AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Niteshade Audio => Topic started by: Niteshade on 1 Oct 2010, 02:06 am
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NS-40 Base Model
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=36431)
Dressed in crimson red pearl! :D
Stay tuned- more photos and information coming up!
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New modular internal wiring
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=36432)
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Nice match for Beacon preamp on tour - minus the wood sides tho. :thumb:
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New modular internal wiring
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=36432)
Yep, time for the PCB. :lol:
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Features:
*40+ watts per channel from 20 to 20,000hz
*Extra heavy duty power supply. EMI shielded power transformer. VERY low noise.
*Turret board modular construction
*A streamlined circuit reduces signal processing for better micro-nuance amplification.
*Braided, tinned copper wiring provides excellent signal paths and contacts
*Perfectly balanced phase splitter circuit provides added gain, power and clarity
*Tunable biasing assures quick and easy tube rolling or replacement
*Variable feedback matches the amp perfectly to your speakers
Listening impressions coming next!
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Turret boards are clever little devices. They allow modules to be made ahead of time.
This may evolve into PCB's... I will maintain point to point wiring to the sockets and to all external connections.
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looks great Blair!!!!
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Turret boards are clever little devices. They allow modules to be made ahead of time.
This may evolve into PCB's... I will maintain point to point wiring to the sockets and to all external connections.
Hi Blair.
You should be ashamed of yourself, asking so much money for so little under the hood ! ! !
Of course, this is a joke.
Nice work Blair, I like the simplicity of your wiring.
Nice layout for the tubes - transformers and the Ferrari red color look awsome.
How about picture of the back ? From under, the back panel look very populated.
Now, the only thing we need to see, is your new re-design front plate.
Can you make this one integrated ?
Guy 13.
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Listening impressions & technical details:
Tune up and burn in sessions are my favorite part of the job. Setting up an amp so it operates at peak performance is thrilling especially when expectations are exceeded. The NS-40 actually did exceed my expectations and they were high to begin with. I rated this amp at 40 watts per channel. However, my watt meter was reading averages of up to 50 watts per channel before clipping. When the amp does break up, it's very late. The power supply is an amp's foundation. This particular model has 220 clean watts of high voltage to utilize. :D :D
I never liked the stereo-typical consensus of tube sound: Warm, soft, less detailed, weak bass and highs, etc... My goal was to design an amplifier that has superior bass control and performance while maintaining an excellent, linear presentation throughout the audible spectrum. Accolades to the power supply again but this time we move ahead to the driver and splitter stages. In a push pull system we want both tubes to be driven equally to take advantage of the power tube's full rated output capacity. Not only that, but a balanced drive reduces output distortion significantly. This is one of the ways we obtain high power with a low noise figure that can handle micro-nuances with ease. All Niteshade circuits are concise to increase performance and reliability. I have always maintained that the best tube amp performance is acquired by designing around the way a component actually works. In another words, it is possible to make a tube function better by providing exactly what it needs to function perfectly and nothing more. It takes time and patience to design like this so that "band-aid" circuits can be eliminated. The NS-40 will reward you with a presentation that is enveloping, fast, broad and accurate. There is nothing flat about the sound stage and it will not be compromised by heavy bass or transients. What captivated the most was how rich the sound is. I never liked reedy or thin presentations. Richness provides a sense of depth and makes vocalists sound forward and lush instead of distant. Our tweaked single gain stage voltage amplifier can take some of the credit for such a good performance. Power supply grade coupling capacitors are being used that further push efficiency up, thus allowing more detail to be amplified. These caps are self-healing and capable of handling high current. This particular job is child's play to them, therefore upgrades are unnecessary.
I designed this amp to transcend all genres of music, meaning it will not shy away from anything. There is enough power and control of that power to drive speakers down to 87db. The NS-40 is very quiet making it perfectly suited for speakers in the 95+ db range.
