Gromit's music centre...

[Marco]

Possibly that could be the case, Richard. I've never owned an SPU so wouldn't know how one is best set-up. I'm glad it's doing the biz for you, though

As for the 103, I completely agree. 'Tail-up' it can spit like hell, particularly when there is insufficient mass on the arm and/or headshell. The 103 definitely likes to be completely parallel to the record playing surface - in fact, bang on in that respect.

The Mullard you've got is probably one of the ones I sold Mike before I upgraded to the Telefunkens

Good though the NOS Mullards are, the Teles, IMO, are considerably better (more open, detailed and dynamic sounding, but not bright - less of a 'signature', if you will). If you'd like to try one pop me a PM

Marco.

[Mike]

The Mullard you've got is probably one of the ones I sold Mike before I upgraded to the Telefunkens

Nope... scroll up a bit!

[Mike]

Good though the NOS Mullards are, the Teles, IMO, are considerably better (more open, detailed and dynamic sounding, but not bright - less of a 'signature', if you will). If you'd like to try one pop me a PM

Bollock!

They make the WD88 sound like a bloaty old thing... might be worth a try in a bright system though.

[Marco]

Oops, I missed your last post on the previous page

Hey, I wouldn't know one WAD KT88 amp from the other or what's used in them!

Still, I'm very surprised that the Teles sounded "bloated"; that's precisely the opposite effect they had in my Croft - the Mullards were bloated in comparison...

Maybe you had duff Teles!!

Shows you though how significant the effect of different circuits are and how there is no such thing as the 'perfect' valve for every similar application!

Marco.

[Mike]

I'm exaggerating a bit...

The Telefunken was good valve, it just didn't suit the amp/system/me as well as the Mullard did, seemed a bit too 'full' in the bass dept. Might be different for Richard.

[Marco]

It might be... But then perhaps the effect will be different in his system? Sounds like it might be one for him to try out

"Bloated" is not how the Teles sound chez-moi!! It was probably your Castles

You've heard my system and know my tastes, matey - I would never use valves which sounded bloated

Marco.

[Gromit]

I will get round to writing up something about the amp but have been a bit too busy the last few days (and I haven't been at home) but here's another pic anyway...

[The Grand Wazoo]

It might be... But then perhaps the effect will be different in his system? Sounds like it might be one for him to try out

"Bloated" is not how the Teles sound chez-moi!! It was probably your Castles


Marco.

I'd agree fully with you Marco, my experience with the Telefunks is quite the opposite to bloated! I'd describe the difference between them & the Mullards as comparing a sharp Italian city suit to a 'well lived in' tweed deerstalkers jacket.

Crisp, sharp, initially impressive (a trait often confused with detailed)..... but ultimately without soul.

My SP8 loves the flavour of venison!!

Of course, that's not to say that in a different situation and a different set of ears the Telefunks mightn't suit.

(No reflection on your roots Marco, my man!)

[Beechwoods]

I will get round to writing up something about the amp but have been a bit too busy the last few days (and I haven't been at home) but here's another pic anyway...

Great picture... you've got a nice glow going there. It's looks like the northern lights!

[Marco]

Hi Chris,

Hehe... No worries

Crisp, sharp, initially impressive (a trait often confused with detailed)..... but ultimately without soul.

I completely agree with you regarding the Teles - that's exactly what I found in my system: they were uber-detailed and 'neutral' sounding, but ultimately rather 'cold', and yes, lacking in 'soul', which is why I changed them for the NOS military spec Tesla E83CC 'frame grids' as these had the neutrality of the Teles but gave music more of its natural colour and timbre.

So far, the Teslas are the best ECC83/12AX7-type valve I've heard, but I'm shortly going to be road-testing some EAT 803S from Pistol Music, which are supposed to be the ultimate (at a price!), so we'll see how they compare to the Teslas

How Mikey found the Teles "bloated" sounding is anyone's guess!!

Rich, seriously cool shot of the famous 'KT88 glow'

I hope you're enjoying 'life in bottles'

Marco.