Description

Hello all,

My involvement in audio has been an evolving journey for many years now, but about six years ago, I decided a return to Tannoy speakers was something I had to do. I sold my Dynaudio Contour 5.4's, and purchased some HPD 315 drivers and crossovers on Ebay UK.

I had enclosures built in Pennsylvania by Frank Wyatt, of 1 7/8" net MDF (an inner 3/4" laminated to an outer 1 1/8" layer), with a Sapele Pommelle veneer. They are 150 liter bass-reflex, and weigh 192 lbs. each; sans drivers and crossovers.

I built outboard crossovers using Mundorf SIO caps, 12 gauge Alpha core inductors, and Dueland resistors, with silver solid core 14 gauge hookup wire.

I like them so much, they are the speakers I will have till I leave this earth.

After several years with a VPI Scout Signature, I wanted to venture into the idler wheel turntable world, so again on Ebay UK, I bought my Garrard 401, and did a DIY restoration on it. Frank Wyatt built a plinth for me, which I later modified extensively with Purpleheart side pieces (keeping the original 3/8" thick Bubinga center section), and milled Purpleheart edging on the top edges, and framing the Garrard chassis.

I then installed the Dynavector 501 arm (so nice to not have the VPI wobble!). Several cartridges are available in my collection, two Actutex (LPM 415, LPM 320), the Soundsmith retipped Dynavector XX2MKII, Zu Denon 103R with ESCCO white sapphire cantilever and Paratrace stylus mods, which is my favorite by far.

I bought a used Modwright SWP 9.0 SE phono stage, put NOS tubes in it, and installed an upgraded power supply provided by Dan Wright. I feel no compulsion to change to a different phono stage.

I wanted to try a tube line stage, so I sold my much-loved Sonic Euphoria passive, bought a Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid kit, in which I used NOS Amperex 12AU7 tubes, Clarity Caps output caps, Goldpoint stepped attenuator and switching, mil-spec silver hookup wire, and Bent Audio remote volume control. This is an amazing sounding line stage, I see no need to change.

Next came the Assemblage Audio SET 300B, which I sent to Chris Johnson for upgrades, caps and resistors, using Kiwame film resistors, Jupiter Paper Beeswax caps, and Nichicon caps. With the EML XLS 300B tubes the Tannoys sound lush, detailed, and very much like live music, especially well recorded Jazz LPs.

Lastly, some would say I devolved, but to have a quality backup in case of tube failure, and to save hours on the 300B output tubes, I decided to give Class D Audio a try. I bought a 125 Wpc CDA 254 kit a try, and really enjoyed it. I installed an additional amp module in it, running in bridged mono mode, it bumps the output up to 500 Wpc, which snaps the Tannoys to attention, and they sound excellent.

My old five channel amp gave out, so I built another CDA 254 class D amp, with an added module, and I was able to convert it to a three channel amp, with 125 wpc for the surrounds, and 500 watts for the center channel. All in all, a very cost effective set of amplifiers that are every bit as good as some of the higher priced amps I've used over the years.

At this point, at my age ( I turned 70 in February), I am happy to stand pat with what I have, I am enjoying the best sound I've ever had the pleasure of listening to at home.

As of 9/2016, I've completed additional sanding/polishing of the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. This time, I got it right. Up next, a redo of the Garrard 401 plinth.

Refinishing of the plinth for the Garrard 401 has been completed. Removed face and top pieces, made replacement 1" thick Purpleheart face with inlay, all new top pieces, and new arm board from Purpleheart and Australian Mallee Burl.

Added photos of redone plinth.

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan         

More turntable photos added Mar, 2017 

Added new photos 11/12/2018

Added SET 845 Audio Renaissance 845 integrated amp, just picked up on 4/20. Makes my Tannoys sound the best they ever have.

Added RCA 5693 Red Metal tubes in the SET 845 amp, made for a nice improvement in SQ.

Regards,
Dan

08/09/2019

Added Benchmark DAC 1 Pre, my digital front end sounds very much improved with this DAC. I know there are better ones available, but not in my price range. May be the best $500 purchase yet. I also discovered how much I was missing with a Musical Fidelity X-CAN driving my Sennheiser HD 600's, they sound amazing, who knew how much I was missing? (Not me!)

