of some UK mains supplies being rated as high as 248V (not 240V), sometimes even higher, is a real issue.
That extra 8V, or so, may not seem much, but it can be quite critical when the tolerance of some internal components is unable to handle it, and if they 'pop' when the equipment is left unattended for a period of time, the knock-on effect on the primaries can be quite 'spectacular', and extremely dangerous. Someone more technically-minded than me will explain it better.
I just think it's important that you should know this, as the last thing I'd want to happen is for me to say nothing and then find out that something nasty has happened, so I'm sure you can appreciate my concern. If it were me, I would not leave it switched on for any length of time while you are not in the room, and make sure it's switched off at night before you go to bed.
My advice would be to measure the voltage on your mains supply with a multi-meter, and if it is significantly over 240V, then take your Yaqin to a qualified electronics engineer, get it fully tested for safety, and if recommended have some 'over-specified' higher-rated capacitors, etc, fitted to ensure that the circuit can safely cope with any over-voltage. It will probably improve the sound, too, and you'll have piece of mind knowing that you're safe :)
It's always better being safe than sorry where electricity is concerned!
Marco.
Hi Marco,
Thank you for your warning! The voltage in my area is normally 238 volts and seldom goes beyond 240V. But I will take precaution and probably use a step-up transformer to drop the voltage down to220V just in case of any unforeseen happening.
King
You mean a step-down transformer ;)
No worries - like I said it's better being safe than sorry...
I used to have a Yaqin MC-100B valve amp, which I used with a step-down transformer. One day I stupidly unplugged it and ran the raw mains straight through (thinking that it was after all supposed to be safe with 240V UK mains, as stated on the box), and after about an hour, I heard a sizzling noise coming from the amp, and to my horror the power supply caps were bubbling up and smoking in front of my eyes...!!
So I quickly switched off the amplifier - it gave me a real fright! Then after that I had it properly modified to be safe on UK mains by Anthony Matthews, a qualified electronics engineer and equipment designer, here on the forum, and then everything was ok - plus is sounded much better too! :)
Marco.
Over the years I have bought quite a few cartridges, some of them are considered vintage but still very competitive even amongst those latest creations. I have always been passionate with Denon cartridges since 1979 and am still using them now. One of the most popular cartridges of all time and truly a classic, of course, is the Denon 103. The 103D has not caught much of my attention, though I still consider it a better cartridge.
Denon 103
http://i42.tinypic.com/33vbudd.jpg
Denon 103D
http://i42.tinypic.com/2wqej9g.jpg
Close-up of 103D
http://i39.tinypic.com/2zemn8j.jpg
One of my favourite cartridges, the 103R
http://i43.tinypic.com/2zhijo9.jpg
Close-up
http://i40.tinypic.com/2cy2rh2.jpg
DL303
http://i41.tinypic.com/fd6n4l.jpg
Close-up
http://i43.tinypic.com/2igy8mh.jpg
DL304
http://i42.tinypic.com/2lmnb03.jpg
Close-up
http://i44.tinypic.com/szgz0j.jpg
King -
About the safety of the Yaqin MS-12B: Mine was also marked 240V on the box, though the amp itself has 220V on it. I checked the secondary voltages of the mains transformer, and with a 240V AC input they very closely matched the values marked on the circuit diagram - apart from the heater voltage to the 12AU7 valves, which was 1.2V high at 13.8V AC. (Not dangerous, but could shorten the life of the valve a bit). I have since added a power resistor to drop the voltage to 12.6V. The main supply capacitors on mine are rated at 400V, so there's a good margin there.
So it probably is a good idea, as Marco advised, to check the voltages. And I would also agree about not leaving the amp powered up when you're not around. (Come to that, I would probably feel the same about any valve amp.)
Hi John,
I certainly agree that all valve amps should not be powered up when we are not around because of the danger it may cause. Actually I always turn off the Yaqin as soon as the listening session is finished.
