Have spent too much time scouring the Internet in lockdown, looking for possible, but affordable replacements for my Plinius 8150.  As is often the case have been side tracked into other directions.  Have recently purchased from TM the following -

1. Perreaux Audiant VP3 MM/MC phono stage,
2. Amari overhang gauge,
3. Innuos ZENmini Mk3 server/streamer.

Also splashed out on a gas califont!  We have solar water heating with wet back backup on our Stanley wood range, which is fine for summer, when Sun shines most days, and winter when we fire up the stove everyday.  But those in between days when we don’t really need a fire,  but must to heat the water, the califont will be a godsend.

i have watched the Perreaux listing for several months, and finally decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up.  It is new stock listed by a retailer at less than half current retail! Since purchasing my MM only PureAudio Vinyl phono Pre, I have.missed not being able to use my Denon DL103R, even though my Ortofon 2M Black is superb through the PureAudio.  I had been looking for a good quality SUT so I could use my MC cart.  However, they are not listed by many retailers, and like the odd one that pops up onTM they are very expensive.  A quality SUT would cost me pretty much the same money I have paid for the Perreaux.  An added benefit is I can now set up my LP 12 with my MC cart and have both tts connected to the Perreaux and switch between them without having to swap cables around.

i will be able to sell the PureAudio to cover much of the purchase price.

The amari gauge looks perfect for the job of getting overhang just right.

Have been tempted by streaming for some time, and this item listed for near half price was too good to pass up.

With delivery delays I don’t expect anything to arrive before the end of next week, at which time I will be off to Auckland for 4 weeks for radiation treatment, so setting things up will have to wait until June.

Have also splashed out on music - see separate post, so will now well and truly have to rein in my spending!  Thankfully will be getting the $40 a week heating allowance from 1 May to help pay things off!

Apr 23, 2020 13:59:46 GMT 12 sub said:

Have spent too much time scouring the Internet in lockdown, looking for possible, but affordable replacements for my Plinius 8150.  As is often the case have been side tracked into other directions.  Have recently purchased from TM the following -

1. Perreaux Audiant VP3 MM/MC phono stage,
2. Amari overhang gauge,
3. Innuos ZENmini Mk3 server/streamer.

Also splashed out on a gas califont!  We have solar water heating with wet back backup on our Stanley wood range, which is fine for summer, when Sun shines most days, and winter when we fire up the stove everyday.  But those in between days when we don’t really need a fire,  but must to heat the water, the califont will be a godsend.

i have watched the Perreaux listing for several months, and finally decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up.  Since purchasing my MM only PureAudio Vinyl phono Pre, I have.missed not being able to use my Denon DL103R, even though my Ortofon 2M Black is superb through the PureAudio.  I had been looking for a good quality SUT so I could use my MC cart.  However, they are not listed by many retailers, and like the odd one that pops up onTM they are very expensive.  A quality SUT would cost me pretty much the same money I have paid for the Perreaux.  An added benefit is I can now set up my LP 12 with my MC cart and have both tts connected to the Perreaux and switch between them without having to swap cables around.

i will be able to sell the PureAudio to cover much of the purchase price.

The amari gauge looks perfect for the job of getting overhang just right.

Have been tempted by streaming for some time, and this item listed for near half price was too good to pass up.

With delivery delays I don’t expect anything to arrive before the end of next week, at which time I will be off to Auckland for 4 weeks for radiation treatment, so setting things up will have to wait until June.

Have also splashed out on music - see separate post, so will now well and truly have to rein in my spending!  Thankfully will be getting the $40 a week heating allowance from 1 May to help pay things off!

You're setting the pace Sub. I feel guilty ordering a cheap 2nd hand book from the USA which may take months to get here. Haven't been inspired enough to look for any music.
All the best with your treatment.

Am hugely envious of your Stanley. In a past life I worked as a central heating engineer and we installed quite a few systems with Stanleys.

Best of luck with your treatment.

Apr 23, 2020 14:41:55 GMT 12 cartridgeguyonline said:

Am hugely envious of your Stanley. In a past life I worked as a central heating engineer and we installed quite a few systems with Stanleys.

Best of luck with your treatment.

Thanks Ian.
The Stanley  is certainly versatile, warms the house, heats the water, and we can cook on it.  Only drawback is lack of a window in the fire box door, but after 10 years we have developed an instinct to know when to replenish the fire.

Continuing to overspend! With all my new gear coming, need a new rack, and surprised myself by being the only bidder at reserve on this rather nice one, despite there being 32 watchers. Nice laminated hardwood shelves supported on spikes.  Custom made for the seller.



ive really run out of money now, so will not be bidding on some lovely KEF Reference Model Two’s closing later tonight.  Current bid is way under true value,

www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=2589279121

Custom made?

Looks like a standard Lovan rack but with plywood shelves.

To be fair, the seller said the shelves were custom made to support his +100kg tube amp and 50kg TT, nevertheless, will suit me.

I have a single width version.

Great rack, you won't be disappointed.

Yes, it does indeed look like a Lovan frame, as seen in this photo. I like the wood shelves better! Can now set up my two turntables side by side. Will replace a fairly unstable single width target 5 shelf stand.

Sweet rack sub! I’d been eyeing that up as well... didn’t twig that it was a Lovan.
Great price for a double width rack, and the thick wooden shelves look really smart.
Shame that the gap between the shelves is only 18cm, otherwise I would have snapped it up!

Does anyone manufacture decent double-width wooden racks locally?
Or do most punters make their own, if they want that format?

soul to sole do doubles and can custom build to your requirements

Apr 28, 2020 19:40:01 GMT 12 raveydave said:

Sweet rack sub! I’d been eyeing that up as well... didn’t twig that it was a Lovan.
Great price for a double width rack, and the thick wooden shelves look really smart.
Shame that the gap between the shelves is only 18cm, otherwise I would have snapped it up!

Does anyone manufacture decent double-width wooden racks locally?
Or do most punters make their own, if they want that format?

raveydave, this is one of the soul to sole models, on which as you can read in the blurb, the shelf spacing can be modified to suit.  But just over twice what I pai!

www.listeningpost.co.nz/Products/Furniture/Stereo-Racks-Cabinets-Furniture/Edge-2-Audio-Rack-__I.20559__C.27379__N.27756

Speak to Steve directly at StS as mentioned. Hes a good bloke and maybe able to build something to your specific sizing needs.

Or if you want to keep it in the family have a chat to our own Hifi Heathen, who custom makes racks and shelving from his secret hideaway in Blenheim.