My system is based on the concept that one can assemble an otherwise unaffordable "super system" via DIY. Even if I was doing much better, I would probably still be embarrassed to spend big money on top-flight commercial components - especially after hearing the 500C.
At the inception of my first truly high end project, the International Loesch preamp, I was informed in no uncertain terms by the guys on the Joelist that it was not only possible to build something that approached state-of-the-art commercial products but that it was an easily attainable goal to surpass them. In subsequent listening sessions at audio salons around NYC, I found this to be accurate. My preamp was definitely in the same league as commercial products costing up to $20K several high dollar pres were actually a disappointment in comparison. Note that this really isnt that amazing when you consider that DIY projects dont have to meet the manufacturability, reliability and parts cost-points that commercial products do.
There are some very talented engineers and enthusiasts on several continents who continue to share their designs via the internet. My strategy has been to take proven DIY designs i.e., well received by previous builders and build my own version. I have found value in waiting until the project has been built and subsequently rebuilt/modified by the designer and/or other well qualified enthusiasts. This comprises added R&D and helps to negate the "proud papa" syndrome. Once I settle on a design, I choose passive parts that I hope will tailor the component to my taste. Of course, every single experiment has not been a total success ;0)
Everything in my system is currently DIY except the tuner and CD player - which are also modified.
Understand the BIBLE: http://www.unleavenedbreadministries.org/
The signal section is after Dennis McCotter's design from several years ago. Contrary to many, I like the 211 better than the 845 - understanding that a system optimized for 845 will usually sound bright with the 211. To me, the 211 has better hi-freq extension and tighter bass while retaining the 300B-like mindrange. I generally find the 845 too "brown" sounding.
DIY 211 signal chassis from front
Front view
211 PS Custom
Here is a pic of the power supply after changing the rectifier sockets. A hammond cage will cover the toroid and rec tubes after it is painted. Features: Bendix (Northern Electric) 10H choke 4000V. The red cap is plastic in oil 3000V. The two smaller oil caps bypass the main HT cap bank and are the old PCB types - yikes! Notice the two power umbilicals. The 1150V umbilical is 10KV rated insulated wire covered by a 7KV rated non-conductive fiberglass shield and heat shrink. The connectors are overrated as well.
DIY 211 signal chassis underneath
Signal circuit features: The small signal circuit is a copy of the SJS 417A to IT circuit - avoiding a coupling cap between the stages. The OPTs are James 10K. The 4 large resistors take the 12V AC for heating the 211 down to 10V - I mounted them on an aluminum plate for cooling. The power comes in via two unbilicals - one only has the 1150V HT; the other has everything else including the main ground. Oddly, there was a slight hum in my former residence but it is totally silent via 93dB effecient speakers in my current place.
DIY 211 PS chassis underneath
The PS was designed in Duncan's PSU free software, which rocks. I was going for 1150V HT and 205V LT - I got 1154 and 207! Features: Seperate PS for LT and HT. The HT is Rectified by a 6CJ3 damper diode bridge. The LT has a CREE diode bridge. The white and grey caps are Unlytics. The heaters are 60kHZ AC lighting modules giving 10V of high frequency AC. Sounds as good as whatever is in front of it.
International Loesch Preamp after T. Loesch's Tocatta II
This is my build of the A. Loesch design as modified by T. Loesch, with parts choices and exterior design by yours truly. Circuit features: Full featured preamp including MC RIAA. External regulated PS. Sowter volume control transformers configured as autoformers and switching via mercury relays.
new Lenco L59 Trans-fi Terminator
I added a layer to my old L59 plinth and a Trans-Fi Terminator tonearm. After only a few hours it sounds excellent.
EAR USA 834P
Here is my rebuild of the 834P using Mr T's mods. The idea was to upgrade the MM sound and get 4 phono inputs in one unit with relay switching of the transformers. Note the air caps (tuners) used for the RIAA eq - groovy!
Custom 834P Mr T
Here's the guts. Good for me that I never got around to selling my EAR.
Fisher 500C
My $47 thrift store find. The power tubes looked dead so I never powered it up until I did the PS mod. To my surprise, all the tubes are good and it sounds truly great pumping out the Sunday morning oldies on FM. I refin'd the cabinet and it is a passably cool piece of furniture. The speakers are Dynaco A-35's - currently going for ridiculous amounts on ebay. Wire = 89259 star quad built last century - knew it would come in handy some day.
500C Restored on bench...
..After final cleaning and a few new knob brights. Since it was in a cabinet the face is still like new.