Anyway, thank you for your caution!
King
DL301
http://i41.tinypic.com/1clki.jpg
Close-up
http://i41.tinypic.com/5dkq41.jpg
DL110
Close-up
http://i41.tinypic.com/59u8w7.jpg
Another cartridge which I also adore is the Supex 900 Super; I used to partner it with the Grace 707 arm, a classic combination that most of us were using during that period due to the mighty effort and inevitable influence contributed by Linn, I guess.
Supex 900 Super
http://i41.tinypic.com/1zxwizn.jpg
Close-up
http://i42.tinypic.com/91gffr.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2m6ltfp.jpg
Supex 1000
http://i43.tinypic.com/4pa8h.jpg
Close-up
http://i40.tinypic.com/fu5ced.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/240yp6o.jpg
Hi King,
Superb photos yet again, and some of the cleanest looking styli I've seen! :)
You are a truly an enthusiast par excellence and have my deepest respect :youtheman:
Marco.
Hi Marco,
Thank you for your kind and bounteous comments!
I will post more pictures when I have time.
Regards!
King
I would just like to add ' your photo's are indeed quite superb ' and a lovely range of carts you have.
Hi Chris,
Thank you!
They are still not perfect. If I had used a tripod my photos would have been better. I was using a prosumer camera, the Panasonic FZ28, which is not in the same league among those SLR Nikons, Canons and others.
King
King -
I'm just wondering what valves you are currently using in your Yaqin preamp? I had a lot of trouble with noisy or microphonic valves in mine, and I've just rewired the heater circuit to the 12AX7's and substituted some Russian 6N2P-EV's. These are very quiet and stable and I find they improve the sound significantly.
I'm currently using Philips JAN 5693's in place of the Chinese 12AU7's. I get a feeling that I can do better here, but there are so many kinds out there, some at silly prices....:confused:
Hi King,
As someone who is looking to enter the retro world of turntables, I was wondering if you could give a newbie some directions. My system is mostly old linn stuff, part of which is a Majik amp with phono stage.
If I was to start looking around for a second hand turntable, what would you recommend, while bearing in mind a modest budget? These recessionary times are not HiFi friendly.
Nathan
Hi,Quote:
Originally Posted by jonners
I am using two vintage 1970 GE 12AU7A/ECC82 and two new Sovtek 12AX7 LPS valves for the Yaqin at the moment. Of course, there are better valves than those I use but they are too expensive, I think.
Hi Nathan,Quote:
Originally Posted by RochaCullen
Well, I would recommend you the AR Legend/Turntable which is very affordable and its sound quality gives a Linn LP12 a very close run for the money.
Best regards!
King
It is in some people’s mind that MM and MI cartridges are considered to be low grade and poor sounding when compare with MC cartridges. Of course some MCs are superior to many MM/MI cartridges but there are exceptions, for instance, the Technics 205C mk3/4, the ADC XLM mk3 Improved and Grace F9E etc. Here are some of the MM and MI cartridges I have:-
ADC XLM mk3 Improved
http://i39.tinypic.com/2n1djpv.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/zo9kpv.jpg
AR Cambridge E77
http://i44.tinypic.com/2r27ubr.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2sbog9w.jpg
Goldring Electra
http://i40.tinypic.com/90wuns.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/zwb1ad.jpg
JVC X1
http://i44.tinypic.com/5xlikk.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/20z9tgy.jpg
JVC Z1
http://i42.tinypic.com/ih4nj9.jpg
Signet TK 7E
http://i39.tinypic.com/2cpzsll.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/s33p5c.jpg
Superb pics again, King :)
Some MMs are indeed fabulous. If you haven't already done so, you simply must try a Shure M3D. In my opinion, it is the MM 'daddy' of them all.
Incidentally, I also love your collection of NOS headshells! Sonically, those can make all the difference... My AT LT-12 and FR S/5 really make my low-compliance gems sing!
Marco.
