Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 4, 2020 21:17:42 GMT
That looks cracking Oli, you and Al have plugged away at this ironing out the kinks and unleashing better sound with every step. Hats off to you both. Thanks Simon, i appreciate the positive comment. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 4, 2020 21:22:49 GMT
It's been another long ass day. frustration occured at switch on, as i had one channel down and a boat load of hum....I couldnt find the fault so ended up over at Alans to get a better opinion. After a couple of red herrings, Alan realised i hadn't quite got enough solder into the tiny holes where the ne MultiFET boards go. In went some solder, out went the problems. I got home somewhat relieved, after all, this one is the first "commissioned" build i have done and i wanted it to be right. I plugged it all in and played a bit of an LP, whilst not taking too much notice. It needs some burn in time and a good play to check for stability etc. I played a couple of sides and then put on the Jonathon Wilson LP i have recently bought. I sat back and spat my tea everywhere. WTF...... The scale and size of the soundstage was massive. Bigger than my BB3. I was perplexed, and then as Jonathon started singing, i dont think i blinked for 5 minutes. The clarity of his voice was unreal. I couldnt believe it. I dropped my BB3 in and yes, 100% sure it didnt have the same scale or size. What is different?? Then i realised....those bloody Clarity Caps!!! Thats right, bigbird specified that he wanted some mega dosh Clarity caps in the build and, well, i now look a tit for saying he may not need to spend so much. seriously, i have not heard a capacitor have such an effect in all these years of messing about with caps. I WILL buy some. |
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Post by electronumpty on Jun 4, 2020 22:30:15 GMT
🙂 Have to say that since hearing the differences better caps made when I changed them in my DCB1 I think they can make a hell of a difference.
Thats why I went straight to Mundorfs when building mine without passing go. Mine are still bedding in I think after about 60 hours and the soundstage is massive from a pair of bookshelf speakers with 3 inch drivers . Glad it sounds so good!
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 4, 2020 22:31:11 GMT
🙂 Have to say that since hearing the differences better caps made when I changed them in my DCB1 I think they can make a hell of a difference. Thats why I went straight to Mundorfs when building mine without passing go. Mine are still bedding in I think after about 60 hours and the soundstage is massive from a piar of bookshelf speakers with 3 inch drivers . Glad it sounds so good! And me, I'm hoping it does enough to dislodge a Whest 2 Or I'm retiring lol |
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Jun 4, 2020 22:45:21 GMT
🙂 Have to say that since hearing the differences better caps made when I changed them in my DCB1 I think they can make a hell of a difference. Thats why I went straight to Mundorfs when building mine without passing go. Mine are still bedding in I think after about 60 hours and the soundstage is massive from a piar of bookshelf speakers with 3 inch drivers . Glad it sounds so good! And me, I'm hoping it does enough to dislodge a Whest 2 Or I'm retiring lol It’s a Whest 2.2 , The newest one with improved discreet stage in it #eyebrows !! James at Whest seems to think it’s the best sub 2k phono in the world now. He would say that though😂 Can’t wait to give the BB3 a try now and I’m well chuffed my billy big bollocks move paid off. Coulda been an expensive mistake. I never really doubted it though. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 4, 2020 22:48:40 GMT
And me, I'm hoping it does enough to dislodge a Whest 2 Or I'm retiring lol It’s a Whest 2.2 , The newest one with improved discreet stage in it #eyebrows !! James at Whest seems to think it’s the best sub 2k phono in the world now. He would say that though😂 Can’t wait to give the BB3 a try now and I’m well chuffed my billy big bollocks move paid off. Coulda been an expensive mistake. I never really doubted it though. Haha....no pressure now then lol |
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Jun 4, 2020 23:13:37 GMT
It’s a Whest 2.2 , The newest one with improved discreet stage in it #eyebrows !! James at Whest seems to think it’s the best sub 2k phono in the world now. He would say that though😂 Can’t wait to give the BB3 a try now and I’m well chuffed my billy big bollocks move paid off. Coulda been an expensive mistake. I never really doubted it though. Haha....no pressure now then lol Maybe just a smidge 😜 |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 4, 2020 23:31:41 GMT
Haha....no pressure now then lol Maybe just a smidge 😜 Hahaha, I'm not worried After what I've been hearing here with mine and know yours, if the Whest is better, I'll be buying one lol |
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Jun 4, 2020 23:42:50 GMT
Hahaha, I'm not worried After what I've been hearing here with mine and know yours, if the Whest is better, I'll be buying one lol I’m not either mate. I’m just trying to keep the paradise slayer on his toes. Can’t have you thinking your mission is nearly complete 😂 |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 5, 2020 0:05:39 GMT
