David Litman
Active Member
Oops again! Is there no way to delete a mistake like this so as not to bother anyone?
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B2
- Thread starter brinsmead
- Start date
David Litman
Active Member
Hi Nashou, thank you. Before I dabbled with this kind of thing, I sent the unit for new bulbs and a service to a fella in Glasgow. I guess he thought the holders weren't important. I never knew the holders existed until the amp died, was sent to France for a year for parts and re-assembled and calibrated by myself with the fantastic help of the guys on this forum. I bought it second hand in 1985 not realising just what a gem the B-2 is. At least, I got something right.
Yes, they are 4mm and same as original. The correct replacement.
Sad to hear about the Glasgow experience. IIRC, that’s where your b-2 lost its original vfets while being “serviced”.
David Litman
Active Member
That was a painful period and it took a lot of time and determination (as I knew sweet f/a) to get the thing running properly again not, to mention the money. However, time heals and I feel the B-2 will now out live me. As soon as it was back up and running, my teenage sons said wow, my stereo has got its magic back again.
As a matter of interest, speaking as someone with champagne taste and a lemonade pocket, how much would one have to spend to get a new, modern power amplifier of the same audio quality as the B-2? Any ideas and what would it be?
As a matter of interest, speaking as someone with champagne taste and a lemonade pocket, how much would one have to spend to get a new, modern power amplifier of the same audio quality as the B-2? Any ideas and what would it be?
That's subjective but I heard many modern "audiophile" grade amps sounding a lot less engaging.
Agreed. I'd say you're wasting your time with anything below $5,000.
I also have a Bryston 3BSST and the B2 is better.
I'd love to hear a pair of Schiit Tyr monoblocks to compare....IMO, Schiit has some of the best value for money in the market, largely because they're a direct-to-consumer company.
David Litman
Active Member
That, is very satisfying to hear, belgianbrain. Thank you. I would ask the same question for NS-1000's (which I know is off topic). The answer might be NS-5000's but, the price tag!
I have feedback on that exact comparison from B-2 owner.
The Schiit(s) went back to their daddy and mommy as soon as the Yamaha returned home from the spa.
Direct quote:
"I hooked up the B2 this morning, after pulling the heavy box out of my car. I assume it is already well broken in.
Sweet B’Jesus! What a sound from this amp! Immediately I heard more resolution in the music, more soul, more enjoyable to hear. It is better than the other stock B2 here. It is a sound none of my other non-vfet amps deliver.
The new Schiit amps will likely be returned. They are very good but don’t play with the sweetness and detail and soul of this B2. ......."
Note, that the B-2 was a fully resorted unit, not stock. I later did the same thing to the other stock unit.
The Schiit(s) went back to their daddy and mommy as soon as the Yamaha returned home from the spa.
Direct quote:
"I hooked up the B2 this morning, after pulling the heavy box out of my car. I assume it is already well broken in.
Sweet B’Jesus! What a sound from this amp! Immediately I heard more resolution in the music, more soul, more enjoyable to hear. It is better than the other stock B2 here. It is a sound none of my other non-vfet amps deliver.
The new Schiit amps will likely be returned. They are very good but don’t play with the sweetness and detail and soul of this B2. ......."
Note, that the B-2 was a fully resorted unit, not stock. I later did the same thing to the other stock unit.
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Good to hear!
As for NS-5000s, I have heard them. To me they sound the same as NS-1000s, but the 5000 is a ported speaker so the bass sounded like it was coming from a ported speaker - a little more boomy (not in a bad way).
I certainly felt no need to run out and spend $20,000 on them.
Of course, my NS-1000s have had the capacitors replaced with some very nice Mundorf Evo silver-gold-oil.
As for NS-5000s, I have heard them. To me they sound the same as NS-1000s, but the 5000 is a ported speaker so the bass sounded like it was coming from a ported speaker - a little more boomy (not in a bad way).
I certainly felt no need to run out and spend $20,000 on them.
Of course, my NS-1000s have had the capacitors replaced with some very nice Mundorf Evo silver-gold-oil.
were you able to tell the difference?
I have been contemplating on building a new crossover for my 2Ks using Mundorf caps
Ricosuaveuno
New Member
He got the VFET virus Pete just like what I got….can’t go wrong with a fully recapped Yamaha B-2. The best in my collection and I’m using it as my reference amplifier. Nothing comes close to a fully recapped B-2. Thank you Pete…you’re awesome!
Yes, I'd say they presented an improvement, but not a huge one.
there's lot's more your B-2 got than a recap
David Litman
Active Member
Stunning. Never seen a UC-1. As said before, enough controls on the C-1 to fly to the moon.
Here a question; adjustment of the 85v +/- power supply things. Can anyone recommend a better variable resistor thingy that is easier to adjust? I've found it really tricky to get desired 85v. Slight touch and voltage swings wildly.
Here a question; adjustment of the 85v +/- power supply things. Can anyone recommend a better variable resistor thingy that is easier to adjust? I've found it really tricky to get desired 85v. Slight touch and voltage swings wildly.
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Single turn Bourns pots work very well. Not sensitive at all.
David Litman
Active Member
You have helped me so much Rottalpha, I hate to ask but, could you spell out the part / pot needed to replace the original pot, please?
David Litman
Active Member
Many, many thanks. Have ordered a couple and will let you know how it went once I've fitted them.