I ahve recently discovered and read my way through the "TNT-audio" web site and highly recommend it to budget-conscious audiofiles )and audiophile tweakers.)

It is a treasure trove of DIY projects. I have made interconnects (not from this site's recipe) and speaker cables myself. But next on my list are definitely the "stubby" model speaker stands (read the article to see how they got their name!) and the "flexy" rack system.

They look awesome, are sonically VERY functional and can be made (stands and rack system both) for about US $100.

Check this out (cut and paste the links):

Stubby Stands:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/stubby_e.html

Flexy Rack:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/flexye.html

Check out the links and let me know what you think...

GnD

grahamndodder May 19, 2003 21:19

I don't think you will have any problem driving the Europa's with your Jolida. I rarely went past the 9 o'clock position with the 502a. Currently, I'm using an Audio Analogue Puccini SE, which is rated at 50 solid state watts with no problems. The sensitivity ratings on the Europa is 89db, put it has a 4 ohm impedance. Again, I don't think the 102b will be a problem, but you might want to e-mail Roy Johnson (the designer and owner of Green Mountain) to double check. He's a great guy to talk to, and his use name on Audiogon is RoyJ. Best of luck!

ewha May 16, 2003 04:44

Check out JMlabs Chorus range especially the 705 ($300) or 706($450). I think the tubes would work well with the metal tweeters.

bundee1 May 16, 2003 02:59

Thanks, guys.

I really do think I will opt for a whole new set of speakers. That way I can move the Polks onto someone else cheap, just like I got them. Good karma.

How efficient are the Europa monitors? The one weak link (if it is one) of the 102b is the power.

BTW, I have been listening to my XM SkyFi radio (via a home adapter cradle) thru the tube amp and it sounds surprisingly good. The content on the XM radio system (100 channels - everything - all digital) is beyond compare. I have gotten spoiled with it in my car.

There is a company (infinity audio) making pure silver interconnects for mini-plug to RCA for $59.95. It sounds silly to have a good set of interconnects for a miniplug output, but the XM systems deserves it. I wanna crank out every last bit of soundstage.

Thanks for the speaker ideas. Will look into the Europas.

-GnD

grahamndodder May 15, 2003 21:20

Try Green Mountain Audio Europa monitors. Around $850 new, and really incredible speakers. Do a search in the Audiogon forums, and you'll see that many people have become enamored with these speakers! I used a Jolida 502a and a 1501RC with my Europa's with excellent results. Happy listening!

ewha May 15, 2003 18:36

Replace the drivers in the Polk with some Fostex drivers. They make many different types and the price is reasonable.

lak May 15, 2003 13:58