Hi Marco,
I have never tried a Shure M3D before, how does it compare with the V15 mk3?
I own more than a dozen of headshells of different varieties and they do play a major role to the sound.
King,
I've just been looking through this thread. I must say I'm impressed by your broadness both of mind and collection of kit.
So out of everything you have there, what is your favourite setup combination, including both digital and vinyl front ends?
Hello Steve,
What a question! I don’t really know the answer myself.
For analogue, my favourites at the moment should be the Technics SP15 with Micro Seiki MA505S tonearm and AT 37E or Denon 103R cartridge plus the Denon DP80 with Audiocraft AC3000 S Limited tonearm and AT 33 ANV. The Linn (MOSS/Hercules) with Ittok and AT OC9 or The AR Turntable (MOSS/Hercules) with Mission 774 LC and Ortofon MC15 combo also provides me with a very enjoyable sound, different if not better.
But one of the best sounds also came from a Linn (Origin Live DC motor and Advance Speed box), Rega 300(Incognito wiring and Michell Techno Weight) and AT33 PTG front end connected to the Croft Super Micro Preamp (modded with two Dact mono 250K stepped attenuators, silver wiring and Jenson Caps), sadly, the turntable and cartridge are no longer with me now.
My favourite phono stages, I think, have to be the Cambridge 640P and Salience (Jasmine) LP2.0SE. I like the Yaqin too but it does not have enough gain for MC cartridges so I use it mainly for MMs or sometimes with a Trio pre-preamp for MC cartridges.
For digital, I have no doubt that the Citypulse DA7.2X is the best sounding among all the others. It is partnered with my Sony CD player as a transport. The Citypulse has been modded by me with LM4562 op-amp, Rubycon and Blackgate bi-polar capacitors.
All interconnects and most of the tonearm cables are pure silver, also most of my kits are not original but modified.
Here are some more photos of my cartridges:-
The Audio Technica AT 33ANV
http://i42.tinypic.com/mt4h2q.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/2ijqe15.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/343kwux.jpg
AT 33E
http://i40.tinypic.com/hvuddu.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/35cosqe.jpg
AT 32E
http://i39.tinypic.com/35ji5pk.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/28cocw1.jpg
AT 31E
http://i44.tinypic.com/w0kuo0.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2hoea6p.jpg
AT OC9
http://i44.tinypic.com/1e9kpl.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/1t1ysh.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/33uvl9s.jpg
AT 37E
http://i41.tinypic.com/xgcgpj.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/29zufk1.jpg
Stanton 681EEE
http://i40.tinypic.com/3177028.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/2laan20.jpg
Technics P205 mk3
http://i44.tinypic.com/zojs.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/n6dv5w.jpg
Technics P205 mk4
http://i40.tinypic.com/33usf4l.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/1z31dht.jpg
Ortofon MC10 Super
http://i41.tinypic.com/izvmtf.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/30aryhy.jpg
I'm lovin' this :)
You don't, per chance, own any cartridges? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Hi Marco,
You are not interested in any of my cartridges, are you?
I always think that the Denon 103SA is the only apple in your eye.
:confused::lol:
I like them all, mate! You have excellent taste.
Why are you selling any? :)
Marco.
I am not selling any; on the contrary, I am lusting for more. A Denon 103 SA or 103Pro, perhaps, will be my next target.:)
Owning both, I'd say go for the 'SA'. But if you really want to be included in our 'elite list' you need a Shure M3D ;)
Marco.
Why is the Shure M3D so special?
One of the best MM cartridges that I own is the Technics 205C mk3.
http://i41.tinypic.com/w8p74m.jpg
I've not heard the Technics (although I know it's highly regarded), but the M3D is head and shoulders the best MM cartridge I've ever used - so much so in fact that with an N21D stylus it sounds more like a high quality MC, providing 'super-pure' treble detail and massive high frequency extension isn't what you get off on.
