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Post by antonio on Dec 26, 2019 15:47:47 GMT
A new faceplate is what's needed.
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Post by sq225917 on Dec 26, 2019 15:54:02 GMT
Oli, resend the files nothing in my mail yet.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2019 16:27:45 GMT
Oli, resend the files nothing in my mail yet. Oh, will do |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 26, 2019 16:28:41 GMT
A new faceplate is what's needed. I feel the same actually. Bit of black acrylic. Nice and simple. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 30, 2019 19:28:21 GMT
And finished Well not entirely. Needs a new front and a bit of tidying but it works. Lovely stuff  |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 2, 2020 8:27:35 GMT
Spent a fair few hours listening to this over the last few days and I have to admit, It's a really good listen. There is nothing special about this build apart from the fact I matched all the components for exact values (best I could with my equipment) but imo, it's paid off. I have just sourced a reliable replacement for the Relays, as these ones are discontinued.
Last bit is to see if I can get the PCB modified. SQ has kindly offered to look and the re is now a begging post on DIYaudio too. There seems to be a fair bit of interest from folks in building one too, so I will see if I can get it sorted.
I think the valves are letting this one down a little, especially the Philips PCC88's so I am eager to get the Vintage Tesla ones here ASAP. Telefunkens are my faves but are too rich now. Should've kept my gob shut lol.
I'll be replacing the front panel too. Nice black Acrylic which is now ordered. Just need a tidy power switch for it.
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Post by antonio on Jan 2, 2020 9:11:44 GMT
Nice work Oli.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 2, 2020 15:17:48 GMT
Thanks Antonio. The Telsa PCC88's are now in and it's like someone invited detail and those little acoustic clues to the party. Spacious soundstage and clarity too. Foots tapping and I'm grinning. |
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Post by antonio on Jan 2, 2020 15:43:51 GMT
Great news, the last thing you want is the old one was better.  |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 2, 2020 15:52:25 GMT
Great news, the last thing you want is the old one was better. Hahaha, yes that is exactly what we dont want! Funny thing is, the new valves have totally altered the sound. Ok, it's probably not gonna suit a "rose tinted" valve guy or girl but it's so clean now that i find the resolution is far far better. Simon was right, i was missing resolution from my Vinyl but it wasn't because of the phonostage design, it was the valves. There was a thread i read ages ago that claimed there was a Gold/yellow printed Tesla Valve that outstripped everything else he tried. I can't find it now but i am pretty sure this is a pair of them. Reminiscent of Telefunkens at their best. I'd love an A/B with a set of each. However, more importantly, We now have a serious competitor to the next phonostages i am goin to be constructing. Oh, managed to find someone who is going to fix the Bigbottle PCB too. It's been a good day! |
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Post by sq225917 on Jan 2, 2020 17:39:42 GMT
Awesome news.
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Post by electronumpty on Jan 2, 2020 18:37:20 GMT
Great news Oliver!
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 2, 2020 19:06:43 GMT
Huge relief actually! Thought that was it for vinyl in all honesty. a £9 valve change has sorted things out for now. Now i am enthused for a good phonostage build marathon and bakeoff. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 3, 2020 15:12:19 GMT
Managed to get another few albums in this morning/afternoon and it's all good news. I am very pleased with what I am hearing. New damping rings on the valves too. I have some rather fatter ones due to arrive but Christmas has been a bit disruptive to the postal service. I saw Dave ask on a thread about using a transformer shield and yes, I have one but the chassis measures a little less widthwise than advertised so I can't fit it in. However, no hum at all so no bother.   |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 8, 2020 19:00:13 GMT
I managed to find a decent EMI filter socket for under £10, so I thought I'd snap it up. I'd love a DC blocker in here too but that may be a bit too ambitious, due to space. I'll have to measure up   |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jan 9, 2020 11:55:13 GMT
Well, this is finished as far as I'm concerned. I was gonna change the front plate but I just can't be bothered. The Visual aspect of a piece of equipment hasn't ever been that important to me Sounds great, is almost safe from little fingers, I just need to block up that little hole on the front panel I love the sticky labels, they cement it as a DIY project. Should I have to sell it to build up a MK3, then i may do something about the front panel, but for my needs, it's good enough      |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 24, 2020 18:55:52 GMT
Couldn't live with the front panel Removed the power switch from the front and will fit one in the back. A nice piece of black acrylic just adds a little suave to the piece. I may put a tiny led in the bottom right corner but I also may not. I'll have to sell this one soon to pay for the first MK3 board build, which is completely frustrating, as the two are nearly identical and what is missing from the MK3 board, was already taken off this one. But I cant release the Group Buy if Alan and I haven't built one and checked it out. A necessary task. Anyway, here are the pics. Oh, you'll notice no ground post on the back. I forgot, but I'll bung one in.       |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2020 19:42:46 GMT
Did you drill the acrylic yourself?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 24, 2020 19:44:13 GMT
Did you drill the acrylic yourself? Yes. Can you tell lol |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2020 20:45:46 GMT
It is not the easiest thing to do, especially when you need a limited depth.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 24, 2020 20:51:53 GMT
It is not the easiest thing to do, especially when you need a limited depth. Ye, its definitely not easy when your drill bits arent razor sharp BUT I can change the bolts to flange and it'll look a lot better. £7 for the acrylic and 30mins of work. I'm happy with the result anyway. Looks far better in the rack |
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Post by sq225917 on Feb 24, 2020 21:37:29 GMT
Is it opaque acrylic?
I have led bezels if you need some, nice finish.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 24, 2020 21:58:20 GMT
Is it opaque acrylic? I have led bezels if you need some, nice finish. Just solid black. I just went nice and simple. I have some bezels, just didnt have enough time |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 24, 2020 23:03:55 GMT
I like the acrylic finish , needs a badge now  |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 24, 2020 23:17:19 GMT
I like the acrylic finish , needs a badge now I was gonna see if there was like a sticky type way of doing it. No idea where to start |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2020 23:30:07 GMT
Just a point. I would include an on/off or standby switch for safety reasons being valve based.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 24, 2020 23:35:57 GMT
Just a point. I would include an on/off or standby switch for safety reasons being valve based. Yes, i agree, There will be one, but it will be on the rear. The IEC filter is fused also so it is up to scratch in that regard. No Foo fuses either lol |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2020 6:58:54 GMT
I like the acrylic finish , needs a badge now I was gonna see if there was like a sticky type way of doing it. No idea where to start Transfers made up by a motorbike shop? |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 25, 2020 7:36:21 GMT
I was gonna see if there was like a sticky type way of doing it. No idea where to start Transfers made up by a motorbike shop? Ye that sort of thing..good shout |
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Post by sq225917 on Feb 25, 2020 8:38:50 GMT
Water transfer stickers.
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