The Marco-boy main system, as of August 2020

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Lol - I can hear through the digital transcription and still readily identify the sonic characteristics of the vinyl source, just like I do with the 'needledrops' I produce - not a problem - and that lovely 'bouncy' bass is defo a characteristic of both the Shure cartridge used and the EMT turntable and arm it was on:)

If the music had been reproduced via a digital source, the bass wouldn't have sounded like that. Yes, the digital process can faithfully reproduce the qualities of the analogue source, but not PUT them there in the first place - that's my point!
.

---

Oh yes, quite agree. Although I wonder if it could be replicated with EQ?

I've got a couple of Stanton 500s that do a similar thing, big, rich bouncy bass that's ideal for that old chart stuff. But just a bit too crude if you want to listen to something more 'delicate.'

Having said that I just had a look for them and they aren't where I thought they were, so maybe I gave them away. I still have a 6881EEE which is sort of a halfway house between big and bouncy and detailed and delicate.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Macca

Oh yes, quite agree. Although I wonder if it could be replicated with EQ?

I've got a couple of Stanton 500s that do a similar thing, big, rich bouncy bass that's ideal for that old chart stuff. But just a bit too crude if you want to listen to something more 'delicate.'

Having said that I just had a look for them and they aren't where I thought they were, so maybe I gave them away. I still have a 6881EEE which is sort of a halfway house between big and bouncy and detailed and delicate.

---

Indeed... Although the difference with the Shure SC35C is the high-quality of the diamond profile on its NOS stylus, which allows it to do the 'bass boogie' thang and also delicacy and finesse.

I was playing a symphony recording with it last night, from Saint-Saëns, recorded in 1968, on the Decca black label [mint original copy], and it sounded stunning - every subtle musical detail and nuance was present and correct, and when the crescendos hit, it nearly blew me off my seat, such was the power and authority of the lower registers!!:eek:

Shame you can't find your Stanton (500AL). If you do, and it's a gold-bodied one with a NOS stylus, let me know and I'll buy it from you, as current production ones sound nothing like it.

Marco.

Actually thinking about it they may have been 680s not 500s. :doh:

The 681EEE is more like what you are describing with the Shure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Opti-cal

that juicy, full bodied sound comes through regardless of playback system I think. It just fills the frequency range very, very nicely. I think sometimes (and I've been guilty of this myself on occasion) people are just listening out for cues and nuances which they know 'should' jump out of the mix and impress them. Maybe they've heard the track on playback systems which (over) emphasizes a certain sound/instrument/voice and any which don't reproduce what they expect to hear are deemed inferior.

---

Yup, the latter is my main criticism with how most modern cartridges are 'voiced', which as you say, is to emphasise the 'hi-fi aspects' of the sound, often at the expense of a realistic portrayal of the music's natural tonal and timbre qualities. The best vintage cartridges (and also professional broadcast ones, such as the SC35C) don't do that, and instead get that right!

That's why I'm no longer interested in any modern cartridge that isn't 'voiced' to faithfully reproduce the above, as ultimately that's what is important to me and guarantees musical satisfaction from my vinyl listening:)

Quote:

---

Fact is if it boogies it boogies, I get more boogie factor with vinyl/analogue playback. The detail and transparency achieved using my digital components can be very enjoyable but swapping to my vinyl rig and playing the same song is (nearly) always no contest. To be honest I've never done a comparison of digital vs vinyl and thought 'oh there's some detail missing there from the vinyl', although technically likely true, the vinyl just has that bounce and boogie factor.

---

I've heard countless different types of digitally reproduced music, some at a very high standard, including that in my own system, but NONE I've heard so far produce the 'elastic bass' (boogie factor) you're referring to. For me, it's a trait intrinsic to vinyl replay (and not a coloration either, but simply something naturally present in the grooves of vinyl records) that digital, as good as it is (at its best), simply by its very nature, is unable to replicate.

Quote:

---

Flashbacks of chucking a cassette in my dads Nakamichi (BX2?) I think it was (the twin head though, not the triple bad boy) and being consumed by its analogue 'tapey' sound. Slightly akin to an old skool 'loudness' button being on, everything just sounded a bit bigger an beefier.

---

Yeah, I know *exactly* what you mean!

