Kudret

Ryan, Check out the 299B transformer pictures I just posted at the same link. Kudret

Kelly, Here is what I got: 299 (mk II): TR-12-3-1 & TRA-8-4 299B : no markings on the transformers 299C: TRA-11-1 And, here are some pictures for you: http://132.205.20.170/audio/299/ Kudret

Smilin, If you decide to pass up the XA777ES, can you let me know. Thank you. Kudret

Kelly, I ditched the Golden Dragons long time ago. I am using Sylvania CHS-6SL7GT and some Westinghouse 6SN7GT for now. Although these are not red base RCAs, they were a big improvement over Golden Dragons. If I decide to keep the Cary, I'll get some RCAs later. When I used 299B as a premp (using center channel out on 299B) for one of the DRDs, it really sounded nice - better than 299B itself. That's why I was convinced that DRDs were OK and it was just a matter of finding the right preamp for it. Furthermore, I also tried 299B (center channel)->Cary->DRD and this combination was also very good. This to me indicates that Cary did not degrade the signal in any way and the problem must have been beween CDP and Cary. Then I started looking into impedance values and posted the message on AA for some answers. It doesn't really make much sense to me to buy another preamp at the moment unless I understand what the problem is and buy the right preamp to solve the problem. I am really tired of sinking more money into this. Kudret

Congratulations, Rick. It loks nice. Please let me know how you like it. I'll have to pass on this one and wait for another one that is in Canada or the seller is willing to ship to Canada. Kudret

Thanks Jeff, I got the output impedance info from Kelly's Cary page:http://www.progressive-engineering.com/sale/scans/cary_manual_2.jpg I haven't been able to measure and verify this, but I presume that's what it is. I am planning to buy a Scott LC-21 or 130 preamp (preamp section of 299). I also noticed that Kelly's modified Cary has 800 ohms impedance. Can I do the same on mine? Is this a simple mod?

I posted a message on AudioAsylum about the problems I am having. Here is the link: http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/38233.html Kelly might be right that DRD 2A3 may be more finicky with preamp selection, since DRDs performed similar with Cary and Jeff's Arthur Loesch preamps. I am wondering whether replacing the Noble 25K volme pot on Cary with a 100K or 250K could solve the problem. Kelly, I see that your modified Cary has an impedance of 47K - that was one of the mods I suppose (as the original pot was only 12.7K).

Thanks guys, you're so kind. I knew I could count on you. Kelly, DRDs seem to have a good detail when connected to the center channel of the 299B. That's why I wanted to get the preamp section of the 299B in a separate box for now. I couldn't find any reasonably priced red base 5691, 5692s for 70 yet, and you are right Golden Dragons are really lousy.

Ryan, One small problem. This is USA only. Kudret

Thanks for the suggestion, Ryan. I just want something that would equal the preamp section of a 299B. I was hesitant about LC-21 as it was a kit and it might be poorly built. If I can get a nicely built one I will consider LC-21 as well. kudret

I am looking for a Scott 130 preamp. If you have one in good condition for sale please let me know. kudret

Congrats Jeff, I am really happy for you. I will have to make another trip to QC to listen to them. It will have to be in spring though (after that horrible trip last weekend). Greg, I am glad they found a good home and I am sure they will look stunning after you are done with them. Kudret

madeneen, Items received in Canada are charged about 15% tax on the declared value. In addition, UPS also charges a significant amount in "brokerage fees" (at times as much as taxes). Packages sent by USPS are delivered by Canada Post and their fee is only $5 fixed (in addition to 15% taxes). One way to reduce the fees+taxed on the packages sent to Canada is to declare a lower value, but then you take a risk if the package is lost or damaged. Obviously, since you were returning this item you should have indicated on the export declaration papers that this item is being returned for refund, so that it wouldn't be treated as an import into Canada, and shipped by USPS to avoid their brokerage fees. One needs to know what is involved in shipping to Canada to avoid any disappointments. Of course, there are bad sellers on both sides of the border.

Dale, There is an interesting article about blue laser DVD players in this months IEEE Spectrum magazine, which simply states ".. you won't be seeing blue-laser DVD systems in your local Wal-Mart any time soon."

Hi Erik, Check you email. kudret

mark, I've been using a scd-775 with Scott 299B and I am extremely pleased with it. It is an excellent SACD player for $150-175. Of course, 333 (or the multi channel version 555) would be a better choice but for at least twice the price. kudret

Craig, As you know I've been taking care of my vintage amps. Changing capacitors, resistors, etc. on vintage stuff is no problem, but these are too important to me to mess up. Building something from scratch seemed not so easy. We talked a lot about this with Erik, but eventually I was convinced that I wasn't up to the job, and I am glad I did. I know that they are just as the designer intended them to be. Something that I would have always wondered had I built them myself. I now have peace of mind. kudret

Thanks Erik. I am forever in your debt for your kindness. kudret

Kevin, Congratulations on you DRD45s, and I am glad that they are everything you hoped for. I'll be getting my DRD 2A3s in a couple of weeks - I can't wait. Kudret

Max, I just sent you my email address. Can you send them to me too. Thanks, kudret

Hey, Allan. You don't have to say that in stereo .

Craig, I need it too. Any possibility of puting it on a server? kudret EDIT: I've got another eMail address for no limit, if you wouldn't mind emailing it to me.

Thanks, Kelly and Max. I'll pick up this one, and no problem with the lyrics for me

Ed, I have the CE775 and I've been looking for a XA777ES for some time. Was there a big improvement from 555 to 777? Darn things are so expensive. kudret

Kevin, This is really a troublesome situation. Erik was about to ship my amps to my friend who will give them a ride to Canada. He has kindly offered to replace them with ceramic sockets, but this might delay the shipping and and may force us to make other shipping arrangements. Thanks for letting us know obout this. kudret