Well I was lucky enough for a friend to drop round with a SS/tube hybrid Pathos intergrated amp that puts out around 50w per side for me to borrow for a few days.

Still nowhere near enough power but has made a difference - I can now achieve a much bigger sound.

Looks like the PrimaLuna will also be for sale soon. Time to slide down that slope..

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Edited January 26, 201610 yr by caminperth

I'd still be looking at more power than that though...

 

Have you checked out the Xindaks?

I'd still be looking at more power than that though...

Have you checked out the Xindaks?

Definitely agreed on the power. I was going to try and set a minimum of 200w into 8 ohms, meaning I should be able to get up to 400w. Kinda wishing I didn't sell my Emotiva XPA2 a few years back..

I didn't follow up on the Xindaks as the owner doesn't have boxes and has mentioned they want to sell local.

I was thinking I really need to source a preamp first. Alternatively the idea of a big integrated works better with my current space, though I could always build a separate amp stand.

Also I'm working with my minister for war and finance on a funding application. I'm sure you get what I'm saying...

I'm still watching gumtree and the classifieds closely though!

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Edited January 27, 201610 yr by caminperth

No longer relevant......

Edited January 27, 201610 yr by coeuslee

How about this.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/east-victoria-park/other-audio/kenwood-l-1000-series/1101215880

Mine pumps out 180w at 8 ohm. I think it would go pretty well.

Cheers Dave.

How about this.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/east-victoria-park/other-audio/kenwood-l-1000-series/1101215880

Mine pumps out 180w at 8 ohm. I think it would go pretty well.

Cheers Dave.

 

 

Thanks Dave - I saw that over the weekend but it didn't really turn me on..

 

What I really need to do is set a budget and decide on integrated or pre/pro - so much gear around at the moment that I'm getting a headache! 1st world problems eh?

"You'll need more power to run those Duntech's" they said...

1000w (4ohm) mono blocks should work, right?

With one spare for good measure..

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So how does the setup sound now?

1K into 4 ohms will surely do it.

So how does the setup sound now?

Only 10:30am on a Sunday morning here. Will wait till after lunch to check on new volume possibilities..

Running through the AVR preamp so I'm not expecting a fantastic sound just yet..

Time to save some pennies for a preamp..

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Talk about blood rushing to the head Cam!

 

Let us know how they sound

Cam, I think you've missed slippery slope and just dived straight off the edge.

I can't wait for the encore and see what you pick up for your pre amp.

Power-sucking Duntech scum!!

 

I think these should "open up the sluices at both ends"

 

Nicely done Cam

 

M

Well....

 

Whomever said you don't need a lot of power hasn't played with a lot of power. It makes a massive difference and sounds great even just running through the AVR as a preamp. There is absolutely no question that there isn't enough power. If anything, there may be a little too much for the poor 8" drivers trying to push out copious amounts of bass.

 

I'm going to give it a few weeks but I'll possibly be downsizing the sub setup and saving one for HT duties only.

 

Now to try and squeeze it all into that little cabinet..

Edited January 31, 201610 yr by caminperth

Hi Cam,

That looks great, nicely put together. You're right about power. All you need to remember is the old axiom.

 

"Too much power is barely enough" That's really my motosickle rule, but it works just as well for my speakers (poor old things).

Keep a look out for an Elektra tube preamp. They don't come up too often but I was lucky. By tube standards, detailed and crisp sounding, a lovely match for my Focals which some find bright.

Hopefully trying out some tube preamp options this afternoon... Will report back with some photos.

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Tram Mk2 preamp acquired from Albert who is an absolute gentleman. He brought it round for me to try first.

Spacious and open sound - best I've had in this room yet I think..

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Edited February 13, 201610 yr by caminperth

After a little "settling in" time and work on isolation of the preamp, things are coming together. I'm working on getting some different valves to try in the preamp and maybe some heavier gauge cables than the cat5 twisted setup I'm currently using.

 

Speaker placement is causing me a few issues though. Pulled forward into the room the soundstage opens up as expected but the bass drops away - also they are quite large to have out 1m+ into the room. Pushed back and toed in seems to be the best mix of soundstage and bass at the moment.

 

Also I need to find a solution for HT as there is a hum through the preamp when the TV is on. Looks like I may just be plugging the power amps into the AVR when I want to watch a movie for now.

 

One thing I did notice with the Tram preamp is that when it's close to wide open (3 o'clock on the volume) on the -12db output the sound really opens up.

 

Any thoughts on placement within the room and HT bypass solution would be appreciated.

Edited February 21, 201610 yr by caminperth

Ikea table tops and some M24 fasteners.. Slowly coming together.

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Everything now wired up and tested.

Quite happy with the result. It weighs a ton and is rock solid - no movement, though expected. The threaded rod could hold up a couple of ton if needed...

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Nice one Cam.

 

i am also a big fan of black components.

 

Looking great on what I am guessing is.. Beech? And black threaded rods..great choice!  Very tidy mate.

Nice one Cam.

 

i am also a big fan of black components.

 

Looking great on what I am guessing is.. Beech? And black threaded rods..great choice!  Very tidy mate.

 

Thanks - Yup, its beech. 

Hi cam, tell me about your Zu omen, what did you think of them and why did you sell them? I just a pair to replace my Vandersteen c2e. I'm still trying to find the best spot for them. They are a lot brighter then the Vandys. I'm running them trough my Mcintosh 2105.