smoffatt

Responses from smoffatt

Pickup SRA - starting from a 500x microscope
Thanks for this Phil. Can you calculate angles with Pixelstix as well or do you just import your image into Pixelstix, correct the image to 180 degrees and then move it to ImageJ to calculate the angles? I will download ImageJ. Indeed, for me gett... 
Pickup SRA - starting from a 500x microscope
I have a Dino-Line AM3013T that i use to set up SRA for an XV1's and A90 and encounter the same difficulties as the OP using the software (DynoXcope) that came with the scope to determine the angles. If it was a matter of just pointing the scope a... 
Ayre MX-R Twenty upgrade
I am seriously considering replacing my ARC Reference tube separates with an Integrated and an AX-5 Twenty is on my very short list along with Simaudio 600i and one from Pass perhaps. Need around 100w/ch to drive a pair of Verity Audio Parsifal En... 
Ortofon's new A95 - titanium SLM cartridge
A complete Ortofon rebuild of an A90 is 2000euro or at today's exchange rate, $2333.00usd. A Soundsmith retip is likely to be around $500.00. Since i am now retired i will likely go the Soundsmith option but i will still discuss a trade up value w... 
Ortofon's new A95 - titanium SLM cartridge
I wonder if there will be a trade in/up program. I have an A90 with approx. 1500hrs so it is almost time for a re-tip. If such a program exist, i would take advantage of it. If not, i would likely go the re-tip route for the A90.I also wonder if i... 
LOMC; Life expectancy
Thanks Lohanimal. I always use the arm lift and use the Cardas frequency sweep record regularly. Also, i use the magic eraser technique as part as my styli cleaning regiment. 
ARC Quality Issues Ref75 Ref5SE Ref10
He might be. Haven't talked to him in quite sometime but Decibell should make the call nevertheless and speak with Chris Ossana. Not sure who else you can talk to nowadays. With Terry gone/leaving, the "old guard" is quite decimated. ARC has not b... 
ARC Quality Issues Ref75 Ref5SE Ref10
Decibell. I would call ARC and ask to speak with Terry Dorn. Terry needs to know about those quality issues you are referring to. Make sure that you have your serial number of each piece while speaking with him. Crooked tube sockets and loose scre... 
ARC Quality Issues Ref75 Ref5SE Ref10
Have had ARC many different amps and preamps for over 25 years without any issues and some modded by GNSC. I was considering replacing (scaling down) my all ARC REF separates with a VAC 160iSE. As good as VAC products may be, i won't touch it. If ... 
New KT150 tubes?
Here's an update. FWIW.My ultimate goal is replace my ARC REF separates including Classic 120 monos with a very good integrated while maintaining (to some extent) the sonic attributes of my current set up. Discussing my options with an ARC dealer ... 
New KT150 tubes?
Hey Bif, don't sweat it. The post above from Tsushima1 states that he ordered KT150's from Upscale and put them in his REF150 with no apparent issues. All is good. You can not order KT150's from ARC because Kalvin will ask what amp you want to put... 
New KT150 tubes?
Thanks for this re-assuring comment Norfish. I feel the same way as you did before making the swap to the REF150. I will audition a REF75 in my system first and make a sonic assessment. If i feel that i need more "bottom end grip" i will audition ... 
How do you know when to replace tubes
Yes indeed Atmasphere. When the KT120 came out i wanted to drop them in my ARC Classic 120 (8 tubes per amp) Chris Ossana said to me you do that at your own risk and peril and make damn sure you report back thereafter. I kinda got the stern warnin... 
New KT150 tubes?
Hey guys, with your KT150's installed in your REF75 and 150 respectively, was clearance with the cage an issue? Do you have to leave it off. You would not want to "encaged" those beautiful glowing 150's would you??Me, i have been operating my Clas... 
VAC 160iSE integrated with NOLA speakers
Thanks for this info John and Agriculturist.Does the MC input of your 160iSE offer selectable resistive loading values through a rotary switch of some kind or is it fixed at the factory? Will try to connect with either Kevin or Brent to discuss th...