Lecson AP3/AP3MK2

[Martin Layton]

Hi John,

 

           How do I tell the differance between a Lecson AP3 and AP3mk2 ?

 

           I sent an e-mail to you via the Lecson group but not sure if I did it correctly.I'm not exactly a fundi when it comes to pc's,anyway the e-mail was also to let you know I aquired an AC1/AP1 via e-bay from an Italian seller.The AC1 needs some work but the AP1 seems just fine.I now have an AC1/AP1 and AC1/AP3 but don't know if its a mk2.

 

            Hoping you can advise.

 

            Anyway,I'll take this opportunity of wishing you and the group all the very best for the new year,from South Africa,

           

            Regards,

 

            Martin and Sharon.

[Lothar]

Hello Martin and Sharon,

A happy new year to you, too, and although I think I know the
difference, I am not 100% sure, so let's better wait for another
couple of hours till the owners of both amps come forward and can tell
you without any doubt! ;)))

Regards,

Lothar


On Jan 10, 5:47 pm, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

[steve195527]

take the top off and have a look inside:-Mk2's have a huge toriodal
transformer Mk1s have a "normal" one,you can't see them with top in
place due to the fan

On Jan 10, 4:47 pm, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

[Martin Layton]

Thanks Lothar,Thanks Steve,sounds easy enough.I'll get round to it in the next day or so.

 

Martin.

[Lothar]

Hello Martin,

just a short post to give you a little warning!

Taking the top off can be a bit tricky and you could break it!
Again I think Steve is the right one for advice, because I have never
done that, whereas HE has!

Regards,

Lothar

[organstan]

I seem to recall some discussion of group members weighing an AP3 and
an AP3 mkII so that we would have a quick and easy method of determing
the model type. Did this ever happen?

Stan

[steve195527]

the top comes off very easily on a AP3/AP3mk2 just press down on one
edge of the trim and that will pop up diagonally opposite to where
you're pressing down,its only held in place by 3 screws pushed into 3
rubber grommets with an air gap to allow the fan to "work",you then
see the top plate/fan proper held in place by 6 screws,top on Ap1/Ap2
are the harder ones to remove:-they are held in place by a kind od
double sided sticky tape

> > > >             Martin and Sharon.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Spiny]

the answer for those dismantling an AP1 is to use a large rubber
sucker. warm the top with a hairdrier if its solidly stuck, apply
sucker and pull off. then remove the old tape and replace with
velcro :). makes life easier in the future.

Alan

[Lothar]

Almost right Stan,
we were talking about weighing an AP3, plus a "real" AP1X and my AP1X
which might not be one, according to the data given on the sticky
label at the bottom.
The data given are those of an AP1, BUT in a big AP3 case....hence the
confusion.

I never dared to take my present system apart as it was a hell of a
job wiring it up with my Quads (including a little switchboard to
switch between Lecson and Quad sytem, both going into ESL 55)

So.....I have not been brave enough....so far!

I just might.....one of these days..... :))))

Lothar

[Martin Layton]

Hi Lothar,Steve and the rest of the gang.

 

You were quite right about taking the top off. I just pressed one side and lo and behold,the other side lifted.I must still open the unit up and will probably get stuck into it this evening.When I got the AC1/AP3 it was supposed to be working 100% but on testing Ive noticed a Couple of problems,one obvios(distortion on  the left channel of the AP3),the other,not so,breakthrough of the aux input when playing CD into the phono stages.To clarify a bit more,if I select phono while the CD is playing,the CD can still be heard in the left channel.Oh well,I've got some work to do.Will keep you posted.

 

Martin.

[John Mayberry]

We’ve got two AC1s.   Same issue with the signal “breakthrough” when the CD is playing.  I wonder if it’s an overloading…

 

Scope time.

 

---

[Spiny]

breakthrough is usually the FET switches. but be careful as the AC1
has around 60db isolation between channels (more if the input is low
impedance) and CD outputs are around 2volts - this may be enough to
give some breakthrough anyway - the designers expected 125mv or so on
the AUX input not volts....

alan


On Jan 12, 5:21 pm, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Lothar,Steve and the rest of the gang.
>
> You were quite right about taking the top off. I just pressed one side and
> lo and behold,the other side lifted.I must still open the unit up and will
> probably get stuck into it this evening.When I got the AC1/AP3 it was
> supposed to be working 100% but on testing Ive noticed a Couple of
> problems,one obvios(distortion on  the left channel of the AP3),the
> other,not so,breakthrough of the aux input when playing CD into the phono
> stages.To clarify a bit more,if I select phono while the CD is playing,the
> CD can still be heard in the left channel.Oh well,I've got some work to
> do.Will keep you posted.
>
> Martin.
>

[John Mayberry]

I have some attenuators around here somewhere- will install them on the
CD....

-----Original Message-----
From: lecson...@googlegroups.com [mailto:lecson...@googlegroups.com]

[Martin Layton]

Ok John,I'm not going to tackle the AC1 just yet but will keep you posted when I do.The AP3 is the 1st job.I'm busy reading up on stripping the unit at the moment...till later...Martin

[Martin Layton]

Oh,just saw U'r comment re attenuators..Of course will keenly note your observations.Thanks John.

