New Finds

[Glen B]

What's interesting is that they were able to get a conventional 200 watt per channel class AB amp into such a small package, versus the Carver Cube, which is a magnetic field amp. Each channel of the GFA-1 is actually two 60 watt amps running in bridged mode.

[Dual-500]

I've had good service from the Adcom's. Ran a GFA-2335 in my HT setup since 1996/1997. It's last 6 years of service have been powering the whole house system. The impedance was a little low, and I wanted to step it up in the den. So, I picked up another Adcom. This time an Adcom GFA-6000. I run the 2 x 100w (front) channels into a Russound Pro VC 8.1 speaker selector and impedance balancing bridge which handles the distribution to 6 pairs of small bookshelf speakers throughout the house and shop. The two 60w channels (rear) power a pair of JBL S-38's (above 120hz) that are hanging in the den, and the single 100w channel (center) powers a Dayton 15" HO 4 ohm subwoofer. A DBX DriveRack PA splits the signal from the mono subwoofer to the S-38's.

I used RTV and mounted a couple of 120mm 12v very quiet fans under the amp for cooling.

It works quite well. For just everyday TV, I don't power up the HT system at all - just use the Adcom powered whole house system.

[GG1981]

i just became the proud new owner of a JVC AL-A155 auto-return turntable system. It needs a new needle, although i'm told to replace catridge. I took out the only screw on the turntable arm and cannot get the cartridge off. Any suggestions? I don't want to break anything.

Thanks,

Gillian

[michaelhigh]

Just scored Klipsch KG2's. Brilliant score, $100, mint as hell and great-sounding.

[Glen B]

I replaced the spring loaded output terminals on the GFA-1 with some slim binding posts I had on hand. Its so much better now. It was about a 90-minute job to remove the old terminal strip, make up a new mounting plate for the new posts, install and wire them up. Part of that time included painting nickel plated screws for mounting the new plate a fast-drying flat black, and allowing them to dry to the touch.

[Glen B]

My latest acquisition is this SAE-2300. Other than a small scratch on the left edge of the top cover, it is otherwise flawless. It has obviously been very well taken care of. DC offset in one channel measures an acceptable 4.5mV but the other measures 89.0mV, so I will be replacing the input differential transistors in the latter, which should hopefully resolve that issue.

[Dual-500]

^ Like that SAE stuff - high end for sure.

[dakatabg]

That is a great amp, post some naked pics

[Glen B]

Nekkid pictures of the 2300 as requested.



Beer cans:

[dakatabg]

wow that is built like a tank

[Glen B]

I had to remove about 39 screws to get the top and side covers off. That is typical of SAE amps, well held together but almost maddening to open up.

[JoeE SP9]

What's with the high pass and regular inputs?

[Feanor]

What's with the high pass and regular inputs?

I think you still find lots of pro amps that have low frequency filters.

[Glen B]

The regular input is direct, while the high pass input inserts a 0.22uF cap, to provide a 6dB per octave rolloff below 20Hz.

[frenchmon]

GlenB, Feanor, JoeE...I wish I knew the nuts and bolts of the gear we love....I guess I should give a shout out to E-Stat as well....you guys are great.

[Dual-500]

The regular input is direct, while the high pass input inserts a 0.22uF cap, to provide a 6dB per octave rolloff below 20Hz.

The later model Phase Linear model 700's had similar circuitry on the inputs. They used one set of input jacks and a slider type switch which when closed shunted across the input coupling capacitors.

It was called a decoupling switch or something close to that. The purpose was to decouple the amp from any potential input DC offset which the amp would pass on to the load as they were a direct coupled design and could amplify DC.

[Glen B]

There have been a number of different home audio brands of amps over the years with a similar feature. Nikko amps in particular had "direct" and "normal" input options. Direct meaning cap out of circuit, and normal meaning cap in circuit. Some Nikko models had a slider switch that selected between the two options, while others had separate inputs like in the SAE amps. The Nikkos were direct coupled amps, and had electronic DC protection, so the purpose of the caps was to limit frequencies in the infrasonic range, like in the SAE amps. The SAE 2300 has 100uF caps going into the input differentials, so these will block DC, but still provide frequency response down to about 5Hz. As mentioned above, the "high pass" inputs further limit the ultra low frequencies.

[Glen B]

"New" Yamaha C-60.

[dakatabg]

Nice Yammy pramp! It is well regarded!

[Mygaffer]

Thank you, thank you. The new Sansui goodies I put next to the 9090DB i have. Now is time to get some tube amps.

Do you guys think it is a good idea to wrap some vintage pieces and put them in a good place? Do I have to play them once in a while?

I am asking because I got so much stuff and I wanna put some on the side (i don't wanna sell them) so what is the best way to store them?

After playing around with the great you should really sell some of it, let it get played instead of just sitting on a shelf!

But I understand, I have something like 10 pairs of speakers laying around, a few subs, several amps, I really need to sell off some of it. I love hunting for deals on great vintage equipment or even more modern stuff if you find a good deal.

My Niles SI 275 stereo amp was free.

[Styx]

Gift from a friend..... 2 pair of Minimus 7's.

[dakatabg]

Nice Styx, I have a pair of them and I like them a lot! They can be pushed a lot!

[MADCSRT8]

A McIntosh MC402 isn't considered "vintage" is it?

[luvtolisten]

Just scored Klipsch KG2's. Brilliant score, $100, mint as hell and great-sounding.

I own a pair myself. Although large for a 'bookshelf" a very nice and versatile speaker. Enjoy!!

[Glen B]

Nekkid pictures of the 2300 as requested.



Beer cans:

Amp now refurbished. Out of spec resistors on driver board replaced. All electrolytic caps replaced/upgraded with new low ESR caps, Nichicon Muse and Elna Silmic IIs. Main supply capacitance now increased by 13%. I intend to replace the RCA input jacks, as soon as I come up with the strategy. The nickel plating on the originals are a little dulled and pitted looking from age. The RCA jacks are attached to the driver boards, and help to hold the driver boards in place, so replacing them is going to take some thought and modification.