mcfarland

Responses from mcfarland

I want to try tubes, need suggestions
Another really nice tube integrated is the Jadis Orchestra Reference, I say this not because you should get one, but for things you should also consider. I own a JOR and love it, BUT. . .power tube biasing should be done by a qualified technician ... 
Stylus wear question...
I really don't think you hurt anything. That used to happen to myself and my friends frequently during college. It take a long time to erode a diamond by rubbing it against vinyl. Relax. Maybe think about getting a TT with auto shut off. 
turntable question?
I beg to differ with the above advise. While someone experienced in TT's may tweak better sound out of a properly functioning Alexandria, I would worry about how that perticular TT was packaged and shipped, AND, worry whether a neophyte would have... 
Setup vs. Amp/Preamp choice?
No. Certain amp/pre-amp combo's are completely inadequate for the speaker systems that they are paired with, yet, when accompaning the right equipment will excel. Try a single ended 300b amp, or a tube amp with modest power and mate either with a ... 
Tube rolling in Yaqin Pacific Valve Tube Buffer
In my own personal experience, EBay tubes are for the most part, used junk. I have a tube tester (BK DynaJet), and would have to say that over half the time I buy tubes on EBay they are worthless, so cheap is the key to an EBay purchase. Also, I h... 
Tube rolling in Yaqin Pacific Valve Tube Buffer
Well, then are you absolutely sure that the Amperex's are good tubes? Maybe after they settle in a bit, they will improve, but something sounds amiss. 
Tube rolling in Yaqin Pacific Valve Tube Buffer
I don't believe that a 6dj8 or 6922 is an equivalent of a 6n1. The 6922's, 6dj8's, and even the 6n1p are said to draw more current and eventually damage your transformers. I "googled" 6n1 equivalent and found Tube Depot saying that the 6aq8/or ecc... 
Extending speaker wire?
Agree with the above, as I've done it myself. There has been a lot of buzz about YARDMASTER GREEN outdoor power cord, with the end cut off and then used as speaker cable. A giant killer at a rediculously low price. You may want to try this. I am s... 
Vintage Grundig Console Repair
I would not recommend that you try to power it up again. It very likely has dried up elecrolytic capacitors which probably all need to be replaced. Fortunately that is not a terrible job, nor should it be very expensive. Whether or not you should ... 
Vintage speakers from the 70's and 80's
Rectilinear XII's for bookshelves, III's for floorstanders. Also for bookshelves, AR 2's or 3's, and the KLH model 5's should also be considered as the frontrunners. 
Transitioning from Tubes back to SS
With only ten hours of use, you've hardly given your current set up a chance. Why don't you try listening to your system for a while, see what you like, or don't like, and then try to figure out what you want instead of looking for "spec power" th... 
Fatman iTube Carbon or an A/V receiver for audio
I have an iTube Carbon in my office. I must say that I am extremely impressed with how EXTREMELY CHEAPLY it is made. For a living room system, I would personally look elsewhere, for an office system the iTube Carbon edition is merely adequate, not... 
Reel to Reel for play back
A 10 inch reel holds more tape than a 7.5 inch reel, therefore longer playing time and more music per reel (playing time will vary depending on the recording speed that you use). I'm a fan of reel to reel and have two Revox A 77's, but personally,... 
TUBE NOOB: WHAT BRAND
According to my search, the 6cl8 is cheap enough to buy several brands and try them. If you don't have access to a reliable tube tester, I suggest you buy and take advise from a reputable seller (Jim McShane, Andy @ Vintage Tube services, and othe... 
Low Frequency "Clipping"
See if it occurs with another source other than TT. If it doesn't, the problem lies in the turntable/TT setup. If it does, switch the right and left speaker cables to see if it still occurs, or if it changes with the speaker. If it changes with th...