[Lothar]

Hi Martin,

I have got a service manual for AC1 and AP1 as pdf file.

If you need it: Shout! :)))

Lothar

On 12 Jan., 18:21, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Lothar,Steve and the rest of the gang.
>
> You were quite right about taking the top off. I just pressed one side and
> lo and behold,the other side lifted.I must still open the unit up and will
> probably get stuck into it this evening.When I got the AC1/AP3 it was
> supposed to be working 100% but on testing Ive noticed a Couple of
> problems,one obvios(distortion on  the left channel of the AP3),the
> other,not so,breakthrough of the aux input when playing CD into the phono
> stages.To clarify a bit more,if I select phono while the CD is playing,the
> CD can still be heard in the left channel.Oh well,I've got some work to
> do.Will keep you posted.
>
> Martin.
>

[steve195527]

you do need to attenuate the output from a cd player to use it with
AC1,output from even the early ones is too high,the later ones are
even higher,if you have the "handbook"(owners manual)it gives values
for certain levels of attenuation and diagrams in it of where to apply
resitors,one in series and one in parrallel for each channel:-I found
it easier to fit then inside the CD player rather than in the
restricted space inside a din plug

On Jan 12, 7:08 pm, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Oh,just saw U'r comment re attenuators..Of course will keenly note your
> observations.Thanks John.
>
> On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 9:05 PM, Martin Layton

> <martinlayton....@gmail.com>wrote:

>
>
>
> > Ok John,I'm not going to tackle the AC1 just yet but will keep you posted
> > when I do.The AP3 is the 1st job.I'm busy reading up on stripping the unit
> > at the moment...till later...Martin
>
> > On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 8:38 PM, John Mayberry <emm...@emmaco.com> wrote:
>
> >>  We've got two AC1s.   Same issue with the signal "breakthrough" when the
> >> CD is playing.  I wonder if it's an overloading…
>
> >> Scope time.
>

> >>  ------------------------------
>
> >> *From:* lecson...@googlegroups.com [mailto:
> >> lecson...@googlegroups.com] *On Behalf Of *Martin Layton
> >> *Sent:* Monday, January 12, 2009 9:21 AM
> >> *To:* lecson...@googlegroups.com
> >> *Subject:* Re: Lecson AP3/AP3MK2

>
> >> Hi Lothar,Steve and the rest of the gang.
>
> >> You were quite right about taking the top off. I just pressed one side and
> >> lo and behold,the other side lifted.I must still open the unit up and will
> >> probably get stuck into it this evening.When I got the AC1/AP3 it was
> >> supposed to be working 100% but on testing Ive noticed a Couple of
> >> problems,one obvios(distortion on  the left channel of the AP3),the
> >> other,not so,breakthrough of the aux input when playing CD into the phono
> >> stages.To clarify a bit more,if I select phono while the CD is playing,the
> >> CD can still be heard in the left channel.Oh well,I've got some work to
> >> do.Will keep you posted.
>
> >> Martin.
>

> >> On Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 8:13 PM, Lothar <lothar.kissin...@gmail.com>

> >> wrote:
>
> >> Almost right Stan,
> >> we were talking about weighing an AP3, plus a "real" AP1X and my AP1X
> >> which might not be one,  according to the data given on the sticky
> >> label at the bottom.
> >> The data given are those of an AP1, BUT in a big AP3 case....hence the
> >> confusion.
>
> >> I never dared to take my present system apart as it was a hell of a
> >> job wiring it up with my Quads (including a little switchboard to
> >> switch between Lecson and Quad sytem, both going into ESL 55)
>
> >> So.....I have not been brave enough....so far!
>
> >> I just might.....one of these days.....    :))))
>
> >> Lothar
>
> >> On 11 Jan., 11:52, organstan <s...@divacorp.co.uk> wrote:
> >> > I seem to recall some discussion of group members weighing an AP3 and
> >> > an AP3 mkII so that we would have a quick and easy method of determing
> >> > the model type.  Did this ever happen?
>

> >> > Stan- Hide quoted text -

[organstan]

Without getting technical if you apply too much signal to those FETs
they sort of go into a "signal bias" state and you get leakage of the
signal. The attenuator is a good idea

Stan

[John Mayberry]

I found a set of old Nakamichi RCA attenuators and believe they're only 6
dB!

I considered opening up the AC1 but it did seem like a half day project
(only about 30 half day projects behind now) and I'd still need to do it to
the other one as well, so decided to just add on the back of the CD player.

I then looked about the Internet. The highest value I could find was 12 dB.

The price for a pair of them ranged from $25 to $66!. Even the low end
seemed steep for a few resistors.

Anyway, bought the "Harrison Labs" version off Amazon. Should be here next
week and I'll give a full report.

A variable output on the CD player would have been nice, but if the
manufacturer also sells receivers or preamps as well no doubt you're out of
luck- they wouldn't want you connecting straight to the amp with a CD and
its own volume control!