Variable feedback and tunable biasing are standard features designed to adjust the amp perfectly to your speakers and to make tube rolling and replacement exceptionally easy. I do not believe a more user-friendly approach to tube amplifier design exists.
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Yes, I can make this an integrated amplifier. A list of upgrades:
1] Integrated with at least two inputs
2] SE (Super Edition) upgrade
3] Hand-crafted wood wrap
4] Choose any color you like
5] DC filament upgrade (included in the SE upgrade)
6] Switchable tube/solid state rectification
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Hand-Crafted wood wrap comes in several varieties
(http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/_/rsrc/1276531606990/Home/custom-wood-accents/wood1-sm.jpg)
This is just a few! Dress the NS-40 up any way you want.
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Can you make it bridgeable to 80w :D
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Hmm...I'll have to look into it. Would it be better to get a mono block?
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NS-40 Base Model
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=36431)
Dressed in crimson red pearl! :D
Stay tuned- more photos and information coming up!
Hi all.
In your opinion and/or with your experience what would be a realistic and/or ideal number of inputs for an integrated amplifier and/or pre-amplifier ?
CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, iPod, Reel to reel, Phono (LPs), DAC, tuner, casette...
Blair supplies as an option two inputs on his amplifiers, is that enough for today's multitude of different media sources ?
Guy 13
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Hi all.
In your opinion and/or with your experience what would be a realistic and/or ideal number of inputs for an integrated amplifier and/or pre-amplifier ?
CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, iPod, Reel to reel, Phono (LPs), DAC, tuner, casette...
Blair supplies as an option two inputs on his amplifiers, is that enough for today's multitude of different media sources ?
Guy 13
As I look for Hi-Fi music I want just one input for a CD/SACD player. The usual adagio ''less parts are more fidelity'' are good to me.
Regards, Gustavo
>Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a cat or dog from the street. On the streets they live only two years average.
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As I look for Hi-Fi music I want just one input for a CD/SACD player. The usual adagio ''less parts are more fidelity'' are good to me.
Regards, Gustavo
>Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a cat or dog from the street. On the streets they live only two years average.
Hi Gustavo.
O.K. for one source, but if you want to to listen to your speakers or to your heaphones, you still have to switch the interconnects from one amplifier to the other, unless you do not consider headphones as HI-FI ?
Please comment.
Guy 13
My Vietnamese wife never went to see the psychiatrist, she adopted five (05), yes, five dogs from a vendor on the street.
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Guy,
More inputs are available, but they add to the price. I chose a two input system because it provides the most flexibility per dollar. Going above two inputs is very labor-intense due to wiring a rotary switch and all the extra chassis drilling and wiring work.
It takes many steps to install a single wire in a point to point system.
1. Measure x1
2. Cut x1
3. Strip x2
3. Crimp x2
4. Solder x2
That's eight steps for a single wire! They go by fast, but add up a few hundred steps and you'll see why it takes so long to make an amp. There is more than wires to contend with as well.
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Next monday it will be two weeks since i ordered my NS-40 with the DC filament option. i called Blair yesterday to inquire about the Status of my order and he told me that he had just recieved my transformers and would begin work on my amplifier starting next week. i thought my order would have been close to being finished but i was mistaken. i will wait with great anticipation to recieve my NS-40 so i can evaluate it. if it sounds as good as it looks i will be a very happy man....WCW III
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WCW,,I think you're gonna' be so happy that it will take a plastic surgeon to remove the smile from your face. :D
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i thought my order would have been close to being finished but i was mistaken.
This seems to be a common issue with Blair. In his defense, quality takes time. Hopefully you'll be happy and the wait will be worth it. If not, then you...
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I have a new matched Quad of SED Winged C 6L6GC to try in the NS-40 along with NOS Tungsol, Tungsol reissue , Rare Russian 1578 and Shugang 6SN7 varients. i really like both the 6L6 and 6SN7 tubes, the NOS Russian Military coin base 5881 power tubes that Blair uses in his 6L6 amps is also a very fine tube.
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Tube rolling will be fun!
