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Post by ChrisB on Jul 20, 2014 10:50:18 GMT
You could use something like this instead of normal bolts - if you can get some with the right sized thread to fit your connector nuts.  |
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Post by Dave on Jul 20, 2014 10:53:31 GMT
That's kinda where I was going with it too, this would give it some flexibility, aka ease of fitment, as well as offering a secure seat...
Got a link for that please Chris? |
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 20, 2014 10:59:55 GMT
Well, that was just the first image I spotted from a Google search - I think it was actually Amazon. But I'd be going somewhere like this to get them if I were you. Lots of different options to suit. |
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 20, 2014 11:01:37 GMT
Something like that was my first tack, but I went for a rather more basic approach.
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Post by Dave on Jul 20, 2014 11:15:32 GMT
My aim is twofold here, apply steel strips to cover as much of the interior sides of the cabs as is humanly possible to strengthen them, an added advantage being the steel should provide an effective means to reduce cab resonance. The steel will also provide a strong and firm surface for the brace to butt up against  |
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 20, 2014 11:21:14 GMT
You won't get much in through that weeny little hole though.
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Post by Dave on Jul 20, 2014 11:55:10 GMT
I have a cunning plan... hehe
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Post by Dave on Jul 23, 2014 13:55:09 GMT
I am completely bemused I've got to be honest. I have a system sitting here worth close to £4000 (new value) and yet for the past week it has hardly had a look in. Instead I have been thoroughly enjoying listening to all sorts of music on a system that cost me virtually nothing and I've been having an absolute ball. How does that work again?
It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, it can get a little muddled when dealing with complex rock productions for example, but feed it a well engineered and produced track with space to breath and I defy anyone to keep their feet still. Bass is quite limited although not as much as you'd think and certainly not enough to detract from the listening experience. Percussion is crisp and dynamic for example and the tiny AV21's do their very best to convey the weight and impact of say, kick drums and Timpani, within their remit of course. Turning the wick up to quite extraordinary listening levels (yes, this littler blighter does loud) and the tweeter in the AV21's begins to remind you of its humble origins as it hardens up becoming a wee bit 'spitty' in the process, but all in all this little system really sings for its supper. Listening to Robbie Robertson's Somewhere Down The Lazy River one is immediately aware of the incredible ambience present in the production. I could almost have been strolling along on top of a Levee beside the great Mississippi late on a humid, summer evening, distant music drifting across the river from the opposite bank.
Up until today I'd been feeding the signal into the system via a set of the ubiquitous white Belkin AVSilver IC's and have been pretty pleased with the result. Today though I removed these and replaced them with a set of Gear City OFC items with WBT plugs and the improvement is marked. The presentation is cleaner and more balanced now, it previously being tilted somewhat towards the higher frequencies, thus manifesting as a slight brashness when playing certain material ( a trait of the Belkin's IME). Now the playing field has been levelled with the installation of the Gear City IC's it is far easier for me to pick out individual instruments and voices in the mix, in fact this systems ability to project a believable soundstage is quite remarkable. Focus is pin-sharp which means locating individual voices in a small, choral ensemble is an absolute doddle. And they stay put too, instead of wandering about a bit as is often the case with budget equipment.
Quite honestly if it wasn't for my disability and the restrictions it places upon me I would take this set-up to Scalford next year where I know it would surprise a great many people, as it has thoroughly surprised me. I keep having to remind myself that the speakers in particular cost just twenty quid new...  |
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Paul
Rank: Trio
Posts: 157 
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Post by Paul on Jul 23, 2014 20:16:28 GMT
I'll watch this thread with interest regarding the speaker mods. I've still got some Gale Gold speakers in the loft that could take an upgrade ( maybe ). I must be on my fourth pair of speakers in a year! Regarding Scalford. If you really wanted to, I'm sure someone local to you would give you a hand getting it there. Definitely be folks there to give you hand and set it up for you! Worth a thought. |
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Post by Dave on Jul 23, 2014 20:53:37 GMT
As much as I'd like to Paul, Scalford is out for me. I have a serious back injury which keeps me more or less housebound. Mind you, if someone else were wanting to take it on my behalf I'd be happy to oblige. The speakers are tiny and the amp is small too, all they'd need is a decent source and it's ready to go |
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Post by Dave on Jul 24, 2014 13:03:48 GMT
Time to pause and reflect some on the JVC AX-A3 integrated amp. I can find virtually no info on this amp anywhere and as such, my best guess is that it may have been sold as part of a complete system originally. Regardless, it is very well built and there are some decent components living on the circuit board.