[John Mayberry]

Has anyone in this group used an iPod Touch/Apple TV/PC as an audio source
on a high quality audio system?

I'm thinking of going lossless on the compression, a high variable bit rate
on the server, replacing the local CD player with the Apple TV, and using
the iPod Touch as the remote control. Normally it's used for video, but I'm
interested in finding someone with a high resolution system in an audio only
system.

Seems like a pretty inexpensive way accessing all your CDs and artwork. Is
it good enough?

[Martin Layton]

Hi again,Lothar Steve,John and the gang,

 

Now the units open,its an AP3mk2 alright.Large tall toroid,no mistaking that.I have the circuit for the AC1/AP1.,thanks for the offer Lothar. I would imagine that the AP3mk2 is rather different.

I see there is an AP3 diagram on the site but no component values.Think I'll initially do a cold check of components between channels and take it from there.

I'm in no hurry at the moment as the AP1 I've got is working just fine so I'll take my time with the AP3,besides its been so hot here today 30 odd C.Humidity is so high that its difficult to find the energy to do anything till it cools down again,this evening I hope.

Thanks for your input re attenuators Steve and John.I do recall seeing something about that in the handbook,of course thats only read"if all else fails"as they say.

 

Ok,thanks guys and cheers for the moment,Back to work....Martin

[Martin Layton]

Sorry John,I'm going the other way,back to Vinyl.At least at a second glance the LP'S don't get lost.

[John Mayberry]

Excellent point- much harder to “lose” than digital.  

 

I’m not leaving vinyl either!

 

[steve195527]

and sound better!

[Pete Wilson]

Yes indeedy...

While it's arguable that vinyl (if you spend enough on it!) is an
ultimate audio source, it's becoming clear that high-quality digital
can be pretty good. For those of inquiring minds, there's a bunch of
articles from the Abso!ute Sound (as picky a bunch of critics as you'd
want) which make it clear that a digital data stream from a hard disk
*can* be bloody magic musically.

My system isn't magic. I'm constrained by real-world budgetary
considerations. The speakers are B&W 801 Series III. Quite nice, if a
decade out of production. I use an Integra DTC 9.8 A/V processor
(Eeeeeeuuuuwwwww!!!) as a front end. It has a surprisingly well-
conceived phono front end (a long-tailed pair in front of a 5532); it
has Audyssey 'room and speaker' correction; it has HDMI and TOSlink
digital inputs. It really is rather nice to listen to. (My Lecson AC1
currently connects my Linn into the Integra, with the Lecson doing the
RIAA honours). The amps are Behringer (eek!) Studio Reference A500s,
which are rack mount sub $200 stereo amps with about 100-150W/channel
machines biamping each 801.

So if you count this as high quality (its actually the best I've had
at home, using the ear (previous system was the Linn Wakonda/LK140
combo) then I can answer John's question:

Yes!

The AppleTV holds the audio (some 320Kbs AAC, but mostly Apple
Lossless encoded from CD; Linn downloads; B&W Music Club downloads)
captured by iTunes and plays it back through the Integra via HDMI,
with an ipod Touch used as a remote. Sounds lovely.

THOROUGHLY recommended.

Downsides?

Well, it isn't a $50K vinyl front end (but then I wouldn't spend that
sort of money anyways). I can capture vinyl (Linn LP12, Rega RB300
arm, V15 V MR) via an Alesis Masterlink ML9600 hard disk recorder;
it's hard to tell the difference between nekkid vinyl and the digital
(at 88K/24bits).

And sometimes the 'Touch takes 30-60 seconds to connect to the AppleTV.

But - good music, well-reproduced.

-- P

------------------------------------------------
Pete Wilson :: pe...@kivadesigngroupe.com
cell: (512) 577-1618 fax: (512) 259-1595
104 Forest Trail::Leander::TX::78641-9398::USA
pictures at http://kivadesign.smugmug.com
linked-in members:http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjwilson
================================================

[Lothar]

I hope I do not get this whole discussion about attenuators all wrong,
but for me it works like this:

While my Quads could easily be adapted to the high output of CD
players, my Lecsons did not like that AT ALL!
So a friend made me a little neat box with which I can regulate the
signal strength as much as I like.
This is both very cheap and very handy, and works perfectly for me!

No opening of any components, no fiddling about....

Picture uploaded!

Lothar

[Martin Layton]

Hi Pete,   I'm Not one to get involved in pro digital or pro analog,just after being involved in the service trade for many years and a few costly loses as a result of digital,I have decided to revert to analog and realy enjoying it.No 50K$ system here just fedup with the disposable modern era.I bought 10 LP's,still sealed for the equivelent of 1(yes 1)US$.If you shop rite u buy rite.My turntuble is 35 years old and I have no intention of replacing it.Buy the latest and greatest digital now and 6mths down the track its obsolete,certainly as far as technical info service backup and parts are concerned.If it fails,dump it and buy new.Sorry I don't buy into that train of thought anymore...on top of that I'm enjoying refurbishing the old gear and get a lot of satisfaction from that and when I compare my old Leak stereo 20 valve amp(built in the early 60's) to anything available now,I realise just how little progress we have made....I doubt if anything digital in its current format will be able to boast that....Just another point of view I guess Pete.

