I would recommend regardless of what you go with, getting a calibrated tamper. I have the espro which is expensive at 100 bucks but well worth it. There is an internal spring that gives way at 30 pounds of pressure, so the tanp is consistent every time. Then your are down to two variables, and it greatly assists in consistently pulling great shots. I dialed in the grind with my preferred beans and there is no thinking involved anymore! Pulls great shots every morning
2 Channel - Dual Purpose system in the works
Polk LSIM707 I Polk LSIM 706C I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Marantz AV7707 I B&K Ref 200.7 I Rega P6 w/ Ania MC I Rega Fono MC I Audience Ohno ICs/Audience Forte F3 Power Chord/Acoustic Zen Satori I Cambridge 851N
Polk LSIM707 I Polk LSIM 706C I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Marantz AV7707 I B&K Ref 200.7 I Rega P6 w/ Ania MC I Rega Fono MC I Audience Ohno ICs/Audience Forte F3 Power Chord/Acoustic Zen Satori I Cambridge 851N
I would recommend regardless of what you go with, getting a calibrated tamper. I have the espro which is expensive at 100 bucks but well worth it. There is an internal spring that gives way at 30 pounds of pressure, so the tanp is consistent every time. Then your are down to two variables, and it greatly assists in consistently pulling great shots. I dialed in the grind with my preferred beans and there is no thinking involved anymore! Pulls great shots every morning
Ppffft! But have you upgraded the power cable?
2Ch- B&W 703, SVS PB10 NSD, Marantz NR1607, Parasound 1500a, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (Yellow) with Acrylic platter, Pro-Ject phono pre, MIT AVT 2 speaker cables, MIT AVT 1 and AVT 2 ICs, XLO Jumpers, Signal Dig Coax, Signal Cable Magic Power Cables x3, Samsung 55JS7000, Harmony 1100, Sony BDP-S6200, Marantz DV-4200 (as Transport), Cambridge Audio DAC Magic100, Monster 3600MKII, Android Mi Box3 and Apple TV. - Pool /Gazebo Yamaha RX-A1010, Polk Patio 25x4, Rotel RDV 1045 (as CDP) MIT AVT3 ICs - Work - Spotify Premium or Neutron App to my FiiO Kunlun into my Grado SR125e
I freaking love espresso! I've had some shots made by expert baristas at local cafes, and it's been an incredible experience.
Sometimes I have to immediately get back in line and have them make me another, they're that good.
Espresso as is, without milk or sugar, is coffee in it's purest form in my opinion.
For me, an espresso with a twist of lemon is the best. Nothing better after a great meal.
That's how my wife drinks it, with a twist of lemon.
Here's the jist as I see it anyway. A manual machine will probably give you the best quality shot, period. However, to extract that from a manual machine takes some skill as there is many variables that go into making a quality shot. There is a learning curve, and not everyone is up to it.
If your the only espresso drinker in the house, that might work for you. If you have more, and guests who also enjoy it, your strapped to the machine making everyone coffee, and then the refills when they want more because your the only one skilled enough to make it.
If you have multiple drinkers, and entertain often, a fully automatic one touch machine is probably more up your alley. That way anyone can just press a button and get espresso, or other milk foamed drinks whenever they want without you having to look over their shoulder or do it yourself.
Pick your poison to accommodate your lifestyle. Each has it's pro's and cons.
HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's
Thanks, Tony. That’s good advice. I’m leaning to the semiautomatic machines because we don’t entertain often and there are few coffee drinkers. I’m retired and have time to climb the learning curve. I still check out Jura machines on CL, though.
In doing research, I’ve concluded that my grinder, a Bararza Virtuoso, is probably marginal for espresso because the adjustments are too coarse to dial in the grind. I followed up on an ad for a Baratza Vario, almost new and with both steel and ceramic burrs. It sounds like I lost the sale, but the seller works at Clive Coffee, a local seller of espresso machines and grinders. His advice was that I might be better off to not consider the heat exchanger machines and look at a small double boiler, the Profitec Pro 300. Not in the budget! However, I found a used Expobar Brewtus II on CL not too far from me for $800. It could be around 12 years old, but looks to be well taken care of. Anyone aware of problems with this machine?
