Hi-Fi Audio Ultra-Fi DIY Headphile Blog - Stereo-Untypical

It was bent already, from a mishap a few months ago. But after realignment it was still working well. So this week I went to perform some mods - denuding, and possibly the ‘Uwe clone’ wood body. But I didn’t get far. I was able to denude the cartridge pretty easily; which left it looking like a Lyra with a very bent looking cantilever. So I got greedy and tried to bend it back ever so gently. I heard (or felt) a tiny ‘pop’ and thought, “uh oh…”. It looked ok still - to the naked eye - but sure enough, after a bit more handling, it just snapped right off.

Sometimes vinyl is just one frustration after another.

Live and learn…..

Tags: DIY, Turntables, Vinyl by admin
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This all began about 7 years ago as a ‘group buy’ DIY project, led more or less by Chris Brady and Thom Mackris. The concept was to design and build a high-end turntable based on the following components: a large, finely machined stainless steel main spindle bearing in a brass well, using a steel ball bearing and Delrin thrust plate; an outboard, belt drive motor assembly with an optical strobe speed control; and a massive, two-inch thick acrylic platter. Additional components were eventually offered that made up the Teres “kit”, these included an acrylic armboard and a Delrin record clamp.

Eventually Chris decided to take this work commercial, and the result is Teres Audio, whose turntables now span numerous models, and no kit offerings. In early 2002 I purchased a motor/controller assembly from a Teres user, and a platter and bearing (and clamp) from Teres. I mounted them on a homemade Cocobolo (rosewood) base, along with my Fidelity Research FR-64S tonearm. The sound of this analog front end was pure magic - it had weight, resolution and musicality…in spades. I eventually settled on using a Denon DL103D cartridge and RS Labs RS-A1 tonearm with my Teres.

Unfortunately the time came when I needed to rationalize my system, and I sold the Teres components to a friend, who has been enjoying them ever since. I still miss “my creation”, which is listed as Teres #34 in the ‘hall of fame’.

Tags: DIY, Turntables, Vinyl by admin
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For a good 7-8 years Listener held court as the only really excellent audio print journal, IMO. Other magazines have done well in some respects, but Listener broke the mold. From its’ creative photoshopped covers to its’ most offbeat columns (Dr.Gizmo!), it broke the conventions of audio journalism, and made the hobby fun again. It made readers ask themselves tough questions. It put the focus on the music.

And it was a sad day in mid-2002 when we learned that the magazine would be folded.

I credit editor/publisher Art Dudley with turning me on to the joys of triode tubes, DIY’ing, Lowther speakers, and more. Fortunately, his ramblings can still be read in Stereophile - and to their credit, they make his column available online at no charge.

I have all my Listener issues (nearly a complete set), and I’ll never part with them. If you missed out on this great mag, check eBay from time to time, or put a wanted post up on Audiogon or AudioAsylum. You’ll be glad you did.

R.I.P. Listener, you are missed.

Listener vol.5 no.3 cover depicted a ‘crop circle’ made with vacuum tube schematic symbols. Brilliant.

Tags: DIY, Industry News, Music by admin
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I’ve ordered 4 x 0.1uF Jupiter caps to replace the radial box MKC’s in my Baby amp. I’ll report on the results as soon as I have them installed and given a few hours to warm up.

I would like to spring for the V-Caps, to do a full comparison, but they are just too expensive for me right now.  I’ve had some decent, though not staggering improvements with Auricaps in the past.  I’m hoping for ‘more’ from the Jupiters.

Related link: Comparison of crossover and signal coupling caps

Tags: DIY, Headphone amps by admin
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