If Viktor and Elekit made a 3.0 version of the TU-8600 here's what I'd love to see (so much so that I'd buy it and sell my 1.0 version).
Remote Volume -- Khozmo. khozomo remote attenuator. Isn't the ALPs pot a bit of a weak link anyway?
Single Ended Inputs -- Increase from 1 source to 2 sources minimum.
Bottom Panel Access -- It would be cool to have a bottom panel escape hatch where you could more easily enter/exit to swap out caps.
Feedback Adjustment -- I know this is asking a lot (the 3 above are more easily doable), but it would be cool to be able to adjust the feedback to one's subjective tastes. This is least important though--in my mind.
As a disclaimer, I am not trying to be critical. I love Elekit and Viktor. I do, however, think there are many people/customers/enthusiasts who would love these features a bit more than chasing tubes that cost $1k+. Also, the bottom hatch could allow people on a budget to choose their upgrades based on their situation and come back later to add in boutique caps, etc.
Viktor mentioned a remote might be coming. Can't wait.
Remote Volume -- Khozmo. khozomo remote attenuator. Isn't the ALPs pot a bit of a weak link anyway?
Single Ended Inputs -- Increase from 1 source to 2 sources minimum.
Bottom Panel Access -- It would be cool to have a bottom panel escape hatch where you could more easily enter/exit to swap out caps.
Feedback Adjustment -- I know this is asking a lot (the 3 above are more easily doable), but it would be cool to be able to adjust the feedback to one's subjective tastes. This is least important though--in my mind.
As a disclaimer, I am not trying to be critical. I love Elekit and Viktor. I do, however, think there are many people/customers/enthusiasts who would love these features a bit more than chasing tubes that cost $1k+. Also, the bottom hatch could allow people on a budget to choose their upgrades based on their situation and come back later to add in boutique caps, etc.
Viktor mentioned a remote might be coming. Can't wait.
Agreed with the first two suggestions of a remote control option and 2 inputs. 2 inputs is ideal for most modern hifi'ers - a DAC and a Phono.
volume control would be really great. The tricky thing at the moment is that I listen to a variety of genres (from classical, jazz, rock, and modern pop) and the average loudness varies substantially. I have a relatively high output DAC (~3.5V) which doesn't make it easy to nail the volume straight away and there's lots of need to make fine adjustments from song to song.
If wishes were horses and all that..........
My wishes:
- Want the volume control circuitry taken out completely. Not interested in an integrated amp. Want a "pure" amp.
- Single set of inputs from preamp & one set of speaker terminals.
- No remote. Amps don't need remotes.
@gpdavis2,
I agree with you! I'd actually prefer the unit be a straight amp--not integrated. But if it has to be integrated to please the market, I want the things above.
I agree with you! I'd actually prefer the unit be a straight amp--not integrated. But if it has to be integrated to please the market, I want the things above.
Yes. If is to be an integrated amp for the NA market it needs at least three inputs & a remote. Making it easy to "roll" caps is also a real plus.
Wansmith - Had a TU-8500 from Victor with all the upgrades, but it was too noisy with the ICs for my LOMCs so now have a Cary SLP-98P with a K&K SUT in front of same and it is excellent. If I was an MM/HOMC listener I might have kept the TU-8500 and added the digital remote. Not quite a Sun Valley Pre1616D, but a nice preamp for the $$
I'm in discussions with Victor about having Sun Valley offer their power amp, which is currently offered in NA as an 845/211 tube amp as a 300b amp. He said that he must have 20 orders in order for Sun Valley to make it in the needed voltage for NA.
I just bought the TU8500 preamp to front the TU8600S amp. I have a Hana EL MC cartridge with 30 ohm resistance and recommended load resistance of over 300 ohm. I swapped out the standard 100 ohm load resistor for 390 ohm using a modified transistor socket to easily swap out resistors of difference values. I don't hear any residual noise from the standard Op amps but have the premium Op amps on order. Would using a SUT and the MM setting of the TU8500 result in the lowest noise possible? The other thing I noticed was the "noise" with the turntable/cartridge connected was from the cartridge itself. Using an EMF/RF detector App on my smartphone, the EMF reading near the cartridge was quite high.
