mcfarland

Responses from mcfarland

Any experience with Tandberg Amps?
Probably just a bad cap in the power supply, but you could have caused more damage on power up (the Variac takes it up gradually, and you can sometimes "reform" older capacitors). Very likely, your circuit protectors did their job, and there is li... 
Any experience with Tandberg Amps?
Before you hook it up and turn it on, you may want to bring it to a qualified tech to power it up on a Variac and check/replace any capacitors that may have dried out over time (they last 10-15 years or so). Just my 2 cents worth. Happy Listening ... 
Which tube balanced preamp good for modding?
Most of the balanced tube pre-amps that I know of are already "top of the line" or nearly so. Changing out some capacitors will change the sound, as will changing the tubes. Changing the resistor package to Caddocks, for example, will be costly, e... 
Suggestions how to repair these
It looks like they come apart pretty easily. If you do the work yourself, UNPLUG them first! Then try cleaning the volume pots with Radio Shack electronics cleaner, both sides of the rotating pots. Saturate them well as there may be quite a bit of... 
Tube Preamp w / phono needed to match SS Amp
IMHO. . . the Audible Illusions model 3 with phono stage should be right up your alley. Happy Listening, 
Tubelike SS Power amp
The Hafler Transnova series may be just what you are looking for. (Affordable too, I might add). Excellant value for the dollar. Another to consider is the Forte model 4 (but only 50 watts/channel, I am not sure of how loud you want to get, or how... 
Proceed CDD - repair or not?
Here is a link you may want to look at:http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/digital/messages/13/134818.html It addresses the laser mechanism and the travails of another audiophile who mentions the repair estimates. 
What would happen if we had convenient turntables
The Garrard Zero 100 did have a VTA adjustment for playing multiple records, and many tables had an auto lift. Your stylus will not be damaged running in to the center of the record at the end of play. Relax a bit. Yes single sided play is a chore... 
300B for LS3/5A?
Their impedance should make the Rogers an easy load on the amp, but unless you are wearing your speakers as headphones I don't think your going to be very happy with the volume levels that you are going to achieve. Just my humble opinion. 
Turntable Motor
Yes. Just "Google" the words: "turntable motors". You will find a plethora of manufacturers and suppliers. 
what is the best way to wire up my system
IMHO. . .An inexpensive way to wire your system with a very good sounding cable (I've compared to Kimber 8tc) is to use YARDMASTER PATIO power cord for your speaker cables (you will have to refashion and terminate the ends). It comes in 40 foot le... 
Speaker recommendation
IMHO. . . I truely like Vandersteins (2's, 3's or better). I don't own a pair myself, but every time I listen to a pair, I am truely impressed. No significant faults (except WAF, maybe), but they image well, deliver a pretty good bottom end, get t... 
What kinds of tubes I can use?
I suggest checking with the manufacturer on substitute tube types, but, that aside, I also recommend that you listen to your new amp for several months to let it settle in, determine its sonic signature, and exactly what about its sound that you l... 
Dunlavy SC-IVa speaker cabinet refinishing source?
A high end piano store in your area may have a piano/furniture repairman than can do this for you. 
Help getting a Tube Amp
Check out Atma-Sphere products at the atma-sphere.com website. They produce excellant bass response so that you may not even need a sub. I use their M-60's, have a large room, and drive a pair of Harmon Kardon Sixty's which are only a bit more sen...