Thorens TD-160C; Sumiko Talisman S, retipped by Soundsmith; Jolida JD9; Marantz CD-53; North Star Intenso;
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
Where does it get 90% oxygen from considering the air we breath is about 21%. I doubt it has a filter and it's not hooked up to an oxygen tank.
2Ch- B&W 703, SVS PB10 NSD, Marantz NR1607, Parasound 1500a, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (Yellow) with Acrylic platter, Pro-Ject phono pre, MIT AVT 2 speaker cables, MIT AVT 1 and AVT 2 ICs, XLO Jumpers, Signal Dig Coax, Signal Cable Magic Power Cables x3, Samsung 55JS7000, Harmony 1100, Sony BDP-S6200, Marantz DV-4200 (as Transport), Cambridge Audio DAC Magic100, Monster 3600MKII, Android Mi Box3 and Apple TV. - Pool /Gazebo Yamaha RX-A1010, Polk Patio 25x4, Rotel RDV 1045 (as CDP) MIT AVT3 ICs - Work - Spotify Premium or Neutron App to my FiiO Kunlun into my Grado SR125e
...I found a used Expobar Brewtus II on CL not too far from me for $800. It could be around 12 years old, but looks to be well taken care of. Anyone aware of problems with this machine?
To your question...I don't know about that specific model but I'd be cautious of a 12 year old machine. Boiler and internal parts are key. Calcification would be my concern. I always use filtered water in my machines. Have repaired many over the years and prior to filtering/regular de calcifying could see what calcium/minerals do to the internals. Parts are usually expensive on these machines.
I started my "better" coffee journey w/a Jura F7, loved it, and started roasting my own beans because I couldn't find a good fresh source when I lived in northern TX. I dabbled in home brewing years before and found roasting is MUCH easier but gives the same satisfaction trying different origin beans and roast profiles. There is a learning curve!
1 lb of beans from SM's averages $6-7. On par, and often cheaper, than many commercial roasts. I roast 1/2 lb approx every 5-7 days and it takes 15 minutes. Minimum 24 hrs of rest and it's goodness.
Outgrew my Jura and was on a quest for better (sound like this audio rabbit hole we're posting on?). Like w/Polk Audio, I look for $$$ vs. value and products that are priced below a higher performance level. Upped my game by roasting so decided it was worth the move to a full on espresso machine.
Both, the Vivaldi and Nano, IMO...and many other folks, compete w/the bigger known (ie...more expensive) names.
Read a lot on pulling a perfect shot and you'll find the experts say it starts w/the grind. Spend the $$$ on a very good grinder and then follow w/a good machine. Pulling a shot is tough....but only takes practice.
My daily habit: 15 gram dose in a triple bottomless portafilter, 2 oz shot timed to 25-30 seconds (28 is the goal), added to 2 oz's of water for a very stiff Americano. Twice each morning. Took my wife a bit to get the hang of it and she drinks a 2 oz shot added to 6 oz's of H20. I don't do milk in my coffee but she does. I can't froth to save my life but she can nail a good cappuccino.
@tonyb is spot on w/his recommendation on superautomatic vs pulling shots and having guests. Also, lots of good advice above from the guys that do as I do.
Good beans (roast) + good grind + good machine + good skills = PERFECTION
Great entry level roaster and will up anyone's coffee game even they you don't go big on a machine. Psst, don't tell my son....getting him the Fresh Roast for Xmas. Gifted him the Jura F5 as a hand me down 2 years ago. Roasting has been fun sharing with my dad and now my son.
➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods)➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS AudioBHK Signature & 250, DirectStream➂Cables/IC's: MITS1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced+Avel Lindberg1000VA "Dreadnought"➃Power Conditioner: Core Power TechnologiesDeep Core, EQUI=CORE 1800➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH LabsPower Plus DIY w/NeotechNC-P301 & P311ends➅FLAC Streamer: RoonROCK on wifi'd NUC⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
Jay, looks like you are much more experienced at the whole thing than me, but I can agree 100% with what I do understand.
No to derail so much further, but back to Breville - their machines are very forgiving. For anyone getting into the next steps of coffee and find that brewing is missing something, they are a great gateway machine. I take Illy preground and can get almost 3/4" of crema or I use the grinder on Illy beans and get 1" both taste amazing
steaming and frothing milk took training from someone when I worked at a restaurant earlier in my life, people try and fail at that without a few tribal secrets. Again, the Breville I have makes great consistent steam to froth even 1 % milk
Never thought about roasting, but I think I have enough hobbies
Jay, thanks so much. I’m about to dive into another rabbit hole. I don’t want to buy a money pit. Love Americanos, but don’t get to the good outlets since I retired. I’m also a home roaster (see an earlier post). I started with a Freshroast and now use a Behmor. I also co-own an eight-pound roaster from RK Drums which uses a Weber gas grill. I don’t like the guesswork involved in the roasting, but it’s an excuse to get together with former coworkers every few weeks and it doesn’t involve spending time in a pub. After I check out the information in your post, I’m going to visit Clive Coffee soon to hear the pitch from the guy who sold the Vario on CL.
Thorens TD-160C; Sumiko Talisman S, retipped by Soundsmith; Jolida JD9; Marantz CD-53; North Star Intenso;
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
I was very close to buying whichever Breville machine was available 2 or 3 years ago (can't remember model). I liked the tamping feature and was really concerned my wife wouldn't want 100% manual process. There were some reviews that questioned reliability. My former job was as an aircraft maintenance analyst and I did studies on parts/reliability, so I'm anal(ytical) when it comes to my own money. Discussed it with my wife and we both didn't mind the learning curve and becoming home schooled baristas. The rest is history. My original Jura was good...but the superautomatics don't compete in the same space as a dedicated machine. However, I believe the Breville's a good step in the right direction and most people would be happy with it.
Back to derailing...apologies to the OP. @maxward I almost purchased my La Spatziele from Clive. Ended up w/Chris's because they were East Coast and shipping was closer to Germany via USPS. I'm now in the Northwest and plan to stop by Clive's the next time in the Portland area. The Behmor was on my short list when I was roaster shopping. Seems to have a nice following. Co-owner of an 8 lb roaster?...wow!!! I have to admit...my roasts are never as consistent as I'd like...much to learn. Sweet Maria's has a new(er) website and I like the way they profile their beans. Example:
I enjoy beans that have body and berry/fruit/chocolate profiles. Was in San Antonio and a local roaster blew my mind w/my first Ethiopian Haraar. Had no idea coffee could have berry/fruit notes. Great guy that spent an afternoon w/me.
...end derail.
@Viking64 made you look, again, "TLDR" last year! LOL
➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods)➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS AudioBHK Signature & 250, DirectStream➂Cables/IC's: MITS1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced+Avel Lindberg1000VA "Dreadnought"➃Power Conditioner: Core Power TechnologiesDeep Core, EQUI=CORE 1800➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH LabsPower Plus DIY w/NeotechNC-P301 & P311ends➅FLAC Streamer: RoonROCK on wifi'd NUC⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
@JayCee, if you think that this is a huge derail, PM me and I’ll give you my contact info. I’m still considering Breville with all the satisfied owners here. The RK drum roasting method is pretty primitive, IMHO. A friend was gifted the drum (retail $400) and 4 of us chipped in to buy the motor to adapt it to a gas Weber, mine. No way to inspect during the roast, so it’s all about time, temperature and listening for the cracks. We’ve had hits and misses. I get beans from SM and Sonofresco in WA. If you get to Clive’s, you might also want to visit Mr. Green Beans on N. Mississippi, a really nice guy owns it. Thanks for your generous advice. Mike
Thorens TD-160C; Sumiko Talisman S, retipped by Soundsmith; Jolida JD9; Marantz CD-53; North Star Intenso;
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
2 channel: Anthem 225 Integrated amp; Parasound Ztuner; TechnicsTT SL1350; Vincent PHO-8 phono pre; Marantz CD6005 spinner; Polk SDA2BTL's; LAT International speaker cables, ZU Mission IC's and power cables all into a PS Audio Dectet Power center.
