PinoyDVD: The Pinoy Digital Video & Devices Community
Home Theater => General => HT Picture Gallery => Topic started by: Oldboyracer on Apr 12, 2015 at 02:19 PM
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Hi guys, I've decided to start a new thread for my audio set up. I shall post some pics. later & relist my gears.
I've had 2 problems :-
1) The audio gear's power is fed from a Weiduka AC8.8, I made the mistake of leaving the subwoofer connected when I switched it on & had a big bang & a flash & one of the on/off switches is now short circuit (perfectly OK up until then). The sub has no power switch so I'm presuming the inrush was a bit too much for the switch to handle. I have made a temporary lead with an in line on/off switch & will sort out a permanent answer when I have my new system rack.
2) Got the turntable up & running yesterday, OK for 6 discs then no movement of the tone arm (transverse tracker). I had the drive belt changed around 4 years ago but it has had very little use since. I found the drive belt fitted to be the wrong size, the cover for the drive assembly broken & one of the fixing screws missing so not too happy. Ordered 2 drive belts from Germany so now I'll just have to wait. I must admit in the short time it played it did sound sweet if you ignored the snap crackle & pop :). I'll definitely be getting a proper disc cleaner.
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I've re arranged the gears a little, there is a 2nd HiFi rack to the right, I will take pics when the gears on it are fully functional.
View from the right, I'm using carpet off cuts from the HT room to temporarily negate floor reflections.
(https://i.imgur.com/CEpFXYJ.jpg)
Front view.
(https://i.imgur.com/QgrSfFH.jpg)
Closer view of the gears.
(https://i.imgur.com/uNi7aQF.jpg)
The turntable waiting for a new tone arm drive belt.
(https://i.imgur.com/ATlJ8qG.jpg)
Top shelf - TV Pioneer PDP-LX5090 with the Cignal STB tucked underneath on the left.
2nd shelf - BD player Pioneer BDP-LX08 on the left & Network player Cambridge Audio StreamMagic 6 on the right.
3rd shelf - CD player 851C on the left & pre amp 851E on the right, both Cambridge Audio.
Bottom shelf - Main amps x 2 Cambridge Audio 851W.
Speakers - Mordaunt Short Performance 6 LE
On the floor - Sub GoldenEar Forcefield 4
Richard Gray 400 Pro line conditioner
Weiduka AC8.8 power strip
Power is supplied by a 7.5KVA AVR situated in the control room.
The 2nd HiFi rack will house :-
Turntable - Technics SL-QL1, replaced by Techics SL-1200 mk6 (8/8/2015)
Music server - Cambridge Audio 640H
Phono pre amp - Cambridge Audio 540P
NAS server - Asustor AS 604T
Router - Asus RT-AC66U
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Below a pic of my temporary solution to the Forcefield 4 having no on/off switch. Found a fused switched spur amongst the gear I brought from the UK + some spare 3.5mm cable I had laying about. Covered the cable with black expandable sleeving to make it look prettier. I have to admit the sub sounds more authoritive than with the stock power lead.
(https://i.imgur.com/zPDeGU9.jpg)
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Congrats OBR! looking good as always!! :)
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Congrats OBR! looking good as always!! :)
Thanx nolax, still got lots of work to do, the next thing is a new PC, probably tomorrow. Although my old one is still good I need a low profile video card as the fan has died on the existing one & I can't get a replacement or a card that will fit the slot. At least it'll get all my music & films loaded onto the server a bit quicker ;D
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Turntable tone arm drive belt delivered & fitted, had to dig out some of my 30 year vinyl for a test.
Playing Tango In The Night (Fleetwood Mac)
(https://i.imgur.com/RYLJ15F.jpg)
Tango In The Night (Fleetwood Mac) 1987 & The Party's Over (Talk Talk) 1982
(https://i.imgur.com/n7Um4Ib.jpg)
90125 (Yes) 1983 & Asia (Asia) 1982
(https://i.imgur.com/ofePThX.jpg)
Why Can't This Be Love (Van Halen) 1986 & Wonderful Life (Black) 1987 - extended 12 inch singles.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z9Xruh9.jpg)
Shattered Dreams (Johnny Hates Jazz) 1987 & Ask The Lord (Hipsway) 1985 - extended 12inch singles.
(https://i.imgur.com/2Hzcxn7.jpg)
Lessons In Love (Level 42) 1986 & The Promise You Made (Cock Robin) 1986 - extended 12 inch singles.
(https://i.imgur.com/DQfMt3Y.jpg)
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gaganda ng mga albums! ;D
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Congratulations, George! :D
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gaganda ng mga albums! ;D
Thanks luis, I have around 400 & they all need cleaning so I shall catalogue them at the same time. 1st I need to get a good disc cleaner ;) :)
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Congratulations, George! :D
Thanks Jen, I'll now be able to start listening to sounds that I'd forgotten I had ;D.
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Nice! Getting busy OBR.
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Nice! Getting busy OBR.
Thanks jh, I'll be getting busier now I'm splitting my time between the HT room & the audio. In between having to sort out the little things that the wife wants, got to keep the boss happy >:D.
