Upcoming S.E.X. 2.1 kit - now taking orders, special introductory pricing

[Doc B.]

Here's the scoop -

http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=44&rn=433&action=show_detail

[JC]

Any word yet on if the new output iron will be available for the older kit?

[Doc B.]

We're just concentrating on getting this kit out for the moment, and we haven't yet worked out whether that will be a viable. The iron would have to go in "upside down" and there may be some clearance issues that I have not yet looked into.

[Jim R.]

Dan,

Congrats on what sounds to be a nice set of improvements to the already great s.e.x. kit.

Will the chassis and plate/ component positions stay the same in the new version?  Basically, will the MQ iron, as it is, still fit and work, obviously without all the various output taps.  Which I suppose also beg the question of whether the headphone output will still work with the MQ iron?

BTW, I sent you a email the other day -- did you get it?

Thanks,

Jim

[Dr. Toobz]

Count me in as interested in the irons as an "a la carte" item if you decide to sell them that way. Though I'm planning on moving up to 2A3's eventually, I think I may build my system up the right way by building a FP3 next, rather than skipping straight to a Stereomour. Meaning that the SEX will be the main player in my system for a year or two longer, and a bit better bass is always a nice thing. FWIW, Magnaquest doesn't seem to be taking many orders right now (per that forum) and I did not like the SEX amp as much with the 50H chokes in the B+. Lost a bit of magic that way - maybe a change in damping? In any case, that means better OPT's than the Specos, in combination with my preferred 30H chokes, would be just the ticket!

[Paul Joppa]

...
Will the chassis and plate/ component positions stay the same in the new version?  Basically, will the MQ iron, as it is, still fit and work, obviously without all the various output taps.  Which I suppose also beg the question of whether the headphone output will still work with the MQ iron?...

The iron has moved a fraction of an inch, but the basic layout is the same - hence the "2.1" designation rather than a "Version 3". The new audio iron has the same mounting dimensions as the MQ BH-1 and BH-2 - that was on purpose. As Doc B said, we have not attempted a conversion yet, and parts have exchanged places - choke on top, output transformer on the bottom - so if there are unanticipated conflicts, we have not anticipated them.  :^)

The new output transformer has enough insulation between primary and secondary, making it possible to ground one side of the secondary for headphone safety, while letting the primary connect to higher voltages inside the amp. The same is true for the MQ part. (The power supply is a PDMPS - pseudo dual mono power supply - for those who remember this original Foreplay tweak.)

By using this connection, the two channels can be biased independently without requiring two high-voltage supplies with independent grounds. That makes the construction easier. It also makes the power transformer safer, so that we can make it available to DIYers.

[Spinifex]

A small question: how good is it on orthodynamic headphones?

I hae finally bought the Audez'e, and my Hagerman Castanet is disappointing with them. They work fantastically well with my EHHA, but I do miss that SET magic.

[Jim R.]

WyldRage,

Maybe this thread will help:

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,1674.0.html

HTH,

Jim

BTW, I have zero experiencwe with these kinds of headphones so really can't offer anymore info.