2021 Audio Plans

[DC]

I got some CDs (mostly Jazz SACDs and other higher-rez discs) entered in Discogs this evening. Most of those have barcodes, so it's pretty easy. Now to just pick a spot and start in on the rest... and set aside any of the cut-outs and music club ones that don't have barcodes and do those later. (Or don't do those later, as the one stack of LPs that remains that Discogs didn't have an appropriate entry for and I was going to get to putting them in later.)

 

[Billet]

1. Hopefully be able to have more get togethers with local audio friends.
2. Hopefully hear some live music with a real audience.
3. Play all of my albums that I have bought and not yet played.
4. Build some horn speakers.
5. Get my old receiver repaired.

 

[Rudy]

I got some CDs (mostly Jazz SACDs and other higher-rez discs) entered in Discogs this evening. Most of those have barcodes, so it's pretty easy. Now to just pick a spot and start in on the rest...

I've long wanted to do this, but it's a ton of work since many of my LPs are pre-barcode era, and digging up the exact versions would take a while. CDs and other digital discs will be a problem since I'm putting them in storage soon--they've been ripped to a server for six years now, and they only collect dust and take up room. It's probably easier if I use an offline CD cataloging system, since I could do that with a barcode scanner.

And I'm trying to talk myself out of a Sweetvinyl SugarCube...

 

[Roscoe65]

I am really looking forward to 2021. It just has to be better than 2020! Aside from the obvious, 2021 is also my first year of retirement so I should have more time to devote to the finer things in life, like building Hifi gear. Here’s my list so far:

* Solid brass arm pod for my Siggwan tonearm.
* Rebuild my DAC to include I/V transformers.
* Make new interconnects.
* Make new enclosure for my AVC.
* Build a stereo PP EL-84 integrated.
* Reduce clutter; sell unused gear
* Simplify, simplify!

Would you mind sharing the PP EL-84 inregranted design you are considering?

 

[mpholland]

I would like to get a few restorations completed this year.

• Finish the Marantz 2245
• Finish the Pioneer PL-530
• Find a Perspex Dome and screw for my Mayware Formula IV arm so I can get the TD-125 up and running
• Maybe start back into working on the Radio Craftsmen 500's
• Buy a cattle prod for the wife so she can keep me motivated (maybe not a good idea?)

 

[Salectric]

Would you mind sharing the PP EL-84 inregranted design you are considering?

Nothing original. I have a pair of Eico HF-12s and I will use their OPTs to build a stereo power amp using the Eico circuitry, essentially a HF-86 if you’re familiar with the Eico models. The HF-81 integrated gets all the favorable press but I don’t want a phono stage or the tone control/linestage portion. I have ordered a Heyboer power transformer which is supposedly a direct replacement for the HF-81 unit.

The big question for me is how I am going to use the EL-84 amp. Right now I don’t have any real need for it. It just seems like something fun to have around.

 

[Roscoe65]

Interesting choice. I know you like the floating paraphrase circuit used in the WE 124. From my limited understanding the Eico uses a Williamson circuit. I’m not sure how they differ, nor what advantages or disadvantages each offers.

Rebuilding a HF-81 is tempting. It is a compact single box system that has just about the right amount of power. I’ve never heard one but it is reputed to sound very good. The output transformers are alleged to be part of the magic. I would be tempted to recreate a simplified line stage only HF-81, incorporating the recommended mods in a fresh build.

 

[Salectric]

Interesting choice. I know you like the floating paraphrase circuit used in the WE 124. From my limited understanding the Eico uses a Williamson circuit. I’m not sure how they differ, nor what advantages or disadvantages each offers.

Rebuilding a HF-81 is tempting. It is a compact single box system that has just about the right amount of power. I’ve never heard one but it is reputed to sound very good. The output transformers are alleged to be part of the magic. I would be tempted to recreate a simplified line stage only HF-81, incorporating the recommended mods in a fresh build.

I want to start with the stock Eico circuit just because so many people say it sounds great. But if I am not totally in love with it, I will change it to a floating paraphase more like a Leben PP EL-84.

 

[Leben]

OK, I have an update on my 2021 plans/goals. My new goal is to convince my Wife to let me to put these in the dining room. I think they’ll clean up OK and I already have components to fill them so why not, right? I think they’d really add to dinnertime ambiance. She’s amazingly understanding when it comes to my hobbies so maybe there’s a chance.

 

[Wntrmute2]

^ Good luck with that.

 

[Rudy]

^ What he said.

 

[S0und Dragon]

Tell her its a Butlers pantry...

 

[JohnVF]

You might end up having to live out of those.

 

[Rudy]

You might end up having to live out of those.

Brings to mind my favorite Charles Rodrigues cartoon:

 

[MrEd]

OK, I have an update on my 2021 plans/goals. My new goal is to convince my Wife to let me to put these in the dining room. I think they’ll clean up OK and I already have components to fill them so why not, right? I think they’d really add to dinnertime ambiance. She’s amazingly understanding when it comes to my hobbies so maybe there’s a chance.
View attachment 33604

Hey... worked for me and now look

Just tell her to call my wife Lucy and it will all get worked out.

 

[MikeyFresh]

She’s amazingly understanding when it comes to my hobbies so maybe there’s a chance.

I am cautiously pessimistic about that chance.

 

[Salectric]

Hey... worked for me and now look
View attachment 33608
Just tell her to call my wife Lucy and it will all get worked out.

Very nice!!

 

[MrEd]

Very nice!!

Thanks @Salectric

 

[Leben]

^ Good luck with that.

^ What he said.

Tell her its a Butlers pantry...

You might end up having to live out of those.

I am cautiously pessimistic about that chance.

Yeah, I haven’t summoned the courage to pitch the idea yet. It’s all about timing, I suppose. She knows they’re in the garage and likely has them on her worry list.

Hey... worked for me and now look
View attachment 33608
Just tell her to call my wife Lucy and it will all get worked out.

I may take you up on that! I’ll show her your picture first and watch her reaction. Are those 805 horns (Sweet!)? Nice looking room and treatments, gives a guy something to aspire to!

 

[Roscoe65]

Hey... worked for me and now look
View attachment 33608
Just tell her to call my wife Lucy and it will all get worked out.

That room turned out really nicely. I seem to recall you posted a thread about the development of the room.

I like how the resources were deployed. The electronics are nice but not $$$$$ nice, the A7s always make a great showing, the SLOB subwoofer is both interesting and fits the room, blending into the room treatments. I also really like the attention to treating the room but not overtreating the room.

This room really illustrates how a well considered approach can help achieve domestic agreement. The room is treated first, the speakers and equipment are considered both furniture and decor in the room, and the rug really ties the room together.

As much as we enjoy looking at Woody’s loft space, most of us are more likely to be dealing with a room more like Mr. Ed’s. I also like that the system and room are interesting and unusual, rather that throwing money at the room.

I would love a refresher on the room and system if you wouldn’t mind linking them.

Thanks,
R