 

Best wishes

 

Martin

[Lothar]

Hi Martin,

sorry for butting in, but just wanted to say: You're SO right!

I myself can't repair anything or refurbish it, BUT: Old Hifi (and
I've got more than enough, but NOT of the ultra expensive kind) has SO
much more character, SO much more life, and in the best cases, almost
charisma.

And the sound is so much nicer for many reasons I am not expert enough
to explain!

Or: I always HATED CDs and loved vinyl!

An album rotating on a real good and beautiful turntable is in itself
a work of art!
Just look at CD players!?

And an album has a beautiful big sleeve with BIG pictures and very
often the texts are printed on it!
And you can READ them without the help of a magnifying glass !

I have quite a few albums from the sixties to eighties mostly, and
some of these have such beautiful covers or extras added, that I could
earn a fortune if I sold them at ebay!
Collector's items!

Agree?

Lothar

On 14 Jan., 18:46, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Pete,   I'm Not one to get involved in pro digital or pro analog,just
> after being involved in the service trade for many years and a few costly
> loses as a result of digital,I have decided to revert to analog and realy
> enjoying it.No 50K$ system here just fedup with the disposable modern era.I
> bought 10 LP's,still sealed for the equivelent of 1(yes 1)US$.If you shop
> rite u buy rite.My turntuble is 35 years old and I have no intention of
> replacing it.Buy the latest and greatest digital now and 6mths down the
> track its obsolete,certainly as far as technical info service backup and
> parts are concerned.If it fails,dump it and buy new.Sorry I don't buy into
> that train of thought anymore...on top of that I'm enjoying refurbishing the
> old gear and get a lot of satisfaction from that and when I compare my old
> Leak stereo 20 valve amp(built in the early 60's) to anything available
> now,I realise just how little progress we have made....I doubt if anything
> digital in its current format will be able to boast that....Just another
> point of view I guess Pete.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Martin
>

> >     Pete Wilson :: p...@kivadesigngroupe.com

> >   cell: (512) 577-1618  fax: (512) 259-1595
> > 104 Forest Trail::Leander::TX::78641-9398::USA

> >    pictures athttp://kivadesign.smugmug.com

[Pete Wilson]

Martin

Hey, I like my Linn quite a lot. I've had it for many many years
(originally with a Hadcock arm - still upstairs somewhere) and
eventually with the RB300. It's not been through very many cartridges,
either - the V15 V MR has been on it for as long as I've been in
Austin. And the DTC 9.8's phono was better than the Linn Wakonda
('better' = 'sounds better to these ears'); and the AC1 is
(surprisingly) better than the DTC. But the V15 V is a low-ouptut
magnet, so any AC1 overload weaknesses are unlikely to be encountered.

But I can't play just LPs all the time. And modern digital can sound
excellent. I happen to enjoy 'em both.

But I will happily admit I'm (really! this time I really will!) going
to digitise all the LPs - as I said, from the AppleTV they sound
pretty darn close to the LP direct off the Linn. And AppleTV is only a
couple o hundred bucks - not major money. Any reasonable DAC will
provide music of as high quality as you've put into the AppleTV, and
quite reasonable DACs don't cost much.

So don't take me wrong - I was answering John M's question, not
promoting a pure digital lifestyle :-) And I hope my enthusiasm
showed. It really is very convenient and really does sound rather
good.

And I have a dead Leak Stereo 30 upstairs (dead output stage on one
channel) that needs working on; my Lustraphone LP100 needs at least
its power supply caps replaced; and my homebrew phono stage needs re-
thinking and re-implementing. So I don't think there's a giant gulf
betwixt us :-)

-- P

On Jan 14, 11:46 am, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Pete,   I'm Not one to get involved in pro digital or pro analog,just
> after being involved in the service trade for many years and a few costly
> loses as a result of digital,I have decided to revert to analog and realy
> enjoying it.No 50K$ system here just fedup with the disposable modern era.I
> bought 10 LP's,still sealed for the equivelent of 1(yes 1)US$.If you shop
> rite u buy rite.My turntuble is 35 years old and I have no intention of
> replacing it.Buy the latest and greatest digital now and 6mths down the
> track its obsolete,certainly as far as technical info service backup and
> parts are concerned.If it fails,dump it and buy new.Sorry I don't buy into
> that train of thought anymore...on top of that I'm enjoying refurbishing the
> old gear and get a lot of satisfaction from that and when I compare my old
> Leak stereo 20 valve amp(built in the early 60's) to anything available
> now,I realise just how little progress we have made....I doubt if anything
> digital in its current format will be able to boast that....Just another
> point of view I guess Pete.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Martin
>

> >     Pete Wilson :: p...@kivadesigngroupe.com

> >   cell: (512) 577-1618  fax: (512) 259-1595
> > 104 Forest Trail::Leander::TX::78641-9398::USA

> >    pictures athttp://kivadesign.smugmug.com

[John Mayberry]

Wasn't planning on opening up the digital hornet's nest, but it should prove
interesting.

