• RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 14:47:12 01/22/18 (12)
  In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 22, 2018 at 13:29:40

  Thanks Shawn. I had a problem with a solder joint (RCA sockets) it wasn't the pot at all. Discovered it by accident - the same crackle was in the speaker when I moved an IC, totally quite now. I bought the new ALPS pot but didn't want to modify the PCB seeing I had it fixed. Maybe in the future. What benefit do you think is had by upgrading?
  

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  • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - Noskipallwd 21:24:53 01/22/18 (11)
    In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by cabelok on January 22, 2018 at 14:47:12

    Glad you got that figured out! Upgrading the volume control is not going to significantly change the sound quality of the amp. However a better quality pot. will have better signal parity between the chanels and a more consistent level control. Durability is also a factor. It's a great sounding amp even completely stock. Enjoy!
    
    Cheers,
    Shawn
    
    

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    • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 08:40:28 01/23/18 (10)
      In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 22, 2018 at 21:24:53

      I assume we have the same amp. What tubes have you found the most satisfying? Have you upgraded it at all from stock? What speakers do you drive?
      
      regards, Leo
      

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      • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - Noskipallwd 10:37:03 01/23/18 (9)
        In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by cabelok on January 23, 2018 at 08:40:28

        Leo, I am running nos Tung-sol 6550 and nos RCA 12au7a, I am really liking this combo. The 6550 nos are a little expensive, but I have heard the new re-issssue Tung-Sol 6550 sound pretty good as well. As far as upgrades;
        Mundorf Silver oil Supremes for the coupling caps, Takman carbon film resistors, the aforementioned pot and a few electrolytic caps replaced with Nichicon FG Muse. The resistors seemed to have the most effect on sound quality. HTH
        
        Shawn
        

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        • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 10:11:21 11/16/19 (1)
          In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 23, 2018 at 10:37:03

          Shaun, which and to what resistors did you upgrade to?
          

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          • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - vkung 10:42:19 11/16/19 (0)
            In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by cabelok on November 16, 2019 at 10:11:21

            i stop to use this forum
            please email me
            i suggest to replace the volume pot
            

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        • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 14:03:23 01/23/18 (0)
          In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 23, 2018 at 10:37:03

          One more thing. I had a pair of JJ KT88's which sounded good but the amp ran a little hot within a short time so I sent them back. How hot does it run with the 6550's?
          
          TIA Leo
          

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        • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 13:58:19 01/23/18 (0)
          In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 23, 2018 at 10:37:03

          I'm a bit weary buying NOS tubes at this stage. So far I like the new Tung Sol EL34B best with Tung Sol 6189 NOS. The Syslvania tall bottle 6L6GC is also sweet.
          

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        • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - Noskipallwd 10:45:35 01/23/18 (4)
          In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 23, 2018 at 10:37:03

          Oops! I almost forgot, speakers are a kit from Madisound, BK-20 Fostex based folded horns. The 8200 drives these with no problem.
          
          Shawn
          

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          • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 12:13:34 01/23/18 (3)
            In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 23, 2018 at 10:45:35

            I'm in the process of building the smaller BK-12's. I run stereo subs. Once they're done I'll upgrade my speakers with Mundorf and Van Den Hul and Cardas and whatever is needed. The 8200 has no problem driving them, I nearly plumped for Tekton Lore Reference's they seem to get good reviews and are super efficient.
            

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            • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - Noskipallwd 08:06:17 01/24/18 (2)
              In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by cabelok on January 23, 2018 at 12:13:34

              The amp runs hot no matter what tubes I am using, I'm not concerned with that. I figure they call them Thermionic valves for a reason. I have a 15w Otl power amp that uses 12 tubes total and keeps the room toasty while in use! I think you will like the BK-12ms, I had these and sold them to a friend when I built the BK-20s. They sound great and with your subs you should have good coverage. The Fostex full-range drivers require an extended break-in period, they are pretty harsh and shouty out of the box. A nice gentleman gave me a painless method; place the speakers face to face somewhere out of the way(spare room, garage etc.), say about 8" apart. Wire one out of phase with the other. I used a chip amp and my PMP set on a loop to play continuously. Threw a blanket over them and left them alone for about 4 days, which took the edge off considerably. Sounds crazy but it works, and nobody had to listen to it.
              

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              • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - cabelok 09:15:46 01/24/18 (1)
                In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by Noskipallwd on January 24, 2018 at 08:06:17

                Thanks. It doesn't really run hot with 6L6GC's and EL34's. I can run it for a very long time. I use the very high tech method of back of my hand. Yes, I read that the Fostex's are rather harsh. Thanks for the advice. I was going to place them face to face under a blanket in the garage connected to my old Marantz receiver, I'll try your method. I like the sound of pure silver and initially was going to wire them internally with solid silver in PTFE insulation (DIY) but after reading that they are glary I opted for DH Labs Silver Sonic 14AWG speaker cable. I'm associated with wire harnessing (auto and appliance and a bit of electronics), I mess around quite a bit with wiring. Biggest shock was discovering that my B&W's used such crappy wiring inside and after changing a few things they were different speakers - Bass was there. My son commented "what happened to the bass?"
                

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                • RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. - Noskipallwd 19:31:03 01/25/18 (0)
                  In Reply to: RE: 8200 Scratchy Volume Control. posted by cabelok on January 24, 2018 at 09:15:46

                  I built a Diy Headphone cable out of pure silver, but found it to be overly bright for my taste. I have gotten good results using Mil-spec silver plated copper though.
                  
                  Cheers,
                  Shawn
                  

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