EC Aficionado (was: The Studio Jr.)

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by AppleheadMay, Nov 10, 2015.

  1. famish99

    famish99 Friend

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    I got my Af secondhand so I'm not sure exactly how old it is and if there have been any running changes since, but is there a reason the rectifier socket was undermounted instead of flush or overmounted? I have a Mullard 5AR4 on hand, but the base is too wide to fit in the hole...

    Sidebar: I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to the startup sound of the Af with the EML meshes, it is so spooky...
     
  2. Mark W

    Mark W New

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    I had same problem with my Mullard metal base 5AR4. I put a socket saver in. Working good so far.
     
  3. famish99

    famish99 Friend

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    I'm leery of socket savers now after what happened to @Garns. What differences have you noticed vs the stock tube?
     
  4. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    @pavi
    If it's not too much trouble, would you kindly take some photos of your 300B Aficionado (including PSU and rear if possible) and show them? I was told by Craig that the 300B Af has a different, larger custom size compared to regular 2A3 Af and therefore comes with a custom plate (with a surcharge), and also custom transformers (the so-called "magic transformers imported from China that Marvey mentioned.) He also said there won't be any SE RCA outputs, because there is no tertiary winding on these transformers.

    @purr1n
    Excuse my ignorance, but if the 300B Af has no tertiary winding, does that mean that the 300B Af has negative feedback (whereas 2A3 Af doesn't)?
     
  5. famish99

    famish99 Friend

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    You can order the 2A3 Af with or without negative feedback as well. Craig most likely went dealer's choice with @pavi's amp; I'd presume you could ask for a no feedback version of the 300b as well. Craig was trying to sell me pretty hard on the feedback variant when I was trying to order the Af.

    Hmm I wonder if I could order a custom plate for the power supply so I can try larger rectifiers...
     
  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    You are referring to a prototype experimental model which will not be produced. Personally, I loved this magic transformer 300B amp. Very strong low bass, no bloated midbass, but full of body. I plan on borrowing it when I get heal up and can make room in my house. Yes, it's more colored to what I typically like, but sometimes a change is good. Sadly, for fans of the more classic tube sound, this iteration will never be produced. Craig's pushing the feedback thing really hard. I appreciate the tighter bass and cleaner sound, but a little bit of the soul in the mids goes missing. I supposed if a customer wanted, they could ask for a no feedback version.

    The funny thing is that Aficionado was intentionally named that because of the no feedback and the less than stellar reaction to the Studio where a lot of listeners complained it was too lean, too bright, not tubey enough.

    I can confirm that there will be a Studio Jr. which employs feedback that will sound more like the Studio. This will likely be Craig's last amp. No, he's not retiring soon, but he's going to pare down his product line and take it easier.
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2018
  7. pavi

    pavi Almost "Made"

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    will do.

    am traveling, so it will be a week or so before i'm able to.
     
  8. Ray

    Ray Friend

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    @purr1n, much difference in price between the AF & 300b AF? Kinda curious about the 300b version now.
     
  9. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Same price. 300B AF is simply just a 2A3 AF with the voltage trim turned up to 5V.

    @songmic was referring to stuff that doesn't exist yet or is under development.
     
  10. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Kinda have me curious about the 2.5v 300Bs EML just released.
     
  11. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    Im curious, anyone swapped out the pot on this thing? Blue Alps is perfectly good, but not considered to be that transparent. I know Criag was previously a fan of rare P&G pots and might offer an upgrade, but what else are there for options? Stepped attenuators, exotic or rare pots, etc. Who still had a Alps black beauty kicking around?

    Figured I would ask as we are openly modding have already more or less "voided" our warranties anyway.
     
  12. Mark W

    Mark W New

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    Better bottom end..which was needed on my HD800s's
     
  13. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    As long as you don't break, warranty is good. If you jam tubes the wrong way, something specific usually blows up and he knows. If there is solder goop and strange wrong value parts that blew up stuff, he will also know. If you've replaced all of the the resistors with special audiophile carbon resistors and something didn't get soldered right, he will know, and probably bitch to me.
     
  14. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    Marv-Poorly Compensated Whipping Boy
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 22, 2018
  15. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Okay Kurt-refers-to-people-he's-not-familiar-with-in-real-life-by-their-full-names-on-the-internet-like-a-creepo-Redacted
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2018
  16. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    Not done with any ill intent, but I am sure nfig. I have explained and apologized to party potentially wronged. I, on the other hand, don't care if anyone knows my name.

    Btw, if you want me to stop posting, just say the word. Cheers.
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2018
  17. pavi

    pavi Almost "Made"

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    [​IMG]

    it's the standard Aficionado frame, as you can see.
     
  18. pavi

    pavi Almost "Made"

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    i must say that the courtesy, advice and responsiveness from both craig & judi was genuinely exceptional.
     
  19. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    Thanks for the pic! That cleared things up.
     
  20. Xecuter

    Xecuter Brush and floss your amp twice a day

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