Hi Guys,
SO I am lucky enough to have Peter's prototype here in my rack! Ner-ni-ner-ner! It has to be said that it has not got the right output transformer yet. I believe this is coming form Ed Anderson. My immediate impression is that it is going to be stunning! At the moment. it won't handle too much level, thanks to the output tranny, and it is rather warmer in sound than I might expect! My every instinct tells me that this is due to the transformer, and not anything else, and I am waiting eagerly for the real tranny which should be like the LO-whateverthenumber.
In the words of MikoKensington - "It's time to carve shit up!" and carve it up it does! Top end with the extra frequencies is absolutely to die for. Rupert's never did this! Guess it wasn't called for for am or fm broadcasting . . . 'kin' essential for me. A nice touch Peter, and seriously usable. The extra frequencies you chose seem spot on to me. Logical progression up the frequency band to my ears at least.
Hi-q seriously carves shit up!. properlike, and everyfink. Hi pass smooth as a Cashmire COdpiece, and da bass goes "Boof"! Very warm bass, and not much headrooom(at the 'mo,), but fat as you like.
As soon as output tranny is updated, I have arranged to compare it with some original 1073's, with which it shares almost exactly the same circuit, only difference being the HF switching, and some extra frequencies in the mid, I believe. No low pass, just like this one. That'll be the real test of authenticity, but for now rest assured that it sounds great already like this, headroom notwithstanding.
It is definitely a squeeze having so much knobbage on the front panel. In practice, you have to switch frequencies one click at a time, not in a big sweep. The pots he has chosen are fairly stiff in action, and well nigh impossible to accidentally knock. I would be unlikely to set a gain amount absolutely before changing frequency anyway. With real estate in such short supply, there has to be some give somewhere, and in practice I am sure it won't be a problem for me. (I am a southpaw, and it pleases me no end that for ONCE something is slightly easier for me than all you righty's! Ha!).
I'll keep you all abreast of my findings.
Kindest Merry Bah Humbug To You All!
ANdyP