Direct input has to be the the go but I'm running out of inputs with all the other components plugged in, and I don't have direct MC input anyway.

 

When I get to it I was thinking of getting the LB tube with the toroidal transformer and seeing if I could get both types of tubes they have that it can accept.

Yeah, I was looking at that LB this morning .. I was thinking of linking it to the high output MC in the lounge. I love the look of the little bears

I'd be getting that TA-E86B restored if not already. Remember it's a late 70's build. The design of the pre-ESPRIT stuff is just stunning. I'd be placing that preamp in the funky lounge room with the other modern design pieces you have in there, furniture etc. Did you happen to buy that pre from a guy selling on e-bay Germany recently?

I'd be getting that TA-E86B restored if not already. Remember it's a late 70's build. The design of the pre-ESPRIT stuff is just stunning. I'd be placing that preamp in the funky lounge room with the other modern design pieces you have in there, furniture etc. Did you happen to buy that pre from a guy selling on e-bay Germany recently?

I picked the pre amp up from the USA. Completely re-built/restored. Cost a bunch of coin, but I am super happy with it. I love the look of it too. I'm on the hunt for a restored N86b to pair with it. I like it in my big room, it's pretty funky in there too. I'll post up some good pics when I get back to Oz. We just refurbished the man cave

Direct input has to be the the go but I'm running out of inputs with all the other components plugged in, and I don't have direct MC input anyway.

What pre amp are you running?

New posters on the walls and the Sony ES components have found a permanent home in the lounge room . Here's a couple of quick snaps

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What pre amp are you running?

Pre amp and Phono stage and carts in main system as per signature.

 

Integrated amp in 2nd system is NAD 3240. Carts here are Shure MMs.

 

Have just ordered LB T10 with the Toroidal trans.  (Whatever difference that makes).  Going to put it in the 2nd system initially since it has MMs and no separate phono stage (yet).

 

(Reply delayed cos I was not 'notified' of your quote).

I hope you have a good experience with the T-10 like I have so far . I'm looking at tube rolling mine to see what kind of different sound I can get out of it. Just to experiment a little. I haven't had any experience with NAD, do you rate them?

I rate NAD as the best I could afford that I had access to way back when, and the story is still similar.  Built down to a price can be a problem. 

 

Back to the bear.  It had some hum so I did the 'first tube foil mod' as on VinylEngine so now I have a buzz but higher than listening level on that system.  I drilled a hole in the top plate so I could access the change Gain switch easily.

Besides that it's a bloody revelation and if this is tubes then it should be a bloody religion.

 

Have you tried it with the Step Up T8 ?

I'll be wanting to give it a go with my other MC system somehow.

Yeah, I'm saving for a valve power amp at the moment. I too have caught the tube bug . I am back in Oz on friday and plan on running the T8 with the T10 on my LP12 TT

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Finally back in Oz. Some quick snaps of the finished lounge set up. When I say finished I mean "for now" .

Lookin good

Cheers mate

Stuck the LB Phono with my MC setup.  Just turned the Gain to High and it worked fine.  If you get the chance I'd be interested in how that compares to using their Stepup T8.

 

I can see why you have that furniture now.  I've run out of space.  I could turn the IKEA record storage thing (pre Kallax) sideways for a longer 'counter top' but the shelves aren't wide enough for components.

Been busy today.. Time to give the Luxman a birthday

Pulled the flimsy base off and used as template.

Drilled the holes through the old base to keep everything straight

Used a jigsaw to cut out the 6mm MDF

Re-installed the feet. I will probably install some chrome spikes soon.

Polished the platter and plinth with Auto Glym high resin polish

And here is the final result

Time for a test run... There is definitely less brightness coming from the speakers. It sounds much warmer through the T-10 too. Much more middle end presence

My Sony TA-N77es just blew up. Big white flash came out just as it tried to go into protection

My Sony TA-N77es just blew up. Big white flash came out just as it tried to go into protection

 

Bugger. Hope it isn't anything too serious

Yeah same here . Sent her in for repair this morning.

Hope you sort out that Sony.

 

Ah, the Little Bear MM stage, it should sound pretty good, the circuit is a copy of the EAR MM circuit from what I have read.

 

That's a hell of a nice man cave

Okey dokey, time for my promised report on the spin clean I bought a few months back. I finally had a little time to unbox and check her out

I actually read the instructions

Pre cleaned the drying cloths, then made a start on a few records. Set up is super easy.

1st up I have a couple of records donated to me from a friend who picks up crates of wax at auctions. There were two Bruce Springsteen LP's in terrible shape. I had previously hand cleaned and attempted playing with no success. The records sounded terrible with heaps of Echo and scratchy ness. Anyway, I slotted "The River" into the spin clean and gave it a "spin", removed, dried and popped it on one of my SL1200's.

As I let "The Boss" play I moved on to some old 12" singles which have had a hard life on DJ sets

Meanwhile The Springsteen record played through from start to end clear and without echo. Very encouraging... .

I ran about 15 of my crappiest 12"s through the machine. The instructions say that 20-50 records per solution is ok, but after 15 of these records the water was filthy with lots of particulates.

I emptied the mixture, cleaned the pads and unit. Refilled and recommenced cleaning. With records in better condition 20 per solution was no problem. I wouldn't go more just due to the amount of particulates floating around in the water.

I have to say that every record I cleaned and played sounded much much better post cleansing. Definitely worth the money spent

Oh well, off to do more spin cleaning. Record night tonight

I use one of these file holders to dry them, saves a lot of space

Edited October 2, 201510 yr by SteveC

I use one of these file holders to dry them, saves a lot of space

Yes, these are excellent drying racks. I liberated one from a life of office drudgery for a much more fulfilling role. Mine has a curved top so it only contacts the edge of the vinyl and the label.

I think I'll use the dishwasher caddy next time

Hope you sort out that Sony.

Ah, the Little Bear MM stage, it should sound pretty good, the circuit is a copy of the EAR MM circuit from what I have read.

That's a hell of a nice man cave

Thanks mate . Yeah picked up the power amp from repair. Because the N77es is not earthed and I was swapping components with it turned on I blew out the protection circuitry. It's all fixed up now . I'll plug her in tomorrow