Hahaha, I'm not worried After what I've been hearing here with mine and know yours, if the Whest is better, I'll be buying one lol I’m not either mate. I’m just trying to keep the paradise slayer on his toes. Can’t have you thinking your mission is nearly complete 😂 Haha, no, the title of Paradise Slayer is not mine to claim. Theres still a few aspects of the Paradise that I'd like to get in the BB3 and I suspect aspects if the BB3 that would be welcome in the Parsdise. That's certainly what Alan and I thought the other day. |
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Jun 5, 2020 0:17:25 GMT
I’m not either mate. I’m just trying to keep the paradise slayer on his toes. Can’t have you thinking your mission is nearly complete 😂 Haha, no, the title of Paradise Slayer is not mine to claim. Theres still a few aspects of the Paradise that I'd like to get in the BB3 and I suspect aspects if the BB3 that would be welcome in the Parsdise. That's certainly what Alan and I thought the other day. Haha I know it’s not mate but you seem he’ll bent on getting to that point. Fair play for the amount of time and energy you put into it. It’s clearly consuming you... in a good way |
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Post by jimbo on Jun 5, 2020 6:52:56 GMT
Good to see you on hear Karl.  Hope the BB3 sounds great in your system, I maybe using one with my Croft set up eventually. No brainer for MC cartridge set up. Might even have a go at building one myself!  |
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Post by firebottle on Jun 5, 2020 7:26:23 GMT
On went Voodoo Child (not Chile) Check your record sleeve, it's Voodoo Chile. Don't correct me when i know I am right   |
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Post by electronumpty on Jun 5, 2020 7:32:36 GMT
(slight return)
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 5, 2020 7:43:06 GMT
On went Voodoo Child (not Chile) Check your record sleeve, it's Voodoo Chile. Don't correct me when i know I am right Oh balls...I meant Voodoo Chile (not slight return) |
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Post by sq225917 on Jun 5, 2020 12:29:28 GMT
I think you mean Alan's mini Paradise... ;-)
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 5, 2020 12:50:40 GMT
I think you mean Alan's mini Paradise... ;-) The "Mini Paradise" lol |
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Post by karma67 on Jun 5, 2020 15:42:47 GMT
I think you mean Alan's mini Paradise... ;-) lol that made me chuckle |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2020 17:25:21 GMT
Voodoo Chilli in a mini paradise...sounds like a euphemism for some sort of drug effect?
Probably not far off the mark!
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Jun 6, 2020 0:16:56 GMT
Good to see you on hear Karl. Hope the BB3 sounds great in your system, I maybe using one with my Croft set up eventually. No brainer for MC cartridge set up. Might even have a go at building one myself! Cheers Jim, likewise matey. Yes this BB3 is clearly shaping up to be a very special piece of kit if careful consideration of the details is adhered to (like matching etc). The videos that Oli is sending me sound incredible. The biggest thing I’m noticing is the image depth and realism. Incredibly holographic. It’s also got me wondering about wether to bother sending my 25R back to Glenn for the RSLS treatment to go with the monos ,or just go full Neurochrome instead. The buzz about them is for good reason |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 6, 2020 0:23:56 GMT
Good to see you on hear Karl. Hope the BB3 sounds great in your system, I maybe using one with my Croft set up eventually. No brainer for MC cartridge set up. Might even have a go at building one myself! Cheers Jim, likewise matey. Yes this BB3 is clearly shaping up to be a very special piece of kit if careful consideration of the details is adhered to (like matching etc). The videos that Oli is sending me sound incredible. The biggest thing I’m noticing is the image depth and realism. Incredibly holographic. It’s also got me wondering about wether to bother sending my 25R back to Glenn for the RSLS treatment to go with the monos ,or just go full Neurochrome instead. The buzz about them is for good reason Well, they are only phone vids but I was hoping some of the quality would be audible. Wont be long now...just waiting on some 120v zener for the last little mod, and the 3rd traffo ive ordered for this build lol, and I'll have the last bits put together in no time. Nearly there! |
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Post by jimbo on Jun 6, 2020 5:13:21 GMT
Good to see you on hear Karl. Hope the BB3 sounds great in your system, I maybe using one with my Croft set up eventually. No brainer for MC cartridge set up. Might even have a go at building one myself! Cheers Jim, likewise matey. Yes this BB3 is clearly shaping up to be a very special piece of kit if careful consideration of the details is adhered to (like matching etc). The videos that Oli is sending me sound incredible. The biggest thing I’m noticing is the image depth and realism. Incredibly holographic. It’s also got me wondering about wether to bother sending my 25R back to Glenn for the RSLS treatment to go with the monos ,or just go full Neurochrome instead. The buzz about them is for good reason I have heard the Neurochrome amps and they are stunning. Olivers 686 Neurochrome power amp is very clean and exceedingly transparent like a top OTL performance with no grain at all. To be honest his preamp is also very neutral and a provides a very clear window on the performance.
