The Summit

by islandmandan on Done For Now

Description

Hello all,

My involvement in audio has been an evolving journey for many years now, but about six years ago, I decided a return to Tannoy speakers was something I had to do. I sold my Dynaudio Contour 5.4's, and purchased some HPD 315 drivers and crossovers on Ebay UK.

I had enclosures built in Pennsylvania by Frank Wyatt, of 1 7/8" net MDF (an inner 3/4" laminated to an outer 1 1/8" layer), with a Sapele Pommelle veneer. They are 150 liter bass-reflex, and weigh 192 lbs. each; sans drivers and crossovers.

I built outboard crossovers using Mundorf SIO caps, 12 gauge Alpha core inductors, and Dueland resistors, with silver solid core 14 gauge hookup wire.

I like them so much, they are the speakers I will have till I leave this earth.

After several years with a VPI Scout Signature, I wanted to venture into the idler wheel turntable world, so again on Ebay UK, I bought my Garrard 401, and did a DIY restoration on it. Frank Wyatt built a plinth for me, which I later modified extensively with Purpleheart side pieces (keeping the original 3/8" thick Bubinga center section), and milled Purpleheart edging on the top edges, and framing the Garrard chassis.

I then installed the Dynavector 501 arm (so nice to not have the VPI wobble!). Several cartridges are available in my collection, two Actutex (LPM 415, LPM 320), the Soundsmith retipped Dynavector XX2MKII, Zu Denon 103R with ESCCO white sapphire cantilever and Paratrace stylus mods, which is my favorite by far.

I bought a used Modwright SWP 9.0 SE phono stage, put NOS tubes in it, and installed an upgraded power supply provided by Dan Wright. I feel no compulsion to change to a different phono stage.

I wanted to try a tube line stage, so I sold my much-loved Sonic Euphoria passive, bought a Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid kit, in which I used NOS Amperex 12AU7 tubes, Clarity Caps output caps, Goldpoint stepped attenuator and switching, mil-spec silver hookup wire, and Bent Audio remote volume control. This is an amazing sounding line stage, I see no need to change.

Next came the Assemblage Audio SET 300B, which I sent to Chris Johnson for upgrades, caps and resistors, using Kiwame film resistors, Jupiter Paper Beeswax caps, and Nichicon caps. With the EML XLS 300B tubes the Tannoys sound lush, detailed, and very much like live music, especially well recorded Jazz LPs.

Lastly, some would say I devolved, but to have a quality backup in case of tube failure, and to save hours on the 300B output tubes, I decided to give Class D Audio a try. I bought a 125 Wpc CDA 254 kit a try, and really enjoyed it. I installed an additional amp module in it, running in bridged mono mode, it bumps the output up to 500 Wpc, which snaps the Tannoys to attention, and they sound excellent.

My old five channel amp gave out, so I built another CDA 254 class D amp, with an added module, and I was able to convert it to a three channel amp, with 125 wpc for the surrounds, and 500 watts for the center channel. All in all, a very cost effective set of amplifiers that are every bit as good as some of the higher priced amps I've used over the years.

At this point, at my age ( I turned 70 in February), I am happy to stand pat with what I have, I am enjoying the best sound I've ever had the pleasure of listening to at home.

As of 9/2016, I've completed additional sanding/polishing of the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. This time, I got it right. Up next, a redo of the Garrard 401 plinth.

Refinishing of the plinth for the Garrard 401 has been completed. Removed face and top pieces, made replacement 1" thick Purpleheart face with inlay, all new top pieces, and new arm board from Purpleheart and Australian Mallee Burl.

Added photos of redone plinth.

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan         

More turntable photos added Mar, 2017 

Added new photos 11/12/2018

Added SET 845 Audio Renaissance 845 integrated amp, just picked up on 4/20. Makes my Tannoys sound the best they ever have.

Added RCA 5693 Red Metal tubes in the SET 845 amp, made for a nice improvement in SQ.