It was going for nowt on AoS and I needed a headphone amp so I took a punt on it. The member giving it away (I forget who so my apologies if you are reading this) told me the volume pot crackled a bit and that the lefthand channel would drop out occasionally as a consequence.
I paid the P&P and a few days later it duly arrived, I lost no time opening it up to see what was what. As you can see from the photo above it had been a goodly while since anyone had been inside and so after a good scrub up things looked a lot more presentable:
What intrigued me is that there are some quality components on the board and considering it's reasonably humble origins I suspect a previous owner has lavished some care and attention on it at some point:
I'm glad I took a punt on the JVC because the headphone stage fitted to this amp is a wee gem. I own a pair of Superlux 668B headphones which are very capable cans and I've used these previously with both an Audiolab 8000c pre-amp and a Beresford Bushmaster DAC, both of which contain excellent headphone stages in their own right but I have never heard these headphones sound so good as they do through the AX-A3. It has it all, great dynamics, plenty of oomph and superlative bass extension, truly the best I've heard. It also projects music into a wonderfully open space between the ears, although some may suggest that existed already... 
To sum up; this is a capable little amp which, and I hesitate to use such a well worn term, punches well above its weight and so in conclusion, I'm glad my hunch paid off... 
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Post by Dave on Jul 25, 2014 19:55:22 GMT
It's been another scorcher here today which just saps your energy leaving one virtually incapable of concentrating, so I am going to wait until things become a wee bit more bearable before starting work on the AV21's. The weathermen say Sunday should be cooler so I might get cracking then. Meanwhile the main system still sits lifeless, sulking in its corner...  |
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Post by Dave on Jul 31, 2014 14:28:05 GMT
  The knobs I ordered from China now sit proudly on the facia of the BTE (what a palaver), I am much indebted to Phil(Pre65) who kindly offered to ream the holes out to the correct diameter (6mm) for me. The quality of the machining (or lack thereof) meant the bottom faces were not true either, Phil has rectified this as well. Thank you so much my friend  The lack of care and attention taken during the manufacture of these items beggars belief. Not only were the holes drilled to the wrong size but the notches ground into the faces of the knobs don't line up with the grub screw holes. Anyway, with a bit if jiggery pokery and a lot of patience I now have them sitting square on their respective shafts and I am generally pleased with the result. I think between us Phil and I have made the best of a bad job. |
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Post by pre65 on Jul 31, 2014 14:44:25 GMT
Nice one Dave, glad to be able to help.
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Post by MartinT on Jul 31, 2014 18:27:52 GMT
That's the problem with Chinese sourced parts now: you either get cheap poorly made shite, or some really interesting and well-made products reminiscent of Japanese manufacturing of old.
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Post by Dave on Jul 31, 2014 22:13:19 GMT
Up until now I've had no problems with anything bought from Chinese or Hong Kong sellers but I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later. The jury is still out on these knobs. I will live with them for a while and see how I feel about them in a couple of weeks. I'm glad I didn't plump for my original choice though as they would have been far to big for the BTE's tiny facia. These items were 35mm in diameter and at just 40mm tall they would have given the BTE a pair of googly eyes... |
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 31, 2014 22:45:38 GMT
I bet Gordon could sort you out with some fantastic knobular adornments in the timber of your choice Dave. And I'd guarantee that they'd fit. I'd do it myself but my lathe is in mothballs at the moment.
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Post by Dave on Jul 31, 2014 22:47:18 GMT
Incidentally the AV21 project is on hold for a wee while. Now I've decided to take it more seriously I want to be sure I have decent tools to carry out the work and also I'd like to source quality components for the build, I truly believe the AV21's deserve the attention. I will keep you all posted |
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Post by Dave on Jul 31, 2014 22:50:30 GMT
I bet Gordon could sort you out with some fantastic knobular adornments in the timber of your choice Dave. And I'd guarantee that they'd fit. I'd do it myself but my lathe is in mothballs at the moment. I'll see how it goes for now Chris. I picked the colour because it matches that of the buttons on the Rega DAC but I fear it may be too much of a good thing. They err towards looking a tad garish...  |
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Post by MartinT on Aug 1, 2014 5:50:54 GMT
I bet Gordon could sort you out with some fantastic knobular adornments in the timber of your choice Dave. And I'd guarantee that they'd fit. I'd do it myself but my lathe is in mothballs at the moment. Or Speedy Steve could turn a couple of custom metal ones. |
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The lack of care and attention taken during the manufacture of these items beggars belief. Not only were the holes drilled to the wrong size but the notches ground into the faces of the knobs don't line up with the grub screw holes. Anyway, with a bit if jiggery pokery and a lot of patience I now have them sitting square on their respective shafts and I am generally pleased with the result. I think between us Phil and I have made the best of a bad job.
