EC Aficionado (was: The Studio Jr.)

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by AppleheadMay, Nov 10, 2015.

  1. AppleheadMay

    AppleheadMay Friend

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    So, since this amp appears on the EC website already I'd thought I'd start a thread where we can gather more info on it.

    As far as I know it will have the beautiful BA chassis but with a sound more akin to The Studio.
    It will have two 2A3 tubes instead of four.
    Cinemag transformers with tertiary windings (different from the Cinemags on BA), optionally upgraded to the bigger Cinemags The Studio uses.
    A single 6SL7 driver.
    Optional P&G pot.

    That's about what I was able to gather so far. Please correct me wherever I'm wrong.
    And Marv, feel free to drop some more teasers. ;)
     
  2. Mikoss

    Mikoss Friend

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    I haven't been on in a while, but I was also interested in this... my current rig is MB Gungnir -> original single ended Zana Deux.

    I'm thinking eventually I want to upgrade to an EC amp that offers more resolution for the 650's. I enjoy the Zana Deux, but I'm wondering how the 2A3 or Studio Jr would sound in comparison.

    Basically, I crave clarity, transparency and resolution. Gah. @purrin any chance you or @Hands could give some opinions? Or point me somewhere to look... I'll try and poke around as well.
     
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Short of the Studio, it would have to be the proposed Studio Jr. The Cinemag with the tertiary windings play a huge role.

    We're still hooking it up right now on a 300B version. If this turns out good, the 2A3 version should be fantastic.
     
  4. Mikoss

    Mikoss Friend

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    If we're interested in ordering, should we send you a PM? Or how is the ordering process working for it... I'm definitely in.
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Not taking orders yet. Remind me you are #1.
     
  6. John K

    John K Friend

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    I will also be interested in the Studio Jr when the ordering starts. Thanks!
     
  7. badf00d

    badf00d Friend

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    I'm also interested. :)
     
  8. Smitty

    Smitty Too good for bad vodka - Friend

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    Ditto.
     
  9. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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    Can this thing drive speakers like the Studio?
     
  10. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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  11. Bourne Perfect

    Bourne Perfect Friend

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    I hope they consider a different name. Who the f**k wants the 'Junior' version of anything?
     
  12. jelt2359

    jelt2359 Friend

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    Also Junior in price. I think the draw here (and what you should focus on) is the 'Studio' part of the name :p
     
  13. Pyruvate

    Pyruvate Friend

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    Name it whatever you want. Just grab one of those label makers and get creative.
     
  14. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    What about the Fantastique?
     
  15. SoupRKnowva

    SoupRKnowva Official SBAF South Korean Ambassador

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    This will also be able to use the WE 417As right? Not the 6SN7 of the BA?
     
  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Might be 6SL7 for gain.
     
  17. Bourne Perfect

    Bourne Perfect Friend

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    See? Simple.
     
  18. Gray

    Gray Friend

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    I prefer "The Stud"... or even "Stu"
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2016
  19. SoupRKnowva

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    I guess this is as good of a spot as any to ask, but I've been curious about the architectural changes in the amps at EC.

    With the 445 and the 2A3mk4 you had amps in the 4k range that had dual single triode gain stages(ala the WE417As) and interstage transformers. And when those came out, the 445 in particular, it was highly lauded. The benefits of the interstage transformer were shouted from the rooftops. Specially the upgraded ones in the 445 vs the original 2A3mk4. The benefits of the dual single triodes for gain weren't talked about as much, but I assumed they were there vs the 6sn7 of the BA since you used them instead.

    So I'm curious when the line was consolidated why both amps that had the single triodes and the interstage transformers that aren't the Studio got nixed? Instead we have the studio Jr, which will be cap coupled and most likely a single dual triode for gain.

    Was it determined that most the benefits came from the new output transformer instead of the interstages? Or did you decide that the cheaper interstages in the 445 as compared to the ones in the studio weren't worth it? Maybe new caps were found that were almost as good as the "lesser" interstages? Though that still leaves the question of why not using the dual single triodes.

    Hence why I think of the 445 as more of a baby Studio than the Studio Jr. Architecturally it's much more similar.

    Anyways, yeah, I'm always curious about over changes in architecture in philosophy if you Eddie Current guys are willing to share your thoughts.
     
  20. BioniclePhile

    BioniclePhile The Terminal Man - Friend

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    Whatever you call it, make it sound stupid or have a funny short name like Vag
     

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