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Nice setup, nice music selection. I think we are the same age hehe
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Nice setup, nice music selection. I think we are the same age hehe
Thanks Ricky, I'll let you into a little secret, I used to watch the Rolling Stones, The Who & The Hollies live before they were famous & cut a record, we're talking about the early 60's here ;D. Strangely I wasn't too keen on the Beatles but those were the days. My music collection is diverse as is my taste, I suppose it's what you call an open mind when it comes to music ;) :D.
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Early 60's i dont think i was even on the drawing board yet hahaha
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Early 60's i dont think i was even on the drawing board yet hahaha
I think I was the product of the celebrations for the end of the 2nd world war. I've been round the block a bit but still young in looks body & mind - thank the lord.
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Very well said brother.
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Great looking set you got there OBR!
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Great looking set you got there OBR!
Thanks sientobente. At least 50% of my collection are 12 inch extended singles, as they were never put on CD (not that I know of) I intend to digitize them in case any of the vinyl gets damaged. My list of jobs to be done is getting longer & longer. The new audio rack should arrive within the next few weeks, then I'll be making up DIY power cords & completing the network so all my music & films can be loaded onto my NAS server.
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After re acquainting myself with my vinyl collection I have decided to upgrade my turntable. I have just purchased a Technics SL-1200 MK6 ;D but will have to wait around a month for it to arrive. It gives me a little time to sort out a cartridge, at the moment I'm leaning towards an Ortofon 2M Blue but I'm open to suggestions from the TT gurus here.
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The new rack for the audio system now on back burner for a couple of months, a few other things have got in the way. New TT, 2 PC's & now we've decided to start the landscaping at the start of next month - this was the condition that the wife would not give me a hard time for the recent expenditure ;) ;D
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The customs should have my TT within the next 2 weeks so hoping It doesn't get held up too much.
I've spent the last 2 days researching & have drawn up a list of TT mods & items I will need, here's the list but not necessarily in the order of acquisition :-
Phono stage - looking at a Graham Slee Reflex M with a PSU1.
Cartridge - Nagaoka MP200 courtesy of Superman - thank you.
Various disc cleaning items, still haven't fully decided what to get.
Everything else will be TT mods :-
Main bearing upgrade - almost decided on the Mike New with base plate.
External power supply - I have a choice here, Paul Hynes, Time Step or Origin Live. I favour the Paul Hynes but waiting for replies to my mails before making a decision.
Replace tonearm & headshell wiring with pure copper Litz cable & at same time cover the arm with heat shrink tubing.
Replace the RCA leads with higher quality cable & extend to 2 M.
Fit under platter LED lighting - just a little pimping.
Fit Isonoe isolation feet with Sorbothane boots.
Find a way to dampen the platter or replace it +/or a new platter mat.
If I think of anything else the wife may get involved with the decision making ;);D
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The customs should have my TT within the next 2 weeks so hoping It doesn't get held up too much.
I've spent the last 2 days researching & have drawn up a list of TT mods & items I will need, here's the list but not necessarily in the order of acquisition :-
Phono stage - looking at a Graham Slee Reflex M with a PSU1.
Cartridge - Nagaoka MP200 courtesy of Superman - thank you.
Various disc cleaning items, still haven't fully decided what to get.
Everything else will be TT mods :-
Main bearing upgrade - almost decided on the Mike New with base plate.
External power supply - I have a choice here, Paul Hynes, Time Step or Origin Live. I favour the Paul Hynes but waiting for replies to my mails before making a decision.
Replace tonearm & headshell wiring with pure copper Litz cable & at same time cover the arm with heat shrink tubing.
Replace the RCA leads with higher quality cable & extend to 2 M.
Fit under platter LED lighting - just a little pimping.
Fit Isonoe isolation feet with Sorbothane boots.
Find a way to dampen the platter or replace it +/or a new platter mat.
If I think of anything else the wife may get involved with the decision making ;);D
Hi George! See you soon! :D
My thoughts on your impending "tweaks" for the Technics TT:
1) Agree on the Graham Slee which is a good phonostage. Try also those battery-operated phonostages as they're more quiet (Musical Surroundings, Sutherland, etc.)
2) I am not sure if having an external PS and modding the tonearm will have benefits. I'd rather invest in a better headshell to match your new cartridge. Your choices should include Jelco, Nagaoka, Ortofon, etc.
3) I do agree on the isolation feet. Sorbothane may be a good option. Another option is Voodoo Isopods or the more expensive Ceraball/Cerabase, Svelte Platform, etc. Better isolation means better tracking, lesser noise and even blacker background.
Good luck, bro! :D
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Hi George! See you soon! :D
My thoughts on your impending "tweaks" for the Technics TT:
1) Agree on the Graham Slee which is a good phonostage. Try also those battery-operated phonostages as they're more quiet (Musical Surroundings, Sutherland, etc.)
2) I am not sure if having an external PS and modding the tonearm will have benefits. I'd rather invest in a better headshell to match your new cartridge. Your choices should include Jelco, Nagaoka, Ortofon, etc.
3) I do agree on the isolation feet. Sorbothane may be a good option. Another option is Voodoo Isopods or the more expensive Ceraball/Cerabase, Svelte Platform, etc. Better isolation means better tracking, lesser noise and even blacker background.
