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...
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.
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.
System edited: Harbeth HL Monitor III speakers now replaced by tweaked Tannoy Chester's. Paper-coned drivers and 3/4 inch of oak cabinet braced. More speed from the driver and less box boom when playing music with heavy bass line. Rgds
The Leira's are a superb transmission line with a lack of box coloration. I've had the original drivers re-coned and that's it. Purchased from a so called high-end London store that took them in as a trade and then listed as 'garden speakers' no less! Paid the sum of about $120.00 and promptly left. Been with me for a few years now and I have no thoughts of moving them on.
The 509's are able to drive everything I have thrown at them. The MK1's I had for 10 years and would not have moved on but for an accident with them. They are totally devoid of a 'valve' sound but have the transparency and a true bottom end. I have no experience of the Lamm's and at those prices I never will methinks. Transparency is more important for me in an amp as I prefer to let the pre-amp/cartridge's I own to add a sonic signature. 509's are built to run all and everyday due to their heritage. Cheap to re-valve and easy to live with, the last pair of Mullard PL509's I got for $20.00. Those TV valves are good for 20,000 hrs. I would recommend you also check out the EAR 890 or 899 if a warmer valve sound is more your taste and the power rating is about that of the Lamm's. 509's are my perfect amp so I am biased and Tim De P is a genius without doubt. Don't think there are many designers who can execute an amp around those superb valves.
System edited: Shindo pre phonostage bettered former EAR 834P by a great margin. New 509 anniversary Monoblocks replace the original 509. Being run-in at present.
Yep, those Harbeth's are something else. Had some Quad ESL 57's that I just couldn't integrate with my room and I'm loathed to room tuning. The Harbeth's were superior in my room with pinpoint imaging with that nearfield listening that is soooo addictive at times. Many a Quad owner have discovered the Harbeth's which are far superior to the Spendor BC1's that people seem to be raving over at now over inflated prices imho. Will try the straws from McDonalds sir.
The MC on the 834 sounds average at best. I went through and heard quite a few trannies before hooking up with the FR by accident. Its 10 ohm setting is an absolute match with the SPU and is the only tranny that I found producing the dynamics I required at lower listening levels. Must be the torodial and yes I run my amps straight raw. Oh, and there is slightly more gain.
Thanks for the comment, I like to do things a little way different.
Guess it all depends on the vinyl being played. The SPU has an euphonic sound that can be addictive and with the Weinz Paroc tip it tracks better and has more detail without the thinning out you get with the SPU Meister's etc.
The Koetsu has a mid and bass to die for but the top end is rolled off. Great for thin bright recordings.
