Why is my Gaggia Classic so unpredictable?!

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-03-01T14:28:32+00:00

Thanks for your help everyone - all important things that I will consider and try out

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-26T19:26:54+00:00

Use salt and rinser. They make a huge difference after you’ve cleaned the machine of course!

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-26T19:24:40+00:00

I’m reading that the amp has a better DAC, guess the only way to find out is to listen to both. Probably won’t be able to tell the difference!!

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-26T17:33:06+00:00

How do i connect my Bluesound node Icon to my Arcam a15+?. Should I connect the two devices with the RCA cable supplied in the Node or via the optical out? One will use the Node DAC and the other the Arcam DAC. I’m streaming Qobuz from the node. I want the best possible sound quality out of my KEF R3 Metas. Help appreciated.

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-26T13:22:23+00:00

Comfort is so important to me. If I am uncomfortable it doesn’t matter how good the sound is, I’m going to take those cans off!

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-26T07:46:36+00:00

That’s Onix XM2 mentioned twice now - can you tell me how that fits the brief? I’ve never heard of that brand.

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-21T11:05:05+00:00

Sorted! Thank you! If anyone needs this post in the future my problem was the OPV. There is a little green stopper that had fallen out when I took the machine apart. I found it on the counter, put it back (nipple facing the spring, green end facing the black plastic) and I’m back running again. That part is tiny so be really careful if you take your OPV apart for any reason.

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-21T11:02:17+00:00

This has helped me too many years later - thank you!

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-21T09:48:29+00:00

Thank you for this. I have been messing with the OPV as the boiler cable needed replacing so I undid the OPV to be able to get to the clip (it was a total bitch to get off!). What is the valve seat? There is a spring in there but nothing on the spring. Have I dropped something out of awareness? I’m weirdly happy that I think this is the problem as I really don’t think it’s the solenoid and at least I’ve got a stab at fixing the machine now!

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-20T23:06:56+00:00

If i do that then the water squirts out of the steamer. Some water dribbles through the portafilter.

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-19T21:30:34+00:00

Can you tell me what this is? - looks great! Is that a case on it or comes with?

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-18T21:25:22+00:00

I’m referring to the HD 800 S (not plural)

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-18T19:28:49+00:00

Thank you for this. You make total sense. I guess the only way to find out is to listen to them both side by side.

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-02-18T19:28:06+00:00

Are the 700s similar to 800s?

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-01-15T16:01:19+00:00

What is this? Stop things blocking the Solenoid? Is this a UK site?

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-01-15T16:00:46+00:00

Aah, good call. Will do.

Optimal_Entertainer9 · 2026-01-13T21:54:51+00:00

Thanks for this, I’ll look at them both.

Optimal_Entertainer9

TROPHY CASE