Good luck, bro! :D
Hi Jen,
Thanks for the information.
The tonearm I was unsure about especially as I'm getting a MK6 but I thought about doing the KAB mod & stuffing cotton in either end & if I was doing that may as well run the Litz wire.
Headshell is not a problem, I've not read much on them but you've now advised me.
I have read quite a lot on the pros & cons of fitting an external power supply & removing the transformer but I am mindful that I could spend a lot of cash & the difference not be very noticeable, well to me anyway. The problem is you've got to try to find out but I shall wait until I've listened to the TT before drawing up my final list. At the moment it's all wishful thinking ;D ;D ;D
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Great! I'll bring a Jelco Headshell as well :D
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Awesome audio setup, OBR! :D
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(http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac146/gsamways/April%2012%202015%20005_zpsnaichg0w.jpg) (http://s894.photobucket.com/user/gsamways/media/April%2012%202015%20005_zpsnaichg0w.jpg.html)
All black!! Impressive OBR!
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Great! I'll bring a Jelco Headshell as well :D
That'll be great Jen.
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Awesome audio setup, OBR! :D
Thanks DTNS
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All black!! Impressive OBR!
Thanks dench, I'm not keen on the silver so when I had the chance black it was ;D
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Ang ganda sir ng setup nyo.... I'm sure it sounds awesome too...
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Ang ganda sir ng setup nyo.... I'm sure it sounds awesome too...
Thanks Courage, it doesn't sound bad but there will be a big improvement when /if I get the acoustics sorted out.
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Some good news at last, my turntable has arrived, 1 day ahead of schedule but they want P5,611 in duty & VAT. UPS are delivering & the 15% duty & 12% VAT only comes to P3,726 on the declared value so I think we will have a discussion when they deliver tomorrow.
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Absolutely gobsmacked a the way UPS have organized the TT import with the customs. It's 1 courier I'll never use again unless they're my only option.
I have a problem with the TT, the platter looks to be warped. I've sent a video of the TT running to the seller & he has said he will sort it, how we do it I'm not quite sure. Maybe a refund to cover the cost of another platter !!!!!!!!! apart from that it's in very good condition. Only a couple of scuff marks that you need a magnifying glass to see.
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I've avoided UPS since 3 years ago when I found out their customer service is very poor.
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Hope you sort things out OBR. The seller should be the one to follow up and put pressure on UPS.
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I've avoided UPS since 3 years ago when I found out their customer service is very poor.
Hi dench, I'd heard a lot of stories about UPS overcharging customs duty & not returning the balance to the buyer but it's the 1st time I've received anything from them. I didn't know buy seller was using them. As you say I'm finding their customer service extremely poor & I don't think I'll ever get the answers to my questions.
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Hope you sort things out OBR. The seller should be the one to follow up and put pressure on UPS.
I don't think I'll get any joy with UPS & will just have to put it down to experience.
As the seller is a long time 100% Ebay seller I don't think there will be any problems getting the platter sorted, he will not want his good name tarnished.
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If you study the breakdown of fees, you will see how difficult it is for a private company to overcharge. Much of complaints stem from a lack of understanding of the fees involved in customs and shipping brokerage.
I've created a spreadsheet of customs computation. It has been within the ballpark. The only variable is the duty rate and how the item is classified.
Knowing how much it will cost helps me decide on a purchase. The landed bill comes at no surprise. I have a pleasant experience.
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If you study the breakdown of fees, you will see how difficult it is for a private company to overcharge. Much of complaints stem from a lack of understanding of the fees involved in customs and shipping brokerage.
I've created a spreadsheet of customs computation. It has been within the ballpark. The only variable is the duty rate and how the item is classified.
Knowing how much it will cost helps me decide on a purchase. The landed bill comes at no surprise. I have a pleasant experience.
Hi Gino,
I have all the paperwork & seems that UPS do their own breakdown & customs charge duty accordingly. This is maybe why there are no customs hold ups with them. My problem is the information that UPS gives the customs. I had a shipment of cable plugs & sockets from Hong Kong worth US$1300, as it was HK post I had to meet the customs & explain what was in the package. After looking through the book we agreed 7% duty + the mandatory 12% VAT + customs fees (which are not a lot), at no point did shipping costs come into the equation. UPS 1st changed the item cost from GBP to US$ then added the shipping & insurance costs, then converted to Pesos to arrive at the dutiable value. At the end of the day I paid 27% on the insurance & shipping 15% duty & 12% VAT.
If I have something sent from the UK by Royal International Mail, customs computes duty etc. on item value, they do not know what the shipping costs are so that cannot be taken into account.
Having questioned this UPS are strangely silent at the moment.
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On a slightly happier note I have a Mike New main bearing for the TT being shipped on Monday. I am busy at the moment making a jig so I can work on the TT without causing any damage. I won't fit the bearing until the external power supply gets here + all the little niceties I've bought. I only want to strip the TT down once & then enjoy.
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See you George either Wednesday or Thursday evening! :D
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See you George either Wednesday or Thursday evening! :D
Hi Jen, I'm available both days, the choice is yours. Text me when you arrive & we'll make arrangements :).