Regards,
Dan

09/23/2019

Added what is the best line stage I've ever had, the Modwright SWL 9.0. This piece has completed the quest to attain what is my ultimate goal in my system's sound quality. There is now a new liquidity, and completeness to the sound my system never had before. As this category says, "Done For Now", but maybe should be "Done Forever".

Regards,
Dan

04/13/2020

Upgraded surround speaker with very nice Andrew Jones designed Pioneer x-Z9 monitors. Concentric midrange/tweeter with a bass driver, built by KEF. Sound and look beautiful. 
12/04/2019
Added new photos of turntable with red Albert King LP

May 8, 2020

Replaced my old Kef Reference 100 center channel speaker with new KEF Q 650c center channel speaker. This is a very good upgrade in multi-channel music listening, and home theater as well.

June 8, 2020

Just added newly built 3C24 amp, built for me by Paul Birkeland  of Bottlehead. It has the refinement like an SET 300B, but the power response similar to the SET 845 amp. Sounds beautiful, too.

Regards,
Dan

September 12, 2020

Installed new Audio Technica AT440Mlb moving magnet cartridge. Always wanted to know what they may sound like, so I bought this one on Ebay. I'm really enjoying the sound of this rather inexpensive cartridge. Makes me want more.

Sepember 23, 2020

I added an Audio Technica AT ART-9 moving coil cartridge.

It's already my favorite cartridge, with only two hours on it.

Regards,

Dan

06/05/21

Gratefully added Townshend Audio Seismic Podiums under my heavy Tannoy speakers. Effect was immediate and transformative. Made a very good speaker system a great one.

08/17/2021

Added Class D Audio Gallium Nitride amplifier from Class D Audio. It sounds great.

11/01/21

In the process of adding a Herron Audio VTSP 3A/360 six tube preamplifier to the system, scheduled to arrive Friday the fifth. If it sounds as good as it looks, it will be a game-changer.

Regards,
Dan

07/06/22

Added Benchmark DAC 3 DX  
Nice improvement.

2/12/23

Added Herron VTPH-2 Phono Stage 
It's a keeper!

04/23
Hypex UcD 400 Stereo amp, built from kit. Superb sounding amp!

07/02/23

Paul Birkeland changed amp to use 812 output tubes after having some problems with the 3C24 ouput tubes.
 Amp sounds even better now, glad to have it back and even better, thanks to Paul.
The 812 amplifier is now the best sounding amp I have ever heard.
Paul Birkeland should take a bow!
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 34’ × 16’  X large
Ceiling: 11’


Components Toggle details

    • Arcam AV 9 Pre-amp Processor
    Just added to replace defunct Primare SP 31. Excellent, so far.
    • Benchmark Media Systems DAC 3 DX
    Just installed this DAC 3 DX which I bought off US Audiomart. It's sounds great just out of the box, best my digital front end has sounded yet. I'm very happy with this DAC, and now I understand what all the fuss was about. I'm sold.
    • Oppo UDP 203 with Linear Power Supply
    Bought this after my Arcam DV 139 died. Installed a new Linear Power Supply, back to enjoying my multi-channel hi-res music again.
    • Esoteric DV 60 Universal Player
    Universal player, XLR, HDMI connections, multi-channel capability.
    • Herron Audio VTSP-3A (rev02) 360 Line Stage
    VTSP 3A/360 Line Stage

    Exceptional sounding phono stage. It mates very well with my Herron line stage.
    • Herron Audio VTPH-2 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
    Tube Phono Stage
    • Garrard 401 with DIY Plinth
    DIY restoration of a vintage Garrard 401 idler-drive turntable, on which I just completed a six week redo of the custom DIY built plinth, due to problems getting the finish right. I sawed the front off, and removed all the top pieces. A 1" thick slab of Purpleheart with an oval Australian Mallee Burl inlay flanked by a different hardwood species I can't recall were added. A new arm board of Purpleheart and the Mallee Burl was made, and the pivot-to-spindle distance was adjusted to provide for easier cartridge to headshell connections.