Regards,
Dan

08/09/2019

Added Benchmark DAC 1 Pre, my digital front end sounds very much improved with this DAC. I know there are better ones available, but not in my price range. May be the best $500 purchase yet. I also discovered how much I was missing with a Musical Fidelity X-CAN driving my Sennheiser HD 600's, they sound amazing, who knew how much I was missing? (Not me!)

Regards,
Dan

09/23/2019

Added what is the best line stage I've ever had, the Modwright SWL 9.0. This piece has completed the quest to attain what is my ultimate goal in my system's sound quality. There is now a new liquidity, and completeness to the sound my system never had before. As this category says, "Done For Now", but maybe should be "Done Forever".

Regards,
Dan

04/13/2020

Upgraded surround speaker with very nice Andrew Jones designed Pioneer x-Z9 monitors. Concentric midrange/tweeter with a bass driver, built by KEF. Sound and look beautiful. 
12/04/2019
Added new photos of turntable with red Albert King LP

May 8, 2020

Replaced my old Kef Reference 100 center channel speaker with new KEF Q 650c center channel speaker. This is a very good upgrade in multi-channel music listening, and home theater as well.

June 8, 2020

Just added newly built 3C24 amp, built for me by Paul Birkeland  of Bottlehead. It has the refinement like an SET 300B, but the power response similar to the SET 845 amp. Sounds beautiful, too.

Regards,
Dan

September 12, 2020

Installed new Audio Technica AT440Mlb moving magnet cartridge. Always wanted to know what they may sound like, so I bought this one on Ebay. I'm really enjoying the sound of this rather inexpensive cartridge. Makes me want more.

Sepember 23, 2020

I added an Audio Technica AT ART-9 moving coil cartridge.

It's already my favorite cartridge, with only two hours on it.

Regards,

Dan

06/05/21

Gratefully added Townshend Audio Seismic Podiums under my heavy Tannoy speakers. Effect was immediate and transformative. Made a very good speaker system a great one.

08/17/2021

Added Class D Audio Gallium Nitride amplifier from Class D Audio. It sounds great.

11/01/21

In the process of adding a Herron Audio VTSP 3A/360 six tube preamplifier to the system, scheduled to arrive Friday the fifth. If it sounds as good as it looks, it will be a game-changer.

Regards,
Dan

07/06/22

Added Benchmark DAC 3 DX  
Nice improvement.

2/12/23

Added Herron VTPH-2 Phono Stage 
It's a keeper!

04/23
Hypex UcD 400 Stereo amp, built from kit. Superb sounding amp!

07/02/23

Paul Birkeland changed amp to use 812 output tubes after having some problems with the 3C24 ouput tubes.
 Amp sounds even better now, glad to have it back and even better, thanks to Paul.
The 812 amplifier is now the best sounding amp I have ever heard.
Paul Birkeland should take a bow!
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 34’ × 16’  X large
Ceiling: 11’

Components Toggle details

    • Arcam AV 9 Pre-amp Processor
    Just added to replace defunct Primare SP 31. Excellent, so far.
    • Benchmark Media Systems DAC 3 DX
    Just installed this DAC 3 DX which I bought off US Audiomart. It's sounds great just out of the box, best my digital front end has sounded yet. I'm very happy with this DAC, and now I understand what all the fuss was about. I'm sold.
    • Oppo UDP 203 with Linear Power Supply
    Bought this after my Arcam DV 139 died. Installed a new Linear Power Supply, back to enjoying my multi-channel hi-res music again.
    • Esoteric DV 60 Universal Player
    Universal player, XLR, HDMI connections, multi-channel capability.
    • Herron Audio VTSP-3A (rev02) 360 Line Stage
    VTSP 3A/360 Line Stage

    Exceptional sounding phono stage. It mates very well with my Herron line stage.
    • Herron Audio VTPH-2 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
    Tube Phono Stage
    • Garrard 401 with DIY Plinth
    DIY restoration of a vintage Garrard 401 idler-drive turntable, on which I just completed a six week redo of the custom DIY built plinth, due to problems getting the finish right. I sawed the front off, and removed all the top pieces. A 1" thick slab of Purpleheart with an oval Australian Mallee Burl inlay flanked by a different hardwood species I can't recall were added. A new arm board of Purpleheart and the Mallee Burl was made, and the pivot-to-spindle distance was adjusted to provide for easier cartridge to headshell connections.