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I been away from the forum for a couple of weeks, the landscaping got in the way. As the front is now complete & the rear has been started I can update this thread.
The TT upgrade parts have started to arrive but will not start the upgrade for another month, the bulk of the parts will be shipped from the US tomorrow. I only want to pull the turntable apart once so I shall patiently wait until I have everything here.
The TT with a custom dust cover.
(https://i.imgur.com/iJhFo8k.jpg)
TT spinning a very old Rolling Stones disc (1964).
(https://i.imgur.com/RUzd2yF.jpg)
Pics of the parts that arrived yesterday.
Disc stabilizer.
(https://i.imgur.com/TARmptG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lS766sV.jpg)
Power knob assembly.
(https://i.imgur.com/8TSucAi.jpg)
Mike New main bearing.
(https://i.imgur.com/0yiIyGt.jpg)
Reso-stop platter mat - the two halves can be seen in the 1st pic.
(https://i.imgur.com/5If6MTR.jpg)
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I had a milestone birthday celebration last Saturday (8th) & decided to needle drop until the affects of the San Mig Light took over. My recollection of the sound makes me happy that I decided to go down the vinyl route & also to modify the TT. My play list was as follows (not in the order of play).
The cart is a Nagaoka MP200 courtesy of bro Jen & coupled with the Reso-stop platter mat the SQ was impressive.
I only played 1 album - Crises by Mike Oldfield & that was awesome, the rest were all 12" extended singles :-
Do it Again/Billie Jean - Clubhouse, Ask the Lord - Hipsway, Live it Up - Mental as Anything
The promise you made - Cock Robin, Turn Back the Clock - Johnny Hates Jazz, I O U - Freeze
What Have I Done to Deserve This - Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield, Jump - Van Halen
Easy Lover - Philip Bailey & Phil Collins, Rock Me Amadeus - Falco, Body Rockin - Errol Brown
It Doesn't Have to be This Way - The Blow Monkeys, Why Can't This be Love - Van Halen
A Kind of Magic - Queen, Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel, All Night Long - Lionel Ritchie
Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel, Wonderful Life - Black, Lessons in Love - Level 42
Shattered Dreams - Johnny Hates Jazz, Friends Will be Friends - Queen, True Faith - New Order
Don't You (forget about me) - Simple Minds, In a Lifetime - Clannad, Broken Wings - Mister Mister
Weak in the Presence of Beauty - Alison Moyet, Nothings Going to Stop Us Now - Starship
Running in the Family - Level 42, Wishing I Was Lucky - Wet Wet Wet, Invisible Touch - Genesis
Walking on Sunshine - Rockers Revenge, Pale Shelter - Tears For Fears, Sometimes - Erasure
The Way it is - Bruce Hornsby & The Range, Summer Breeze - The Isley Brothers
Bird of Paradise - Snowy White, Something About You - Level 42, Temptation - Heaven 17
Looking forward to the arrival of my disc cleaner so I can run through my whole collection.
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very nice turntable setup, OBR! :)
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Congratulations bro!
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very nice turntable setup, OBR! :)
Thanks DTNS looking forward to modifying the TT & seeing how much difference it makes ;D
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Congratulations bro!
Thanks Jen, it's sounding good even though it's only a rough set up. I have a Mint protractor on it's way so I'll be able to do a proper job soon.
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Still involved in landscaping, we're now doing the rear so my updates are a little slow.
Just finished the jig to drop the TT into when I'm working on it. My package of upgrade items arrived in Manila yesterday so as long as customs don't take too long I'll start the modifying the TT soon.
The Jig.
(https://i.imgur.com/lYpnnVy.jpg)
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The rest of the TT upgrade parts arrived yesterday so will start modifying the TT today.
(https://i.imgur.com/wjSFCXS.jpg)
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wow! congrats OBR! exciting times ahead! ;)
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The rest of the TT upgrade parts arrived yesterday so will start modifying the TT today.
(http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac146/gsamways/KAB%20upgrade%20parts%20001_zpsnjlywhlg.jpg) (http://s894.photobucket.com/user/gsamways/media/KAB%20upgrade%20parts%20001_zpsnjlywhlg.jpg.html)
Congratulations George! Very nice new additions! :D
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wow! congrats OBR! exciting times ahead! ;)
Hi Nolax, Yup looking forward to some serious listening when I've finished ;D
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Congratulations George! Very nice new additions! :D
Thanks bro Jen, the wife has gone to Mindanao for a couple of days so I'll be able to work undisturbed. I've already got the bearing in, it would have been nice to audition after each mod. but I only want to open the TT once. I won't replace the tone arm wiring just yet, I'll get some listening in 1st ;D
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Hmmmm...so you can acquire more secret gears while she's out hahahaha!!
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Hmmmm...so you can acquire more secret gears while she's out hahahaha!!
I wish, unfortunately all the money not accounted for in the next couple of months has gone on the landscaping but I can see me having some belated Xmas presents >:D >:D >:D
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Mods completed today :-
1) Main bearing replaced.
2) Strobe replaced with blue LEDs.
3) Pitch indicator replaced with blue LED.
