Yes, Barkingside is just for humour as these have been modded.... Also, I've used many step up transformers and none have been equal in my system to the Hashimoto's.... Regards...
I've heard of most Tannoy speakers, but Barkingside is a new one on me. I'm going to have to assume that it is a humorous name for custom built speakers.
I built a custom 150 liter pair of enclosures for my HPD 315 drivers, but never thought of naming them. I think I've missed the boat.
With those beautiful amps, Shindo preamp, and Garrard 301 (mine is a custom made 401), I am positive you are enjoying very fine sounds on this system.
Hi, saw that you replaced the tx103 with the hashimoto and then you added the TX1003 silver instead. Could you share what's your experience with these step ups? I am looking to use a denon103 and my preference is for a silver based step up but read that the hashimotos are really good as well; so in a bit of a dilemma.
System edited: Stevens & Billington 103 transformers replaced by the Hashimoto HM-3 which are a better match to the Mantis and superb sounding. Yamaha hard drive recorder with Western Electric line transformer added and the best digital toy in my opininon for a vinyl analogue head.
System edited: Chord SPA 1032 amplifier replacing EAR 509 Anniversary. Western Electric Line Transformer added. Blue Angel Mantis cartridge in and Shelter 901 out.
System edited: UME PLUM monoblock valve amplifiers added. Sony XL-44 cartridge removed. Denon 103R added. EMT: glass platter added. Current loft set up changed.
This is one of the most impressive and interesting systems that I have seen in a very long time. What a generous collection of vintage equipment - amazing! The PYE mono amps is probably very rare hey? Don't ever let them go!!!
There really is no comparison between the two as they have both been set-up for different roles.
The EMT I wanted to move the line forward. I had the arm Cardas wired with a standard universal fitting and the deck stripped and isolated on an air platform. The reasoning was to make the deck more 'audiophile' and less broadcast to run a Shelter 901 on her. I was never really that impressed with the standard EMT set-ups so I wanted drop it different. Now the EMT gives out all the information that the various cartridges I have tried possess without its own broadcast signature sound but it is 'dynamic' as idlers are.
The 301 is all about its own classic 60's signature musicality with the Series 1 arm and the Ortofon SPU Garrott Brothers cartridge. There is no audionervosa when hearing her. It all about hearing music instead of me 'listening' for things. It's a fantastic deck that has the ability to have me drawing out more records to play and for that reason alone I have to give it credit.
System edited: Well Tempered Classic now repalced by Garrard 301 and SME 3009 Series 1 arm which will soon have a bronze knife edge bearing. PYE HF12 12 watt monoblocks have been aqcuired to complement the Tannoys and are superb using two triode Mullard ECC33's and KT66's.