And now for something completely different:
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1478/0157ui.jpg

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/7430/0172wv.jpg

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/1107/0185ne.jpg

The Shearne just arrived yesterday, and I took a moment to snap some terrible quality pictures to share this morning. The images don't do justice to the deep blue marbled faceplate, which I thought I'd hate, but it's actually quite nice. It's said to be a 50w amp with a nice tubey midrangeness... sadly, said tubey sound is not to be heard, as the thing has apparently been damaged in transit.

Upon powering on, there's a massive thump heard through the speakers (Shearne has said that's a result of his design, so I expected it). Then, the right channel comes in full blast with the slightest tweak of the volume knob. The left channel is ok; right has two settings - fully attenuated, and fully un.

Could this be the volume control gone bad? It has an ALPS "Blue Velvet" 50k serving duty, and my suspicion is that there was some sort of trauma to the volume knob, which in turn jammed the ALPS and buggered the innards of same. The shaft that works the ALPS was not turning smoothly when I first received it; I loosened the collar that connects the shaft to the pot, and it now lines up better. Anyway, that's my working hypothesis, but I'd appreciate any input.

Anyway, I know at least one other Pink Fisher has a Shearne, but I never hear them discussed. So, here's one. Wish I could tell you what it sounds like.

Oh, and it apparently also has a phono section that I also can't listen to.

Its a bit bling.

Could well be a knackered Alps.

WAD have them in the 50k variety required for £12.

http://www.worldaudiodesign.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=58

Its a bit bling.
Aye. My shizzle can use a good pimpin', yo. Or something.


Could well be a knackered Alps.

WAD have them in the 50k variety required for £12.

http://www.worldaudiodesign.com/cat...?products_id=58

Thanks Rob. I haven't found one stateside for less than twice that price.

Part ordered: one ALPS blue 50k stereo volume control, from WAD, £15.51 shipped.

As it happens, I couldn't source one in the US at any price, period, fuggedaboutit, end of story. Odd.

Are you driving the Obelisks with the Shearne? If so I thinl you have made a really good choice. The Shearne stuff has always sounded really good when i have heard them and they seem to be able to cope with much more serious speakers than their price suggests.

Cheers

Jason

Aye, I hope to. There's not a lot been said about the Shearne, but it looks good on paper. Fingers crossed.

I had a shearne Phase2 for a while, nice amp, slightly warm sounding.

It does sound like a pot problem tbh.

The phono stage is a plug in board, it appears to be missing in those pictures. (I may still have mine, ill take a look later)

I had a shearne Phase2 for a while, nice amp, slightly warm sounding.

It does sound like a pot problem tbh.

The phono stage is a plug in board, it appears to be missing in those pictures. (I may still have mine, ill take a look later)

Thanks loads for the info. You have a pm.

Well, as penance pointed out, I'm short a plug-in board for the phono stage. Can anyone tell me what are my chances of sourcing such a thing? I'd really prefer to not go the outboard phono stage route, but it may be the only game in town.

I've been buying vinyl like mad recently, and I'm eyeing a new (old) turntable... must get things sorted soon.

I'm still looking mate, you wouldnt believe the mess here

I'm still looking mate, you wouldnt believe the mess here
Ah, cheers for that. I've just moved house myself - surprised I can find the toilet sometimes.

shame, i have been living here for 10 years ;)

I sold the amp over a year ago, so it is hidden in the dark depths somewhere

'Twas the ALPS.

Got the new one in and the whole thing reassembled. Preliminary listening is VERY promising. I threw a modest mix of curve balls, change ups, and the occasional heat at it last night, and it performed extremely well. Plenty of control on the bass, extended upper air that isn't brittle or dry, and a nice tinge of warmy-warmness in the middle that's far short of mud. So far it hasn't gotten confused, pissed off, or frightened by anything I've asked of it. Could turn out to be my favorite integrated amp so far. Still warming up/breaking in, etc. (not sure how long the new ALPS needs to settle), and I haven't secured proper speaker cable yet (stuff got rearranged and my previous 10-ft. runs no longer reach). With luck, it'll keep getting better.

They had very good write ups in the hi-fi press when they came out, and I think I heard one at a Heathrow show.
I also think they look good rather than bling.

Are you looking for a MC or MM board. I've got a MM board I don't use now. I'mm in the UK where are you?