Slow learner
Posted by: bazz on 24 October 2002
The recent acquisition of a CD5 has re-ignited my interest in music and prompted me to do something about the shameful neglect my system has endured over the last few years. The main reason for the neglect is a nasty lower bass resonance in my L shaped room which has more or less relegated the hi fi to background music status. I just hate sloppy bass & use headphones for anything with deep bass.
I’ve long thought that non-ported speakers may be the answer but haven’t got around to trying any because I really like my ES14’s for all the things they do well. Plugging the ports with foam helps the bass problem but unfortunately destroys the sound. Partial plugging is an ok compromise.
Anyway, my first step was a set of 729 & 321/5 boards for the 32.5 to replace the 321 & 324 originals which date from 1982 when I bought it new as a 32. That really livened the old girl up. I reckon it practically qualifies as a new preamp because the new boards contain every active component in the box except the power switch relay (I already pulled the tape buffer and phono boards)
Then, two days ago I got a sparky in to install a separate mains spur. The full schmeer, eight new wall sockets, 30 amp rating, new cable, first dibs at the supply etc. I even had him run the cable on a separate bearer, to prevent it from being tainted by association with other, less sanctified cables. That was when he started looking at me a little strangely.
After he left I hooked everything up again & without any real expectations plonked Eva Cassidy on just to check that all was working
and ……………… I could not believe the sound that was coming from the speakers. Every track had completely new musical threads. Not only that, but every piece of equipment sounds like it’s been replaced by something which costs two or three times more. Even the bass control is improved, if not cured, at least I can hear what’s happening now.
An absolutely incredible improvement for a few hundred bucks. Whoever said ten grands worth wasn’t kidding. This won’t be news to those who have already done it of course, but it has exceeded my expectations by a very wide margin. Two days on and it’s even better. And I could have done it five years ago. Doh!
Later, as funds permit I plan to recap the Hicap & 250, then a Flatcap 2 for the CD5, (or maybe the FC2 first?) and a headline, which I can also power from the FC2. Later I’ll look at maybe replacing the ES14’s. Any suggestions there?
Another thought. No electrician I’ve ever met solders mains wiring connections. They maintain it’s not necessary, but I have my doubts. Wouldn’t the contacts oxidise over time & build up resistance, or is that not an issue at mains voltages?
I’ve long thought that non-ported speakers may be the answer but haven’t got around to trying any because I really like my ES14’s for all the things they do well. Plugging the ports with foam helps the bass problem but unfortunately destroys the sound. Partial plugging is an ok compromise.
Anyway, my first step was a set of 729 & 321/5 boards for the 32.5 to replace the 321 & 324 originals which date from 1982 when I bought it new as a 32. That really livened the old girl up. I reckon it practically qualifies as a new preamp because the new boards contain every active component in the box except the power switch relay (I already pulled the tape buffer and phono boards)
Then, two days ago I got a sparky in to install a separate mains spur. The full schmeer, eight new wall sockets, 30 amp rating, new cable, first dibs at the supply etc. I even had him run the cable on a separate bearer, to prevent it from being tainted by association with other, less sanctified cables. That was when he started looking at me a little strangely.
After he left I hooked everything up again & without any real expectations plonked Eva Cassidy on just to check that all was working
and ……………… I could not believe the sound that was coming from the speakers. Every track had completely new musical threads. Not only that, but every piece of equipment sounds like it’s been replaced by something which costs two or three times more. Even the bass control is improved, if not cured, at least I can hear what’s happening now.
An absolutely incredible improvement for a few hundred bucks. Whoever said ten grands worth wasn’t kidding. This won’t be news to those who have already done it of course, but it has exceeded my expectations by a very wide margin. Two days on and it’s even better. And I could have done it five years ago. Doh!
Later, as funds permit I plan to recap the Hicap & 250, then a Flatcap 2 for the CD5, (or maybe the FC2 first?) and a headline, which I can also power from the FC2. Later I’ll look at maybe replacing the ES14’s. Any suggestions there?
Another thought. No electrician I’ve ever met solders mains wiring connections. They maintain it’s not necessary, but I have my doubts. Wouldn’t the contacts oxidise over time & build up resistance, or is that not an issue at mains voltages?
Bazz,
Yes a recap will tighten everything up just nicely. I found that the "hard stuff" was done a lot easier after recap. The recap can take several weeks to sort itself out. Email me and I can let you know who to see.
Yes the mains spur does kick arse. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one in Newcastle to have one.
I'll have to check out your new CD sometime.
Dave
Yes a recap will tighten everything up just nicely. I found that the "hard stuff" was done a lot easier after recap. The recap can take several weeks to sort itself out. Email me and I can let you know who to see.
Yes the mains spur does kick arse. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one in Newcastle to have one.
I'll have to check out your new CD sometime.
Dave