Other; S60'S, M10 series II, M7C's, Hafler XL600 amp, RB-980BX, Parasound HCA-1500 amp , P5 preamp, all in storage. All vintage Polk have had crossover rebuilds and tweeter upgrades.
There are three things that give a man a false sense of courage, a keyboard, alcohol and a firearm.
Motorhead, 4.12.20
tonyb said " but even socialists can do a good thing here and there
Social media makes dumb people dumber and smart people dumb and dumber.
Im thinking about picking up a Breville Coffee maker. We currently use a Kurig and it makes fine coffee but I find it to be weak at times especially when I make a trade mug.
I did some research and the Breville is rated very high including some good reviews about correct temperature and trip time.
I'm in.
Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
So I received my upgraded replacement unit today. The new unit called 'Grind Control" has nicer display and controls. It was awful nice of Breville to replace my almost 3 year old unit with a brand new one because they couldn't provide a replacement brew basket ($20) part.
I am running a few batches of water through it now and will have it ready for tomorrow. Ordered some fresh JBM beans today too.
Their customer service is very good. You might have to hold/leave a callback number but their folks are very nice.... Kinda like a company we used to know.
My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave:HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
Set the grind on "2" which is "fine" and the "Strength" setting on 6 (out of 8).
Loaded the hopper with some JBM beans and let it rip...using a Melitta paper filter which is my normal preference.
Some things to note. The grinder is much quieter than the older version. No longer sounds like a weed wacker in the kitchen first thing in the morning.
The unit retails for app $247 has a SS thermal carafe and can make cups of in any size you might want.
Makes a great pot/cup of coffee that you can tweak to your taste. And it smells good too!
This guys review is pretty good
My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave:HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
My integrated espresso grinder has never had an issue. Here’s some government shutdown Wednesday espresso/latte action shots. Some straight espresso and a quick latte for the gf. My art skills are still improving obviously lol. The coffee is blue bottle Hayes Valley espresso fresh roasted yesterday! All done with the Breville BES870XL Barista Express
2 Channel - Dual Purpose system in the works
Polk LSIM707 I Polk LSIM 706C I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Marantz AV7707 I B&K Ref 200.7 I Rega P6 w/ Ania MC I Rega Fono MC I Audience Ohno ICs/Audience Forte F3 Power Chord/Acoustic Zen Satori I Cambridge 851N
My integrated espresso grinder has never had an issue. Here’s some government shutdown Wednesday espresso/latte action shots. Some straight espresso and a quick latte for the gf. My art skills are still improving obviously lol. The coffee is blue bottle Hayes Valley espresso fresh roasted yesterday! All done with the Breville BES870XL Barista Express
I'm on my way over!! that looks too good
2Ch- B&W 703, SVS PB10 NSD, Marantz NR1607, Parasound 1500a, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (Yellow) with Acrylic platter, Pro-Ject phono pre, MIT AVT 2 speaker cables, MIT AVT 1 and AVT 2 ICs, XLO Jumpers, Signal Dig Coax, Signal Cable Magic Power Cables x3, Samsung 55JS7000, Harmony 1100, Sony BDP-S6200, Marantz DV-4200 (as Transport), Cambridge Audio DAC Magic100, Monster 3600MKII, Android Mi Box3 and Apple TV. - Pool /Gazebo Yamaha RX-A1010, Polk Patio 25x4, Rotel RDV 1045 (as CDP) MIT AVT3 ICs - Work - Spotify Premium or Neutron App to my FiiO Kunlun into my Grado SR125e
I've been playing around with the settings on my Cuisinart auto pour over. We normally had it at Bold but reading the instruction manual yesterday it said the Coffee association recommends Hot temp and medium. Tried it this morning and it was ok, I also think the person who ground our beans at the coffee shop used the wrong setting. It's either been a 5 or 7. We use a metal cone filter. Yesterday I bought the same Ethiopian beans and spoke to someone else and they suggested a 6. I'll be trying that tomorrow and I think I'll bump it back up to Bold.
