Tim's modest system [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

Tim

13-03-2011, 15:14

When I joined Alex said it was customary to post a picture in the Gallery, so I thought I better had, as he's now a Mod!

Quite modest, but it has worked for me up to now - I am about to change quite a few things round over the coming months, so will post again after those changes.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/room130320111.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/dico1-1.jpg

Tim

PS. Alex, you mentioned curtains as well.......... feel free to comment :lolsign: I hate them, but as it's a rented apartment I have to live with them for now. I'm hoping to persuade my landlady to let me take them down, but I've not been here long, so when she gets to know me better :)

MartinT

13-03-2011, 15:43

Tim

13-03-2011, 15:58

Tim, how far are you sitting from the speakers? The immediate thing that strikes me is that your speakers are closer together than I would have them - and I toe them in to compensate and keep the image holding together.
Yes, they are far too close together, just got dumped there when I moved. I am going to rotate the room 90 degrees soon, so the speakers will be either side of a recessed bay and much further apart. One of a long list of things to do :(

Rare Bird

13-03-2011, 17:27

You can tell straight away someone who respects his home, very tidy tim..Now if you could vacumm the carpet like they do on bowling greens (dark strip, light strip etc) :lolsign:

Alex_UK

13-03-2011, 19:44

DSJR

13-03-2011, 19:46

I like curtains too, but not with mid 90's swags & tails - bloody dust traps :lol: Curtains can help in room damping - I hate the new-wave echo-chambers some people like to live in which is dire for music listening.

Tim

13-03-2011, 19:55

Thanks for posting Tim - looks great, Martin beat me to the observation I would have made that it is nearly always better to fire across the room than along it if it is possible, - which it sounds like it is. You won't regret it - speaker placement is so crucial. (And as Martin has also suggested, I've rarely found that toed in speakers aren't better than "flat".)

I like the curtains, by the way! :)
Toed in about 2 more inches -- better :) They were toed in slightly already, but it doesn't really seem it in the picture....... you like the curtains?..... you can have them :lol:

Jewel sounds louder with them toed in a bit more, I seem to have hit a sweet spot too :scratch: fussy stuff this HiFi eh?

Reid Malenfant

13-03-2011, 20:01

Nice system you have there Tim :) I definately agree that moving the speakers to the longer wall will pay dividends, reflections from the side of the speakers hitting the wall & bouncing back will more than likely be virtually eliminated ;)

As for sweet spots, a couple of CM can make a rather big difference :eyebrows:

Rare Bird

13-03-2011, 20:21

Mine are each side of the telly firing straight out all perfectly uniform just like Tims pickie, i couldnt give two hoots if they are supposidly wrang or not :D

Tim

13-03-2011, 20:22

Mine are each side of the telly firing straight out all perfectly uniform, i couldnt give two hoots if they are supposidly wrang or not :D

:lolsign:............. you rebel :cool:

MartinT

13-03-2011, 20:32

I am going to rotate the room 90 degrees soon, so the speakers will be either side of a recessed bay and much further apart.

Yep, that should do it. I much prefer firing across the shorter length of the room, easier to fiddle with speaker positioning and get rid of side reflections, which I think are worse than rear reflections.

MartinT

13-03-2011, 20:33

Mine are each side of the telly firing straight out all perfectly uniform

So what you need is a room with a curved rear wall, that way you can have them toed in but still firing straight ;)

Rare Bird

13-03-2011, 21:15

Alex_UK

13-03-2011, 21:19

Doesnt intrest me all that BS Martin, honestly it's more important for me to have everything uniform, remember i'm not a modern day audio fan, they dint bother with all that crap in 1970, you just used the stereo back then :lolsign:

It's ok though - Andre mainly listens to headphones, and luckily his ears are toed in 23 degrees "out of the box!" :lol:

Alex_UK

13-03-2011, 21:23

Toed in about 2 more inches -- better :) They were toed in slightly already, but it doesn't really seem it in the picture....... you like the curtains?..... you can have them :lol:

Jewel sounds louder with them toed in a bit more, I seem to have hit a sweet spot too :scratch: fussy stuff this HiFi eh?

