AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Omega Speaker Systems => Topic started by: jmolsberg on 20 Mar 2020, 10:46 pm
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Being cooped up in the house has given me the perfect excuse to move on a new amp. I’ve always heard wonderful things about dht 45 set amps. Based on Kevin’s glowing review and some correspondence with him and builder, I decided to pull the trigger. Now to exercise patience for the next couple weeks. Super excited to hear that 45 magic!
http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com/alan-eaton-se45.html
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206146)
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Being cooped up in the house has given me the perfect excuse to move on a new amp. I’ve always heard wonderful things about dht 45 set amps. Based on Kevin’s glowing review and some correspondence with him and builder, I decided to pull the trigger. Now to exercise patience for the next couple weeks. Super excited to hear that 45 magic!
http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com/alan-eaton-se45.html
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206146)
Looking forward to your thoughts. What preamp is that in the middle?
Also is that the Audio Mirror DAC? Which version? I’m getting the III SE tomorrow. Can’t wait. I’m actually very happy with my fully upgraded MHDT Orchid, but was told I have to try the AM. ILL be done with dacs after this. The winners keep and sell the other.
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Lta mz2s is the pre and also my favorite integrated with my omegas. I have the se version of the audio mirror. The duelund caps take a month to burn-in, seriously. A truly outstanding dac! I’ve heard the same for the modded orchid. Cheers
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206156)
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Those duelunds are huge. Luckily the AM I’m getting has 250hrs in it so won’t have to wait too long to compare.
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an update - i really appreciate this stuff!
Hello thought I would send some pictures
The power transformer is made in Japan back in the mid 1960’s by Tamura. Notice the very heavy copper band all around the transformer, and the quality construction. If you could buy a transformer of this quality today it would cost well over 200.00. This transformer can run all day long and never get hot. It is a studio grade meant for professional use. Sorry if I go on about these power transformers but I just love high quality vintage electronics. More pictures to come. Alan
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206192)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206193)
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Those look great! Do you pull them out further off the wall when listening?
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I don’t, they are a bit further than the pic suggests. They sound great no matter where I put them honestly. I sit about 7 feet away.
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Being cooped up in the house has given me the perfect excuse to move on a new amp. I’ve always heard wonderful things about dht 45 set amps. Based on Kevin’s glowing review and some correspondence with him and builder, I decided to pull the trigger. Now to exercise patience for the next couple weeks. Super excited to hear that 45 magic!
http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com/alan-eaton-se45.html
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206146)
Beautiful setup! I bet it sounds as good as it looks. Enjoy!
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Thank you Jim, certainly does!
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What’s your guesstimate of hours it took the duelunds to full break in?
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It took a solid month with music playing 7-8 hrs a day before it really started to shine. It has continued to improve since November. Little backstory - I had original AM iiii and returned it to Vlad for the SE package. I was disappointed w the SE early on, sounded compressed, and the original just sounded better, but it was well broken-in (6 months). At the end of a long month - the dynamics, soundstage, layering, and bass returned and the duelunds showed just how stellar they are. You’re certainly going to need to give them some time. At 250 hours they are good but still a ways off. That’s my .02
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It took a solid month with music playing 7-8 hrs a day before it really started to shine. It has continued to improve since November. Little backstory - I had original AM iiii and returned it to Vlad for the SE package. I was disappointed w the SE early on, sounded compressed, and the original just sounded better, but it was well broken-in (6 months). At the end of a long month - the dynamics, soundstage, layering, and bass returned and the duelunds showed just how stellar they are. You’re certainly going to need to give them some time. At 250 hours they are good but still a ways off. That’s my .02
Perfect. That sounds like what I’ve been reading. The original owner confirmed about 250hr total on DAC and prob need a good week of 8hr days to go on the duelunds especially because the DAC was sitting for a while and shipped in the freezing cold. Free cryo :lol:
But I’m still happy on my first real day of listening. Next trying to decide what to feed it best. I have AES, USB, and coax. You have a preference?
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That’s great, I love free cryo! ! I’ve only used usb so not of much help. I think this upcoming weekend will give you a real window into the dac... keep us posted.
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More progress
I hope to paint the chassis today then I can start wiring tomorrow :D
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206261)
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Love the updates! Very intrigued my Alan Eatons amps. Heard good things about his 300b monoblocks too.
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Chassis painted brown hammer tone
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206291)
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Kray - he’s been great to work with. Kevin at glowinthedarkaudio says it’s his favorite 45 set. Although he recommends globe 45 tubes and they aren’t cheap... Louis thinks it will be magic. I am certainly limited by the 1.5 watts but I prefer to listen at lower volumes. Low watts is my wheelhouse 8)
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jmolsberg,
Hello. I've been quietly lurking on this thread since it began. :)
I would like to ask you questions about your Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE DAC if you don't mind.