    Top pieces were fashioned of Purpleheart, and a new labor-intensive finishing process (new to me, anyway), of Waterlox Tung Oil Sealer/Finish, followed by Waterlox Gloss Tung Oil finish. At least a dozen coats were applied between the two, each coat requiring 24 hours between applications. Thanks to Pierre France for his help in guiding me on the tung oil finish.

    I serviced the motor, cleaning, oiling, and replacing the suspension springs. Glad to finally be done, and finally satisfied. Analog withdrawals were starting to set in, but it now looks better, and sounds better as well.
    • Dynavector DV 501
    Bi-Axis Tonearm. DIY rewire with Cardas wire. This arm works well with a diverse group of cartridges, to my surprise.
    • Audio Technica AT ART-9 Cartridge
    Moving coil cartridge, just installed. After only about two hours of run-in, at 47K, it's already the best cartridge I've ever owned.

    I've determined my analog front end is much better than I realized it was. I've never enjoyed my vinyl as much as I am now,
    • Audio Technica AT 440Mlb
    Recent purchase, new AT MM cartridge. I've always been curious about AT cartridges, so I bought this one off Ebay. I really like the sound of it, actually pretty good, considering the low price.

    Makes me even more curious about AT carts. I may have gotten myself in trouble, as curiosity is expensive in this hobby.
    • Acutex LPM M320 III STR
    Lowest Possible Mass, Tri-Induction Magnetic System, 20-45Khz, channel separation 33db@ 1Khz, weight 5.45g.
    • Denon Zu Denon 103R
    Potted moving coil in 6061 aluminum body/w ESCCO sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus upgrade. This cartridge has proven to be the best of all my cartridges, and not by a small amount. Beautiful.
    • Dynavector XX2MKII
    Moving coil cartridge. Just re-tipped by Soundsmith with their top-line OCL re-tip. Made a great cartridge even better.
    • Acutex STR 415
    Ultra-lightweight MM cartridge
    • TTW Copper Mat
    Solid copper machined mat, great addition to 'table.
    • TurnTableWeights VPI Heavy Brass Clamp
    TTW Brass clamp I modified so it will work with their copper mat. (Threads would not engage spindle threads).
    • Pete Riggle VTAF
    VTAF on-the-fly modification by Pete Riggle for Dynavector 501/Garrard 401 Teflon and burnt silver finish options
    • Orsonic AV 101b
    Headshell
    • Mint LP Best Tractor
    Etched-in-glass cartridge set-up tool
    • DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    I've just completed a DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaning machine, this the creation of BBtx, of DIY Audio. I thought it a very unique design, one that melded convenience, simplicity, and build quality.

    If I were to say I am pleased with it, it would be an understatement. For a couple of hundred bucks, it can't be beat. I've hankered for one of these for years now, and thanks to BBtx my needs have been fulfilled.   
    • VH Audio Flavor 2 DIY Power Cord
    Built this AC cord for use with the Transcendent Grounded Grid preamp. Great sounding AC cord.
    • Paul Birkeland 812 Power Amp
    3C24 tube power amplifier changed output tubes to 812. Paul, the designer/builder, brought over four different amp choices to try out on my custom HPD 315 Tannoy speakers. After having problems with 3C24 tubes, Paul changed the amplifier to run 812 output tubes.

    The amp sounds much better, more powerful, and I like it even better now. My thanks to Paul Birkeland!
    • Audio Assemblage (Sonic Frontiers) SET 300B
    300B SET Factory Upgraded, with EML XLS 300B Tubes. Just serviced by Paul Birkeland. All critical measurements were taken, two bad Blackgate bypass caps were replaced with higher-rated Nichicon caps, and the filament voltage was optimized to better suit the EML XLS 300B tubes.

