Moving valves near electrostats

Discussion in 'DIY Discussion' started by rsand, Nov 7, 2005.

  1. rsand

    rsand I can't feel my toes

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    903
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Liverpool
    I want to place my valve monoblocks near (behind) my esl speakers.

    I know that valves are susepable to vibrations (microphonic) and the electrostats kick out just as much sound behind as in front so is it a recepy for disaster?

    Could I house them in something (open top of course) to absorb defract the vibrations or should I keep them as far away as possible?

    Amps are Quad II40's KT88's and speakers are esl988's

    Its worth mentioning this is an asthetic placement not for sonic gains said to be had from long ic's short speaker cables.

    Thanks
     
    rsand, Nov 7, 2005
    #1
  2. rsand

    alexs2

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2004
    Messages:
    206
    Likes Received:
    0
    I doubt you'll have any problems with all but the most microphonic of tubes....my WAD 300Bs sit right alongside my Quad ESLs and there seem to be no problems,even with one of them sitting close to an SVS sub,which goes down flat to 20Hz or less.
     
    alexs2, Nov 7, 2005
    #2
  3. rsand

    zanash

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2003
    Messages:
    3,826
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Notts.
    You could look at tube dampers, that will cut down any vibraition affecting the tubes.
     
    zanash, Nov 8, 2005
    #3
  4. rsand

    inteificio

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2005
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi,
    I do have a question, not relevant. Assuming my financial state improves I am looking into getting a valve preamp. You can guess that I occasionally buy equipment from apperance. Where do I get basic info on valves. What mantainence do they require, which parts of them taste funny? What do I have to consider before splashing out on my imaginary money?
     
    inteificio, Nov 8, 2005
    #4
  5. rsand

    Anex Thermionic

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2005
    Messages:
    1,434
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    London
    what basic info do you require? Pre-amps very rarely need maintainence, just replace the tubes when they go wrong which doesn't happen very often (small signal tubes should last you years). You'll know when they go wrong cuz they'll stop working :) . I don't think theres much to consider, valves kick ass.
     
    Anex, Nov 8, 2005
    #5
  6. rsand

    rsand I can't feel my toes

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    903
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Liverpool
    Some of the curent wave of chineese ones rok for not a lot of ££ try edenlake their preamp is hifi worlds best buy (if you beleive reviews) however just ask Lodsumit his sounds great made me ditch an MF nuVista sharpish
     
    rsand, Nov 8, 2005
    #6
  7. rsand

    lordsummit moderate mod

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2003
    Messages:
    3,650
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    In the Northern Wastelands
    My amp's quite close to the speakers too, and there have been no problems whatsoever. I must come and hear those Quads sometime Rob!
     
    lordsummit, Nov 8, 2005
    #7
  8. rsand

    rsand I can't feel my toes

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    903
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Liverpool
    More than welcome Richard, I would do another bake off but do people really want to come here to my kit again? The ESL's are an aquired taste
     
    rsand, Nov 8, 2005
    #8
  9. rsand

    ChrisPa

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2004
    Messages:
    179
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Saddleworth
    Yes
    Not at all. They start from a general state of loveliness.

    However, I rather liked the (very) little I heard from your Nuvistas.
     
    ChrisPa, Nov 8, 2005
    #9
  10. rsand

    lordsummit moderate mod

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2003
    Messages:
    3,650
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    In the Northern Wastelands
    We must set a date sometime. I could pick Chris up on the way across. I'd love to heard the ESL's
     
    lordsummit, Nov 8, 2005
    #10
  11. rsand

    zanash

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2003
    Messages:
    3,826
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Notts.
    Hey ....I'll come up to As long as I don't have to drive back through a thunder storm again !

    I can bring one of my moded vr70e's and other bits and some other peices.
     
    zanash, Nov 9, 2005
    #11
  12. rsand

    rsand I can't feel my toes

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    903
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Liverpool
    Well ok then, Tuesday 6 December could be a go'er. I'll start a thread nearer the time so as not to get too over subscribed, think there were 7 of us last time which is probably as many as will work in my house.

    Was thinking of a blind cable test? Very topical at the moment!

    Chris the nuvista was great with my MA20's but you wouldn't have liked them with the esl's. Even the Copland might sine now its been tweeked a bit by Zanesh?

    Peter, I dont have any control over the weather but that was a hell of a storm, you are welcome to the spare room?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 9, 2005
    rsand, Nov 9, 2005
    #12
  13. rsand

    zanash

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2003
    Messages:
    3,826
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Notts.
    I'll pencil in the 6th ...looks good to me.

    I'll have a think about cables....as mentioned in the email.
     
    zanash, Nov 9, 2005
    #13
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.