The position of the phono sockets has caused a lot of thought, just about decided where but will have a fresh look at it in the morning.
I'll post pics when I can recharge my camera battery, I've put my charger somewhere safe, so safe I can't find it.
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The rest of the TT upgrade parts arrived yesterday so will start modifying the TT today.
(http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac146/gsamways/KAB%20upgrade%20parts%20001_zpsnjlywhlg.jpg) (http://s894.photobucket.com/user/gsamways/media/KAB%20upgrade%20parts%20001_zpsnjlywhlg.jpg.html)
very nice! :D
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very nice! :D
Thanks DTNS.
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congrats OBR, looks like you will be a very busy man for a while, with your audio stuff and landscaping..
enjoy in good health
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congrats OBR, looks like you will be a very busy man for a while, with your audio stuff and landscaping..
enjoy in good health
Thanks dimfer, I'm enjoying very good health at the moment so trying to cram everything in while I'm still able. Thankfully the landscaping is mainly supervising but very busy on the audio side, sorting out the pics at the moment so I can post them.
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Time to post my TT modifying efforts.
The main bearing was replaced 1st, while I had the top open also replaced the power supply regulator to a more modern low noise type & fitted a strobe light disable. The strobe is only needed as an initial speed check & removing it's 100ma current pulses will lower the noise floor.
Platter removed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Xpm3L6E.jpg)
Inner cover removed.
(https://i.imgur.com/MhLtMuf.jpg)
Stator cover removed which frees up the bearing.
(https://i.imgur.com/pbOs581.jpg)/D5MFF6c.jpg[/img]
Motor control board released to enable bearing removal.
(https://i.imgur.com/8DVH3Q0.jpg)
OEM bearing.
(https://i.imgur.com/yQa5nCi.jpg)
The stator coil leads were then trimmed to prevent shorting out on the new bearing.
(https://i.imgur.com/YldsC9Y.jpg)
New bearing fitted & motor control board replaced.
(https://i.imgur.com/D5MFF6c.jpg)
The stator cover was trimmed to fit as it fouled the vertical sections of the new bearing & refitted. The 3 motor board plugs were refitted prior to replacement of the inner cover & platter.
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Refer to the pics in the previous post for positioning.
OEM regulator disconnected & removed, new upgraded regulator board fitted. I am now using an external power supply so the internal psu was disconnected & a dc feed cable added, the grey cable in the pic.
(https://i.imgur.com/gUZvKUT.jpg)
New regulator board connected.
(https://i.imgur.com/EDpLuCp.jpg)
Strobe disable board was now fitted & wired in series with existing cabling.
(https://i.imgur.com/fQDnBJh.jpg)
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The fitting of the phono sockets took the most time, measure & re measure, I couldn't really afford a mistake.
This is where my DIY jig came into it's own, being able to flip the TT upside down without fear of damage to the tonearm.
Rubber base screws removed, there are quite a few.
(https://i.imgur.com/iFpAEG7.jpg)
Rubber base removed giving access to the resin inner base which was also removed.
(https://i.imgur.com/U70b2a0.jpg)
Tonearm base cover removed.
(https://i.imgur.com/MZ8n0pd.jpg)
OEM phono cables removed & new Cardas cables connected.
(https://i.imgur.com/nPS7m4o.jpg)
Tonearm base cover & cable clamp refitted.
(https://i.imgur.com/LzGaFmi.jpg)
Positioning the phono connector mounting plate.
(https://i.imgur.com/Lt4pRYA.jpg)
Positioning the drilling template on the resin inner base.
(https://i.imgur.com/heyk9jR.jpg)
Positioning drilling template on rubber base.
(https://i.imgur.com/3LJX97P.jpg)
Resin inner base drilled & tapped 4mm.
(https://i.imgur.com/xT3k16H.jpg)
Resin inner base refitted.
(https://i.imgur.com/TBbtFyB.jpg)
Rubber base refitted & phono cables sleeved.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rj1jeo5.jpg)
Phono cables clipped to phono connector plate spacer.
(https://i.imgur.com/dJsqRGT.jpg)
Phono cables soldered onto the connectors.
(https://i.imgur.com/aJXCpIE.jpg)
Phono connector plate screwed down (3 views).
(https://i.imgur.com/fRc6s7V.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vMnFtxe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q3obO8H.jpg)
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While access was available fitting the phono sockets I also replaced the on/off switch, strobe & pitch LED's with blue ones. Standard SL - 1200 mk6 is rather multi coloured, strobe & speed are red, cueing is blue & pitch is green, not really my cup of tea so decided to keep red for speed (33 & 45) & replace the others with blue.
Pitch control was fairly easy, release the board , desolder the green LED & solder in the blue one.
(https://i.imgur.com/CrGzVTj.jpg)
Replacing the strobe LED cluster was probably the most difficult mod of the lot. The strobe housing is clipped in place & it is not easy to get to the release catches & very easy to break them. The strobe & on/off switch are at the bottom right hand side of the TT, the white part is the on/off switchcam.
(https://i.imgur.com/7iwjUZC.jpg)
Removing the circlip allows removal of on/off knob & switch cam. Care must be taken not to lose the small spring & ball bearing under the cam. On/off knob removed in pic below.