I bought a Nakamichi BX-300E brand new in the late 80s [later upgraded to a DR-2], which was part of my early-20s bedroom system in my parents house, and used to use BASF Chromedioxid tape to record vinyl from my (then) Ariston RD-11S T/T, with Linn LV-V arm, fitted with an ADC magnesium headshell and Denon DL-103, through a Sondex S230 amp (MM phono stage)/Lentek MC head amp, and play the tapes not only on the Nak, but my uncle's superb Alpine car stereo system (in his Opel Manta, lol), and he was always shocked and stunned at how good it sounded!:D

He could never quite believe it was vinyl records he was listening to... There's defo a warmth, solidity and 'unfussy musicality' to the sound of compact cassette tape, done well, as long as you avoided playing the prerecorded shite sold back then, which invariably sounded dull and lifeless, primarily due to having the dynamics compressed by Dolby NR, during the production process [often together with insufficient recording levels/sub-optimal EQ], and also the poor quality of the mass-produced 'normal' tape used.

But if you had a top-notch vinyl or CD source and recorded it with quality chrome (or metal) tape, through any quality Jap tape deck of the day (without worn heads), got the levels and EQ spot on, and left Dolby NR off [a little tape hiss between tracks was nothing], then the SQ could be stunning! Used to have loads of fun doing that back in the day:cool:

Marco.

Ok, just a small update, regarding the loading plugs, which among possible others, Chris may be interested in...

I mentioned that I reckoned (thanks to Barry's earlier rough calculations) that adding 180pF of capacitance was probably the optimal figure in my system, but of course I currently only had access to either 150 or 200pF plugs (or higher).

However, I've discovered [via an email exchange with the manufacturer] that the short 'Y' adapter leads I was originally using contributed 70pF capacitance to whichever plugs I fitted. So... If I used the 'Red' 250pF plugs, a figure that represented the inclusion of 70pF from the partnering leads (and which I was told contained a 180pF resistor), then by not using the leads, just the brass jumpers, I would achieve the desired 180pF!:)

So that's what I've done... And the sound now is really STUNNING!:eek: Low bass seems subjectively deeper, with more gravitas, midrange airier and even more mellifluous, and the highs as pin-sharp and sparkly, as a very pin-sharp and sparkly thing, with no trace whatsoever of harshness or 'glare'.

Bloody hell, I'm genuinely shocked and stunned at how good my SC35C cartridge sounds now - it really has no right to sound THIS good!! Right, I'm off to spin a few more choons before bed, that is *if* I can drag myself away from my record collection!:D

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Lol - I can hear through the digital transcription and still readily identify the sonic characteristics of the vinyl source, just like I do with the 'needledrops' I produce - not a problem - and that lovely 'juicy' and full-bodied bass is defo a characteristic of both the Shure cartridge used and the EMT turntable and arm it was on:)

Marco.

---

:lol: A couple of years ago I bought an EMT TS-G headshell which came with a Shure SC35 cartridge (sans stylus). I gave the cartridge body to you Marco - did you dispense with it because it was made in Mexico?

There is an awful amount of unsubstantiated snobbery about such things. I'm sure Shure applied the same exacting standards and inspection to their products made in Mexico as they did to those made in Evanstone US. It's the same with Leica products - some of their lenses were made in Canada, and heaven forfend, in Portugal, all made, examined and tested to Leica's exacting standards, but some Leica snobs will have nothing to do with them: only those made in Wetzlar, Germany are good enough for them. :doh:

Hi Barry,

No I haven't 'dispensed' with it at all. It's in my spares box, fitted with a latest production Shure stylus.

I intend on fitting it with one of the NOS Shure styli [undoubtedly the most important factor in generating the best sound] I recently bought on ebay, and then do a comparison between Evanston and 'Mexico vintage' bodies, in the same headshell...

I suspect you'll be interested in the outcome of that!:D

Marco.

P.S Well done, btw, for coming up with the correct added capacitance figure for the loading plugs (see my previous post):thumbsup:

Another example of 'juicy' bass, only available on vinyl, again courtesy of a Shure SC35C:

https://youtu.be/6itoB376fBE

Fast-forward to 20.54 and check out that intro to the Fine Young Cannibals!:eek:

Oh yeah baby... Deep, meaty and chunkier than a Yorkie bar...!:D

Marco.

In other news, my NOS Goldring G820 has arrived safely from Holland, with its NOS (conical) stylus... However, I've also managed to source a NOS version of the, rare-as-hen's teeth, elliptical (bi-radial) version, which is purported to sound the dog's bollocks:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/8JECGg.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/PvbKGp.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/zDakHw.jpg

So... I'll be able to try both styli in the same generator and see how the sound compares - should be fun! And also comparing the G820 (fitted with either stylus) with both the Goldring G800 and also my Shure SC35C, so look out that one, folks!:cool:

Marco.

