John Curl's Blowtorch preamplifier

[Geophysicist]

Anatech...

Just to make sure that it's clear, my unit is NOT new. I purchased it from the original owner, who - are you ready for this? - was selling off parts of his SECOND system.

 

[anatech]

Hi Geophysicist,
Cool! A used Blowtorch.

jbaudiophile,
I do not understand what you're asking. Sorry.

-Chris

 

[jbaudiophile]

Anatech,

I don't ask anything...

Just suggest Geophysicist ways to have a full Blowtorch...

Jbaudiophile

 

[moamps]

Let me see... We have no measurements to discuss because John has no way of posting them. Theory is covered by books (for those who care to read), as John kindly pointed out on several occasions, and all this has been nothing but "second-guessing" and a bunch of "half-baked" ideas anyways (in John's own words).

I don't quite understand what are we supposed to do then? Talk about the aluminum chassis until doomsday? Rattle our soldering irons in praise of every raving review we get to read in this thread?

Also, IMO, other truly great designers participating in this forum have been much more forthcoming...

Regards,
Milan

 

[Geophysicist]

Re: A used Blowtorch

If I recall correctly, this was the second one I had seen come up for sale in perhaps 4 years. It was offered at a price I simply could not believe, and so I was quite wary. It turned out that Brian Walsh (the Sound Lab dealer) knew the gentleman who owned it and could vouch for him. I owe Brian a HUGE debt of gratitude for this.

If you promise no tearing of hair or shouting vitriolic insults from jealous rage, I will direct you to the actual ad, which the seller has not taken down. Go to audiogon.com and type CTC in the search window. I will tell you that I did NOT attempt to negotiate the price 😀

 

[john curl]

Geo, did you buy it from Dr. Lee? We were VERY surprised how cheaply he offered to sell it for. There is more in parts and labor in it than his asking price. We still have one last unit to sell, new, but it won't go for any near as cheaply. Our stated price is $17,000. Bob's JC-1's are rewired slightly with the same wire as in the preamp. The high current drive capability of the JC-1 allows it to drive the Sound Lab speakers easily. We have displayed with Sound Labs for the last few years at CES with excellent results. Sound Labs owns their own JC-1's which they demo with.
This preamp is not designed for VERY long lines, BUT I drive it balanced with about 14 feet of balanced unshielded cable. I use Jena Labs.

 

[Geophysicist]

Hi John...

I did buy it from Dr. Lee. I was not merely surprised at the asking price. I think 'shocked' would have described it better. I wasn't about to complain, though. It is in virtually mint condition. The man takes care of his gear, I can say that. I got a true bargain, but I honestly believe that the Blowtorch is worth every penny of your asking price.

Thanks very much for your reply regarding the ICs. It sounds as though that option is gone, as anything shorter than 20 feet or so would place the rack fairly close in front of one of the speakers. There's really nothing wrong with the placement now. I was just curious.

 

[john curl]

Geo, I found the same sort of bargain with a Vendetta phono stage a few years ago. The new price was $2500 back in 1991 and I found this unit for sale at a local audio dealer for $900. I bought it immediately, because I knew that my friend, Jack Bybee, was looking for one. We upgraded it and Jack still has it, along with the VERY FIRST CTC Blowtorch, which was our prototype. It was somewhat different in design then. We had even BIGGER knobs, known to us as 'Dolly knobs' and a welded aluminum chassis rather than what you have. The knobs made the unit look 'top heavy' so we cut them back in future units.

 

[mlloyd1]

Re: JC1s

i have a friend with the A1 who was happy driving them with some big Boulder amps.

i was happy with that too, as i recall ...

🙂

mlloyd1

.... My speakers are Sound Lab A-1s, which present an unusual and difficult load. I was having difficulty finding a satisfactory amp to drive them. ....

 

[john curl]

I am now working an a Vendetta T for Dave Wilson. It is costing him $1000 for the extra upgrades, D and T.

 

[moamps]

I'd say there's a lot of hoping going on around here. Like Chris said, let's just stick to erasers, cleaning mops and ajax - they 're a way less of a mystery.😀

Regards,
Milan

 

[moamps]

Mike, imagine how much more you could learn from us if you'd just start that camera of yours.

Regards,
Milan

 

[SY]

Milan, imagine how I feel- I actually had one open in front of me; not knowing that this was a cult item, I didn't pay much attention.

 

[john curl]

Back in the old days, Cramolin was made with different materials. Its a little like lead-free solder in Europe, today. It is mostly a compromise, made with good intentions, but still a big problem.

 

[moamps]

Milan, imagine how I feel- I actually had one open in front of me; not knowing that this was a cult item, I didn't pay much attention.

Stuart, it's easy to make such a 'mistake' with the BT. 😉 The power of advertising, eh?

Let's now talk about the Lyra for a while. At least it's an eyecandy.

Regards,
Milan

 

[john curl]

Why don't you start a new thread. I would love to see what Jonathan Carr uses. I now use one of his phono cartridges, and I wish I could upgrade to a more expensive model.
Let's have lots of pictures, schematic, and any trade secrets as well! 😉

 

[john curl]

No, I want to steal anything that I can use! How about it Jonathan? 😉

 

[Variac]

Discussions about attenuators and cleaning same have been split here:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=79469


Please keep comments on that topic there, not here

 

[tomtt]

Re: Anatech...

Originally posted by Geophysicist -

selling off parts of his SECOND system.


``````````````````````````````

any idea what may be in "Dr. Lee's"

first system?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

and maybe some one with a can of 'old'

Cramolin might cut the top off the can,

and get a pic to post?

 

[anatech]

Hi tomtt,
I have a customer that is putting a second Nakamichi CA-7 in his cottage. It may not rank up there with the blowtorch (haven't heard one), but it sure ain't bad at all. It's quiet and sounds great.

Some relays are bad, and the switches need to be cleaned.

John, have you ever compared to two? Just as a reference for me.

-Chris