2Ch- B&W 703, SVS PB10 NSD, Marantz NR1607, Parasound 1500a, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (Yellow) with Acrylic platter, Pro-Ject phono pre, MIT AVT 2 speaker cables, MIT AVT 1 and AVT 2 ICs, XLO Jumpers, Signal Dig Coax, Signal Cable Magic Power Cables x3, Samsung 55JS7000, Harmony 1100, Sony BDP-S6200, Marantz DV-4200 (as Transport), Cambridge Audio DAC Magic100, Monster 3600MKII, Android Mi Box3 and Apple TV. - Pool /Gazebo Yamaha RX-A1010, Polk Patio 25x4, Rotel RDV 1045 (as CDP) MIT AVT3 ICs - Work - Spotify Premium or Neutron App to my FiiO Kunlun into my Grado SR125e
Do any of you guys with the Breville find that the beans don't always feed well into the grinder ?
In the almost 3 years using the old one... never had an issue... I keep my beans in a vacuum jar after opening, and Never put them in the fridge or freezer as that will make them attract moisture and wet beans can foul up your grinder....
My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave:HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
Do any of you guys with the Breville find that the beans don't always feed well into the grinder ?
In the almost 3 years using the old one... never had an issue... I keep my beans in a vacuum jar after opening, and Never put them in the fridge or freezer as that will make them attract moisture and wet beans can foul up your grinder....
On the grind and brew Breville ? Or are you using a separate grinder ?
HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's
CL has a listing for a Breville BES840XL, The Infuser, unused (a gift to someone who only drinks coffee). Can I assume that it should perform the same as the one with built-in grinder, the ...870...?
Thorens TD-160C; Sumiko Talisman S, retipped by Soundsmith; Jolida JD9; Marantz CD-53; North Star Intenso;
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
Comments
Polk LSIM707 I Polk LSIM 706C I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Marantz AV7707 I B&K Ref 200.7 I Rega P6 w/ Ania MC I Rega Fono MC I Audience Ohno ICs/Audience Forte F3 Power Chord/Acoustic Zen Satori I Cambridge 851N
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/espro-calibrated-tamper?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgMD-rpKC3wIVjlqGCh0khwauEAAYAiAAEgIoB_D_BwE
Polk LSIM707 I Polk LSIM 706C I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Marantz AV7707 I B&K Ref 200.7 I Rega P6 w/ Ania MC I Rega Fono MC I Audience Ohno ICs/Audience Forte F3 Power Chord/Acoustic Zen Satori I Cambridge 851N
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
For me, an espresso with a twist of lemon is the best. Nothing better after a great meal.
Ppffft! But have you upgraded the power cable?
That's how my wife drinks it, with a twist of lemon.
Here's the jist as I see it anyway. A manual machine will probably give you the best quality shot, period. However, to extract that from a manual machine takes some skill as there is many variables that go into making a quality shot. There is a learning curve, and not everyone is up to it.
If your the only espresso drinker in the house, that might work for you. If you have more, and guests who also enjoy it, your strapped to the machine making everyone coffee, and then the refills when they want more because your the only one skilled enough to make it.
If you have multiple drinkers, and entertain often, a fully automatic one touch machine is probably more up your alley. That way anyone can just press a button and get espresso, or other milk foamed drinks whenever they want without you having to look over their shoulder or do it yourself.
