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Post by Greg on Mar 11, 2016 22:36:11 GMT
MODERATION: Posts moved from vendor guidelines thread.
I positively reviewed the BMU. Initially I was inclined to buy one but around that time I was subjected to unreasonable treatment (including a lifetime ban on HFS) from the NVA proprietor and abuse from a couple of his sheep. In consequence and on principle, I chose not to buy a BMU. The result of my experience, however was totally positive because it caused me to look elseware and I now own an alternatively produced and supplied BPS unit which provides the same (probably much better as it is much higher spec) benefit I witnessed with the NVA BMU. I also saved a 'wad' in the process, but that's another matter. Regardless of what I think about RD as a person now, at the time I reviewed his product both impartially and in honesty.
My affecting change in circumstance did not occur until after I had carried out the trial and submitted my positive review. My attitude is certainly different now, to the point I would never consider any further trial of any of his products. Simply, he disgusts me and I'll never ever try any of his products again, but I'll always acknowledge that when I trialled the BMU, it made a very positive improvement to my system. It could have been more, but RD spoilt that so I will never again be a sampler, yet alone an actual customer. That is condusive with RD's style, and don't think it's a shame because his own philosophy on this is, IDGAF.
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Post by dsjr on Mar 12, 2016 8:31:04 GMT
I hope you did'nt include me as 'one of the sheep' Greg. I worked damned hard to try to build bridges and it wasn't comfortable having the rug pulled from under me and being caught in the crossfire.
Do please note, I'm informed - and subsequently heard it for myself, that bigger is not any better where transformer capacity is concerned. Bigger can just mean noisier - and it was...
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Post by MartinT on Mar 12, 2016 8:42:36 GMT
We've had our ups and downs with RD and had to suspend him from the forum. However, he has been a perfect gent in my personal dealings with him and I would never let that get in the way of buying the best audio product for my system.
TQ were a lot ruder to me after I bought a lot more product from them.
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Post by TheMooN on Mar 12, 2016 9:44:58 GMT
Greg....Could you elucidate further regarding the nature of this higher specification?
"I now own an alternatively produced and supplied BPS unit which provides the same (probably much better as it is much higher spec) benefit I witnessed with the NVA BMU."
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Post by MartinT on Mar 12, 2016 10:21:23 GMT
By all means do, but please take it to another thread to keep this one on topic.
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Post by jazzbones on Mar 12, 2016 15:21:23 GMT
I positively reviewed the BMU. Initially I was inclined to buy one but around that time I was subjected to unreasonable treatment (including a lifetime ban on HFS) from the NVA proprietor and abuse from a couple of his sheep. In consequence and on principle, I chose not to buy a BMU. The result of my experience, however was totally positive because it caused me to look elseware and I now own an alternatively produced and supplied BPS unit which provides the same (probably much better as it is much higher spec) benefit I witnessed with the NVA BMU. I also saved a 'wad' in the process, but that's another matter. Regardless of what I think about RD as a person now, at the time I reviewed his product both impartially and in honesty. My affecting change in circumstance did not occur until after I had carried out the trial and submitted my positive review. My attitude is certainly different now, to the point I would never consider any further trial of any of his products. Simply, he disgusts me and I'll never ever try any of his products again, but I'll always acknowledge that when I trialled the BMU, it made a very positive improvement to my system. It could have been more, but RD spoilt that so I will never again be a sampler, yet alone an actual customer. That is condusive with RD's style, and don't think it's a shame because his own philosophy on this is, IDGAF. When buying any product it is not just the product to be considered: 1. Is it well made and built to last? 2. Does it do what I want it to do? 3 What is the manufacturer's overall track record in customer dealings and relations, after care and servicing? Is it easy to contact the manufacturer and how does he/she deal with a customer? Never forget that without the customers' money and custom the businessman would not have a business! IDGAF is the worst off all business ethics and those who practice this should be outed and shamed. |
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Post by Greg on Mar 12, 2016 21:06:50 GMT
I hope you did'nt include me as 'one of the sheep' Greg. I worked damned hard to try to build bridges and it wasn't comfortable having the rug pulled from under me and being caught in the crossfire. Do please note, I'm informed - and subsequently heard it for myself, that bigger is not any better where transformer capacity is concerned. Bigger can just mean noisier - and it was... Hi Dave, You are not one of the sheep I referred to. You know who the actual sheep are, I don't need to spell it out. Your dealings with me were highly professional and without doubt you are a gentleman. I am sorry if I caused you to be subjected to grief you didn't need regarding my situation. The BPS I now have is a 2000Va version. It has a very slight buzz, but nothing that can be heard more than 6 inches from the unit and often at certain times of the day it is silent. Furthermore, in terms of sound reproduction, it's inclusion in my system outperforms the benefits the BMU brought and actually, also a 1500Va version my friend has which we tried