I am in the planning stages of putting together a tube based mono hi-fi. I will be using a Rek-o-kut K-33 TT, a Elac/Miracord model 40 TT, an Eico HFT-90 FM tuner, and a Bogen DB-15 mono integrated amp. I have construction plans for an EV Aristocrat corner speaker. I have lots of mono LPs and 78's and thought this would be a cool system to listen to. I am going to outfit my ROK with a Grado mono cart and I have an old Fairchild 225-A cart that I will mount in the Miracord to play 78's. I do not have the EV components yet but have other drivers that I can use until I can get the EV parts. Do you guys have any other suggestions for this setup?

Do you guys have any other suggestions for this setup?

Only one - invite me over. :music:

Only one - invite me over. :music:

Anytime!

Clyde, I am seriously considering doing the same thing. I will keep an eye on the progress of yours and hopefully pick up some pointers.

Hey Clyde. I did the same thing awhile back. Had my Bogen db20 hooked up to an EV corner cab. Used a walkman cd player as a source. It did sound pretty nice. These days I have the Bogen hooked up to an Olson tube tuner and JBL Lancer 77s in series.

Hey Clyde. I did the same thing awhile back. Had my Bogen db20 hooked up to an EV corner cab. Used a walkman cd player as a source. It did sound pretty nice. These days I have the Bogen hooked up to an Olson tube tuner and JBL Lancer 77s in series.

I just bought the Bogen DB-15 from a seller on eBay. I should receive it in a few days. The seller says it has low gain so I will have to work on it. He may have hooked something up wrong, but I am going to give it a re-cap never the less....
How do you like your Bogen?

hey, clyde. i am in the process of putting together something similar.

i picked up a rok b-12, and it came with a ge mono "baton" arm, with the ge vr "triple play" cartridge. it needs some work, but i plan on using that, along with the esl s-2000 stereo arm i just got, on a custom plinth. the wiring from the ge arm will go to a fisher mono integrated (something like 10 watts) out of their gramophone series 101, and that will output to the companion speaker of my pilot c1090 console...which will handle the stereo duties as well, with the main speaker of the console.

the speaker is one jensen p15N "special design", two quam 8" and three quam 6" drivers (the latter 5 are apparently all full rangers). i just missed on getting a pilot mono tuner to plug into the fisher mono amp, too. so i will keep looking for that :)

keep us apprised of what you're doing with it all.

bill

you've definitely got the TT side handled that's for sure . . .

if you want to jump in quicker while you're building / planning the Aristocrat enclosure, you could make a quick open baffle to try out your different drivers to see which you like best . .

(to me) open baffles really let you hear the speaker . . .

what drivers do you have to play with ?

Just out of curiosity......why mono?
Of course the correct answer is......why not?

But still......why mono?


Steve

Just out of curiosity......why mono?
Of course the correct answer is......why not?

But still......why mono?


Steve

for me, it's a perfect use for :

1) my growing collection of mono integrated amps (Scott, Hoffman, Steelman, etc)

2) Orphan speakers (Vitavox, Jensen, Electrovoice, etc . . . )


It's also a little like time travel . . putting together a system that was 'state of the art' 60 years ago, and hearing music as they were intended to be listened to. . .

Wow, love this thread, Clyde. I've been thinking of doing the same thing.

Last Summer I found about 40 mono records (classical lps, mostly Columbia in great shape) from a nice older gentleman in Wheaton at a garage sale and was thinking of putting a mono cartridge on my Dual TT and maybe buy one of those tube amp kits that were demoed at Bob's AK party and use one of my Altec speakers.

I will be following your project, I've got a lot to learn about best setup for a mono system.

Cheers, Mark (aka Snade)

you've definitely got the TT side handled that's for sure . . .

if you want to jump in quicker while you're building / planning the Aristocrat enclosure, you could make a quick open baffle to try out your different drivers to see which you like best . .

(to me) open baffles really let you hear the speaker . . .

what drivers do you have to play with ?

For now I have a Magnavox 12" (the one that used to come in a styrofoam sub enclosure) and the Jensen horn. But I got a PM from Todd (Ozmoid) who has the guts and grill assembly that I am looking for, so it appears that I am going to have to get busy building the enclosure! Is this place great or what?!
I've never ventured into the open baffle thing but, your posts about it here and in other threads have me wanting to try it!

I will use this thread to show construction pics as I go along. I will try to remember to pause and take photos as sometimes when I finally get going on something, it's hard for me to stop! I will be using 3/4" oak plywood for the cabinets...

Thanks to everyone for their interest!

Just out of curiosity......why mono?
Of course the correct answer is......why not?

But still......why mono?


