Got a lot accomplished so far this new year. Thoughts and parts that needed put in motion completed. There are three working loops in the Chariot now designated as A, B, C and graded as such. Loop A consist of CD transport, Stokes DAC, C9, CSP2, and SE84. Loop B Phono/Tape, ZP3, CSP2, and SE84. Loop C Cambridge/Vizio70, ZDAK, Z Box, Z Rock, CSP2 and SE84. The grading can be changed over time with further progress.

Loop A's DAC needs some more work after the electrolytes were replaced. Some films will need replaced.
Loop B needs a selector switch and some interconnects for convenience.
Loop C is complete.
A switch is needed to tie Loop A and C to the CSP2.
Loop B is earmarked for Steve's latest endeavor with the tube cartridge pre whenever it is fleshed out and available.

An extension of loop C just hanging out and performing well:

Watching one of Ed Pong's productions using loop C:

Breakout box for the second Swiss Fuse Box to serve the Stokes DAC, ZDAK, Zbox, and Zrock:

Cleaning some well used copper sluggos:

Making new parts list now and waiting for some warmer weather to do shop work finishing aesthetics and treatments.

Looks like a great place to kick back and listen to tunes.

JD

Hi Randy,

The ESS speakers were just brought back to life with new surrounds installed on the 12" woofers. These are large heavy bookshelf speakers around 60lbs each. The set in my possession was purchased new as a unit back in the 80s with a wide gap in serial numbers between the two. So wide that the grills have different nesting schemes. The drivers on each look much the same but one dust cap is larger than the outer on the woofers. Walnut veneer matches well between the two which might be the reason for the purchase of different production runs with revisions. The sound?

Well that could take up another page or two on why I can't give you a honest opinion. Try to keep it short here though.

After rebuilding the 12 inchers, I tested them with the frankenstein test amp on my bench. The amp was pulled from one of those boomboxes with customized DSP for tuned drivers in a bluetoothed catchy marketing plastic box. Not an ideal setting or real stereo separation. Under those conditions my thoughts summed up to a bit hot sounding.

The plan is to give the AMt1bs a fighting chance with loop A and B in my rig. But, that will have to wait until an order is placed for new terminals for the Crystal cabinets. Those are directly wired to the SE84 now. It is further complicated with the need to order parts without paying shipping and not being overcharged(Amazon) with free shipping(this is a steering mechanism that keeps me on my toes).

Sorry. I will post something when the above falls into place.







John