[simonpaw]

Hi,

Recently getting back to working on getting my HiFi system setup (have some vintage amps/speakers (Adcom/Monitor Audio)- wanting to see if I can change things out a bit).  Built a modified clone EAR834 phono-stage - looking to start building a tube amp and some speakers to go with it.  Hoping to find some useful tips in these forums. Oh, the turntable is an 80's Rotel RP850, with an Ortofon Bronze cartridge.

-Simon.

[S Clark]

I'd start with replacing the 40 year old belt on the turntable.  And welcome to Audio Circle.   

[Phil A]

Welcome!

[simonpaw]

I'd start with replacing the 40 year old belt on the turntable.  And welcome to Audio Circle.   

Thanks.  That was one of the easier things to do      It got stripped down, the MDF got used as a template to make new parts that got veneered in cherry.  I also have to run it on an inverter as it's a UK version so 240Vac/50Hz.

I need to build myself a rack for everything.... things are all over the place at the moment - come to think of it, I probably need a room with better acoustics too.... 



 

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Simon   

[bladesmith]

I lived in north Dallas for a few years.
It's nice down in Texas..
Welcome..

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome to AC 

[Dieterle Tool]

Willkommen from Allen (although my kids went to Lovejoy). The EAR phono looks nice, have you experimented with any 12AX7's?

-Dieter

[MckinneyMike]

I am in McKinney also.  I have been accumulating pieces to start listening in earnest again myself. Business has taken far more of my free time than I initially preferred, but I will adjust.  Nice to meet another neighbor!

Michael
McKinney Hardwood Lumber

 

Hi,

Recently getting back to working on getting my HiFi system setup (have some vintage amps/speakers (Adcom/Monitor Audio)- wanting to see if I can change things out a bit).  Built a modified clone EAR834 phono-stage - looking to start building a tube amp and some speakers to go with it.  Hoping to find some useful tips in these forums. Oh, the turntable is an 80's Rotel RP850, with an Ortofon Bronze cartridge.

-Simon.

[simonpaw]

Willkommen from Allen (although my kids went to Lovejoy). The EAR phono looks nice, have you experimented with any 12AX7's?

-Dieter

Hi Dieter,

We used to live in Allen, we're close to Lovejoy now - we're in unincorporated McKinney, north of Lucas.

I did play some with the tubes.  Started out with all JJ E83CC's in all positions - it sounded good, had seen suggestions that Mesa SPAX7's were tested/sorted 12AX7's which tended to perform well, so switched V1 and V2 to them. I based the build on the Thorsten/Robert/Lenco mods discused on the Lenco Heaven forum. I only have about 50 hrs listening time on it, so still listening for any changes. I probably need to start checking Ham meet-ups to see if I can pick up some different tubes to try.

It's definitely the best phono stage I've heard, but don't have much to compare to - the prior ones were a Schiit Mani and the built-in on an Adcom pre-amp.

I might look around and see if there are any well regarded opamp based DIY builds out there, so I can compare to something else.

-Simon.

[simonpaw]

I am in McKinney also.  I have been accumulating pieces to start listening in earnest again myself. Business has taken far more of my free time than I initially preferred, but I will adjust.  Nice to meet another neighbor!

Michael
McKinney Hardwood Lumber

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the post.  Good to know about your business, if I get to building some amps I'll probably look to making the boxes out of nice hardwood.

-Simon.

[Dieterle Tool]

I've had good luck with Hagerman. Bugle and Cornet, both quite a few years ago... https://hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com/collections/phono-preamps.

McKinneyMike, good to meet you as well. Plus one on looking up your company for diy. We need to see that a pair of speakers gets added to your projects gallery.

-Dieter