    This amp now sounds incredible. Paul informed me the transformers in this amp are Magnaquest, to him about as good as you can get. He also informed me this amp sounds as good as any $5000 SET 300B amp available in today's market.
    • Emission Labs 300B XLS
    Robust drop-in replacement for 300B.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Kit built Class D amplifier. Running two, in bridged mode, providing 500 Wpc into 8 ohms.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Two channel amp converted into three channel by virtue of adding an additional CDA 254 amp module, RCA input, and single channel speaker terminals. Price for parts for modification: $194
    • Musical Surroundings Fosgometer
    Azimuth adjustment tool.
    • Custom built crossovers Custom DIY
    I've just completed an update on the crossovers for the custom HPD drivers. I actually used all the parts over again, including much of the solid silver hook-up wire. I made new mounting boards, and ran the wiring under the board, for a much cleaner look. I used heavy copper terminal lugs, which I modified to use a flat male spade connector, rather than wire. Wire runs are much shorter as well.

    I made new outlet cables, using Furutech locking bananas, and Cardas binding posts. I can't tell why, but this update improved the sound of these speakers much more than I expected. I've never heard electric guitar sound as it did on Steve Cropper and Felix Caviliere's "Nudge It Up A Notch", Cropper's guitar sounding just as he had wanted it to sound, with gorgeous tone, unlike anything I've heard before on a recording.

    Next is an internal speaker wiring update.

    I've just completed changing some components in the crossovers back to their original values. 27ohm resistors changed back to 47ohm, .68mh inductors reverted back to the original .82mh. I'm beyond pleased.
    • Tannoy HPD 315 w/Hard Edge Conversion
    Twelve inch Dual Concentric HPD driver in custom enclosure.1 7/8" wall thickness with custom designed and built crossovers. Weight is 200lbs. each. Finished in Pommelle Sapele.

    A complete rewire of the internal wiring was just completed. I made a 1/4" X 1/2" Teflon terminal board, with double-ended male spade connectors at the speaker. Wiring was completed at the input end with new crimped and silver soldered connectors with color-coded heat shrink tubing, and color-coded electricians tape.

    The results are a major improvement in clarity, detail and dynamics. These great speakers have just gotten much better at the things I love about them.

    After further study of fine wood finishing methods, and purchase of additional sanding/polishing medium, I again sanded and polished the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. Got it right this time, now they are done. Next is the plinth for the Garrard 401.

    Dan

    8/3/19
    Some of you may recall my changing resistor values in my Tannoys back to the original value, to good effect. In that same vein, I just modified the .68mh inductors back to their original value of .82mh. I felt at the time when the crossovers were first built, the high frequency output was out of line, so I reduced it to better suit how my system sounded at the time.

    I had saved the .82mh Alpha Core ribbon inductors, and I changed them out yesterday. The results have shown me how much my system, as a whole, has improved, due to how well it sounds now as opposed to back 8-10 years ago. I feel I'm now getting what I was supposed be hearing all along. It's a great feeling. Now I no longer wonder what Dr. Arthur Loesch was thinking when he gave me this crossover design so many years ago now.

    Regards,
    Dan
    • Townshend Audio Number Four Size Seismic Podium
    Large Podium to fit under my 200lb. Custom Tannoy speakers. They are 17" W X 20" D X 48" H.

    These isolation podiums have made my speakers sound as never before. Just better wouldn't describe it. I have never before heard anything sound this way in this room, or perhaps any room I have visited.

