Yaqin,...any users out there in the UK?

[ListeningEar]

There was recently a Yaqin MC-100 valve amp for sale on flea-bay which I was watching, as it turns out I got talking to the seller who decided to end auction early, keep the amp but change the valves to Gold Dragon instead of the cheap stock ones supplied.

Seller is a really nice chap, have built up an interesting email exchange with him and this week he said he gave it a good run with some David Gilmour, he said the difference was outstanding, like having David in the room playing live.

Now, 1) I really like the look fo the amp and 2) it's rather affordable even factoring changing the valves but are there any users here who can shed their experiences etc?

I have been circulating a want ad on various forums for a power amp/monoblocs but I keep thinking whether I should go down the Yaqin route. Would be great if someone had one I could listen to, I am in Buckinghamshire (my new email friend lives some distance away).

Thanks

[Sovereign]

Yes I am currently using a 100b
It depends what you are using now and what you are looking for.
I couldn't be happier, the amp is outstanding. Mine came with stock valves and the amps power and tonality were
Spot on to my ears then I upgraded the valves just last night and I nearly fell off my chair. The amp has got to be the bargain of the century .MAKE SURE YOU ARE RUNNING IT OFF A STEPED DOWN TRANSFORMER THOUG!!!

[synsei]

Pause for some audio porn, t'is a mighty fine sight for sure

[brian2957]

Do you know where I can get a 240v-220v step down transformer James.

[istari_knight]

I bought a Yaqin MC-10L when they first came out in 2005 I think it was ? Anyway, cracking amp & even better with Russian tubes fitted.

I've only ever heard good things about the MC-100B... As long as you use a step down you cant go wrong.

[walpurgis]

I've got one of those little buffer units.

[Mr Kipling]

Is it The Bum Duffer buffer?

[ListeningEar]

Yes I am currently using a 100b
It depends what you are using now and what you are looking for.
I couldn't be happier, the amp is outstanding. Mine came with stock valves and the amps power and tonality were
Spot on to my ears then I upgraded the valves just last night and I nearly fell off my chair. The amp has got to be the bargain of the century .MAKE SURE YOU ARE RUNNING IT OFF A STEPED DOWN TRANSFORMER THOUG!!!

Hi Sovereign,

Many thanks for taking the time to respond, why do I need to use a step down transformer when I can source one with the correct 240v transformers (not 220v)?

I am using a pair of ProAc Studio Towers MK I, Heybrook TT2 turntable with solid silver wired RB300 tonearm fitted with Denon DL110 cart. Phono stage is a Talk Electronics setup,...Breeze and Whirlwind (two box phono stage and power supply). I have a variety of different cables to try ranging from solid silver, silver plated and copper.

The above system is currently connected to an Audiolab 8000LX integrated, I am very happy with the sound and I also use it to make digital rips which others tell me are of very high quality (subjective I know).

When I think back to when this series of ProAc's were current I remember that alot of the high-end mags used to partner them with valve gear so I thought I would give it a try.

Anyone open to me coming round to listen? Pleeassseee!!! lol

[istari_knight]

Quite often the seller's will lie to clinch a deal, even if you specifically ask for 240v primaries they will agree & then put 220v one's in regardless. Thats what I've found anyway...

[ListeningEar]

Yes, I hear you on that but I have used these people before for audio parts:

http://www.audiocrast.com/

My contact there (Leo) states that primaries are correctly wired for 240v. Is there some kind of photographic evidence he can provide to confirm this? Sorry, I am not technical on all valve related matters hehe.

btw. my email buddy got his wired for 240v which he had professionally checked when it arrived in the UK