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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
larryi
4,101 posts
 
Generally, those manufacturers that separate power supplies from the rest of the components recommend that the two NOT be stacked. If stacking results in the power transformer being in a bad location relative to sensitive circuits, it may be worse than if the manufacturer carefully laid out the circuit in one box instead. The usual recommendation is to separate the boxes as much as possible, and preferably side-by-side rather than one on top of the other. I've heard this from Mark Levinson (I have a two-box Reference No. 32), Naim, Ray Samuels (two box phono), and a dealer for VTL.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Why not contact John Curl (frequent poster over on AA) and get a definitive recommendation.
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.
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