Think SPU sound on the cheap and, on the right T/T and arm, considerably better than any Denon MC. I'm surprised you don't have an SPU in your collection, actually. Anyway, you should definitely add an M3D to your line-up. Trust me, you'll not regret it, and you've got all the bits needed to make it sound truly special :)
Marco.
It was my perception that the V15 series were the best cartridges Shure had offered in the past, especially the V15 mk3, but I did not really like them very much as they were not good enough. The Technics 205C simply eats them for breakfast. There was one M3D on eBay last week but I did not put any bid on it because I was not interested at that time. From now on, I will keep an eye on one if it is available again.
K (what is you first name again? You need to add it to your sig), the M3D EATS the V-15 (any model) for breakfast. There is simply no comparison.
The problem was, much like many things in hi-fi, that the 'cognoscenti' seemed to latch onto the V-15, going ape about it, and thus it was hyped-up, IMO, beyond what its talents deserved; whilst the M3D slipped under the radar, by comparison, relatively unnoticed.
I think it cost something like around £60, though, in 1959, which was not an inconsiderable amount of money then - so quite an expensive item in its day and out with of what your average person could likely afford.
No, if you see one for sale on Ebay, snap it up, fit an N21D stylus, and pop it in one of your highest-mass NOS headshells. The stylus is crucial, as the standard N3D stylus isn't in the same ballpark - and you'll be adding an amazing cartridge to your already amazing collection! :cool:
Marco.
OK, I am looking forward to getting one. I hope it is not being caught on by your benevolent statement.
Regards!
King
LOL. Hopefully not! 'King' - that's it. I was trying to remember from before :)
But you need to click on 'User CP' at the top left-hand side of the screen, and then on 'Edit Signature', so you can add "King" to your signature and it will then appear automatically under all your posts.
It don't think you understood what I meant before :smoking:
Marco.
Some more cartridges in my collection, two of them are very rare:-
The Ortofon VMS 20E mk2 was a very popular cartridge, though lacks in transparency and sparkles. It still achieves a very well balance in sound, not bad at all.
http://i29.tinypic.com/27y047k.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/eijsdx.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/m9agl4.jpg
The Ortofon VMS 30E mk2
http://i29.tinypic.com/nehvzo.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/v5fmo7.jpg
Over the years, ADC have only made one moving coil model in their range, the ADC MC 1.5 http://i31.tinypic.com/saz9li.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/110lm6v.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/21b6ey1.jpg
One of the best moving magnet cartridges that I have owned, the ADC TRX-2
http://i29.tinypic.com/64nuyg.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/2rdwvx1.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/2hcepep.jpg
I must say King that you set a very high standard, not only for your hi-fi but the photos you take of it. Well done sir.
Regards D S D L
Hi Neil,
Thank you! It is my pleasure to share some photos with you guys here.
Quite frankly, I am still a learner in photography. If I can do it, so can you!
Practice makes perfect.:lol:
Bejeezus, they're good photos! :)
Wonderful photos, well done indeed sir. Someone has to say it so it might as well be me but is the azimuth not just a smidge out on the Ortofon and TRX piccies, or is it just the camera angle?
Anyway still great shots, any tips for a hopeless snapper like me would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Hi Ralph,
I think it is the camera angle and the cartridge is on a AT1120 tonearm with fixed headshell which azimuth can not be adjusted. The only tip I can give you is set your camera in the macro mode to shoot. Better still, get a camera with a proper macro lens so you can get perfect close-up pictures.
Hi King,
Wonderful stuff, as usual! :)
Is that an Audio Technica LT-12 headshell on the Ortofon VMS 30E mk2? If so, it's the same as what I'm using at the moment with my DL-103SA. It's one of the best headshells you can buy... Sadly, they're long discontinued.
Marco.
