Audio Chews - the hi-fi and music community

Colin' cast-offs

Docfoster — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:34:28 +0000

A couple of weeks ago my old Claymore went off to meek its maker.

Thankfully this journey was not a terminal one.
Colin had advised me that he could do things to the old beast that would make it even better.

Well this week my old Claymore returned.
First thing I discovered when I opened the box was that it must be electronic engineering etiquette to return to an amp's owner all the bits that one has ceremonially removed.

Perhaps I can make a soup.

Secondly, that Colin is a whiz with a can of spray paint.
He has resprayed the lid. It looks as good as new.

Due to my son's birthday today I have not yet done the most important thing and plugged in the new Claymore for a good listen! I'm looking forward to doing that tomorrow.

Even before I do so, a big thanks for and to Colin for continuing to innovate, create and care so much about his products and friends. :-)

Faulty Cambridge Audio Dac Mag 2 ???

yellsub66 — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 10:08:38 +0000

For years now my system has consisted of a trusty (and newly revamped) Incatech Claymore; a Cambridge Audio CD4 and a Cambridge Audio Dac Magic 2 all linked up to a pair of Mission 731i's/

The Dac Magic 2 has developed a fault. When it is synced up to the CD4 three of the green LED's on the front of the Dac Magic 2 light up to show it is locked. Recently the connection is dropping out and I am losing sound? I have had to remove the Dac Magic 2 from the system as although the fault is intermittent it keeps happening with more regularity.

Anyone got any ideas as to what the fault could be? I have had the lid off and to my eyes all looks okay? I live in the depths of rural France so getting it fixed here is not an option? What should I look out for? Is it worth repairing? Could it be a faulty lead?

Installing MoOde

System — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:22:29 +0000

This discussion was created from comments split from: Still messing with Logitech Media Server.

NEW EASY BUILD SECA PCB

AntiCrap — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 11:41:30 +0000

Each PCB is £60 each .

SECA vs Mortal

Docfoster — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:32:52 +0000

Absolutely love Colin's SECAs. Absolutely love em.
The TOCA SECA 20 (returned by Quickie) and especially the One4 SECA 20 are the best amps I've owned by a country mile. I will never part with either.
Both are so magical that I can't go back to mortal designs.
I'm trying here to put I to words what it is that they do do well.
I've come up with the following (in my own order of value, though some are probably interrelated, or even different aspects of the same thing):
1. Silky smooth mid -> high end.
2. Incredibly well defined soundstage. Holographic.
3. Scary dynamics.
4. Extended frequency range.
5. Realistically textured bass.
6. Sausages.

Plenty of better wordmiths here. Please have a go.

Pleased with this...

Docfoster — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:00:23 +0000

...so want to share it.
It's inspired by Fantin-Latour's 'Homage to Delacriox'.
But mine's called 'Homage to Individual Agency'. A self-reminder of my hope that I can liberate myself from bullshit: external, doctrinal and internal.
It's possible that a few of the faces may be recognisable to some of you. Others, less so...
Basically it's my ideal dinner party. :-D

My £2.89 tweak - I think

29mile — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 07:50:57 +0000

I have always used equipment supports which have provided albeit marginal improvements in sound quality. Not night and day improvements but still worth the effort. I have recently being using acrylic supports like Q silencers and Musicworks supports and stumbled across these on eBay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Premium-Acrylic-Football-Display-Stand-Ball-Riser-Signed-Autographed-Holder/282228145089

These at £2.89 delivered do work for me sharpening up the edges and a little cleaner in general. Just put some under the ID25 with nice effects. Would be interested to hear anyone else who can afford to try them just to me sure I am not losing the hifi plot 😀

NOT TO BE DONE AT HOME BOYS AND GIRLS

AntiCrap — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 07:41:46 +0000

A experiment,

NOT TO BE DONE AT HOME BOYS AND GIRLS

I got some of the EWA IC cable which has four conductors and a shield,
Tested the break down voltage at 2500VAC between all.
OK the wire could handle about 3Amps max.
Made a simple cheap and nasty MK plug and Bulgin IEC lead 2 M long.
And tried it on the New Oberon I have, based on the M50 and M50P mixed (only 3 ever made cost to high)
We have one my sons Sam and Scott have one each.
It was fantastic the cheapo Woolworth IEC was crap in conclusion.
Just a fun and dangerous things to do under lockdown.
Still waiting for Solar Panel from space Mike, phew

Keep well all.

