Forums - Flick's Chariot

JBzen

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1509

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #100 - 02/09/25 at 16:25:36

Another disgarded battery box project completed.

This will be used on the CXNv2 balanced outputs to supply the Zkit1 in the office. Trying to figure out how to route the wires now. The easiest would also be the longest route. There is 50' of 22 gauge signal cable connected now all sprawled out on the charoit's floor. It measured a resistance of .9 ohms. The sound is strained during transients with the pre out on streamer volume set at 85%. At 50% it is better but shows signs of conflict at times. The streamers preamp is also used to feed the whole house system using unbalanced rca outs. So, it's going to be the hardest way as usual 😪. That will cut the cable length to about 20 feet. But, there is 4 conductors in the jacket. Tying those together will effectively up the gauge to 19. I think in the interest of CXNv2 preservation a short route with 19 gauge will have to be.

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LoopA[AMC CD8b>XO3>Stokes DAC>Carver C-9]LoopB[Ortofon 2M Black>JVC QL-F4/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3]LoopC[Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>Zrock2]}CSP2+>SE8425th>9AWG silver/copper braid>lii Crystal 10" Huijgen Cabinets. Isolation. AC filtering. Room Treatment.

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JBzen

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1509

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #101 - 02/13/25 at 18:06:18

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.

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LoopA[AMC CD8b>XO3>Stokes DAC>Carver C-9]LoopB[Ortofon 2M Black>JVC QL-F4/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3]LoopC[Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>Zrock2]}CSP2+>SE8425th>9AWG silver/copper braid>lii Crystal 10" Huijgen Cabinets. Isolation. AC filtering. Room Treatment.

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JBzen Seasoned Member Posts: 1509	Re: Flick's Chariot Reply #102 - 03/07/25 at 10:41:25 The birds are singing the spring song of new life. Time to get out in the great outdoors. A lot was accomplished over the past months. Some pics of those and unique views follow: John
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JD Seasoned Member Posts: 540	Re: Flick's Chariot Reply #103 - 03/07/25 at 19:44:43 Looks like a great place to kick back and listen to tunes. JD
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Bottlehead

Seasoned Member

Posts: 584

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #104 - 03/08/25 at 05:17:55

Man, JBZ! That place, pizza and your beverage of choice on speed dial - what else do you need?

How do you like those ESS bookshelf speakers? I’ve been looking for a large bookshelf for my office setup. Currently I’m using Omega Outlaw Open Back, which are great for music, not so great for dialogue on videos. Your opinion, please?

Thanks, Randy

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JBzen

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1509

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #105 - 03/08/25 at 12:09:12

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

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LoopA[AMC CD8b>XO3>Stokes DAC>Carver C-9]LoopB[Ortofon 2M Black>JVC QL-F4/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3]LoopC[Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>Zrock2]}CSP2+>SE8425th>9AWG silver/copper braid>lii Crystal 10" Huijgen Cabinets. Isolation. AC filtering. Room Treatment.

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Bottlehead

Seasoned Member

Posts: 584

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #106 - 03/09/25 at 01:32:20

That’s OK, JBZ. I quite often have multiple projects going at a time, and not enough energy to keep at them. I was mainly interested in the ESS speaker, as I have a pair of Heil AMT that I want to do something with eventually. Most of the ESS speakers are too big for my purpose. I’m mainly looking for a large bookshelf for home theater. I think that I’ll start a topic - maybe some of the wizards on here have good experience with such an animal.

Thanks,
Randy

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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2212	Re: Flick's Chariot Reply #107 - 03/13/25 at 17:01:16 Very impressive room, JB! I tried to comment on this last week with my phone, but kept timing out. You should be very proud of this progress - I sure do wish I could have a listen... Best, Geno
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU222 Cambrge Audio CXN(ModWright) Crown XLS-1002 SL1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsm Aida MKll cart • Darlingt.Labs MP8b Otari MX5050-Bii2 R2R ZLC Power Cond Lii Audio PT-10 OR F-12 OR Betsy Alnico 8"/ W-15 in Open Baffle IP Logged

JBzen

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1509

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #108 - 03/27/25 at 13:27:08

Thanks guys for the comments; you too Tony Wink

.

I'll try to post a video sometime Geno.

If any of the forum members are in the Pittsburgh PA area for a visit, there is an open invitation to have a listening session in the Chariot. Just give me a heads up and we can work something out.

Winter will not let go of its grip. It is 21 degrees here this morning! The good news is it gives more time to progress with the vision of a finished listening room. Ha! Really::)

In that cold time the Otari was fixed tracing the evasive 24v DC capstan motor supply to a circuit board switch. Deoxit fixed it.

Also, the Decware system extension to the whole house/tech shop is complete with full control by phone. The sound has been improved dramatically with Zenhead help! Some pics of my implementation:

16v transformer energized with a switch outlet from the JVC receiver for the whole house system. Had the tranny in the bins and needed to make a cover for the 4x4 box saving me a trip to the hardware store.

Another battery box attached to the bottom of the Zenhead box. Moved the 9 volt card to it along with a 12 volt ac relay energized with the 16 volt tranny. The 47 ohm resistor in series dropped the voltage to within 10% of the relays coil voltage.

The Zenhead.

The shop system fed from the other leg of the Y adaptor of the Zenhead. The CXNv2 is a powerhouse with all the inputs and outputs it provides. Unbalanced outputs are used for the Zenhead. Balanced outputs are used for the office system. Optical output is used for the Chariot.

The Decware flavor shows thru it all! Thank you Steve for your insatiable creativeness!

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LoopA[AMC CD8b>XO3>Stokes DAC>Carver C-9]LoopB[Ortofon 2M Black>JVC QL-F4/Otari MX5050B2>ZP3]LoopC[Cambridge CXN2>ZDAC>ZBOX>Zrock2]}CSP2+>SE8425th>9AWG silver/copper braid>lii Crystal 10" Huijgen Cabinets. Isolation. AC filtering. Room Treatment.

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Dominick

Seasoned Member

Still like that old
time Rock and Roll!!

Posts: 1392

Re: Flick's Chariot
Reply #109 - 03/27/25 at 23:04:56

Quote:

If any of the forum members are in the Pittsburgh PA area for a visit, there is an open invitation to have a listening session in the Chariot. Just give me a heads up and we can work something out.

Hey John….the Chariot has really gone through some transformation changes. I would love to see and experience the Chariot in person. I will be in Pittsburgh for my car club event from Sept. 5-7. The venue is at the Doubletree by Hilton (500 Mansfield Ave). If I fly solo then it’s easy…but if my family comes, then it may present a challenge. We will talk further as the date gets closer.

Dom

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Rasp. Pi 4 [Roon], Schiit Bifrost True Multibit DAC, ZBIT, ZROCK2, My Audio Cables Ultra Silver+, ZSB, CSP2+ 25th, DAG Cables, DHC1, Torii MKIV 25th /2 White Zen SE84C+ 25th mono’s, Rega P2 Turntable, White top ZP3, Velodyne Dual Firing Sub, ERR’s [Bubbinga Wood]

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JBzen Seasoned Member Posts: 1509	Re: Flick's Chariot Reply #110 - 03/28/25 at 09:34:55 PM sent Dom.
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