Steve

Well, Markus inspired me with his "I've gone mono" thread last March. I have a ton of mono LPs and 78s and have heard that mono recordings sound best on mono systems. This website http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/mono.htm has inspired me as well. Like Markus said, I like the nostalgia of the whole thing as well. This system is going in my den, I will still have my stereo hi-fi in the downstairs hi-fi room.

I have this Garrard mono tonearm and know nothing about it. I was thinking of adding it to my ROK. It is adjustable in length, and the offset angle is adjustable as well, but I cannot figure out how to adjust the tracking weight. Here are some pics:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2477.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2478.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2479.jpg

Any one familiar with this arm?

I just bought the Bogen DB-15 from a seller on eBay. I should receive it in a few days. The seller says it has low gain so I will have to work on it. He may have hooked something up wrong, but I am going to give it a re-cap never the less....
How do you like your Bogen?

I like it a lot and would love to have another.

Very cool -- have been thinking of doing up a mono setup some day. I just picked up a Chet Atkins LP ... that I later discovered was mono. Wouldn't mind hearing some 78's, etc. Thanks for posting this, eager to hear your progress.

clydeselsor . . . glad I got you into mono :thmbsp:

that is a SWEET looking tonearm . . .

I don't know anything about it, but for tracking force, you can always do the old penny trick . . .use a little blue-tak to adhere it (won't damage the tonearm) at some point behind, or in front of the fulcrum to give you the desired tracking force . . .

man . . . I REALLY gotta get one of my Collaro Changers rehabbed so I can start doing the mono vinyl thang . . . as it is, I use one of my (complete) Magnavox consoles for mono . .. sounds good, but I KNOW my Scott Type 209, hot-rodded Collaro TT, and any number of my orphan speakers on an open baffle will sound better . . .

btw . . . for more mono TT goodness, check out JE Labs:

http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/mono.htm

somewhere on here (http://members.myactv.net/~je183/retro.htm) he talks about getting the tracking force right for any given cart . . . the whole page (hell - the whole WEBSITE) is a great read . . . . . also, he has a page dedicated to Rek-o-kut:

http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/roktips.htm

he's even started uploading videos to youtube :D :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC1lf2EJ1mE

clydeselsor . . . glad I got you into mono :thmbsp:

that is a SWEET looking tonearm . . .

I don't know anything about it, but for tracking force, you can always do the old penny trick . . .use a little blue-tak to adhere it (won't damage the tonearm) at some point behind, or in front of the fulcrum to give you the desired tracking force . . .

man . . . I REALLY gotta get one of my Collaro Changers rehabbed so I can start doing the mono vinyl thang . . . as it is, I use one of my (complete) Magnavox consoles for mono . .. sounds good, but I KNOW my Scott Type 209, hot-rodded Collaro TT, and any number of my orphan speakers on an open baffle will sound better . . .

btw . . . for more mono TT goodness, check out JE Labs:

http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/mono.htm

somewhere on here (http://members.myactv.net/~je183/retro.htm) he talks about getting the tracking force right for any given cart . . . the whole page (hell - the whole WEBSITE) is a great read . . . . . also, he has a page dedicated to Rek-o-kut:

http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/roktips.htm

he's even started uploading videos to youtube :D :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC1lf2EJ1mE

Yeah, I've checked them out, really cool site!
That Scott ought to be a fine sounding amp. I had one but sold it before I ever even fired it up (stupid, I know!!). I would like to see your mono setup with the tricked out Collaro!

Yeah, I've checked them out, really cool site!
That Scott ought to be a fine sounding amp. I had one but sold it before I ever even fired it up (stupid, I know!!). I would like to see your mono setup with the tricked out Collaro!

I better hop to it then . . . I had started refurbishing a c. 1955 Collaro (cleaned, fresh oil & bearing) MONTHS ago, but I haven't touched it in a while . . . the Scott needs to be recapped and I need to dump the selenium bias setup . . . 1st choice for speaker is a minty EV 12TRXB, but once I get the time, I'll rehab my Vitavox DU120 . . .

argh . . . I gotta get going !

Hi Clyd,

Wow, you do indeed have the Turntable side of things set up nicely!
Man, am I envious. When time (and money) permits, I also hope to set up a dedicated MONO Turntable to complete my vintage MONO system.
I am extremely fortunate to own a rare (circa 1956'ish) STEPHENS TRU-SONIC
HORN Speaker which I am sure was designed by Charles Eames. This (single) Speaker measures 36.25" W x 18.25" D x 36" H and weights 175 lbs.
The Stephens has a 15" Woofer, a large ten cell Mid horn and an eight cell tweeter horn and is VERY efficient! I use a little PILOT AA-903B (EL-84) MONO Integrated (console) Amp that makes the Stephens SING beautifully! Presently, I use STEREO sources (i.e. SIRIUS, CDP, TURNTABLE, TUBE FM) that (using a custom made patch cord) properly mixes the Stereo single into a MONO single and plugged into the AUX of the PILOT. Recently, I hooked up my MARANTZ 1060 Integrated Amp for use as a PHONO AMP with the PILOT.
While this combo of the MARANTZ/TECHNICS SL-1300 Turntable sounds very good, it's not vintage. I have my Heart set on a ROK (or like) to someday complete my system and start spinning some old MONO Jazz LP's! Oooh, btw, I am so VERY pleased with this system that I hardly ever listen to Stereo any longer. Please do keep us MONO guys updated with your progress.