Pre Amp to pair with EWA M50

DR_Thomas — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 09:39:26 +0000

I’ve managed to pick up the EWA M50 Power amp.. which is great.. currently paired with a Tube pre amp (Eastern Electric Avant) everything sounds fab.. except the pre amp has started to pick up the local radio station.. It’s not even decent music... so it’s become a problem.

This goes away when I switch over to an old SS pre amp I have knocking about.. so it’s definitely the tube pre..

I guess I’m pre amp shopping.. with very little funds. Any recommendations? Would a passive pre be ok with the M50? Any advice or recommendations appreciated..

cheers Steve

NVA AP30 integrated amplifier

Docfoster — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 09:05:30 +0000

The great clear out continues...!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164380220305

Mini monitors sound like...small speakers

Docfoster — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:06:07 +0000

Shouldn't have been surprised really...
A friend who'd been borrowing these for a few years returned them yesterday.
I couldn't resist plugging them in.

I think they're the basic JPW mini monitors...?
OK for the size I suppose. The things I miss most are the dynamics and scale I'm used to.
Not much bass, and the HF extension is a bit lacking, but I could live without those aspects more easily.
I have some JPW Monitor Golds which are a bit better.
These basic ones will go back in the loft.

Don't always blame the wifi

uglymusic — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:56:56 +0000

I got a new router a few weeks ago, and suddenly my wifi speeds shot up. All great. No buffering. No more.

Then I started to get dropouts with all the audio stuff around the house - three Raspberry Pis and three Sonos speakers. Bugger! The wifi's going back to its old tricks.

But TV streaming wasn't showing any buffering. Maybe it's the connection to Logitech Media Server on the Syno. I had a poke around in the router's settings hoping to find some data for Ethernet speeds and noticed that the Gigabit Ethernet ports were set to run at 100Mbits/s. With the settings changed, the number of dropouts seemed to reduce, or perhaps it would be better expressed by saying the MTBD (that's Dave BS speak for Mean Time Between Dropouts) got longer. But they didn't disappear. Weird. I'd have expected it to either have no effect or cure the problem outright.

Next stop, the Ethernet cable. It was plugged in good and stable, so it wasn't that, but looking at the cable more closely, it turned out to be a cheap giveaway from a previous router or perhaps one of the NAS drives. Anyway, it looked as if it had seen better days.

A new CAT6 cable for the Syno plugged in on Wednesday has led to no audio dropouts at all since then. Please keep your fingers crossed.

But the moral of the story is that network problems aren't always down to wifi. Simple things like cables can just as effectively bugger things up.

NVA AP10P integrated amplifier with NVA LS1 cable

Docfoster — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 09:06:21 +0000

And another one!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164380216050

Listening to ...

Jim — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:57:52 +0000

Donald Byrd - Off to the Races

Really happy with my system atm.

Docfoster — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 10:23:20 +0000

That is all.

Rare Oberon

AntiCrap — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 03:46:23 +0000

Found by Mr. Brown.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353168382934

Only two were made but this has been modified big feet, stuck on heatsink. Made by me in Somerset circa 1992 just before I started T.O.C.A (the Strerling Group Ltd). It was sold with a few odds and blobs under Inca Tech Design.
Nice amp, it uses Toshiba Power MOS FETs.
It morphed into the normal looking Oberon made by above.
It got a fair review in What Hifi a strange company only interested in big ad spenders.
The strange thing is the building that other cable company is "working" from is in Somerton Somerset, is the same building this amps family came from under T.O.C.A some 20 years apart. Small world. I say lets nuke Somerton yer yer .

