Getting more out of my Lyrita
- Thread starter prem
- Start date
ranjeetrain
New Member
Any reason to consider Vampire over WBT, Prem?
Silver plated brass pin? Interesting. Would be keen to know what change did that bring to the sound.
Hi Ranjeetrain
Based on my reading on the internet and writing to a few people, WBT is more hifi sounding. Vampire is more musical. A lot of my choice for these kind of parts are based on the late Bob Crump's recommendations. He and John Curl were responsible for some of the legendary amp designs. All sourcing for those amps was done by Bob Crump. The Vampire is what he used. Dave Slagle too recommended the Vampires.
Silver on high copper content brass is what Bob Crump recommends for electrical contacts. Switchcraft 301, according to him, is the best IEC he has heard. In the current lot, he likes the Acme IEC. So i am going with Switchcraft. For speaker binding post, he recommends Superior Electric. So that's what i use in my Lyrita amp. Superior Electric were the guys who first introduced 5 way binding posts. Everything else is a copy of that. In speaker binding post, the metal parts, i believe, need to be minimum. Most of the branded ones like WBT, Cardas, etc have a lot of metal in them. This tends to make the bass heavy and slow down the sound. i do not know if this is true because i have never done any comparisons
Based on my reading on the internet and writing to a few people, WBT is more hifi sounding. Vampire is more musical. A lot of my choice for these kind of parts are based on the late Bob Crump's recommendations. He and John Curl were responsible for some of the legendary amp designs. All sourcing for those amps was done by Bob Crump. The Vampire is what he used. Dave Slagle too recommended the Vampires.
Silver on high copper content brass is what Bob Crump recommends for electrical contacts. Switchcraft 301, according to him, is the best IEC he has heard. In the current lot, he likes the Acme IEC. So i am going with Switchcraft. For speaker binding post, he recommends Superior Electric. So that's what i use in my Lyrita amp. Superior Electric were the guys who first introduced 5 way binding posts. Everything else is a copy of that. In speaker binding post, the metal parts, i believe, need to be minimum. Most of the branded ones like WBT, Cardas, etc have a lot of metal in them. This tends to make the bass heavy and slow down the sound. i do not know if this is true because i have never done any comparisons
square_wave
Well-Known Member
I remember Bob crump in a discussion about the legendary blowtorch preamplifier by CTC.
I am sure this amplifier will evolve into a classic. The design is already a classic. But all these changes will make it go that last mile.
I think Viren should offer the final design as a special edition for folks who are willing to spend to get that last bit of performance. Maybe group buys can help make it happen.
I am sure this amplifier will evolve into a classic. The design is already a classic. But all these changes will make it go that last mile.
I think Viren should offer the final design as a special edition for folks who are willing to spend to get that last bit of performance. Maybe group buys can help make it happen.
Hi Square_Wave
The mods i am doing are not expensive. Only the Vampire stuff is about $30. The rest are sub $10. So a group buy is not really required. I do not see any major monetary benefits. The transformers are the ones that cost a bit of money. There maybe a group buy could help.
The mods i am doing are not expensive. Only the Vampire stuff is about $30. The rest are sub $10. So a group buy is not really required. I do not see any major monetary benefits. The transformers are the ones that cost a bit of money. There maybe a group buy could help.
One more vote there. Viren is quite the man! Have heard a lot about him as a host - hope to someday sample that as well
Several times, he has shipped alternate output tubes and rectifier tubes in double quick time. And he is always available on phone for a good discussion...
The Parasound JC2 designed by the CTC Builders is considered an heir to the blowtorch by many.
Cheers,
Sid
trittya
Active Member
Both Mr Bakhshi and his amp(s) are already CLASSICS in their own respective right(s).
hyeah: I have SOME real respect for both:clapping:BTW, AC is standard on most basic/entry-level (car) models these days, sometimes power windows too. Gone are the days of buying a FIAT (aka Premier Padmini) or an AMBASSADOR Mk II/III and getting an after-market AC later.
I suggest/opine/recommend/urge that all aforesaid tweaks and mods be taken into account and incorporated as STANDARD in the next edition.
(Utne mein hi) "Thoda zyada miley toh kitna achha lagta hai"
(Sure feels good to get a little more[at the same price])
Just my two Phooti Kaudies, FWIW . . .
Cheerio, ALL
N
Regards as ever
Last edited:
square_wave
Well-Known Member
Viren was kind enough to send a Mullard GZ 32 for me to listen. Compared to the Russian tube the Mullard GZ 32 is slightly more rolled off on the highs, thereby making the sound a little mellower. In my system and for my listening taste i prefer the Russian tube.
Prem, can I ask you what transformers these amps use. I was thinking of getting some high-end hand wound ones if these are stock off-the-shelf components. Definitely considering one of Mr Bakshi's models for a nice smaller system....
Hi Staxx
The transformers are from Dave Slagle. He winds them as per your specs. These are 80% nickel. His company is called Intact Audio. All output transformers, interstage transformers, chokes and attenuator are from Slagle.
The transformers are from Dave Slagle. He winds them as per your specs. These are 80% nickel. His company is called Intact Audio. All output transformers, interstage transformers, chokes and attenuator are from Slagle.
My amp has come back from Viren with a last round of upgrades.
List of upgrades
1. Tube sockets changed to CMC bakelite with gold plated copper contacts
2. IEC inlet changed to Switchcraft EAC 301 which is silver plated brass
3. RCA jacks changed to Vampire gold plated copper
4. Fuse holder changed to vintage military spec Russian fuse holder
5. Power line fuse changed to Hifi Tuning Supreme fuse
6. Inline fuses in fuse clips changed to axial ceramic ones which are now soldered
7. All soldering redone with WBT silver solder
8. Top aluminium plate changed to wooden ones
The result is amp now sounds more open and dynamic. I do not know which upgrade has contributed what but am happy with the results. A big thanks to Viren for accommodating all my requests.
List of upgrades
1. Tube sockets changed to CMC bakelite with gold plated copper contacts
2. IEC inlet changed to Switchcraft EAC 301 which is silver plated brass
3. RCA jacks changed to Vampire gold plated copper
4. Fuse holder changed to vintage military spec Russian fuse holder
5. Power line fuse changed to Hifi Tuning Supreme fuse
6. Inline fuses in fuse clips changed to axial ceramic ones which are now soldered
7. All soldering redone with WBT silver solder
8. Top aluminium plate changed to wooden ones
The result is amp now sounds more open and dynamic. I do not know which upgrade has contributed what but am happy with the results. A big thanks to Viren for accommodating all my requests.
GeorgeO
Well-Known Member
And so the quest towards audio nirvana continues!
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