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1: Vinyl Asylum, RE: Sony PS-X 50 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2014-02-10, 18:59:11 (70.210.195.134)
Recordings with long sustained notes like those from piano or solo acoustic guitar are good test choices. Listen for a waver in the pitch. While this might indicate a defective magnetic coating, it mo .......
2: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Audio Note Speaker kit crossover (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-07-19, 06:29:12 (74.99.181.79)
It takes a lot of effort and planning to get the kind of sound you are after. Using the AN crossover and enclosure designs (including materials:type of wood, caps industors resistors and wire)should g .......
3: Vintage Asylum, RE: Fisher 474-The Horror (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-27, 10:03:28 (173.163.144.9)
Dave, Bad pots often exhibit noise that varies with wiper position. I suspect this is either due to contamination during production, or to cleaning fluid residue or shaft lubricant. The wiper usually .......
4: Vintage Asylum, RE: Fisher 474-The Horror (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-25, 07:07:26 (74.99.164.162)
Sounds like you have a really nice piece of equipment, well worth putting in some effort to resolve this problem. I don't have that receiver, but have been faced with similar problems. Hit that volume .......
5: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Galaxy SN5-8...open Baffle above 2.5khz..?? what you think?? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-21, 12:42:42 (173.163.144.9)
I used it as a midrange driver and was very pleased with it. Crossed to a small horn above 5KHz. It doesn't beam as badly as its diameter suggests. It's designed to cover a wide range by controlled co .......
6: Vintage Asylum, RE: Ahhh yes (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-19, 17:58:27 (74.99.164.162)
By 1963 the RP 103 horn tweeter and 8-inch midrange were being phased out and replaced by the Sonodome Ultratweeter (and small diameter cone mids)in the higher priced models (Model 3P/3: $160). The So .......
7: Vintage Asylum, RE: Mystery Jensens (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-19, 11:42:08 (74.99.164.162)
All of these components were available as a kit, the KT-33, for $80 in 1961 (Allied). They were also used in a Jensen product, the CN-100, as mentioned in an earlier post. The CN-100 had an internal v .......
8: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Resistor power rating analog board DAC kit 4.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-13, 09:05:18 (173.163.144.9)
"It's a bit hard for me to understand that replacing the Mundorf caps in the power supply with oil caps does increase detailing. As the AN oil caps in the signal path normally warm up the sound with l .......
9: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: If you were to start from scratch, what horn system would you build? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-11, 12:46:15 (74.99.181.223)
Lots of good advice here already. Having spent several years working with cone bass/horn mid & treble loudspeakers, I would second what ESO said. Get a pair of Altec Model 19's, sit back and enjoy the .......
10: Vintage Asylum, Pioneer PD-40 replacement diaphrams (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-11, 10:24:39 (74.99.181.223)
I have a pair of the Pioneer PD-40 bent horns with blown drivers. Anyone know where I can get replacement diaphrams? Thanks, Bob .......
11: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Resistor power rating analog board DAC kit 4.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-09, 12:29:01 (173.163.144.9)
Never tried Charcroft. Before you replace any tant's, be sure to give them 25 - 50 hours of play time. It's easy to react to a sound issue that would have resolved on its own in a matter of hours. In .......
12: Vintage Asylum, RE: Knight kn 3005 speaker jacks pic (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-08, 18:19:54 (74.99.181.223)
Hey, it works! Nice 'L' brackets. If you haven't already done so, plugging the ports should get you a little more bass. I'll bet they sound quite good with the maggie amp. Enjoy, Bob .......
13: Vintage Asylum, RE: Knight kn 3055 speaker project update. Silk purse from... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-08, 10:50:14 (173.163.144.9)
You mean the KN3005's right? Glad to hear that they worked out. By open baffle do you mean that you mounted them on a 'open baffle' board, or that they were used without the back panel (of the KN3005 .......
14: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Resistor power rating analog board DAC kit 4.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-07, 07:30:36 (173.163.144.9)
To be safe, use resistors with equal or greater power rating. To verify, measure the voltage across them. Power equals the square of the voltage divided by the resistance (ExE/R). Then double the calc .......
15: Vintage Asylum, RE: Super Bowl garage battle royal (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-07, 07:16:56 (173.163.144.9)
Very enjoyable. Maggies and Fisher are both excellent. I have a Fisher/Grommes/Jensen 50's system in the shop. Warm, natural, dynamic sound. Less analytical and more restricted bandwidth than the main .......
16: Vintage Asylum, RE: Grundig Majestic Stereo Cabinet question (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-06, 11:41:41 (173.163.144.9)
"the radio doesn't work and I have no plans to restore it" The tuner and amplifier, unless irreparably damaged (extensive burned components, crushed, etc.) are well worth saving. Getting them working .......
17: Vintage Asylum, RE: The Rola is reading 4 ohm...odd (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-02-04, 10:15:00 (74.99.181.223)
Agree that the Rola is a replacement driver. If the speaker with the rola driver is the louder of the 2, adding some series resistance (bringing the total to about 8 ohms) might help. The Maggie amp p .......
18: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Resistor upgrade? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-01-28, 10:16:42 (74.99.181.223)
I came to the same conclusion: the Beyschlags are excellent performers and a great value. I would add that, once broken in, the sound with the tants is simply stunning. They are a relatively costly up .......
19: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Some questions about remagnetising D123 and is it worth it. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2012-01-23, 18:09:59 (63.232.108.32)
Can't say that I have ever heard the difference between vintage (well used) and new alnico. There should be very little change in magnet strength, unless the drivers were thermally abused. They were o .......
20: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Teresonic Magus (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-12-09, 10:28:19 (173.163.144.9)
These would appear to be tailor-made to meet your needs: Teresonic Magus. http://www.teresonic.com/speakers/magus/ Never heard them, but reviews are 'good'. Good luck, Bob .......
21: Inmate Systems, AstroSonic's Main System (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-11-23, 10:06:59 (173.163.144.9)
AstroSonic 's Main System System
IP Address: 173.163.144.9
Last Update: November 23, 2011 at 10:06:59
Amplifier: Midwest Audio 45 SET with mods.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): D .......
22: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Improving bass from 416 Altec (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-11-15, 09:56:53 (173.163.144.9)
Doug, Sealing cabinet leaks and bracing the walls will decrease energy loss and increase the Q of the enclosure resonance. Depending on the current loss, sealing and bracing could provide some improve .......
23: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: 12" Tone Tubby Alnico Hemp Cone high frequency response? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-10-28, 11:48:18 (173.163.144.9)
Try this link for interesting measurements on the Tone Tubby's done by Lynn Olson. http://www.nutshellhifi.com/MLS/MLS6.html These are not 'typical' peaky guitar speakers. Here is an OB project from .......
24: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: The elephant in the room... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-10-12, 08:30:21 (173.163.144.9)
To me the bottom line is that if you are assembling a sound system to enjoy music in a digital format, then CD is the only viable format available. This is because there is VASTLY more music available .......
25: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Lowther, Hornshoppe, DNA Horn (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-07-17, 12:51:47 (108.11.216.150)
I haven't heard the Decware/TB, but have compared the Lowther PM-6a with the Fostex 126e. The 126e is a remarkable driver, especially considering the cost, but it is not even in the same 'ballpark' as .......
26: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: 8-inch Silver Flute rated 91db/w/m (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-07-13, 16:48:07 (108.11.216.150)
I suspect they used the 4 ohm model, which is rated at 93.7db/w?/m. Of course, if they used 2.83v (2W at 4 ohms) they would really only be around 90.7db/w/m. That would at least partly explain the dis .......
27: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, 8-inch Silver Flute rated 91db/w/m (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-07-13, 16:06:35 (108.11.216.150)
https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=848 If the bass-mid is rated at 91db/w/m it is unlikely that a 2-way design using one of them will have a sensitivity of 94db/w/m. Run wide .......
28: Vintage Asylum, RE: What is the point? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-06-06, 11:50:07 (173.163.144.9)
Hi, I can't blame you for being doubtful. I too was there and remember consoles well. Nonetheless, there is 'something' there worth taking a look at (er, listen to). There is really only one way to fi .......
29: Vintage Asylum, RE: Electrohome se el84 speaker output question (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-06-06, 07:03:22 (173.163.144.9)
David, You will get much better sound quality if you wire your speakers directly to the output transformer. Tannoy separates: very fine vintage drivers! Good luck finding the Tannoy horns. That would .......
30: Vintage Asylum, RE: Electrohome se el84 speaker output question (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-06-05, 09:30:01 (108.11.216.150)
David, Nice amp! A larger schematic with readable text and values would be helpful, but the 'extra' transformers are actually inductors (transformers have a primary AND secondary winding). These appea .......
31: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: 6303 sounded highly resolving with no box (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-04-27, 12:12:28 (173.163.144.9)
To realize their bass potential you need to maximize floor coupling. Make the OB's like the JE Labs (Quad 57) style ('landscape' format), instead of the tower format that is currently so popular. Add .......
32: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Help Needed Deciphering Info On A Driver (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-03-30, 07:29:52 (173.163.144.9)
"Guess I am bitter because I cant afford them and keep waiting for a absolutely great sounding driver to come out of china or Korea under $500 not 5000. " Perhaps they have already arrived: the Tang B .......
33: Vintage Asylum, RE: Anyone have any info on a Voice of Music #627 desk console ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-03-30, 06:50:21 (173.163.144.9)
As others mentioned, the turntable leaves a lot to be desired, but the unit could still make a nice office radio. Try it out and let us know what it sounds like. Bob .......
34: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN DAC 3.1/4.1 versus the competition (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-03-09, 06:43:53 (173.163.144.9)
RGA, Just to clarify, did you do the comparison in the early 90's, or was the production ANE/LX was an early 90's model? Given all the variations available (internal wiring, voice coil wiring, driver .......
35: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN DAC 3.1/4.1 versus the competition (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-03-08, 08:10:35 (173.163.144.9)
"With the speakers - I only heard one KIT E and for me anyway I think the production version sounds better perhaps because of the tighter tolerances or their in house matching process that can't be do .......
36: SET Asylum, RE: Need some thinkin... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-02-27, 09:31:45 (74.99.164.207)
How many hours do you have on them? Are they broken in yet? This can make a big difference with wide band, paper cone drivers. Bob .......
37: SET Asylum, RE: Does the Bottlehead Stereomour have enough power for my setup? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-02-09, 06:44:34 (173.163.144.9)
The Fisher amp/preamp sections are 'decent' just as the phono stage was, meaning that you will likely hear a sound quality improvement going to the Stereomour that is similar in degree to what you hea .......
38: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: "many classical titles produced since the 90s are compressed" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-31, 10:13:54 (173.163.144.9)
Compression is very evident using the metering feature of Pure Music. It can also be seen using an inexpensive spl meter (Radio Shack or Parts Express among others). The louder passages quite often do .......
39: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Waveguides (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-29, 12:35:18 (74.99.164.207)
With his background in science and engineering, Dr. Geedes was surely well aware of the term 'waveguide' as it is applied to the transmission of microwaves. Waveguides used for microwave transmission .......
40: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: More pictures (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-25, 09:24:01 (173.163.144.9)
That's a 'door-knob' style alnico magnet (structure). The alnico magnet is a cylinder that fits inside the voice coil former. What you see is a stamped metal cup that acts to provide a high magnetic p .......
41: ANK AudioKits Forum, Optimum USB to SPDIF Converter for AN DAC Kits (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-24, 08:17:11 (173.163.144.9)
Once some critical parts upgrades are made to the AN DAC kits, I think that the USB to SPDIF converter is the next critical performance 'bottleneck' for a Computer/USB based digital source. I would b .......
42: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Ceramic or Alnico (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-24, 07:38:33 (173.163.144.9)
Tubebuilder, These documents (http://www.cieri.net/Documenti/JBL/JBL%20Technical%20Note%20-%20Vol.1,%20No.9.pdf, http://www.klippel.de/fileadmin/klippel/Files/Know_How/Literature/Papers/Klippel_Nonlin .......
43: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Ceramic or Alnico (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-23, 08:57:50 (74.99.164.207)
I don't think there is any real issue with weakened magnets with the non-pro alnico drivers, as they have most likely been used with home audio amplifiers. I have measured T/S parameters on many home .......
44: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Upgrading a Dac 2.1 to 3.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-23, 08:46:10 (74.99.164.207)
Thanks for the info. I'll probably be going the converter route. They are a rapidly expanding market, with more alternatives, better performance and decreasing prices likely over the next several mont .......
45: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Ceramic or Alnico (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-22, 13:25:20 (74.99.164.207)
Looks like a door-knob style alnico in the 2nd picture and a ceramic in the 4th picture. A side view would resolve this. If there is a black disk (around 1/2 inch thick) sandwiched between steel plate .......
46: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Upgrading a Dac 2.1 to 3.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-21, 10:36:59 (173.163.144.9)
"Software: With my 16/44.1 files I do not hear any difference between Amarra, PureMusic and Itunes. " The sound quality improvement using Pure Music was subtle, but clearly evident through my stock 3. .......
47: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: New High Efficiency driver implementation (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2011-01-06, 12:24:06 (173.163.144.9)
Attitudes toward dual cone drivers clearly are a matter of personal taste. I have heard many that I could hardly stand, but have heard a few that were quite good. There was an EV compact bookshelf spe .......
48: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Once you hear the AN 2C cores, caps don't make that big a difference (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-29, 06:47:12 (173.163.144.9)
"What audible difference is there ..." Does 'the EXTREME premium price get you a significantly more natural sound?' 'is the return too diminished in comparison to cost?' Good questions that are hard .......
49: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Once you hear the AN 2C cores, caps don't make that big a difference (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-28, 11:02:47 (173.163.144.9)
Overall, I agree that the upgraded iron will provide a substantial improvement in sound quality, but the cap changes are important too. IME, the upgraded output transformers provide a clearer window, .......
50: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Correct Wiring of Altec Santana's (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-27, 14:22:05 (74.99.164.207)
Tom, I think that they knew a lot, but not everything. Altec was one of the truly great loudspeaker/audio companies, but they are not the last word. My impression is that much has been learned (and so .......
51: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Altec Santana Suprise (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-27, 10:50:37 (173.163.144.9)
The Altec 420A Biflex 15-inch driver was designed to be a wide (full) range driver (rated 25-14,000 cps). Altec crossed them over to phenolic ring cone tweeter at 3.5kHz. While this might be seen as c .......
52: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Is Bottlehead Stereomour enough for University Classic Dual 12's? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-25, 08:36:01 (74.99.164.207)
My bad. The 100 was a mistype. I was thinking 120. I am afraid that I know some HE speaker owners who enjoy metal, thrash and industrial rock at levels that cause pant cuffs to vibrate, and a few who .......
53: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Is Bottlehead Stereomour enough for University Classic Dual 12's? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-23, 18:25:15 (74.99.164.207)
I found the Classic Dual 12's in the 1964 Lafayette catalog: $230 each, 4-8 ohms, 50w power handling, one 12 handles just the bass while the second handles bass and mids. Great looking cabs! Without m .......
54: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: OB sub with our high eff spks?! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-12-17, 10:01:10 (173.163.144.9)
This design appears to be similar to the H-frame design described on Martin King's Quarter Wave website (http://www.quarter-wave.com/). I built a pair of these (H-frames) with 15-inch drivers and plat .......
55: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Um (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-30, 07:00:37 (173.163.144.9)
For steel use a drill press, a sharp bit, cutting oil, and a relatively slow speed. Excessive pressure should not be necessary (with sharp cutting edges). Use a feed rate (down pressure) that lets the .......
56: Vintage Asylum, RE: Scott 222C Weak Channel (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-29, 10:56:21 (173.163.144.9)
Mike, Here are a few ideas in addition to the suggestions already posted. Before digging into the amplifier... check the connections between the amplifier and speakers. As a first step, simply switch .......
57: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: woofer to go with Jensen RP103 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-13, 07:50:58 (74.99.164.207)
As you point out, the extra 1cf gains very little for a QB3 (maximally flat) alignment. However 3cf @ 41Hz results in an EBS (extended bass shelf) alignment that is -3db@70Hz and -6db@40Hz, after whic .......
58: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: RP103 and P8RS also used by Heathkit 9n the SS-1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-12, 18:51:59 (74.99.164.207)
Yes, that is the Heathkit version of the Jensen Duette. Eico also made a version of this speaker system. The P8RX is essentially a P8RS with the center portion of the cone treated with a stiffener to .......
59: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: woofer to go with Jensen RP103 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-12, 07:26:13 (173.163.144.9)
The chances are pretty good that the D216 will work just fine in place of the Jensen. The JBL is a little more than 1db/w/m more sensitive: the RP-103 is several db more sensitive than either driver, .......
60: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: woofer to go with Jensen RP103 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-10, 20:21:11 (74.99.164.207)
Jensen used the RP-103 with a P8RS 8-inch woofer in their Duette speaker system. The P8RS is an 8-inch with a light paper cone, fairly high compliance paper accordian surround and alnico magnet (6.8 o .......
61: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Do I need tweeters at all- part II? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-11-03, 13:39:29 (173.163.144.9)
"I think a great deal will depend on stuffing. Were I you, I'd rig a way to listen to it without attaching the final side. Thick weatherstrip and clamps. Then play with stuffing: density and placement .......
