System Pics 2020

[linnfomaniac83]

It replaced a £3k modern DAC that I had chosen following a number of demonstrations against similarly priced DACs. The massive investment that Technics put into its power supply and output stages must be the reason as I assume that DAC chips themselves have developed considerably.

I honestly think that the properly engineered top end DACs from the mid 90s are some of the most enjoyable I’ve heard... give a Linn Numerik, Theta, top end DPA etc a good signal and they will be a tough act to beat. I fine a lot of modern DACs a little boring, accurate they may be, inspiring they aren’t.

That Technics looks like a real beauty!

 

[oldius]

I honestly think that the properly engineered top end DACs from the mid 90s are some of the most enjoyable I’ve heard... give a Linn Numerik, Theta, top end DPA etc a good signal and they will be a tough act to beat. I fine a lot of modern DACs a little boring, accurate they may be, inspiring they aren’t.

That Technics looks like a real beauty!

It's 20kg of cool sounds!

 

[Cereal Killer]

@oldius do you know which DAC chips it uses?

 

[linnfomaniac83]

It's 20kg of cool sounds!

I bet... these things sounded absolutely breathtaking when they were new, and nothing’s changed!

 

[Cereal Killer]

Funnily enough Technics are/have reintroduced the (reference) 1000 series https://petertyson.co.uk/technics-su-r1000-integrated-amplifier

 

[oldius]

I bet... these things sounded absolutely breathtaking when they were new, and nothing’s changed!

Our ears haven't!

 

[oldius]

@oldius do you know which DAC chips it uses?

I think they are Technics and there are 6 of them.

 

[Dave H.]

Exactly, we still have Brexit to come next year, anyone looking to buy some new kit from an EU country, you've got 4 weeks, otherwise expect a long wait & big hike in prices!
TS

I actually just brought forward buying a Khozmo preamp in anticipation of this issue.

Though tbf I’m having a hard time separating ‘prudent decision to purchase earlier than planned’ from ‘excuse’.

Either way, it arrived today and it’s very nice.

 

[TonyScarlett]

I actually just brought forward buying a Khozmo preamp in anticipation of this issue.

Though tbf I’m having a hard time separating ‘prudent decision to purchase earlier than planned’ from ‘excuse’.

Either way, it arrived today and it’s very nice.

Excellent choice, I have a Khozmo hooked up to a Leak ST20 in my bedroom system.

 

[Jono_13]

Exactly, we still have Brexit to come next year, anyone looking to buy some new kit from an EU country, you've got 4 weeks, otherwise expect a long wait & big hike in prices!
TS

We have just ordered a new dinner set from Germany for exactly this reason, and it's on the way!!

 

[Dave H.]

Excellent choice, I have a Khozmo hooked up to a Leak ST20 in my bedroom system.

Nice.

I’m using the Khozmo dual mono as a kind of balance control into a Primaluna integrated at the moment. But the amp does have an input that bypasses the preamp stage and feeds the power amp direct. So I can also hook the Khozmo up so it works in basically the same way as your setup.

Looking forward to experimenting with both ways over the weekend.

 

[Hcanning]

It's 20kg of cool sounds!

Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for it and where you found it?

I absolutely love high end 80s and 90s Jap hifi and in particular earlier digital kit.

 

[blossomchris]

Yes, when I saw images of Central London I was sorry I couldnt visit!

A few years ago, we parked up in central London on a Sunday early morning. We took the bikes and it was amazing cycling around the city and all of central London with almost no traffic around

 

[oldius]

Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for it and where you found it?

I absolutely love high end 80s and 90s Jap hifi and in particular earlier digital kit.

I have owned it for a few years. It is as rare as hen's teeth outside Japan.

 

[gingermrkettle]

I have owned it for a few years. It is as rare as hen's teeth outside Japan.

I think I saw one in Croydon X-Electrical 15-20 years ago or something like it. 3 optical inputs only?

 

[oldius]

I think I saw one in Croydon X-Electrical 15-20 years ago or something like it. 3 optical inputs only?

It has optical and coaxial.

Specs are here:
Technics SL-Z1000, Technics SH-X1000 - Sound Vintage

 

[krenzler]

Must be the M.A.S.H. 1-bit tech that Technics developed that year (1989).

 

[Dave H.]

Nice.

I’m using the Khozmo dual mono as a kind of balance control into a Primaluna integrated at the moment. But the amp does have an input that bypasses the preamp stage and feeds the power amp direct. So I can also hook the Khozmo up so it works in basically the same way as your setup.

Looking forward to experimenting with both ways over the weekend.

Actually, since this is the thread that it is, I suppose a pic or two might be in order.

Reverse angle for greater valveness:

 

[Darren]

Actually, since this is the thread that it is, I suppose a pic or two might be in order.

Reverse angle for greater valveness:

Gosh..... that looks purposeful. is the smaller box next to your Khozmo one of those french dacs?

 

[Dave H.]

Gosh..... that looks purposeful. is the smaller box next to your Khozmo one of those french dacs?

Yes it is, well spotted. It’s technically known as a Starting Point Systems DAC 3. A nice little NOS DAC, made by a decent chap, as far as I could tell from dealing with him.

I’m aiming to try one or more Audio Note models against it eventually, but for the time being it’s great.