The normal Oberon

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rrr46yq644...85046.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fdakiym2zt...85058.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jxj44105q2...85121.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/873iaimien...85132.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/har1mxwer3...85153.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/up3kfqz0bj...85203.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3vtwuziqr6...85210.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qbdr6v824i...85220.jpg?dl=0

Still messing with Logitech Media Server

uglymusic — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 09:42:35 +0000

Since @phorize mentioned he'd moved from streaming from a server to playing from an SSD attached to his allo usbridge signature player, I've had an itch that needed scratching. You see, piCorePlayer enables you to run LMS on the same RPi so you can plug in a USB drive and operate the thing locally - at least, I hope they're not sending the stream all around the network. That would be mad, wouldn't it?

I'm using a previously discarded 2TB WD USB 2 drive, and just to get me going, copied my 'A' music directory to it.

The setup works and sounds good. I don't know if it's any better than streaming over the network, I'll do some comparisons.

For the moment, I still have the music library and LMS on my Syno - all the other players around the house are being driven by that. My idea is to maintain a centralised LMS library on the Syno and sync it with the library on piCorePlayer. I haven't yet got that up and running, but i have some software on my Mac that should do that with no problems. Did someone say 'Famous last words'?

IncaTech Claymore Function Switch

Krolroger — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:20:15 +0000

Good evening all from a first time poster,

This seems to be the place for advice about Claymore amps. I've just inherited one (S/N 62262) and it's a great sounding device.

However, the function switch is on its last legs and looks like a fairly straightforward fix. (I've spent years fixing up vintage Beomasters, so this is slightly new territory).

This subject has come up in various threads, but I'm not 100% clear what I need to fit as a replacement. What's on there now is a Lorlin 2 pole 6 position rotary switch, standard imperial. So far, so standard.

What I'm not sure of is whether to use a shorting or non-shorting switch though I dare say it wouldn't make a lot of difference. I would like to stick to what was originally used if poss.

I would also like to use the gold plated version - if the plating extends to the switch contacts - but I don't think RS or Farnell stock these.

I'd appreciate any guidance. It will be nice to be able to listen to both channels on Phono without manipulating the switch.

Many thanks,

Simon

Hello from London

Krolroger — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:33:15 +0000

Good evening from a new member.

I have a keen interest in old (40xx series) Beograms and Beomasters (pre 1990) but I've just been given an Inca Tech Claymore which sounds great. In daily use is a Meridian MCD player that is still working!

Loudspeakers: Mission 760s and lots of repaired Beovox boxes.

I collect vinyl, mostly classical but some jazz.

Regards,

Simon

WTF happened here...?

Docfoster — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:19:41 +0000

Have been selling off a few odds and sods.
Included these rather excellent Monacor tweeters set in their fetching wave guides.

I stored them for a couple of weeks facing each other to protect the diaphragms.

When they'd been bought I got them out to pack them and noticed that this had happened...

I can only imagine it's something to do with the opposing magnetic fields of the magnets...?
Nothing has physically touched the diaphragms as the waveguides were separating them by a few inches.

It's not a disaster. But I'd sold them for £27, so it is annoying. Obviously I had to refund the buyer.

Steampunk meters

ian — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 21:26:19 +0000

getting well ahead of myself here but I’m thinking that I’d like to mount some vintage looking volt meters or ammeters on the front panel of my planned SECA mono blocks. Anybody got anything suitable or able to point me to some?

EWA THE CLAYMORE reviewed

Alan — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 10:38:11 +0000

Clive Meakins has reviewed the EWA Claymore amplifier for Enjoy the Music.com September issue. Here is an excerpt:

[quote=Clive Meakins]

A Classic Concept With Superb Charisma

I very much liked The Claymore from the beginning and I must say its virtues continued to grow on me... It's a quite a large amplifier relative to many Class D offerings out there; don't expect The Claymore to be a shrinking violet physically or sonically.