I'm not planning on abandoning analog during my lifetime (we're down to two-
a Gale GT2101 and Transcriptors Skeleton turntable) and have around 700
albums.

Yet we have four separate stereo systems in the house and look forward to
offing the CD players- some of our older unscratched CDs still fail upon
occasion now.

I thought the Apple might be the way to go. Using the iPod Touch as a
remote provides you with a much better selection capability.

[Martin Layton]

No problem Pete,I realise where you are coming from.I'm just rather fond of the old classics.I think Lothar understands that.

[Martin Layton]

Sorry Lothar, I missed answering you,I think we share the same sentiments certainly as far as the older classic gear is concerned.Just using the equipment is a ritual in itself.I take great delight in showing people just what 12 watts a channel from the Leak amp can do.Even driving the Martin Logan electrostatics.

Sorry John,Getting side tracked here.

[Pete Wilson]

Yes. If you want to play digitised music, the AppleTV is one very
attractive solution.

-- P

On Jan 14, 2009, at 1:26 PM, John Mayberry wrote:

> I thought the Apple might be the way to go. Using the iPod Touch as a
> remote provides you with a much better selection capability.
>

------------------------------------------------
Pete Wilson :: pe...@kivadesigngroupe.com

cell: (512) 577-1618 fax: (512) 259-1595
104 Forest Trail::Leander::TX::78641-9398::USA

pictures at http://kivadesign.smugmug.com

[Lothar]

YEP! What more can I say? :)))



On Jan 14, 10:20 pm, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Sorry Lothar, I missed answering you,I think we share the same sentiments
> certainly as far as the older classic gear is concerned.Just using the
> equipment is a ritual in itself.I take great delight in showing people just
> what 12 watts a channel from the Leak amp can do.Even driving the Martin
> Logan electrostatics.
> Sorry John,Getting side tracked here.
>
> On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM, Martin Layton

> <martinlayton....@gmail.com>wrote:

[Martin Layton]

Hi again, Just got the AP3 sorted,managed to get the bits I needed yesterday in Port Elizabeth.Unit now up and running.Initial impression..WOW..Have'nt tried it on the Martin Logans yet,running it on a pair of Rogers LS6 speakers and will do so for a while yet just to make sure all is well.Thanks Lothar,John,Steve Pete and the rest of the gang for your input.Nice to know there's a helping hand out there when needed.

 

Must now get the 2nd AC1 sorted out(that has been rather roughly worked on by persons unknown at sme stage)..anyway that will have to wait for awhile as must get stuck into painting for my next exhibition.

 

Thanks again,

Martin

[John Mayberry]

Pretty nice amp, huh?    Quite fond of its sound and looks.

 

Perhaps underappreciated in its day.

 

Is there a website of your paintings?   Like to take a look at them…

 

John

 

[Martin Layton]

Certainly is John,I had the AC1/AP1 a long time ago when Sharon and I lived in New Zealand loved it not only for its looks(although that certainly counts)but also for what it was meant for(sound) always regretted having sold it back then.At high levels love the AP3.First time I've listened to one,guess what ...its mine.

As\far as paintings go..Just google"Martin Layton"and you should find something....

 

Martin

 

[John Mayberry]

Went to the Cape Gallery website and there is some great stuff there!   Kind of reminded me of a more colorful and orderly version of Escher.

Everyone should take a look, they’re gorgeous!

 

http://www.capegallery.co.za/martin_layton1.htm

 

 

AP3’s pretty cool too, huh.  Especially when you start cranking it.  Let me know how many songs you get through before the fan kicks in.

 

Our European based friends don’t get our heat waves- one of these days I’m going to have to figured out how to quiet that fan.

 

It was 83 degrees F here yesterday in our mid winter.

 

 

John

 

[Martin Layton]

Thanks for the kind comments John,I don't think I've driven the AP3 hard enough for the fan to kick in yet..still being a little cautious after having repaired it....Martin

[Lothar]

Hi Martin,

now that our forum certainly is the ONLY one with its own
artist.........WHEN did you say your Lecson painting will be
finished??? :))))

That'll be the day!

Have a nice weekend!

Lothar

[steve195527]

Hi John
When I owned an AP3mk2 and had a problem with the fan tripping in/
being noisy Lecson told me to disconnect it(!)and said it was only
installed to comply with some legislation in your country re outer
case temp(!):-Was informed if it got too hot it would turn off till it
cooled,I never did do this because other things started going wrong
with that pair(AC1/AP3mk2)and swapped them for a meridian 101/pr 105s:-
was fed up of it by then!:-missed the sound so much I bought some
others though!

