[Magick Man]

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/134344/20160218/renault-alpine-vision-concept-breaks-cover-ahead-of-geneva-motor-show-reviving-the-alpine-sports-car.htm

Looks okay, but it'll never be sold in the USA.

 

[Hutnicks]

It'll possibly damp the treble a little more, but that's up to you whether you want that.

---

Magique, have you ever considered using Sorbothane rather than EPDM?  I have been experimenting with it on a few different phones and the results, too say the least, are simply astounding.

 

[ssrock64]

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/134344/20160218/renault-alpine-vision-concept-breaks-cover-ahead-of-geneva-motor-show-reviving-the-alpine-sports-car.htm

Looks okay, but it'll never be sold in the USA.

There's some rumors going around that Nissan wants it for a U.S. model, but a restyle would probably ruin its character.

 

[Magick Man]

Yeah, being weird is what makes it cool, if they screw with that there's no reason to buy one.

------------------

So I finally got an E/90 energizer (it's really an amp) for my ESP/950, I saw one on ebay for cheap so thought "why not?" Anyhow, after much listening between it, a Woo WEE (hooked to an Accuphase E-560), an SRD-7 (with same amp), and my SRM-717, I can say with certainty that... I can't tell much difference at all. Seriously, whatever differences that exist could very well be attributed to me thinking the SRM-717 should sound better (confirmation bias). It could have slightly better bass control and be a touch more refined on the top end, but it isn't much to take note of. In fact, in blind testing I can't really determine which is which with any regularity (~60%). However, I can tell the difference between any of those and my EC Electra, every time (it's considerably more "interesting" and euphonic).

Determination: If you have an E/90 just keep it, SS upgrades are rather pointless, IMO, despite its light weight and rather cheapo feel. However, if you want to go with tubes, there's a good argument for it (and something like the Electra or BHSE is a great addition if you are planning on buying any Stax `phones too). The only thing I really recommend is buying a more robust power supply, which are available for <$40 through Digikey. It offers more current, doesn't get nearly as hot as the OEM, and is much more plug-in friendly than a fat wallwart.

 

[Hutnicks]

That's quite interesting. Did you notice any difference in sound with the alternative power supply?

 

[Magick Man]

So our Super MIDI (mid-mounted Mini) is going forward. The main change? Instead of the Toyota V6 we're going to use a TVR-sourced, bored & stroked 215 ci Rover V8 (all alu, `natch) w/ hemi Cosworth heads, good for ~370bhp, with a TVR/Lotus TA, to keep it all British (more or less). Lucas FI? AHAHAHA!! No, don't be daft.

 

[Magick Man]

That's quite interesting. Did you notice any difference in sound with the alternative power supply?

Nah, it's mostly because the OEM gets hot as hell.

 

[gikigill]

Lucas, the Prince of Darkness.

TVR, Lucas, Lotus, Rover. I fail to see how this endeavour could be anything less than completely reliable.

 

[Magick Man]

No , no Lucas. Ever.

 

[Hutnicks]

No , no Lucas. Ever.

And yet, the commercial aviation industry has relied on Lucas for ages. That one always puzzled me no end.

 

[ssrock64]

So I finally got an E/90 energizer (it's really an amp) for my ESP/950, I saw one on ebay for cheap so thought "why not?" Anyhow, after much listening between it, a Woo WEE (hooked to an Accuphase E-560), an SRD-7 (with same amp), and my SRM-717, I can say with certainty that... I can't tell much difference at all. Seriously, whatever differences that exist could very well be attributed to me thinking the SRM-717 should sound better (confirmation bias). It could have slightly better bass control and be a touch more refined on the top end, but it isn't much to take note of. In fact, in blind testing I can't really determine which is which with any regularity (~60%). However, I can tell the difference between any of those and my EC Electra, every time (it's considerably more "interesting" and euphonic).

I've always maintained that the E90 is a good amp in a bad package. On the ESP thread I see plenty of people with the SRM-717, but I've never thought it worth the price of the upgrade.
 

So our Super MIDI (mid-mounted Mini) is going forward. The main change? Instead of the Toyota V6 we're going to use a TVR-sourced, bored & stroked 215 ci Rover V8 (all alu, `natch) w/ hemi Cosworth heads, good for ~370bhp, with a TVR/Lotus TA, to keep it all British (more or less). Lucas FI? AHAHAHA!! No, don't be daft.

That project just got a whole lot more interesting. I can't wait to hear how it turns out.

 

[gikigill]

Can we place bets on how many miles the Mini does before its bonnet is opened a la Top Gear style?

As the immortal Jeremy Clarkson once noted that there have never been any recorded incidents of a TVR breaking down.

 

[Magick Man]

If no one else is going to mention it, I sure will. DB11 official reveal:




God, that's gorgeous. :eek: Power comes from an all new 5.3l AMG-derived 600+bhp TT V12 (rumor is it's closer to 650), with top-shelf magnetic ride damping (ripped directly from the GTS), and... a real 6-spd manual (new bespoke Getrag) option. Plus there's the usual Aston interior, which is still one of the best in the business. All for mildly-optioned 911 Turbo S money. As sad as I am to see the old 5.9l NA V12 go (no, not really) it was long overdue for retirement.

 

[gikigill]

Still a V12 so that's good and the car looks very handsome.

 

[customcoco]

Still a V12 so that's good and the car looks very handsome.

Indeed. It seems like those lines will never age.