    Top pieces were fashioned of Purpleheart, and a new labor-intensive finishing process (new to me, anyway), of Waterlox Tung Oil Sealer/Finish, followed by Waterlox Gloss Tung Oil finish. At least a dozen coats were applied between the two, each coat requiring 24 hours between applications. Thanks to Pierre France for his help in guiding me on the tung oil finish.

    I serviced the motor, cleaning, oiling, and replacing the suspension springs. Glad to finally be done, and finally satisfied. Analog withdrawals were starting to set in, but it now looks better, and sounds better as well.
    • Dynavector DV 501
    Bi-Axis Tonearm. DIY rewire with Cardas wire. This arm works well with a diverse group of cartridges, to my surprise.
    • Audio Technica AT ART-9 Cartridge
    Moving coil cartridge, just installed. After only about two hours of run-in, at 47K, it's already the best cartridge I've ever owned.

    I've determined my analog front end is much better than I realized it was. I've never enjoyed my vinyl as much as I am now,
    • Audio Technica AT 440Mlb
    Recent purchase, new AT MM cartridge. I've always been curious about AT cartridges, so I bought this one off Ebay. I really like the sound of it, actually pretty good, considering the low price.

    Makes me even more curious about AT carts. I may have gotten myself in trouble, as curiosity is expensive in this hobby.
    • Acutex LPM M320 III STR
    Lowest Possible Mass, Tri-Induction Magnetic System, 20-45Khz, channel separation 33db@ 1Khz, weight 5.45g.
    • Denon Zu Denon 103R
    Potted moving coil in 6061 aluminum body/w ESCCO sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus upgrade. This cartridge has proven to be the best of all my cartridges, and not by a small amount. Beautiful.
    • Dynavector XX2MKII
    Moving coil cartridge. Just re-tipped by Soundsmith with their top-line OCL re-tip. Made a great cartridge even better.
    • Acutex STR 415
    Ultra-lightweight MM cartridge
    • TTW Copper Mat
    Solid copper machined mat, great addition to 'table.
    • TurnTableWeights VPI Heavy Brass Clamp
    TTW Brass clamp I modified so it will work with their copper mat. (Threads would not engage spindle threads).
    • Pete Riggle VTAF
    VTAF on-the-fly modification by Pete Riggle for Dynavector 501/Garrard 401 Teflon and burnt silver finish options
    • Orsonic AV 101b
    Headshell
    • Mint LP Best Tractor
    Etched-in-glass cartridge set-up tool
    • DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    I've just completed a DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaning machine, this the creation of BBtx, of DIY Audio. I thought it a very unique design, one that melded convenience, simplicity, and build quality.

    If I were to say I am pleased with it, it would be an understatement. For a couple of hundred bucks, it can't be beat. I've hankered for one of these for years now, and thanks to BBtx my needs have been fulfilled.   
    • VH Audio Flavor 2 DIY Power Cord
    Built this AC cord for use with the Transcendent Grounded Grid preamp. Great sounding AC cord.
    • Paul Birkeland 812 Power Amp
    3C24 tube power amplifier changed output tubes to 812. Paul, the designer/builder, brought over four different amp choices to try out on my custom HPD 315 Tannoy speakers. After having problems with 3C24 tubes, Paul changed the amplifier to run 812 output tubes.

    The amp sounds much better, more powerful, and I like it even better now. My thanks to Paul Birkeland!
    • Audio Assemblage (Sonic Frontiers) SET 300B
    300B SET Factory Upgraded, with EML XLS 300B Tubes. Just serviced by Paul Birkeland. All critical measurements were taken, two bad Blackgate bypass caps were replaced with higher-rated Nichicon caps, and the filament voltage was optimized to better suit the EML XLS 300B tubes.

