Well after giving up on the three in one idea, I went back to multiple boxes. Here is my first. I don't think the others will take as long. It took forever because I had a lot of clean up thats done now (adding power supplies to the other two boards, replacing heater resistors, desoldering both switches and 13 rca jacks). My dact remote kit (not from HagTech) was a little finicky and I had to fix one of the soldered ir sensor leads that I ripped off.
Metalwork isn't my strong point so that was easily the biggest time sink in the whole project. I did buy some punches instead of the stepper bit I used on the big chassis. They worked great and are well worth the cost used on ebay. Because I used a larger corcom filtered power entry module I had to cut a lot of metal there. I had a 5/8" square punch, but then used a jig saw to lengthen the edges. Next time should go a bit faster because I thought of a few timesavers as I sawed.
I've still got a bit to do. I'm going to pick up a writable metallic sticker (like on computers or some other gear) to cover the back holes. I figure if I put some of power draw/fuse info and date of construction it might look like it belongs and hide the extra holes. I got mixed up and put the ins and outs on the wrong sides (and the bit wandered on one of the holes). I've got a sheet of decals to apply, but it works now. Eventually I'll add another set of input and output jacks to the back, but I didn't have enough on hand (only 7 pairs and I have a Chime and Coronet to go yet)
Here is what I changed:
- DACT 100k volume switch
- Bent Audio remote kit for the DACT switch
- no balance switch
- DACT selector switch
- Mundorf Silver/Oil caps for the output caps (C303)
- Sonicap Platinum for interstage (C302)
- Sonicap Gen 1 for B+ supply (C301)
- Corcom filtered/switched/fused power inlet
- Vampire internal mount copper RCA jacks
- 2 in 1 out (moving to 3/2 when I get a chance)
My main 2 channel system has changed a bit since the systems on AC could be edited. The S&B TX102 TVC I was using was integrated into the digital amp. I was getting amazing detail and totally blackness, but it just didn't have the body/warmth I wanted. I've switched it out for a Bulter 2250 which helped it some. I didn't want to pull the cans out of the system so I've been using the vol control on my Benchmark. This means I can't really do a fair head to head comparision with the TVC so take any comparisons I make to the TVC with a grain of salt.
So how does it sound. AWESOME! I am really pleased with it. It definately has that body/depth/warmth I was looking for. Everything I've played has caused tow tapping or head bobbing. I talked my wife into coming down to my office to check it out last night and she did clips of different music for almost 2 hours. Normally I can't get her to sit still for dedicated listening. She does like music and the den system is always on if the kids aren't watching TV, but she listens while she does stuff. For her to sit down means the the preamp was a big hit. It is hands down better than just the volume control on the benchmark (even if it wasn't I need a preamp when I bring down my turntable). There were several songs where we heard background noise (breathing, fingers sliding down a string instead of lifting off first). I did NOT hear those with the TVC. I know its probably just the tubes add a bit to certain freq ranges when compared to the transformers, but I really like it so even if its not as accurate I'm happy.
I can't wait to finish up the cornet2 and chime to hear them too.
Pictures (click on description for full sized picture):
Full board with switches attached
Full board close up
power input, tx, and input jack wiring close up
Rear show (power inlet and rca jacks) [extra holes will get covered later]
Remote kit with switch
Closeup on rack
Current rack layout (need to tweak for new components still)
I think you can make out the other two boards on top of the record cleaner. I hope to give them a thread in a few more days.
Anyway, thanks Mr Hagerman for the great sounding design!
Oh, I almost forget. I'm currently using a Sovtek 5y3 and RCA blackplates, but I've got some JJ gold pins to try in the 12au7 and a JJ and Sovtek 5AR4 to try for the regulator.
