What do you guys think?

[walpurgis]

Thanks Danilo but I never did get the hang of soldering

Soldering is a very handy skill. We've just had a good thread on cable making by Oliver, who'd not done any soldering before and ended up doing some good work quickly.

Here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...DIY-RCA-Cables

Why not have a bash?

[Forkbeard]

Soldering is a very handy skill. We've just had a good thread on cable making by Oliver, who'd not done any soldering before and ended up doing some good work quickly.

Here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...DIY-RCA-Cables

Why not have a bash?

Cheers, I shall give it a go

[Brigadoon]

But I will definitely be looking at the Sony amps, would I really be able to get very good hi-fi sound from one of these old amps?

In short, Yes.

Provided the amp is n good nick, you would have to go a leg way to beat one of them for sound quality. I have been involved in 'high end' audio for nigh on 30 years as a hobbyist, installer and dealer, and I can honestly say that you're unlikely to find the level,of quality design and build of the older amps in new models unless you're ready to spend £1000's

Of course that doesn't apply to ALL older amps...there is a lot of dross out there, but essentially, if you can tick the following boxes, whatever amp you're looking at will be better than okay:

- toroidal transformer
- dual mono design
- quality capacitors
- decent speaker binding posts
- quality switches

These are normally the marks of a well designed / built amp.

Oh, and just for the record, "damping factor" doesn't count for diddly.......

[Forkbeard]

In short, Yes.

Provided the amp is n good nick, you would have to go a leg way to beat one of them for sound quality. I have been involved in 'high end' audio for nigh on 30 years as a hobbyist, installer and dealer, and I can honestly say that you're unlikely to find the level,of quality design and build of the older amps in new models unless you're ready to spend £1000's

Of course that doesn't apply to ALL older amps...there is a lot of dross out there, but essentially, if you can tick the following boxes, whatever amp you're looking at will be better than okay:

- toroidal transformer
- dual mono design
- quality capacitors
- decent speaker binding posts
- quality switches

These are normally the marks of a well designed / built amp.

Oh, and just for the record, "damping factor" doesn't count for diddly.......

Thanks Barry, I had a look about for the high end Sony discussed previously but could not see any nice examples, would you mind giving me a few pointers as to different models I should be looking out for, I like to listen primarily to vinyl if that helps, thanks,

[Dauntless]

If I were you I would have a look at Nord audio's site : - http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!hypex-amps/avuyk
They are offering IPL Speakers built to a high standard which far exceed the component quality of commercial speakers in my view and sound very good in the bargin at a very good price. Also look at the Abrahamsen electronics. These used to be marketed through dealers under the Electrocompaniet label via a dealer network. All their amps power supplies are built around a 1000va transformer. Electrocompaniet have a very good reputation but were expensive. Now you can get them for what in Hi-Fi terms is pea nuts. You can get a dem of their gear but you will have to get on your bike to Cheltenham.

[Brigadoon]

Thanks Barry, I had a look about for the high end Sony discussed previously but could not see any nice examples, would you mind giving me a few pointers as to different models I should be looking out for, I like to listen primarily to vinyl if that helps, thanks,

Will do Phil, I'll post something tomorrow - I'm a bit under the kosh tonight.

[Forkbeard]

Much appreciated Barry, thanks,

[Brigadoon]

Phil I haven't forgotten - just running out of hours. I've been given the day off from rebuilding the house by SWMBO tomorrow, so I'll definitely get you some info on the morrow.

[Forkbeard]

Phil I haven't forgotten - just running out of hours. I've been given the day off from rebuilding the house by SWMBO tomorrow, so I'll definitely get you some info on the morrow.

Thanks Barry, I understand SWMBO must always take precedence

[rallye666]

Controversial indeed, thanks Barry

I had the Kandy LIII (model before the k2) and it was great amp.

Picked it up for 2nd hand for £300 and although I loved it, I dont think I'd pay £700 for a new one.

The K2 is very similar to the LIII so I'd be looking on the 2nd hand market if you like the Roksan sound.

I do believe your £700 would better be spent on some different speakers though.

Changing my amp from a Kandy to a Creek Destiny 2 was a subtle change.

Going from Tannoy DC6 speakers to my Kef LS50's wasn't subtle at all and made a massive improvement.

Cheers, James