Before trying out this DAC with its AD 1865N-K chip, which other NOS DACs had you tried? Specifically, had you tried DACs using either the TDA1543 or TDA1541 chip in NOS tube DACs? [I ask because I own two DACs from different manufacturers - one with the TDA1543 and one with the TDA1541, and quite like them. However, to the best of my knowledge, I've never heard a DAC with the AD1865 chip.] You could say I like the NOS DAC sound. :thumb:
BTW, I really like the various amps showcased on Glow in the Dark Audio's website. I'm not quite ready to commission one of them for my use (mostly because my wife might pour concrete into my ears while I slept :o), but I sure like looking at the pictures!
Thanks for any input.
Michael
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Hi Michael
I can chime here too if you don’t mind. I’m using a AM III SE. previously I was using a Audio Note Kits 4.1LE DAC with the AD1865 chip, and I have two dacs in my house right now. The AM and a heavily modded MHDT Orchid with TDA1541A.
I’m holding off on a full comparison until I get about two more weeks on the AM and pop in a SR blue fuse (since I have a upgraded fuse in the Orchid)
The AM and Orchid are both better than the ANK IMHO. The ANK is super smooth to a trade off of some micro detail and air. My ANK has Audio Note copper caps which some say are too laid back. For some this might be perfect, so very system dependent. I’m using a Line Magnetic 518ia SET amp with Omega Super 6 XRS speakers.
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Hi Michael
I can chime here too if you don’t mind. I’m using a AM III SE. previously I was using a Audio Note Kits 4.1LE DAC with the AD1865 chip, and I have two dacs in my house right now. The AM and a heavily modded MHDT Orchid with TDA1541A.
I’m holding off on a full comparison until I get about two more weeks on the AM and pop in a SR blue fuse (since I have a upgraded fuse in the Orchid)
The AM and Orchid are both better than the ANK IMHO. The ANK is super smooth to a trade off of some micro detail and air. My ANK has Audio Note copper caps which some say are too laid back. For some this might be perfect, so very system dependent. I’m using a Line Magnetic 518ia SET amp with Omega Super 6 XRS speakers.
I absolutely do not mind, and enthusiastically encourage it! :thumb:
Did that heavily modded Orchid come to you by way of Grannyring by any chance?
I suspect your ANK DAC is more or less similar to my SW1X DAC III STD unit. Mine has whatever Slawa chose as 'standard' caps. I'm too lazy to go downstairs to see which they are. My other DAC - a dB Audio Labs Tranquility SE - uses the TDA1543; has Jupiter Cu caps, and is not tubed. The Tranquility really opened my ears to what NOS DACs can do for a system's sound. One year later I treated myself to the SW1X DAC - wow, wow, wow. I like NOS DACs!
$2600 for the AM SE III places it midway between my two DACs. Hmm....HMM...says the guy in Oregon where EVERYONE is in lockdown. What is an addict to do? :wink: Last week, I decided that should I live through this nasty *&^%$#@! viral epidemic that I would treat myself to some really sweet audio gear. [Not that my current gear isn't sweet, but you likely understand my thinking.] You only live once.
Do I buy another DAC, integrated amplifier or speakers? I'm sure I won't keep it a secret once I finally decide. You're welcome to try to influence my decision.
Be well....Peace!
Michael
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Sorry, I do not have any experiences with tda1541/43 (unless I heard one at one of the various audio shows) but my preference is definitely the NOS dac sound. I had the opportunity to audition the mojo audio dac, don’t recall which model, but it had the AD1865N-k chip and I knew it was for me.... I just wanted a tubed dac, as I really dig tubes! My prior dac was a schiit bitfrost mutibit and I rarely listened. It was underwhelming compared to my analog setup. Vpi, dynavector 20x2 low and herron vtph-2a. No surprises considering the price difference. After purchasing the AM Tubadour iii I was surprised at how close it came to my analog rig. I was certainly listening to a lot more digital, happily :D
Based on my positive experience with the tubadour, I elected to have it modified to the SE version, and an already excellent dac got even better.
I’d certainly love to hear them all in my listening space but that rarely presents itself. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Tubadour since you prefer NOS dacs.