The Claymore will match a great many speakers. If I have one piece of advice about the sound of speakers to match it with, it's that I would choose partner speakers that are neutral to slightly warm. Should you pair the amplifier with a lean sounding set of speakers you will get too much of a good thing – you would for my taste anyway.

If spatial staging, resolution, and speed are your thing, then The Claymore Retro integrated amplifier will surely appeal. This amplifier is not run-of-the-mill sounding. Is it neutral? Yes, I believe it is – does it sound like one of the many excellent Class D amplifiers? No, it does not. There's a different balance of virtues in play with The Claymore and I love the result. I'm sure there are many out there who will feel the same. [/quote]

The original Claymore is very well known as something Colin Wonfor's name is attached to - rightly so; it sounds great and over twenty seven thousand were sold. The original amplifier would have been very much like this newer version had the needed components been in existence forty years ago.

It's a little bit of an outlier in the EWA range, all the other amplifiers are based on the M-100 circuit, getting smaller and simpler as the price decreases. The Claymore is more of a trip down memory lane, based on the original Inca Tech Claymore design concepts but with evolution and refinement evident at every step.

EWA Claymore: Available at ABCaudio for £1300.

Windows sound settings

Docfoster — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 09:56:59 +0000

Have been spending more time watching Netflix and Amazon Prime through the system lately.
This has prompted me to revisit Windows sound settings. (Not an issue for audio as JRiver talks directly to the DAC.)
Changing the setting is definitely noticed by the Asus DAC. Its little blue LED on the face plate changes to the correct figure as I alter the sampling frequency in Windows.

I have found that I like 24 bit, 44.1kHz best, with 16 bit 44.1kHz a close second.

I was wondering whether pushing up the sampling frequency would help. But, I found that as I increased the sampling frequency, sounds became dissected; high frequency aspects of sounds separated from the body of the sound. E.g. sibilants in human speech floated off on their own. Very distracting.
At 44.1 kHz sounds are more homogeneous.
I don't know why this is the case.
I don't know how the audio in internet video streams work (what is their native frequency and bitrate...? Does it even work like that?)

With the sampling frequency at 44.1, having the bitrate at 24 sounds a bit more smooth. 16 sounds a bit more mushy / hashy by comparison. But OK.

Anyway, I would appreciate any discussion on this. :-)

KAB EV1 External Vacuum Record Cleaner

Docfoster — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 09:10:29 +0000

No longer have a turntable.
So surplus to requirements.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338728743&icep_item=164359041333

FS: Pioneer PL-71 Direct Drive Turntable

Docfoster — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 09:40:34 +0000

I think my vinyl days are behind me (again).
The speed control on this needs some attention.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-PL-71-Direct-Drive-Turntable/164348579180

FS: London Decca Super Gold cart'

Docfoster — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 09:42:11 +0000

A bit poorly.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/London-Decca-Super-Gold-Cartridge/164348581242

I did not realise that SECA's were this good

29mile — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 15:57:00 +0000

Having just got Ben’s ID25 I now realise what all the fuss is about with SECA’s. They are enchanting and beguiling amps. I was unsure what to expect having used NVA amps for the last 20 years which met my requirements for a clean clear musical and analytical sound.

But initial impressions of the SECA are of a huge 3D cinemascope soundstage coupled with lots and lots of bass and impeccable transients. It does not have the sharp edge detail of an NVA but instead a very natural organic sound from both vocals and instruments. It is a completely involving 'wall of sound' that just makes you listen intently to the music of any genre. My Royds have become a totally different speaker smoother and faster and just totally enjoyable whatever the music. I am using my NVA passive pre-amp which is probably not as well suited to the amp as an active one. So there is more to come I am sure especially if I can upgrade the ID25 with Colin’s new boards. That really is something to look forward to !