If it wasn't for the single input of the TU8600, tedious direct connection and cheap RCA switchers, I would not have discovered the TU8500. I am using low efficiency LS35A clone speakers, so the extra gain from the preamp is welcomed. My first impression is that it enhances the sonic image already present in the TU8600. Instead of a voice hovering in front of me, I can visualize the entire person - a more fleshed out presentation.
I would vote for a remote volume controller for the TU8500 and an option to eliminate the volume control on the TU8600. I like the under panel idea to easily swap output capacitors. I'd also like to see the fuse holder externally accessible to easily upgrade to an "audiophile" fuse.
If it wasn't for the single input of the TU8600, tedious direct connection and cheap RCA switchers, I would not have discovered the TU8500. I am using low efficiency LS35A clone speakers, so the extra gain from the preamp is welcomed. My first impression is that it enhances the sonic image already present in the TU8600. Instead of a voice hovering in front of me, I can visualize the entire person - a more fleshed out presentation.
I would vote for a remote volume controller for the TU8500 and an option to eliminate the volume control on the TU8600. I like the under panel idea to easily swap output capacitors. I'd also like to see the fuse holder externally accessible to easily upgrade to an "audiophile" fuse.
Sounds great Ray!
I opened my unit to find there is plenty of room for at least one more set of RCA, single ended inputs.
I'm going to try sourcing or building a new chassis to house the Elekit TU-8600 so I can add inputs, add a remote, and potential some other features.
I opened my unit to find there is plenty of room for at least one more set of RCA, single ended inputs.
I'm going to try sourcing or building a new chassis to house the Elekit TU-8600 so I can add inputs, add a remote, and potential some other features.
Were you going to use a DPDT switch to toggle between inputs? I have an IR remote control motorized ALPs volume control PCB, 3" x 2". It fits upside down in TU8500 between volume control shaft and selector shaft. Trying to couple the 2 shafts using rubber band but slippage on both shafts. Will try plastic cogs on the shafts. Last resort would be to remove the original Alps and run leads between the 2 boards. How were you planning to add a motorized volume control to the TU8600? I didn't see much room at the front of the chassis.
Ray, I'm going to try sourcing or building a new chassis to house the Elekit TU-8600 so I can add inputs, add a remote, and potential some other features.
If I keep it an integrated amp, it needs two sources and a remote. It's 2021. I must have a remote!
I'm thinking of moving the whole thing to a new chassis.
If I keep it an integrated amp, it needs two sources and a remote. It's 2021. I must have a remote!
I'm thinking of moving the whole thing to a new chassis.
Would love to see this in a new chassis that improves the look. At the moment it’s a Ferrari motor in a Ford looking chassis.
Standalone remote volume controller for TU 8600
Hi Cifte12AU7: last year I did a DIY project to put a $30 PC board that provided IR remote control of a motorized ALPS potentiometer into an enclosure, added a 9v DC wall wart power supply and RCA in/out jacks to adjust the volume from my phono preamp to my power amp. It seems to me you can use this same PC board to add a remote volume control to the TU 8600 once you port it to a larger chassis. I measured the resistance values of left and right sections of the ALPS pot and they tracked very closely. If you are interested, here is the link to my YouTube video: Remote Volume Controller for Audio Amps & Source Components - YouTube.
Cheers
Hi Cifte12AU7: last year I did a DIY project to put a $30 PC board that provided IR remote control of a motorized ALPS potentiometer into an enclosure, added a 9v DC wall wart power supply and RCA in/out jacks to adjust the volume from my phono preamp to my power amp. It seems to me you can use this same PC board to add a remote volume control to the TU 8600 once you port it to a larger chassis. I measured the resistance values of left and right sections of the ALPS pot and they tracked very closely. If you are interested, here is the link to my YouTube video: Remote Volume Controller for Audio Amps & Source Components - YouTube.
Cheers
Here is a long (very) thread here in the forum on the Muses digital remote control. A friend is using and likes it very much.
Muses Volume
Muses Volume