Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 14, 2021 19:07:31 GMT
The time has come to finally put the BT2 into it's production casework. As always, i have sourced a very high quality chassis from our friends in China and as you may have noticed, it is exactly the same as the chassis i have picked for the Avalon Phonostage. Unfortunately i comes with the toggle switch cut out pre done and they wont make them without unless i buy a large batch, which i wont be doing at the moment. I am going to maybe route the hole out and put a push button switch in, or i may get some Krell-esque badges made and cover the hole. either option isn't my preferred choice, but in the game of micro hifi manufacture, concessions have to be made. I am awaiting a new power supply PCB which is also the same one as used in the Avalon. The Stepped attenuator is the Phonomac made model that uses the Goldpoint switch but uses specially selected, hand picked and perfectly matched resistors, so certainly well beyond the performance of anything we've found in the same catagory. More to follow in the next few days.  |
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Post by sq225917 on Sept 14, 2021 19:12:35 GMT
Ooooh.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 14, 2021 19:17:33 GMT
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Post by gninnam on Sept 14, 2021 19:38:39 GMT
Exciting  |
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Post by rexton on Sept 14, 2021 19:41:55 GMT
Funky! I've just started looking into new pre-amps, maybe a contender.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 14, 2021 19:47:42 GMT
Funky! I've just started looking into new pre-amps, maybe a contender. I suppose I can send it to you too lol |
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Post by rexton on Sept 14, 2021 19:55:20 GMT
You have a PM.
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Sept 15, 2021 8:13:02 GMT
If detail , clarity, transparency and neutrality are things you like then this should be on top of your list.
Crazy performance for the price. And for a SS pre it has a bigger deeper and wider soundstage than my now sold Croft RS valve pre.
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Post by electronumpty on Sept 15, 2021 8:26:54 GMT
So what is the price? or is that not finalised yet🙂
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 8:35:42 GMT
So what is the price? or is that not finalised yet🙂 Price isn't set yet. I made two, one for bigbird and one for someone else as I needed a couple of testers to check for stability etc. The cost of the units will be vastly different to those I built for Karl as the casework is different etc. Angus did that to his and it literally knocked him for 6. |
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 8:57:58 GMT
Forgive my ignorance gents but how would the BT2 work ? The Olster has mentioned it to me before and it sounds a serious tool.
I have an integrated and know the off board phono stage connects to a different line from that. Where does this BT2 preamp sit ?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 9:04:07 GMT
Forgive my ignorance gents but how would the BT2 work ? The Olster has mentioned it to me before and it sounds a serious tool. I have an integrated and know the off board phono stage connects to a different line from that. Where does this BT2 preamp sit ? You'd use the facility on your Sansui to bypass it's inbuilt preamp, so effectively you are just improving that section of your amp. Phonostage, CD player etc all go into the BT2, the "out" of the BT2 goes to your Bypass inputs on the Sansui and the Sansui becomes a stand alone power amp See pic:  |
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 9:24:29 GMT
Thanks for the clear reply Olster, really appreciate that. This is what happens when you've been an integrated man all ya days  |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 10:11:00 GMT
Thanks for the clear reply Olster, really appreciate that. This is what happens when you've been an integrated man all ya days No drama Rob, I'm sure there are others wondering the same thing. |
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Post by antonio on Sept 15, 2021 10:53:37 GMT
Forgive my ignorance gents but how would the BT2 work ? The Olster has mentioned it to me before and it sounds a serious tool. I have an integrated and know the off board phono stage connects to a different line from that. Where does this BT2 preamp sit ? You'd use the facility on your Sansui to bypass it's inbuilt preamp, so effectively you are just improving that section of your amp. Phonostage, CD player etc all go into the BT2, the "out" of the BT2 goes to your Bypass inputs on the Sansui and the Sansui becomes a stand alone power amp See pic: Or you could sell your Sansui and get on of these www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185046082833?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818maybe their best ever ss amplifier, or you could lower your sights and get one of those Neurochrome thingy's  |
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 11:42:51 GMT
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Post by macca on Sept 15, 2021 12:11:44 GMT
If it aint broke don't fix it.
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 12:23:03 GMT
If it aint broke don't fix it. Exactly ! not to say you'll never change anything but enjoy the journey and settle in though's good times, non fiddle/fettle, just loving the music and the way things play, it's a great place, each time , until such time |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 13:08:43 GMT
Sorry Rob, but it just ain't. The BT2 & 686 combo absolutely mullered Angus' Highly fettled D11. Which is essentially the same amp as yours. When you get a guy like Angus, who's been brand loyal to Sansui for 20 years or so, and he buys up a pair of 686 boards after hearing what happened, that tells you all you need to know. The BT2, Avalon and 686 combination are way ahead of what a standard Sansui puts out, in every audible facet. That said, if you havent heard it.....you aren't missing anything as of right now. No slight on the Sansui BTW, as they are superb amps and very worthwhile keeping hold of if you want a "one box does it all" amplifer I know your love for it is strong, but I have to be honest. |
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Post by electronumpty on Sept 15, 2021 13:23:21 GMT
Think Rob is talking about the Sansui power amp in the link not the 686.🙂
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Post by gninnam on Sept 15, 2021 13:49:06 GMT
Don't forget that we all hear differently and just because Angus got swayed still doesn't mean the Rob will love the alternatives?