I had a right old time after we re-did the living room - tried everything, including "Jimmy Hughes" style firing away from the listener (don't bother! :lolsign:)

In the end, it will depend very much on the room, your speakers, if it is only you who mainly listens (and can have a selfish sweet-spot all of your own!) but it doesn't cost anything to have a fiddle now, does it? (You can even move your speakers around if you fancy it! :lol:)

Tim

28-09-2012, 16:24

Well its been sometime since I posted here and I have also moved home, so I thought I should show Alex my new curtains.
Very boring I'm afraid Alex and there's a distinct lack of lilac anywhere at Tim Towers . . . excuse the average pics, I only have a point & shoot camera.

Every single bit of my system (apart from the rack) has changed since joining AoS and I only came here looking for information about DAC's :lol:

System:
Custom built SSD music server/player (v2.0), based on an Intel Atom motherboard
Windows 7 Pro x64 | JRiver MC17 | Spotify Premium
Rega DAC via USB
Rega Brio-R integrated amplifier (50w RMS ~ 8 ohms)
Toshiba SD-330E DVD player
Harbeth SHL5 speakers in Cherry
Mark Grant G2000HD and Belden 1694A interconnect cables
Van Damme Professional Blue Series 2 x 4 mm speaker cables
Belkin PureAV PF30 Power Console
Samsung Galaxy Tab2 10.1"

I have nearly reached the end of the road regarding changes and just have a few small details to address;

Some new stands for the Harbeths and will most likely go for either Skylan or Sound Anchors.
A final rebuild of the file server (v3.0), to include an external dedicated linear PSU.
A few new mains leads - Bob Crump (Asylum) cables which I'm going to make myself.
To complete the picture a TT and RCM, possibly a Rega but I do fancy a vintage one - then that will be it until something breaks or I croak!

Comments:
My sincere thanks indeed goes to the forum and its membership, especially a certain few who I won't name, but they should know who they are.
Your advice, friendship (from afar) purchasing guidance and music suggestions has been genuinely appreciated. I have never enjoyed my music as much as I do now, or played as much - I just wish Alex would put his bloody fishing rod away sometimes :rolleyes:

I have to have a final word regarding Harbeth speakers . . . I'm not kidding when I say acquiring these has been a life changing experience and I had never heard of Harbeth prior to joining AoS. They are a pure musical delight - I always used to say I know what sound I like and I'll know it when I hear it. Well I never managed to hear that sound until I heard Harbeth speakers. They are all exceptional, but for me the SHL5's are the 'jewels in the crown' of the Harbeth range. In the past I would listen to music maybe 2 or 3 times a week and only for a few hours, as I got fatigued. I never really realised it at the time, but its so clearly obvious now. These days I often listen to music from morn' till night and sometimes cannot go to bed because I want to play one more album. I also listen to music every single day, they really are that good and suit me down to the ground. I know they are not for everyone, but for me they are the perfect fit. Its taken me nearly 40 years, but I have finally found 'my sound'.

Cheers to you all.

:cool:

The sweet spot as it were (I need a new darker frame for that foot stool too!)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge3.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge4.jpg

Harbeth SHL5's on Atacama SL400 stands.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge5.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge8.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge6.jpg

SSD Music Server, Rega DAC and Western Digital Live TV - Belkin PF30 at the bottom.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge1.jpg

I don't have a CDP, but if I need to spin a disc a friend has brought round, or a magazine cover disk, I use a Toshiba DVD
as a transport for the Rega DAC via coax - its surprisingly good actually and the Tosh was an award winning player many years ago.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge2.jpg

Everything is controlled by a Samsung Galaxy Tab2 using Gizmo, Spotimote and Teamviewer apps.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/lounge7.jpg

dantheman91

28-09-2012, 16:40

:stalks:

Stunning tim very neat and tidy.

stupinder

28-09-2012, 17:05

very tidy indeed. Makes me realise what a messy tw@ i am

brian2957

28-09-2012, 20:02

Very nice Tim , my kind of system mate. Mines has totally changed ( for the better ) since I joined this forum too . Although I don't feel I've spent a fortune for a major gain in SQ . Made some new friends too along the way.

Beechwoods

28-09-2012, 20:11

I think it looks great. I love the speakers, and the Tab looks good too. Nice set-up.

John

28-09-2012, 20:14

Great to see Tim
The system has really changed alot so not only has AOS cost you loads on albums but also on gear to, but its worth it when you can listen to music for hours and hours

Tim

28-09-2012, 20:40

Thanks guys, I have been told I'm a tidy person (OCD) but never really notice it myself . . . ex Royal Navy, so I guess that's where it comes from.

Yes, a lot has changed John, but if you think of what I had before, I have actually 'downgraded' in terms of cost, but the sound has improved ten fold . . . and some! Its a very modest system compared to many on AoS, but the pleasure it gives me is immense, which is what its all about as far as I'm concerned. The last system that gave me anything near as much pleasure was my PL12D, Trio KA-3500 and JR149's as a teenager - I wish I still had them TBH, if only for nostalgia, but I reckon properly fettled they could still belt out a tune or two to make your toes curl ;)

Alex_UK

28-09-2012, 20:43

Excellent Tim - nice looking pad, and I think it is great that you've found a system that moves out of the way and lets you listen to the music - exactly how it should be. :)

I think I've listened to the whole Harbeth range at least once now - and I'd agree that the SHL5 is the jewel in the crown - unless you have the room to accommodate Monitor 40.1s (who does?) - and I'm certainly not going to disagree with Rega electronics...

Anyway - more important issues - curtains - you need some! :lol:

Looking forward to turning the "friendship (from afar)" into a less virtual version - we've got a "date" in March but hopefully see you before then! (how long have I been saying that!?) You're a great asset to AoS (I love the fishing!) and long may you hang around here with the rest of us. :)

Macca

28-09-2012, 20:55

John

28-09-2012, 20:56

Yes my system has gone through a similar process but sounding better than ever

Tim

28-09-2012, 20:56

a system that moves out of the way and lets you listen to the music
. . . well put Alex, never thought of it that way, but that's exactly what it does - all I hear or concentrate on is the music.

Curtains . . . huh, when I settle in a few years for the last time, I don't intend to have any, hate the darn things TBH, I do like lilac though :lol:

(I have found a nice pair of cutters too, to cut your darned fishing line . . . ;))

Tim

28-09-2012, 21:00

I have the feeling that if I went into that room and ran a white-gloved finger around the top of the skirting board it would come back pristine.:)
Hmmm OK, yes Martin the games up :o but it doesn't necessarily make me a bad person. I guess being single makes it easy for me, no-one to mess it up.

I think loudspeakers are possibly the most personal part of a system and you can't really argue personal preference, Harbeth's do seem to divide opinion though.

DSJR

28-09-2012, 21:09

I have the feeling that if I went into that room and ran a white-gloved finger around the top of the skirting board it would come back pristine.:) I heard some smaller Harbeths at Scalford and they were 'nice' but not impressive - I like a bit of 'Sturm and Drang' with loudspeakers. Yours do look the business though.

This is going to sound SO patronising and apologies if you think it is, but I think you have to serve an audio apprenticeship where Harbeths are concerned. Why? Because they're just not the type of speakers that throw the music at you, pushing you back into the rear wall. rather, they're designed with the ear's characteristics in mind, together with the very thin walls and low volume level requirements of their far eastern market taken very much in mind.

I have to say I've always been a Harbeth fan, ever since dear Dudley brought the original HL model to us. We sold loads of these and they had a lovely quality to them, getting more consistent and well behaved as time went on. Alan Shaw has done significant refinements right across the board since he took the company over and one thing ALL these models do, is show up just how lumpy and often harsh the competition is.

If you want explicit details and punch, look to the better active pro monitors out there, since for under £3K they'd out perform almost all the domestic competition, but since I for one, can't play the stereo loudly now, some 30.1's will suit me fine. I'd prefer these in my small rooms to the SHL5, accepting that Alex adores the latter as his future choice for his larger lounge.

Macca

28-09-2012, 21:12

Hmmm OK, yes Martin the games up :o but it doesn't necessarily make me a bad person. I guess being single makes it easy for me, no-one to mess it up.

I think loudspeakers are possibly the most personal part of a system and you can't really argue personal preference, Harbeth's do seem to divide opinion though.

Don't get me wrong - I am quite jelous of people who have that level of discipline. My room has been described as 'a recording studio after a bad fight' and 'the back room in a failing hi-fi dealership.' Also I don't hoover as often as I should and as for dusting...However I am inspired and will be taking a leaf from your book :)

Tim

28-09-2012, 21:16

However I am inspired and will be taking a leaf from your book :)
Nah, stay as you are Martin . . . you are who you are, the world has many colours and is all the richer for it ;)

Macca

28-09-2012, 21:18

This is going to sound SO patronising and apologies if you think it is, but I think you have to serve an audio apprenticeship where Harbeths are concerned. Why? Because they're just not the type of speakers that throw the music at you, pushing you back into the rear wall. rather, they're designed with the ear's characteristics in mind, together with the very thin walls and low volume level requirements of their far eastern market taken very much in mind.

I.

Dave - not patronising at all - I would never judge a preference from one listen at a show, However I like the JBL sound as opposed to the BBC sound - to genralise, of course.

DSJR

28-09-2012, 21:21

That's fine, I like the JBL sound too. It's just that to hear it at its best, I reckon and fear you'd have to spend multiples of the 40.1's, let alone SHL5's, for new product anyway..

As an aside, i've directly compared the tannoy Turnberry SE to the SHL5 and they're not so different, the Tannoys being a bit rougher to my ears, but no less entertaining :)

The Grand Wazoo

28-09-2012, 23:10

Nice Tim and very tidy.
You need to upgrade a bit by investing in some of that audiophile dust though!

Rare Bird

29-09-2012, 00:43

well done Tim. not my cuppa tho, im more of a stack em high 30 spare vintage amps man :eyebrows:

RichB

29-09-2012, 09:03

Lovely system Tim, but then I'm bound to say that eh:eyebrows:

If you need any audiophile dust to spread round the place I've got bags of here all for a very reasonable price.

DSJR

29-09-2012, 11:05

Just found the latest pics. I have the very same Toshiba DVD player as a bedroom player and I LOVE the boomy bass trap :lol: behind one of the speakers. have you tried removing it to see if it makes any difference?

MartinT

29-09-2012, 11:48

It looks immaculate, Tim. I get the impression that you have more space than in your old gaff? There's nothing better than the system disappearing, as Alex says, so that you find yourself just listening to the music and not focussing on the technology at all. Oh, and I liked your Harbeths very much when I had a listen last.

I do think, though, that curtains between your speakers and all that glass will make a significant difference to the sound. You could test the idea by hanging a blanket there and having a listen.

dantheman91

29-09-2012, 14:33

Edit.

Tim

29-09-2012, 15:31

Lol, were those albums ones you thought I should be playing Dan? :eyebrows:

dantheman91

29-09-2012, 15:45

Lol, were those albums ones you thought I should be playing Dan? :eyebrows:

Sorry was looking at your thread and was meant to put in (spinning today but got lost :lol:

Tim

29-09-2012, 16:03

Not a bad selection TBH Dan - might spin Close to the Edge later ;)

Thanks for the comments too Martin and Dave, you guys crack me up - here's me happy as Larry with my sound and I need to start moving furniture around and hanging blankets in front of the windows :lol:
I love it here there's is no other forum like it . . . if only AoS brewed lager . . . now where did I put that duster and polish?

:cool:

(those are actually curtains BTW even got linings, just very light in colour with strong sunlight behind them)

MartinT

29-09-2012, 21:12

Make sure it's a lilac blanket or it won't sound right ;)

Alex_UK

29-09-2012, 21:18

:lol:

Tim

29-09-2012, 21:57

Make sure it's a lilac blanket or it won't sound right ;)
Hmmm, I seem to have misplaced my 'audiophile lilac blanket' :confused: what should I do?

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/shout.gif Alex . . . .

MartinT

29-09-2012, 22:01

Hmmm, I seem to have misplaced my 'audiophile lilac blanket' :confused: what should I do?

Why, buy the expensive hand embroidered Oyaide one, of course! Don't want any cheap old thing that doesn't look the part...

Tim

29-09-2012, 22:06

Why, buy the expensive hand embroidered Oyaide one, of course! Don't want any cheap old thing that doesn't look the part...
Will it need an SUT and can I use an SPU with it?

(see, I'm picking up the jargon ;))

AlfaGTV

29-09-2012, 22:31

You have a beautiful home Tim, and i'm certain it sounds mighty nice!
I have yet to hear some bigger Harbeths in a good setup, but what i have heard, it's very promising! Nice and tidy!
Regards Mike

Tim

29-09-2012, 23:49

You have a beautiful home Tim, and i'm certain it sounds mighty nice!
Thanks Mike, maybe it will have a Heybrook in it soon :eyebrows:

MartinT

30-09-2012, 11:31

Turntable coming soon, Tim?

Marco

30-09-2012, 11:57

The system is crying out for one - dat's for shure! :eyebrows:

I can understand why Tim mentioned on another thread that he's thinking of going the vintage route, after seeing a pic of Mike's rather splendido Heybrook TT2, but while aesthetically that may be justifiable, I'm not sure that it would be to the same degree, sonically...

If you're going the vintage route, Tim, I'd opt for a nice Thorens TD-124, Goldring G99 or a Garrard 401 or 301 (choose depending on preferred looks) in suitable plinths, as by a country mile, those are the best sounding vintage T/Ts I've heard, available at a reasonable price. Sonically, idlers knock most vintage belt-drive T/Ts into a cocked hat.

Lovely set-up and room, though. I too love Harbs (and BBC monitor-type speakers in general). The only thing I'd say (unless it's the camera angle) is that your TV is a little too much in line with your speakers. The former really needs to be much further back, well out of the way, for best sonic results.

I think you'd also enjoy the rather different presentation of the Harbs, when used on lightweight open-frame stands, such as those from Something Solid, as IME, they really come alive there much more than they do on the high-mass type you're using now. Perhaps that's one to consider in future, if you haven't already?

Anyway, it's a really well thought out system, in a lovely cosy looking, imacculately decorated room, so :respect:

Marco.

Marco

30-09-2012, 12:00

The system is crying out for one - dat's for shure! :eyebrows:

I can understand why Tim mentioned on another thread that he's thinking of going the vintage route, after seeing a pic of Mike's rather splendido Heybrook TT2, but while aesthetically that may be justifiable, I'm not sure that it would be to the same degree, sonically...

If you're going the vintage route, Tim, I'd opt for a nice Thorens TD-124, Goldring G99 or a Garrard 401 or 301 (choose which one of the latter, depending on preferred looks) in suitable plinths, as by a country mile, those are the best sounding vintage T/Ts I've heard, available at a reasonable price. Sonically, idlers knock most vintage belt-drive (and many direct-drive) T/Ts into a cocked hat.

Lovely set-up and room, Tim. I too love Harbs (and BBC monitor-type speakers in general). The only thing I'd say, unless it's the camera angle, is that your TV is a little too much in line with your speakers. The former really needs to be much further back, well out of the way (or the speakers moved forward a little), for best sonic results.

I think you'd also enjoy the rather different sonic presentation of the Harbs, when used on lightweight open-frame stands, such as those from Something Solid, as IME, they really come alive there much more than they do on the high-mass type you're using now. Perhaps that's one to consider in future, if you haven't already?

Anyway, it's a really well thought out system, in a lovely cosy looking, immaculately decorated room, so :respect:

Marco.

Tim

30-09-2012, 12:41

Turntable coming soon, Tim?
Looks like it Martin, between you and Marco you have finally turned my head :lol:

Seriously though, its for a number of reasons which I have mentioned elsewhere before. The rapid decline in CD sales and the fact that musicians are embracing the sale of records again, cannot be something that I personally can ignore, as I like to support them. I also want to play what I have started to buy lately (records) and also the small but treasured collection from my yoof. I also still like to 'have' something physical and just a download be it FLAC or otherwise, isn't enough.

Finally I like the juxtaposition of a pure digital file based system coupled with staying in touch with musical heritage and the pleasure that owning a turntable and record collecting offers, its where I started and it should be preserved, I have always thought that. Music needs places like AoS with passionate members who are saving records from the dump by cherishing and breathing new life into them. Music for me has and always will be the driving force, I don't really consider myself to be a true audiophile, but I'm a true music fan and finally I have sufficient free time to embrace my passion.

I think a lot of people get me wrong when they look at me just as a 'digital junkie' as that's not the whole picture, I feel more of an allegiance to musicians and their craft, than I do to equipment, which is why I go to so many gigs. The perfect balance and what I'm aiming at, is to have a high quality (sound-wise), low maintenance and small footprint file based system for everyday use, together with a record deck for those indulgent moments and an LP collection of more select music.

I'm in no hurry Martin, it has to be the right deck as it will be a keeper. It also won't be used totally in anger until I retire, when I can give it the time it deserves - here is not a suitable location with a sprung wooden floor. However, a house shouldn't be too far away and a permanent home to lay down some roots. I worked it out the other day and I have moved 26 times in my life so its time to settle down!

EDIT:
Looks like Marco was typing at the same time I was - will get back to your post in a bit Marco ;)

Rare Bird

30-09-2012, 12:48

Marco

30-09-2012, 12:52

Buying vintage after your love for Hi-Res digital files maybe a bad move in the respect that it will not sound the same as to what your loving, i fear it may only turn out to be a dissapointment for you..Peoples idea of high sound quality will be indeed the high resolute sound, i on the other hand think the vintage Analogue sound far superior..

I feel this a problem on forums with nay sayers of old equipment, they expect something from old gear that it cannot give, you either like vintage sound or you dont but in no way are modern file based system better, they just arnt the same sounding thang.

Hope i put that agross in the worse possible way :lol:

Lol - well it was certainly done in your own inimitable style! :D

One thing I can predict with *reasonable* certainty, is that if Tim buys a good quality turntable (vintage or otherwise), his music streamer will quickly move from being, sonically, his primary source, to his secondary one... ;)

Marco.

John

30-09-2012, 12:55

I agree with Marco around some of those Idlers on the right plinth they sound very nice indeed

Rare Bird

30-09-2012, 13:16

Lol - well it was certainly done in your own inimitable style! :D

One thing I can predict with *reasonable* certainty, is that if Tim buys a good quality turntable (vintage or otherwise), his music streamer will quickly move from being, sonically, his primary source, to his secondary one... ;)

Marco.

Told you i was crap at putting things across :lol: What im trying to say is people that are used to the high resolution sound may feel it's going backward when listerning to old vintage source.It's not because The vintage source sounds inferior, blimey quite the revers but people's idea of top notch sound seems to be clear, bright & sometimes in your face clarity..

Im in no way saying it's Tim's definition high SQ. I would just hate for Tim to be dissapointed when comparring the sound he's loving so much!

Simply two differet worlds.. I love wooley big fat bodied :lol: Some like skinny with no feelings :rfl:

Marco

30-09-2012, 13:24

Told you i was crap at putting things across :lol: What im trying to say is people that are used to the high resolution sound may feel it's going backward when listerning to old vintage source.It's not because The vintage source sounds inferior, blimey quite the revers but people's idea of top notch sound seems to be clear, bright & sometimes in your face clarity..

Im in no way saying it's Tim's definition high SQ. I would just hate for Tim to be dissapointed when comparring the sound he's loving so much!

Simply two differet worlds.. I love wooley big fat bodied :lol: Some like skinny with no feelings :rfl:

Hahahaha... Now *THAT* was crystal clear!! :lolsign:

Marco.

Tim

30-09-2012, 14:25

OK, potatoes are baking in the oven so I have a moment.

Marco, your observations about the room are totally valid and spot on, but where I am right now is a stop gap so its a bit of a compromise TBH. Once I settle and retire I intend to have a room totally built around my music so the TV will be out, along with anything else not relevant. I know what I want, a relaxing tidy room, mood lighting with artwork relating to music on the walls and my LP collection - I have lots of signed memorabilia that is stored right now, but it will be out at some point. Racks of CD's I no longer have anyway and they are soon to be archived à la André and Alex - its a work in progress. Thanks also for the TT suggestions, food for thought and further research, as I have said I'm in no hurry as what I settle for will be a keeper. I doubt I will buy anything before the next AoS show anyway, but you never know?

Stands for the Harbs are under consideration as the current ones were just stop gaps, may just bite the bullet and buy Something Solids, as the others under consideration cost a fortune when shipped in from overseas?

André, I never have trouble understanding where you are coming from fella ;) As to the sound, well I don't actually do Hi-Res and I don't favour a modern, bright in yer' face dynamic sound anyway - in fact I positively dislike it. I use the USB input on the Rega which has been described as 'warm, organic and valve like'. I would agree with that summation, but I seem to be in the minority as most people prefer the bright and forward S/PDIF input of the Rega. It was discussed recently here and I commented on its sound in post #17:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20571&highlight=rega

So all in all, I am pretty happy about where I'm going and I have been mulling it over for sometime now. At the end of the day I don't ever intend replacing my file based server, I just think adding a TT will give me the best of both worlds in relation to music collecting and overall satisfaction. My interest has been piqued a lot recently by folk like Martin, Barry, Chris (TGW), André and others etc who post older records in Spinning Today (I wish you would post more in there Marco?), I have found a lot of the music in there I'm interested in, can only be found on LP anyway, so its a natural choice to have a TT - finding that music however is another matter, but I look forward to reliving the joy of pouring over LP racks in second hand shops, which I just don't have the time for right now, but that will change.

Thanks again guys for the comments and observations, all good stuff and it is appreciated.

Tim

PS.
I love wooley big fat bodied me too :lol:

DSJR

30-09-2012, 14:45

The stands you have may well be fine, since modern harbeths don't have "talky" cabinets as my Spendors do (the LS5/9's I have are more like the Harbeths in this regard). The Something Solid ones are really good though (I've known Mark Orr for years now), but may be worth discussing stand height with hifi dave first, before ordering blind, as he preferred a bit more height to "standard" I recall.

Marco

30-09-2012, 15:11

Good advice there, re hifi Dave. Like Dave R says, getting the height right is crucial.

Tim, I'd defo consider the Something Solids, as I'm pretty certain that you'd love the 'airier', more musically flowing, presentation that would result with their use.

I'll comment more later on the rest of your post, as I'm currently recovering from a rather vino-infused lunch! :drunk:

Marco.

stupinder

06-10-2012, 15:07

Tim

06-10-2012, 15:33

I live in an 'Apple' free zone Stu, but I will have a look to see if its available for Android ;)

Marco

10-10-2012, 10:22

Hi Tim,

These are the stands you need for your Harbs, to make them *really* SING:

http://imageshack.us/a/img571/8104/harbethhl5onsomethingso.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/harbethhl5onsomethingso.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img827/8104/harbethhl5onsomethingso.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/harbethhl5onsomethingso.jpg/)

Perhaps Paul would consider selling them separately? Potential buyers of his speakers might have their own stands or want to use something else. Sales ad, here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20839

Worth a shout, I think!

:)

Marco.

Tim

10-10-2012, 17:42

Thanks Marco, certainly worth a request as you say ;)

DSJR

10-10-2012, 19:49

The Something Solid stands are superb with these and similar speakers and the matching "suspended shelf" racks are pretty darned good as well, if a bit fugly for some tastes.

Tim

11-10-2012, 19:51

I have PM'd Paul ;)

Marco

11-10-2012, 20:42

Nice one, mate. Let us know how you get on :)

Marco.

Marco

16-10-2012, 09:52

Hi Tim,

If you still fancy a nice vintage T/T, similar in looks to the Heybrook, but better sounding, you do a lot worse than this:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=372815#post372815

The whole package is a bit of a bargain, really, and should sound very nice. Just a thought! :)

Marco.

Tim

17-10-2012, 19:43

Thanks for the nudge there Marco ;)

Marco

17-10-2012, 22:08

No worries, dude - yer welcome :)

Marco.

Andrei

20-10-2012, 00:12

Alex, you mentioned curtains as well.......... feel free to comment :lolsign: I hate them, but as it's a rented apartment I have to live with them for now. I'm hoping to persuade my landlady to let me take them down, but I've not been here long, so when she gets to know me better :)

No, don't wait. Burn them now

Marco

20-10-2012, 11:52

Too late - he's made them into a sarong! :D

Marco.

Tim

20-10-2012, 12:05

Nowt wrong wi a sarong :lol:

http://www.magnetictimes.com.au/images/uploads/Duncan-clarke-geoffrey-bay-sarong-club-arkies-120103.jpg

Marco

20-10-2012, 12:22

Suits you, sir! :eyebrows:

Marco.

John

20-10-2012, 12:59

P842Tmi6lrc Around 9mins 30 secs great Ali G joke