    These Seismic Isolation Podiums are very special in what they do. They're expensive, but worth it for what they do for speaker systems. 
    • KEF Q 650c
    Newly added Kef Q 650c center channel to upgrade from my old Kef Reference 100 Center Channel speaker. The Q 650c is all I could have wanted or hoped for. Multi-channel music is way better now, as is Home Theater listening.
    • Pioneer S-Z9 Designed by Andrew Jones
    Nicely made small monitor speaker. Dual Concentric midrange/tweeter with an additional bass driver. Gloss Black, and a nice upgrade as my surround sound speakers, replacing the nearly twenty year old KEF Q 15.2 speakers I was using for surrounds. Multi-channel music now has better depth and clarity to it.
    • Crown International XTI 2002
    Running bridged to single channel. This amplifier (rated @1600 watts into 8 ohms) has taken charge of the Tannoy 15" passive sub, and turned it into the most musical sub I've yet heard.
    • Tannoy Sub 15i
    15" Passive Tannoy subwoofer. with the Crown XTi 2002, does a superb job of matching, and augmenting, frequencies below 50 Hz.
    • Tempo Electric Big Twist Silver/ pair for each amp
    12 gauge solid-core silver in teflon tubing, 3 meters
    • Synergistic Research Various cable models
    Interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords different models.
    • DH Labs Silver Matrix
    From phono to phono stage, internal cabling in speakers and crossovers.
    • Vibra Pods various
    Pods and cones under amps and most components.
    • Walker Audio Reference Hi-Def Links
    Eliminates ultra high frequency hash in signal.
    • Audio Metallurgy AG-0
    Silver coated oxygen free 22ga. copper
    • Quasi-DIY Velodyne/Eminence
    An old Velodyne 1250-X sub that had a 12
    • Tannoy Crossover Schematic
    Crossover design donated to me by Dr. Arthur Loesch.
    • Dynaudio Sub 500
    Just purchased, this thing is bad to the bone, in a very good way. Sounds great for Music and Home Theater both.
    • Panamax M5400-PM
    Voltage regulator.
    • Hypex Electronics UcD 400 Stereo Amplifier
    Just built from a kit. Great souunding amplifier.

Comments 604

Sign in to comment
Owner
Chris, I don't think you'll have to worry about the certain person causing problems at the border, the wall will be built on the southern border. No matter who wins, we all lose in this election, I'm afraid.

Dan

islandmandan

I am also a plane ride away plus a slight delay at the border on a good day. . 
Many Canadians (I am not one of them) feel that if a certain someone gets elected in your election, the border wait time for us will increase 10 fold;  or we may not be allowed to cross into the USA at all. 8^0 

 

ct0517

Dan, I am just outside of Houston. Hoping to move back to East TN soon. Looks like a plane ride for two of the three of us any way you cut it...

Have a great rest of the weekend Dan,
Dave

dlcockrum

Owner
Dave, it is truly a pleasure to converse with you. I'm wondering where you are ensconced, I am on the left coast of the U.S; on Whidbey Island, Washington State.

Our friend Chris is beyond our reach for anything beyond email, perhaps the case is different for us?

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan,

I have found that immersing one's self in the music reproduced by a fine audio system is one of the best cures for "angst".  I often do it immediately following discovery of yet another botched delivery by USPS.  The others that come to mind are communing with God (best by far), petting my dogs, and riding my Harley on a beautiful day.

I have to admit to finding your characterization of your system as "modest" a bit humorous. I think we all loose touch with reality a bit from time to time. Does the wealthy audiophile enjoy his/her system more than you?  I confidently doubt it. They enjoy the journey of improvement or the sound of their carefully crafted system just as you do, no more, no less (if they are lucky).

Best to you Dan,
Dave 

dlcockrum

Owner
Hello Dave,

You have no idea how much your comments mean to me. It has been a labor of love, with many trials and tribulations.

I couldn't be happier with how much enjoyment this modest system gives me. Just normal upkeep is needed at this point, a far cry from the angst I was going through a few years ago. (Impeded by a lack of any audio dealers nearby, to help in evaluating and preparing for equipment purchases).

There have been perhaps hundreds of "Doh! moments for me over the years, but at least we can learn from them, right?

Thanks so much, enjoy,
Dan

islandmandan

Wow Dan.  Super nice system.  Gorgeous tables. Your rig is obviously a product of years of discriminating selection and countless hours of attention to detail. Well done!

I am familiar with some of your equipment (ModWright, Esoteric, Synergistic Research, Dynavector, PS Audio, Walker Audio, TTW), but much is new to me.