in my system. I know RD originally trialled a 3000Va version that buzzed like hell, which it seems caused him to settle on a 1000Va Tx for his BMU, but that was probably down to (IMHO) the inadequacies of his unit construction. There is no reason why higher spec BPS Tx's cannot be controlled to prevent noise output. Also, my BPS is a third of the size of a BMU case and the sockets are more conveniently located on the chassis. One of the advantages of a loan scheme to a vendor is that when a punter has borrowed a piece of kit and they find it brings an improvement, because they have that particular unit installed and then want to buy that improvement, their vision is typically narrowed to consider only the unit they have on trial. That immediately excludes from their mind any alternatives. My advise is, yes, use a vendor loan scheme, but keep your eyes and ears wide open because there may well be equivalents on the market that you might find more suitable. Nothing dishonest in doing this. It's just how we did it with high street dealers back in the 80/90's. Interesting that other vendors have not at this stage joined in. No doubt they have very good reason for that, for to be sure, several will be monitoring this thread. Greg |
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Post by Greg on Mar 12, 2016 21:32:45 GMT
We've had our ups and downs with RD and had to suspend him from the forum. However, he has been a perfect gent in my personal dealings with him............... Seems like time for the Profumo affair quote, 'well he would, wouldn't he?', you being one of the forum owners on which his loan scheme is floated. Remember, he used to slag off TAS endlessly until you agreed for him to expose his products here and then, conveniently, his public publications about TAS miraculously changed to the positive. I wonder why? |
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Post by Greg on Mar 12, 2016 21:38:10 GMT
Greg....Could you elucidate further regarding the nature of this higher specification? "I now own an alternatively produced and supplied BPS unit which provides the same (probably much better as it is much higher spec) benefit I witnessed with the NVA BMU." I think I have answered that question in a previous post. If you want to know more, please PM me as adding further specific details would be wrong publically as only one vendors products seem to be the subject of discussion here. |
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Post by MartinT on Mar 12, 2016 22:26:32 GMT
Remember, he used to slag off TAS endlessly until you agreed for him to expose his products here and then, conveniently, his public publications about TAS miraculously changed to the positive. We didn't do it to allay the criticisms, we did it by rising above the usual inter-forum squabbles to do something that felt right. |
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Post by Greg on Mar 12, 2016 22:34:52 GMT
We didn't do it to allay the criticisms, we did it by rising above the usual inter-forum squabbles to do something that felt right. I don't doubt it and it is commendable that you and your fellow owners/moderators took this course. However, you comment is about your good qualities and says nothing about the qualities of the vendor concerned. |
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Post by brian2957 on Mar 13, 2016 9:08:06 GMT
Greg , do you have a link to the BPS which you have . Is it an Airlink one ? I'm pretty sure Ali could advise me on one of these . Thanks .
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Post by Greg on Mar 13, 2016 19:52:01 GMT
Greg , do you have a link to the BPS which you have . Is it an Airlink one ? I'm pretty sure Ali could advise me on one of these . Thanks . Hi Brian, you our have a PM. |
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Post by brian2957 on Mar 13, 2016 21:09:04 GMT
Thanks Greg , I've sent you a reply  |
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Post by TheMooN on Mar 15, 2016 11:15:18 GMT
I hope you did'nt include me as 'one of the sheep' Greg. I worked damned hard to try to build bridges and it wasn't comfortable having the rug pulled from under me and being caught in the crossfire. Do please note, I'm informed - and subsequently heard it for myself, that bigger is not any better where transformer capacity is concerned. Bigger can just mean noisier - and it was... Hi Dave, The BPS I now have is a 2000Va version. It has a very slight buzz, but nothing that can be heard more than 6 inches from the unit and often at certain times of the day it is silent. Furthermore, in terms of sound reproduction, it's inclusion in my system outperforms the benefits the BMU brought and actually, also a 1500Va version my friend has which we tried in my system. I know RD originally trialled a 3000Va version that buzzed like hell, which it seems caused him to settle on a 1000Va Tx for his BMU, but that was probably down to (IMHO) the inadequacies of his unit construction.There is no reason why higher spec BPS Tx's cannot be controlled to prevent noise output. Also, my BPS is a third of the size of a BMU case and the sockets are more conveniently located on the chassis. Greg Greg....Would not your fellow forum members benefit from a little further disclosure regarding the identity of this 'mystery' BPS? Perhaps in the form of a review thread, particularly in light of your consideration regarding the NVA BPS and its "Inadequacies of Construction" |
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Post by dsjr on Mar 15, 2016 12:29:01 GMT