Heatsinks for SECA mini Group Buy?

ian — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:18:17 +0000

I’m going to be making the latest SECA and I’ve been researching heatsink prices. This heatsink in 300mm length has a rating of 0.14 C/W which I think will be good enough to cope with one channel of the full 40 wpc. The price is £52 +VAT which is almost half the price of the next best alternative that I’ve found! However they have a MOQ of 6 so I need to find 2 other people who are interested in purchasing a pair. Let me know if you are interested:
https://www.abl-heatsinks.co.uk/index.php?page=extrudedproduct&product=20

Good video on thermal design

phorize — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 17:37:44 +0000

With all of this talk of heats sinks I scoured the Internet for basic information on the subject.

In found this very nice thermal design 101 video, it’s worth a look if you are interested in this sort of thing:

https://youtu.be/8ruFVmxf0zs

New speaker build

Docfoster — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:28:45 +0000

Got going this week with the latest project.
I've been impressed with the performance of the compression driver in the Tannoy 295/8. I wanted to progress that favourable impression into something meaningful.
My current favourite speaker manufacture, Monacor, currently make a range of Tannoy-style dual concentric drivers. The SP-3CX series. 8 inch, 10 inch and 12 inch models.
I bought a pair of the SP-310CX 10 inch model for a good price (£120 each).

I spent a long time calculating the cabinet.
Based on the driver's specs it's been designed to work in a ported cabinet. Previously I have always gone for drivers that I know will work well in a sealed cabinet. So for this one, as well as calculating cabinet volume I had to learn a bit about ports and how to calculate them (and their displacement effects on cabinet volume). As long it's within my brain's limited capacity I love doing things like that, so that was fun.

I used 25mm MDF, screwed and glued. Pretty straight forward once dimensions had been calculated.

But the crossover for this was as much art as science.

The main driver for my trying this specific driver was because I like the sound of the compression driver in the Tannoy. It can operated down to 1000Hz. And to my ears it provides dynamics and clarity at that frequency better than any of the midrange cones I've tried. I wanted the Monacor dual concentric to do the same. The frequency curves for the driver show that this is possible.
Problem #1: Monacor recommend a crossover frequency of 1800Hz. However, I suspect that this may in part be for power handling reasons. The driver is rated up to 400 Watts; or rather the woofer part is rated 400 watts. The compression driver tweeter is rated to 100 watts. I imagine that 400 Watts overall would be fine with the crossover set at 1800Hz. Obviously reducing the crossover frequency means more of the power is routed to the compression driver. Possibly putting it at risk with the speaker fed with a total of 400 watts. This isn't a problem for me. My SECA is rated 20 watts. So theoretically the compression driver should be able to handle, from a power POV, the whole frequency range from that.
Problem #2: The frequency curve of the woofer is a little shaky 1000-2000Hz. I know from experience that graphs aren't everything, but I wanted to avoid the woofer in this range, and ignore Monacor's suggested crossover frequency.
Problem #3: The frequency curve of the compression driver is still rising at 1000Hz. It only has about 4dB to climb, but this was troubling, given my plan.

I considered building a Butterworth crossover, as this results in a 3dB lift at the crossover frequency. But in the end decided to go for a Linkwitz-Riley, which is flat, as this is the type I've built previously.
I should have been more adventurous.

With the build's first incarnation completed yesterday I was able to listen.

First thing to tweak is always the attenuation on the tweeter. Once the physical crossover is in place I can do this digitally using a digital high-shelf in JRiver, set at the crossover frequency. -15.1dB sounded good.
I had been most worried about the bass. This is the first ported type I've constructed. So far all good there. In fact I've been genuinely and pleasantly surprised. From the limited listening to date bass is impactful and tuneful. A good amount of air moving through the port. Really pleased with that. The port was a design complication that would have been easy for me to get wrong.

But, as my worries predicted, there is definitely an issue with a slight lack of output around 1000Hz. I can correct it digitally, and the speakers sound great. But obviously I want the speakers to sound great in their own right.
So it's back to the drawing board with the crossover. I've ordered the capacitors and inductors for a Butterworth crossover to give me that 3dB lift at the crossover frequency where the problem happens to be. The availble ratings for capacitors and inductors mean the crossover will actually be around 930Hz. Which I think, based on late night calculations and listening, will be OK. If not, then Plan C will be to raise the crossover closer to 2000Hz.

