You say "at the moment" it is whisper quiet. Does that mean that previously they played at a normal volume?

The first thing I'd check is that there isn't a problem with the front end. Have you tried multiple sources? Different inputs on the amp?

I haven't had a UFO with meters but my understanding is 22 mA is about right, 80 is way too high. The other (obvious) thing I'm thinking is tubes. If you have a spare set of tubes I would try them. If you don't have a spare set of tubes you absolutely positively need them, exactly for an issue like this.

Quote:


2.3 Watts is like 6dB below 10 watts, not 60. Even very inefficient speakers should be much louder than "whisper quiet" with a UFO amp IMO.

Sell the fleawatt in favor of some more power and headroom. The Torii Jr v2 or Torii MK 5, both in the medium power range, comes to mind. Your current amp will always be your limiting factor and will hold you hostage in the future. This is why I say sell the UFO and keep your speakers. You’ll appreciate more choices down the road as you might make changes to your system.

My MK 5 is dead quiet and I couldn’t be more thrilled with it on all levels.


Another member very astutely posted here, “SET isn’t for everyone”. I know, I know one can get wrapped up in the hype.

Brad

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the replies.
Maybe Steve will see that thread and chime in.
I will comment to everyone here:

- Lon, yes but those specs are from the 1970s. I prefer going with the sensibility 90-91db. I should get some sound with that combo...

- Will, yes I agree. The F15s are at a friend's place at the moment since I did not have the UFO at the time I lent them to him. (He likes them very much, actually maybe I should go get them !!! LOL).

- Bramar, thanks for the comment. I bought the UFO exactly because it is a 'flea watt' amp and I want to experiment on what can come out of it. the MK5 is a beautiful piece, congratulations.

- Lon, that is good information (got 40db... with similar configuration) I think whisper quiet refers to below 40 db, mosquito quiet is below 30 db, quiet library is below 50, office is below 60, below 70 is conversation, below 80 is traffic noise, etc...

- CAJames, yes these ditton 66 studio are 91db efficient so I was expecting at the very very least 60db from the UFO.

- CAJames, no I just received the UFO a week or two ago and this is the first time I plugged it in.

- Have you tried multiple sources? Not yet! I intend to more the CD/DVD player and from the home theater and connect it to the UFO just for testing.
Different inputs on the amp? There are only two input on the UFO and there is zero suggestions on Decware that they would be at different input V or anyhing like that...? I am thinking maybe the phono cartridge???
If I look at the Decware website the pic of the UFO shows the meters at 30mA.
"If you don't have a spare set of tubes you absolutely positively need them" I know right? I should have ordered some extras with the amp...

Again thank you all, keep the suggestions coming. I am a bit at a loss. 90-91 db should give me not rock concert but enough to actually listen comfortably. At the moment quiet passages in a small string quatuor are lost.

Hi CAJames,

I tried the input #2 same issue.

I agree I should be getting something decent from these spkrs, not earth shattering but satisfying.
The tt is a Thorenz TD160 with SME III arm and a Ortophon OM10 cartridge.
That  is a MMC output 4mV.
... Brace yourself...

This is connected directly to the UFO2...
I thought with a MMC cartridge I would not need a phono stage amp??
Is that my issue?

If so can you suggest some phono stage new or used?
I would prefer to have nothing between the tt and the UFO but if necessary then so be it.

a.

-Lon,

Thank for the quick reply...
Hum, I will look into that...

Any suggestions for a decent / good phono stage amp??
No SS components if possible in this system.
New or used.

a.

Hi Coyote.

I have followed the recent development of Sota Turntables, Pyxi phono stage.

It was just officially released a few months ago, and at a very affordable $300, is supposed to be quite a performer.

Based on what I’ve read about it, it sounds like it would be worth looking at.

Good luck,

Geno

You will have a minimalist system. Any turntable will require a phono preamp.  Look up how records are recorded, pressed and played back on a turntable and that might help you understand there is no getting around it--so if you add one you still have the minimum possible: turntable, phono preamp, amplifier. (Records are made with an EQ that diminishes lower frequencies and increases higher frequencies; that EQ needs to be reversed when before the signal can be amplified sent to speakers.)

Of course you can buy integrated amplifiers that have a built-in phono preamplifier. Decware however does not make one.

It's solid state, but I highly recommend the Darlington Labs MP-7 or any of the less expensive models. I have not tried them with Decware but Keith, the owner/engineer says he has customers who claim they pair very well with Decware amps. They are a small company, bespoke, etc., and have a very good reputation.

Hi Lon, Hi 4krow.

Lon,
0K, I think what threw me was this:
"SE84UFO2.1 This is a pure class A single-ended triode amplifier with 2 high-current watts per channel and the ability to drive speakers between 2 and 16 ohms.  It features a volume control and two pair of input jacks making preamps completely optional."

