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CTC Blowtorch

I have recently made a deal to acquire a CTC Blowtorch, which has been sort of a long term dream of mine ever since I heard Bob Crump's unit some years back. The Blowtorch has separate main stage and power supply boxes. I will, at least temporarily, be somewhat short on rack space. Does anyone have experience to share regarding stacking the two boxes? Can I expect any sonic degradation from doing so? My suspicion is probably not, given the sheer amount of aluminum separating the two, but would be most interested in hearing others' observations.
curriemt11
curriemt11 OP
220 posts
 
Larryi -

Good information, thanks. Both cases on the Blowtorch are extremely thick. I'm not sure if that will make enough difference or not. Unfortunately, side by side placement is not going to be an option under any circumstances - at least with my present rack. There's simply no room. Still looking for a replacement phono stage as well. This is going to be quite a juggling act!
curriemt11 OP
220 posts
 
Dopogue -

I sent John an email yesterday, but no reply yet. More than anything, I was looking for anecdotal evidence from those who had tried stacking vs. separating, and what differences if any were heard.
essentialaudio
1,147 posts
 
Hi Mike,
Stacking them will work fine for the interim. I had mine set up that way for a while till I put them in a proper rack. Depending upon what else is nearby, you may notice a reduction in noise by separating them. Isolating the power supply (shelf, etc.) can be a benefit. Enjoy!
Brian
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I don't think stacking them will hurt very much, except if the Blowtorch has a phono stage. That's the circuitry you want most to keep away from power supplies. I would ultimately recommend separating them, though, if you can, in order to avoid audiophilia nervosa...
jfz
570 posts
 
I have my power supply on the floor, and the control section is in a rack. This works very well. Obviously you want to have the power supply on some kind of rack/base/isolation unit on the floor. The question, of course, will be whether the length of your umbilical cord will allow this in your set-up. Good luck.
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