Get in there Marco, you're defo having fun arnt you :)

Reading this thread with great interest
I too have a Shure SC35 cartridge, USA made, original NOS stylus.

I enjoy the cartridge's boogie factor very much, It's a very enjoyable thing for the money.

It's only after swapping out to far more expensive price point cartridges
do I notice it's short comings, and in my system it does have some way to go.
Hence me following the tread as closely as possible to see where I can optimise, maybe i need to tweak!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RobbieGong

Get in there Marco, you're defo having fun arnt you :)

---

Lol - defo, mate!:D

The Goldring G-820 has been mentioned before, and the description of its sound intrigued me: https://theartofsound.net/forum/show...hono-Cartridge

That was with its conical stylus, so it'll be interesting hearing what the 'posher' one brings to the party... Also my Nagaoka crystal stabilizer arrived today, which I've been using with the 'Achromat+):

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/L1KX3T.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/IgIZIy.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/P0kkmR.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/kE2Cex.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/lKWQOy.jpg

It's got a strobe too, which is quite funny, but there's also a useful little ceramic ball, which when in motion, as the platter is spinning, circles the circumference of a small inner-circle [which you can see if you look closely], to indicate how level it is, and also the turntable:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/hHPHkf.jpg

Goldring fitted to a Sumiko headshell. It's the only one that would fit, as it's a very long, chunky cartridge:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/X8egVc.jpg

The Nagaoka stabiliser sounds ABSOLUTELY FAB with the 'Achromat+' Arthur sent me (as pictured above), which has a glass section forming the mat's base, for extra damping of vibrational energy. I need to try the Nagaoka crystal stabilizer now with its intended partner, which is the crystal mat, and see what that does!

Yup, lots of toys to play and have fun with... More later:cool:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WESTLOWER

Reading this thread with great interest
I too have a Shure SC35 cartridge, USA made, original NOS stylus.

I enjoy the cartridge's boogie factor very much, It's a very enjoyable thing for the money.

It's only after swapping out to far more expensive price point cartridges
do I notice it's short comings, and in my system it does have some way to go.
Hence me following the tread as closely as possible to see where I can optimise, maybe i need to tweak!

---

Hi Adam,

How's it going, mate? You've been rather quiet lately, so hope you're well!:)

I know what you mean about far more expensive cartridges [by that I presume you're referring to MCs], but trust me when the Shure is loaded correctly (as has been discussed), and most importantly used in a high-mass arm, it's frankly amazing how good it sounds.

So in terms of tweaks, if you're not using it in a headshell that weighs at least 17g, then you won't be realising its potential, ditto with loading/capacitance tuning, plus some folks don't use the correct VTF, with the NOS stylus, and track it too light at 3g or so, which is wrong. The sweet spot is 4.5g.

That done, it'll show a clean pair of heels to most MMs, and in the particular areas where it excels (bass authority and 'fun factor'), many MCs! Plus it's none too shabby at everything else:D

I'd defo have another play with yours....

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Hi Barry,

No I haven't 'dispensed' with it at all. It's in my spares box, fitted with a latest production Shure stylus.

I intend on fitting it with one of the NOS Shure styli [undoubtedly the most important factor in generating the best sound] I recently bought on ebay, and then do a comparison between Evanston and 'Mexico vintage' bodies, in the same headshell...

Ideally you should use the exact same stylus in each body, and try each body under identical conditions. Will be interested to learn of the results: there are similar thoughts expressed by some concerning the brown and the black body Shure M55E.

I suspect you'll be interested in the outcome of that!:D

Marco.

P.S Well done, btw, for coming up with the correct added capacitance figure for the loading plugs (see my previous post):thumbsup:

---

Ideally you should use the exact same stylus in each body (not two separate samples of the stylus), and try each body under identical mounting conditions. Will be interested to learn of the results: there are similar thoughts expressed by some concerning the brown and the black body Shure M55E.

Yup, most certainly... I now have four NOS styli, for the SC35C, plus one of the latest (read as last) production ones, plus three 'bodies': two Evanston and one Mexico. I also have two AT-MG10 headshells, fitted with the same cartridge leads and mounting hardware.

