Hi All - i'm interested in thoughts from those who have paired with the TU-8550 with the 8600 or 8900. What differences/benefits did you notice over just using the integrated on its own? I'm not a vinyl guy so the phono stage wouldn't get much use but i'm interested if there is an appreciable improvement in the sound, and looking for an excuse for another build.
For me the TU-8550 provides added flexibility when using multiple inputs. On the other hand, sound quality is very subjective. Personally I think the TU-8550 is very transparent. YMMV depending on configuration (caps, tube complement, etc.). I use mine with my TU-8900 with 2A3 tubes and it is my favorite listening experience, and I've got three other Elekit amps, a PrimaLuna amp, and a Pioneer SX-950, all of which I use on a rotating basis.
I just completed my build of the TU-8550. Very sweet kit to assemble and sounds great. I was, however, sadden to discover that the case footprint does not match my TU-8600S. The TU-8550 is about 30mm narrower. To me it looks odd setting under the 8600. The power switch and knobs are a different style as well. I have begun investigating make a complementary faceplate. If anyone has information about the power switch make & model and or knobs for TU-8600S, I'd appreciate hearing from you. I am trying to decide between designing a new chassis or add extensions to the sides of the existing TU-8550 chassis.
First test of my just built Elekit 8900. Initial relief that everything works as expected is soon replaced by a strong astonishment over its sound! It’s incredible. My Luxman LX380 is used as a preamp with the Elekit. The music is transparent (audio lingo that previously sounded, well, mostly like talk…). Bas is much stronger so I had to adjust my Avantgarde by lowering the bas. It’s quick and airy. Lundahl transformers, vintage RTF ECC82, NOS Sylvania spring top 2A3 from 1945.
And apparently there is upgrades to be made…
Now I need to check if I have it set up with or without feedback!😳😊
Ah frustrating. I’m planning on going down the same route, thanks for sharing.
Most importantly does it sounded better than the 8600s as a standalone integrated?
I truly love these kits and look forward to building the next one, but, for now I've decided to take the cheaper route and design and fabricate a new chassis and faceplate. In fact I should be getting v1 back from SendCutSend next week. Here's a look at the bottom half of the chassis. I'm adding the TU-8550 components to the model for fun.
Yes. To the point. To me the TU-8550 is transparent. If you're looking to improve the sound of the TU-8600 you're asking a lot, so, for me the addition of a balance control and multiple inputs is worth the cost. Plus, building these kits is fun and easy. I just wish they hadn't the same chassis width.
We'll all be interested in seeing the progress on this project. I might have gone the other way and put the TU-8600 in a new chassis, but either way it should be fun.
I reasoned that the TU-8550 chassis is a lot simpler to build with less parts than the TU-8600. Also I'm not a fan of the power button on the TU-8550. Building a new chassis allows me to change out the push button for toggle switch. Not to mention I broke the stem on the 8550 switch trying to force the poorly formed connecting rod to it. Causing me to design and 3d print a support for the connecting rod.
The chassis is schedule to be here on Friday (which is a 9 day turn around). The two halves of the chassis cost $125 including tax and shipping. SendCutSend does not offer tapping on A36 cold rolled steel less than 0.059" / 1.5mm. I plan to hand tap this time around. Not to mention tapping adds considerable cost. Next version will be rivet nut ready.
The faceplate has become a little more challenging to match the finish. I like Front Panel Express for their design software and quick quote, however, they have drop Brushed Aluminium from their list of materials. At present their cost for my anodized natural aluminium faceplate is about $75 excluding tax and shipping.
Of course these prices can be reduced with volume purchases as low as 10 units.
One of the few things I can fault Elekit with is the quality of the chassis. It's adequate but not top tier. And I agree, the switch mechanism leaves a lot to be desired. If I had some motivation I'd design a new aluminum case with provision for a front mounted power switch. When I built my TU-8850 I thought the feet were messed up because the chassis wouldn't sit straight. Then I realized the whole chassis was bent. I had to take everything apart and carefully bend it back so it would sit flat.