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I didn’t see this one coming. “CRT enthusiasts” are here. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250911-the-people-who-hunt-down-old-tvs

Yep, I’ve noticed output and filament boards match up to each other. Here is how it looks like on my screen, all output tubes side by side. Size 24 in x 12 in – huge. Question regarding jumbo socket – what socket do you have in mind? This from a French company might fit.?

no real reason to shrink the filament board, but go ahead and try. the output tube spacing is already at the minimum and that results in a specific board size. no reason for the filament board to be any smaller than that because all the holes need to line up. filament board stacks on the output board.

Thank you Pars, I had a read of the thread, so, seems that the balanced/unbalanced board per se ends with the file diffinput3.zip; following ones, 5, 5a and 6 present only the diamond buffer though. Since in the drive repository I couldn't find the file I really need, http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu/boards/diffinput3smtd.zip I'm asking here, in case someone could supply it. Another point that I couldn't clarify through reading, is buffer needed only when interconnect cables are very long? Or could I use directly the unbal/Bal between DAC and amp? Thanks, Mike

Have made schematic out of Kevin’s published gerbers of David and Goliath filament. From schematics a PCB layout following the original gerbers is made and the above 3D model is the result. I’m addicted to make my own twist of others work. So, now can the process of shrinking Kevin's board start. Just to be clear, David and Goliath project is insane. I like that.

Very nice! A new JoaMat "interesting twist"-project in the works I believe ?

I enjoy thinking about different ways to accomplish the often-overlapping electromechanical goals of audio devices. Every few years I get to considering electrostatic headphone connectors, and every time I end up finding the same collection of vintage part numbers, shared experiences, and a few useful drawings that can be put together to probably lead to a functional socket or plug, if you want to make one yourself. I appreciate and have used that information, and now I'd like to consolidate it and create some actual specifications to help anyone trying to make a plug or socket. The most useful thing to start with would be plug specs. Pin diameter, length, pin circle diameter, and housing outer diameter, in case you want to make a recessed socket. Here's a drawing of a plug I got from Dan Clark (I can't guarantee that it's the same as his current production plugs) and a plug from the Hifiman Jade II. If it would be useful I could make a complete model of both plugs and share the STEP files. Next week I'll be able to add the dimensions for the Audeze CRBN2. Eventually I should be able to measure some Stax plugs. Found partial catalogs for Cooper and Amphenol 78-S6S socket and 86-71-6S/91MPM-6S plugs, but neither specified pin diameter. Standard pin diameter seems to be .093" or .094" (2.36-2.38mm), the same size as a 3-pin XLR contact or an octal tube socket pin, or a Size 12 circular connector contact. There is a standard housing layout for #12 contacts that matches the position of a 6-pin Stax plug, arrangement 16-6 or 17-6, but I haven't been able to find any documentation of the pin circle diameter. Neutrik also makes a crimp socket contact, HA-3FXX. The threaded socket most commonly used for electrostatic jacks and tube sockets (like this, or these) is good and conceptually simpler to design a housing for, but I would love to find a design guide or get some advice on the right way to make a hole for circular connector contacts or that Neutrik contact. They're probably not easy cavities to machine from a single piece of material, but 3D printing is useful, and I saw some mil-spec circular connectors that appeared to use stacked layers. Standard pin circle diameter is . . . something between the .406" (10.31mm) in the Cooper catalog and the .435" (11.05mm) of Kevin Gilmore's socket drawing. The Hifiman plug was closer to the Cooper at ~10.5mm. The Dan Clark plug seemed to match up perfectly with the KG drawing. My estimate of this Viborg socket from their drawing puts it closer to 11mm. If anyone has any dimensions to share I'd be happy to add them to a single reference PDF. Any other useful application information about connectors would be good to include as well, if anyone has had experiences with pins being too long or too short, or pin-to-pin clearance standards, or other things. Cable-related information would also be valuable. EstatPlugDimensions.pdf

That's the reason why too much money in politics makes each get more intense for there view . It's like a game of one up . There is only one club and we are not in it , but we attack each other like we need to win . I'm old enough to know only way to win is play for ourselves.

Nice Omron relay 3D model, don't you think? Zoom in for a good look.

generally that is how these are used unbalanced out to balanced in. Take a look at this post which should tell you everything you need to know. It usually helps to read the entire thread when possible.

Bumping up the thread, having some difficulties to grasp how this bal/un is working... Shall I use it to get the unbal output of my DAC as an input, to go balanced to my KGSSHV? Referring to v5, the last version... I guess the diamond buffer is included in the schematic and board, but really can't understand what would be input and output in my particular case... Some kind words of encouragement? Thanks...

This is what I would call - While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Mission Accomplished

Because I am impatient, I installed the iOS/ipad release candidates. After spending a day with them, I think two things: 1) Apple’s decision to re-write the entire design language is going to make this their most polarizing in a long time, 2) I think they nailed it. I was hesitant, but after a day I can't see ever wanting to go back.

Fish N Chips Mini triple chocolate brownie Because what's better than being in a cozy pub, When it's raining outside.

Charlie Kirk officially dead. Dude was an inauthentic, dark money backed grifter. For years we made jokes about an entire generation being unsure of the exact size of his face. There's even a web widget based around it. He certainly did not deserve to be shot and killed. As for the rest of us, this bodes poorly for the future of our political landscape.

What a jam - Video quality not the best, but sound quality is good. And three percussionists is what we all need. Highlight is also the keyboard player.

^^ I could not make it through a song. cued to the Mosh Pit and Desk Dive... seminal Tiny Desk moment. ... the entire set is fun...

Belinda Carlisle - Once Upon A Time In California. Chose it for a great song selection of covers. And....she managed to destroy just about every one.....she manages to sing with fairly good inflection, but ALSO somehow manages to suck the life out of every song on the album. Arrangements and such are so-so, sometimes pretty bad. Or maybe it's just me 🤣 EDIT: wasn't even through with the whole album, and got to a cover of Nilsson's Everybody's Talkin' and it is just fucking horrible!

Using all the oscillators.

Nothing looked bad... the iPhone Air looks questionable, but I can foresee influencers showing them off in a few weeks. Apple has moved into making their own wireless network and modem chips, the N1 for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread and the C1X for 5G cellular. I liked the sound of better battery life in the iPhone 17 and the AirPods Pro 3 will be hot sellers. I found the endless health surveillance and monitoring from the Apple Watches a bit dystopian. The iPhone 16e seems to be a sales success due to its low price, so they'll inevitably release an update to that in a while.

I forgot about the Apple event today, but the camera changes, including combined cameras and square front facing sensor, are interesting moves. Also liquid cooling. Plus if you thought iPhones were too fat...

Belated Happy Birthday!

It's Not Just You: Music Streaming Is Broken Now