Posted on Sunday, 28th March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

Few months ago, my Aikido transformer was burned due to my stupidity plugging in 100R bleeder resistor, instead of 100K one. Well, I have ordered another replacement few months ago, but just now I have time (and motivation) to install it. This one is an ultimate transformer I believe, with Z11 iron and Germany/Australia wire. I have big concern on power supply, since it’s the food for your audio system. So I expect good and healthy food, I mean, power supply for my audio equipment.

Due to different leads arrangement with my old transformer, I must do some extra job adding some extra wiring. Here is the result.

Not a bad 45 minutes of work, huh?

(more…)

Tags: Aikido, Duelund, preamp
Posted in DIY Audio | Comments (12)

Posted on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

After some crazy on the middle of the night decision, finally I decided to purchase the Duelund CAST Silver (CAST Ag) Capacitor. My friend bought my CAST Copper (CAST Cu), so this leaded me into a final crazy decision, to buy the CAST Silver.

The 1 uF and 630 VDC version of Duelund CAST Silver will cost you around US$ 900 each or around US$ 1800 pair. The 0.47 uF and 630 VDC version will cost about 5-7.5% difference, maybe different between retailers.

And don’t forget you have to wait around 2 months, not included shipping time, to get this at home – even if you have the money.

I was surprised to see that the outside appearance of this damned expensive CAST Silver was completely the same with my old CAST Copper. C’mon I spent over 2 times for this caps but with same appearance? Did you buy AMG with standard appearance? At least I expected extra muffler, some body kits, new xenon head lamps, and some shinny grille.

The only different was, on the backside. You could side the sticker wrote 99.999% SILVER

I must wait several days or weeks, before I can judge this capacitor. But I do really anxious to hear how does it sound!!!

Tags: Capacitor, Duelund
Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (8)

Posted on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

I acquired another varian of Jensen Film Caps, the Copper Tube. Basically, Jensen has 4 enclosure models, the cheap Aluminum Tube, then the Paper Tube, Copper Tube, and Ceramic Tube. So far, I have no interest (or budget) to try the Ceramic Tube, so I take the Copper Tube  (hope I made a good decision).

Inside, all of them should be the same. Just the enclosure is different. But I note a significant different in weight between the Aluminum Tube and the Paper or Copper Tube.

After several hours of break-in session, soon I will held a session between my favorite Paper Tube vs Copper Tube. This should be interesting, since Copper Tube is more expensive, and should provide an advantage – less interference, thanks to the Copper natural behavior.

But we must wait several days, or week, until they pass the break-in period.

Tags: Capacitor, copper tube, jensen, paper tube
Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (26)

Posted on Tuesday, 23rd March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

At the end or journey where good electrolytic caps is getting more difficult to be acquired, I think I have to consider some alternatives. I love Black Gate and Elna (Cerafine and Silmic), but those are getting rare and expensive. So far, I can live with Jensen 4-pole electrolytic at my Tube HV power supply, but I’m thinking cheaper solution for general purpose usage.

For now, I think this Axial Electrolytic Capacitor from Jensen could fulfill my needs. It’s quite small. The 10.000uF and 16 VDC size is about the size of average thumb. I thought it would be big

I think this gonna be cool for filament supply application.

Tags: Capacitor, jensen
Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (0)

Posted on Saturday, 6th March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

Never seen this one before. But this 12B4 seems like to have a clear top. Anyway, will keep it for my private collection.

Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (2)

Posted on Saturday, 6th March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

Another 6CG7/6FQ7 Clear Top, but this time without RCA markings. Made in USA, though? Very similar with RCA writings. Tested very good also on my Knight 600.

Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (2)

Posted on Saturday, 6th March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

Must be another lucky day… RCA 6CG7 Clear Top. One of most wanted item. Tested very good on my Knight 600. Will check more detail after my Hickok 539B completely refurbished.

(more…)

Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (0)

Posted on Saturday, 6th March 2010 by Auw Jimmy

Must be my lucky day… Could get 4 pcs of LM1875 with same batch number

Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (5)