Ashley might just pour concrete in my ears 👂
Stay safe out there
-jm
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Alan got quite a bit accomplished today. Glad y'all are enjoying the build (:
He mentioned:
This is what your pilot off/on light looks like, next to one from China
I only use vintage new old stock Amphenol two sockets.The ones from China are so cheap
sorry my images are flipped :duh: see post below!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206348)
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Magic:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206352)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206353)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206354)
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Boom! Ty
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Damn it, guys like you make me feel so inferior :duh:... Lol... I had to buy my amp!
But seriously, looks amazing, thanks for the updates!
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A pic of the guts
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206441)
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Simple. I like simple.
charles
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Me too. Thanks Charles.
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It lives!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206454)
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It lives!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206454)
Beautiful :drool:
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Very nice!
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And it plays music quite beautifully :D :D
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pvnO4ZU07Dc
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Another of the innards
AC in the middle and sound to the left and right
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206473)
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Shipping today! :P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kbzUf0sGhw&feature=youtu.be
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jmolsberg,
Is this your build of Alan's design or is this Alan's build of an SET45 that you are showcasing? Does he have a website or contact info or is it all ebay?
Thanks,
Anand.
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A build is way above my capabilities. I’ll ask if I can share his email. Please pm me with your contact
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Its here, t’s playing, and It’s really good!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206884)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206885)
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:thumb:
Give it a couple hundred hours to burn in, then tell us how it sounds. :D
By any chance, is the cabinet supporting your gear called a credenza?
Michael
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the green light is da bomb ! :green:
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Yes a credenza. I am pretty gobsmacked by how it sounds out the gate.the caps def need some burn-in but vintage transformers?
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Hey!
Great work on the amp there! Nice and clean layout. And yes caps take sometime to burn in.
By the way, I love NOS DAC. I have a simple NOS DAC based on TDA1543 chip. I wish I have money to try Audio Note or Audio Note Kits DAC.
Again, nice job on the amp.
Buddy
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Yes a credenza. I am pretty gobsmacked by how it sounds out the gate.the caps def need some burn-in but vintage transformers?
Those vintage transformers probably haven't been used in a long, long time, yes? If so, I believe they need to burn in as well.
About the credenza: My parents bought a teak credenza in 1978 and kept it until my mother passed recently. It is now in my home office. It wasn't until about three years ago that I learned its proper name is 'credenza'. From 1978 till three years ago, my whole family called it a 'buffet'. I have no idea why. :lol:
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Thanks SET Man!
I think you are spot on w the transformers. Put records in it like I do, call it a credenza. Put dishware in it, and we can call it a buffet all day. We definitely like it. Holds and hides plenty records and those pesky untidy cables :D
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=206903)
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This look like AC heated. Is any hum when close ear to drivers,please?
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^ yes. But my ear needs to be basically on the driver and it’s very minimal. About the same as my decware zen. The amp does have a hum rheostat located on back. If I tweek it full left / right the hum increases. I have it set dead middle and at a hands length away you are hard pressed to hear anything. Considering the speakers efficiency it’s acceptable.
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No is not acceptable.......We just accept thinking: well is a SET
I don't see a reason why the builders these days don't go DC heated?
You will love the black background with way more details at lower volume.
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I have a linear tube audio. I’ve never heard a quieter amp tube or solid state, period. The dht 45 sound very good at low volumes and is different enough from the LTA, and that was the goal. Achieved.
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I’ve had the amp playing for the better part of a week. Yes, I have nothing but time :duh:
The highs sounded a bit rolled off and some passages sounded a bit grainy at times. This seems to be improving with time. The Alan Eaton is amp is wonderfully musical. Tons of prat! It throws a large soundstage, layered (improving) and is scorching fast. A lot more powerful sounding than the 1.5 watts would lead you to believe. It reminds me of my old decware zen. From memory they share more in common than not, but the 45 set has a bit more presence overall. Slightly meatier midrange, deeper bass, and dare I say just a touch quicker sounding. The Zen may be a bit more resolving, again all this from memory. Both amps can put the goosebumps on you and do! It really likes being driven by my Herron vtph-2a and audio mirror dac directly, sans preamp. May need to try a passive so I am not swapping rcas? The smooth dual gain controls begin at noon and gets loud by 3. A bit quirky and I do wish it had a larger range. Most of my listening is done at 2. The L/R gain controls do allow for fine adjustment, which is growing on me quick. I can hear a little power transformer buzz with my ear on top of the transformer. It’s worth mentioning, but not a distraction. Alan calls them lemons inside and assures me it’s fine. It self biasing but has a military grade rheostat on the back. The rheostat works in place of a resistor that way you can fine-tune and compensate the balance on the output tubes. The amp was shipped with tubes of different manufactures but they work. I swapped in some NOS hitachi 6sn7 yesterday and it responded well. Waiting on some tung-sol 45’s from vintage tube services. It’s definitely a quality tube amp with some nice vintage parts and solid looks. I do believe those old Japanese Tamura transformers Alan swears by, bring something special to the sound, along with the famous 45 toob! It has excellent synergy with my 3xrs ho speakers. I reckon with all omega speakers. I like being able to swap between it and my little LTA integrated for a change of pace, although I haven’t felt the need to swap.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=207158)
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How is the Alan Eaton 45 settling in? I’ve been I touch with him to get one as well and I’d love to hear how it has been living with it.
