Calling UK builders Simple SE, Pre & Phono advice

[webby]

Hi All,
As usual this forum is helpful and inspiring, so much so i have decided to try and build a Simple SE.
But I am having trouble finding UK suppliers for components. Most sell Hammond, and I am put off by recent observations on this forum, also all the other transformer companies are really expensive when compared to the Edcor that people are using with this project.
Does anyone know of a comparable supplier here in the UK?
I have tried, Bluebell,RS,Maplin,farnell etc.
companies like;
http://tubesandmore.com/
Then I could buy all the hardware together.

If i end up buying the Iron from the states can you guys recommend a Tube pre and phono project to work with the Simple SE? I might as well buy all the bits at once.
Many Thanks
Ian

 

[dubdub]

HI
http://uk.digikey.com/

IMO I would buy all the board components from digikey uk, except the coupling caps and few the parts that digikey dont stock like the metal oxide film resistors and sockets.


hifi collective (good for caps, boutique resistors, sockets and even some transformers made by audionote/glasshouse v. high £££ though)
http://www.hificollective.co.uk/

if you dont want to use hammond iron then try here, UK made power/output transformers, chokes etc-prices are about the same for hammond iron I think
http://livinginthepast-audioweb.co.uk/transformers.php


these guys are much cheaper and UK based, but I know very little about them but they seem reliable
http://www.vvttransformers.co.uk/output_pp_tx.htm

As for me, I use all USA iron (Edcor power & transcendar output) bought when 1$ was worth 50p ! Now it looks like it's going the other way

 

[JLH69]

You could try Majestic for transformers.
Be warned, if you buy from digikey, you will get stung for VAT.

I tend to buy most of my components from RS.
I thought bluebell could supply a kit of parts?
It's only what I've heard, I've never used them.

 

[webby]

Thanks for the replies,
I have seen various suppliers of transformers around the UK, just don't know the quality and none appear to be much cheaper than Hammond. A lot cost way more.
When you add up buying components from different suppliers, shipping and Vat it gets expensive.
Might as well just stick with the known ingredients, Edcor for the iron and mouser for the rest?
Its just disappointing that home grown products are so expensive, I am sure quality does come into it, but double the price?
And not being able to find one supplier makes it just as much hassle to buy from the USA.

Any ideas for preamp and phono projects? World designs are great, just out of my price range for now.
Please do suggest any other suppliers you think might be of use, I haven't given up completely!
Many Thanks
Ian

 

[dubdub]

have you tried diy hifi supply? I got allot of my parts from there and Im really happy with them


http://www.diyhifisupply.com/

These transfomers look good and for $125 for a pair look good value (should be fine for simpleSE but do get a 2nd opinion)
http://www.diyhifisupply.com/?q=node/612


good lucK!

 

[newtube]

Hi mate!
I had the same trouble as you, so i sourced most of my parts from the US, i had the output transformers so only needed a mains, i got that from phillip at bluebell audio and it wasn't expensive, i chose the 373bx and it works great, runs cool and silent.

if theres any caps you can't find at digikey etc try maplins, i got the last few i needed from there, and my valve sockets came fro ebay etc.

If you need any help with bits let me know, i have a few resistors etc that i bought in bundles, i have the diodes etc too.

Cheers.

 

[webby]

Thanks a lot for the posts,
All very useful.
I had a reply from Edcor re the power transformer
"We can make a 240 volt version. XPWR035-240 would be the same price as the
XPWR035 unit.
We are not making chokes at this time"
Now that's what I call service!
So i will be using Edcor for all the transformers and line-pre and phono as well.
Shame they don't make chokes as well.

does anyone have experience of the following line and phono pre amps?
Super simple 5687 Line pre amp
http://www.diyparadise.com/simplepreamp.html

Glass ware
Aikido All in One Kit
Aikido Phono Preamp Kit

Coffeedj's 12B4 Line Stage Amp and optional phono
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141025

I am looking to connect my Audio-Technica AT33PTG Prestige MC Stereo Cartridge Simple SE with the most suitable line pre and phono stage?
Cartridge specs
# Specifications
# Type: MC type
# Playback frequency range: 15 - 50,000Hz
# Output voltage: 0.5mV (1kHz and 5cm/sec.
# Channel separation: 30dB (1kHz)
# Output balance: 0.5dB (1kHz)
# Stylus pressure: 1.6 - 2.0g (1.8g standard)
# Coil impedance: 17 Ohms (1kHz)
# Direct current resistance: 17 Ohms
# Load resistance: 20 Ohms or more
# Coil inductance: 70 mu H (1kHz)
# Static compliance: 40×±0 - 6 cm/dyne
# Dynamic compliance : 10×±0 - 6 cm/dyne (100Hz)
# Needle tip form: Micro linear (ML)
# Vertical tracking angle: 23?
# External size: L26.5 × W 16.6 × H16mm
# Mass (cartridge): 6.8g

Many Thanks
Ian

 

[Gordy]

Random thoughts...

Bluebell are usefull.

Sowter may be expensive but design and quality is absolutely fine. The quality of your finished build depends very much on the quality of your output transformer and power supply. Invest money there.

Aikido works fine as a preamp.

Also consider: http://www.vacuumstate.com/index.tpl?rubrik=8&lang=2&a=%AA%8F%D8%5B%B6l%29%27&b=733940.5369492527

Always had good service from RS, Farnell, Rapid, Digikey, Mouser, Hi-Fi Collective, AmpMaker, Tube-Shop and AES.


Good luck.

 

[webby]

Thanks gordy,
All very useful. I have a mate in the states who owes me a favour and is prepared to order the parts and ship them to me. Lots of Edcor users appear happy with the quality and some say better than Hammond, also save me around £100 on the transformers alone!

Just want to decide on the pre and phono and get suitable transformers at the same time.
Cheers
Ian

 

[newtube]

You could also try bluebellaudio in scotland, i got my mains traffo from him.