(https://i.imgur.com/wiEUPqj.jpg)
Strobe red LED cluster showing in housing & on/off, stop/start board released, new blue cluster in the background.
(https://i.imgur.com/oIGqf5e.jpg)
Strobe red LED cluster released, strobe housing removed & blue cluster fitted to housing.
(https://i.imgur.com/KPJ5kSJ.jpg)
Strobe housing & power on/off knob refitted.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ly0KX60.jpg)
Cables to red LED cluster are cut & reconnected to the blue cluster.
The result.
(https://i.imgur.com/wJRCPOu.jpg)
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Just arrived, 2 Stanton cartridges.
1) 881s fitted with a D81S mk2 Stereohedron stylus.
2) 890fs fitted with a s3e/mm
+ 2 extra s3e/mm for everyday listening,I will keep the D81 for archiving.
(https://i.imgur.com/Sa6tf7n.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/g8HGAWm.jpg)
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Just arrived,
Mint Best Tractor & magnifiers.
(https://i.imgur.com/4ee2db0.jpg)
Stylus pressure gauge.
(https://i.imgur.com/7sIHxIL.jpg)
Spin-Clean.
(https://i.imgur.com/A494BMv.jpg)
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A little bad news, my 851C CD player has a blown component in the power supply so have been listening to music via USB. Have to make a decision on whether to get it repaired or invest in an up scaling media player, archive my CD collection & down load HiDef audio. Something else to think about apart from the HT.
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A little bad news, my 851C CD player has a blown component in the power supply so have been listening to music via USB. Have to make a decision on whether to get it repaired or invest in an up scaling media player, archive my CD collection & down load HiDef audio. Something else to think about apart from the HT.
How about a PC or laptop?
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Hi Nelson, just initial thoughts, I will have a go at repairing it myself but thinking about it I'm not likely to be buying any more CD's so will probably go down either the PC route or for convenience upgrade my media player. I will be archiving my CD collection anyway & have been dabbling in HD audio so now's the time to complete my house network & get my server up & running.
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Welcome back!
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Thanks bro Jen.
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Hi guys,
5 years since my last post, wow ! Well a lot has happened besides all the family things which are not for this post.
Basically all my cambridge Audio gear has failed, except for the media player, so I had a complete re think.
The story :- September 2019 one of my 851W amps would not power up due to the protection tripping. Had it repaired in Manila at a cost of P35K but when it was returned it failed with a different protection fault. I returned it & the repairers say a connector to the amp module they replaced had been shaken loose in transit. I've heard some stories in my time but this was laughable also the repair was more of a bodge.
I tried to use an 840W as a replacement as Xmas was upon us but that failed to power up. I tried the 840E but same problem, these 2 had been in storage for 2 years, perfectly OK when in the home theatre. After much communication with Cambridge Audio they told the Asian service manager in Hong Kong to sort out the problems. 851W, 840W & 840E were sent to Hong Kong, the 851W to check the work of their repairers. All were returned eventually, I won't elaborate as it is another story in itself. Then the 851E failed followed shortly after by the 2nd 851W to which the Asian service manager denied all responsibility. His answer was the gear is 5 years old so you need to buy the Edge series which is 3 times the price. That was the final straw for me, I told them to stick Cambridge Audio where the sun doesn't shine.
I asked for environmental specifications which they couldn't give me, so I can only assume that CA's gear doesn't like the humidity, heat & sea air we have here. Their gear maybe OK in an air conditioned room but I made a few calculations & the cost of running aircon would allow me to replace my kit every 5 to 7 years, no brainer.
(840E & 851E are preamps, 840W & 851W are amps).
So what did I do :- I decided to re locate my audio system into my games room. As the room is on the large side it's now my man cavern, far too big for a cave.
Next was to replace all the gear except for the subwoofer & speakers, this has taken around 9 months due to availability.
1st in was an emotiva XSP-1 preamp
2nd in was a Crosbon CR-365 power filter (which replaced the Weiduka 8.8) & Choseal XLR & RCA cables.
3rd in a Marantz ND8006 CD/network player.
4th in an SMSL VMV D1 DAC.
Last but not least an Emotiva XPA-DR2 amp.
The sound is a whole lot better than the CA system, I will cover that in another post as I added the items 1 by 1 to give me an idea of any improvement or not.
I will continue the saga when I've sorted the photo's.
Hoping everyone is keeping safe at this time.
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This is a bit of a saga which has taken over a year to complete so will take it in sections. Having decided that I would relocate the audio system after the 1st 851W amp failed, the new room needed preparing. As the room was originally designated as a games room a pool table would have been where the audio system is now so no power or internet at that end of the room. We also had a problem, the wind was blowing rain through the vertical slatted widows forming small swimming pools on the floor.
The work in order was :-
1) Turn the top half into horizontal slats & the bottom half made into an openable window on all 7 windows.
2) Make & hang 9 acoustic panels.
3) Install power & internet to the area where the audio system would be situated.
4) Put up curtains poles & hang blackout curtains to all 7 windows.
5) Fit a board to the back of the Turntable rack to take the 6 way socket outlet supplying power to everything on the rack.