Once I get things as good as I can, I'll finish them with some sort of covering.

Anyway. I'm enjoying this one. :-)

Hello from Manchester UK

DR_Thomas — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:55:54 +0000

Found this site after I googled the EWA M-50. There's a couple on eBay and decided to dig a little deeper..

Current system..
Technics 1210 MK2
Eastern Electric Avant Pre
Musical Fidelity Dr Thomas Power Amp (the old Darth Vadar one)
Topping Dac / Roon Server
Royd Minstrels

Music;
Jazz.. mostly vocal
Prog Rock
Folk
Soundtracks

The top Geithain speaker, the RL 901

System — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 09:19:26 +0000

This discussion was created from comments split from: New speaker build.

V6 Claymore

bimbound — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 08:25:30 +0000

I will shortly be selling my V6 Claymore.

It is the one referenced in this link, http://www.audiochews.com/discussion/2125/time-for-a-claymore-v6#latest

I understand it was previously serviced by Colin. Serial number 80195.

It's been an absolute gem, but i'm looking at a different setup now and whilst i'd love to keep it, it will be surplus to my needs.

Some pics here:

https://ibb.co/pRbKdgy
https://ibb.co/br9BgdF
https://ibb.co/nz1hR90

I'd be looking for £350 and would prefer collection, but would be happy to discuss delivery at cost (I dont have the orignal box but would be able to pack sufficiently to protect)

I'm no audio expert but if you have any questions please ask and if I can answer I will.

Thanks

Music that stops you in your tracks

uglymusic — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:49:02 +0000

I have a little Sonos Play:One sitting on the kitchen windowsill. I stream music while I'm cooking.

But yesterday, I played John Coltrane's A Love Supreme while making pancakes. I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing. It isn't background music.

What music stops you in your tracks?

Meet Joe, and his amazing DIY horn speakers

uglymusic — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 15:33:07 +0000

This may help with our thinking about DIY horns.

Or maybe not

Summer clear out

Docfoster — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 16:00:53 +0000

Having a bit of a clear out to raise some funds to make up for some of my financial losses during lock-down.
You can see the for sale items on fleabay by clicking here.

Highlights include a Frankenstein's monster pair of Goodmans Magisters, and a pair of huge Goodmans Audiom 18P 18 inch drivers.
Loads of other drivers there too.

Edit... I have a second 18P driver to go with the one listed there. Will probably list them together soon.

Seca build

phorize — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 05:34:31 +0000

Morning.

So I received my 20 watt seca boards from Colin with transformers and these bad boys:

https://uk.farnell.com/semikron/p3-180b/heat-sink-135x125x180mm/dp/1095607

I’ll be honest and say I was humbled that Colin gave them to me at the price he did. He could have charged far more.

I’m looking for a steer on cases. My wife likes audio so I don’t have to work to hard to justify a new item, but she has limits and I’m going to need to bank as much good will as possible for a future horn speaker build, so I need to end up with something that doesn’t end looking like my usual diy attempts-ie as if some mixed a load of components up in a bucket with some epoxy and just let it set. I was looking at the Modi cases, but am struggling to picture how the end result will look with the semikrons. Another option would be to do mono blocks. Any suggestions?

The long time coming SECA 16W-40W PCB

AntiCrap — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 19:49:22 +0000

NEW SECA PCB
Power can be set from 14W - 40W depending on heatsink.
The PCB's are £60 each. Please contact Mr Brown on http://https//www.abcaudio.biz/
The PCB is now leaded components and should be easy to assemble.

Down load cct here https://seca.freeforums.net/thread/274/new-seca-kit-easy-build

Tube amplifier

Alan — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 10:00:56 +0000

I love Colin's amplifiers, but I rather like this tube amplifier... a great physics demonstration that's also fun (and rather good!)

A good day of tinkering...