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I suppose I haven't updated in a while - sorry. I have had too much fun listening. The amp has improved nicely (smoothed out, larger soundstage and more layered) in the last 6 weeks. As mentioned, it has wonderful synergy with Omega, Audio Mirror Tubadour III DAC and Herron VTPH-2A. The music coming out of these speakers is just so coherent and real sounding - it just flows. I suppose it has an old-school flavor but lightning fast, very powerful, with tight tuneful bass. Rarely does a recording ever sound forced. While I have listened to amps/speakers with better resolution, I am hearing things in recordings I have never noticed before. And again, it just sounds real!
When I first chatted with Alan about building the amp, I emphasized music as being the most important consideration. And I can confidently say he delivered a very engaging musical amp :D
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=209847)
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Mine from Alan is on the way! Same design but different color.
Any plans to further tube roll?
Getting exited.
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And I’m also coming from a Decware SE84UFO Zen amp. It’ll be nice evaluating the differences.
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Eric
The 45 amp treating you good?
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And I’m also coming from a Decware SE84UFO Zen amp. It’ll be nice evaluating the differences.
I'd be interested in your comparisons between the two myself.
I am thinking about giving the tube amp option another go around. I can't get the best sound out of my Omega's with the amps I am trying to use with them. So I really want to see if tubes and SET amps are the ticket to musical bliss with the Omega's.
If I didn't have the volume knob hum issues, I would most likely, still be enjoying the Eaton 45 and Omega combo.
But I sent it back and was refunded. I am thinking about trying it out again though. Or what would be even easier is adding the Decware amp into mt system. I actually have room for that amp. If I added the Eaton 45, I would have to reconfigure my system and how it is set up and I kind of don't want to do that.
So I am VERY interested in your comparison between the Decware and Eaton 45. Obviously if the differences are significant, I'd make room for the Eaton again.
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good morning ya'll. I've had the AE DHT 45 SET for 6 months and I adore it. I imaging anyone with efficient speakers and a 45 SET shares my sentiments. Such a romantic quality to the music. I like to tinker and I figured I could elevate the performance of the amp by doing some of the simpler mods: coupling caps, bypass caps, and volume pots. I am not particularly good at soldering but my partner in crime is the shit. In early August we swapped the coupling caps. So many wonderful cap choices out there, where to begin? I decided to roll the dice with the Vcap Odam. I've read Vcap break-in is painful and it certainly is. I was ready to scrap the Vcaps and then at 150 hours the sound just became butter, liquid, you name it, it just gelled. Everyone seems to like the Miflex caps and they relatively inexpensive, so in went the bypass caps - copper foil, paper/polypropylene in oil. I can't believe how tiny those old caps are :lol:. Those guys did not nearly require the break-in of the Vcaps, they sounded good from the moment I fired up the amp. I was never particularly fond of the alpha potentiometers, they worked perfectly fine, but they could be bettered. Mr. Charles (Rollo) on this forum has become quite the email penpal and recommended the TDK 2500 series with conductive plastic. I had to do some drilling but they are certainly worth the effort. Beautiful taper and wonderful transparency. Ash thought it would be a good idea to run new line level wire while we were elbow deep in the amp swapping the pots. I decided to run a beautiful silver for the new wire.