    This amp now sounds incredible. Paul informed me the transformers in this amp are Magnaquest, to him about as good as you can get. He also informed me this amp sounds as good as any $5000 SET 300B amp available in today's market.
    • Emission Labs 300B XLS
    Robust drop-in replacement for 300B.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Kit built Class D amplifier. Running two, in bridged mode, providing 500 Wpc into 8 ohms.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Two channel amp converted into three channel by virtue of adding an additional CDA 254 amp module, RCA input, and single channel speaker terminals. Price for parts for modification: $194
    • Musical Surroundings Fosgometer
    Azimuth adjustment tool.
    • Custom built crossovers Custom DIY
    I've just completed an update on the crossovers for the custom HPD drivers. I actually used all the parts over again, including much of the solid silver hook-up wire. I made new mounting boards, and ran the wiring under the board, for a much cleaner look. I used heavy copper terminal lugs, which I modified to use a flat male spade connector, rather than wire. Wire runs are much shorter as well.

    I made new outlet cables, using Furutech locking bananas, and Cardas binding posts. I can't tell why, but this update improved the sound of these speakers much more than I expected. I've never heard electric guitar sound as it did on Steve Cropper and Felix Caviliere's "Nudge It Up A Notch", Cropper's guitar sounding just as he had wanted it to sound, with gorgeous tone, unlike anything I've heard before on a recording.

    Next is an internal speaker wiring update.

    I've just completed changing some components in the crossovers back to their original values. 27ohm resistors changed back to 47ohm, .68mh inductors reverted back to the original .82mh. I'm beyond pleased.
    • Tannoy HPD 315 w/Hard Edge Conversion
    Twelve inch Dual Concentric HPD driver in custom enclosure.1 7/8" wall thickness with custom designed and built crossovers. Weight is 200lbs. each. Finished in Pommelle Sapele.

    A complete rewire of the internal wiring was just completed. I made a 1/4" X 1/2" Teflon terminal board, with double-ended male spade connectors at the speaker. Wiring was completed at the input end with new crimped and silver soldered connectors with color-coded heat shrink tubing, and color-coded electricians tape.

    The results are a major improvement in clarity, detail and dynamics. These great speakers have just gotten much better at the things I love about them.

    After further study of fine wood finishing methods, and purchase of additional sanding/polishing medium, I again sanded and polished the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. Got it right this time, now they are done. Next is the plinth for the Garrard 401.

    Dan

    8/3/19
    Some of you may recall my changing resistor values in my Tannoys back to the original value, to good effect. In that same vein, I just modified the .68mh inductors back to their original value of .82mh. I felt at the time when the crossovers were first built, the high frequency output was out of line, so I reduced it to better suit how my system sounded at the time.

    I had saved the .82mh Alpha Core ribbon inductors, and I changed them out yesterday. The results have shown me how much my system, as a whole, has improved, due to how well it sounds now as opposed to back 8-10 years ago. I feel I'm now getting what I was supposed be hearing all along. It's a great feeling. Now I no longer wonder what Dr. Arthur Loesch was thinking when he gave me this crossover design so many years ago now.

    Regards,
    Dan
    • Townshend Audio Number Four Size Seismic Podium
    Large Podium to fit under my 200lb. Custom Tannoy speakers. They are 17" W X 20" D X 48" H.

    These isolation podiums have made my speakers sound as never before. Just better wouldn't describe it. I have never before heard anything sound this way in this room, or perhaps any room I have visited.

