A few Changes

[Zoidburg]

I thought that I would post a few photos of my system since I have changed things recently.

This is how its set up at present



The main changes are that I am now using a a pair of speakers I made myself, something I have been thinking of doing for ages. I cant take any real credit for them because I copied a design put forward by another member on here, Steve (activexp). They use a 100mm full range driver and a mission 160mm woofer within a bass reflex cabinet. Considering what they cost for me to make them I am really happy with how they sound (Steve sells the kit so if you fancy a simple and great sounding DIY speaker project give him a shout).

Due to a lack of tools / garage and "know how" I finished them in a vinyl wrap which im not sure looks perfect but will do for now. They were only ever intended as a cheap entry into DIY speakers for me and since they have performed really well and have been enjoyable to build I am now thinking of building another project next year.



The other area which has seen a recent change is my turntable, I recently had a new cartridge fitted - Goldgring 2500. To say I am happy with it is an understatement. It sounds slightly smoother and warmer than my old 2m blue but seems to reveal so much more detail.



I recently popped my deck back to SRM Tech as it had developed a slight problem with the motor (all fixed under warranty) and whilst there Stuart carried out their sub platter upgrade for me. I cant fault SRM Tech (STuart is very helpfull and obviously loves what he does and the products he makes) and really love this deck, I also bought the matching cover for it at the same time which I think really sets it off well.

[jandl100]

Nice!

I like those SRM tt's - a fast and agile sound. Very engaging.
Interesting comments about the Goldring 2500 cart - 'word on the street' is of a bright sound, but that is obviously not what you are hearing.

Interesting DIY speakers, too - they look fine in the photos!
You say fullrange drivers ... but obviously (?) they don't do the bass thing?
What drivers are they?
I must admit I am very wary of DIY speakers - some folks think you can just stuff some drivers in a box and they'll get fab sound. I've heard some really awful things in my time. But it sounds like you've done the job properly by following an established design.

[Ali Tait]

Looks like a Fostex full ranger?

[Zoidburg]

Nice!

I like those SRM tt's - a fast and agile sound. Very engaging.
Interesting comments about the Goldring 2500 cart - 'word on the street' is of a bright sound, but that is obviously not what you are hearing.

Interesting DIY speakers, too - they look fine in the photos!
You say fullrange drivers ... but obviously (?) they don't do the bass thing?
What drivers are they?
I must admit I am very wary of DIY speakers - some folks think you can just stuff some drivers in a box and they'll get fab sound. I've heard some really awful things in my time. But it sounds like you've done the job properly by following an established design.

They are actually tang band 100mm drivers, you can see more details on steves website, he had thread about them
in the classifieds section a while ago I think.

I'm glad there's some love on here for SRM, I really love the sound and the customer service side of things is always good.

[Zoidburg]

Hello all,

Well seeing as its been ages since I last posted any pictures of my system I've decided to add a few pix of things. I think the system has come a long way in that time (its certainly sounding better to me than it ever has).

So anyway here's things as they currently stand. I've just had my Yaqin MC10L back after a service and it sounds pretty good. It was bought about 6 months ago as a replacement for another Chinese valve amp and it proved to be a big improvement. However not long after getting it it blew a fuse and was withdrawn from service (on a whim I then bought a Consonance Cyber signature amp which I am over the moon with and will be staying with me for the foreseeable future). The Yaqin will be up for sale shortly I think (its been fully serviced, checked over and had a bucking tranny cunningly fitted inside one of its rear casings by Mike at MPA Services in Bolton :-) )

I also changed my speakers to the IPLs just before Christmas and love them. They replaced a pair of MA RS8 which sounded harsh in comparison. These seems to have far more heft to them but also a lovely shimmering treble as well and are very non fatiguing over long listening periods.



The rest of the system in a bit more detail







And finally the Consonance with uprated valves



For some reason my TV looks like its scratched but its not thankfully. Plans for the future? Not much at present but ideally a DAC upgrade at some point maybe.

Anyway cheers for looking I'm off back to the sofa for some more listening.

[John]

I notice a new speaker build they look nice

[Macca]

Those speakers look a million dollars.

[Zoidburg]

I notice a new speaker build they look nice

Thanks! I cant claim to have built them, I bought them off a guy on the wam who was their 2nd owner. They are finished to a very high standard though and cost me almost next to nothing really.

[Zoidburg]

Those speakers look a million dollars.

Thanks for the comments Martin, I could never have produced something as good as them as my DIY is average at best!

[struth]

Nice to see a SRM in such a nice system Ben; a very underrated TT...