Pulling Boards

Posted by: Tam on 08 July 2006

I know this topic is a little as old as the hills, and I probably ought to just run a search...

I haven't bothered much thinking about this in the past since I use all the boards in my 32.5, however, it has recently occurred to me that since I am currently without vinyl (space issues), that these might be pulled. The reason I haven't bothered was wondering whether simply pulling a pair of phono boards is likely to make all that much difference. Of course, there is a simple way to find out (but I would have to power down my whole system, disconnect everything and open it up - which is a little boring). So I was wondering whether there was any consensus as to whether it was likely to be worth it.

Also, and showing my ignorance, am I right in thinking that there is just one pair of tape boards that serve both tape loops (in which case, no pulling can be done there since I need my headphones).

regards, Tam

EDIT - being the idiot that I am I've managed to put this in the Padded Cell rather than the Hi-Fi Room. Any chance you could move it Adam, or one of the other mods. Thanks [D'oh emoticon]
Posted on: 08 July 2006 by Ian G.
Not really like for like, but when I had a stageline powered directly from my 202 I noticed a degredation of CD replay. So much so I moved away from the stageline altogether.

I'd pull the boards.

Ian
Posted on: 08 July 2006 by Tam
Dear Ian,

I would think it is pretty similar - given that both the stageline and the boards draw power from the amp. I shall try and pull the boards tomorrow (better not try it now - after the evening I've had! [drunken smiley]). Thanks.

regards, Tam
Posted on: 09 July 2006 by Tam
Well, I have pulled the phono boards. I also experimented with the two pairs of tape boards, but it seems that without one I lose the headphones and without the other the speakers (so it's not one for each tape loop). I also took the opportunity to unplug/replug each connector several times.

Wow! I am very impressed by the improvement on a quick listen (further analysis prevented by the early arrival of my guests). But if you have unused boards in a 32.5: pull them (just be sure to put them in a safe place in case you ever want them again).

regards, Tam
Posted on: 09 July 2006 by Tam
Disaster strikes. I have noticed that while CD replay was improved, tuner replay was non-existant. It seems the on/off switch on my SNAPS (which powers my 101) has almost had its day and it was more than a little difficult to persuade it to work (not simply a case of tightening the knob I'm afraid). Looks like the whole thing may need to go back to Salisbury for a service (which, given it's over 20 years old, is possibly not a huge surprise). Still, money I would rather not be spending. Frown

regards, Tam
Posted on: 09 July 2006 by Ian G.
congratulations on the CD results - welcome to the external phono stage club - I predict you'll struggle to persuade yourself it is ok to put them back in now...

but commiserations on the snapped SNAPS - bummer.

ian
Posted on: 09 July 2006 by Tam
The SNAPS still seems to work, but I ought to send it away - in fairness, both it and the tuner have needed a service for a while....

You may have a point about not wanting them back in - I suppose I could always get some link boards and run an external phono stage if I go back to vinyl at some point.....

regards, Tam