4 hours ago, Grizzly said:

I'm not technically minded to any great degree, but I'm told it's a LC unit, solid state obviously. With 12, 15, 18 and 21v output options.

Its SS and choke smoothed. Not a lot of filtering but they are probably using the field coil on the driver for extra smoothing. The schematic I have for tube PS produces 80V but I see your voltages are much lower. It would probably be stated on the driver what voltage range can be used.

In your case you can tune the driver either by having a strong magnetic field or more relaxed magnetic strength. This would make the driver sound and perform differently. Have you varied the voltage in and listened for differences?

23 hours ago, mwhouston said:

Its SS and choke smoothed. Not a lot of filtering but they are probably using the field coil on the driver for extra smoothing. The schematic I have for tube PS produces 80V but I see your voltages are much lower. It would probably be stated on the driver what voltage range can be used.

In your case you can tune the driver either by having a strong magnetic field or more relaxed magnetic strength. This would make the driver sound and perform differently. Have you varied the voltage in and listened for differences?

In an annoying twist of fate I'm in Qld all week so cannot play with my new toys😆

Naturally I'll experiment with the voltages when I can, actual sit down listening time has far too limited thus far.

Welcome to my new bundle of joy...

6 hours ago, Spinspin69 said:

Welcome to my new bundle of joy...

Looks like ACME have lost the key to their wind-up mouse.

Always enjoyed a glass of white with some great tunes in this confined space.

Under the heading of gilding the lily, or throwing away good money after bad, let me introduce you to the Tungsten Counterweight "upgrade".

It makes me happy. 🤦

@crisis looks alone would increase performance 😊

On 24/01/2026 at 9:50 PM, AccMagi7s said:

Always enjoyed a glass of white with some great tunes in this confined space.

I hope you completed this first. Can't be too careful.

9 hours ago, wen said:

@crisis looks alone would increase performance 😊

The marketing says its supposed to increase sound stage which I cant really notice. I seem to be experiencing a more dynamic/pronounced bass. This must be all in my head.

On 25/01/2026 at 4:42 PM, crisis said:

Under the heading of gilding the lily, or throwing away good money after bad, let me introduce you to the Tungsten Counterweight "upgrade".

It makes me happy. 🤦

27 minutes ago, crisis said:

The marketing says it's supposed to increase sound stage which I can't really notice.

That doesn't compute - to me, anyway.

27 minutes ago, crisis said:

I seem to be experiencing a more dynamic/pronounced bass. This must be all in my head.

It might be (all in your head)! 😄

But it also might be that because the heavier (tungsten) c'weight is now closer to the pivot point than the previous one was ... this reduces sideways inertia of the c'weight ... which translates to you hearing more dynamic, tighter bass?

I do note, however, that your tungsten c'weight is still at least 10mm out from where it could be, if it was heavier!

If the TT mfrer doesn't offer a heavier version ... I can recommend Mark at SonicArt to make one for you. I'm very happy with the one he made for my 'Univector' arm:

Compared to the original c'weights:

29 minutes ago, andyr said:

That doesn't compute - to me, anyway.

It might be (all in your head)! 😄

But it also might be that because the heavier (tungsten) c'weight is now closer to the pivot point than the previous one was ... this reduces sideways inertia of the c'weight ... which translates to you hearing more dynamic, tighter bass?

I do note, however, that your tungsten c'weight is still at least 10mm out from where it could be, if it was heavier!

If the TT mfrer doesn't offer a heavier version ... I can recommend Mark at SonicArt to make one for you. I'm very happy with the one he made for my 'Univector' arm:

Compared to the original c'weights:

Cheers.

It also might be because of a very slight difference in tracking force after re setting it?

I appreciate the offer but I must stop spending money on marginal tweaks. I intended to curtail my spending after last years splurge to try to sort out my retirement. That said there is one new cartridge in my future and hopefully nothing else. 😐

Another stinker outside. In my happy place with a cold chardy.

3 hours ago, crisis said:

Another stinker outside. In my happy place with a cold chardy.

Make and model of your active speakers please.

36 minutes ago, mwhouston said:

Make and model of your active speakers please.

PMC Twenty5 23i

On 29/4/2025 at 9:36 AM, mwhouston said:

You need to join “AA” - Amplifiers Anonymous. 

Looking at the photo I thought that was. The Amplifiers Anonymous headquarters?

On 24/6/2025 at 9:57 PM, zenikoy said:

 

Dan needs to see a dentist, and a hairdresser!

I need to get my eyes tested, I thought it was a chic in a wig :)

OK not my system but presumably belongs to Sting.

Got some tasty gear there.

EAT turntable and phono preamp, Dan D amp, and maybe Magico speakers?

On 26/01/2026 at 6:47 PM, crisis said:

I appreciate the offer but I must stop spending money on marginal tweaks. I intended to curtail my spending after last years splurge to try to sort out my retirement. That said there is one new cartridge in my future and hopefully nothing else. 😐

Me not stopping spending money on marginal tweaks and curtailing my spending to sort out my retirement. The new cartridge is still in my future along with an arm rewire and probably a new counterweight.

I. give. Up.

3 hours ago, crisis said:

Me not stopping spending money on marginal tweaks and curtailing my spending to sort out my retirement.

Been there, done that, couldn't in all consciousness afford the T-shirt.

4 hours ago, crisis said:

Me not stopping spending money on marginal tweaks and curtailing my spending to sort out my retirement. The new cartridge is still in my future along with an arm rewire and probably a new counterweight.

I. give. Up.

Love your two-way speakers. IMHO hard to beat.

11 hours ago, mwhouston said:

Love your two-way speakers. IMHO hard to beat.

They, at least, are unlikely to be changed/upgraded because,

1. It would take a significant outlay to go to a higher PMC model

2. They seem to be a perfect fit for my smallish room

3. I'm still in awe of their performance with the Pass pre.

1 hour ago, crisis said:

They, at least, are unlikely to be changed/upgraded because,

1. It would take a significant outlay to go to a higher PMC model

2. They seem to be a perfect fit for my smallish room

3. I'm still in awe of their performance with the Pass pre.

You probably have the right amp to drive them.

Not mine but a clear case of too much gear is not enough.

Too many DIY choices; 71a/01a (MWH) tube preamp and 600W Class D power amp (ArmaDillo).

http://retro-thermionic.blogspot.com/2020/04/mwh-1920s-ux-171a-tube-preamp.html

http://retro-thermionic.blogspot.com/2025/05/armadillo-600w-sure-class-d-power-amp.html

1 hour ago, mwhouston said:

Not mine but a clear case of too much gear is not enough.

Reminds me a bit of Duc's garage "treasure trove"! 🙂