So many times I have heard many people gushing over this and that, tried it and thought 'meh'
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 14:01:13 GMT
Think Rob is talking about the Sansui power amp in the link not the 686.🙂 Exactly ! Mi thinks the Olster has been on da hoochie-moonshine |
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Post by electronumpty on Sept 15, 2021 14:05:16 GMT
I want a pint of what he's having barman!
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 14:08:05 GMT
Think Rob is talking about the Sansui power amp in the link not the 686.🙂 Exactly ! Mi thinks the Olster has been on da hoochie-moonshine Sorry gents......that's what happens when you're knee deep in Union Sh#t and forget to update the forum page..... Looking at that amp........nope, I'm still right 🤣🤣 |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 14:08:35 GMT
Don't forget that we all hear differently and just because Angus got swayed still doesn't mean the Rob will love the alternatives? So many times I have heard many people gushing over this and that, tried it and thought 'meh' If you don't hear the difference, then you only deserve a Sansui 🤣🤣 |
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 14:09:21 GMT
Don't forget that we all hear differently and just because Angus got swayed still doesn't mean the Rob will love the alternatives? So many times I have heard many people gushing over this and that, tried it and thought 'meh' Yeah, true true, or that the sound is most definitely excellent but maybe not the sound for you, ie: seriously transparent, like cd but better, but maybe not as close to the analogue / vinyl presentation you favour. It's all about finding 1. What suits you personally, or 2. a certain balance. Either way, one thing is for sure in my experience - guys like Angus, Alan, Olster are mega serious about gear that is implemented properly, providing genuine hi-fidelity excellence, it's what they're passionate about, and we are lucky to have them and access to their services and the amazing gear they produce and I'm genuinely and sincerely serious about that. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Sept 15, 2021 14:16:37 GMT
Don't forget that we all hear differently and just because Angus got swayed still doesn't mean the Rob will love the alternatives? So many times I have heard many people gushing over this and that, tried it and thought 'meh' Yeah, true true, or that the sound is most definitely excellent but maybe not the sound for you, ie: seriously transparent, like cd but better, but maybe not as close to the analogue / vinyl presentation you favour. It's all about finding 1. What suits you personally, or 2. a certain balance. Either way, one thing is for sure in my experience - guys like Angus, Alan, Olster are mega serious about gear that is implemented properly, providing genuine hi-fidelity excellent, it's what they're passionate about, and we are lucky to have them and access to their services and the amazing gear they produce and I'm genuinely and sincerely serious about that. Sorry, rob. I hadn't read the thread properly and hit the wrong nail on the head. |
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Post by gninnam on Sept 15, 2021 14:18:33 GMT
Don't forget that we all hear differently and just because Angus got swayed still doesn't mean the Rob will love the alternatives? So many times I have heard many people gushing over this and that, tried it and thought 'meh' Yeah, true true, or that the sound is most definitely excellent but maybe not the sound for you, ie: seriously transparent, like cd but better, but maybe not as close to the analogue / vinyl presentation you favour. It's all about finding 1. What suits you personally, or 2. a certain balance.Either way, one thing is for sure in my experience - guys like Angus, Alan, Olster are mega serious about gear that is implemented properly, providing genuine hi-fidelity excellence, it's what they're passionate about, and we are lucky to have them and access to their services and the amazing gear they produce and I'm genuinely and sincerely serious about that. Agree. I am enjoying the BB3 (probably the best phono stage I have ever heard and I have heard many) and I am sure I will love the Avalon/BT2 etc but sometimes it is good to just stop, breath and listen to the music and not get dragged into the minutiae. |
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 14:19:45 GMT
Yeah, true true, or that the sound is most definitely excellent but maybe not the sound for you, ie: seriously transparent, like cd but better, but maybe not as close to the analogue / vinyl presentation you favour. It's all about finding 1. What suits you personally, or 2. a certain balance. Either way, one thing is for sure in my experience - guys like Angus, Alan, Olster are mega serious about gear that is implemented properly, providing genuine hi-fidelity excellent, it's what they're passionate about, and we are lucky to have them and access to their services and the amazing gear they produce and I'm genuinely and sincerely serious about that. Sorry, rob. I hadn't read the thread properly and hit the wrong nail on the head. Amen ! and when you know this and are learning, it's where the gains can be had, leading to attaining a level you never thought you'd realise - I dont doubt it |
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Post by robbiegong on Sept 15, 2021 14:22:53 GMT
Yeah, true true, or that the sound is most definitely excellent but maybe not the sound for you, ie: seriously transparent, like cd but better, but maybe not as close to the analogue / vinyl presentation you favour. It's all about finding 1. What suits you personally, or 2. a certain balance.Either way, one thing is for sure in my experience - guys like Angus, Alan, Olster are mega serious about gear that is implemented properly, providing genuine hi-fidelity excellence, it's what they're passionate about, and we are lucky to have them and access to their services and the amazing gear they produce and I'm genuinely and sincerely serious about that. Agree. I am enjoying the BB3 (probably the best phono stage I have ever heard and I have heard many) and I am sure I will love the Avalon/BT2 etc but sometimes it is good to just stop, breath and listen to the music and not get dragged into the minutiae. Amen and absolutely, and where I'm at, enjoying the system/music and each natural progression, which always happens when it will, hence I hope these guys keep producing this amazing gear so that anytime I'm ready........... |
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