Alan — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 23:49:10 +0000

It's taken a good while, but here is the first EWA USB cable! Based on the new IC-25 screen and shield, it's better even than the last USB cable I had from Colin - the TQ black diamond. It seems to be brilliant as well.

We also tweaked the LS-25 jump links, separating the legs rather than keeping them joined - they look much better this way!

They other thing is a refresh for the webshop at ABCaudio, hopefully a simpler look which will be more appealing. The other issue is making it look better on tablets. I'd appreciate any feedback you may have (although I may lack the skills to action it!)

As a final note, everything you see there is 100% down to Colin, and it's high time his concepts and designs received more of the recognition he deserves.

Colin, sent you message.

chrisb — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 12:29:22 +0000

As per title.
Regards Chris

LS40 measured data

AntiCrap — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:35:28 +0000

OK a 3M length measure as below:-

Capacitance at 3 metres = 100pF Each single conductor red or black
Inductor on each single conductor is 3.3uH at 3 Metres
Leakage/Common Mode inductance Less Than 0.9uH at 3 Metres
Resonant frequency a single conductor red or black 15MHz at 3 Metres
Total Resonant frequency in normal use i.e. 8 Ohm load is 8.76MHz at 3 Metres.
Longer length will have more capacitance/inductance and the resonant frequency will reduce.
The loading on the amp is very very small and at audio frequency would not be noticeable i.e. 10Hz to 25KHz
Phase change from input to output at 100KHz was less than 1Deg.

TQ and most others would not publish this info.

Old stuff: Inca Tech Dirk

Alan — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 23:52:37 +0000

This is fun:

Inca Tech Dirk. 50W RMS in a very small package, about the same age as me (I am a much larger package).

Sounds properly marvelous after a couple of hours warming up and hoovering dust out of it. Bass is fast and authoritative, this is a fast amplifier with a lot of detail. Not as detailed as the newer EWA amps, which have a more filigree, effortless detail, but pretty decent, high energy stuff. Absolutely brilliant!

It's a single input integrated amplifier, but it's designed to partner with the Inca Tech FMT (tuner) which has an additional six or more auxiliary inputs, plus FM of course. Good thing I've two of them...

For the moment this makes an ace workshop system, coupled with a Chromecast audio and JPW sonata, wired with old EWA LS-20. Happy days!

Books and Info

AntiCrap — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 13:13:08 +0000

https://vdocuments.mx/

Should I put this in loudspeakers? It's a great tweak, though

uglymusic — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 16:51:44 +0000

Ever since we moved into the house, I've been struggling with the very lively living room with a bouncy suspended wooden floor. It's a complete contrast to the concrete box we had in the flat.

In short, the room plays along with the music.

Visitors - even some of those with trusted ears - have told me it wasn't that bad. But every so often I get really fed up with it.

I've seen some people on the interwebs recommend using rubber washing machine feet - the sort that you use to stop the the thing leaping around and walking out into the kitchen - instead of spikes for my kind of room. It's a recommendation that chimed with my own wonderings about if such a connection between drive units and floorboards could possibly be exacerbating the problem.

I snagged some from Mr Bezos - thereby adding to his recent daily £10 billion increase in wealth - for £7.58 for 8. You'll note he didn't make that much from me.

Out wiv dem spikes. In wiv dem rubbers(!).

What a difference! I have a cleaner sound with better focus within the soundstage. And Sam has confirmed my thoughts, so I'm probably not deceiving myself - well not about the hi-fi, anyway.

Joke Of The Day

Alan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:51:27 +0000

Keep it nice & clean please - no nasties!

Snell j11

chrisb — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:37:41 +0000

Just finished restoring the cabs on these Snells. Really pleased as they had been reveneerd as well as painted black. The result is back to the original walnut

EWA M100 amp

ian — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:59:55 +0000

Looking for a used example, preferably the Turbo version.

EWA cables

ian — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:01:12 +0000

Looking for used LS25 and power cords. let me know if you have any for sale