[Colin Pascoe]

Hi,
I have a Meridian 101/103D - I'm interested in your thoughts on this as you wanted to go back to the Lecson!
I have an AP1 + AC1 which I have on my other (main) system, so am unable to make the exact comparison as you.
I know the 105 was meant also to sound different to the 103 - I seem to remember that one of them has a nicer bass (as well as the 105 having the higher output) but can't remember which way around it is.
Cheers,
Colin
> Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:34:20 -0800
> Subject: Re: Lecson AP3/AP3MK2
> From: se...@sky.com
> To: lecson...@googlegroups.com

[Martin Layton]

Hi again Lothar,

 

My honest opinion...

I think the Lecson is a work of art in its own right and I'm sure most Lecson owners will agree.

 

Regards

Martin

[John Mayberry]

I think what Lothar meant is the same thing I was thinking but was too timid to ask….

 

Could you draw us a picture of the Lecson kit to use for the website entry page?

 

Personally I’d love to see the tuner, amp, and preamp combo…

 

 

The current photo is a bit tired looking……………

 

Thanks,

 

John

 

[Martin Layton]

Oh..ok John,

 

You will have to leave that one with me for awhile,its not the usual sort of subject material I work with but,who knows?.........Martin

[steve195527]

Why did I want to go back to the Lecson:-simple it sounded far better!
In comparison the Meridian sounded a bit hard and bright,more reliable
though the mate who bought them off me is still using the 105's(105s's
to be accurate)and only change the pre amp a little while back,for a
newer Meridian model,just because he "fancied a change"

> Colin> Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:34:20 -0800> Subject: Re: Lecson AP3/AP3MK2> From: se...@sky.com> To: lecson...@googlegroups.com> > > Hi John> When I owned an AP3mk2 and had a problem with the fan tripping in/> being noisy Lecson told me to disconnect it(!)and said it was only> installed to comply with some legislation in your country re outer> case temp(!):-Was informed if it got too hot it would turn off till it> cooled,I never did do this because other things started going wrong> with that pair(AC1/AP3mk2)and swapped them for a meridian 101/pr 105s:-> was fed up of it by then!:-missed the sound so much I bought some> others though!> > On Jan 16, 5:41 pm, "John Mayberry" <emm...@emmaco.com> wrote:> > Went to the Cape Gallery website and there is some great stuff there!   Kind> > of reminded me of a more colorful and orderly version of Escher.> >> > Everyone should take a look, they're gorgeous!> >> >http://www.capegallery.co.za/martin_layton1.htm> >> > AP3's pretty cool too, huh.  Especially when you start cranking it.  Let me> > know how many songs you get through before the fan kicks in.> >> > Our European based friends don't get our heat waves- one of these days I'm> > going to have to figured out how to quiet that fan.> >> > It was 83 degrees F here yesterday in our mid winter.> >> > John> _________________________________________________________________
> Are you a PC?  Upload your PC story and show the worldhttp://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/122465942/direct/01/

[steve195527]

PS the 105s's sounded a lot better than the 103 power amps,a lot
"punchier" and tighter bass,I used them on long interconnects(101 was
a B with balanced output)sitting under my Gales on about 2 foot
longspeaker leads

> > Are you a PC?  Upload your PC story and show the worldhttp://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/122465942/direct/01/- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[John Mayberry]

Seeing a Lecson drawing would make my year!     That you’d even consider doing it is an honor.

 

John

 

[Colin Pascoe]

Thanks for that Steve.
I thought it was the 105s's that sounded better.
My Dad actually has a set of 105s's that have been highly modified & he has a passive pre in a matching case (cost a small fortune I think) from the same place.
I find my Lecson setup more detailed than the 101/103 - the bass not much different, but at some time I need to take some time out to do some proper comparisons.
Have you heard an AP1 to an AP3?
Would the bass comparison be similar to the 103 / 105.
I just wondered as I have read the bass is deeper on the AP3 compared to the AP1.
Cheers,
Colin

> Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:16:20 -0800

[John Mayberry]

We have both an AP1 and AP3.

 

The AP1 is fine for background music and light speaker loads, the HL1 horn loaded system being such a critter.

 

The AP3 is similar in character to a big American power amplifier of the 1980’s in bass performance.

 

While I’m not really into terms like slam and midrange depth (too nebulous), the AP3 clearly has the current capacity to seriously move woofer cones with  control and ease.

 

[Lothar]

Hey, hey......it seems we've got something here!

YES Martin, you are ABSOLUTELY right about Lecsons also being works of
art that do not need to be painted.....BUT I must also say that John's
idea about what I could have meant, just crossed my mind for a split
second! :)))

Yes of course Martin, you've got better things to do, and it is
certainly NOT the same you usually do....

BUT it might be a nice challenge, don't you think? ;)))

Poor Martin...regretting now he ever joined this forum! ;)))

No, I hope it is not THAT bad, just bad luck you are TOO GOOD in
something you do!

What do you think how often laywers, teachers, doctors are asked for
help privately!?

Just don't take it too seriously, but if you EVER feel bored......

