[rlee8394]

OK, I just posted some of my AVA equipment in the marketplace section. I am selling to raise cash in order to buy new AVA gear. Building these was a labor of love and I think they look a bit nicer than the standard fair out there. Check 'em out at the following links:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=1763

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=1764

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=1765

I'm flexible on the price, I just don't want to give 'em away. Will consider package deal as there are basically two complete pre/power amp systems.

Thanks,
Ron

[avahifi]

Oh my these are nice looking very well built pieces.  I like your custom faceplates.  How did you fabricate and finish the faceplates and their graphics?

Good luck selling them.  We would ask $800 for a really nice used Ultimate 70 and the same for a really nice used Super Pas Three complete with the gold jack set, replacement selector switch, and special faceplate.  I see old Dyna (Telefunken) tubes in them.  Are they in good shape?

Best regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[gjs_cds]

Wow--those *do* look really nice.  Both inside and out!  Job well done

[rlee8394]

Frank,
The faceplate was designed using software from Front Panel Express.

http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

It runs under Windows, but runs fine for me on my Mac using Parallels Desktop for Mac.

http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/

I'm pretty sure the Telefunken's are good. I have a full set in my Fet-Valve preamp as well. I think I'll go downstairs and dust of my TV7D/U and test them as well as a few other sets of 12AX7A/ECC83 that I have.

Also, the Super PAS 3 that has the two extra inputs have a custom blend switch. I realized that the original blend switch was missing from the chassis, so I bought a 4-pole 6-position Electroswitch from Allied Electronics P/N: C4D0406N-A. I wired it up to the blend switch specs. It works very well, although most would probably just leave it in the wide stereo position.

Stay tuned,
Ron

[rlee8394]

The Telefunken's measure at 32/33 for one tube and 33/34 for the other on my TV-7D/U military tube tester. 32 being the minimum. So they aren't bad. I installed Chinese high gain (38/38) tubes in the phono section.
On the other preamp, that had Sovtec 12AX7WXT+ tubes, they were all bad. So I replaced them with the same hgh gain Chinese 12AX7A tubes.

Of course I would recommend that the buyer start with a fresh set for best performance.

I hear that the Sovtec 12AX7LPS is great in the phono stage as reported by Jim McShane. They probably would work well in the line stage too. Two other tubes to consider are the new Mullard and Tung-Sol 12AX7A tubes. Here are a couple sites for tubes that I think are reasonable with quality service:

Buy 'em from Frank: http://www.avahifi.com/

Doug's Tubes:  http://www.dougstubes.com/12ax7.html

Jim McShane Vacuum Tubes: http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/

If you are partial to JJ tubes, check out Eurotubes:  http://www.eurotubes.com/euro-e.htm

Frank, how do you guys test tubes? Do you use a commercial tube checker,or have you designed a way to test in circuit? I would imagine the in circuit method would be superior.

Thanks,
Ron