Mixing pre-amp and phono amp.

Should we call it UFO2.2 when it has all the mods??

4Krow,
Ahh, yeah, sure... Great comment. Wayyy above my pay grade! L

I could fork the $ for a ZP3 but I cannot afford the wait time! 18m for the UFO and 18m for the ZP3.
I might have a heart attack in the mean time! LOL

So the search is on for a decent (if temporary) phono stage.
Preferably tube.

All suggestions welcome!

a.

Coyote, taking at look at your signature and had a thought.

Plug your TT into the phono on the Marantz 2235. Then connect the tape out on the Marantz to your UFO. Fiddle with the input knob and tape buttons, sorry can't recall the exact setting for those receivers, once you hit the right combo you'll be enjoying vinyl with volume.  

I must first admit that I am biased towards tubes in phono stages. Just my liking. I actually have a Jolida JD9 that I am thinking about selling but am not firm on the idea. They go for about $400 on US Audiomart, but of course it varies as to what might have been done to them.
I have tried many less expensive phono stages and I guess that you have get lucky or something, because not one of the less expensive ones did much for me. And yes, there is a certain truth to matching a cartridge to the rest of what it is connected to, from the TT/tonearm to the phono stage and beyond.

Sorry thats Underwood hifi

Ahhhh Schiit...

So, 0k I did it, I bought a Schiit Mani 1.
Why oh why...

Well I got it used but 'like new' and paid 100$ CAD dollerette  for it.
( That is like 0.25¢ USD. )
Impossible to refuse.

It wont be my forever phono stage, but it will be here tomorrow.

The reason I got it is because of the "adjustability" dip switches on the underside.
Well no, the reason is, it will be here tomorrow.

This will give me something to play with.
I know, set it and forget it, but
I think there is more to that. More gain, less gain... etc.

Now I see very little actual decent reviews on that unit (maybe because it is an entry level unit??) Anyone can suggest a decent review (something that says more than "the sound was good!" with head banging movements?)

Or maybe someone has experience with the Mani 1 and want to share?

Dominick? Bilyeaux?

Cheers,

a.

Coyote, my Mani started out with a P2 and I liked it but really have little experience with phonos. My first system in 76 had a receiver with phono as did my brothers system I inherited. Then I switched to the Rega MM and it did sound better, clearer, cleaner, more articulate. Then wanting to get to my end point for LP analogue, and instead of changing multiple pieces on the 2, I traded in for the P6 with Neo and it was a noticeable improvement and am content.

If you have soldering skills the Bottlehead Eros is a nice all tube Phono pre amp.

Hi, I'm the designer of the SoTA Pyxi phono stage. Does anyone have any questions?

Hi Rivieraranch,

I ended up getting a Schiit phono stage amp.
Arriving Monday.
So I do not have to lug around the Marantz, for now.
BUT.
I do intend to make the comparison between the Marantz and the Schiit at some point.
Right now, I refocused to connecting the CD and a DAC and for this I might need a switch box.
The UFO is dedicated for the TT so that goes as direct as possible.
The DAC and CD players are secondary so a switch box is acceptable in my view.

We also had a little detour conversation on PSU in another thread.

Cheers,

a.

Coyote,

I have the Decware switch box and it works flawlessly.  At first I didn’t think I would need it, but as my system grew, it became a matter of convenience.  My streaming goes through input 1, phono system through input 2, my Audioquest Dragonfly Red Dac through input 3 for playing MQA files, and input 4 connected to my Oppo CD player.  

What nice about the Decware ZSB  switch box is that is has dual outputs.  The second output is used to send the audio signal to a dedicated subwoofer.  

Dom

Dominick,

"The second output is used to send the audio signal to a dedicated subwoofer.  "

Oh that is very cool as I am thinking eventually to ad one or a pair of subs.

Thanks,

a.

I have a question!

The two impedance toggle switches at the back of the unit.
2/6 Ohms and 6/16 Ohms
Well they have zero effect on the sound at all???
Nothing, is that normal?

I would have thought switching to the 2/6 Ohms setting would have increase the sound output???
The speakers are Ditton 66 studio monitors if that makes a difference.

Thank you all,

​Build yourself a great day !

Cheers,

a.

Quote:


For me they have little if any effect. The effect is bigger if your speaker impedance is outside the 6-8 ohm range FWIW.

CAJames, thank you. Re-assuring to know that I am not alone!

Lon, I am going to see what happens when I pair it with the LiiF15OB...

4Kcrow, "Gain setting usually ends up around 40-45db" yes that is about where it is now. I still have to investigate the purpose of two of the switches... They seem to just cut down the left or right channel. And yes big distortion on the (I think) 90db amplification from the pre-amp vs (I think) 30db.
That mid choice (40db)  appears to be the sweet spot.

Thx,

a.