62: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Agree, except for one point you made... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-27, 10:04:25 (173.163.144.9)
Thanks to all responders for the helpful recommendations regarding backup of music libraries. There appears to be a fairly wide diversity of views on the best approach, based on the perceived importan .......
63: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Agree, except for one point you made... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-23, 07:24:18 (74.99.164.207)
Well I really don't know... My IT person says that the chances of data corruption from read-only operations is several orders of magnitude less than if the file is read, then saved back, especially if .......
64: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: two questions and more questions (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-22, 14:40:30 (74.99.164.207)
Since you want to record your vinyl, Pure Vinyl software (http://www.channld.com/pure-music1.html)may be just what you are looking for. It is optimized for making digital recordings of vinyl. It's an .......
65: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: You guys are probably sick of this .... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-22, 10:50:42 (173.163.144.9)
These posts are often neglected, at least until somebody recommends something allowing others to disagree, so here goes. :-) Judging by your current system, you have a serious interest in sound qualit .......
66: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Mortite? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-20, 12:25:13 (173.163.144.9)
Don, With respect to damping coloration producing horn vibrations, I have found Mortite to 'work', but Dynamat Xtreme to work much better. It's more expensive, but it takes much less added mass for a .......
67: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, the short answer... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-12, 12:11:52 (205.238.206.18)
The Allied, Radio Shack and Lafayette catalogs of the late 50's and 60's had hifi speaker pages dominated by a wide selection of coaxial drivers. These were the standard approach during the late monop .......
68: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Horn Damping Sheet Options (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-10-01, 12:40:56 (173.163.144.9)
I tried that stuff on some Altec 511's because of th relatively low cost and nice appearance. Replacing it with Dynamat Xtreme made a major audible improvement. The PE stuff came off relativelky easil .......
69: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Driver choices for JBL 2365A (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-09-04, 16:53:49 (72.70.163.159)
Just wondering what you hear with these (Ti diaphrams) that you don't like. I had some a few years ago and was expecting TI-related issues based on what some had posted, but found little to dislike an .......
70: Vintage Asylum, RE: AR 4x rebuild (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-08-30, 12:04:51 (173.163.144.9)
Sam, The 2uf cap is in parallel with the 18uf, so the total is 20uf, as called for in the design. The small film cap will make the HF more detailed and extended. There is some flexibility in values ch .......
71: Vintage Asylum, RE: AR 4x rebuild (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-08-30, 09:34:22 (173.163.144.9)
Sam, Surprised you are not overwhelmed with responses, as these were very popular in 'the day'. Re-use the fiberglass - it doesn't wear out. It is not acoustically equivalent to polyester fiber. Repla .......
72: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: The JBL 2435HPL vs the Altec 802 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-08-30, 07:12:42 (173.163.144.9)
Michael, To use 1-inch drivers on a 1 1/2-inch horn you need an adapter that essentially continues the horn taper from 1 1/2-inch down to 1-inch (then to the 1-inch driver). Regards, Bob .......
73: ANK AudioKits Forum, Blue Circle USB Tunnel vs HagUSB vs Wavelink (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-08-30, 06:41:51 (173.163.144.9)
Good questions. My DAC 3.1 uses the Hag and it performs quite well. Playing from memory (Pure Music) offers a MAJOR step up in sound quality. Brian posted here around a year ago about a USB interface .......
74: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Replacing RP-103 with RP-302 ?? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-07-16, 15:45:58 (71.254.123.228)
If you have a pair of 302's you can use them to extend the high end. Just tack them on 1st order at 10-12kHz. They will improve the HF extension and detail, providing better imaging and air. Bob ::: T .......
75: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Replacing RP-103 with RP-302 ?? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-07-16, 12:23:45 (173.163.144.9)
The 103 and 302 are not equivalent or interchangable. The 103 is a mid-tweeter (2-15kHz), while the 302 is a tweeter for a 3-way (or supertweeter in a 4+ way) (4kHz - inaudibility). The 103 can be run .......
76: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Yes (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-07-07, 11:40:22 (173.163.144.9)
Michael, They are not 'different' specs. They are factory/design/original specs. Most people find this desirable. In a properly designed enclosure (for factory spec drivers) they would produce a well .......
77: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Yes (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-07-06, 08:38:19 (173.163.144.9)
If they remagnetized the drivers, bringing tham back to spec., then the drivers will be more efficient and have a lower Qts. Compared to the sound before remagnetization, they will (all else being equ .......
78: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC 1.1 hiss / background noise floor (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-25, 10:00:58 (173.163.144.9)
Just a few questions and ideas... Is the increased noise in ONE or BOTH channels? If the increased noise is the same in BOTH channels it is likely a part shared by both channels: an audio tube, a powe .......
79: Vintage Asylum, RE: Altec Model 14's... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-21, 06:16:01 (173.163.144.9)
Hmmm, The going rate for these will depend on their condition, and on the local market for such items. If they are still around after being on the market for 2 months the seller is probably asking too .......
80: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: JBL and EV mismosh. Advice Please. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-15, 11:12:30 (173.163.144.9)
Presto, You have some very nice drivers at your disposal. You haven't really said, but I assume that you are considering speakers to be used in the home. Regarding your questions: 1) The 15-inch EV wi .......
81: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC 2.1 Question (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-11, 12:36:41 (173.163.144.9)
Presumably, the purpose of replacing the stock 6922 board with the 5687 board is to improve the DAC's sound quality. Before going further on this path, could you tell us if you have made any modificat .......
82: Vintage Asylum, RE: Speakers for a Marantz 2220B (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-10, 07:44:09 (173.163.144.9)
Scott, The 2220B could certainly drive the Heresys that you have enjoyed in the past. The L26's would also be a nice fit. I would also watch for Knight (Allied) speakers with EV components: one of the .......
83: Vintage Asylum, RE: Heathkit ss1 speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-09, 07:17:19 (173.163.144.9)
After restoration (new wire, soldered connections, new crossover cap, etc.) the SS-1's sound quite nice when used with tubes. Naturally the bandwidth is a little limited (roughly 60-10,000 hz), but th .......
84: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: I Need The Help Of A DIY Speaker Builder (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-06-06, 10:10:03 (72.70.128.76)
Tom, It sounds like you have just about done everthing reasonably possible. Your results strongly suggest that the new drivers will not work in those enclosures. Probably a lower Qts and higher Fs (re .......
85: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: What's the theory behind adding a series resistor for more bass? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-28, 07:10:56 (173.163.144.9)
Adding series resistance to a bass driver essentially weakens the magnet/voice coil motor. This makes the driver basically the same as one with the same cone, surround/spider and voice coil, but with .......
86: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: I Need The Help Of A DIY Speaker Builder (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-25, 07:34:03 (173.163.144.9)
Hi Tom, I gather that you are unsatisfied with the bass response of the Sachiko/208ES-R combination. Could you elaborate a little. Is the problem generally weak bass below about 100Hz, peaky bass, poo .......
87: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: box ideas for d131 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-22, 22:02:35 (72.70.169.192)
The D131 is similar to the D130. The D123 is a 12-inch wide range driver. It was designed to be used in IB and BR enclosures, although its pre-TS parameters make it a little enigmatic. It too has a do .......
88: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: box ideas for d131 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-22, 19:32:24 (72.70.169.192)
You will be unlikely to get more than about 60-400 Hz in a midbass front loaded horn. In an IB or BR it will provide mid 60's to several kHz with remarkably high sensitivity (102db/w/m in the midband .......
89: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Way out there application..but....never hurts to ask.. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-21, 10:12:53 (173.163.144.9)
Those old Telefunken radios really sound nice. The drivers were of remarkably good quality. I would suggest keeping the drivers stock, replacing the burned out tweeter with the same model. They are fa .......
90: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: box ideas for d131 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-21, 08:34:57 (173.163.144.9)
"what front loaded horn design would you recommend?" There are many variables and many possible designs. For starters: What is the required bandwidth? What will it be matched with at each end (at what .......
91: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, RE: Can the DS-050 Sound Better Off the 16-ohm Tap? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-19, 10:49:07 (173.163.144.9)
Gerry, I too have a 45 SET with the 050 OTs. I really like mine, including when using the 4 ohm taps. IME, the 050's are really fine OTs. Improvements made 'upstream' are readily apparent in the sound .......
92: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: box ideas for d131 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-18, 18:23:45 (72.70.170.139)
In a home setting, this driver can provide excellent service as a mid-bass driver in a front loaded horn, or as a mid-bass driver in a 'satellite' (in a closed box or BR) teamed with a horn tweeter an .......
93: Vintage Asylum, RE: Firestone AirChief S-7404-7 followed me home.. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-05, 12:20:16 (205.238.206.18)
Hi Richard, I used to collect these and had sets with 2A3's and 45's along with a few less common. The top of the line sets increased in power as new tubes became available, so the 45 was displaced by .......
94: Vintage Asylum, RE: Firestone AirChief S-7404-7 followed me home.. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-05, 07:55:33 (205.238.206.18)
What a beauty! It will make a great piece in the home. The WAF will likely be pretty high. On a more serious note, you may want to use it. If so, some restoration is in order. First off, check the tub .......
95: Vintage Asylum, RE: $200-$400 1950s-19602 turntable recommendations (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-05-05, 07:14:19 (205.238.206.18)
So far people have recommended turntables from the younger part (late 60's) of your range (50's-60's). A lot of progress on turntables was made in that period, so the most advanced ones would date fro .......
96: Vintage Asylum, RE: Very informing post, thanks (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-23, 11:08:50 (205.238.206.18)
The Wharfedales are 'fullrange' drivers. The driver that doesn't work should be carefully checked for repairable defects. One of the leads could be broken. Lightly tap the cone and listen carefully fo .......
97: Vintage Asylum, FAR: the simple answer (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-22, 06:54:31 (205.238.206.18)
The 'free air resonance' (FAR) is the frequency at which the cone mass and suspension/spider stiffness resonate, with the driver in open or 'free' air - completely unenclosed. When the driver is mount .......
98: K&K Audio / Lundahl Transformers, St70 kit input Impd. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-18, 07:56:18 (71.254.112.145)
Kevin, What is the input impedance and sensitivity of your ST-70 kit? Also, I have a DAC with transformer coupled output followed by a passive preamp with Alps attenuator. Will these be compatible wi .......
99: ANK AudioKits Forum, Functions of C1 and C8 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-17, 19:35:58 (71.254.112.145)
Tubeheadz, The pentode in the 6BM8 is a series pass regulator. The triode is a high speed (wide band) error amplifier. C1 appears to bypass C3 (a power supply reservoir cap), but the regulator pentode .......
100: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Sonic Signature of Caps??? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-16, 08:16:29 (205.238.206.18)
Doug, Very informative post, both as to the MTube sound, comparison to the BG sound and comment on the AN sound. With respect to using BG's as filter caps in high voltage positions: the limited availa .......
101: Vintage Asylum, RE: ALLIED Catalog owners', please help (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-14, 15:10:39 (72.95.2.150)
The 2300A is listed in 1966, 2300CK in 69 and 70. Cost as a kit was $80. Only very generic description of the drivers. Only 30w power handling,but probably good efficiency (low 90's). Probably needs n .......
102: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: New 2010 Interstage MonoBlocks-upgrades? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-12, 13:45:32 (205.238.206.18)
Hi Tubeheadz, "Actually Bob, there have been no Mundorfs supplied with the Monoblocks, past or present to the very best of my knowledge! The caps supplied have been JJ's in both versions. The parts li .......
103: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: New 2010 Interstage MonoBlocks-upgrades? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-09, 08:04:24 (205.238.206.18)
I think AN has voiced the amp for the AN sound. For example, they may have included the AB carbon comp resistors to compensate for the somewhat crisp, hyper detailed quality of the mundorfs. If you ch .......
104: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: New 2010 Interstage MonoBlocks-upgrades? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-08, 13:22:57 (205.238.206.18)
"The use of Allen Bradley resistors in these amps is also a departure from the historic use of Beyschlags and AN tants... I suspect to impart a warm, intimate sonic experience. I'm not a big advocate .......
105: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Kit 02 speakers & 2a3? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-06, 11:47:48 (205.238.206.18)
The answer will depend upon few major items. For starters: 1) How live is your listening room? Is it carpeted with lots of overstuffed furniture and large drapes? If you clap your hands does the sound .......
106: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Sealing an Altec Bolero (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-04, 05:49:40 (72.70.129.130)
Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones who got the early Bolero with the Altec 3000H tweeter. A tightly sealed enclosure is critical to getting the most from a passive radiator system. Sealing the .......
107: Vintage Asylum, RE: Vintage Yamaha Speakers? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-04-03, 10:13:09 (72.70.129.130)
Brian, The NS-690 was listed in Stereo Review's "Directory and Buyers Guide" for 1976 and 77. The 1978 issue lists a NS-690II, but with no difference in specs. FWIW the listed specs are: 12-inch woof .......
108: ANK AudioKits Forum, Ok, I'll ask... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-03-24, 19:10:40 (71.254.121.91)
What is the 'CK' mod? Is it the addition of the decoupling choke and cap or something else? A search of the archives turns up only 2 mentions of this mod, and very little description. Regards, Bob ::: .......
109: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: 1,000,000 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-03-14, 14:57:01 (72.70.163.112)
Nice formula! I guess that it assumes effective cone diameter (and not frame size), and also assumes pistonic motion. A look at the frequency response and impedance vs frequency graphs for most large .......
110: SET Asylum, RE: Not that complicated ... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-03-01, 12:09:36 (205.238.206.18)
It appears that the OP was saying that 1.8 wpc is not enough power to to satisfactorily reproduce this music in a small, unusually well-damped room using very good 97db/w/m speakers, and that about 8 .......
111: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Dayton Crossover (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-26, 09:45:47 (205.238.206.18)
The Dayton crossover is a nice part, but is likely not suited to the Bolero 890C. It is a 1.6kHz crossover. The 2kHz stock crossover is about as low as one should go with the Hepner tweeter. In fact, .......
112: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Looks like unsmoothed data to me (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-25, 15:25:56 (72.95.0.208)
With a Qts of 0.18 the driver will need to be horn loaded, or have some efficiency 'burned' with a series resistor or BSC. Bob .......
113: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Altec Bolero 890C (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-25, 12:27:12 (205.238.206.18)
Before replacing the Heppners, consider replacing the tweeter wiring with 22 ga magnet wire. Clean ('deoxit') the L-pad. If it tracks unevenly or produces noise, replace with a PE 15w wirewound L-pad. .......
114: Vintage Asylum, RE: Passive vs Active...... inmates, weigh in please (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-25, 11:00:44 (205.238.206.18)
Choose what sounds best to YOUR ears in your system. If the music sounds better to you with an active preamp, then that's the way to go. OTOH, if what really sounds best is some frequency contouring t .......
115: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, 6Y6 and AS-250 5K CT push pull outputs (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-16, 12:09:34 (205.238.206.18)
Oops! That should be 6Y6 (not 5Y6). It's similar to a 6V6, but is designed to operate at lower plate volts and higher current. They seem like a good candidate for class A PP. My bad, Bob .......
116: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, RE: Special: AS-250 5K CT push pull outputs for sale (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-16, 11:31:50 (205.238.206.18)
Oops! That should have been 6Y6 (not 5Y6): similar to a 6V6, but designed to operate at lower plate voltage and higher current. Sorry, Bob .......
117: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, RE: Special: AS-250 5K CT push pull outputs for sale (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-16, 09:47:29 (205.238.206.18)
Mikey, I have been considering a class A PP amp using 5Y6's, but doubt they are a good match to your AS-250's (think the 5Y6's would like around 3.5k plate-plate). If a person were interested in a cl .......
118: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC 3.1 build questions and AN revised M2 PS (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-13, 21:59:49 (72.95.0.208)
While I plan on installing the 'decoupling' choke and cap, I will be doing so for the sonic improvements resulting from increased voltage stability seen by the first stage (B+) due to 'decoupling' fro .......
119: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: "This Is The Clam" March 16, 1968 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-12, 11:26:44 (205.238.206.18)
Freddy, Isn't that Jess Oliver, the designer of the Ampeg Portaflex bass amplifiers? IIRC, he formed Oliver Sound Co. after leaving Ampeg. My impression is that he was very much an innovator, so it wo .......
120: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Woofer problem with AN-E (comes and goes). (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-12, 07:58:35 (205.238.206.18)
If the cutouts occur during a period of loud playing, and sound comes back after a while, the problem may be related to heat. A common fault with resistors and coils (speaker voice coils and crossover .......
121: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Woofer problem with AN-E (comes and goes). (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-11, 05:29:07 (72.95.0.208)
Brasse, While the bass driver could be faulty, it could be a connection inside the speaker that is sensitive to vibration. First, connect a multimeter, set for resistance, to the speaker terminals. No .......
122: Tubes Asylum, RE: B+ cap alternatives (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-08, 07:42:51 (205.238.206.18)
Doug, It sounds as though the MTube caps are a viable alternative to the Black Gates - different but perhaps equally high quality. How much use (time)did BG's have in the circuit? I have come to reall .......
123: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AES Out for USB interface, DAC Kit (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-08, 07:24:08 (205.238.206.18)
It sounds like your question is about changing the rca jack on the external model of the Hagtech USB interface to AES (because the AES connestors might be superior to the rca's?). If that is the case, .......
124: Tubes Asylum, Has anyone tried out the MTube and MLytic caps? nt (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-03, 18:11:05 (72.95.0.208)
nt .......
125: Tubes Asylum, RE: B+ cap alternatives (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-03, 11:23:19 (205.238.206.18)
I have had good results with Panasonic, Nichicon and Rubycon caps, especially when bypassed by a small value film cap. They provide a marked improvement over the cans used in vintage tube gear (and th .......
126: Tubes Asylum, RE: B+ cap alternatives (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-03, 11:13:10 (205.238.206.18)
twystd, I will look into the MBGOs. I have had good results with the ASCs. I have also had good results with Black Gates and Cerafines. I am just wondering how the newer Mundorf MLytic and MTube caps .......
127: Tubes Asylum, RE: B+ cap alternatives (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-03, 09:48:25 (205.238.206.18)
Which film caps do you recommend? A quick check shows the budget for the entire amp would be substantially exceeded by the cap costs alone if Auricaps, Duelands, Vcaps or even Multicaps were used. The .......
128: Tubes Asylum, B+ cap alternatives (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-02-03, 09:00:15 (205.238.206.18)
I am about to start collecting parts for a tube amp project and was wondering about the sound quality, reliability and need for bypassing of the Mundorf MTube and ELytic caps. They appear to be good c .......
129: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Damping Material to Standard Case (big) DAC and Amp Case (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-01-27, 18:01:23 (72.95.0.208)
I used Dynamat Xtreme to damp Altec 511b horns (which it does very well). It has been on for over 6 years and the cut edges are still tacky. With respect to damping an AN DAC, I suspect that an effect .......
130: ANK AudioKits Forum, DAC choke and dynamics thread (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-01-14, 12:19:23 (205.238.206.18)
The thread discussing the impact of the choke on dynamics, etc. is here: http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=audionotekits&n=5116&highlight=dac+choke The choke seen in build photos (http://www. .......
131: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Power Supply Upgrades? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-01-14, 07:32:57 (205.238.206.18)
The small choke can be seen in photos from online documented builds from a few years ago. See the photo in the review of the DAC 2.1 Level C by Colin Smith at Soundatage.com, dated December 2008. Of c .......
132: ANK AudioKits Forum, Power Supply Upgrades? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-01-13, 07:08:04 (205.238.206.18)
I have a Dac 2.1 Level C Sig (now called a Dac 3.1). Earlier versions featured power supplies with a small inductor (located beneath the front panel LED) and had a separate power transformer for the d .......
133: Vintage Asylum, RE: Need Luxman advice (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-01-11, 07:20:16 (205.238.206.18)
The Luxman R1120 receiver has a superb phono section, and excellent power amp. For solid state this unit offered a remarkably dynamic (for ss), wide band sound, that was smooth, grain-free, and finely .......
134: Tubes Asylum, RE: Who sells 'Reflector' tubes (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2010-01-02, 10:10:23 (72.95.5.227)
Thanks to everyone who responded. Great websites and information! Regards, Bob .......
135: Tubes Asylum, Who sells 'Reflector' tubes (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-31, 21:45:41 (71.254.121.140)
I am looking for a source for the Reflector 6N14pi-EV? I checked all the usual places (for me anyway) and did not find them. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob .......
136: Tubes Asylum, RE: Scott 222b Bias (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-30, 21:30:55 (71.254.121.140)
Who sells the Reflector 6N14pi-EV? I checked all the usual places (for me anyway) and did not find them. Thanks, Bob .......
137: Tubes Asylum, RE: Scott 222b Bias (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-26, 07:39:31 (70.17.51.76)
Thanks to all for the very helpful replies. No definitive answer, as is so often the case, but lots to consider. Regards, Bob .......
138: Tubes Asylum, RE: Scott 222b Bias (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-24, 09:34:23 (205.238.206.18)
It appears that the bias network interacts with the HT power supply, output stage grid voltages and the output stage cathode voltages. The output stage bias network appears to provide a combination o .......
139: Tubes Asylum, RE: Scott 222b Bias (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-23, 10:07:04 (205.238.206.18)
Are you suggesting ditching the fixed bias network and replacing it with 220 ohm cathode bias resistors (one per pp pair), or substuting the 220 ohm resistors for the filament string in the bias netwo .......
140: Tubes Asylum, Scott 222b Bias (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-23, 07:15:42 (205.238.206.18)
I have a Scott 222b that I would like to use in a system with just a digital source and tuner. I plan on running these directly to the volume control, bypassing the tone control circuitry. In addition .......
141: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Damping the 511 Horn - -EnABL -? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-21, 11:48:23 (205.238.206.18)
Im not surprised that Bud didn't know what a 511 was - he mainly works with full range single drivers (Fostex, Lowther, etc.). Still, the 'EnABLists' have done some enclosure baffles - large hard and .......
142: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Damping the 511 Horn - -EnABL -? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-21, 10:30:01 (205.238.206.18)
The R-Blox appears to be similar, but there is very little information on their website. I live in an area with several car audio installers: I called around for prices and found a local dealer sellin .......
143: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Damping the 511 Horn (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-20, 13:45:21 (72.70.129.123)
I would suggest B-Quiet Extreme (http://www.b-quiet.com/extreme.html) as a less costly but effective alternative to Dynamat Xtreme. $40 for a 1x12 ft. sheet - enough to do 2 511's 'first class'. Never .......
144: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Damping the 511 Horn (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-20, 11:12:52 (72.70.129.123)
Freddy, Mounting the horns does make a substantial improvement in (reduced) ringing and sound quality, but to my ears and in my system, there was still a lot of ringing coloration. My 'final' solution .......
145: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Upgrade caps may be a step backwards..... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-18, 09:34:33 (72.95.6.225)
The result of 'upgrading' the crossover caps will depend inpart to a large extent on your personal preferences and the component quality 'upstream' of the speakers. The film, foil and oil caps are cle .......
146: Vintage Asylum, RE: Why not Optimize your system for retrieval of dynamics (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-18, 06:20:25 (72.95.6.225)
I have found it more productive to maximize the amount of information from the recordings that passes all the way through the system without adding processing artifacts (pumping, distortion, noise, et .......
147: Vintage Asylum, RE: Why not Optimize your system for retrieval of dynamics (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-17, 12:30:50 (72.70.166.27)
I can't really help you on the why. I suggest that you ask the designers: post the question on the Digital-PC Audio forum (for Gordon Rankin) or the Audio Note forum (both here in the Asylum). I know .......
148: Vintage Asylum, Why not Optimize your system for retrieval of dynamics (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-12-16, 08:31:14 (205.238.206.18)
Rather than attempting to synthesize lost dynamics why not simply let the dynamics still on the recording through? Based on your list of equipment there are changes you could make that would substanti .......
149: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Tube Dampers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-11-25, 10:04:51 (205.238.206.18)
Damp the preamp tubes first, as any problems here are amplified by all later stages. Among the preamp tubes, gently tap the glass and listen for micorphonics. Do the most microphonic tubes first. Don' .......
150: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: mini - Karlson couplers - anyone building them for fun? - hints? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-11-25, 09:48:35 (205.238.206.18)
Freddy, How sensitive are Karlsons to driver parameters like Vas, Qts, etc.? I have a pair of 126e's and was thinking that the little K5's would make great computer speakers. Also have a pair of alnic .......
151: Vintage Asylum, RE: Need help with my XP 55 B Fisher speakers! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-11-09, 11:48:47 (71.254.113.70)
Brian, Remove the tweeter and examine for a part number and manufacturer. Let us know what you find. It will likely be a Jensen P-35 clone or variant. Post a picture if possible. Also, check the cros .......
152: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Voiced Drivers and Neutral Horns (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-11-05, 08:08:12 (205.238.206.18)
If the TAD driver is 'voiced' for 10-12db of resistive attenuation, and for the response anomolies of a specific (TAD) horn, then the best way tio ensure neutral response is to use the driver under th .......
153: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: but, but... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-11-03, 06:42:03 (205.238.206.18)
The EV spec sheet (found at http://archives.telex.com/archives/EV/Speakers/EDS/) for the Michigan series does specify alnico for the MC-12 and MT-12. OTOH, ceramics are specified for the LS-12, LS-15 .......
154: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Altec vs TAD 2001 drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-30, 20:23:36 (72.70.164.30)
"Changing to a more netural sounding horn will make a larger improvement in sound than buying expensive TAD drivers. " Yes, that's why I recommended damping the 811 horn. Stock, it can be somewhat for .......
155: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: but, but... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-30, 10:58:03 (205.238.206.18)
IME, of the LS and MC series drivers, only the LS-8 has an alnico magnet. The LT-12 is also ceramic. I have a 3-leg LS-12 that I am using in a console radio (restoration project) and it is ceramic. Bo .......
156: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Altec vs TAD 2001 drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-30, 08:32:29 (205.238.206.18)
I am using a GPA version of the 902 on damped 511b horns. I find combination to be amazingly smooth, detailed, effortless and dyanmic. Damping the rear cover of the driver (a metal casting) also provi .......
157: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: a goofy EV Wolverine FR driver question for a Friday morning (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-30, 06:52:26 (205.238.206.18)
It appears that EV made the change to the 'A' designation, after making changes made in their design, making them more T/S friendly. As a result, the 'A' series drivers could be used in more home-frie .......
158: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Altec vs TAD 2001 drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-30, 06:35:11 (205.238.206.18)
Sergio, Very nice speakers! I can't speak to the differences between the Altec and TAD drivers, but can speak to the very substantial sonic gains resulting from damping the Altec horns, upgrading cros .......
159: Vintage Asylum, RE: Any Ideas on these Drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-28, 18:35:20 (72.70.136.157)
8w of tube power per channel could be more than adequate, even downright generous. It depends primarily on the desired spls, listening distance, room size and room acoustics. Should do fine on most ty .......
160: Vintage Asylum, RE: Any Ideas on these Drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-28, 06:19:49 (205.238.206.18)
These are RCA 9x15 inch console drivers from the early to mid 60's. They are quite efficient and are easily driven by flea power tube amps. They sound wretched on ss amps (IME). They were used in open .......
161: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Adding JBL 077's to Model 19's ??? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-26, 15:21:38 (72.70.168.126)
Mike,, System synergy is indeed very important. "Past few years I haven't really done much experimenting, preferring to use my time listening to music" Glad to hear somebody listens to music! The 3105 .......
162: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, And the 'Elliptoflex' marketed by Lafayette (nt) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-24, 15:32:03 (71.254.112.52)
nt .......
163: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Adding JBL 077's to Model 19's ??? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-24, 09:26:08 (71.254.112.52)
Adding the 077 should add a little sparkle and speed, but only if your hearing is still good into the mid-teens kHz. The stock JBL crossover leaves much to be desired sonically. Better to roll your o .......
164: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Driver and Sound Quality? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-22, 11:30:17 (205.238.206.18)
Les, Those really look nice! What driver did you use? Could you offer a few comments on their performance? Bass extension and character, overall sound balance, HF extension and definition, etc. Regard .......
165: SET Asylum, Losing the First Stage (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-22, 07:42:27 (205.238.206.18)
Agreed that many systems have excess gain and could probably stand to eliminate a gain stage. Many commercial preamps do provide excess gain to allow for differences in source output and power amp gai .......
166: SET Asylum, RE: Losing the First Stage (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-21, 17:06:19 (71.254.115.185)
"What is the efficiency of your speakers?" More to the point: how much power do you need to achieve the desired spls at the listening seat? "I run my CD player and phono pre output directly into my .......
167: SET Asylum, Losing the First Stage (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-21, 07:13:49 (205.238.206.18)
Losing the first stage is likely good advice if one is using a store-bought preamp or similar DIY design. You basically need enough total gain to drive the output stage. If you are building both the p .......
168: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: The Audio League Report 1955 Vol.1 No. 8 "TONE ARMS" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-15, 12:28:07 (205.238.206.18)
"(anyone who wants these should save them - I've seen Imageshack lose images)" Good advice. They have apparently lost about 3/4 of page 2 of the Karlson review. :( Bob .......
169: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: The Audio League Report (Julian Hirsch) Oct. 1955 - Karlson (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-14, 08:17:53 (205.238.206.18)
Thanks for a most interesting and enjoyable article! It does have me considering a Karlson build. Bob .......
170: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: "Much more full range sounding"? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-13, 10:58:06 (205.238.206.18)
I don't know what the correspondence is between the kits and factory-made lines. Perhaps Brian can answer that. I think the 'levels' are good general guidance: much more than you get from most compani .......
171: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Crossover Freq of an Altec 288 Driver - Advantages of a Higher vs. Lower point...... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-09, 08:35:15 (205.238.206.18)
The graph from ESO resembles others I have seen for that driver/horm combination. The rolloff around 6kHz suggests that you could let the 288/1005 rolloff 'naturally' and bring the tweeter in around 6 .......
172: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: "Much more full range sounding"? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-10-08, 10:38:33 (205.238.206.18)
The kits are not kit-versions of the factory-built models. They must be judged on their own terms. therefore it is appropriate to compare the kits with other dacs within a persons budget. The kits sh .......
173: Computer Audio Asylum, More Disgruntled Mac Mini Users (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-09-30, 16:19:24 (71.254.220.20)
Here is a link to a long forum discussion (on Apple.com) of a high incidence of sudden freezing/crashing on Mac Mini's after OSX 10.5.7, much of which involves iTunes. It appears to be more an OS prob .......
174: Vintage Asylum, RE: Scott 233 - or keep the pioneer 810 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-09-30, 11:36:32 (205.238.206.18)
It's really all about the kind of sound you prefer. If you like the Scott, but wish it was not so soft and slow, and are handy with a soldering iron consider a few parts upgrades. Replace the interst .......
175: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, L-Pad lesson - a different take (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-09-30, 07:46:27 (205.238.206.18)
Sounds so familiar. I used to routinely use the L-pads to find the best tweeter level setting, then replace with Mills (tried a few others as well) resistors. During the voicing process, I would grow .......
176: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Thank you for that good information. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-09-25, 16:22:15 (72.70.143.49)
My Mac Mini is running OSX 10.5.8. I wonder if the 'new' version of iTunes was made with the idea that most people would use it with Snow Leopard? Bob .......
177: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: On a related, unrelated note........ (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-09-25, 07:11:28 (205.238.206.18)
I did not notice an audible difference between 8 and 9.0, but my wife and I both noticed at once the improvement in sound quality with 9.0.1. There was greater clarity, improved soundstage and a great .......
178: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN-E modified crossover (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-09-19, 09:05:49 (72.95.7.18)
Parts values, types (materials and construction), brands, wire and connection quality all make a substantial contribution to the sound. The various AN-E models have different drivers and crossovers. T .......
179: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Knight KN 830 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-08-10, 07:07:43 (205.238.206.18)
The Knight KN 830 is essentially an EV LT-12 with a differently styled frame and horn edge, and a different color (Knight blue). This driver has a sensitivity in the mid-90's and is best suited to ope .......
180: SET Asylum, RE: Magnavox Single Ended Pentode ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-08-09, 09:19:46 (72.70.135.120)
I suspect that the gain of the 6eu7 (or the 12ax7) is needed to allow the level of feedback designed into the stock unit. The 12at7 has only slightly more than half as much gain and so might not be su .......
181: SET Asylum, RE: Magnavox Single Ended Pentode ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-08-08, 16:29:43 (72.70.135.120)
When restored and/or modified these can sound remarkable good, and can give you a feel for the benefits of a Class A output stage. I think they are ideal for a computer audio amplifier.. Ditching the .......
182: ANK AudioKits Forum, USB Input (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-21, 11:10:22 (205.238.206.18)
Brian, I am one of those using the USB input on a Dac Kit 2.1 and am very pleased with the performance. I use a Mac Mini and external hard drive for a transport (music server). I can't speak to the pe .......
183: SET Asylum, Passive vs Active Preamp (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-06, 11:48:06 (75.150.159.9)
Paul, Could you elaborate a bit? Re: "I am sure I would not like a passive with the amps I have now, which are two stage, regardless of whether or not the DAC could drive them directly (meaning have e .......
184: SET Asylum, RE: AMusings on number of gain stages/integrated vs. separates (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-05, 10:51:07 (71.254.117.119)
Paul, It sounds like you're saying that the L3 is not really needed when using 3 stage power amp (at least with the dac). Is your current power amp a 2 or 3 stage design? Do you hear an advantage usin .......
185: SET Asylum, AMusings on number of gain stages/integrated vs. separates (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-04, 16:34:13 (71.254.117.119)
I tend to agree with #3 (3 stage integrated SET). Assuming that (at least) a volume control is needed, and adequate voltage gain is required to drive the amplifier to (comfortably past) full output us .......
186: SET Asylum, RE: Low watt SET Vs. High watt SET (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-04, 06:13:40 (71.254.117.119)
Mark, Here are a few additional reasons that people often prefer lower power SETs: 1) The output tubes do all sound different. Many prefer the sound of the low power tubes in preference to higher powe .......
187: Critic's Corner, RE: Thanks for your interesting comments (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-01, 13:38:07 (72.70.144.230)
"Wavelength and Ayre both have great reputations so I don't think they would risk going to USB if it didn't sound at least decent. But in their case, they have their own special USB implementation tha .......
188: Critic's Corner, RE: I enjoy TAS and read the USB articles in the August issue. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-01, 13:30:28 (72.70.144.230)
I checked their website. I found "Budget USB DAC Survey" in a list of articles in the August 09' issue (#194). Is that it? What does 'budget' mean to them? Bob .......
189: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Thanks, I'm kind of thinking... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-07-01, 11:55:49 (75.150.159.9)
Doug, It appears that the upgrade from Level B to Level C involves not only the addition of the output transformers, but also a new analog board based on the 5687 tube (Level B analog stage designed a .......
190: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Jensen H-223? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-30, 12:16:04 (75.150.159.9)
I always thought that they looked pretty neat, but never heard one. The woofer is a 12-inch Flexaire variant. It should provide very respectable bass (pretty deep and tight) in a 2-4 cubic foot vented .......
191: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Transformers, transformers, transformers, transformers,....., transformers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-30, 11:32:18 (75.150.159.9)
There are many paths to audio nirvana. Experiences along my path have led me to develop sonic goals that I value, but I do not expect that others will share all of them. I share your assessment of the .......
192: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Help: Busted Midrange (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-26, 06:40:15 (72.95.6.217)
"My first thought was that you've got a bad capacitor in the midrange bandpass section. But that doesn't make sense in another way. If a capacitor is bad many times it just doesn't pass a signal at al .......
193: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Help: Busted Midrange (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-25, 19:49:03 (72.95.6.217)
Rubbing - very likely that's the voice coil rubbung on the magnetic structure or pole piece. Sounds like the driver was driven into nonlinearity by low frequencies. Lowthers have very limited cone exc .......
194: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Help: Busted Midrange (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-25, 17:37:01 (72.95.6.217)
The crossover may be wired incorectly or have an incorrect value part. Frequencies lower than the crossover frequency may be reaching the midrange driver at much higher levels than the driver is desig .......
195: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Full Range DIY (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-22, 08:46:35 (75.150.159.9)
Visit frugal-horn.com for a wide range of diy designs using full range drivers. These will generally provide a load that is much easier to drive than multi-way speakers... and they are less expensive. .......
196: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Are any of these installed Inside your Mac Mini ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-11, 14:30:38 (72.70.141.81)
External via firewire (2 tb) and USB (500gb). .......
197: Digital Drive, Audionote DAC Kit 2.1 Level C with USB and Balanced out (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-11, 12:04:34 (75.150.159.9)
If you have some DIY experience this is a great buy. Wideband, dynamic, dark background and very detailed without sounding detailed. Check out the Audionote forum here on the Asylum and the Audionote .......
198: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Try getting a WD Green or Samsung EcoPower or SSD (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-11, 11:49:40 (75.150.159.9)
I have 2 WD 'green' drives, 2 Tb and 500 gb, and both are remarkably quiet. The larger one stores music files and is connected to a Mac Mini, in the living room. The little 120gb internal drive is noi .......
199: Vintage Asylum, RE: Luxman R1120 or Tandberg 2075? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-11, 10:13:07 (75.150.159.9)
The Luxman looks and sounds great. It has one of the best phono stages ever put in a receiver. Unfortunately it uses switches which tend to corrode (most do), but which are next to impossible to hit w .......
200: Vintage Asylum, 2nd the Magnavox and add (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-07, 12:05:03 (72.95.0.124)
the Bedini 25/25 class A power amp. I heard the Bedini at a HiFi shop around 1979 (?). It sounded markedly superior to every amp available in that shop, and clearly superior to the high power receiver .......
201: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Good for you. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-06, 21:19:06 (72.70.168.127)
"To me, all USB front ends share the same characteristic sound, which I don't like." So you have heard all (or at least many) USB DAC's, each in a variety of systems, and they all exhibited this gra .......
202: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: I have. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-06, 16:54:59 (72.70.168.127)
Sounds like you got pretty bad results using a USB DAC in your system. Not sure what hardware you were using, but there is no sign of granularity (especially as coarse as 1ms)in my system (DAC Kit 2.1 .......
203: ANK AudioKits Forum, Try It! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-06, 14:13:09 (72.70.168.127)
As with so many things in audio, there are apparently significant reasons why they should not work well. Examples of apparently 'seriously impaired' technologies include transformer coupling, resonant .......
204: ANK AudioKits Forum, Hi Res (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-06-06, 11:43:43 (71.254.124.250)
Paul, According to the AudioNoteKits Update post (this forum) dated April 22, 2009: "Working on a new add on board for the DAC series to support the USB hi res download formats! - Expect something in .......
205: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC I/V Transformer comparison (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-22, 10:43:05 (75.150.159.9)
Yes, once any 'underachievers' in the system are upgraded, there are usually more gains to be had by cleaning-up things upstream, and working your way down to the speakers and room. IME, even in an am .......
206: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Upgraded AD1865N (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-16, 09:03:40 (72.95.6.239)
So you have tried this on an AN DAC and can hear sound improvements, like lower noise, cleaner clearer sound etc? .......
207: ANK AudioKits Forum, Upgraded AD1865N (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-15, 05:21:20 (71.254.114.40)
Does this chip swap produce an audible improvement in sound quality? Could you briefly describe it? In the bigger scheme of things, is this a major upgrade or are there 'bigger fish' to go after? Than .......
208: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC I/V Transformer comparison (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-12, 10:51:13 (75.150.159.9)
I have a DAC Kit 2.1 Level C Signature with the standard IE core output transformers. With well over 500 hours of use, I continue to be amazed at its performence. Just when I think that I have a handl .......
209: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: 604 cabs too big- bad effects? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-11, 06:50:56 (75.150.159.9)
Relax, your cabinets are probably right on target. Loudspeaker cabinet volume specs are for the volume of enclosed air. The volume spec is essentially the total internal volume (enclosed by the box) m .......
210: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: speakers for valve amp (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-10, 08:54:19 (72.70.150.82)
It would help a lot if you could tell us your spl needs, room size (and how live it is), types of music you enjoy, and what "lower end of the market" means. Could you build speaker enclosures from pla .......
211: SET Asylum, RE: Would a budget SET be an improvement? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-06, 11:03:06 (75.150.159.9)
Alan, I think that you have a well-chosen mix of components in your system. No need for replacements, prior to trying a SET amplifier. If anything, your speakers EnABLed 206e's in Sachikos will allow .......
212: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Best Upgrades to Line-Level Amplification (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-03, 20:20:57 (71.254.223.165)
Bob, Thanks for the reply. I had great results adding grid chokes to the 45's in my SET amp and wondered if they or plate chokes (and CCS's) would be significantly beneficial at line level where I am .......
213: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Best Upgrades to Line-Level Amplification (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-02, 05:25:48 (71.254.223.165)
Dan, My power amp uses a 12B4 as a driver. I recently added grid chokes to the 45 output tubes. The improvement was remarkable (see recent post in the SET forum). At line level I am using 6J5s and whi .......
214: Tube DIY Asylum, Best Upgrades to Line-Level Amplification (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-01, 11:55:24 (75.150.159.9)
For upgrading line-level amplification using low and medium mu DHTs, which of the following upgrades/additions would yield the greatest sonic return: grid choke, plate choke or CCS? I understand that .......
215: Vintage Asylum, RE: 6 ohm speakers on which Fisher 500C tap ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-05-01, 06:46:46 (75.150.159.9)
With tube amplifiers, when the speaker impedance falls between the taps, as in your case, try them on each and choose the best sounding one. No rules here as speaker impedance is far from constant and .......
216: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: new diy speaker recom (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-29, 17:12:13 (72.95.1.225)
The 5SE has a better arm, one that is designed to handle the energy from mid to low compliance cartridges. However, the suggested upgrades/mods are so inexpensive, easy to implement and beneficial, th .......
217: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: new diy speaker recom (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-29, 17:03:07 (72.95.1.225)
The T90 is a fine tweeter, but many less costly units will provide the extension and air missing in the stock 166E. However, the phase plug and EnABL cone treatment will substantially improve HF exten .......
218: Speaker Asylum, RE: Transmission Line speaker (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-29, 10:18:45 (75.150.159.9)
The 206E will not provide deep bass in a TL. The 207E is much more appropriate for use in a TL. TL design is a mix of science and art. In practice, this means a series of trial and error sessions, wit .......
219: Speaker Asylum, RE: Fisher Speaker Question (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-29, 09:48:44 (75.150.159.9)
In general, the presence of drivers with metalized mylar (chrome) dust caps, and/or plastic or 'decal' trim rings around the drivers is a good indicator of the ownership change. Note that not all of t .......
220: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: new diy speaker recom (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-29, 07:44:27 (75.150.159.9)
I suggest that you not give up on the Sexy speakers. Since you are a kit builder and modifier, you are likely comfortable with DIY, and understand that most products can be improved through (often) re .......
221: SET Asylum, RE: Cap Value Reduction/Upgrade (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-24, 13:10:46 (71.254.114.213)
How did you discover the resonance problem? Was it audible? Did the LC resonance occur within the audio band? Which grid choke did you use? What was its inductance and dcr? It was my hope that the dcr .......
222: SET Asylum, Cap Value Reduction/Upgrade (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-24, 08:44:07 (71.254.119.106)
I have waited on changing the cap in order to fully appreciate the change due to the grid choke. Once I feel that the grid choke is fully (well mostly) broken in, then I'll make another change. I had .......
223: SET Asylum, Grid Choke Plug-n-Play (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-23, 07:21:24 (75.150.159.9)
After getting some information on selection the selection of grid choke core material here and on the Magnequest forum, I ordered the NI version of the Magnequest grid choke. They were surprisingly sm .......
224: Vintage Asylum, D123 Tuning (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-21, 15:00:43 (71.254.114.210)
To tune your boxes to 40Hz, add two 4-inch diameter tubes, 6-inches in length to the rear panel. You can use 4-inch diameter mailing tubes (available at 'packaging' stores) or schedule 40 plastic pipe .......
225: Vintage Asylum, RE: D123 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-21, 13:01:07 (75.150.159.9)
I would just cut out a large ellipse from the angled piece - the remaining wood makes a good brace. You need as much internal volume as possible. To strengthen panels, just glue on the 3/4 x 3 inch x .......
226: Vintage Asylum, RE: D123 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-21, 11:04:07 (75.150.159.9)
That's about 4.75cf internal volume, firmly in bass reflex territory for this driver (though not maximally flat). I suggest that you seal the front ports, and install tubular ports on the rear panel. .......
227: Vintage Asylum, RE: D123 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-21, 10:06:47 (75.150.159.9)
The Heils would work great crossed at 8-10kHz, 1st order. That's well above their usable range, even the smallest ones. Bob .......
228: Vintage Asylum, D123 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-21, 07:52:19 (75.150.159.9)
The D123 is a wide band driver. This driver is designed to progressively decouple more and more of the outer cone as the frequency goes up. The radiating diaphram gets smaller as frequency rises, main .......
229: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Modification of DAC 2.1 Level B (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-19, 21:02:58 (72.70.136.126)
I am afraid that I can take no design credit here. I simply built the Level C kit. The 5687 transformer coupled (output) analog stage is used in the Level C kit, and I believe is also available as an .......
230: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Modification of DAC 2.1 Level B (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-19, 09:41:49 (72.70.136.126)
la, Sounds like you are looking for a significant upgrade to your 2.1 Level B dac, including a complete circuit change, not just a parts upgrade. My guess is that considerable thought and experience w .......
231: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC Kit 2.1 Level C output level (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-12, 09:27:56 (71.254.112.37)
Sergey, The DAC 2.1x Signature (production model) appears to differ substantially from the DAC Kit 2.1 Level C Signature. That being the case, the specifications, including the 3v rms output level, ca .......
232: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC Kit 2.1 Level C output level (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-10, 06:10:43 (75.150.159.9)
That was 1.62vrms (not p-p), and into 100k, 10k and 3.3k resistive loads. Bob .......
233: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC Kit 2.1 Level C output level (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-08, 17:58:14 (71.254.112.37)
My Dac Kit 2.1 Level C Sig. puts out 1.62vac into resistive loads of 100k, 10k and 3.3k using the included disc with 1kHz recording. It effortlessly drives a passive preamp. The manual (p.73) specifie .......
234: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, RE: Grid choke Selection (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-06, 18:41:08 (72.70.147.160)
Mike, I checked my amp with a 400Hz signal and scope. It appears that it will work best with the NI cored choke, per your criteria. Thanks for the very helpful post. Bob .......
235: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, RE: Grid choke Selection (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-03, 08:27:22 (205.238.206.18)
Mike, I was the OP on that thread. The principal subject of that thread was grid-current-related current flow through a grid choke, and the potential for core saturation with the Ni, permalloy and cob .......
236: MagneQuest/Peerless Forum, Grid choke Selection (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-02, 10:49:06 (75.150.159.9)
I have a 45 SET that is RC coupled from the driver (12B4) to the output stage (45 with DS-050 OT). I would like to replace the 470k grid leak resistor on the 45 with a grid choke. If the grid choke is .......
237: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Under 2A draw is what I see. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-01, 13:03:51 (75.150.159.9)
Not surprising! Now just measure the field coil resistance and power supply voltage. Once this is done you can quickly calculate the current resulting from a given voltage using Ohms Law. Bob ::: TOPI .......
238: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Field Coil Current Requirements (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-01, 11:12:01 (75.150.159.9)
If one were to use a field strength that required 5amps (from the power supply) for one speaker, then for 2 speakers only 5 smps would be needed if the drivers field coils were wired in series, or 10 .......
239: Vintage Asylum, RE: Newbie question about what a woofer surround is..... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-01, 07:12:22 (75.150.159.9)
The woofer or bass driver refers to the entire mechanism: surround, spider, cone, voice coil, frame, etc. The surround is the flexible membrane between the outer edge of the cone and frame. The spid .......
240: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Current vs. voltage mode (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-04-01, 06:55:24 (75.150.159.9)
Paul, I am glad you tried both voltage and current modes. As audiophiles, we have so many 'sacred cows'. It's good to see one tested now and then. Bob .......
241: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, AN/E's (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-30, 18:49:07 (72.70.145.140)
So was it that nagging feeling that the factory version was just a hair better? 8^) Did you get the version with the new alnico tweeter? Bob .......
242: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Current (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-30, 07:59:19 (75.150.159.9)
"Yes, I'm aware of the voltage vs. Qt params, but current is not included. " Simply run the same voltages as in the chart, and measure the resulting current. Graph the results (current vs Qts) and cho .......
243: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Duh (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-29, 18:49:31 (72.70.170.157)
Paul, Glad to hear things are working out as they should. I felt that they were truly full range up to sub-live levels in the system I heard. the Supravox-America website (http://www.supravox.com/pro .......
244: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Supravox field coils on JE Labs baffles (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-29, 17:06:07 (72.95.8.190)
Paul, I spent some time listening to these drivers on OB. The bass was smooth and extended down to about 40hz. They were driven by 2A3 SETs with vinyl and cd sources. The OBs were JE Labs size. The ro .......
245: SET Asylum, RE: What did the 100K resistor do for the Beach Boys... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-22, 19:30:02 (72.70.165.69)
Dave, Nice work! Just a few questions. Does the top graph (1 meg loss resistor) show the voltage on the coupling cap due to grid current? Does the green trace in the 3rd graph in your previous post (" .......
246: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Ask Freddyi about Karlson (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-20, 06:47:51 (75.150.159.9)
I agree with Freddyi's reply to your earlier post about enclosures for the LT-12: probable upper-bass peaking in the Aristocrat. If it had been workable in a Karlson I think Freddyi (our resident Karl .......
247: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Jensen Coaxial Sigma Model SG-84 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-19, 16:58:30 (72.70.165.69)
The LT-12 combines a deep, straight sided, dual-cone 12-inch woofer (with a ceramic magnet) with the small (alnico) magnet version ot EV's T-35 horn tweeter. Many find that tweeter to be a little har .......
248: Vintage Asylum, RE: Just pulled the drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-18, 19:31:28 (72.70.165.69)
The tweeter in Sanman's post (below) is not the Peerless I mentioned above. It could still be a decent unit. I would restore and listen. Many times poor HF performance in vintage speakers can be trace .......
249: Vintage Asylum, RE: Just pulled the drivers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-17, 19:13:14 (72.70.165.69)
If the tweeters are the little (2 inch) Peerless paper cone tweeter (the MT24, MT25 or some variant marked 'Denmark') you should give them a try. These were commonly used in the early infinities and w .......
250: SET Asylum, RE: Which Grid Choke? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-17, 07:29:39 (75.150.159.9)
Paul, This is the case I was considering (and then some! - thanks for the additional detail), but with one additional factor: grid choke saturation. The only A2 grid current data I could find on the 4 .......
251: SET Asylum, Which Grid Choke? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-16, 10:56:50 (75.150.159.9)
I have a 45 SET. I would like to add a grid choke to the grid of the 45. I am interested in the NI/Permalloy chokes, but worried that grid current may cause partial saturation and an overall loss of p .......
252: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC 2.1 Level C with C-core output transformers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-08, 11:00:06 (72.70.156.23)
I would just like to reiterate what Olof said (paraphrased): The DAC Kit 2.1 Level C with the standard IE core output transformers is an outstanding performer. Mine has the 'Signature' parts upgrades .......
253: Vintage Asylum, RE: it's on pg. 108 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-08, 10:13:25 (72.70.156.23)
A wide range of University speakers is found on this page, but the 'Classic Dual 12' is not listed. I did find it in the 1964 Lafayette catalog (p.67). It's a nicely styled floorstander, 31 1/4" ht. x .......
254: Vintage Asylum, RE: Are the University Classic Dual 12 Speakers Junk? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-08, 09:46:12 (72.70.156.23)
Good summary of the 'University' story. The transition from mono to stereo, and the corresponding market shift from floorstanding speakers to bookshelf speakers, was pretty hard on the early companies .......
255: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: DAC 2.1 Level C with C-core output transformers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-05, 10:54:31 (75.150.159.9)
Footsurg and ClarKit, Thanks for your evaluations. If those C-Core's provide anywhere near the performance you've described, they constitute excellent value. Given the incredible performance of my DAC .......
256: ANK AudioKits Forum, DAC 2.1 Level C with C-core output transformers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-04, 11:25:23 (75.150.159.9)
Has anyone upgraded from the single-ended I/E core output transformers to the C-core output transformers, and been able to compare their sound. My guess is that there would be a significant increase i .......
257: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN/E Kit 4? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-04, 11:12:34 (75.150.159.9)
I see that the AN/E Kit 04 has been added to Brian's Audio Note kit website. I am curious about the cost (currently listed as "Enquire"). Bob .......
258: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Altec 414Z efficiency (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-03, 06:39:27 (75.150.159.9)
The Altec 414 is pretty efficient. The sensitivity is in the 96-98db/w/m range. With respect to a 45 SET being able to adequately drive 414 based speakers, it has a lot to do with your specifics, part .......
259: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN/E Kit 4? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-03-02, 14:35:00 (72.70.159.84)
Thanks for sharing your observations on the sound quality of the kit 03 and 04 loudspeakers. Evidently, the comtribution of the alnico drivers is far from subtle, and well worth the asking price for t .......
260: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN/E Kit 4? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-28, 11:44:55 (72.95.14.247)
Glad to hear that you have a pair and are pleased with them. I raised the question on this forum because I did not see them on Brians kit website, but did see them on the UK site. I figured that folks .......
261: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN/E Kit 4? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-28, 09:52:30 (72.95.14.247)
I am wondering when it will be available in North America (i.e., from Brian)? I had read elsewhere that there wer not yet enough alnico tweeters available to offer them in kits. Are they now shipping? .......
262: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Did Altec make the full range driver and tweeter in the Santana I speakers? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-28, 09:41:55 (72.95.14.247)
The tweeter used in the early Santana (I) was a large magnet derivative of the CTS 2TA3 phenolic ring cone tweeter. The CTS driver was among the finest tweeters of its day, and is a fine performer eve .......
263: ANK AudioKits Forum, AN/E Kit 4? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-28, 08:05:47 (72.70.164.102)
Will we be seeing an AN/E Kit 4 with alnico on both drivers? That new alnico dome tweeter really looks impressive! Bob .......
264: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Jensen TF-3 vs Jensen Model 4 vs Altec Santana , opinions needed. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-27, 13:46:57 (75.150.159.9)
Dave, Not only are speakers a personal preference, but so are playback levels. I too would prefer a higher spl capability than the Model 4 would allow. People who prefer relatively loud playback level .......
265: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Jensen TF-3 vs Jensen Model 4 vs Altec Santana , opinions needed. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-27, 08:46:15 (75.150.159.9)
Speaker choice is very much a matter of personal preference. Your SCA-35 will drive any of the 3 candidates you mention. Any of these will resquire some restoration and each could be improved with upg .......
266: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: AN/E kit -v-Spendor (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-21, 17:13:26 (71.254.125.220)
I have not yet heard the AN/E, but have a pair of the Spendors. The last time I used them, they had very low tonal coloration and great imaging, but were 'lifeless' in comparison to my Tannoys and Alt .......
267: Digital Drive, RE: REVIEW: Audio Note DAC Kit 2.1 Signature DAC Processors (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-19, 20:36:05 (72.70.135.232)
My kit came with NOS 5687's (Philips) and an NOS rectifier. These kits come with very high quality parts overall. Bob .......
268: Digital Drive, RE: REVIEW: Audio Note DAC Kit 2.1 Signature DAC Processors (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-19, 18:58:53 (72.70.135.232)
Paul, Based on my limited experience and assuming that the tubes are equally microphonic (sensitive to vibrations), I think that the stages with the highest gain (or the earliest stages) provide the m .......
269: Digital Drive, RE: REVIEW: Audio Note DAC Kit 2.1 Signature DAC Processors (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-19, 11:08:02 (75.150.159.9)
I have wanted to report on the sound quality of my DAC Kit 2.1 Level C Sig, but have held off as it continues to break-in. Mine has nearly 300 hours on it now. All of the changes in sound after around .......
270: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Break in Time - Dac 2.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-14, 08:22:53 (72.70.132.30)
Frank, Most of the breakin of my DAC 2.1 Level C Sig. was via the SPDIF input. Nearing 180 hours I was getting the best sound I had ever had from my system. I then switched to a Mac Mini with Itunes o .......
271: ANK AudioKits Forum, Tube Dampers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-14, 08:09:33 (72.70.132.30)
After a bit over 200 hours of breakin, my DAC 2.1 Level C Sig. sounded remarkably good, but had a subtle (but clearly audible) haze or fuzz around HF sounds. I installed Herbies tube dampers on all 4 .......
272: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: tannoy (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-12, 20:27:53 (72.70.132.30)
HiFi history is always interesting. I've no doubt got to investigate rim-drive turntables. Sounds very promising. Thanks for the article. Bob .......
273: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: tannoy 'little gold' studio monitors (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-11, 06:50:50 (75.150.159.9)
Gerry, I have only examined the LGM 12 inch with accordian surround. It was very well built. I have read about the 'Beatrice period' in Tannoys history. Sad. Nonetheless, the accordian surround LGMs a .......
274: Vintage Asylum, RE: Pioneer CS-A31 info needed? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-10, 17:15:52 (72.70.132.30)
That sensitivity spec is a little optimistic. The PW302a bass driver measures about 95.3db/w/m. They are nice, well built drivers. They are quite smooth and detailed through the lower midrange and do .......
275: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: tannoy 'little gold' studio monitors (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-10, 16:47:45 (72.70.132.30)
Yes, the alnico mystique has infected ebay. Many of those drivers do not even have alnico magnets. Some sellers clearly haven't a clue about what they are selling. With Tannoys and collectability, it .......
276: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: tannoy 'little gold' studio monitors (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-02-10, 13:06:35 (75.150.159.9)
The LGM's are a well engineered dual concentric. They have the two issues previously described: ceramic magnets and a surround issue. The ceramic magnets are the reason for the lower prices on these d .......
277: K&K Audio / Lundahl Transformers, St-70 mod Version (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2009-01-15, 20:48:32 (72.70.152.56)
If both versions are loaded with the Jensen caps, what are the sonic advantages of the LL1544A (cobalt amorphous core) over the LL1591 (mu metal core)? Would the difference be subtle or substantial? .......
278: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: OWC. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-26, 08:25:04 (75.150.159.9)
Apple appears to be backing away from FireWire. The Mini only supports FW400. Is the transfer rate for FW400 significantly better/faster than USB 2.0, or is the main factor in choosing FW over USB to .......
279: Computer Audio Asylum, Best Hard Drive for Mac Mini (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-26, 06:46:08 (75.150.159.9)
In researching this, I was initially encouraged by a few posted 'short lists' of recommended hard drives. However, as I continued to research this (on this and other computer related sites) I found bo .......
280: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: ipod Touch as a remote? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-24, 19:20:31 (71.254.118.198)
Sounds like a winner! Thanks, Bob .......
281: Computer Audio Asylum, ipod Touch as a remote? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-24, 18:07:14 (71.254.118.198)
The ipod Touch seems like a good solution, but a search of the Apple website did not turn up information on this use/feature (remote control of the Mac Mini). Does anyone here use one for a remote con .......
282: Computer Audio Asylum, Mac Mini Music Server Display (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-24, 08:22:43 (75.150.159.9)
What are people here using to display/control a Mac Mini used as a music server? The inexpensive Mac display, a 20-inch flat screen, is $600. It may be worth every penny, but I suspect that it is over .......
283: Tube DIY Asylum, Preamp Filament Volts (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-22, 12:40:42 (71.254.118.198)
I have read numerous opinions on filament voltage vs tube life and sonics. I recently read in Glass Audio 2/89 (Extending Tube Life by Charles King) that preamp tube filaments may be run somewhat lowe .......
284: Computer Audio Asylum, Bryston BDA-1? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-16, 09:52:54 (71.254.118.198)
Has anybody heard the new Bryston BDA-1 dac? This 'looks' like a first class effort by a well established, major player in the audio industry, and offered at a reasonable (though hardly inexpensive) p .......
285: ANK AudioKits Forum, A Very Interesting Comparison (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-14, 06:19:58 (205.238.206.18)
Steve, It sounds like you have heard both (the AN and PS) dacs and compared them. How did each sound and what were the differences? A description of the system would also be helpful. What data sources .......
286: Computer Audio Asylum, USB vs coax? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-11, 18:15:01 (71.254.118.198)
USB has been heralded by many as the best method of transfering digital music files from computer to dac. There are now many dac's with a USB input. Yet, when these are 'tested/reviewed the USB input .......
287: ANK AudioKits Forum, RE: Mac Mini to AN DAC 2.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-11, 06:07:59 (71.254.118.198)
Paul, Thanks for your reply. This is very encouraging, as the Cosecant is on my shortlist for this source component upgrade. Could you tell me a little about your system: in particular, the amp, pream .......
288: ANK AudioKits Forum, Mac Mini to AN DAC 2.1 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-08, 11:07:51 (71.254.118.198)
I am looking into using the Mac Mini with a high quality outboard DAC. The AN DAC 2.1 with USB looks like a good candidate. I searched here for comments on this combination and found very little. Is t .......
289: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Superior Sonics Is A Matter Of Perception (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-05, 13:15:37 (75.150.159.9)
DR, It is my hope that a few people have heard both approaches, and that they would be capable of hearing and characterizing noted differences in sound quality. I do not expect them to agree on the va .......
290: Computer Audio Asylum, Which Platform? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-05, 09:10:01 (75.150.159.9)
Given that a workable solution for a music server is possible on both the PC and Mac platforms, which will provide superior sonics for a max budget of say $4000? I gather that the Mac solution is easi .......
291: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: cics memory player updates? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-03, 17:59:51 (71.254.118.198)
Thanks Dave, I see it is still an evolving project. A person hardly knows when to jump in and just build it. It does seen like most of the upgrades are now software related and the hardware is pretty .......
292: Computer Audio Asylum, cics memory player updates? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-11-02, 07:04:07 (72.70.154.22)
Have there been any significant changes or updates to the cics open source memory player since the plans posted in December 2007? Have any issues surfaced with it, or is it still considered one of the .......
293: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: JBL D131 w el84 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-10, 16:58:40 (72.95.19.253)
For a short term (or longer term) solution you could put them in bass reflex boxes. Try 3 cubic feet, tuned to 40 Hz (two - 3 inch diameter tubes, 5.75 inches long). Put the tubes on the back side of .......
294: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: JBL D131 w el84 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-10, 08:02:40 (205.238.206.18)
I am sure some changes would be needed. However, I think there may be a pro-audio design for the D131. The folks over at the Lansing Heritage website are the ones to talk with about this. Give them a .......
295: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: JBL D131 w el84 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-09, 14:51:13 (72.95.19.253)
Nice drivers, the D131s. They will put out a lot of sound with your 10 watter. They can always be tried on OB, but LF response will likely be pretty limited. You could bring in a 'sub', really a woof .......
296: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Which BLH for FE166E? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-08, 04:38:26 (72.95.19.253)
Jim, I have been curious about BIBs. What is the optimum QT range for a BIB. BLH's are known for their dynamic and detailed bass quality. Having had well extended bass before I am more interested in .......
297: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Which BLH for FE166E? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-08, 04:26:24 (72.95.19.253)
I figure I'll let the drivers breakin before I do any modifications. A few years back I made some phase plugs for a pair of RS 1354 drivers. It took some grain/roughness out of and extended the HF. I .......
298: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Which BLH for FE166E? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-07, 16:56:37 (72.95.19.253)
Thanks for the additional information. I am leaning pretty strongly toward the Austin. The BK-16 is no longer in the running. I am still sifting through the information on the Frugalhorn website. I h .......
299: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Which BLH for FE166E? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-05, 16:09:58 (72.95.19.253)
Many do seem pleased with the BK-16 when used with the 165 driver for which it was designed. Even so, comments on it are mixed. Thanks for the heads up. Bob .......
300: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Which BLH for FE166E? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-05, 16:06:21 (72.95.19.253)
Jim, I am leaning toward the Austin, but can't entirely dismiss the Fostex. Lots of good comments about both, though almost none comparing them. The Frugal horn website does have a wealth of informati .......
301: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Which BLH for FE166E? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-04, 12:11:49 (205.238.206.18)
I am considering a pair of FE166E's in BLH's for a small (12 x 18) room, along wall placement. A number of BLH's have evidently been used with this driver, but the 'Austin', BK-16 and Fostex seem to b .......
302: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Jantzen HES (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-03-04, 05:46:18 (205.238.206.18)
Along these lines, has anybody heard the Jantzen HES (High Efficiency Speaker) using the new JA8008 bass-mid driver and a horn loaded dome tweeter? Sensitivity in the 94 - 96 db/w/m range. F3 of about .......
303: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: HempMatrix FR8C Drivers in Fritz Towers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2008-02-24, 16:17:42 (72.70.160.189)
Todd, Thanks for posting about these drivers. I've been considering them, but wanted to read some feedback on how they sounded. Any idea how they compare (so far) with the Fostex FE 206E, 166E or 167E .......
304: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Heppner horn question? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-12-20, 07:36:45 (205.238.206.18)
Steve, Everybody has an opinion on this, and you may want to develop your own. Depending on your amp, source and ears, you may hear a difference: build the enclosures and try each pair of horns. Let u .......
305: Vintage Asylum, RE: JBL c40 enclosure, 130a and 175 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-07-17, 07:00:08 (205.238.206.18)
Your C40 would be an awesome match for a 2A3 SET. You will have plenty of power for realistic and enjoyable reproduction of most kinds of music. There will be limits - some rock at live levels, large .......
306: Vintage Asylum, RE: JBL c40 enclosure, 130a and 175 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-07-16, 21:37:23 (72.70.144.203)
Frank, If you have an interest in music and enjoy listening to it (not everybody who comes here for advice is into audio and music), consider the possibility that you may have found an excellent speak .......
307: Vintage Asylum, RE: Motorola HI-Fi amp bass. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-07-16, 18:17:31 (72.70.144.203)
Walt, Some of those console tube amps were surprisingly good. There is something really satisfying about getting good sound from such modest beginnings. Here are a few ideas that may be helpful. You d .......
308: Vintage Asylum, RE: Is this really a JBL driver? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-06-29, 12:10:04 (205.238.206.18)
This is a JBL model 260 full range driver, available only thru Ampex. It is not a D216: different (larger) magnet structure, different surround and vented paper dust cap (D216 has an aluminum dust cap .......
309: Vintage Asylum, RE: Woofer opinions for Rectilinears (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-06-24, 14:06:23 (72.70.155.34)
Changing the low frequency alignment will likely change the balance of the sound from these speakers. If you want to retain the sound of these speakers then try to get a closely matching replacement. .......
310: Vintage Asylum, RE: Fisher Custom Futura Console (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-06-19, 08:35:52 (205.238.206.18)
Great find! Can't help with driver ID, but did notice that it is a coax, with the tweeter wires run thru the magnet. The tweeter is probably a 3 - 5 inch alnico/cone mounted on a strap across the fron .......
311: Vintage Asylum, RE: Pioneer CS-A22 speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-06-02, 18:40:09 (72.70.130.121)
John, I have a 16 ohm pair (actually an earlier model without the metal grill frame) and would characterize them as having a smooth, dynamic and surprisingly detailed overall sound, but with reticent .......
312: Vintage Asylum, RE: forgot to ask (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-06-02, 17:50:29 (72.70.130.121)
Pappy, I heard a number of Allied and Knight speakers, but not these. Still, if you like the cabinets I suggest you fire them up and see if they sound promising. They will not likely replace your Boza .......
313: Vintage Asylum, Allied Update (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-06-02, 10:47:55 (72.70.130.121)
The 1970 Allied catalog lists the 2385 as the top of the line for their house brand speakers. The 2395s that Pappy 1st has are surely an early 70s (minor) update of the 15-inch 3-way Allied had as the .......
314: Vintage Asylum, RE: Vintage 15 Ohm Speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-05-31, 10:01:16 (205.238.206.18)
Stales, Most likely, anything significantly less than 15 ohms may/will cause problems. To be on the safe side, choose a 16 ohm speaker or get an 8 ohm speaker and add a series resistor (6-8 ohms for .......
315: Vintage Asylum, Re: Knight KN 775 Integrated Amplifier Any Good? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-04-10, 15:20:46 (72.70.154.3)
Nice find, well worth the effort to restore. Top of the line Knight integrated in 1961, at $169.50 and 36 lb shipping weight. Uses 2 pair of el-34s and 6 (!) 12AX7s. Be sure to replace the selenium di .......
316: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Altec 604 - opinions sought from 604 owners (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-04-02, 13:44:15 (205.238.206.18)
I have heard the 604s in the Stonehenge III and they sounded incredible: well balance, very dynamic and with a realistic image. I am currently using DIY speakers similar to the Model 19s. They use 515 .......
317: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: thanks: using available data at the x over frequency is the best, however (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-24, 18:50:16 (72.70.168.27)
The actual performance of the filter does indeed include the woofer inductance, whether it was included in the crossover design or not. The tables of crossover values generally assume that the filters .......
318: Vintage Asylum, Re: JBL C38 efficiency (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-24, 18:19:16 (72.70.168.27)
If you would post your location, perhaps someone here is nearby who could do that work. It is just parts replacement and soldering, so many here could do it. Bob .......
319: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Do most of you include full value of woofer inductance in Xover inductors? nt (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-24, 08:47:40 (72.70.168.27)
The woofers voice coil has both resistance and inductance (in series), so the impedance varies with frequency. Rather than pick an impedance value (that say represents the average impedance for say an .......
320: Vintage Asylum, Re: JBL C38 efficiency (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-23, 21:32:37 (71.254.119.183)
The D130 is among the most efficient cone drivers produced by JBL, with a sensitivity of 101 db/w/m. The tweeter is even more efficient but is adjusted downward to mate with the D130. They should be e .......
321: Vintage Asylum, Re: Jensen TF-4 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-15, 17:33:47 (72.70.159.230)
While the Jensen Sonodome phenolic dome tweeter will not produce 'air' like more recent domes, it can still do quite well. Most likely the crossover caps have deteriorated - these should be replaced w .......
322: Vintage Asylum, Re: ConeStiffness -or Why Old JBL and Altec Sound Good (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-12, 14:12:28 (205.238.206.18)
I think it also relates to the alignments used with the older drivers, which tended to require larger boxes and ports. The newer drivers are designed to be used in smaller boxes. Cone excursion is vis .......
323: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Altec n00b...what woofers? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-03-11, 16:35:21 (71.254.125.18)
Hi Jim, I would just add that while you will not get performance that is as good as what you heard using parts of lesser quality, you can get pretty close provided that your spl requirements are reaso .......
324: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, OOPS: Suggestion for 3" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-26, 08:26:16 (205.238.206.18)
OOPS! You wanted a 3-inch, not a 4-inch. Try the 3-inch Aurasound at Madisound (http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?cart_id=6581.15647&pid=1757), or consider one of the 4-inch drivers in my fir .......
325: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Suggestion for 3" replacement speaker for portable turntable (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-26, 07:56:59 (205.238.206.18)
These projects are fun, but can be a little disappointing. Very often the components in equipment in this price range are very well matched. That is, the performance of the phono cartridge is matched .......
326: Vintage Asylum, Re: Can anyone identify this speaker? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-24, 17:26:49 (71.254.127.192)
The seller makes a big deal about the pedigre of these speakers, but never really identifies the model. There is no model information on the back of the speaker either. The drivers are KEF, but the B2 .......
327: Vintage Asylum, Re: Vintage University Speaker labeled 8-16 ohms ??? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-23, 08:28:30 (205.238.206.18)
I have a pair of these in my vintage driver collection. Re = 5.8 ohms (nominal 8 ohms), about 14 ohms at 10 kHz and between 6 and 10 ohms from 100 Hz to 3.5 kHzFs. These will work well in reflex cabin .......
328: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Old madisound (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-17, 18:57:07 (71.254.119.135)
Hey Kloss, I first shopped at Madisound when they were downtown, near the library, a few blocks off the 'Square'. My favorite Madisound product from those days (early 70's) was a folded transmission l .......
329: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Karlson Tuned Pipe - -Karlson's matching shelf (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-08, 19:58:10 (72.70.160.54)
Freddy, The pictures are worth a thousand words. Remarkable coincidence or genius, the karlson's performance is indeed the result of a unique combination of design elements. Thanks for a great post, .......
330: Vintage Asylum, Re: Here you go (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-07, 14:17:38 (72.95.13.35)
Not much to add to Rons excellent post and link. The 1966 Audio Equipment Directory lists the woofers free air resonance as 30 Hz. The 'Directory' and the Allied and Lafayette catalogs for 1966 and 19 .......
331: Vintage Asylum, Re: Thanks! Do you know . . . (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-07, 08:51:23 (205.238.206.18)
Richard, I'll see what I can find for specs when I get home. They are a nominal 8 ohm load. There have been questions about the Model 7s before, so a search of the archives (EV model 7 or 7B) here wil .......
332: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Karlson Tuned Pipe (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-07, 08:38:00 (205.238.206.18)
I tried a couple tuned pipes with k-slot terminations and they did not perform well - no real bass. Of two possible slot orientations, the orientation with the slot opening at the bottom worked the be .......
333: Vintage Asylum, Re: Right. here's that number. (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-07, 08:04:01 (205.238.206.18)
I think you have a pair from the EV Model 7 family, with non-original crossovers. Most likely, the original crossover parts have been replaced with modern, higher quality parts of the same value (or c .......
334: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Dads old speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-02-04, 09:24:59 (71.254.121.176)
rickyd, Those Oaktron drivers were never state of the art and are well behind now. The 8-inch Oaktron with cloth accordian surround and 6.8 oz alnico magnet needed a cabinet about the size of your cab .......
335: Vintage Asylum, Re: Magnavox Console Part Question (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-01-15, 18:19:58 (72.70.163.156)
There is a lot of expertise at the Magnavox yahoo group. Try asking there. There a several schematics there also. If you plan on restoring this console, you should consider getting the SAMS photofact .......
336: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Sluggish Spendor speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-01-14, 23:28:52 (72.70.147.198)
My point was really in agreement with you, that the best way to proceed would be to keep the stock driver lineup intact and change the tuning, based either on the t/s parameters and modeling, or simpl .......
337: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Sluggish Spendor speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-01-14, 06:51:44 (72.70.146.121)
Building on what you said, the poster (Johncee) could consider having the T/S parameters for the woofers measured. Then he could check the existing, stock alignemnt and see if a better one could be de .......
338: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Fostex or Tang Band for table radio speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2007-01-13, 11:12:56 (72.70.137.25)
Hi Pete, I suspect that a lot of effort has been put into voicing this radio, which would include not only the speaker, but the amplifier (damping factor, caps, etc.). That is not to say that the radi .......
339: Vintage Asylum, Re: magnavox SE 6BQ5 clone.... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-12-14, 13:00:00 (205.238.206.18)
Hi Malder, Nice project. Which OTs (Hammonds?) and caps (pws and coupling) did you use? How does it sound? What speakers are you using? I have a rebuilt/modified Maggie SE and it definitely has that ' .......
340: Vintage Asylum, Re: Wharfedale W60-D Audiophile professional monitor speakers with furniture grade Cherry Wood cabinets (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-12-04, 08:37:08 (205.238.206.18)
"The tweeters don't look like the fried egg tweeters from the WxxD series but possibly aftermarket soft dome replacements. Wharfedales are not designed for super powered amps having been engineered fo .......
341: Vintage Asylum, Re: I think HDTV will survive but... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-11-15, 13:22:06 (205.238.206.18)
I have to agree and add that even if a superior format comes along, it must be perceived as a significant improvement by enough people to make it economically viable. Hardly mentioned in this thread, .......
342: Tubes Asylum, Re: Grommes LJ-6 Buzzing (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-11-15, 06:53:39 (205.238.206.18)
Thanks guys, There was a bad cap section and so will have to replace all 4 sections. I am just going to replace all of the electrolytics. This circuit has a number of clever, cost saving 'innovations' .......
343: Tubes Asylum, Grommes LJ-6 Buzzing (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-11-12, 20:34:08 (72.70.151.176)
Hi, I recently acquired a Grommes LJ-6 in great cosmetic condition. When powered up it emits a loud buzz through the speaker that is not affected by the volume control. This is not a 60 or 120 HZ hum. .......
344: Vintage Asylum, Re: Altec A7 Components (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-10-17, 09:57:17 (205.238.206.18)
For $300 you can hardly go wrong. A pair of the 416A's typically go for well over $300 on eBay. Beyond cost, you need to be aware that these will sound quite different from most commercial offerings, .......
345: Vintage Asylum, Impact of HD on the analog signal (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-10-16, 11:55:33 (205.238.206.18)
Hi Jon, When my favorite local NPR station started broadcasting in HD the analog signal sharply declined in quality: it was much softer, with a loss of HF and detail. It was quite obvious even on an o .......
346: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: JBL D130H in custom cabinets. AWESOME (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-10-12, 13:25:45 (205.238.206.18)
Hi Henry, Speakerlab used some good drivers, including some very good EV midrange and tweeter horns (and drivers). If they are EVs, then you may not gain much sonically for the money for JBL tweeters. .......
347: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: basic T/S parameters are NOT that hard to measure :-) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-10-03, 11:08:22 (205.238.206.18)
Your drivers are in open-back cabinets. Given that they apparently sound quite good, the drivers and cabinets were likely designed to work well together. Surprisingly good sound is possible using this .......
348: Vintage Asylum, Re: Recommend VIntage 6BQ5 Stereo Amp Please (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-09-10, 05:18:43 (72.70.170.158)
DrD, I think that Steve hit on the top picks (the Leak and Dyna) but here are a couple others worth considering: Eico HF-14 (mono), Eico HF-86 (stereo), any of the Fisher console power amps, and the G .......
349: Vintage Asylum, Re: Grommes LJ-2 sounds rolled off (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-09-02, 21:51:01 (72.70.128.245)
Charles, Just deoxit the socket contacts and bend the driver tube pins (for 9-pin tubes, like 12AX7's) slightly outward. This usually solves tube contact problems. Still, you may eventually want to re .......
350: Vintage Asylum, Re: speakers - EV, Altec or JBL (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-08-26, 11:40:52 (72.95.4.61)
Hi JTB, You clearly have a set of sound quality values that places dynamics at or near the top of the list. While a set of tricked-out Larger Advents will have lower tonal coloration, deeper and bette .......
351: Vintage Asylum, Still listening to tubes...from a nearby overlook (nt) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-08-19, 10:13:20 (72.70.164.161)
nt .......
352: Vintage Asylum, Re: Phase Research speaker (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-08-09, 07:09:32 (72.70.169.52)
Chef, The HD13D34H was a high class tweeter in the late 70s and early 80s. It was designed for use in high quality/high priced 2-way systems (esp. British). Here are a few specs: diaphram diameter: 1 .......
353: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: The HE sound and Holographic Imaging (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-09, 18:19:47 (72.70.145.148)
I did not build a high quality clone of the stock crossover because of the frequency contouring oprions. They employ custom autoformers with multiple taps (high quality), but the caps were electrolyti .......
354: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Altec Bolero 890c insides not wired? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-09, 18:00:12 (72.70.145.148)
TE, If you got a pair of the Altec Bolero's cheap you got a pretty good buy. Don't worry about the apparently 'dead' 10 inch drivers. They are passive radiators. They function kind of like a bass port .......
355: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, The HE sound and Holographic Imaging (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-08, 10:18:19 (71.254.119.193)
Welcome to the more life-like sound of HE loudspeakers. IME the HE sound, while apparent with cones and ribbons, is best realized with horn loaded cones and (especially) compression drivers. The more .......
356: Vintage Asylum, Re: KLH Research Ten turntable? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-08, 07:38:16 (72.95.1.245)
The KLH research 10 Model 60 manual table was produced in the mid-70's when it sold for about $150, or $175 with a Pickering XV-15 750e cartridge. I saw them but never used one. From a description in .......
357: Vintage Asylum, EV 12TRXB on OB (NT) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-07, 07:55:57 (72.70.147.75)
NT .......
358: Vintage Asylum, Re: Is there a poor man's Eico HF 81? NT (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-06, 12:13:15 (205.238.206.18)
The Eico HF-81 is already a poor mans entry to good tube audio sound. They nearly always need a lot of restoration, tube replacement and parts upgrades. For several hundred dollars you do get a comple .......
359: Vintage Asylum, Re: Installed turntables (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-07-05, 07:01:02 (205.238.206.18)
The most popular turntables among US console stereo manufacturers was VOM, followed by Webcor. However, Magnavox out-sold the other brands by a wide margin and they used Collaro. Toward the end of the .......
360: Vintage Asylum, Re: Looking for efficient speakers for my Superscope Amp! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-06-24, 20:44:59 (72.70.156.164)
Brian, Not sure just how small you want, but a number of nice vintage options are available including the Fisher XP-5, 6, 50, 55B, 60; EV-7, 7A; Sansui SP-30, 50; Bose 301; Altec 893A; Dynaco A-25XL; .......
361: Vintage Asylum, Re: Electro-Voice "Princess" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-06-19, 17:46:47 (72.70.162.7)
In the 1963 Allied catalog the Princess is listed among 'top performing shelf speakers'. It is described as the 'newest and smallest 2-way speaker system in the Electrovoice family of compacts'. A lis .......
362: Vintage Asylum, Re: Electro-Voice "Princess" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-06-19, 06:50:58 (205.238.206.18)
I would have expected these to have pretty good midrange, not nasal and constricted. Of course they will not even approach the midrange clarity and dynamics of your Cornwalls. If you are up to some DI .......
363: Vintage Asylum, Re: Electro-Voice "Princess" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-06-18, 14:39:58 (71.254.125.90)
The EV 'Princess' is listed in the 1963 Allied catalog. All it adds to your description is dimensions of 10 5/8 x 19 1/2 x 8 inches, capacity of 20 watts, crossover at 2000cps, and response of 60-15,0 .......
364: Vintage Asylum, Re: Found an old Curtis Mathes console, where to begin. . . . (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-29, 18:20:28 (71.254.121.177)
Nice find! With a little cleaning and parts replacement/repair you should be up and running. Here is a start. 1) post the same question at the 'vintage console stereo' group at yahoo.com - this is the .......
365: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Shock - Awe - Horror! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-25, 11:11:58 (205.238.206.18)
Non-round, non-tractrix ... horns! Along with a Karlson! Why did they pick those? Good sound perhaps? Bob .......
366: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Mini Hedlund Pic....... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-20, 15:43:14 (72.70.141.116)
Nice! What drivers do you plan on using in them? Have you tried them out yet? How low will they go? What is the quality of the bass? Do they sound balanced without a sub? Bob .......
367: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: D123s in a Karlson? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-18, 20:10:31 (71.254.123.67)
Thanks Freddy, I asked because I have a pair of D123s and am curious about the Karlson design. Sounds like the D123 may not be optimal for Karlson use. I have gotten the impression that the 15 is the .......
368: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: D123s (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-18, 18:29:58 (72.70.140.187)
One of the principal virtues of the D123 is usable response up to several kHz. The D123 is efficient but does not have the power handling of modern pro grade HE drivers. A 2-inch driver allows a lowe .......
369: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: D123s in a Karlson? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-18, 13:26:22 (205.238.206.18)
Freddy, How well do you think the D123 would work in a Karlson? Worth trying? Bob .......
370: Vintage Asylum, Re: jens r106? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-11, 13:42:45 (205.238.206.18)
There is very little information available on the Jensen RP-103/106 horns. There is a meager amount over at hifilit.com, and on the JM Labs website. The Jensens are smooth and dynamic, and will not as .......
371: Vintage Asylum, Re: allied knight vintage speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-05-02, 06:32:09 (205.238.206.18)
The lows sound a little muddy because the enclosure is much too small. This driver will need 4-6 cf to begin to breath. That may sound big, but once you move from a bookshelf speaker to a floor stande .......
372: Vintage Asylum, Re: An interesting observation with all tube stereo (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-27, 21:54:06 (71.254.125.224)
Marc, I too have heard this phenomenon, but with tubes and with both horns and full-range single driver systems. It seems to me that the common factor is tubes. The case of the full range , single dri .......
373: Vintage Asylum, Myths, Stereotypes and Speculation (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-27, 21:28:34 (71.254.125.224)
Without particulars we are speaking in generalizations. So, yes, tube amps may have more output above the bass range due to the relatively high output impedance interacting with the speakers variable .......
374: Vintage Asylum, Re: Stereophile Review of Smaller Advent (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-27, 17:57:31 (72.70.142.149)
If the (re)cones were not stock the review is hardly valid, as not only the bass response is changed (response curve and damping), but the range above the bass is likely changed. The voicing of the sp .......
375: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: AD5060SQ8 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-27, 13:08:39 (205.238.206.18)
I remember this midrange driver very well. This midrange (along with the AD160 series dome tweeters)was widely used in the 70s and early 80s. It has a very colored sound due to a strongly nonflat freq .......
376: Vintage Asylum, Stereophile Review of Smaller Advent (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-26, 18:27:26 (72.70.142.23)
The May 06' issue of Stereophile arrived a few days ago. I usually get mine a few days after others post having received an issue, so my guess is that many here have received the new issue and read th .......
377: Vintage Asylum, Re: Sweet Alnico horn tweeter on Sansui SP-30 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-22, 09:20:37 (72.70.140.78)
I used film caps from Dayton and Solen. They sounded essentially the same. The Daytons are marginally less expensive, but have somewhat thinner, less durable leads. These provide a cleaner window for .......
378: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Cheap Digital ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-20, 19:50:36 (71.254.120.194)
How many of those cheap opamps and electrolytics are in the analog circuitry? Bob .......
379: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: How efficient for SE 2A3? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-20, 15:13:30 (71.254.122.160)
For moderate volumes you should do just fine with any of several vintage and current high efficiency drivers. Since you have a large room you can presumably have large speaker cabinets, right? So, in .......
380: Vintage Asylum, Re: Sweet Alnico horn tweeter on Sansui SP-30 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-19, 18:40:32 (71.254.116.140)
Dave, The T-50N used in the SP-30 has a considerably lighter magnetic structure than the T-200 used in the SP-2000, although they use the same horn and diaphram. However, the T-50N sounds clean and ef .......
381: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, D123 Primer (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-14, 19:34:39 (71.254.114.193)
Scott, Measure the dcr of your drivers. IME, the 16 ohm drivers have a dcr close to 6.4 ohms and the 8 ohm versions have a dcr close to 5.1 ohms. That said, I ran into one 16 ohm driver with a 5.1 ohm .......
382: Vintage Asylum, Early Domes: Jensen vs AR (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-13, 14:50:42 (71.254.123.61)
The 1961 Allied catalog has only horn and cone tweeters for Jensen. It also has the AR-3 (with dome), AR-2A (with dome), AR-1 and dome add-ons (a dome in a small wood box) for the AR-1 (AR-3T: adds a .......
383: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: D123s (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-13, 13:02:03 (205.238.206.18)
Steve, I have experience with D-123's. They do indeed work well in a 4cf reflex box. I had good results with a number of hf drivers. IME the most difficult issue was the hf resonance of the aluminum d .......
384: Vintage Asylum, The devil is in the details... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-13, 09:46:51 (205.238.206.18)
The woofer used in the model 23 was designed for a 3-way system. Given a heavier cone (to achieve a lower Fs), the hf extension is likely to be less than the 12-inch used in the Model 6. Even if the s .......
385: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Help Identify These (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-07, 11:12:28 (205.238.206.18)
The low-end EV's I've seen had Philips/Norelco paper, dual-cone drivers. They actually sounded quite good. Bass was respectable and HF definition way exceeded that from my KLH 17's. They had a round f .......
386: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Source Impedance ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-04-01, 08:09:18 (71.254.118.45)
GM, Thanks for the clarification. I was not aware of GW's 2A3 amp being an impedance matching design. Such a design would have maximum power transfer, but would work optimally with very overdamped, lo .......
387: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Source Impedance ? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-29, 17:58:12 (72.70.132.58)
"So what kind or source impedance did you assume?" Good question. The source impedance was that used in a previous analysis (2 ohms). That is surely less than the Wright 2A3 SET. Hence, damping was ov .......
388: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Back in the Days Design Technique (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-27, 17:51:40 (71.254.220.130)
Hi GM, I have enjoyed and learned from many of your posts, but find this most recent one somewhat enigmatic. A sim of the above driver/enclosure (515B in Vb 20cf=Vas, Fb 40Hz=1.62Fs)indicates a 5db pe .......
389: Vintage Asylum, Re: naw, I think they just fell out of fashion... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-26, 08:32:48 (72.70.133.233)
Yep, they were replaced first by aluminum domes, then by titanium domes. Many of the metal domes have more obvious, hifi sound quality. However, a good cloth/silk dome is still competitive (preferable .......
390: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: 15" Woofers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-26, 07:50:42 (72.70.133.233)
Jim, If your intention is to build a speaker system to be driven full range by your 2A3 amp, then the 15-inch will need to provide extended bass, say to the 30-40Hz range. You will need a driver with .......
391: Vintage Asylum, Keep It Simple (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-23, 21:02:17 (71.254.220.237)
In as much as you appear to be just starting out on the restoration and modification path, you should keep things as simple as possible. Before you give up on the pots, try cleaning them with Liquid W .......
392: Vintage Asylum, Re: My Marantz 2230 developed full loud bass on the right channel (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-22, 12:52:16 (205.238.206.18)
Henry, Before you start digging too deep in the repair department, consider cleaning the push-button switch for the loudness circuitry. I had that problem with my 2216B - cleaning the loudness switch .......
393: Vintage Asylum, Re: Impressions of the Fried (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-19, 17:35:08 (71.254.115.118)
The Fried A/3's are 'line tunnels'. Really a reflex vent with open cell foam to provide a resistive termination. It was a very optimized design. Very similar to the damped vent used in the Dynaco A-25 .......
394: Vintage Asylum, Re: Fried A/3's how much? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-17, 18:50:11 (71.254.121.241)
Will, The Fried A/3 was a rather large 8-inch 2-way that retailed for $580/pair (1984). They were pretty decent sounding (good deep bass, nice mids and dynamics) and easy to drive. Never run into a pa .......
395: Vintage Asylum, Re: 2-3 ohms difference in two drivers - how big is that? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-15, 18:21:53 (71.254.220.105)
Todd, Nominal 16 ohm speakers typically have a dcr in the range of 10-14 ohms, so both of your drivers are nominal 16 ohm drivers. All else being equal, a 2-3 ohm difference in dcr in a nominal 16 ohm .......
396: Vintage Asylum, Stromberg Carlson Box Tuning (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-15, 16:15:07 (71.254.124.178)
David, Your cabinets appear to be approximately 6 cf internal volume (30x23x16). The most useful tunings will be with the vent adjusted for the range of 1.5 to 4.5 inches (constant 12 inch width), for .......
397: Vintage Asylum, Re: Ampex Speker Find (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-14, 15:22:37 (71.254.220.51)
Dave, Ampex equipment was generally at least very good, even at the budget end of the line. While there were no JBL drivers in the 'treasure chest', the 6x9 dual cones may actually be quite decent. Ju .......
398: Vintage Asylum, Re: Are these rebadged Utah Speakers? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-13, 10:22:33 (205.238.206.18)
The tweeters are a copy of (or maybe are) the Jensen P-35 VAH. Pretty decent in the range they can cover, but thats just it - they are not very extended (about 14kHz). Before you give up on them, chec .......
399: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Use what you have... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-13, 06:09:34 (205.238.206.18)
The Santana II cabinets have about 3.5 cf internal volume and will work just fine. To start with, mount the 10 inch triax using an adaptor plate (mounts on hole for 12 inch but has cutout for 10 inch) .......
400: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: How large of a cabinet are you thinking?(nt) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-12, 15:45:07 (72.70.131.150)
Minimum of 3cf, and would really recommend 4cf. They are worth it if you have the space. Build a simple 3 - 4 cf box from cheap plywood or particle board and vent with a 5x5 inch hole - experiment wit .......
401: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: This National (Matushita brand) later known in the US as Panasonic (nt) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-11, 06:28:26 (72.70.132.194)
These appear 'identical' to the Lafayette SK-180. The Lafayette was just rebadged. I mention this because there is a little information available on the SK-180 for what its worth: Fs 35-50 Hz, crossov .......
402: Vintage Asylum, Re: Stromberg Carlson Custom 400 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-10, 06:24:22 (205.238.206.18)
David, The coax driver you have is certainly capable of extension to at least 40 Hz. The tuning of the enclosure is critical to its bass performance. If you could measure the free air resonance of the .......
403: Vintage Asylum, Re: Buttin' in off the topic here, but... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-10, 06:04:01 (205.238.206.18)
Hi Gordy, Fitting new parts in can be a challenge. Those Sherwood amps were and, with a little work, still are great amplifiers. Glad you are pleased with the result. Bob .......
404: Vintage Asylum, 2nd triode is just a voltage amplifier (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-08, 21:11:20 (71.254.121.154)
The 2nd 1/2 of the 6EU7 is connected to the mag phono preamp when that input is selected and does indeed provide gain, as do the following stages. However, it functions as a simple voltage amplifier. .......
405: Vintage Asylum, 2nd triode not = phono preamp (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-08, 19:40:00 (71.254.121.154)
Hi Ron, You are correct about the volume control being in front of the tone controls. Been spending a fair amount of time on a Scott 222B with the volume control after the tone controls. However, the .......
406: Vintage Asylum, Re: "hum, It increases as volume increases" (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-08, 17:15:39 (71.254.120.212)
A pretty solid clue at that. Check the power supply caps feeding stages in front of the volume control, probably in the tone control gain stage(s). A person could leave the original can in place to ma .......
407: Vintage Asylum, Right, but Who said that? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-08, 13:41:09 (205.238.206.18)
Ron, I said: "You will find that a multimeter to measure resistance, voltage and current to be a very useful tool. First use...measure the impedance (actually the 'direct current resistence' or dcr) o .......
408: Vintage Asylum, Re: freq responce irregularity of 1965 Cuttis Mathis Console (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-07, 16:25:27 (71.254.220.120)
KP, These consoles were designed to sound pleasant. I suspect that the 'enhanced midrange' you are experiencing is due to a bad cap or poor connection in the loudness contour circuit - its tied in wit .......
409: Vintage Asylum, Re: freq responce irregularity of 1965 Cuttis Mathis Console (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-06, 17:43:56 (72.70.131.29)
K-Bob, Consoles were not designed for the relatively high listening levels we enjoy today. They were primarily meant for relaxing, background music, kind of like a big radio. I suspect that you are he .......
410: Vintage Asylum, Re: Stromberg Carlson Custom 400 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-06, 16:37:17 (72.70.131.29)
David, In the late 50's SC marketed 2 enclosures for their 12-inch drivers. The smaller one (RH-413)was made for corner placement and had an internal volume of approximately 7 cf. The larger one (RH-4 .......
411: Vintage Asylum, Listening Mileposts (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-06, 12:35:34 (205.238.206.18)
At age 10 I was totally captivated by the sound of my uncles Airline stereo console. Way better than our Admiral monophonic console. When I was a junior in high school, my electronics class visited a .......
412: Vintage Asylum, Re: opening a sealed speaker enclosure (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-06, 08:21:54 (205.238.206.18)
I'll second Gary's suggestion, but add a word of caution. Most vintage 12-inch coaxial drivers require a fairly large box (usually vented) for smooth, extended bass. Mounting one in a bookshelf sized .......
413: Vintage Asylum, Re: 1970's Speakers For Vintage System (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-06, 07:50:58 (205.238.206.18)
Along with system synergy, the types of music you most often listen to, typical volume levels, room size, speaker positions available (near wall, bookshelf, etc.) and personal sonic priorities (imagin .......
414: Vintage Asylum, Re: Scott 222 parts list (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-03, 12:47:57 (205.238.206.18)
Which version of the Scott 222 do you have? Where is the cap located in the circuit - which stage and what is its function? I have information on the B and C versions, and am currently working on a B. .......
415: Vintage Asylum, Re: Vintage speaker cabinets (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-03-02, 10:38:33 (205.238.206.18)
You could consider the Bozak B207 coax and using it with the cabinet sealed. It has a larger frame than a 12-inch and might be an easy fit. These are relatively common on eBay and go for reasonable pr .......
416: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Altec 604-c (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-27, 16:38:51 (72.70.133.4)
"I'm just looking at newer style cabinets w/ minimum diffraction front panels ( small width) and thought a new design might sound better." Check out the Stonehenge III: tall, narrow cabinet. When you .......
417: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Altec 604-c (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-27, 09:16:40 (205.238.206.18)
Consider building Altec 17's or Stonehenge III's, both of which used a version of the 604. While there are many versions of the 604, all are low Qts, low Fs, low Mms, high efficiency drivers, so they .......
418: Vintage Asylum, Re: console stereo websites? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-23, 20:12:54 (71.254.121.15)
Check out the 'vintage stereo console' and 'Magnavox freinds' forums at Yahoo.com. Bob .......
419: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, T/S for Vintage Speakers - which ones? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-14, 11:49:12 (205.238.206.18)
The T/S parameters for many vintage drivers have been measured by various folks on this forum. If you would post what drivers you have, somebody who has already measured and has experience with them c .......
420: Vintage Asylum, Re: Old Radio - Replace Tubes? First... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-06, 08:52:23 (205.238.206.18)
I would strongly suggest that you check the tubes on a good tube tester (transconductance, not just emission). Often these radios were not heavily used and the tubes are still in very good shape, with .......
421: Vintage Asylum, Re: Help with adjusting vintage Magnavox Imperial record changer (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-05, 12:45:08 (71.254.126.106)
To start with, make sure that the new cartridge is properly oriented - cartridge body parallel to the grooves at about 2/3 out from the record center. On most changers there is a set-down adjustment .......
422: Vintage Asylum, Re: Star grounding and reduced hum by Pat Tobin (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-02-04, 16:17:33 (71.254.125.33)
Pat, Great summary of grounding guidelines. Have seen most of this scattered in various posts, but it communicates much better as presented here. Thanks for posting. Bob .......
423: Vintage Asylum, Re: Electro Voice E-V TWO (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-28, 09:03:56 (71.254.127.59)
The EV 2 was an early 60's model. It had a 12-inch cast frame woofer (SP-12B derivative - no 'radax' cone) in a sealed enclosure of about 2.5 cf internal volume, and a 4 x 10 inch (frame dimens.) nonr .......
424: Vintage Asylum, If it's functional and you want one, go for it! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-26, 16:16:59 (71.254.222.30)
Check it out before you buy. Plays undistorted? All the lights work? Controls work without static? Any significant scratches or dents? Back panel is clean, speaker connections in-tact, RCA connectors .......
425: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Quick answer on BR boxes (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-22, 09:40:49 (71.254.220.15)
As box volume is increased beyond that required for an optimally flat response, peaking develops at the bottom of the passband. The peaking is more severe for high Qts drivers than for low Qts drivers .......
426: Vintage Asylum, Re: What about the KLH-17's? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-22, 07:00:13 (71.254.117.246)
Hi Jerry, I guess that I was really interested in how the range covered by the KLH tweeter stacks up to the same range in the Advents and JBLs. Are there significant audible differences in dynamics, d .......
427: Vintage Asylum, What about the KLH-17's? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-21, 17:18:31 (71.254.127.222)
A while ago you were working pretty steadily on the KLH-17's. Sounded like they had come a long ways. At one point you thought (as I recall) that the 17's highs were right in there with the Advents an .......
428: Vintage Asylum, Re: allied 2300c speakers (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-21, 12:51:01 (71.254.125.86)
The 2300C was a late 60's model from Allied Electronics, available as a kit (CK version, $80) and assembled (C version, $100). It was a 12-inch, 3-way system with decent quality Electrovoice drivers. .......
429: Vintage Asylum, the Front End is important (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-21, 08:01:43 (71.254.220.80)
It's amazing what some vintage speakers can do when fed a high quality signal. While many claim that speakers are the weakest link (with respect to bandwidth, response flatness and distortion), it is .......
430: Vintage Asylum, Re: So how MUCH of a difference is a ceramic cap over a foil (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-18, 20:46:09 (71.254.114.155)
"Hey I was appreciating it before I popped the hood and saw those caps. But even before I looked the original one siding side by side does have a large sonic edge - drifting resistors and all." Seems .......
431: Vintage Asylum, What were you using for CD playback? (nt) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-18, 13:40:52 (205.238.206.18)
nt .......
432: Vintage Asylum, 'Tilt' (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-16, 18:09:18 (71.254.127.97)
Put them on low stands with tilt-back or turn them over. Either way you will need some tilt-back and a listening distance far enough to allow driver integration. Given that most of the baffle realesta .......
433: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Affordable 1 inch phenolic (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-15, 17:53:17 (71.254.220.61)
Affordable is in the pocket book of the heholder, but the Selenium D250-X is a 1-inch phenolic driver that is surely affordable (pair for $70). Has decent specs, at least for the money. Looks like it .......
434: Vintage Asylum, Re: Stylus cantilever deformation? (long) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-15, 08:51:20 (71.254.121.154)
"the AR arm is not suited to high compliance cartridges. Too much friction, and too high mass. " As was pointed out below (post by Orthophonic), the AR arm has relatively low mass. Pivot friction in s .......
435: Vintage Asylum, Re: more on the Pioneer CS-801 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-14, 11:26:02 (71.254.221.240)
The original caps were probably spec'ed to +/- 10 to 20 %. It's best to stick within about 10%. Replacing a 3.0 with a 3.3 and a 14 with a 15 will be fine. You can get closer if you like. Caps wired i .......
436: Vintage Asylum, Re: "original" cartridge for AR-XA (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-13, 20:23:23 (71.254.114.59)
In 1969 I chose from among the Shure M93E (my pick), Pickering V15/ATE-3 and Empire 888E for an additional $5.00. The $0.01 cartridges were the Shure M75-6, Pickering V15/AC-3 and the Empire 888. Seve .......
437: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: 15" alnico... OB? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-09, 14:42:02 (71.254.123.131)
Dan, Nice find. The 15 inchers will work fine on an OB. They have a smooth rolloff at the high end so a low-pass crossover is optional. A single 4 inch (one of the pair on the left) will not keep up w .......
438: Vintage Asylum, Re: Completion of the Advents-film caps (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-08, 19:14:55 (71.254.220.144)
Glad you are pleased with the film caps. They are evidently a good choice in your system as currently configured. It would be interesting to get your impressions of the 'completed Advents' with a coup .......
439: Vintage Asylum, Re: Pseudo-vintage---some thoughts (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-08, 16:02:48 (71.254.220.144)
Well, not its not exactly a SOTA design. It's too bad the Qt is so high (producing what appears to be about 10db of bass peaking) and the piezo tweeter is rather peaky (including a strong suckout betw .......
440: Vintage Asylum, Re: Does anyone know anything about Altec Lansing 839A Corona speakers? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-07, 18:21:59 (71.254.113.146)
Cone tweeters were common in pre-70's speakers and some of them were actually quite good. While they do not generally have the HF extension of modern dome tweeters, they frequently offer superior dyna .......
441: Vintage Asylum, Re: Does anyone know anything about Altec Lansing 839A Corona speakers? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-07, 07:53:48 (71.254.126.47)
There was a Corona 832A (floor stander) and an 893A (bookshelf). Double check the number and describe the speakers (size, driver compliment, etc.). Most any Altec is worth consider and highly desirabl .......
442: Vintage Asylum, Impedance (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-05, 11:46:24 (71.254.124.240)
Yes, you are spot on. The amp/signal sees a load that is an impedance with reactive and resistive components. The reactive components vary with frequency. For caps the reactance goes up as the frequen .......
443: Vintage Asylum, Re: Non-bright and the Advents (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-03, 20:22:34 (71.254.127.238)
It would be interesting to compare the hybrid cap (bipolar/film) with a film cap (or film 15 uf and 0.47 film and foil) of the same value. Bob .......
444: Vintage Asylum, Alternative to all-film caps (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-03, 17:04:59 (71.254.122.95)
For a better solution than the all film or hybrid electrolytic/film&foil crossover cap try an ASC or GE paper in oil cap (I think Angela is still carrying them) with a film and foil in parallel. It sh .......
445: Vintage Asylum, I tried treating each of the offenders... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-03, 07:50:05 (205.238.206.18)
In my efforts to address HF edginess I tried 'under the chassis' RF filtration solutions with only minimal audible improvement. With rational, low to moderate cost solutions seemingly exhausted, I dec .......
446: Vintage Asylum, Re: Non-bright sound, some thoughts ... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2006-01-02, 16:50:35 (71.254.127.21)
Jerry, Nice job of describing 2 important performance issues ('non-loud' and 'non-bright'). I have been traveling that path (my guess is that many on the asylum have) for many years. You appear to hav .......
447: Vintage Asylum, Re: Looking for a possible match... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-19, 15:11:35 (151.205.239.219)
Bandman, The drivers in the BR-1 are rated at 50 w rms and 75 w max. A high power receiver could provide the headroom you need to avoid clipping. However, a quick model run on the BR-1 indicates that .......
448: Vintage Asylum, Re: WT-2 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-16, 19:04:28 (141.158.186.36)
Ken, Thanks for the info. I'll probably live with the WT-1 until it either fails or I can't find a computer to run it on. It has been an incredible tool. I often use vintage drivers for which there ar .......
449: Vintage Asylum, WT-2 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-15, 19:18:56 (151.205.227.29)
Ken, How does the new version of the woofer tester compare with the original. Ease of use? Better printable graphs? Other features? I have the original, have been pleased with it and had no problems. .......
450: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Connecting a supertweeter (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-15, 10:26:13 (205.238.206.18)
Its really pretty simple, easy and inexpensive (like around $10-$15). Put a 0.47 uf Dayton film and foil cap (or your choice) in series with the supertweeter, followed by an L-pad. Adjust the tweeter .......
451: Vintage Asylum, Re: Glare is in the Speakers of the Beholder (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-12, 18:21:05 (141.151.209.171)
Jerry, I had not really considered the possibility that the glare could be caused by amplifier-speaker interaction. Kind of like the cartridge-preamp interaction that Holman understood and solved with .......
452: Vintage Asylum, Re: Glare is in the Speakers of the Beholder (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-12, 11:34:42 (205.238.206.18)
I do not think that the sonic signature of the passive components is entirely or even substantially related to frequency response variations. It is only partly perceived as a response difference. I ha .......
453: Vintage Asylum, Horn Driver DCR (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-12, 11:06:46 (205.238.206.18)
Specs for these and other Altec drivers can be found at the great Plains website. The resistance (dcr) of drivers is typically around 12 ohms for the 16 ohm models and 6-7 ohms for the 8 ohm models. A .......
454: Vintage Asylum, Glare is in the Speakers of the Beholder (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-12, 10:24:50 (205.238.206.18)
I am going to suggest that this glare is largely due to the deliberate choice of passive components made when these receivers were voiced. Your choice of speakers will strongly influence your percepti .......
455: Vintage Asylum, Re: Iconic speakers / simple checks (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-12, 10:01:14 (205.238.206.18)
If you have some rudimentary electronics capability, there are a couple things to check. First, visually check for loose or disconnected connections. Often there is a wire obviously just hanging below .......
456: Vintage Asylum, Re: Pioneer CS-510 resurrection (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-11, 19:41:40 (141.158.181.170)
I have the bass drivers from the CS-500. Given the similarity of the 500 and 510 systems, they are likely pretty similar to your CS-510 drivers (although they do not have the same part number). The CS .......
457: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: breakup tradeoffs in 2-way 15" based designs? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-09, 16:37:13 (209.158.234.66)
Most of the older, low mms drivers were designed for controlled, gradational cone decoupling (engineered/designed cone breakup) as a method of extending response and maintaining dispersion. It works v .......
458: Vintage Asylum, Dayton Non-inductives (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-08, 12:19:15 (205.238.206.18)
Jerry, I found the same thing. When I thought that I had nailed down the best sounding resistance values for L-pad attenuation, I would replace the pot with hard wired resistors. Not thinking about it .......
459: Vintage Asylum, Re: Lack of Patience (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-02, 08:32:08 (205.238.206.18)
My guess is that 2 retired baby boomers simply wanted a pair because its what they wanted or remembered from when they were young, and money was really not an issue. It is evident from the bidding rec .......
460: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: University 312 Tri-axial / Diffaxial (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-01, 08:32:31 (205.238.206.18)
The sphericon tweeter is a small horn loaded dome with a dispersion bead. The horn version uses a small compression driver with a small horn (but much larger than the sphericon horn). Both use phenoli .......
461: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: University 312 Tri-axial / Diffaxial (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-12-01, 06:11:48 (205.238.206.18)
The University 312 was designed for use in BR enclosures. Definitely not 'air-suspension', but it could work in a large closed box. The diffaxial derives from the University spin on the dual/whizzer .......
462: Vintage Asylum, Re: old cabinet tube systems (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-30, 20:12:47 (151.205.215.217)
Useful background information is well presented in 'Radio Servicing: Theory and Practice' by Abraham Marcus (1st printing 1948). Search google for used books to find online used book stores. It is rel .......
463: Vintage Asylum, Re: Minimum wattage to drive KLH-17s? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-30, 18:23:15 (71.240.136.131)
Ivor, I suspect that you may do alright with those small recorder tube amps provided that your spl demands are not too great. I used to use my KLH 17's with a Heathkit AA-14 ss amp having 10wpc rms (w .......
464: Vintage Asylum, Re: I believe! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-30, 16:09:15 (71.240.136.131)
Dave, Agreed, the LE-10A is one of the best 10 inchers ever made. The LE-20 is also a remarkable driver. Your comment (early rolloff)suggests that there is a problem. You might try checking all the re .......
465: Vintage Asylum, Re: Wharfedale W-60 Woofer efficiency and range??? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-28, 08:20:38 (71.240.139.181)
I have woofers from a W-70. They have a cast frame, a large round ceramic magnet, approximately 2-inch voice coil, ribbed paper cone and cloth surround. The dust cap is a paper dome about 4 inches in .......
466: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Acousta with 6.5" Audio Nirvana (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-26, 07:08:24 (4.239.237.81)
Dave, The similarity of the nirvana driver to the Lowthers that the Acousta was designed for is close enough that the combination would likely work pretty well. can't say it would or would not be opti .......
467: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Run a 1 3/8 tap into them? nt (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-26, 06:52:25 (4.239.237.81)
nt .......
468: Vintage Asylum, Re: "Good redbook CD". (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-23, 15:20:05 (209.158.250.165)
Redbook cd playback became a mature technology in the late 90's. Players produced since them are markedly better than earlier ones. I upgraded my digital playback to play the new hirez formats only to .......
469: Vintage Asylum, HF-81: The Audio Holy Grail? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-21, 18:23:56 (71.240.133.77)
"These things are still way undervalued :sonically:" Actually, they are widely appreciated by those who regularly frequent this and similar forums. Of this group, only those with the knowledge and ski .......
470: Vintage Asylum, Re: Signaling the End of the Vintage Audio Hobby? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-20, 09:29:42 (141.151.215.89)
Perhaps not the end for everyone, but the end for those not independantly wealthy. That particular example of the HF-81 was very clean, even with some cleaning. There was almost no corrosion, rust or .......
471: Vintage Asylum, Re: Woofers - adding fuel to the fire (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-20, 07:22:24 (141.158.183.54)
Agreed! I find the sound of thin paper cone woofers and mids to be more dynamic, and resolving. The overall sound quality is just more lifelike. I would just add that this design difference even exten .......
472: Vintage Asylum, Hold out for an exact replacement! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-18, 16:22:03 (151.205.225.233)
Unless this is for background listening or PA use, you really should try to get an exact replacement driver. A replacement driver that is not the same as the original will only work well if you are re .......
473: Vintage Asylum, C15NF (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-18, 09:57:33 (205.238.206.18)
The C15NF is a flexair (F) design, with a high compliance, cloth accordian surround and overhung voice coil. At the very least, it will have a much lower Fs than the C15N, which has a medium to low co .......
474: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: A few suggestions (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-17, 20:35:36 (71.240.138.30)
Seems like you have plenty of power and don't have high spl demands, so there are a lot of options. You did not say why you wanted to change speakers or what you were looking for as an improvement sou .......
475: Vintage Asylum, KN-2380? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-17, 13:55:56 (141.151.205.47)
Martin, Sounds like you have a pair of late 60's Knight KN-2380's. Ducted port enclosures, approximately 30 x 20 x 14, with integral base. C15NF, 15-inch woofer, horn midrange (ceramic, 4x10, RP-109) .......
476: Vintage Asylum, Re: Ported Cabinets? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-16, 10:08:59 (205.238.206.18)
Most 'closed box' woofers have a Qts in the 0.4 to 0.7 range. A 12-inch high compliance woofer would have a Vas of several cubic feet. As a result, reasonably acceptable bass reflex alignments will st .......
477: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, A few questions?? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-16, 06:13:44 (205.238.206.18)
Dual, There are a number of used/vintage speakers commonly available. We can provide you with suggestions on medium efficiency speakers if we have a little background. 1) What amplifier will the speak .......
478: Vintage Asylum, Knight KN-2300A (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-15, 20:23:33 (141.151.210.208)
These are Allied Knight KN-2300a apeakers from the late 60's. They used all EV components including the SP-12B related woofer, a plastic (non-resonant) horn with a small alnico driver having a ring (a .......
479: Vintage Asylum, Re: Amplifier for Spendor BC-3's (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-12, 20:47:49 (151.205.227.174)
Bryan, Those are really nice speakers. I heard them a few times, but bought a pair of BC-1's instead. The 3's are more capable than the 1's on large scale works, but retain much of their natural midra .......
480: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: How to check if a cone speaker cause the sound breaks up... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-10, 16:13:44 (141.151.203.146)
William, Try connecting another pair of good speakers to your system. If you still hear the 'breakup' then its coming from somewhere else in your system and not in your speakers. You have not said how .......
481: Vintage Asylum, Re: Simple ST-70 Mods (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-09, 14:51:12 (141.158.182.195)
Hmmm, surprised at the silence on this one. You should also post this question on the Tube DIY and Dynaco-Doctor forums. My recommendations for easy mods with a big return include the following: 1) Re .......
482: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Like Tom said but... (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-11-09, 06:39:51 (205.238.206.19)
you should also consider power handling. The 802 can be overloaded at the low end of its range. This would occur at very high spl's in average size rooms. If your intention is high spl playback, you w .......
483: Vintage Asylum, Re: 6BQ5 360 volts on the plate?? Comments? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-28, 16:49:56 (151.205.197.231)
Al, I can't say how much of the 360v is due to elevated/modern line voltage at your location and with your amplifier, or is this question/topic just hypothetical? If the B+ on the 6BQ5's is high, mos .......
484: Vintage Asylum, Re: 6BQ5 360 volts on the plate?? Comments? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-28, 09:35:02 (205.238.206.19)
The 300v max on the plate of the 6BQ5 is actually a cathode to plate voltage. In the SCA-35, and other amps with a cathode bias resistor, measure the 'plate' voltage by measuring from cathode to plate .......
485: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: follow-up Q on 215 RTF 64 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-27, 10:41:24 (205.238.206.19)
'Forgive my ignorance, by "cf" do you mean cubic feet? ' YES! 'Also, am I correct to infer from your suggestions above, that the actual wxdxh dimensions are somewhat flexible, ' There is some flexibil .......
486: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, How about the 215 RTF 64? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-26, 18:56:35 (71.240.140.78)
Have you considered the 215 RTF 64 - its the 8-inch with a single curvilinear cone. Response is more even than the bicone sig, it is 4 db more sensitive (97 db/w/m) and its T/S parameters are closer t .......
487: Vintage Asylum, Re: Cardboard?! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-21, 13:16:15 (205.238.206.19)
Hi Dave, There were many loudspeakers of this variety (big woofer in small box, multi-way, and many drivers) and I have only checked out the drivers from a few, but I have been impressed by the good q .......
488: Vintage Asylum, Cardboard?! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-20, 14:16:16 (71.240.136.69)
Hi Mark, A lot of folks are biased against these speakers, perhaps for good reason in many cases. I have never run into a speaker that sounded like cardboard...not being fecitious, just don't know wha .......
489: Vintage Asylum, Re: Sansui SP-7500X ...Give Them a Try! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-20, 12:35:47 (205.238.206.19)
Give them a try and tell us how they sound! We all remember the Sansui, Pioneer and Kenwood speakers from the 70's and early 80's. Nice cabinets with beautiful wood grills, and front panels covered wi .......
490: Vintage Asylum, Re: Panasonic Speaker problem? (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-20, 08:24:27 (205.238.206.19)
Brian, You tried the Panasonic with Fisher XP-55B's and it sounded good, with adequate bass and a natural balance. Therefore the Panasonic amp is ok. Now try the Panasonic speakers on a known-to-be-go .......
491: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, the JBL D123 is a 12" (nt) (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-17, 15:13:08 (141.151.198.167)
nt .......
492: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Results of the proper installation (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-16, 16:06:11 (209.158.239.140)
Thanks for posting the result with the Clear Power cloth diaphram. Did you give it any breakin or try it out with music? I would think that it would sound pretty dull (down 17db @ 10kHz!). The stock u .......
493: Vintage Asylum, Re: Hathkit AS-153 coax (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-16, 10:26:13 (209.158.248.59)
Andrew, The Heathkit AS-153 may not be the last word in resolution, bandwidth and smooth response and as you have found, are not a plug n play path to good sound. However, with a little work they and .......
494: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Re: Besides Klipsch what other affordcable HE speakers are out there (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-13, 12:31:07 (205.238.206.19)
Frank, Checkout the Welborne Labs website (there's a link in the Asylym sponsor list). slide 4/4 of the way down the 1st page and click on 'recommended speakers'. There are pictures with active links .......
495: Vintage Asylum, Re: Replacement diaghrams for Jensen RP-103 tweeters (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-13, 11:07:42 (205.238.206.19)
Glad to hear you will be getting another pair with original diaphrams. A lot of what people like about the RP-103 is related to the sonics of the phenolic diaphram. But, who knows, you may like the so .......
496: Vintage Asylum, Re: Classic 8" systems - a few more (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-12, 22:48:01 (151.205.224.197)
A couple noteworthy older (pre 70's) 8-inch systems include the Jensen Duette, the JBL Lancer 33, and the Realistic Electrostat II. Models from the 70's include the Cizek Model 2, the Sansui SP-30, an .......
497: Vintage Asylum, Re: Replacement diaghrams for Jensen RP-103 tweeters (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-12, 22:15:24 (151.205.224.197)
Hello again, The diaphram is neither of the two items you mentioned. The diaphram is the moving/radiating surface of the driver. It has the same shape as a dome tweeter diaphram with a thin flange and .......
498: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Jensen RIP-103 (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-11, 06:46:03 (205.238.206.19)
A, Most assuredly, both RP-103's are 'fried'. Running a wide band signal into a tweeter, especially a horn, is a SURE method of seriously damaging or destroying it. It is not just a power/heat issue. .......
499: Vintage Asylum, 60's flashback! (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-04, 12:11:23 (205.238.206.19)
Brian, Too bad you missed out on the rest of the system. My dorm roommate in college had a 'modular' Magnavox stereo with those speakers. It sounded remarkably good, took quite a beating and survived. .......
500: Vintage Asylum, follow up to 500C brightness (0.00)
Posted by AstroSonic on 2005-10-02, 14:34:04 (141.151.218.92)
Looks like you have done a good basic restoration, with the exception of the hexfreds and Auricaps which are upgrades. The hexfred rectifiers are more reliable than stock, and can sound better than st .......
Found total of 500 records, Query: , Author: AstroSonic in All Forums, Time: 2 sec.