6) After the system rack was positioned make & fit a cover for the power & ethernet cables running along the floor.
7) Fit cable trunking on the floor to make the speaker cabling tidier.
8) Added a carpet & sofa bed for obvious reasons.
9) Made my own hi end power cables, I had bought the cable & connectors 7 years ago so thought maybe about time I made them. On that score I can't detect any difference to OEM power cables but at least now I won't be thinking "what if".
That's what I've done so far & when I've finished uploading all the pics I will post in picture form.
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Having sorted out the pics I'll download to this post later.
I didn't take any pics of the window alterations but they are evident in some of the pics that follow. Initially just had a plain glass window as the bottom half but later changed them to openable.
Acoustic panel frame sections cut.
(https://i.imgur.com/KIALxWg.jpg)
Acoustic panel frames assembled.
(https://i.imgur.com/2wmzol6.jpg)
Acoustic panel frame backs fitted.
(https://i.imgur.com/RZPV2Tr.jpg)
Acoustic panel frames painted.
(https://i.imgur.com/gEVH4to.jpg)
Acoustic panels frames filled with Rockwool with an organza screen.
(https://i.imgur.com/bUikNuC.jpg)
Acoustic panels complete & ready for hanging.
(https://i.imgur.com/g0OnHz2.jpg)
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Curtain poles put up.
(https://i.imgur.com/j3WSPkt.jpg)
Dartboard removed & backboard painted black (top right of pic), wifey will use it for hanging pictures at some stage & curtains hung.
Looking at the front.
(https://i.imgur.com/gY3CXU0.jpg)
Looking at the rear.
(https://i.imgur.com/BpLQ6Rd.jpg)
Acoustic panels up looking front.
(https://i.imgur.com/sOrhBbl.jpg)
Acoustic panels up looking at the rear.
(https://i.imgur.com/75Ql28K.jpg)
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While waiting for the system rack to arrive we put in the power & internet to the far end of the room. Found out my electrician had made a rather large error when he put in the panel boards. Although there are spare breakers for both AVR's, 7.5KVA for the audio & 10KVA for the HT he has left no access to the spares unless the wall is dug out. I ended up using an outlet fed by the HT AVR & now the 7.5KVA avr only feeds the living room TV so it's basically redundant. I will disconnect it & just use the 10KVA as audio & HT will not be used at the same time.
The 10KVA unit went out of calibration, as I was in quarantine decided to buy a new one from Lazada so I have 2 AVR's 7.5 & 10KVA that work OK but need a service & re calibrated if anyone is interested.
The new AVR, it's a Stavol.
(https://i.imgur.com/MTBZQwL.jpg)
The power was run at high level & the ethernet at low level using white PVC mini trucking down the right side of the room. The reason for this was I already had ethernet running to my PC at low level & the only way to keep the power at a non interferring distance away was at high level.
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Sofa bed & audio rack arrived together the carpet was already here so a few pics.
System up & running with all the old CA gear, the 851W had returned from repair.
(https://i.imgur.com/bK1dRPC.jpg)
Sofa bed & coffee table.
(https://i.imgur.com/tU9qNKo.jpg)
A view from the rear.
(https://i.imgur.com/oWwKxiQ.jpg)
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Then the problems started again with the 851E preamp failing so ordered an Emotiva XSP-1.
XSP-1 with CA gear.
(https://i.imgur.com/y8dwxzA.jpg)
In the mean time all the other gears had arrived & the 2nd 851W failed so ran with 1 amp, then the Emotiva XPA-DR2 arrived.
I found that the DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core was producing some hiss, I had never noticed it before & decided to remove it.
(https://i.imgur.com/nnfa9b9.jpg)
The XPA-DR2 in & running from the right.
(https://i.imgur.com/hGaFEJp.jpg)
From the left.
(https://i.imgur.com/VREKTzb.jpg)
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The new gears.
Emotiva XPS-1
(https://i.imgur.com/wS0s4rR.jpg)
Crosbon CR-365 power filter.
(https://i.imgur.com/MRgjpcV.jpg)
Marantz ND8006 CD/Network player.
(https://i.imgur.com/FXKWqck.jpg)
SMSL VMV D1 DAC.
(https://i.imgur.com/j1Ra2eJ.jpg)
Emotiva XPA-DR2 amp.
(https://i.imgur.com/qSRHpVV.jpg)
Choseal XLR & RCA cables.
(https://i.imgur.com/ru51no1.jpg)
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NAS set up on the TT rack.
(https://i.imgur.com/JjqgqHG.jpg)
View round the back.
(https://i.imgur.com/LD6kbT9.jpg)
Again round the back showing the speaker connections.
(https://i.imgur.com/H18St4s.jpg)
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Bought a smaller carpet to enable the sofa bed to be pulled forward around 4 feet so the listener would be in a more optimal listening position.
Behind the speaker from the right.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZWWMN9J.jpg)
Again from the left.
(https://i.imgur.com/LrXsF0F.jpg)
You may notice the exercise bike in the background, wifey now has music while she peddles.
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How does it sound you may well be asking, well here we go.