Hi Dave, The BPS I now have is a 2000Va version. It has a very slight buzz, but nothing that can be heard more than 6 inches from the unit and often at certain times of the day it is silent. Furthermore, in terms of sound reproduction, it's inclusion in my system outperforms the benefits the BMU brought and actually, also a 1500Va version my friend has which we tried in my system. I know RD originally trialled a 3000Va version that buzzed like hell, which it seems caused him to settle on a 1000Va Tx for his BMU, but that was probably down to (IMHO) the inadequacies of his unit construction. There is no reason why higher spec BPS Tx's cannot be controlled to prevent noise output. Also, my BPS is a third of the size of a BMU case and the sockets are more conveniently located on the chassis. Greg I just wanted to comment quickly on the paragraph above, specifically regarding the comment regarding 'inadequacies of unit construction.' The whole point about using thick Perspex (as well as appearance) is that there are no exposed metallic parts externally. because using nuts and bolts to hold the large transformer in place would expose metal to the outside invalidating the Class 2 construction, the best way, in this case, is to anchor the transformer in place using adhesives, which act as a form of doping of the transformer structure. Don't smirk, it works and in the case of the BMU, rather a lot of a large tin is used, the transformer looking more like an upturned cake sitting in a pool of melted icing afterwards. Mine is an early one and fortunately survived a loose trip in its box back to RD's place without damage (it was subsequently brought here by my car). It now stands on its side, the base gets faintly warm after a day being powered and occasionally, I'm vaguely aware of a gentle hum, which comes and goes and is NEVER obtrusive. When RD made up his own, the box was half as big again to take all the different sockets he wanted on top (Euro spec as well as UK 13A ones). he chose a huge transformer and fixed it in the same way. I personally don't believe the loud snarling/buzzing that came and went was a product of inadequate construction methods, as I've heard similar from Naims (with far smaller transformers) over the years - and almost as loud... maybe a different maker or type of transformer would be been a better choice for such a large item, I don't know in all honesty and maybe the Airlink ones are frame types rather than toroidal (I don't know), but the noise of his in first built incarnation was awful and reverting to a standard size transformer cured it and offered little to no discernible degradation in sonics - and his varied workroom systems ARE very clear and articulate sounding indeed. I can only argue the make or type of transformer, as big US amps imported here have huge supplies so they can deliver the current and by and large, they're very quiet if not completely silent, as my 'baby' Krell is in comparison with the two NVA based dual-mono amps I have here (all four transformers hum a little, although I haven't doped them up as finished production amps can be). Sorry for being off topic chaps. Greg, I'm not having a go, but just wanted to put a bit of a back story to your comments above. By the way, I do understand about personalities getting in the way of potential product enjoyment. I remember nearly twenty years ago, another 'loud' sales director visiting the shop the day after my wife (and I too) had suffered a miscarriage. I was in bits and not able to do my job properly, but had to come in because of installations and service calls stacking up. The dagger he stuck in my back still hurts to this day as he was perhaps too much of an influence at the time - a lot of what he stated at the time could be proved by demonstration though - and I remember promptly flogging all the gear I owned from this manufacturer (Jazzbones Ron here will remember the man, but no names please). I can forgive - and he did subsequently apologise - but not forget, and I now retain one of their preamps as a 'point of reference' product, although it's not used now. |
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Post by TheMooN on Mar 15, 2016 15:04:41 GMT
Greg....Could you elucidate further regarding the nature of this higher specification? "I now own an alternatively produced and supplied BPS unit which provides the same (probably much better as it is much higher spec) benefit I witnessed with the NVA BMU." I think I have answered that question in a previous post. If you want to know more, please PM me as adding further specific details would be wrong publically as only one vendors products seem to be the subject of discussion here. As you wish Greg, however as I see it, Would not disclosure of the identity your new BPS, whilst making no further reference to the NVA product, achieve a broadening of options available for folk to consider beyond NVA and entirely as per your last point. |
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Post by chukka on Mar 15, 2016 15:47:59 GMT
As the (new) title of this (new) thread states: "Balanced mains - alternatives to NVA BMU" IMHO, I think it would be useful to get some comparative and specific information on different BMU devices. I don't see any problem in divulging the specifics (with respect).
Greetings
Chuk
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Post by Sovereign on Mar 15, 2016 15:48:15 GMT
Do please note, I'm informed - and subsequently heard it for myself, that bigger is not any better where transformer capacity is concerned. Bigger can just mean noisier - and it was... A where an excellently designed toroidal is concerned, sometimes bigger is often better in terms of sound quality. My whopper is a quiet as a mouse and outperformed all else that I have heard. Have used 3&5 kVa balanced toroids from other manufacturers and they were very poor indeed, and hummed and buzzed like mad. Wouldn't touch anything off the peg. |
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Post by dsjr on Mar 15, 2016 17:47:23 GMT
Trouble is, bespoke large *toroidal* transformers may well add a lot to the cost for all I know. Fine if you're making up for yourself DIY fashion, but the BMU is expensive enough at £500 as it is - and the margins involved were discussed ages ago at being roughly what Rega mark up to their dealer 'trade' price, which is less mark-up than Linn and Naim I believe, although the dealer margins on top of this are rather larger than Rega offer.
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