Therefore, what I'll do is select one Evanston 'body' and NOS stylus, pop it in one of the above headshells, and fit the 'Mexico' to the other, and listen to the former first, then remove the stylus and fit it to the 'Mexico body' in the other shell, ensuring that all other variables are the same - and report the results!:cool:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Nightmare, mate. Wee tip, well two, actually... Firstly, always ensure that you tick the "Remember Me' box when signing onto the forum, as that way your posts won't time out, and secondly, just as an extra precaution, COPY your posts before you hit the 'Reply' button;)

Nice one on the SPU! Which one did you get?:)

Marco.

---

Sorry for the slow response, that thing called life has got in the way. You would think after being on here for 11yrs that i would know how to use it ha. Tips noted.

I went for a SPU #1E with a Phasemation SUT. I'm still evaluating it really although i do like it. I should be recieving the loading plugs today and i've sent Arthur an email about the Houdini as my curiosty got the better of me. Looks like i'll be getting the last one before official launch!

Are you still using your Houdini with the SC35C?

Lol - mate, dat's cool, glad to see you've got a life, that's the main thing!:D

That SPU should sound s-w-e-e-t...:peace:

Yup, still using the SC35C with a Houdini, and when my new Denon (finally) escapes the clutches of customs:rolleyes:, I'll be fitting one to that, too!:cool:

Tell you something... It'll have to go some to usurp the Shure as it *really* is sounding FAB!

Marco.

I'd have to agree with you with regards the Shure. I'm way behind when it comes to assessment due to having an absolute sod of a time trying to suss out a ground loop hum. I'm still working on it but I have to say that my configuration of the SC35C would need a cart costing north of £1K to beat it. I just need a break with this ground loop hum to get the best out of it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Lol - mate, dat's cool, glad to see you've got a life, that's the main thing!:D

That SPU should sound s-w-e-e-t...:peace:

Yup, still using the SC35C with a Houdini, and when my new Denon (finally) escapes the clutches of customs:rolleyes:, I'll be fitting one to that, too!:cool:

Tell you something... It'll have to go some to usurp the Shure as it *really* is sounding FAB!

Marco.

---

The SPU does sound sweet and was a bit of an impulse buy which i don't do very often at all.

I've recieved the loading plugs today and had a little play with them and atm i am settling on the green ones which add 150pF. Nice little upgrade! As you say tidys everthing up in a nice way.

I think i need to hear a Denon at some point in my life (and i'm sure i will). The Shure must be sounding very good with the little tweaks that have been done, especially the houdini! Can't wait to recieve mine and see what all the fuss is about :)

Hi Darren,

Glad you're enjoying the SPU and SUT - any chance of some pics?:)

Yeah, the loading plugs are great, although I've settled on a slightly different value from you, which is fine as our systems are different. However, if you're using the 'Y' adaptors, fitted with short cables, try these splitters instead, with the loading plugs you've got:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gold-Plat...72.m2749.l2649

I found that they notably improved matters sonically, especially as they remove the capacitance of the attached cables/wires [stated by the manufacturer as 70pF] and so allow you to utilise the actual electrical value of the resistors that the plugs are fitted with, without 'hearing' the effect of the partnering cables.

Trust me, I think you'll like it and probably arrive at using a different value;)

Marco.

I'd been looking for a pair of these for AGES, but as they're pretty rare (plenty of later versions around in various condition, including the XRs I've currently got), so not had much opportunity to pull the trigger on an original pair with the 'picture frame' grilles... Then these popped up today on ebay, at a very good price and in rather nice condition:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/3lAHMI.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/WT7JQW.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/jmgcAm.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/2iddHT.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/hA3qHX.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/S0fi7A.jpg

Details here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Early-Pic...72.m2749.l2649

There's a little bit of the veneer missing on one of them and a few scuffs here and there (as shown in the pics), which I'll be getting a cabinet maker to fix and also fully restore the wood on both, so they should look superb! And for £89.00 I can hardly complain. They'll be going in the lounge in the downstairs system, *if* they manage to usurp the modified XRs!;)

It'll certainly be interesting comparing them, as they use totally different drivers... The earliest versions like these were much better quality. Full report to follow when they arrive, hopefully before the weekend!:cool:

Marco.

They do look in extremely good condition, a bit of a bargain, a friend had a pair and they did sound pretty good in his system, but that was many moons ago.

Did look into those a while ago but I think the tweeters don't reach up to the highest frequencies and so I thought the ones with the supertweeter would be better.


Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

Good speaks the originals. Should go nicely in the livingroom

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AJSki2fly

They do look in extremely good condition, a bit of a bargain, a friend had a pair and they did sound pretty good in his system, but that was many moons ago.

---

Cheers, Adrian. That's exactly what I thought! And of course at that price it leaves a little room for spending on restoring them to near-mint condition, and *possibly* a re-cap;)

But I'm wary of adversely disturbing the voicing of these originals, plus nothing will be done until I have good listen to them over an extended period and get used to what they do!:cool:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lawrence001

Did look into those a while ago but I think the tweeters don't reach up to the highest frequencies and so I thought the ones with the supertweeter would be better.

---

I also considered that and will assess it when comparing them to the later XRs, which have also been re-capped (and have a lovely open and extended top-end), so if anything will show that up, it'll be those!:)

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by struth

Good speaks the originals. Should go nicely in the livingroom

---

Cheers, mate. Yeah, just the type of 'retro look' that we love, and which will suit the room! Aside from the highly regarded HF1300 tweeters (top-end roll off aside), the mid/bass and ABR units have cast-alloy chassis and a more heavy-duty construction overall.

What vintage do you think these are - mid 60s?

Marco.

they came out in 66 so from then onward

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

I also considered that and will assess it when comparing them to the later XRs, which have also been re-capped (and have a lovely open and extended top-end), so if anything will show that up, it'll be those!:)

Marco.

---

Maybe a rare example of a situation where external (so called) supertweeters will actually improve the sound (rather than just increase the HF response).

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by struth

they came out in 66 so from then onward

---

Ah I see, thanks. Wasn't sure when they came out... So they're potentially as old as me!:D

Marco.

Treble output cuts off completely above just over 13kHz, not that you'd probably notice, most folk don't. I believe that's why the tweeter was called the HF1300. I've had four or five pairs over the years. Your Celestion badges are missing by the way, you'll find some on ebay if you're fussed Marco.

I was thinking of getting a pair of Ditton 15s, back in 1968. In the end though, I built a pair of Wharfedale-designed distributed port speakers using the Wharfedale RS8/DD driver.

(Admire the neat and tidy filing of the Hi-Fi mags.)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by walpurgis

Treble output cuts off completely above just over 13kHz, not that you'd probably notice, most folk don't. I believe that's why the tweeter was called the HF1300. I've had four or five pairs over the years. Your Celestion badges are missing by the way, you'll find some on ebay if you're fussed Marco.

---

Indeed on all counts, Geoff. What should the original badges look like on these early models - could you link me to some?:)

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barry

I was thinking of getting a pair of Ditton 15s, back in 1968. In the end though, I built a pair of Wharfedale-designed distributed port speakers using the Wharfedale RS8/DD driver.

(Admire the neat and tidy filing of the Hi-Fi mags.)

---

Yup, I spoke to the chap earlier. He was aware of AoS and said, I quote "It's the more well-respected forum out of the three main ones, pfm and WW". Well, I wouldn't know that, but that's obviously his opinion and nice to know:)

He runs this small family business, which has some nice stuff: https://www.hifihangar.co.uk/

Check out their ebay shop shown on the link. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again, as their attention to detail is excellent:cool:

Marco.

Some nice stuff for sale there.

I take it you have a copy of the 'Tannoy Story'?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

He runs this small family business, which has some nice stuff: https://www.hifihangar.co.uk/

Marco.

---

That's Steve. I've met him, he's a decent bloke and well liked by his customers.

Yes you'll not be surprised that I bought a copy of that, too:D

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by walpurgis

That's Steve. I've met him, he's a decent bloke and well liked by his customers.

---

Cool. He seems like a nice guy, Geoff. Did you see my question about the badges? Strangely, all the ones I've seen so far don't have badges on the grilles, such as this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1x-Vintag...2/283453097158

Or this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-CELES...D/193632513282

Are you sure that the very early ones had badges?:)

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

What should the original badges look like on these early models - could you link me to some?:)

Marco.

---

I've had a look around, but can't find a clear image. I wouldn't mind betting we have a member with some knocking about. I used to have some, but they're long gone as far as I can recall.

See my last post:)

Marco.

Bingo! This is one of a pair of Ditton 15's I refurbished a few years ago.

https://i.imgur.com/yVJBU6E.png

Ah gotcha!:)

Marco.

Now just need to find some, lol...

Marco.

A later pair sounding pretty fine here:

https://youtu.be/2O5OL6ZUp1U

:cool:

Marco.

