Projects, Projects, Projects..

Like most of us here I seem to have more projects than I can handle. Just added another one - I'm going to do a simple little 6BQ5/6V6/7C5 based SE amplifier for nostalgia. (My first tube amp as a teenager was a 6BQ5 SE)

I've just added to the stack by ordering a pair of 6V6/6BQ5 SE OPTs from Tony over at Twin Audio. The price with shipping was pretty hard to beat, and I figure that the effort they put into building their amplifiers probably is also reflected in the quality of the parts they use. This amplifier will be pretty simple, most likely using pentode mode with some cathode feedback, a single stage high mu triode driver, and some limited global feedback to get the output impedance down. Hopefully I can make enough power to drive the HCC with it. I could conceivably incorporate the baffle step correction into the input of this amplifier if it is dedicated to driving the HCCs. As a firm believer in the benefits of fixed bias the output stage will incorporate that.

I'm working on a small but lucrative commission assembling/tweaking/testing an LCR based phono stage designed by Thorsten Loesch. Should be interesting - I've not heard one before and a comparison between that and my D3A/5842 gyrator loaded and passively EQ'd design could be a revelation. I may have to do a design of my own at some point. We'll see.

I made the decision some weeks ago to go with IT coupling on the GM70 amps and the Lundahl LL1635 ITs just shipped from K&K Audio. Should have them soon, and will be able to decide based on measurements whether to go with the ITs or chokes or something else altogether..

The HCC are sounding a bit better, but I still can't get over how directional they are, and how little bass they produce. The reference are my diy Onkens which are just better. The HCC though should do nicely in competition with other similar full range designs. They would be fine in a secondary music system which of course I don't have..

The TT project is set to start moving ahead again, although I have to admit I should have my head examined - for what I have spent I could have had a ready to play Project or a good used VPI or similar in the > $1000 range. I really hope this thing is half way decent. (Premotec motor in pod, 2" clear acrylic plinth, Thorens TD125 platter and main bearing, Rega RB301 arm..)

Undoubtedly I will cook up some other project for which I have no time in the near future..

FIFO system is not working, but currently I operate closer to LIFO afterall the HCC were the last project added to the list and the first to get completed. The TT will probably get some attention some, Freud metal cutting blade has been ordered and I can finally start machining the last bits and pieces soon.. (I'm a bit of a hack unfortunately - won't be nearly as nice as some I have seen in the forum.)

Wore my 10yr burn in T shirt to the rink the other night, only two people asked about it, and of those only 1 actually knew what it was.. I wore it with pride..