Some construction photos will be posted for progress tracking. :D
In fact, there are going to be allot of photos next week.
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Tube rolling will be fun!
Some construction photos will be posted for progress tracking. :D
In fact, there are going to be allot of photos next week.
Hey Blair, Do you have any construction pictures to show ? :whip:
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Construction is underway now and it's coming along great! I can get some photos up tomorrow night.
BTW: I'm waiting for some name plates to come in. They're the last thing installed, so the amp will be finished before they arrive.
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Hi Blair
The Niteshade Audio NS-40 looks awesome! How much would the integrated version cost, with wooden sides?
Btw, what transofrmers do you use?
Best Regards
Dennis
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Magnetics Components Inc. is making the transformers. I can make an integrated version with wood sides and two inputs for $1450.00. Ordering those two options together provides a savings of $50.00. Regular price would be $1500.00.
Our wood trim is going to be more intricate from now on, adding extra flare! I was discussing this with Mike Delnero today and he said, "I can do anything you want!" Well- that's VERY good news!
Along with that bit of good news, we talked about a new rendition of the NS-40 with the 10-inch front facing forward. This model will come standard with a full ornate wood wrap. It's going to look sleek! Depth will be 17 inches and height approx. 7 inches. Price: TBA, but it will be good!
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Everything has to start somewhere...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=37930)
Then we move on to a fresh application of basecoat & clearcoat finishes:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=37931)
More to follow!
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Everything has to start somewhere...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=37930)
Then we move on to a fresh application of basecoat & clearcoat finishes:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=37931)
More to follow!
Hi Brian and all AC members.
When will we see more pictures on the progress of the amplifier ?
It's been quite some time, since you started building that amplifier ?
Any progress or are you waiting for some parts to complete the amplifier ?
Will you keep the same home page for your Nitesgade Audio web site, honestly, according to me, it's not with a page like that that you will attract potential buyers. You have beautiful amplifier's chassis, why don't you take advantage of that ?
Again, just my opinion for what it's worth, but I am sure I am not the only one thinking this way.
Guy 13
(I am a man that is not affraid of his opinions and the consequences of his sometime controversial comments...)
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All things good take time. It appears to be made from scratch and relying on deliveries and orders takes time as well.
charles
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Hi Brian and all AC members.
When will we see more pictures on the progress of the amplifier ?
It's been quite some time, since you started building that amplifier ?
Any progress or are you waiting for some parts to complete the amplifier ?
Will you keep the same home page for your Nitesgade Audio web site, honestly, according to me, it's not with a page like that that you will attract potential buyers. You have beautiful amplifier's chassis, why don't you take advantage of that ?
Again, just my opinion for what it's worth, but I am sure I am not the only one thinking this way.
Guy 13
(I am a man that is not affraid of his opinions and the consequences of his sometime controversial comments...)
Who is Brian ? Blair sent me a PM yesterday and told me that the work is coming along nicely and that he will post more construction photos . he also said the badges were due in on tuesday of next week and the NS-40 would be completed before next tuesday and the only remaining step would be to install the Niteshade badge and that it is possible that it may ship out to me on next tuesday as well ....WCW III
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I will have more photos of this NS-40 and another with our new faceplate. Please understand that my work time is highly segmented. For example, I repaired a computer this morning starting at 7AM. I then started wiring two amplifiers this afternoon. NEXT, I had to do a computer service call. After that, I went back to wiring. Now...I'd like to eat dinner, do emails & forum stuff. :D
The work day has been extended to 12 hours, 6 days a week and sometimes it exceeds that time. I'm certainly not complaining- that's just the way it is and I'm happy, but it does cause delays.
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I will have more photos of this NS-40 and another with our new faceplate. Please understand that my work time is highly segmented. For example, I repaired a computer this morning starting at 7AM. I then started wiring two amplifiers this afternoon. NEXT, I had to do a computer service call. After that, I went back to wiring. Now...I'd like to eat dinner, do emails & forum stuff. :D
The work day has been extended to 12 hours, 6 days a week and sometimes it exceeds that time. I'm certainly not complaining- that's just the way it is and I'm happy, but it does cause delays.