I well know the "Doh" feeling of discovering a goof after may hours of listening. One of my worst (and maybe among the worst by anyone) was using the Classe' amps via XLR inputs for some 20 years before finally trying the SE inputs. Night and day improvement. That one was a "Doh" with many "h"s! 

Doesn't look like there should be any urgency to upgrade, just enjoy the music.

Best to you Dan,
Dave
 


  

dlcockrum

Owner
Just finished a nearly week-long sanding/polishing of my custom Tannoy enclosures. Although they looked ok, the finish needed to be sanded and polished to attain a smoother, more polished look.

They could be better, but overall, I'm happier with how they look now.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
A couple of nights ago, I had a Homer Simpson Doh! moment, as I was studying the connections on my DBX 223 XS EQ. Although I was pretty happy with how things sounded, I realized I had connected the output from the EQ to the Crown XTi 2002 amp, at the HF outputs, instead of the LF outputs.

Holy crap! It made a hell of a difference, as you would think it should. Bass is so much better, I could pinch myself. It helps when you pay attention as you are doing things, but, I eventually got it right.

Doh!

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

My regenerator displayed distortion levels lower than where I previously lived, and the voltage input readings are stable here. Thomas, who designed and built my amp, told me to go into the wall, as well as the distributor for the subs that I'm interested in. My dealer, recommended the same, but I was stubborn. He told me, that I would not hear big differences in my system until I replaced my old amp. They were all right, but I was concerned about power protection.

I installed a whole-house surge protector, and power lines are underground here. My bigger concern was with my digital equipment and turntable motor controller, so microprocessors, etc.. Right now, I have my amps and phono amp plugged into the wall, or in my case the floor, and my digital gear and solid state line stage are plugged first into a Brick Wall surge protector. If I had complete faith in my power and more dedicated receptacles, I would probably plug everything into the floor.

I just, replaced my receptacles with Porter Ports, and I'm getting shielded outlet covers that are inexpensive to try. Some of us, spend so much money on tweaks, yours truly included, that don't always live up to expectations, without realizing that they may be held back by processed power. My amps sound better when they eat organic.
Kenny

kennythekey

Owner
Kenny, I'll have to try that, it's kind of a convenience factor, as the Power Plant is closer to my amps than the wall outlet, but it's worth trying, especially since I live out in the country with a pretty clean source of power.

I've been planning to try some speaker repositioning, plugging the amps directly into the wall would be a good thing to try as well.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

The best part, is that you can tweak your gear to what sounds best to you, as opposed to a canned product that attempts to sound good to everyone's tastes. We know that doesn't work!
l'm not sure this would make a difference with your class D amps, because of how their power supplies are regulated, but may work with your 300B. And, I don't know how healthy your AC power is, but have you tried plugging your amp directly into the wall? With my old amplifier and where I used to live, this did not make much of a difference between the wall and my PS Audio Regenerator, but after I got my 300b mono blocks and went straight into the wall with them, wow, one of my best upgrades in sound ever. And, free!

kennythekey

Owner
I just completed a complete rewiring of my crossovers, and the internal wiring of the Tannoys. I fabricated my own terminal board from 1/4" X 1/2" Teflon, and male double ended spade connectors at the speaker, and a terminal block at the vicinity of the original crossovers, that can still be used if it becomes necessary. 

The results are a startling improvement in clarity, detail and dynamics, making my one-off Tannoys an even greater joy to listen to.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan,

I must salute your dogged persistence, because that makes tackling these projects even more special.

My first stand-alone turntable when I was a kid, was something from Lafayette Electronics. And, the mini preamp and power amp were kits, so my first soldering project. I had more guts back then. Later, I upgraded to a Garrard SL95B (remember those?) with a Shure cartridge. That's how I got started in this madness!

Kenny

kennythekey

Owner
Honestly, I haven't used the Acromat in years. Although I didn't notice much difference in how they sound, I like the looks of the TTW copper mat and weight.

I don't know if that means they are both good at what they do, or my perception is flawed.