    These Seismic Isolation Podiums are very special in what they do. They're expensive, but worth it for what they do for speaker systems. 
    • KEF Q 650c
    Newly added Kef Q 650c center channel to upgrade from my old Kef Reference 100 Center Channel speaker. The Q 650c is all I could have wanted or hoped for. Multi-channel music is way better now, as is Home Theater listening.
    • Pioneer S-Z9 Designed by Andrew Jones
    Nicely made small monitor speaker. Dual Concentric midrange/tweeter with an additional bass driver. Gloss Black, and a nice upgrade as my surround sound speakers, replacing the nearly twenty year old KEF Q 15.2 speakers I was using for surrounds. Multi-channel music now has better depth and clarity to it.
    • Crown International XTI 2002
    Running bridged to single channel. This amplifier (rated @1600 watts into 8 ohms) has taken charge of the Tannoy 15" passive sub, and turned it into the most musical sub I've yet heard.
    • Tannoy Sub 15i
    15" Passive Tannoy subwoofer. with the Crown XTi 2002, does a superb job of matching, and augmenting, frequencies below 50 Hz.
    • Tempo Electric Big Twist Silver/ pair for each amp
    12 gauge solid-core silver in teflon tubing, 3 meters
    • Synergistic Research Various cable models
    Interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords different models.
    • DH Labs Silver Matrix
    From phono to phono stage, internal cabling in speakers and crossovers.
    • Vibra Pods various
    Pods and cones under amps and most components.
    • Walker Audio Reference Hi-Def Links
    Eliminates ultra high frequency hash in signal.
    • Audio Metallurgy AG-0
    Silver coated oxygen free 22ga. copper
    • Quasi-DIY Velodyne/Eminence
    An old Velodyne 1250-X sub that had a 12
    • Tannoy Crossover Schematic
    Crossover design donated to me by Dr. Arthur Loesch.
    • Dynaudio Sub 500
    Just purchased, this thing is bad to the bone, in a very good way. Sounds great for Music and Home Theater both.
    • Panamax M5400-PM
    Voltage regulator.
    • Hypex Electronics UcD 400 Stereo Amplifier
    Just built from a kit. Great souunding amplifier.

Comments 604

Great system Dan, I've always had a "thing" for that Dynavector arm.

I'm back to First Watt, SIT-1 and I'm super happy.

jeff1225

Thanks Dan !

samhar

Owner
Thank you, Sal!

islandmandan

Excellent job on the plinth. Beautiful work!

salectric

Owner
Hello Sam,

Thanks so much. I do get a lot of enjoyment doing these types of projects. I've been catching up on my vinyl listening, and enjoying that, too.

I just looked at your system, I forgot how beautiful those Joule amps are. Your set-up is elegant, and has to be a joy to listen to.

Thanks and regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Hi Dan. Nice job with the plinth it matches well with the speaker cabinets. It's great to read your enjoying your system so much !!!!! Sam

samhar

Owner
System edited: Updated photos.

islandmandan

Owner
Gentlemen, I deeply appreciate the high praise from you. It means a lot, coming from those with such discriminating taste.

Peter, you were right, it does take a lot of effort to effect a highly polished finish, but it was well worth the effort.

If I ever do this again, I may use lacquer, I think it probably dries to a harder surface, and will polish better.

Again, thanks, and regards,

Dan

islandmandan

Fantastic Job on the Garrard, Congratulations - Vintage TT are Great.


Good Listening

Peter

pbnaudio

Dan,
Your Garrard looks gorgeous! You did an excellent job with that plinth. The best part is it must sound as beautiful as it looks. You should be proud.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
System edited: Posted new photos, Garrard plinth now has polished high-gloss finish. Regards, Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Douger, it's to the point now where I almost have to pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming or not. Really enjoying myself.

I've torn my turntable apart again, and I decided to refinish it with a deep, high-gloss finish. It's getting there, in the final stages. I'll be glad when it's done.

Thanks for the cheery message, it's much appreciated.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Congratulations on your progress! It would be splendid to hear your system, maybe someday I can afford more travel...

douger

Owner
I installed a new display on my MVP 871 player (which, by the way, didn't fix the problem), but at the same time I installed some Black Diamond Racing Cones and pads under the player.

It sits on a Brightstar Audio Bigrock 2. I didn't realize what a fundimental improvement it would make from the IsoPods and Cones I had been using.

I posted on the Art Of Martha Argerich retrospective I've been enjoying lately, it escapes me how to describe what I'm hearing on these discs, except to say it sounds very much like a concert grand piano is in my room, with Martha playing just for me.

I wish I had installed the BDR Cones and Pads long ago now, they were on my now-defunct Marantz DV 8300, and had just been sitting in a drawer.

I'm not happy the display isn't fixed, but I'm mighty pleased how the MVP 871 sounds now. Come to think of it, I may have to put BDR's on my Musical Fidelity DAC and Genesis Digital Time Lens too now, which, after all these years, is still better than the DAC in the 871. (Both have been extensively modified).

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Charles, Jet,

It's great to hear from both of you. Haven't heard from Brett in quite a while, have either of you?