As rare as hen’s teeth, the Panasonic EPS-460C is a strain gauge/ semiconductor cartridge which needs a special preamp to get it worked properly, sadly I don’t have one. So, it is for display only at the moment and don’t ask me how it sounds because I don’t really know despite I have had it for quite a while. I did try it connected to a spare input of one of my preamps, but my first encounter was welcome with an absolute silence, very interesting though.
I am aware that Soundsmith does some excellent dedicated strain gauge preamps and their best offer is the SG-810 which is frighteningly expensive at a whopping cost of US $14,999.95, a chicken feed to some but crippling financial stress to others. If I had the money I would buy a big sparkling diamond for my wife that should indeed make her very happy and she would keep a blind eye on my ever-increasing hi-fi expending. I hope miracle would happen on me with a winning lottery ticket one day that could allow me to do so. :)
The Panasonic EPS-460C strain gauge cartridge
http://i31.tinypic.com/s2h2jp.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/20ge6bo.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/qnwkuw.jpg
Hi Marco,Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Yes, it is.
What an enthralling thread, wonderful pictures and collection, but now you've made me very late for bed! You are still a legend though, King!
My latest arrival, the Shure M7D cartridge with N21 stylus
http://i28.tinypic.com/r2tgk2.jpg
http://i28.tinypic.com/dyx2tv.jpg
One of my best and favourite cartridges, theTechnics EPC- 205C mk3
http://i32.tinypic.com/sblht5.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/fcvfcj.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/167ow02.jpg
Superb pictures as usual, King! :)
Weren't you getting an M3D, though, as per my recommendation, or am I mistaken? :scratch:
How does the M7D/N21 sound?
Marco.
The 205mkIII was one cartridge that totally passed me by in the Linn/Naim days, as, like the V15III, it had a ruler flat response which made the rest of the system scream in protest. I blamed the cartridge (and Martin Colloms ears) at the time.. I now know VERY different......................................... ..
The M7 shouldn't sound too different to the M3D, as I suspect the innards are the same (?). I'm sure (sorry:)) that you now realise that the V15 series is a very different kind of animal.. Ken Kessler once said that the Ultra 500 Shure "educated" rather than entertained. I can certainly say that what the M3D/N21 lacks in refinement, it MORE than makes up in entertainment value :)
Hi Marco,Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Originally I was trying to get an M3D but unfortunately I was twice being out bid by two guys with a deeper pocket and quicker response, hard luck! So I changed my mind and opted for an M7D which caused less attention by most people, I finally succeeded and snatched one for about forty quid, not bad at all. Hehe!
I then ordered a new N21 stylus and it arrived fours days later from the States. I set up the cartridge on last Sunday and I briefly listened to it for about an hour. My first impressions were very positive, but the bass was not as deep or powerful as I would have expected, however it was quite tight. I know that I have not explored the full potential of this amazing cartridge yet. At the moment, I am using it on a Micro Seiki MA505S tonearm, the tracking weight is set at 2.2 grams. I am still trying to figure out the optimal VTF or loading for it. The effective mass of the MA 505S tonearm is about 15 grams, is it compatible? Or should I partner it with a heavier arm? Marco, can you please advice, thank you!
Hi Dave,Quote:
Originally Posted by DSJR
Martin Colloms did praise and rate the 205mkIII very highly indeed (Hi-Fi Choice no.20), and that was why I bought one according to his recommendation.
As far as I know, the M3D and M7D are exactly the same, but in two different bodies. So, they should sound very similar despite they are different in appearance. My initial impressions of it are very good and I think I am going to compare it with the 205mkIII and the ADC TRX2 later which are also installed on the same Technics SP15 turntable at the moment.
http://i29.tinypic.com/hwy2wo.jpg
The Dual 701 arm has an effective mass of arount 12 - 15 grammes IIRC and I added one of those lead headshell weights to the headslide when fitting the M3D. I've tracked at anything between 2 and 2.5g with no problems. the thing is so relatively crude that I doubt VTA will make a huge difference. Adding extra mass to the shell will make more of a difference to bass I reckon ;)