Thanks and regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Glad to hear your class D amp is sounding so good. I have heard three of four different class D amps over the last couple of years and they all sounded great. Can't understand why so many people knock them. Really would like to hear the differences you hear between the Funk Firm mat and your copper mat. Not only does that copper mat look great but that record weight is striking.  All the Best

needfreestuff

Owner
Kenny, your comments are appreciated, thank you. The difference between the VPI Scout Signature, and the Garrard 401/Dynavector 501, is night and day. Not even close, the 401/501 combo is in a completely different league.

Also, I had become quite tired of the VPI tonearm wobble, the Dynavector arm is precise, and a fine tracker, and a joy to use.

As far as DIY is concerned, I suffer from a lack of experience in things electronic, and in smarts in general. It's only dogged persistence, and trial-and-error, that I get through some of the projects I take on. I enjoy it immensely, in spite of the many setbacks I've suffered through over the years. No engineering in my background, but a great love of science in general, and hands-on involvement in audio, besides the enjoyment of music, is what I find especially rewarding.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan
Now, I really appreciate your comments regarding my sub quest. You have a gift and a knack for DIY projects. That's a special quality, because you have to dive into the design aspects, so some engineering. I'm not sure, I would want to tackle your Tannoy project, for example. I have built some kits, and I'm pretty good with a soldering iron, but that's where my comfort level ends.
Your Garrard 401 project turned out beautiful, and I have been drawn into the popularity surrounding these type of projects. You also have mentioned your VPI, so what are your impressions regarding their sound quality differences.
Kenny

kennythekey

Owner
It's been six years since I built my Tannoy HPD's, and I'm still refining their sound. I've changed the 12 gauge Alpha Core inductor in the HF circuit from .68 mh to .82 mh, and the 27 Ohm resistor back to 37 Ohms.

Further listening is required, but I believe I have finally nailed it. Snare drums have the requisite snap, and now there is sparkle in the HF that has been missing in action.

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's missing until you actually hear it.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Some time ago, I scored in Portland a collection of six LP's of Sarah Vaughan on Pablo. I decided it was time for another listen, and wow, I'd forgotten how quiet the pressings are, and how superb the SQ of the recording is.

Her singing is simply great as usual, also. What a find.

Regards,
Dan 

islandmandan

Owner
Jet, I just checked, they are the MRA12. As you stated, a very clean, and involving, sound quality to them.

Thanks,
Dan

islandmandan

I have noticed the Mills MRA 12 has a clean sound with a clear and clean hi end so that might be what is sounding so good for you.

jetrexpro

Owner
Thanks, Jet. As I get more listening hours since the change, the improvement is nothing short of profound. What my speakers, and the rest of my modest system is delivering now, is astonishing.

There is a completeness to each and every note, now made whole. I am nothing less than thrilled, it's almost as though it's a completely new, and better system.

Regards,
Dan 

islandmandan

Hi Dan, nice to hear that it was something as small a 10 ohm change and not your hearing or something expensive. I have noticed that mills resistors have a bit of break in time so they may change a bit over the next few days. I am using them in several places in my amp. As you say they may end up sounding so nice you won't feel the need to replace them with duelunds. Regards jet.

jetrexpro

Owner
Recently, I've been thinking something was missing, either it's due to HF hearing loss, or perhaps what was needed was to increase the resistance in the HF circuit of my custom crossovers for my 12" Tannoy HPD's.

For quite some time ago now, I had changed that resistor from 50 Ohms, to 27 Ohms. It had seemed to be an improvement at the time, so I lived with it that way.

Yesterday, I decided to add an additional 10 Ohms in the HF circuit, with some Mills resistors I had on hand, making 37 Ohms resistance in the HF circuit.

What a difference! It wasn't my ears (but more what's between my ears), and I feel now I've struck just the right balance in the high frequencies, more air, better dynamics, just much more life in the music. Much happier now. I may, at some point, order an appropriate Dueland resistor and install it, to match the rest of them. This sounds so good though, I may not bother with it.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

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