Gentlemen---The future of Phoenix

RainDog911 · Jan 23, 2014

So I'm the newest of noobs here but I can provide perspective of what I'd find valuable as I power up and learn about these amps, mods and the electronics that support them.

I think a web store/shopping cart that would make sourcing parts a little easier. I found Joe's kit and Lee's DCP board separately and bought them before finding this site. Transistors, hardware and future chassis, faceplates, transformers and whatever else is being cooked up should be available in a one stop shop. Especially when there is a wealth of knowledge here to support the products in the store and their selection.

This wouldn't rob the basement entrepreneurs of sales nor would it necessarily cause someone to inventory all the parts. Fulfillment could be done by the same folks who have invested their time and talents (Joe, Lee and others). The order can pass through Phoenix to the entrepreneurs with perhaps a small commission (10% or so) to support the site and community.

This would make it convenient for the end user (me and future others) and for the entrepreneurs. If a 700B kit does materialize, the chassis could come from one guy, transformer from another, kitted electronic parts from another, etc...

Win-win?

Northwinds · Jan 23, 2014

Audiophile Magazine: "Accurate Yet Facemelting"

Stereophile: "Can I bring this home?"

Stereo Review: "The Phoenix Arises"

These are highend boutique amps in every sense of the word. I mean really, what components could be made any better short of goldplating? Flat response well above and below the threshold of human hearing is the best you can get. This is a boutique product for the masses

Nick Danger · Jan 23, 2014

RainDog911 said:

So I'm the newest of noobs here but I can provide perspective of what I'd find valuable as I power up and learn about these amps, mods and the electronics that support them.

I think a web store/shopping cart that would make sourcing parts a little easier. I found Joe's kit and Lee's DCP board separately and bought them before finding this site. Transistors, hardware and future chassis, faceplates, transformers and whatever else is being cooked up should be available in a one stop shop. Especially when there is a wealth of knowledge here to support the products in the store and their selection.

This wouldn't rob the basement entrepreneurs of sales nor would it necessarily cause someone to inventory all the parts. Fulfillment could be done by the same folks who have invested their time and talents (Joe, Lee and others). The order can pass through Phoenix to the entrepreneurs with perhaps a small commission (10% or so) to support the site and community.

This would make it convenient for the end user (me and future others) and for the entrepreneurs. If a 700B kit does materialize, the chassis could come from one guy, transformer from another, kitted electronic parts from another, etc...

Win-win?

I think our new friend, Raindog911, may be onto something here. Sounds similar to what Bottlehead has going on:
http://www.bottlehead.com/

http://www.bottlehead.com/et/FAQs/about_ordering.htm

They take orders, order/ build/ acquire parts needed for kits and then ship out components.

Pure_Brew · Jan 23, 2014

laatsch55 said:

I don't think it will completely die, I did say "mid-fi" has receaded however. My perspective is based on working for chains, One with multiple stores privately owned in New England (Cookin' A/V)- closed, Tweeter Etc. - Closed. Then as an installer for a "communications company, where our biggest client for home installation, Circuit City - closed. That installation company dropped residential completely. I got out of each one of these before the doors slammed shut forever. I also believe, as I was comming into the game, Lechmere was on its way out -closed. Quite a few companies I used to represent have been bought by a group/holdings company, closed or changed to the point of recognition only by name. Oh and there were also Cambridge Soundworks stores for a time - closed. Best Buy isn't doing so hot & the "Magnolia" store-in-store looks emptier all the time. So, this has to have an big effect on companies that boomed in parts supply for all that stuff that filled stores and warehouses that no longer exist. Not that a few parts are going to help a supplier survive...

Its sad, even long time friends of mine who got thier feet wet in audio, some incredible enthusiasts, have had to wave bye bye to the industry and move along, although successfully.
Unless I go to Boston, where most are selling pretty expensive gear, there is just nothing around this area to look at anymore. Save a few mom and pops but even then they just can't afford to carry much so they will - special order - for you. Anyone can do that online, and cheaper. What sold these products was the ability for the customer to interact with them and experience them. You just can't do that like you used to be able too.

Also, as far as my family, kids, relatives and people I know, none of them really care that much to pursue higher level audio experiences that can be attained through better equipment. Not that it can't be appreciated. Kids want gaming machines and smart phones, parents want the phones too. When you add it up, the cost of high-speed data, cell phone plans with data, it gets really expensive! I think we pay like $350 a month for all that!?!. And really, what am I getting more of for less money these days? There will likely be a demand for quality audio in the years to come, but a lot of things have changed and how and where money is being spent has changed too.

jbeckva · Jan 23, 2014

Nick Danger said:

If there was enough interest and we all collectively agree to help on what are requirements for this should be, then I can make this happen in a few weeks.