I cannot recommend this system more highly but I would not get rid of the Croft amps just yet as they may give you a presentation of the music that maybe still to your liking. I have not compared both yet in a listening session but it will happen in the near future hopefully. Sometimes clean and neutral is not always best but transparency trumps all in my book. It is like choosing between cartridges, they all give you a different flavour of the music, even now I am enjoying a humble AT95ex cartridge just as much as my 2M Black!
All I can say is the Neureochrome is a no brainer, you will not be disappointed and for the money they are cheap. I have not heard any solid state amps that sound better at any price!
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Post by firebottle on Jun 6, 2020 7:28:00 GMT
Don't forget you have heard the Neurochrome 286 at mine, if you don't need quite so much power this is just as good a performer, particularly when built true dual mono.
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Post by jimbo on Jun 6, 2020 8:23:15 GMT
Very true Alan, and maybe the lower power Neurochrome 286 might be a better fit with Karls Sp2 speakers?
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Post by gninnam on Jun 6, 2020 9:03:22 GMT
Some fantastic work going on with this 'slayer of all things phono preamp' Would over to get to hear one of these to see what all the fuss is about - would love to have ago but too many projects to finish (and start) before I could get my mits on one. Loving the enthusiasm being shared with everyone on here - keep it coming!! |
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Post by firebottle on Jun 6, 2020 9:10:39 GMT
Teaser:'Slayer of all things phono preamp' has just taken another twist.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 6, 2020 9:14:50 GMT
Don't forget you have heard the Neurochrome 286 at mine, if you don't need quite so much power this is just as good a performer, particularly when built true dual mono. NO! BIGGER IS BETTER!!! lol hahaha.... Hmm....need to sort my power supply out  |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 6, 2020 9:27:35 GMT
Some fantastic work going on with this 'slayer of all things phono preamp' Would over to get to hear one of these to see what all the fuss is about - would love to have ago but too many projects to finish (and start) before I could get my mits on one. Loving the enthusiasm being shared with everyone on here - keep it coming!! Lol....no, let's not start down the route of "slayer" of anything!! Lol Seriously, the phonostage was designed and relentlessly developed to give guys like me (low budget) access to a really decent Valve phonostage for sensible investment. Ok, I cant deny the recent developments have seen it take a significant step forward and yes, I will admit that I came away from Alan's thinking if I had to pick between the two as the only one I could use forever, I'd keep my BB3.... That said, the Paradise blew me away when I had Simon's in my system and i freely admit that i realised the BB2 (MK2 at that time) was off the pace. Like a fat man in a sprint. And fair play to Simon, he was very complimentary about the performance that was available at that time. He is a nice man you know! Lol The upshot is, without the Firebottle Vivant, there would be no BB1. Without hearing Simon's Paradise, there would not have been a BB3. Without Paul telling me the Tron Convergence was far quieter, there would be no MultiFET mod. This phonostage owes just as much credit to the units ive compared it to, as it does to those who's work and ideas made it a reality. You are more than welcome to come over and have a listen, once its safe to do so. Or if you arent miles away, I'd happy bring it over. No problem. |
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Post by gninnam on Jun 6, 2020 9:41:40 GMT
OK - will leave the 'slayer' comments out of this (for now). I hear what you are saying regards a collaborative effort to an extent but still fair play to you! I'm enjoying Alan's Firebottle OPT MK2 which I find works well in my system and have used a few different phono preamps over the years so intrigued with this one. I think you are in Nottingham or some such place - I am in Leeds to a good few hours for each of us so not so easy to 'pop' round Yes, once this madness has subsided I will probably take a trek down to your gaff to have a listen and hear what great work has been done. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Jun 6, 2020 10:09:30 GMT
OK - will leave the 'slayer' comments out of this (for now). I hear what you are saying regards a collaborative effort to an extent but still fair play to you! I'm enjoying Alan's Firebottle OPT MK2 which I find works well in my system and have used a few different phono preamps over the years so intrigued with this one. I think you are in Nottingham or some such place - I am in Leeds to a good few hours for each of us so not so easy to 'pop' round Yes, once this madness has subsided I will probably take a trek down to your gaff to have a listen and hear what great work has been done. Oh well, if you're using a OTPMK2, you certainly have to come and have a listen to the Bigbottle phonostage......good times ahead! I'm in Wolverhampton, so add an hour |
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Hope the BB3 sounds great in your system, I maybe using one with my Croft set up eventually. No brainer for MC cartridge set up. Might even have a go at building one myself! 
