My odds n' sods

[struth]

I like the quantam's no frills approach.....makes a NAD look positively flash!

[Andrew B]

I should've taken some pics with the lid off. You can see the Naim influence but I think they are even prettier. I don't think the exterior was the product of a "design department". It reminds me of the Myst amps albeit without the lovely midnight blue wrap.

I have struggled to find very much info on them so if anyone knows more, I'd be very glad of the info. Here's what I've heard:

Apparently designed by a guy called Tim Nind after he left Crimson Ekectrik, these were always seen as Naim-like in their music making.

I read somewhere else that they were designed by an ex-Naim employee. Not sure if this is also correct. Tim Nind would appear to have moved on to Harman Audio, if it's the same guy.

I found a couple of firms that still service these amps, although mine is perfect and even the caps look intact, so I'm hoping I won't need any work for a good while. They certainly sound very healthy indeed.

I have the specs, although as a non- techie, they mean nothing to me. I'm just delighted to have discovered another treasure that was lost in the mists of time.

[Andrew B]

I've been having great fun with a pro version of the Bryston 4BST lately. Far better amp than I'd expected and really easy to love. I'm using it with Apogee Centaurs and it's a great match.

I got it in perfect working order but the fascia Was tatty. I treated it to a full service with a company I use up in the North East. I had the fascia professionally powder coated, added suitable handles and got the lettering done professionally. I'm really pleased with it. Here are some pics:







I'm off very soon for a bit, so I will miss my hifi and my music.

[synsei]

That's quite a beast Andrew, it looks brand new. How much did it cost to have the front panel powder coated and the graphics applied as I would consider having the same done to the facia on my DR5 as it has collected a few nicks and scuffs over the years?

[Andrew B]

The powder coating was a bargain. I rang the company and I was quoted £20, which is their minimum charge. I was chuffed with that.

I took it in, only to find the guy I spoke to was off, so I was taken to see the boss. He said he'd do it for a fiver! I owned up to the quote of twenty and he said not to worry: Just pay the fiver. I gave him a tenner because I felt I'd be robbing him. Two hours later he sent me a text saying it was done. If you'd seen the original, you'd not believe how great a job they did. It's made of stainless steel, but someone had stripped it back. It was marked and pitted, so I've no idea how they managed to get that finish.

A mate called in a favour with the lettering, so it cost me nothing. He has a contact that does graphics for custom bike shops. Took him ages to get round to it mind, but I'm chuffed with the result.

I don't know who did the lettering, but the powder coaters who did such a great job with the finish are called Elite Powder Coatings. They are based right on the banks of the Tyne and they do a mix of professional/industrial work and bits and bobs for ordinary punters like me. From the stuff they had there, I think they can do pretty much any colour or finish to the highest of standards. Nice people too, and proper grafters!

[jandl100]

Top quality box swapping. - you can't fault it!

[Sovereign]

Very nice Andrew

[Andrew B]

Cheers, James. I'm looking at a mains regen at the moment. I can't really justify the cost of a 1500 but I'm wondering if the little 500 would run some of my smaller kit. I'm thinking of say, transport, DAC, Turntable and a pair of NVA A40s. It's only £199 right now and I'm thinking it would be a really useful addition when I take my kit abroad with me.

I'm guessing things like Bryston and Krell would need something bigger than an AG500, but I don't think I can really take them abroad with me. I'm tempted with the Bryston though as it's not that big and I can easily lift it unlike the Krell.

Cheers, also Jerry.

You'll also see the "Arrow" speaker cable you put me (and half of Wigwam) onto in the pics. Still a great cable and a mad crazy price. My wife loves the look too