Hi Blair.
I understand your situation, because it is very similar to mine here in Vietnam for the past 15 years.
Maybe you should think seriously about having some help, hiring an assitant, maybe ?
Too bad you are not in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, otherwise it would give me a good reason to go back home immediately and applied for a job at Nitesahde Audio. (Ha, ha...)
Guy 13
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A toast to being busy! :beer:
I will have to hire after a while, but not now.
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Hey Blair, any more construction pictures ? :whip:
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Yes- I'll get them posted by Sunday at the latest. I was waiting until the transformer's copper is polished. If I don't forget the stuff to do it with, that should be done tomorrow.
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Yes- I'll get them posted by Sunday at the latest. I was waiting until the transformer's copper is polished. If I don't forget the stuff to do it with, that should be done tomorrow.
Hi Blair.
At last, at long, long last we will get to see more pictures.
Tonight I won't sleep, because I will be thinking about those nice coming pictures.
Guy 13
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Hey Blair, any more construction pictures ? :whip:
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Yes- I'll get them posted by Sunday at the latest. I was waiting until the transformer's copper is polished. If I don't forget the stuff to do it with, that should be done tomorrow.
Hi Blair.
It's Sunday in USA !
(It's Monday morning in Vietnam)
Still no pictures of your work of art !
Have you run out of batteries or are your batteries dead for your digital camera ?
You still have until midnight !
Guy 13
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Transformer's getting a coat:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38278)
Beginning of inside work:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38279)
Transformer mounting after socket wiring:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38281)
There will be two more images: Completed internal wiring & completed amp. I will supply these after the name plates have arrived. After all- it is more fun to string these along!
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Hey Blair, the reflection of the trannys in the crimson red pearl looks awesome :thumb:
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Hi Blair.
It's Sunday in USA !
(It's Monday morning in Vietnam)
Still no pictures of your work of art !
Have you run out of batteries or are your batteries dead for your digital camera ?
You still have until midnight !
Guy 13
Hi Blair.
Thanks for the pictures, I was expecting more pictures that what you have posted, but that's because I am very demanding.
I will wait for the next pictures, well, do I have any other choice ?
Up to now, looks good, very good. Thanks for sharing.
One question.
Why would you do first the wiring of the sockets, before installing the transformers ?
This time, only one question, otherwise, several questions will delay your work.
Keep up the good work.
Guy 13.
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There really are not that many photos to take. I took two more than usual (chassis drilling & transformer prep). The last two will show the completed wiring and a finished product w/ name plate.
OK- Maybe I'll get a shot of the amp during the burn in and tune-up phases!
A photo of our new (VERY nice) faceplate will be up at the same time, on a different NS-40. It is sharp!
Almost forgot: Most of the internal wiring is completed before the transformers are installed because it is much easier to move the chassis around. It reduces the risk of blemishes as well.
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There really are not that many photos to take. I took two more than usual (chassis drilling & transformer prep). The last two will show the completed wiring and a finished product w/ name plate.
OK- Maybe I'll get a shot of the amp during the burn in and tune-up phases!
A photo of our new (VERY nice) faceplate will be up at the same time, on a different NS-40. It is sharp!
Almost forgot: Most of the internal wiring is completed before the transformers are installed because it is much easier to move the chassis around. It reduces the risk of blemishes as well.
Hi Blair.
The picture(s) that I want to see the most is the picture(s) of the name plates.
If well done, which I think will be, will make your amplifier look equal to any industrial made amplifiers, it will give your unit a professional look, instead of a DIY look.
The waiting is torturing me... (Ha, ha...)
Guy 13.
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What you want to see is the face plate:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=32324)
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What you want to see is the face plate:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=32324)
Hi Blair.