Regards,
SixCats! aka Tom Patrick

Hi Clyd,

Wow, you do indeed have the Turntable side of things set up nicely!
Man, am I envious. When time (and money) permits, I also hope to set up a dedicated MONO Turntable to complete my vintage MONO system.
I am extremely fortunate to own a rare (circa 1956'ish) STEPHENS TRU-SONIC
HORN Speaker which I am sure was designed by Charles Eames. This (single) Speaker measures 36.25" W x 18.25" D x 36" H and weights 175 lbs.
The Stephens has a 15" Woofer, a large ten cell Mid horn and an eight cell tweeter horn and is VERY efficient! I use a little PILOT AA-903B (EL-84) MONO Integrated (console) Amp that makes the Stephens SING beautifully! Presently, I use STEREO sources (i.e. SIRIUS, CDP, TURNTABLE, TUBE FM) that (using a custom made patch cord) properly mixes the Stereo single into a MONO single and plugged into the AUX of the PILOT. Recently, I hooked up my MARANTZ 1060 Integrated Amp for use as a PHONO AMP with the PILOT.
While this combo of the MARANTZ/TECHNICS SL-1300 Turntable sounds very good, it's not vintage. I have my Heart set on a ROK (or like) to someday complete my system and start spinning some old MONO Jazz LP's! Oooh, btw, I am so VERY pleased with this system that I hardly ever listen to Stereo any longer. Please do keep us MONO guys updated with your progress.

Regards,
SixCats! aka Tom Patrick

Sounds really cool. I will definitely keep you guys updated, I'm really excited about this project!

I better hop to it then . . . I had started refurbishing a c. 1955 Collaro (cleaned, fresh oil & bearing) MONTHS ago, but I haven't touched it in a while . . . the Scott needs to be recapped and I need to dump the selenium bias setup . . . 1st choice for speaker is a minty EV 12TRXB, but once I get the time, I'll rehab my Vitavox DU120 . . .

argh . . . I gotta get going !

So many projects without enough time!!

ORSON ! you aged 30 years and gained a sh*tload of weight in a single day ! ! were you abducted by martians ? :yikes:

I may be putting together a mono setup too, once I get my mystery amp. I've got a Magnavox extension speaker with a 15" and a horn in it. I have no match for it, and I'm planning to eventually make use of the Magnavox amps as a stereo setup, so basically its just a box doing nothing right now. I think my mystery amp (see other thread about that, got it on ebay) would do well once I build a crossover for the speakers. I'll have to arrange for sources, probably at the moment it will end up being a cd player mixed to mono.

I see mono integrated tube amps on flea-bay all the time.............pretty cheap too.
This posting has REALLY got my soldering iron excited!!


Steve

mine's bigger than your's ! :naughty::lmao:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=84703&d=1206732245

You've got me thinking, I have a Bogen pA amp lying around somewhere I'm not sure if it's working, and the Goodwill has an orphan Boston Acoustics a70 with blown surround that I might be able to get for next to nothing. :scratch2:

mine's bigger than your's ! :naughty::lmao:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=84703&d=1206732245


Eh.. piss off.. my mono system is even bigger :p:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102956&stc=1&d=1218125163

For what it's worth.. I thought I would really enjoy a mono system myself, but found it just wasn't there sound wise.. SO.. I ended up adding a nice home built corner cab with a Utah 2 way speaker in it.. augmenting my Altec.. and talk about a REALLY nice sounding stereo system for the garage.. I am using a stereo gear on the speakers now though.

I'm currently looking for a second amp like the one in the picture so I will have a pair of monos for my livingroom system.

Eh.. piss off.. my mono system is even bigger :p:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102956&stc=1&d=1218125163

For what it's worth.. I thought I would really enjoy a mono system myself, but found it just wasn't there sound wise.. SO.. I ended up adding a nice home built corner cab with a Utah 2 way speaker in it.. augmenting my Altec.. and talk about a REALLY nice sounding stereo system for the garage.. I am using a stereo gear on the speakers now though.

I'm currently looking for a second amp like the one in the picture so I will have a pair of monos for my livingroom system.