Pick your poison to accommodate your lifestyle. Each has it's pro's and cons.
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's
https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/184341/breville-juice-fountain-plus/p1?new=1
In doing research, I’ve concluded that my grinder, a Bararza Virtuoso, is probably marginal for espresso because the adjustments are too coarse to dial in the grind. I followed up on an ad for a Baratza Vario, almost new and with both steel and ceramic burrs. It sounds like I lost the sale, but the seller works at Clive Coffee, a local seller of espresso machines and grinders. His advice was that I might be better off to not consider the heat exchanger machines and look at a small double boiler, the Profitec Pro 300. Not in the budget! However, I found a used Expobar Brewtus II on CL not too far from me for $800. It could be around 12 years old, but looks to be well taken care of. Anyone aware of problems with this machine?
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/wine-products/bwd600.html
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
Yes the most decanting mine usually gets is while it’s going glug glug glug into the glass...
Game Room HT: Denon AVR-X4200w; Definitive Technology SM350; Definitive Technology LCR2000; Definitive Technology Procinema 800; Mirage Nanasats; Sub - HSU VTF-2 MK5
Master Bedroom
Cambridge Azur 551r; Definitive Technology SM45; ACI Titan Subwoofer; Squeezebox Touch
Where does it get 90% oxygen from considering the air we breath is about 21%. I doubt it has a filter and it's not hooked up to an oxygen tank.
To your question...I don't know about that specific model but I'd be cautious of a 12 year old machine. Boiler and internal parts are key. Calcification would be my concern. I always use filtered water in my machines. Have repaired many over the years and prior to filtering/regular de calcifying could see what calcium/minerals do to the internals. Parts are usually expensive on these machines.
I started my "better" coffee journey w/a Jura F7, loved it, and started roasting my own beans because I couldn't find a good fresh source when I lived in northern TX. I dabbled in home brewing years before and found roasting is MUCH easier but gives the same satisfaction trying different origin beans and roast profiles. There is a learning curve!
My roaster: Gene Cafe https://genecafeusa.com/
Purchase Beans from: https://www.sweetmarias.com/ (SM)
1 lb of beans from SM's averages $6-7. On par, and often cheaper, than many commercial roasts. I roast 1/2 lb approx every 5-7 days and it takes 15 minutes. Minimum 24 hrs of rest and it's goodness.
Outgrew my Jura and was on a quest for better (sound like this audio rabbit hole we're posting on?). Like w/Polk Audio, I look for $$$ vs. value and products that are priced below a higher performance level. Upped my game by roasting so decided it was worth the move to a full on espresso machine.
After much research I kept coming back to the La Speziale Vivaldi II:
https://www.chriscoffee.com/S1-Vivaldi-II-p/vivaldi-ii.htm
Purchased from Chris's coffee, the US importer, but also looked at Clive's. Paired it with a Fiorenzato F4E Nano grinder (Version 1):
https://www.chriscoffee.com/fiorenzato-f4e-nano-p/f4ev2.htm
Both, the Vivaldi and Nano, IMO...and many other folks, compete w/the bigger known (ie...more expensive) names.
Read a lot on pulling a perfect shot and you'll find the experts say it starts w/the grind. Spend the $$$ on a very good grinder and then follow w/a good machine. Pulling a shot is tough....but only takes practice.
My daily habit: 15 gram dose in a triple bottomless portafilter, 2 oz shot timed to 25-30 seconds (28 is the goal), added to 2 oz's of water for a very stiff Americano. Twice each morning. Took my wife a bit to get the hang of it and she drinks a 2 oz shot added to 6 oz's of H20. I don't do milk in my coffee but she does. I can't froth to save my life but she can nail a good cappuccino.
@tonyb is spot on w/his recommendation on superautomatic vs pulling shots and having guests. Also, lots of good advice above from the guys that do as I do.