What I really want to see is a name plate for an integrated amplifier with volume control, 3 inputs rotary selector switch and rocker power switch.
In addition, what about the back ? Anything written on the back ?
Until I can see front and back plates, how do you expect me to buy a NS-40 (Intergrated) ? ? ? ?
I don't want to buy something that will look like the Niteshade Audio SE-15 I bought from you that was without any indentifications of any kind for the controls, jacks, etc...
No dought about it, you do nice looking amplifier, but I am sure you can do better, at least for me anyway !
The next unit must be to my liking and I must see before I buy what I will get. I don't think I am too demanding. Am I ?
Guy 13
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I'm working on it! :D
You may see something shortly.
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Hey Blair, how goes it with my amplifier :dunno:
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A batch of name plates arrived Monday!
More information to follow.
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A batch of name plates arrived Monday!
More information to follow.
Hi Blair.
I am expecting some pictures from you before the end of this week.
Yes, no, maybe ? ? ?
Guy 13
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There are going to be several photos of amps being shipped this week or early next week. You've already seen the name plates, but not the faceplate mounted yet.
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I didn't realize that a nameplate was this big of a deal. :scratch:
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It's not a big deal unless you don't have them! There is an order that was waiting for them.
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It's not a big deal unless you don't have them!
Ahh. I didn't realize that they make the sound better...that must be the reason!
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Well- that's proprietary voodoo. It's being patented.
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Well- that's proprietary voodoo. It's being patented.
I'm sure it has something to do with EMI reduction.
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Bunky- your amp is finished. Got some good photos of it too. Will post them tomorrow.
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Interior using new point to point style
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38702)
Ok, who took out most of the parts? :o
This IS a finished unit!
Photo w/ out tubes & nameplate
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38703)
Nameplate attached:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38704)
New faceplate:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38705)
These are all shop images. Improved ones will be on the web site & blog.
More photos to follow.
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Hi Blair.
This amplifier look very nice, I like the color red.
The front plate add a touch of hi class !
The wiring look so simple, that you wonder if you did not forget something.
Did you forget to take a picture of the back of the amplifier, that's where the action is !
Guy 13
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Interior using new point to point style
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38702)
Ok, who took out most of the parts? :o
This IS a finished unit!
Photo w/ out tubes & nameplate
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38703)
Nameplate attached:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38704)
New faceplate:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38705)
These are all shop images. Improved ones will be on the web site & blog.
More photos to follow.
Hey Blair , my amp really looks great but i notice it does not have the 63PS-E Russian coin base power tubes in it :scratch:
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Hi Blair.
I still have not seen my Niteshade Audio dream amplifier with all the bells and wishles...
Maybe one day I will be able to see a picture of my dream amplifier before I buy it?
Guy 13
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Rear layouts for both amplifiers:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38741)
This belongs to the black-face amp
and...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=38742)
This belongs to the amp with a name plate
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Bunky: Those are Russian as well based on the vintage 6L6GC. I like how they sound in your amp allot. If you want the 5881's, I can put those in.
OK Guy- There are your rear panel photos!
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Beautiful work sir, :thumb:,WCW,, I am partial towards the 6L6's myself,, I really think that you are in for a treat.Hmmm,, Blair,,I was wondering if you could do that to my VTL's,,just a thought,,congrats to the new owner,please post your listening impressions after you've had time to listen to it.
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Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members...
I would like to comment on the panel rear controls layout and other things, but I will not, many members and Blair as well, will think that the only thing I am good at is complaining.
I will only say that this amplifier is not to my liking.
Guy 13
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Will let you know when I get to the one you sent over. What did you have in mind for the VTL's- which aspect of the NS-40 did you want on them?
Beautiful work sir, :thumb:,WCW,, I am partial towards the 6L6's myself,, I really think that you are in for a treat.Hmmm,, Blair,,I was wondering if you could do that to my VTL's,,just a thought,,congrats to the new owner,please post your listening impressions after you've had time to listen to it.
