paul79

Bump! Love this thread.... I had a guy over at the house today who sets up turntables all over the world, and shows audio products at all the hifi shows. He said my system is a "best of show system" all day long.. He was freaking out big time. I thought that was pretty cool. You da man Craig!

You really do man. The Hynes supplies are now performing duty to my NAS and Router, and the difference they made for even these pieces is nothing short of amazing. The Hynes supplies on any computer devices has improved them big time. No reason it shouldn't do the same for you.

You might check out the new Auralic Aries. It has AES/EBU, USB, and SPDIF outputs. All you need is an Ipad and a NAS running a server client, connected via Ethernet. No more PC Yes, the NAS is a computer also, but much less software running. My new server is somewhat similar, using a NAS and WiFi router, controlled with ipad. This has been absolutely stunning here.

Nice man.

The Sovtek is likely better

New production Mullards?

Extremely rare. These dried up before the internet was cool, so very little about them to be found... I know where they are though PM me...

+2 on the 7318. Big tone, dynamics, and very 3D sounding. Special tube for any 12AU7 spot. There really is no other 12AU7 once you try these IMO... The 10M 12AX7 is my pick for 12AX7. The Black Plate GE 5751 is sonically equivalent, but won't last as long. The Tesla E83CC is also very damn good. Tad less warmth than the Mullard, but I think a little sharper focused. Still gotta try the Brimar's...

Rolled off top end? That and the 1250 are not synonymous at all. The sparkling crystal clear top end is one of the things the 1250 does better than anything I have heard, and it throws a massive soundstage. Something was not right with it. There are at least 20 transistors that need replacing in that receiver as well as all the zener diodes, relays, and trim pots. Capacitor choices are somewhat critical also. Cameron will be chiming in

Yep. I remember the cabinet on that one. Never seen another that cool on a 1250, and likely never will. Bet I've rebuilt 10 of them this year alone, and I couldn't tell you how many in the last 18 years. There are literally tons of them out there. Pioneer really won over several people with its charms. I recently got the privilege of rebuilding a new old stock 1250. The guy bought the thing from some guy who never took it out of the box! He took it out of the box, looked at it, packed it back up and brought it to me. I put the first power to it since it was packed up by Pioneer in 1978. Very cool.

Bi-wire from the same amp channel? Ya, this is total crap. The wires are still connected at the amp. No possible way on earth this would make any difference at all, other than emptying your wallet.

Ya, I noticed the fishing.... lol But I know you, so I know better, and know that you do also 1250 is like a swiss watch ay? Good luck trying to get it to mess up

hmmm... so I guess it should make a good subwoofer amp Guess I need to get back to work Subwoofer amp.... Well, if you are not using it for anything else, go for it! It will do the job nicely. Even better, 2 subs.

LOL! It's Sunday man... Don't I get a day off? I like a good discussion, as much as the next guy. Feel free to disagree with me and tell me why. "Need" more work? I think not.... PLENTY on my plate.... Always welcome though, but most don't want to wait for my slow @$$ anyways. lol I've been a member here for a long time, but as you can see, I only have 115 posts. That busy enough for you?

I agree to a degree. However.... What you get with the 1250 vs its smaller siblings is a truly high current amp and a world class tuner. And....... film coupling caps throughout the preamp and amplifier. It's not only more powerful, but sounds better also IMO. Yes, you can get allot of the 1250 in a 950 FE, but the 1250 is just more transparent as well as more powerful. The 1250 is also the only receiver I have had on my bench that doubles down into 4 ohms. The ONLY receiver.

Isn't it true that's one of the reasons the Pioneer SX-1250 is so desired? not only is every part still available, but they are modular and easy to work on. Sure, the 1250 is much easier to work on, but they typically need allot more parts than this Marantz to make them reliable. They all have their quirks. Serviceability is far from what really makes the 1250 receiver desirable. I'd take a 1250 over the 2385 for sonic reasons alone.

Nothing at all wrong with them. Other than the preamp and tuner sections are a real PITA to work on. Very pretty receiver.

Just costs The 1250 is and always will be the grandfather of all receivers. Nothing gives you more than that in receiver land.

Yep, and a great choice for your speakers I might add... No real need for any more than 65wpc with the speakers you have.

Really just depends on how much sound tailoring you want to do. It can be useful if you need it.

Oh, what's a HSM?

Dau do bau chu wau. Dau do bau chu wau. "I want to thank you, for lettin me, be myself......Again" Soul train mang! Love it.

850 is the smallest I'd go. Very sweet receiver and is allot better than the smaller ones. Best? 1250. FO SHO!

Simply replacing the speaker relay will likely relieve your symptoms To check this, while it is acting up, tap on the black box inside next to the speaker out jacks. If it acts right after that, you have verified my theory.

That's how I look at it