The blackout curtains stay permanently closed at the back as the sun reflecting off the neighbours wall turns the room into an oven. I have to say that they do a very good job of keeping the heat down, I thought the side curtains would make some acoustical difference but I can't detect any at the moment.
1st addition was the XSP-1, this gave more bass & low end detail than the CA which I thought was good anyway so that was a surprise.
Then the Crosbon power filter & Choseal cables were added at the same time which turned out to be a bit of a mistake. The sound now felt as if it had more depth, body or meat, a pleasant surprise so was it the cables or the power filter or both ???
The Marantz ND8006 was next in, CD section was good enough to replace my failed CA 851C but the network side is very awkward compared to the CA StreamMagic so much so I will keep the ND8006 as a CD player & get another network player.
The SMSL VMV D1 Dac was the unit that made the most difference, I could not believe that it was possible. The sound stage has moved forward as if the band/ artist is in front of the system plus the whole sound seems a lot more alive.
The addition of the XPA-DR2 gave added bass & even more low end detail plus a lot more punch to the music, so much so it makes you want to keep turning the volume up.
Just in case I was imagining things I got wifey to sit with eyes closed & listen at each stage not knowing what I had changed. I was very surprised that she came up with the same thoughts as I did so yes there is a very big improvement, well worth the money, I'm now a very happy boy.
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How does it sound you may well be asking, well here we go.
The blackout curtains stay permanently closed at the back as the sun reflecting off the neighbours wall turns the room into an oven. I have to say that they do a very good job of keeping the heat down, I thought the side curtains would make some acoustical difference but I can't detect any at the moment.
1st addition was the XSP-1, this gave more base & low end detail than the CA which I thought was good anyway so that was a surprise.
Then the Crosbon power filter & Choseal cables were added at the same time which turned out to be a bit of a mistake. The sound now felt as if it had more depth, body or meat, a pleasant surprise so was it the cables or the power filter or both ???
The Marantz ND8006 was next in, CD section was good enough to replace my failed CA 851C but the network side is very awkward compared to the CA StreamMagic so much so I will keep the ND8006 as a CD player & get another network player.
The SMSL VMV D1 Dac was the unit that made the most difference, I could not believe that it was possible. The sound stage has moved forward as if the band/ artist is in front of the system plus the whole sound seems a lot brighter.
The addition of the XPA-DR2 gave added base & more low end detail plus a lot more punch to the music, so much so it makes you want to keep turning the volume up.
Just in case I was imagining things I got wifey to sit with eyes closed & listen at each stage not knowing what I had changed. I was very surprised that she came up with the same thoughts as I did so yes there is a very big improvement, well worth the money, I'm now a very happy boy.
Congrats on your nice new system! Now you have update your gear list. ;D
BTW, could you PM me where you got the equipment rack and the price? Thanks.
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Congrats on your nice new system! Now you have update your gear list. ;D
BTW, could you PM me where you got the equipment rack and the price? Thanks.
Hi Narayan thanks for that, I've also got to add the missing pics in the rest of the thread, a busy day I think tomorrow.
I have PM'd you.
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All pics downloaded to the thread, kept me busy for a couple of days.
A view of the back of Turntable rack showing the power distribution for the rack.
(https://i.imgur.com/16g0Vcn.jpg)
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After some serious listening I'm now hearing things that were not apparent before, so much so I have been replaying tracks to make sure I'm not imagining things
One thing that has really stood out is my system now reveals poor mastering, poor music production & substandard CD's, I can live with that for the increased pleasure I'm now getting from my music.
I was thinking of adding a MiniDSP for room correction but not so sure whether any increase in sound quality would justify the expense, decisions, decisions.
I'll give sir Marc at MLY Enterprises a plug for supplying the Marantz & Emotiva gear - thankyou.
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Hi guys,
I've been quiet for a while thanks to Odette, 6 weeks without power, now trying to get back to normal.
All we had was minor damage that is easily repairable except for half the tiles on the main roof disappearing, around 1,000. A third of the carport roof tiles (100) were smashed & the audio room roof got away with a dozen cracked tiles. Temporary repairs on the cracked tiles, carport roof re-tiled using spares from the house build & the main roof will be replaced with a steel version.
The audio room turned into a swimming pool, as the windows are on the windward side the rain was blown through them. One of the drains from the gutter was partially blocked which flooded the ceiling void hence the water coming through the light fittings & ceiling board joints. Some of the kit & 1 speaker got very wet but thankfully it's all survived, I suppose you could say I was lucky.
Hope any other Cebu based members survived without too many problems.
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Let's hope something like that wont happen again in the near future in Cebu or even a NOT-CEBU place, so frustrating & exhausting.
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Let's hope something like that wont happen again in the near future in Cebu or even a NOT-CEBU place, so frustrating & exhausting.
My feelings also, I'm fortunate that my house is sturdy, well! except for the roof tiles, not so for many in our locallity. The undergrowth is littered with roofing sheets & cladding that has been torn off & many wooden structures have basically disappeared.
Besides my own repairs I'm also funding & assisting the rebuilds of 2 family homes scross the road from us, so for a while that'll keep me away from some serious listening, maybe some light relaxation before bed.
My thoughts are with those not as lucky as we have been, as you say, hopefully never again.