Ok some toys have arrived and more on their way! :eyebrows:

My new valve headphone amp arrived this morning from China:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/jO1bUl.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/922/LrzSj8.jpg

Sounds fab, especially once being allowed to warm up and burn in a bit! It has a very punchy, dynamic, open and airy sound, with plenty of welly at the low-end and works really well with my modern versions of Koss PRO-4AAA headphones [more on that in a mo], shown below:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/HAifVX.jpg

Once I've got used to the headphone amp I intend on tweaking it a bit, NOS valve fitted, plus some cap/resistor upgrades and a better volume pot. I had thought of putting a stepped attenuator in, but unfortunately there isn't room on the circuit board, so will look to fitting the best one available that will fit in the required space.

It's excellent in stock form, but I just want to turn it into a small project and see how far I can take it, given that it only cost me £98!:cool:

Ok, headphones.... Since I've got a new headphone amp, I also thought about a headphone upgrade. Now I primarily love high-quality vintage headphones, as much like speakers, the best ones have a 'sound'/tonal richness and musicality all of their own, and so thought 'what if I could find a minty pair of original Koss PRO-4AAAs at a good price?':hmm:

Well I did, and so today bought these beauts:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/p3MdeM.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/iMIXzw.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/Lkxe8Y.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/L5eyiB.jpg[

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/vGPWUd.jpghttps://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/wTeqH7.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/VsMaTp.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/1xIXdB.jpg

Details here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headphone...72.m2749.l2649

Looks like they've hardly been used! So it'll be interesting comparing the originals, which you can see are much better made, with the modern reproductions:cool:

ATB,
Marco.

Fabulous headphones.
Heard a pair many years ago at a show somewhere and just had to have a pair!
Still got them, although they don't get the same use that they used to. However, I've not heard many phones that surpass their capability as you described..... Soooooo enjoyable.

I had a pair of their old electrostatic headphones a few years ago. They were in many ways the best sounding pair of headphones I've heard. Smoother and fuller bodied but less airy and detailed than Stax, but an easy listen. I sold them due to comfort issues however.

I also recommend the Wharfedale or Leak planars they can be picked up cheap and sound great for their vintage.

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WullieD20

Fabulous headphones.
Heard a pair many years ago at a show somewhere and just had to have a pair!
Still got them, although they don't get the same use that they used to. However, I've not heard many phones that surpass their capability as you described..... Soooooo enjoyable.

---

Cheers, Gordon. I haven't heard a pair of the originals, so am looking forward to hearing these, as I suspect they'll have the characteristics you describe, and a very rich, fluid and expansive sound, but also detailed and dynamic.

That's kind of how the modern versions sound, so I'm expecting more of the same with the originals, which were always highly regarded:)

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lawrence001

I had a pair of their old electrostatic headphones a few years ago. They were in many ways the best sounding pair of headphones I've heard. Smoother and fuller bodied but less airy and detailed than Stax, but an easy listen. I sold them due to comfort issues however.

I also recommend the Wharfedale or Leak planars they can be picked up cheap and sound great for their vintage.

---

I nearly bought these Wharfdale DD1s, as the design really intrigued me: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wharfdale...s/303695747641

The bass is supposed to be stupendous!:eek:

But then I've always wanted an original pair of the Koss. For me they were always the definitive headphone company (the original American one) and had a unique sound of their own, which was always so unfailingly musical and transparent to the recording, giving music a vibrancy and realism that was always very addictive :)

Grado headphones are a bit like that too, and also possess that 'buttery' mellifluous midrange, but without the visceral low-end punch and attack of the Koss. I guess that I just love how American 'phones are voiced:cool:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

I nearly bought these Wharfdale DD1s, as the design really intrigued me: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wharfdale...s/303695747641

The bass is supposed to be stupendous!:eek:

But then I've always wanted an original pair of the Koss. For me they were always the definitive headphone company (the original American one) and had a unique sound of their own, which was always so unfailingly musical and transparent to the recording, giving music a vibrancy and realism that was always very addictive :)

Grado headphones are a bit like that too, and also possess that 'buttery' mellifluous midrange, but without the visceral low-end punch and attack of the Koss. I guess that I just love how American 'phones are voiced:cool:

Marco.

---

I had a pair of those a few years ago, they were rather good actually. I think I added some damping inside and a bit of deadener to the plastic cups. They had a cap inside on the tweeter same as you'd find in a speaker IIRC.

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk