Chud, I've been using a v1 Silvia for the same period of time as you, so can relate to your frustration. Tricky machine to get right, but rewarding when so. I'm now getting good quality (to my palette) shots using temp surf method with a short (1-2 second) cooling flush 30 seconds after boiler light goes out. Almost every time I've made a bad shot I've attributed it to over filling the filter basket. I bought a 14g ridgeless Synesso basket and a naked filter handle. I dose 17g weighed per shot, and have found best results with fine grind and light tamp. I fitted my shower screen with a shallower head screw, this removes that deep hex head imprint from the top of the puck. The naked filter really helps you figure out if you are tamping correctly.
Lots of people here are far more experienced than me, but I hope the above is somewhat useful. Hope you get the results you're looking for.
Lots of people here are far more experienced than me, but I hope the above is somewhat useful. Hope you get the results you're looking for.

I guess I am pulling more of a double ristretto over the top of my water. FYI I just made a long black with the same dose and cut if off at 27 seconds instead of 20 and it was much more bitter than the previous cup. That was the only variable change!
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