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well for starters,the tuneable bias,, but now I'm wondering if you would/could incorp. your wiring/circuit as well,,I suppose what I'm trying to say is,,can you replace the insides(circuit board etc) with your circuit but still use the same case/chassis.This may require a phone call.Thanks for your reply though.
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can you replace the insides(circuit board etc) with your circuit but still use the same case/chassis.
No circuit board is used in any of Blair's designs. It's point to point wired.
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No circuit board is used in any of Blair's designs. It's point to point wired.
Perhaps I should be more specific,,I'm thinking if the VTL's could retain the Trannies but have the circuit replaced with PTP wiring of Blairs design,,just a thought. :scratch:
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Perhaps I should be more specific,,I'm thinking if the VTL's could retain the Trannies but have the circuit replaced with PTP wiring of Blairs design,,just a thought. :scratch:
Oh.
If you want Blair's topology why not sell the VTL's (which are marketable) and have Blair make you some of his mono blocks?
By modding the VTL's you'll decrease the value significantly.
Of course IMO..
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I thought about selling them,,one is in Blairs' hands now because of a bias problem.Mine are the "old school" VTL Compact mono 100's,,, we'll see what Blair suggests,,repair or mod,,I was kinda going in the direction of using the iron in them,and possibly having him upgrade/replace the internal circuitry.But,,I'm probabally getting way ahead of myself,,so I'll wait and see.The thing about the old VTL's,is when they are tuned/tweaked,they sound soo good that it ought to be illegal. 8)
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OK George, .....now I get it!!! :duh:
You just want to make your VTLs legal! :wink:
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ding ding ding--- lol,,,yep. :D
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Guess I'm missing something with the VTL's not being legal.
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just a joke,, I said that they sound so gooood that it outta' be illegal. :D
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Bunky: Those are Russian as well based on the vintage 6L6GC. I like how they sound in your amp allot. If you want the 5881's, I can put those in.
OK Guy- There are your rear panel photos!
Hey Blair,I would rather have the 5881's come with the NS-40 because i already have a brand new matched quad of SED Winged C 6L6GC's sitting here waiting for the NS-40 . and i might want to get some KT66's for it to try them out as well. i am also going to order a pair of Create Audio 6SN7's to run in it too :drool:
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OK- I'll put 5881's in there. Your 6SN7's are "triangle plate" models, one labeled Stromberg Carlson and the other...I can't remember. Anyway- same structure, very quiet and they do sound good! There are many times when the labels do not match- I go according to sound via a hand-selection process based on performance.
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Just so I know....do you want me to repair the mono block and send it back or replace the circuitry? A valid point was made concerning modifying these. It could spoil the market value EVEN if they sound twice as good as they originally did.
I'm not as well known as VTL....YET. :D
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I think that I need to speak with you on the phone,,,but at this point,,I think it would be better to replace the circuit-the bias circuit has been a pita-and I like your design,,as for resale,,I'm not that concerned,as I plan to keep them for a long time,,I hope-whadda' you think?
BTW--I'm off to the Roger |Waters show in Atlanta,,back in a few hours-- :thumb:
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Hey Blair,can you ship my NS-40 today ? i tried to call but a machine started talking to me and i hung up :lol:
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Hey Blair,can you ship my NS-40 today ? i tried to call but a machine started talking to me and i hung up :lol:
How long have you been waiting?
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I sent full payment via paypal on 10/18/10 and today is 11/19/10 :wink:
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I can get it out to you Monday- forgot today was Friday.
BTW: That machine is there so you can leave messages. I'm at the shop all day and messages are relayed to me.
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BTW: I dont talk to machines :lol:
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Hey WCW,, after you receive the amp and have some time with it, will you post your impressions? I just have a feeling that you are really in for a treat. :thumb:
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Hi Bunky.
May I ask if you could share with all of us Audio Circle members your listening impressions of your new Niteshade Audio NS-40 and at the same time tell us about your set up, gears and room.
I am looking at a near future to acquire the same, but the integrated model.