Audio is a great hobby, but it's also a great learning experience. I always knew I wanted a fine sounding audio system, but I didn't have a clue as to how to accomplish it.

I knew from exposure in the early '70's, that Tannoys were very good speakers. (Some friends of mine in a band had a remote recording studio, and used 12" Monitor Golds for their playback). I bought a pair of MG's, and used them for 18 years, after that, they went away with my marriage.

But anyway, Tannoys are back, and somehow, I wound up with a system I could only dream of a few years ago. It helps to have like-minded friends (I mean you fellows) to learn from, and put ideas in my thick head.

I'm very glad I was lead down the path to tubes, great musical pleasure lies in that direction.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Hi Dan,
I love it when I read that others are really enjoying music with their systems. You seem to be having a ball! No doubt the First Watt is an excellent amplifier. I do however understand your "realism"regarding your 300b SET amplifier.It's very hard to live without once exposed to it.
Charles,

charles1dad

Appreciate the update Dan!

jetrexpro

Owner
Hi Jet. The First Watt has turned out to be one of the best sounding amps I've ever spent any time with. I can't seem to decide which amp I prefer, though they are different.

The M2 has terrific balance from top to bottom, a presentation that is very easy to listen to. There isn't a drop of harshness anywhere, with a very non-fatiguing sound that I really like.

Thanks, and regards,
Dan

The SET 300B is more realistic sounding, more musical, up to where it runs out of oomph, but it routinely gets to near realistic volume levels before that occurs.

The two amps were sharing about equal time in use, but lately the 300B has been seeing more duty. I can't find fault with either one of them though, I'm glad I have them both.

islandmandan

Dan, How is the Firstwatt sounding? Are you using it more than the 300b amp? What are the differences. Thanks Jet

jetrexpro

Owner
System edited: I had been hearing some graininess from my vinyl rig, so over the weekend, I checked cartridge overhang again. As suspected, it a bit off (long). Either the light was just right or I was holding my mouth right, but this time, I was able to nail it perfectly using the MintLP. I also changed phono cable to a silver one I had made up. This made a great improvement, clearing up the last bit of nastiness remaining in vinyl playback, sound is superb, and very addicting.

islandmandan

Owner
I'm evaluating a change of resistor value in my crossovers, from 50ohms to 27ohms in the HF circuit.

This made a profound difference in how these speakers sound. More listening is needed for me to even be able to describe, it is so different. It does sound good, though.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
The arm lift on my Dynavector 501 arm quit working, the lift post had become too short. Since it was brass, I was able to slide a section of brass tube over the post, and then solder that, and a section of brass rod inside the tube. The cylinder that holds the mechanism had to be drilled to accept the larger post/

I measured the precise length it needed to be, and cut to length. A hole was then drilled to accept the plate fastener. I then filed a very small square on top, which had to be the precise depth, size, and oreintation.

Thankfully, this worked beautifully. Dynavector has no parts available for these arms, so I feel as though I've dodged a bullet.

It's still a great old arm!

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Listening to the new LP's from Portland, "The Worlds Best Jazz Concert", on Pablo, and Sarah Vaughn "The Complete Pablo Years 1978-1984", surfaces are pristine, quality of recording uniformly excellent, performances out of this world. What a find.

islandmandan

Owner
I spent the weekend in Portland, visiting my friends Michael and George, and their respective systems. George's Ascendo speakers are sounding amazing, as are Michael's big Ushers.

Both men use Transrotor TT's, George with a Fat Bob Reference, Michael a Fat Bob S, both beautiful to look at and hear.

A great time was had, fine listening and camaraderie, and I even got to buy some fine old (and rare) jazz records.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Lately I've been enjoying Jazz At The Philharmonic, Seattle 1956. Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz, Modern Jazz Quartet, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, Roy Eldridge, Flip Phillips, Illinois Jacquet, Jo Jones, and Gene Krupa Quartet.

The recording is a bit sketchy at times, but many of the performances are over the top good. Ella Fitzgerald is at her best, and ends the show playing the harmonica!

This concert has not been previously released.

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan

islandmandan

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