Good beans (roast) + good grind + good machine + good skills = PERFECTION
p.s. My dad has a superautomatic and I got him into roasting with this Xmas present several years ago:
https://www.sweetmarias.com/fresh-roast-sr500.html
Great entry level roaster and will up anyone's coffee game even they you don't go big on a machine. Psst, don't tell my son....getting him the Fresh Roast for Xmas. Gifted him the Jura F5 as a hand me down 2 years ago. Roasting has been fun sharing with my dad and now my son.
Jay, looks like you are much more experienced at the whole thing than me, but I can agree 100% with what I do understand.
No to derail so much further, but back to Breville - their machines are very forgiving. For anyone getting into the next steps of coffee and find that brewing is missing something, they are a great gateway machine. I take Illy preground and can get almost 3/4" of crema or I use the grinder on Illy beans and get 1" both taste amazing
steaming and frothing milk took training from someone when I worked at a restaurant earlier in my life, people try and fail at that without a few tribal secrets. Again, the Breville I have makes great consistent steam to froth even 1 % milk
Never thought about roasting, but I think I have enough hobbies
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
Back to derailing...apologies to the OP. @maxward I almost purchased my La Spatziele from Clive. Ended up w/Chris's because they were East Coast and shipping was closer to Germany via USPS. I'm now in the Northwest and plan to stop by Clive's the next time in the Portland area. The Behmor was on my short list when I was roaster shopping. Seems to have a nice following. Co-owner of an 8 lb roaster?...wow!!! I have to admit...my roasts are never as consistent as I'd like...much to learn. Sweet Maria's has a new(er) website and I like the way they profile their beans. Example:
I enjoy beans that have body and berry/fruit/chocolate profiles. Was in San Antonio and a local roaster blew my mind w/my first Ethiopian Haraar. Had no idea coffee could have berry/fruit notes. Great guy that spent an afternoon w/me.
...end derail.
@Viking64 made you look, again, "TLDR" last year! LOL
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
Other; S60'S, M10 series II, M7C's, Hafler XL600 amp, RB-980BX, Parasound HCA-1500 amp , P5 preamp, all in storage. All vintage Polk have had crossover rebuilds and tweeter upgrades.
There are three things that give a man a false sense of courage, a keyboard, alcohol and a firearm.
Motorhead, 4.12.20
tonyb said " but even socialists can do a good thing here and there
Social media makes dumb people dumber and smart people dumb and dumber.
I did some research and the Breville is rated very high including some good reviews about correct temperature and trip time.
I'm in.
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
I am running a few batches of water through it now and will have it ready for tomorrow. Ordered some fresh JBM beans today too.
Their customer service is very good. You might have to hold/leave a callback number but their folks are very nice.... Kinda like a company we used to know.
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
Set the grind on "2" which is "fine" and the "Strength" setting on 6 (out of 8).
Loaded the hopper with some JBM beans and let it rip...using a Melitta paper filter which is my normal preference.
Some things to note. The grinder is much quieter than the older version. No longer sounds like a weed wacker in the kitchen first thing in the morning.
The unit retails for app $247 has a SS thermal carafe and can make cups of in any size you might want.
Makes a great pot/cup of coffee that you can tweak to your taste. And it smells good too!
This guys review is pretty good
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's
Only when I used oily beans did it have issues. But oily beans usually suck
Polk LSIM707 I Polk LSIM 706C I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Marantz AV7707 I B&K Ref 200.7 I Rega P6 w/ Ania MC I Rega Fono MC I Audience Ohno ICs/Audience Forte F3 Power Chord/Acoustic Zen Satori I Cambridge 851N
I'm on my way over!! that looks too good
In the almost 3 years using the old one... never had an issue... I keep my beans in a vacuum jar after opening, and Never put them in the fridge or freezer as that will make them attract moisture and wet beans can foul up your grinder....
Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |
ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4
Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |
Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |
Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |
Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's
Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
On the grind and brew Breville ? Or are you using a separate grinder ?
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's
Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R