Another New UK member

[Mike C]

Hi, I'm Mike (as is obvious), in Essex in the UK.
55 years old but still feel like a kid, and behave
like one half the time according to my wife Jan.

An alter ego of mine is also Mike C on Audio
Asylum.
It's funny that I have only just got round to
looking at this site; that was due to John Daniel,
when I found his site while researching mu stages.

I'm an engineer (mechanical) but working as a
systems analyst. Anyway, I have a natural tendency
to DIY, but in hifi all I did was speakers and a
Hicap clone until fairly recently. I was never
really at home with electronics at that time.
About 4 years ago I had modest Naim gear, and
when looking to upgrade I looked at valve gear.
Ended up buying an Assemblage ST-40 (used) and
building an Assemblage L-1 preamp.
I really loved the results. Valves are it for me.
An SFP-1 phono stage (used) came next; very nice.

In 2000 I built a Basie preamp kit. I chose that as
it's all valve and valve rectified, and found it
a useful upgrade; simply, more 'musical'.
More importantly, I learnt about hard wired valve
circuits and valve rectifiers.

My next project in 2001 was a 300B SET power amp.
My own design, but relying heavily on advice on
the Asylum and borrowing somewhat from the
Welborne Laurels mu stage driver. Anyway, it's
very successful; a nice amp.

In 2002 I discovered that the E80CC sounded
really good in the Basie i.l.o. ECC82, which
made me wonder what results one might get from a
pre designed specifically for it ....
OK, I did it (using just a mu stage, with a very
good PSU) and I'm pleased to say that results are
astounding.

I do have a passion for music; classical, jazz,
folk, and a particular liking for female vocals.
I enjoy my system like mad, and enjoy making things,
but I don't lose sight of the music. Fortunately,
all my DIY projects have given very good results,
and major upgrades out of all proportion to the
cost. (This may change with my current phono stage
project!).

Sources are vinyl (Linn LP12, Cetech mod, Pink
Linnk PSU, Moerch DP-6 arm, Lyra Evolve), and
CD (QDS-15 which is the same as the nOrh, valve
output). Both are excellent. Preference is for
vinyl, but when my favourite CDs sound as good as
they do, who cares! I don't. I won't fan any
CD vs LP flames here.

The rules and philosophy of this group look really
good to me; well thought out and reasonable.
I look forward to taking part here.

[dhaen]

Hi Mike,

I see you registered Welcome to the forums!
You're not the only old fogie....
I'm sure your analytical approach will be a valuable contribution to our Tubes forum. It seems you have already contributed...

Enjoy,