Regards,

Lothar



On Jan 17, 9:12 pm, "Martin Layton" <martinlayton....@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi again Lothar,
>
> My honest opinion...
> I think the Lecson is a work of art in its own right and I'm sure most
> Lecson owners will agree.
>
> Regards
> Martin
>

[steve195527]

Ive heard them all,owned 2 AP1x's and an AP3 mk2.I prefer the sound
of the AP1x,the treble is smother,unless of course the AP3mk2 wasn't
working 100%:-it was an exchange(AC1+AP3 mk2) by Singahnia for my 1st
AC1/AP1x that had been back to Lecson umpteen times for various
faults,was only exchanged when legal action was instigated via my
solicitor! I found Singhania a very arrogant/ignorant guy who didn't
seem to give a toss about either his customers or Lecson,no wonder
they are no longer around!The AC1/AP1x I have now I bought from Stan
via Exchange and Mart,think he was selling off the stock he bought
when they went "bump"(think it was Exchange and Mart but not 100%
sure:-long while ago!)

> Colin> Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:16:20 -0800> Subject: Re: Lecson AP3/AP3MK2> From: se...@sky.com> To: lecson...@googlegroups.com> > > PS the 105s's sounded a lot better than the 103 power amps,a lot> "punchier" and tighter bass,I used them on long interconnects(101 was> a B with balanced output)sitting under my Gales on about 2 foot> longspeaker leads> > On Jan 18, 9:11 pm, steve195527 <se...@sky.com> wrote:> > Why did I want to go back to the Lecson:-simple it sounded far better!> > In comparison the Meridian sounded a bit hard and bright,more reliable> > though the mate who bought them off me is still using the 105's(105s's> > to be accurate)and only change the pre amp a little while back,for a> > newer Meridian model,just because he "fancied a change"> >> > On Jan 17, 7:47 pm, Colin Pascoe <colinapas...@hotmail.com> wrote:> >> >> >> > > Hi,> > > I have a Meridian 101/103D - I'm interested in your thoughts on this as you wanted to go back to the Lecson!> > > I have an AP1 + AC1 which I have on my other (main) system, so am unable to make the exact comparison as you.> > > I know the 105 was meant also to sound different to the 103 - I seem to remember that one of them has a nicer bass (as well as the 105 having the higher output) but can't remember which way around it is.> > > Cheers,> > > Colin> Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:34:20 -0800> Subject: Re: Lecson AP3/AP3MK2> From: se...@sky.com> To: lecson...@googlegroups.com> > > Hi John> When I owned an AP3mk2 and had a problem with the fan tripping in/> being noisy Lecson told me to disconnect it(!)and said it was only> installed to comply with some legislation in your country re outer> case temp(!):-Was informed if it got too hot it would turn off till it> cooled,I never did do this because other things started going wrong> with that pair(AC1/AP3mk2)and swapped them for a meridian 101/pr 105s:-> was fed up of it by then!:-missed the sound so much I bought some> others though!> > On Jan 16, 5:41 pm, "John Mayberry" <emm...@emmaco.com> wrote:> > Went to the Cape Gallery website and there is some great stuff there!   Kind> > of reminded me of a more colorful and orderly version of Escher.> >> > Everyone should take a look, they're gorgeous!> >> >http://www.capegallery.co.za/martin_layton1.htm> >> > AP3's pretty cool too, huh.  Especially when you start cranking it.  Let me> > know how many songs you get through before the fan kicks in.> >> > Our European based friends don't get our heat waves- one of these days I'm> > going to have to figured out how to quiet that fan.> >> > It was 83 degrees F here yesterday in our mid winter.> >> > John> _________________________________________________________________> > > Are you a PC?  Upload your PC story and show the worldhttp://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/122465942/direct/01/-Hide quoted text -> >> > - Show quoted text -> _________________________________________________________________
> Choose the perfect PC or mobile phone for youhttp://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/130777504/direct/01/

[Colin Pascoe]

Thanks for all the info Steve, nice to find someone else who finds the Lecson sweeter than the Meridian (I still like the meridian, just not as much ;^} ).
Cheers,
Colin
P.s. it shows how much you like it to have gone through all that grief & still want one!!

> Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:16:30 -0800

[kizo]

Hi Martin

Well done on getting the AP3 up and running!
Could you give some info on what components
you replaced as this may help other mk2 owners
with problems in the future.

Iain

[Martin Layton]

Hi Iain,

 

On my amplifier,one of the MPSA56 transistors had gone leaky,if one looks at the notes by"Ian Mackay",the pcb layout displaying the transistor placement,it was the MPSA56 closest to the bottom left hand corner.I also replaced a few components on both boards as someone at some stage,prior to me obtaining this amp,had worked on one of the boards placing odd components including 2N2222's in place of the MPSA06 's. 

In place of the MPSA56's I used MPSA92's as locally I could not obtain the former,the MPSA06's I managed to get.I balanced both channels with the same components so both channels would be the same.For no other reason than  just to keep both channels the same.I just felt more comfortable doing that.I did the same with the other components,caps ect.,that were odd just to keep things symetrical.

Setting the offset voltage I found was rather touchy until the idling current was more or less correct.From memory I think I set this at +-30ma.This figure I found somewhere in the info either on the Lecson site or in the info I have on hand.

Anyway,all now seems to be well.

 

For Johns info as far as breakthrough was concerned,I just made up a 10:1 attenuator,which I fitted in the din plugs using 9K1 and 910ohm resistors.This has given me a level on the AUX inputs similar to my turntable phono input.I do still have an intermittent noise problem which I have not got round to just yet on the AC1 phono inputs.I've just been too busy with this and that to be able to dedicate the time to it.

Its for the same reason I have'nt done anything about the lecson picture yet John.I've just got too many things on my plate at present.All being well,when time permits,I will see what I can do.

 

Anyway,nice to hear from the site again....Martin.

[kizo]

Thanks Martin, great in depth reply.
Hope you have many years of enjoyment
from the amp.

Iain

[Lothar]

Hey Martin,

seems you have some "talented fingers" in more than one way! ;)))

If I tried my hands at some technical stuff, the Hifi industry would
just LOVE me, as I would certainly produce a great heap of trash,
every time I tried, and so would have to buy new stuff all the
time! :))

As for the picture: I am glad and surprised you will try AT ALL!

You could just as well think: These guys are crazy.....forget it!

Regards,

Lothar

[Martin Layton]

Hi Lothar,

 

Good to hear from you.

If you'er a hifi nut (and I think most of the Lecson group must be)you must be crazy (that goes for me too).

Hopefully I'll get round to it B4 too long.I've got a couple of valve amps to build and some paintings to do for the galleries amongst other things(helping out at a shop we run..My wife Sharon and I).

Just lately have been dropped in at the deep end but at least in this day and age still managing to sort of earn a living and keep head above water.

I must also get both AC1's sorted out.One's working with an intermittent problem but I'm using it.The other has been"GOT AT"so I expect a bit of a hassle in getting that one sorted.

Sounds like all doom and gloom but it keeps me busy(and out of trouble).Thats what my wife would probably say anyway.OK Lothar and the group,will say...Cheers 4 now,

 

Martin

[John Mayberry]

When time permits is way more than I have a right to ask for…  

 

I fixed the gas dryer this weekend (needed a new ignitor and thermistor).  Never done that before, but with the Internet’s help finding the maintenance manual away I went.  Very surprised how inexpensive the parts cost relative to replacement cost.

 

I was proud that it was cheaper than buying a new one, didn’t have to call a repairman, and was fixed faster than either.

 

Did get a bit of Lecson and Quad listening in this weekend (Norah Jones was amazing- didn’t know she was Ravi’s daughter).

 

Good luck on the AC1.

 

John

 

 

 

  

 

 

---

> > Iain<br

[organstan]

Which is why nobody repairs stuff these days, John !

My flight to ISE in Amsterdam was cancelled this morning; the UK had a
few inches of snow so, as usual, the whole country has stayed in bed.

So I decided to repair my HP 3314a Function Generator. A very nice
instrument but the control knob ceased to function. This is a rotary
pulse generator which costs a small fortune to buy so I took it apart
and discovered that a miniature 3mm light bulb had failed. Not an LED
but a light bulb ! I bought a new one for 12p, say USD 0.15. But
if you don't have the knowledge and the patience it would be another
item for the scrap heap.

Next up is a HP 8903A Analyser which I know from past experience is a
tough product to understand. Still it keeps my brain functioning.

Wednesday I start work designing a new CD player for a company. On the
other hand I may stay in bed ;-)

Stan

[John Mayberry]

I think it's good to keep the old things going- perhaps the ultimate eco
responsibility for the green crowd? (Maybe the old guys were right having
the repair shops in every town...)

The new CD Player will have a variable output on the remote?

They must leave them off to sell more preamplifiers these days...

Stay warm,

John

[Lothar]

Hello Martin,

almost missed this one!

YES, it does sound like you won't get THAT bored in future! ;)))

And yes again: We are all a bit crazy, otherwise we wouldn't spend so
much time on Hifi that is old enough to be shown in museums!
Funny thing at both Gale and Lecson forums is, that most wifes and
other women do not share the enthusiasm THAT much!

But.....have a look at our members list, and what can you see?

NO, or almost no women to be found!

So is it just "a man's world" or a "man's toy!?"

Have a nice Sunday!

Lothar

On Feb 2, 5:19 pm, Martin Layton <martinlayton....@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Lothar,
>
> Good to hear from you.
> If you'er a hifi nut (and I think most of the Lecson group must be)you must
> be crazy (that goes for me too).
> Hopefully I'll get round to it B4 too long.I've got a couple of valve amps
> to build and some paintings to do for the galleries amongst other
> things(helping out at a shop we run..My wife Sharon and I).
> Just lately have been dropped in at the deep end but at least in this day
> and age still managing to sort of earn a living and keep head above water.
> I must also get both AC1's sorted out.One's working with an intermittent
> problem but I'm using it.The other has been"GOT AT"so I expect a bit of a
> hassle in getting that one sorted.
> Sounds like all doom and gloom but it keeps me busy(and out of
> trouble).Thats what my wife would probably say anyway.OK Lothar and the
> group,will say...Cheers 4 now,
>
> Martin
>