Northwinds · Jan 23, 2014

That Bottlehead front page is pretty sick. That one system is totally ridiculous in a awesome way

"I think the only room that I went nuts over was the Bottlehead room, which had a beautifully reconditioned Technics 1500 tape deck feeding Bottlehead amps and crossovers driving direct radiator speakers arranged in a line source. I think the amps were 300B. (yup, they were stock Paramounts, Pete) The midrange driver was a good sounding but fairly inefficient 4 ohm 5 inch unit driven by four power amps in series, each with the output transformer connected to drive one ohm. One power amp per woofer. One power amp per tweeter. Electronic plus passive crossover. Four six inch ported woofers per side. Each speaker module used a small and narrow Parts Express cabinet laid on its side, driver centered. Cabinets were stacked. Four woofer cabinets, one midrange cabinet, one tweeter cabinet. Felt applied to front of cabinets. Woofer modules vented. It was pretty wonderful"

Just sub in a wall of Phoenix's :smokin:

Nick Danger · Jan 23, 2014

RainDog911 said:

Jersey Jack Pinball also has a similar format, but for a bit more expensive product:

http://www.pinballsales.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=97&idcategory=2

Pretty cool how it works over there. You send in an initial deposit, The company uses those funds to do step A of manufacture. Company offers step by step viewing of build. You send additional funds, they do step B of manufacture. Company shows additional updates. You send additional funds etc, etc, etc.

Nick Danger · Jan 23, 2014

Northwinds said:

That Bottlehead front page is pretty sick. That one system is totally ridiculous in a awesome way

"I think the only room that I went nuts over was the Bottlehead room, which had a beautifully reconditioned Technics 1500 tape deck feeding Bottlehead amps and crossovers driving direct radiator speakers arranged in a line source. I think the amps were 300B. (yup, they were stock Paramounts, Pete) The midrange driver was a good sounding but fairly inefficient 4 ohm 5 inch unit driven by four power amps in series, each with the output transformer connected to drive one ohm. One power amp per woofer. One power amp per tweeter. Electronic plus passive crossover. Four six inch ported woofers per side. Each speaker module used a small and narrow Parts Express cabinet laid on its side, driver centered. Cabinets were stacked. Four woofer cabinets, one midrange cabinet, one tweeter cabinet. Felt applied to front of cabinets. Woofer modules vented. It was pretty wonderful"

Just sub in a wall of Phoenix's :smokin:

Since we're talking sick systems, how about a set of custom monobloc WOPL 400s. Single VU meter in each one, faceplate anodized red, copper cooling fins, lazer etched Phoenix/ WOPL logo.

Rex Everything · Jan 23, 2014

Nick Danger said:

If it's gonna be sick why stop at 400....I say WOPL 1000B monos...

Northwinds · Jan 23, 2014

Nick Danger said:

That or matching copper faceplates and hardwood brazilian cherry end caps or optional rack mount add on ears. Talk about elegant AND epic

Northwinds · Jan 23, 2014

Rex Everything said:

I totally agree but man, that classic 700B look has to stay in the equation somehow, maybe backlit logo like the original?

Nick Danger · Jan 23, 2014

Northwinds said:

I was thinking copper handles for myself, but the faceplate being copper would be super- bad@$%, too. IEC connector for power cord(if you're into that sort of thing).

laatsch55 · Jan 23, 2014

Double fan cooled...

laatsch55 · Jan 23, 2014

I just spent the day listening to that little 400 SHRED a 15,000.00 Mark Rowland. Source was a Wadia--861 CD player, Threshold T3 preamp and our little 400. soundstage was tremendous. Steve packed his Rowland up and is now for sale,and there was nothing wrong with the Rowland. Guys, Joe has a winner and he's just getting warmed up. Whoever wins this amp, it's the same as I've done to Steve's........

Web Police · Jan 23, 2014

laatsch55 said:

I just spent the day listening to that little 400 SHRED a 15,000.00 Mark Rowland. Source was a Wadia--861 CD player, Threshold T3 preamp and our little 400. soundstage was tremendous. Steve packed his Rowland up and is now for sale,and there was nothing wrong with the Rowland. Guys, Joe has a winner and he's just getting warmed up. Whoever wins this amp, it's the same as I've done to Steve's........

Stop it your making me want to try one out. :rabbit:

laatsch55 · Jan 23, 2014

It's just a matter of time Web, we are relentless....

Rex Everything · Jan 23, 2014

laatsch55 said:

I really appreciate the relentlessness......

laatsch55 · Jan 23, 2014

Gotta be good at something....

laatsch55 · Jan 25, 2014

Gibsonian said:

O no sir Scott, remember, u and I are presenting God with his own WOPL 1000

orange · Jan 26, 2014

Web Police said:

I'm sure Stuwee and I are both betting you'll make him drool and stuff every time the word phase or linear is even used alone.

Gentlemen---The future of Phoenix

New Around These Parts

Veteran and General Yakker

Veteran and General Yakker

Veteran and General Yakker

Admin/Server Dude MAA Guy

Veteran and General Yakker

Veteran and General Yakker

Veteran and General Yakker

Shpongled

Veteran and General Yakker

Veteran and General Yakker

Veteran and General Yakker

Administrator,

Administrator,

Administrator

Administrator,

Shpongled

Administrator,

Administrator,

Veteran and General Yakker