My 2019 Update Thread - My final system I think.

[Gazjam]

Thanks for the update mate. Interesting how your TT has gone to the extreme in low mass and produces such an amazing result. Just show how different ways of thinking can be so effective.

Aye,
totally agree it’s an interesting one Jim.
Really does go to show;
More than one way to get the groove, out the groove...and it’s good to hear the different approaches, see what works for you.

Weirdly, the more right the equipment is, and don’t get me wrong having the gears cool and all, but if done right the less you think about it and the more you focus on the music you love.

Musical engagements where I’m at, and totally buying into Rega’s philosophy here.

Turntable done, MAYBE a new phonostage in the future, know I can do better and hear more of what the P10 can do.
Just need to pick my stepping off point.

[Ali Tait]

Glad it's doing the biz mate, like to have a listen sometime.

[hornucopia]

As a Rega fan and lover of simplicity, that's gorgeous Gaz

Reminds me of how the original RB250/300 arm was, at the time, the limit of extruded alloy technology.

[Gazjam]

Rega’s definitely pushing the technology with this one.
I always trust a Hifi company that states their goals, sticks by them and pushes what can be done.

I’ll buy into that, Roy Gandy has had the same design ethos since 1973.
Works for him, works for me.

If it makes my favourite Albums sound great, I’m in.

[Gazjam]

The games afoot...again.
And just the thing when stuck at home too.

I run a Pre/Power amp setup, and recently moved on from my 300B SET power amp, so needed something to fill the gap.
Whilst saving up for it's replacement, to fill the gap I brought through the Ebay special solid state power amp from the 2nd system.
Hadn't given it much thought when I bought it, just needed really that sounded OK for a second system.

But hey, best laid plans and all that?
You get an idea in your head where you want to go with your system then something throws you a curve ball.
Colour me shocked, turns out this wee Amps a bit of a "Sleeper".

Hooking it up to my main preamp I was taken back by how great it sounded in the big system.
Mids and top end...perfect.
Hadn't heard extension and focus like this in my system before. Very impressive.
Maybe could have done with just a LITTLE bit more low end meat on the bone and grunt though...?
The synergy with my speakers and Preamp is terrific, just needs that boost at the low end.

So got to thinking... and hatched a cunning plan.
Given how great this thing sounds hooked up to a 'proper' system, what about it's bigger more powerful brother, would that add the low end I'm after?

From reading around online, it's bigger brother, (a late 90's "giant killer"...it says 'ere...) should do just that.
A properly built power amp: BIG toroid transformer and caps, Damping Factor of 500 able to provide a constant 30 amps and 33 amps for dynamic peaks.
130 wpc into 8 ohms, into 95db horns, should be plenty.
If I want more, down the line have the option later to pick up a second identical power amp and after adjusting a few jumpers on the PCB convert both to bridged monoblocks pushing out 360 wpc.

Not into massive volume just want that low end solidity and grunt that drives the music and has plenty in reserve for those big booms when you need them.

On paper though...
The big brother amps only a temporary stand in power amp whilst saving for the 300Bs "final" replacement, but given how good it's baby brother from the 2nd system is sounding in the system at the moment...this might just be "good enough" to call it done.
I'm in a place nowadays where care less about the kit and more about the music, if it sounds "good enough" I'm happy to call it done and enjoy the music so...maybe.

Amps being delivered tomorrow.
Will enjoy listening this week with it - good stuff when stuck at home.
(Never thought I'd miss going to work so much though!)

Stick up a couple of pics when its in place.

[AJSki2fly]

The games afoot...again.
And just the thing when stuck at home too.

............

Amps being delivered tomorrow.
Will enjoy listening this week with it - good stuff when stuck at home.
(Never thought I'd miss going to work so much though!)

Stick up a couple of pics when its in place.

I will be interested to see what it is that has taken you over to the dark side of amps. When I was waiting fo Amy new Allnic I had a Vincent on loan from a friend which shocked me in a similar way and if it had not been for the fact I had done the deal with the Allnic might have settled down to the Vincent long term, and for 1/5 the price.

[Gazjam]

I know Adrian,
sometimes this hobby has a way of surprising you.

Monday was a Bank Holiday, just just found out the Company I bought the amp from DHL’d it Monday, not Tuesday.
Quelle surprise...Its just been delivered!

Didn’t expect that.
Once I get the Hasmat suit on and hose down the box with bleach, I’ll take a look see what it’s all about.
Might do a bit of housekeeping on it first before switch on.

Its a 1 owner amp with full box etc traded in, so expect it to be in great nick like the photos in the Ad.

But it’s an older amp and wouldn’t do any harm to clean up and deposit the sockets, make sure everything internally is tightened up and maybe strip back the mains cable to fresh copper and fit a new plug.

Once I’ve checked it over and powered up, I’ll leave it burbling away for a couple hours before I sit down to listen.
Happy days.

Oh,
it’s one of these. I had it’s baby brother RB-971 in the 2nd system.

[Macca]

Sometimes you just get that synergy.

[Firebottle]

I have had some experience of checking over the really hi-end Japanese amplifiers of yesteryear, they are quite impressive.
Also updating some of the phono amps with modern capacitors.

Good stuff Gaz

[RobbieGong]

I have had some experience of checking over the really hi-end Japanese amplifiers of yesteryear, they are quite impressive.
Also updating some of the phono amps with modern capacitors.

Good stuff Gaz

Aint they just Alan,

I've a real soft spot for the high end Sansui's in particular