NICE ! are those Ballantyne ? Is it a preamp / amp / line stage ? I have yet to do anything with my RCA monsters (I do have two of them). . . PPP 809's good for a (factory rated) 125W RMS :thmbsp:

My main thing is, I'd like to play my mono recordings on a period correct system. . . not too mention at SOME point, I want to score a Denon DL103 (I think thats right) cartridge which mixes stereo LP's down to a mono signal . . .

That is a Motiograph 7505A on the right.. so if you ever see one THINK OF ME please..

The thing on the left is the power supply, but it's overkill. The supply is not needed for the amp, but it was to power the preamp (in front) and the sound heads on the projectors.

I've got a guy now that is building me a power supply for the preamp, however, it won't be for a few months since he is out of town..

If you've got a pipe-rack, you have to go mono. That's just kind of bad-ass and swingin'. Get yourself a bearskin rug and you're set. Now where the ladies?

I have a mono Olympic amplifier, and can pick up a mono speaker. I may try it myself.

ORSON ! you aged 30 years and gained a sh*tload of weight in a single day ! ! were you abducted by martians ? :yikes:

Amazing, isn't it?!

I started building the EV Aristocrat corner speaker today. My wife snapped some pics:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2480.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2484.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2482.jpg

boy o boy, I wish I had the expertise to do that!

looking good Orson :D

looking good Orson :D

Why, thank you!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/greatorson.jpg

boy o boy, I wish I had the expertise to do that!

I wish I did too!! It's really not difficult, but I will say this: Wood filler and a good sander can really be your friend!!

I started building the EV Aristocrat corner speaker today. My wife snapped some pics:



Hey Clyde, Looking good. :thmbsp:

It's great to see this kind of project with pictures at each stage.

Mark (aka Snade)

This website http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/mono.htm has inspired me as well. Like Markus said, I like the nostalgia of the whole thing as well. This system is going in my den, I will still have my stereo hi-fi in the downstairs hi-fi room.
http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/GEVRstyli.jpg
Looking over this site I noticed the GE Pre-amps in the lower right hand of this ad. I've owned one simular to this that i bought from Lafayete many years ago and I still have a VR Cartridge, I'd love to use this again and find one of these pre's!

THe Grado "moving iron" cartridges are (arguably) the modern descendant of the GE "Variable Reluctance" MI cartridge. Well, the Grados have been around since the early 1960s, and really haven't changed very much. Folks tend to be very polarized on Grados; I like 'em.

i.e., you can just get a Grado, new, vintage, or nearly ancient. :-)

Fun Grado fact: Joe Grado invented the moving coil cartridge (not that he/they ever made many, if any, MC models).

http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/GEVRstyli.jpg
Looking over this site I noticed the GE Pre-amps in the lower right hand of this ad. I've owned one simular to this that i bought from Lafayete many years ago and I still have a VR Cartridge, I'd love to use this again and find one of these pre's!

I think I have seen them on eBay for less than $50. I bet it would be a great combo with the VR. I bought a stereo version on eBay for $60 plus it came with 2 other solid state preamps as well:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/tubephonopre.jpg

Well I received the Bogen DB-15 yesterday. It arrived in good condition. The power cord is cracked and crumbling apart, so I will need to replace it before doing any testing. Pretty cool amp, it has a few different eq settings for phono. My weekends are tied up with doing things around the house with my wife, so I will probably dig into this amp tomorrow.

Well thanks to Todd (Ozmoid) I got all of the parts needed to finish my EV Aristocrat. This thing sounds beautiful!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2486.jpg

Cool
I'm assembling a mono vinyl setup as well!
Garrard Type-A > Heathkit WA-P2 preamp > Heathkit W4-AM power amp > Klipsch corner horn

I still need to find a drive wheel and perhaps a better cartridge for the Garrard and recap the W4
WopOnTour

Glad to see that you were using the proper lubricant, as well as glue, for cabinet assembly Clyde!

Makes me want to put my single Electrohome PA-100 amp to mono use even moreso.

It is fun to spin a 78 now and then, even though they seem to be over almost as soon as you put them on in comparison with 80 min CDs lol.:music:

I've picked up some gems of tunes over the years that I only have on 78. From country to jazz.

I'll have to track down a nicer mono table to complement my set up but I suppose the ol' BSR will have to do until then.

Lar

Just an update:

Well, I have ordered new caps for my new Sherwood S-1000II mono integrated that arrived a few days ago. This one uses four 6BQ5 output tubes in PPP. AES shipped my parts today so I should have them in a few days.

Well thanks to Todd (Ozmoid) I got all of the parts needed to finish my EV Aristocrat. This thing sounds beautiful!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/clydeselsor/PICT2486.jpg


My introduction to hifi was the system at the public library, which had a rec-o-kut turntable with a GE vr cartridge and aristocrat corner horns I am still chasing that sound!

Guys,
Thoroughly enjoyed this...now I have to get a vintage turntable for my Vintage Monaural...:D