The mods are neat and the amp retained it's sonic signature! It is just a better version of an already wonderful amp. All those that own the Alan Eaton 45, the smirk on your face is so warranted!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215666)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215657)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215658)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215659)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215660)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215661)
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good morning ya'll. I've had the AE DHT 45 SET for 6 months and I adore it. I imaging anyone with efficient speakers and a 45 SET shares my sentiments. Such a romantic quality to the music. I like to tinker and I figured I could elevate the performance of the amp by doing some of the simpler mods: coupling caps, bypass caps, and volume pots. I am not particularly good at soldering but my partner in crime is the shit. In early August we swapped the coupling caps. So many wonderful cap choices out there, where to begin? I decided to roll the dice with the Vcap Odam. I've read Vcap break-in is painful and it certainly is. I was ready to scrap the Vcaps and then at 150 hours the sound just became butter, liquid, you name it, it just gelled. Everyone seems to like the Miflex caps and they relatively inexpensive, so in went the bypass caps - copper foil, paper/polypropylene in oil. I can't believe how tiny those old caps are :lol:. Those guys did not nearly require the break-in of the Vcaps, they sounded good from the moment I fired up the amp. I was never particularly fond of the alpha potentiometers, they worked perfectly fine, but they could be bettered. Mr. Charles (Rollo) on this forum has become quite the email penpal and recommended the TDK 2500 series with conductive plastic. I had to do some drilling but they are certainly worth the effort. Beautiful taper and wonderful transparency. Ash thought it would be a good idea to run new line level wire while we were elbow deep in the amp swapping the pots. I decided to run a beautiful silver for the new wire.
The mods are neat and the amp retained it's sonic signature! It is just a better version of an already wonderful amp. All those that own the Alan Eaton 45, the smirk on your face is so warranted!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215666)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215657)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215658)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215659)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215660)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=215661)
Look at the two of you collaborating on this project! Now that's what I call bonding and team work! KUDOS!
Looking great buddy and I am sure, sounding even greater. I am trying to get a handle on how everything is sounding stock, then I am sending my Eaton Mono's to you for upgrades! :)
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If your binding posts have any metal chassis between them under that plastic cut a channel between them (in the metal, any size is fine, just use a dremel and vacuum or snip it out some if it's really thin) and it'll be a better upgrade probably than what you've already been playing with.
I'd recommend the same for the RCA's but they're so far apart it'd be totally new holes.
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@Folsom here is an older pic the back chassis. What do you think?
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=216027)
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i to have recently acquired John hogan 45 set amp... this is my first venture into 45's tube. before that i listened to 2a3 monoblocks from triode lab. The sound of 45 is very good (Romantic). but the amp has softer bass and channel separation is not good. The 2a3's have very good separation and tighter bass. I am now interested in 45 monos. Just need a good amp which can deliver what my 2a3's are offering plus the 45 sound :). Any suggestions?
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I'd contact Oliver Sayes (sonic_oli) to discuss a custom build. I just had him do an EL84 single ended pentode amp for me and couldn't be happier. He does a lot of 45 based amps and I'm sure can come up with something that would work for you. He does really fantastic work, reasonably priced too.
(I have no connection to him, just a happy client.)
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Hello jmolsberg and everyone.
My research of Alan Eaton amps led me to this thread. Thanks for the postings and discussion. Learning interesting stuff.
My wife and I visited Mr. Eaton 2 days ago, and we will be joining some of you as owners of his craft. It'll be Mr. Eaton's 2A3 monoblocks for us.
I totally agree to jmolsberg's approach: to experience it for a duration, learn more during that time. Then, if necessary, experiment with possible upgrades.
So, here I am gathering info for now. Jmolsberg, would you mind sharing exactly what specs of Vcaps and Miflex were used for replacement? Are they exactly the same spec/value as the caps swapped out, or within some kind of reasonable tolerance?
Along this vein, is there a general guidance to cap replacement values, how closely they need to follow the original? A place for me to read up perhaps?
Thanks!
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Hello jmolsberg and everyone.
My research of Alan Eaton amps led me to this thread. Thanks for the postings and discussion. Learning interesting stuff.
My wife and I visited Mr. Eaton 2 days ago, and we will be joining some of you as owners of his craft. It'll be Mr. Eaton's 2A3 monoblocks for us.
I totally agree to jmolsberg's approach: to experience it for a duration, learn more during that time. Then, if necessary, experiment with possible upgrades.
So, here I am gathering info for now. Jmolsberg, would you mind sharing exactly what specs of Vcaps and Miflex were used for replacement? Are they exactly the same spec/value as the caps swapped out, or within some kind of reasonable tolerance?
Along this vein, is there a general guidance to cap replacement values, how closely they need to follow the original? A place for me to read up perhaps?
Thanks!
roamingwesty....
Seems to me you might be a VW owner. What year Westfalia do you have? I have a ‘70.
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You will have wonderful musical monoblocks. I’ll shoot you a PM
Cheers
-jm
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roamingwesty....
Seems to me you might be a VW owner. What year Westfalia do you have? I have a ‘70.
Hello PipHelix, haha nice spotting! '66 Westy that lives only in the garage these days. (My fault.) But we did roam. Over a year. She was home. Amazing days :)
You will have wonderful musical monoblocks. I’ll shoot you a PM
Cheers
-jm
Thanks JM!