Thanks.
Guy 13
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Hey WCW,, after you receive the amp and have some time with it, will you post your impressions? I just have a feeling that you are really in for a treat. :thumb:
Hey George/dangerbird, I have a very good feeling about the NS-40 and i really like 6L6/5881 power tubes. in fact i prefer them to the EL34. i also like tube amps in the 40 to 50 wpc range, i am using Silverline Audio Sonatina 2's rated at 93 db and 40+ wpc will be more than enough to drive them beyond comfortable listening levels in my 28'x14' x8' listening room.I have a pair of VTL MB-100 monos and i would like Blair to redo the bias system and convert them from EL34 to 6L6/5881/KT66 and repopulate the boards with newer higher quality components and do the DC filament thing and what not :whip:
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Hi Bunky.
May I ask if you could share with all of us Audio Circle members your listening impressions of your new Niteshade Audio NS-40 and at the same time tell us about your set up, gears and room.
I am looking at a near future to acquire the same, but the integrated model.
Thanks.
Guy 13
Hey Guy, I will post my initial impressions after burning in the tubes and later after tube rolling and experimenting with cables etc... i will give a farly detailed description of the NS-40 in my system including the components that i use in my two channel rig....WCW III
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The NS-40 is here now burning in. it really is beautiful in person and the paint job is flawless 8)
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Hey George/dangerbird, I have a very good feeling about the NS-40 and i really like 6L6/5881 power tubes. in fact i prefer them to the EL34. i also like tube amps in the 40 to 50 wpc range, i am using Silverline Audio Sonatina 2's rated at 93 db and 40+ wpc will be more than enough to drive them beyond comfortable listening levels in my 28'x14' x8' listening room.I have a pair of VTL MB-100 monos and i would like Blair to redo the bias system and convert them from EL34 to 6L6/5881/KT66 and repopulate the boards with newer higher quality components and do the DC filament thing and what not :whip:
Good news WCW,, Blair has one of my VTL compact monos,, with the good one in transit,,hoping that he can "re-do" them,,they were modded to use 6L6's,,hopfully he can work his magic with them.Congrats on your new aquisition.
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OK.i have had the NS-40 since monday. when i first hooked it up it sounded pretty nice and being a new amplifier that kind of suprised me. this is the third night that i have had it in my rig and now with over 50 hrs on the power tubes i am very impressed with this amplifier. it is very easy to adjust the bias and the feedback on the fly while listening and these features do work great.i am pretty picky and i have had a few very good amplifiers in my rig only to take them out of the system after a few days or so because they just dont convey the music in a way that moves me. this is not the case with the NS-40 :thumb: i will post a review of sorts on the weekend if i get a chance....WCW III
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Thank you for your initial impressions! The tour unit is going to be quite a showoff with new style wood trim and an excellent finish.
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i have used the 5881's to very good effect and i have burned in and auditioned a matched quad of SED 6L6GC that work pretty awesome in the NS-40 circuit. are KT-66's compatable in a NS-40 circuit with the DC filament option ? because if so i want to pick up a quad to audition if that is the case. i have only used the supplied NOS RCA 6SN7's in the NS40 so far but i am going to try my NOS Tungsols,Create Audio 6SN7's and i have a pair of Black Treasure CV181Z 6SN7's due here shortly to check out. i want to explore multiple firebottle combinations before i sit down and write any type of detailed review. i just retubed my Canary Audio CD200 source with NOS RCA 6922's labled made in Germany which are actually pretty rare relabled Siemens silver shield E88CC / 6922 goldpin tubes :drool: i am really having alot of fun with my NS-40 8)
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The DC filament mod will allow KT66's, KT88's and 6550's to be used. El34's can be used too after the upgrade.
Glad you're having so much fun with it! Wish I had the time to build myself one.
However- I did pick up a pair of AT & T 6L6 mono blocks that use a Western Electric circuit, complete with oil filled power supply capacitors. :drool: