View Full Version : Gromit's music centre...
Well, the HiCap's been on-line now for a couple of days and its contribution to this little rig is beyond doubt - it's made a big difference. From offering more bass/transient speed to taking a lot of the 'etched' presentation away, it's doing a great job. Compared to the 72/Hi/180 I owned a few years ago, this set-up is just so different it's been a major surprise. Also just replaced the grey Naim Snaic4 (from HC to 110) with one from Flashback and there's been a jump in clarity too, and all for less than 30 quid.
Bottom line is I'm very much enjoying my little foray back in to Naimworld. :)
When new, the 180 absolutely destroyed a 140, which itself bettered the 110. NO WAY can a 42.5 better a 72, since the filtering tone controls are so crude in the 42.5 and later 92. I can't argue with your liking it, but the presentation is going to be so different from 'proper' amps I'm sure, and the added crossover and odd-order distortion contributes much to this I feel as well as the phase shifts at the frequency extremes which the 72 largely got rid of. I'll be very surprised if 'other' amps don't sound tame in comparison ;)
When new, the 180 absolutely destroyed a 140, which itself bettered the 110. NO WAY can a 42.5 better a 72, since the filtering tone controls are so crude in the 42.5 and later 92. I can't argue with your liking it, but the presentation is going to be so different from 'proper' amps I'm sure, and the added crossover and odd-order distortion contributes much to this I feel as well as the phase shifts at the frequency extremes which the 72 largely got rid of. I'll be very surprised if 'other' amps don't sound tame in comparison ;)
Well Dave as far as the 180's concerned I really didn't like it - tried to, believe me, but in conjunction with what was in my system at the time whilst not a disaster, it was way too limiting in its ability to cover different musical instrumentation. Piano sounded nigh-on unlistenable which is why I got rid. The 180 had been serviced less than 6 months before I bought it too (I rang Naim to check).
With what I've got now, whilst not saying it sh*ts diamonds (yes it has its faults) all my music collection is entirely listenable - and that is something I really didn't think I'd be saying the day before the 42.5/110 arrived. :)
What will be interesting is next weekend I have a friend up to stay who's bringing his CB Nait 2 (serviced approx 3 months ago). Looking forward to that.
So what you're saying is you'd love to sell it to me? ;-)
Not from where I'm sitting. :eyebrows:
Slowly slowly catchy monkey!
Could possibly add a touch of 'non-expectation bias?' to the 42.5/110? I really didn't expect to like it, which I admit is a thoroughly stupid way of looking at things when buying hifi, but thought 'why not?'. I've been very pleasantly surprised by it and have listened to it loads since it arrived.
brian2957
05-04-2014, 19:47
Blackmail ? :lol:
Blackmail ? :lol:
:D
One of the other amps had to go, and in the end it was the Sony which is on its way later this week. Thing is, it's still sat here on the shelf in our music room looking at me as if to say 'you swine, how could you, after all the pleasure I've given?'. If it could talk - it'd be right.
brian2957
06-04-2014, 13:29
Richard , are you still using the Q Acoustics 2010i speakers with all these different amps ?
Richard , are you still using the Q Acoustics 2010i speakers with all these different amps ?
Hi Brian - good timing for that question as just this afternoon I put the Q's on after using just the Sapphires for the past couple of weeks. The 110 drives them pretty well, not bad considering they do like to have plenty of amplifier behind them. I also put the 770ES back online too for the first time since getting the Naim set-up.
brian2957
06-04-2014, 15:42
Ah I see. I was just wondering how versatile the 2010is are .
Ah I see. I was just wondering how versatile the 2010is are .
They're strange little things - on the surface of it they sound sweet with pretty much anything. I've driven them with amps from a KEL84 to the 770ES - opposing ends of the power-spectrum - and they just get on with the job very nicely. However to really wake them up they definitely need plenty of juice, or certainly like being driven hard.
The Q's sound better on the 770ES and Exposure XV than they do with the Naim though, the Sapphires seem to prefer the latter. The Exposure sits half-way between both camps, sounding great into either.
jandl100
07-04-2014, 07:18
Re: the Q-Ac 2010i -- when I was looking after your room for a while this year at Scalford, Richard, a guy came in and was just slack jawed at the sound.
"I've got a pair of those speakers" he said " and they don't sound anywhere near as good as these. Mine are softer sounding and a bit boring.".
I can't remember what amp he said he had but it wasn't very gutsy - I pointed at your Sony 770ES amp - "that's what makes the difference", I said. :)
You're right Jerry - that Sony amp really grabs the Q's nicely, and what also helps is the V-D Blue speaker cable.
Unleashed the big Sony as needed to do some interconnect write-ups today so to kill 2 birds etc though it'd be useful to compare all the amps at the same time. The results which are forming are quite interesting:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/13692951924_d768db23a8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mRZXy1)
I,ve got my pair attached to my yaqin 100 and they really rock...not the I,s but still a fantastic little speaker and your right in that they like some oomph...
Today was amplifier bake-off day. Had an old mate of mine up for the day who brought with him my old Nait 2, still doing sterling service in his 2nd system (like me he's an Exposure nut). Anyway was good to spend a few hours spinning some tunes but will start another thread about our thoughts - and results - of the comparisons we made.
A few pics anyway...
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/13803808343_8ee8cd5c52_b.jpg
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/13823677045_fb3455d9f9_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/13823682045_a969b0f4f0_b.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/13830923884_c37604d5fc_b.jpg
istari_knight
15-04-2014, 19:13
:popcorn:
:popcorn:
Patience, my friend. :)
<truth is I've been a tad busy and just need time to sit down and put metaphorical pen to paper>
The basic results are as follows - I'll get on to explaining what/why when I get chance:
1st: Exposure XV
=2nd: Naim 42.5/HiCap/110 & Sony 770ES
3rd: Nait 2
4th: Naim 42.5/110 (ie without the HiCap).
It was a really interesting few hours, and Robert & I agreed on 90% of what we were hearing. The above results were based on using the amps' line stages as the little Nait only has an MM input obviously. However, between the XV, Sony & Naim pre-power using their respective phonostages the Exposure was a long way ahead. The equal 2nd place isn't a cop-out - it really was swings & roundabouts here they were so close.
I'm off to see Darran at Class A on Thursday to have the HiCap serviced as from looking inside it would appear it's never been touched in 25+ years (it has the old red caps). Ok it may not yield huge improvement, but unless I get it done I'll never know.
Guess that means I've got even less chance of getting my hands on that Exposure!
Patience, my friend. :)
<truth is I've been a tad busy and just need time to sit down and put metaphorical pen to paper>
The basic results are as follows - I'll get on to explaining what/why when I get chance:
1st: Exposure XV
=2nd: Naim 42.5/HiCap/110 & Sony 770ES
3rd: Nait 2
4th: Naim 42.5/110 (ie without the HiCap).
It was a really interesting few hours, and Robert & I agreed on 90% of what we were hearing. The above results were based on using the amps' line stages as the little Nait only has an MM input obviously. However, between the XV, Sony & Naim pre-power using their respective phonostages the Exposure was a long way ahead. The equal 2nd place isn't a cop-out - it really was swings & roundabouts here they were so close.
I'm off to see Darran at Class A on Thursday to have the HiCap serviced as from looking inside it would appear it's never been touched in 25+ years (it has the old red caps). Ok it may not yield huge improvement, but unless I get it done I'll never know.
Yes, that could be said of all the amps you mention there Richard?
istari_knight
16-04-2014, 18:58
Interesssting ! I must admit, I wouldn't expect a Nait 2 to outperform a 42/110 even without Hicap :scratch: ... Had the Nait been serviced at all ? No accounting for taste of course :D
Looks like that Expo has turned has out to be a good buy !
Interesssting ! I must admit, I wouldn't expect a Nait 2 to outperform a 42/110 even without Hicap :scratch: ... Had the Nait been serviced at all ? No accounting for taste of course :D
Looks like that Expo has turned has out to be a good buy !
Hi James - the Nait was serviced at Salisbury about 3 months ago so will have been on tip-top form. It did sound very, very good I have to admit. Will be extremely interested to hear what the service does for the HiCap tomorrow.
istari_knight
16-04-2014, 21:03
Will be extremely interested to hear what the service does for the HiCap tomorrow.
I predict great things :D
Naim recommend leaving everything turned on 24/7 [or at least they used to ?] and I think most owners did follow this so any unserviced examples really are on their last legs.
I predict great things :D
Here's hoping your predictions will ring true. :)
istari_knight
17-04-2014, 22:10
Here's hoping your predictions will ring true. :)
I just saw your thread on PFM... :dance:
Told 'ya ! :D
Playing with my new lens...
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/14075612023_ee090db36f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nrPc4V)DSCF0865 (https://flic.kr/p/nrPc4V) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/people/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/14075609973_a2425df160_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/nrPbsz)DSCF0879 (https://flic.kr/p/nrPbsz) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/people/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14052387981_50254ba70a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/npLanp)DSCF0877 (https://flic.kr/p/npLanp) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/people/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Great photos as usual Richard: that's possibly the most photographed cartridge here (I took a fair few too) :)
Great photos as usual Richard: that's possibly the most photographed cartridge here (I took a fair few too) :)
Thanks Theo. :)
Indeed re the Benz - as my Mum would say 'It's such a lovely colour' :D
istari_knight
01-05-2014, 18:59
Do update us when you get a chance to compare those Royds Richard... Though I think I know the outcome already :eyebrows:
Do update us when you get a chance to compare those Royds Richard... Though I think I know the outcome already :eyebrows:
Will do James - been a busy day today but I did manage to grab a little bit of time. The comparison is an insteresting one (ie Edens vs Sapphire 1's) and definitely swings/roundabouts with one side - the Edens - winning out overall as one would probably expect.
The Edens are a neater, more couth sounding speaker which do a better job at portraying inner details. Their top end doesn't dominate the proceedings in the way the Saff's does, although in true Royd tradition they're still not what you'd call shrinking violets. Vs the Sapphires they do need a bit more power to wake them up.
The Sapphires by comparison sound more open, less damped, much fuller in the bass and are just whip-crack fast. It's hard to overstate the speed of these little things and they're just a riot on the right material. They're more adept rhythmically too, in a similar vein to my old Merlins.
Positioning, the 2 speakers seem to require different approaches. The Edens - in my room - like to be approx 10cm from the back wall, firing straight out. This opens them up nicely, adding impact to transient edge without increasing bass. Toeing in softens their edge and (hard to describe I'm sorry!) just makes them sound slightly lazy (this is lazy in Royd terms - they're still bloody fast!).
The Saffs need about 30-40cm behind them, set wide as possible and toed-in so the apex of the triangle crosses well in front of the listener. This has the added bonus of diffusing their top end sting.
Bottom line is they're both adorable speakers, and I just think I'm going to keep both of them. :)
Edens in-situ...
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/13896523660_2cf7261ce8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/naZjkw)DSCF9675 (https://flic.kr/p/naZjkw) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/people/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
istari_knight
01-05-2014, 19:36
Very interesting :thumbsup:
Agree re the toe in, I recall reading a hifi mag review of the Edens where members of the listening panel that weren't keen preferred them once toed in... Says it all really :D
Will do James - been a busy day today but I did manage to grab a little bit of time. The comparison is an insteresting one (ie Edens vs Sapphire 1's) and definitely swings/roundabouts with one side - the Edens - winning out overall as one would probably expect.
The Edens are a neater, more couth sounding speaker which do a better job at portraying inner details. Their top end doesn't dominate the proceedings in the way the Saff's does, although in true Royd tradition they're still not what you'd call shrinking violets. Vs the Sapphires they do need a bit more power to wake them up.
The Sapphires by comparison sound more open, less damped, much fuller in the bass and are just whip-crack fast. It's hard to overstate the speed of these little things and they're just a riot on the right material. They're more adept rhythmically too, in a similar vein to my old Merlins.
Positioning, the 2 speakers seem to require different approaches. The Edens - in my room - like to be approx 10cm from the back wall, firing straight out. This opens them up nicely, adding impact to transient edge without increasing bass. Toeing in softens their edge and (hard to describe I'm sorry!) just makes them sound slightly lazy (this is lazy in Royd terms - they're still bloody fast!).
The Saffs need about 30-40cm behind them, set wide as possible and toed-in so the apex of the triangle crosses well in front of the listener. This has the added bonus of diffusing their top end sting.
Bottom line is they're both adorable speakers, and I just think I'm going to keep both of them. :)
Edens in-situ...
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/13896523660_2cf7261ce8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/naZjkw)DSCF9675 (https://flic.kr/p/naZjkw) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/people/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
As l have stated many times Richard, great pictures and a lovely looking system/room:eek: Will PM you later as l need a bit advice from you.:)
Nice to see the Something Solid SL24s back Richard. Off your recommendation I also have some, haven't heard anything better on my Sorcerers or Sapphires, but the RR3s are much happier bolted into their custom stands with much lower bass extension.
Gordon Steadman
02-05-2014, 09:27
Hi Richard,
I'm interested in the size of the speakers you seem to prefer. Is it because of the presentation or just that the 'sort' of sound you prefer only comes from particular makers?
I really enjoy my little KEF101s but always miss the real depth of the bass when listening to classical music - especially organ of course. Even with the Quads I've gone back to using the REL Quake as the underpinning of the sound just enriches the experience. Listening to a string bass just seems to lose that lovely wooden 'boom' that the real thing has if the speakers don't go down far enough.
As always, your pics look fantastic. I'm looking forward to getting our lounge done so we can sort out something that looks a bit less like a nest of rattlesnakes.
As l have stated many times Richard, great pictures and a lovely looking system/room:eek: Will PM you later as l need a bit advice from you.:)
Thanks Andy - I am quite proud of my little man-cave. :)
Fortunately, in the house we live in now there's a sort of family/day room which is where we tend to congregate 90% of the time. It's where the most-used tv lives, leaving the room in the photo (which is at the other end of the house) to the big telly and the hifi. The piano lives in its own music room adjacent. The cat's also not allowed in there too and he has the good sense to stay out, even if the door's open.
Been doing some photography work this morning but just popped the Sapphires back on - you know what? I think I prefer them to the Edens if I'm honest. Not quite as detailed but they're just such unbridled fun and seem to suit the NAP110's limited power better.
Nice to see the Something Solid SL24s back Richard. Off your recommendation I also have some, haven't heard anything better on my Sorcerers or Sapphires, but the RR3s are much happier bolted into their custom stands with much lower bass extension.
The SL24's are simply the best stands I've used with my Royds - thanks to Peter Empson at Deco Audio otherwise I would probably have never heard of them. So much better than the Kan II stands I was using before.
julesd68
02-05-2014, 14:11
What's the new lens Richard?
I've just got a NOS Tamron 17-50 2.8 which I am very impressed by indeed ...
istari_knight
02-05-2014, 14:22
just popped the Sapphires back on - you know what? I think I prefer them to the Edens if I'm honest. Not quite as detailed but they're just such unbridled fun and seem to suit the NAP110's limited power better.
The best bit is you can switch between them to your hearts content... If you still had the Sony it could be Sapphires on Speakers A & Edens on Speakers B :D
What's the new lens Richard?
I've just got a NOS Tamron 17-50 2.8 which I am very impressed by indeed ...
Hi Julian - it's one of these:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/14052181284_60b6c86709_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/npK6VE)DSCF0807 (https://flic.kr/p/npK6VE) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/people/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Fuji 60/2.4 :)
James - it would seem my hunch about the amp/speaker synergy having a bearing on the proceedings is true (for once!). Put the Exposure XV on and the Edens fill out nicely - clearly they're a better match for the Black Beauty from Brighton than the Naim rig. Put the Naim on and the Sapphires work just great. At a push, I prefer the Naim/Sapphire combo - it's just got so much zing.
A brief fiddle around in Lightroom...
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/13960175797_f7f995d3a0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ngBxUa)DSCF1150 (https://flic.kr/p/ngBxUa)
:clapclapclap:
Very arty.:)
337alant
10-05-2014, 09:44
Yes that's a superb photograph gromit and a nice looking system as well.
Is that a Pioneer PL71?, always wanted one of them
Alan
Yes that's a superb photograph gromit and a nice looking system as well.
Is that a Pioneer PL71?, always wanted one of them
Alan
Thanks Alan - I'm fairly happy with the way things are sounding at the moment, but also have an Exposure XV sat in the wings for occasional use. It's a better amp than the Naim set-up, especially when using vinyl, but I've invested a bit of time (and £) into getting the 42.5/HiCap/110 sounding good so will be keeping it for a while until it inevitably gets moved on.
The turntable's a Sony PS-6750 - quite a good description of it here (http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-PS-6750.html) It's an extremely solid bit of kit (the motor/bearing is huge) and whilst it's not a night-and-day improvement over my previous PL-71 I do prefer it. For less than the price of a used Rega RP3 it's just ridiculous how much good sound you can get.
337alant
12-05-2014, 10:34
Sony Ah yes, it looks a quality turntable though, its amazing how we never heard about all those great 70s-80s direct drive turntables in the day
The British HIFI press certainly led us down a merry path didn't they------- Pioneer P3a if only
I like the 42.5/110 its a nice combo, a pair of 110 monos may pip the Exposure which I agree are also excellent amps.
Alan
Sony Ah yes, it looks a quality turntable though, its amazing how we never heard about all those great 70s-80s direct drive turntables in the day
The British HIFI press certainly led us down a merry path didn't they------- Pioneer P3a if only
Indeed, Alan - always makes me wonder if the journos of the time were either deaf, or had an agenda. I tend to believe it was the latter.
The Naim set-up is great - and I still really love the old Chrome Bumper look, something rather timeless about it. It is unlikely to remain in my system though as I have other irons in the fire at the moment (basically, I quite fancy a new motorbike, having owned my present one for nearly 8 years) and with the Exposure being a better amp it would seem wise to hold onto that and sell the Naim.
southall-1998
11-09-2014, 21:09
Gromit,
How are you getting on with your hifi system? Is all the same still?
S.
A couple of changes, notably phonostage & amp...
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3862/15326080606_57cb54c426_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pmjaP5)[/url]
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15408787806_eec3e8a745_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pmjaP5)[url=https://flic.kr/p/ptC4Mh]
As I said some time ago, I reallyed enjoyed the 42.5/Hi/110 but it wasn't going to be a longterm relationship. Sonneteer wasn't on my radar at all but thanks to a tip-off by a fellow PFM'er I snapped the Campion up. Of course there will be those who bleat 'oh...the latest greatest thing since the last slice of sliced bread' but this little amp is a peach. Not over-burdened with power admittedly, but musically it's a joy - hey, I may even write a review. :)
brian2957
04-10-2014, 09:17
You have PM Richard. Look forward to the review BTW :)
Thanks Brian, and for the pm too.
Very tempting - but will probably hold off for now, much as I'd love to 'go for it'. :)
Looking good, Richard! Always loved Sonneteer amps - true SPPV champions, and like you say, so enjoyable and musical sounding :)
Question is, how long will the system stay ‘as is’, and you just kicking back and enjoying the music, because you’re starting to rival ol’ Jezza in the box-swapping stakes! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
brian2957
04-10-2014, 10:26
Nah not quite there yet :lol:
jandl100
08-10-2014, 13:34
Ooo. I dunno. I've calmed down a bit recently.
Well, the occasional new amp.
And cables.
Richard has been doing a lot more swapping than me, of late.
Sonneteer? - nope, never been there. Hmm ... :hmm: :lol:
Richard has been doing a lot more swapping than me, of late.
Very true! I was just wondering what Richard's plan or ‘end goal’ is, or indeed if there was one? :eyebrows:
Marco.
P.S Have you given up on posting in the Classical music section, Jerry? It’s been ages since you've contributed. I’d be much obliged if you popped in there now and again and told us what you were spinning :)
Marco - no real 'goals' as such, just meandering around enjoying stuff, some of it working out nicely, some of it not so. I am itching to try a Sedley phonostage to go with the Campion though, but being so rare they never seem to come up used. The Campion's a lovely little amp, the only downside of which is that I really need something with more power for where we live now - Royds work great with low(ish) powered amps (that's to say they're very benign) but only really sing when driven by an amp with lots of headroom. There have been instances where the Campion has started to sound like it's hitting the buffers. Within its 33w/ch envelope it is very, very sweet though - more than one instance recently where I've sat and thought 'I've not heard that tiny bit of musical detail before'. :)
I'll stick my neck out and say the best amp I've had in the last couple of years - overall - is the 770ES. Such a well-judged set of compromises, not perfect by any means but never at any time did I feel it was getting in the way.
A bit of gratuitous fannying around with me Fuji...
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15495540385_7ff714f650_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBhGip)DSCF3817 (https://flic.kr/p/pBhGip)
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15495538825_9af3dbd25d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pBhFQv)DSCF3826 (https://flic.kr/p/pBhFQv)
New addition - a Sonneteer Sedley phonostage...
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8675/15740697446_3c1bea7a29_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pYXbXh)DSCF4494 (https://flic.kr/p/pYXbXh)
I've been quietly impressed by the Campion - sure it's no power house nor does it posess the front-row presentation I like (it's more mid-stalls) but it really can weave a convincing musical spell and isn't overly fussy about the genre of that music. I've been after a Sedley for a while now but didn't really want to shell out for a new one (it's around 550 quid) but a good used one came up this week. It was bought for the simple reasons that 1. My thinking that the Campion's a goody, the Sedley should be too and 2. It's nice to have matching stuff sometimes. :D
First impressions? I only grabbed 15 mins or so's brief listen this morning at which point the Sedly was utterly stone-cold; I'd listened to a couple of tracks via the Aria then plumbed the Sedley straight in. On the basis of that very brief listen the Aria is a better stage - it's more engaging, fizzing with energy and sounding more spacious to boot. The Sedley is remarkably good on vocals though.
Canetoad
12-11-2014, 04:43
You know Richard, you could have any old crap in your system and it would still look good in the photos you take! Nice! ;)
You know Richard, you could have any old crap in your system and it would still look good in the photos you take! Nice! ;)
Thanks Bernie - and I've had some 'any old crap' in my system over the years too, I'll admit. :D
brian2957
12-11-2014, 08:42
Have to agree with you about the 770ES Richard . I managed to get a hold of one recently and it's a cracking amp .
Have to agree with you about the 770ES Richard . I managed to get a hold of one recently and it's a cracking amp .
Indeed Brian - the big Sony's a peach imho. Still very cheap too (although prices are firming up) considering the sound on offer.
If a really clean one came up again I'd have to try very hard not to snap it up. :)
Spinning some choons ealier this evening, and fiddling with me Fuji Fifty-six...
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7496/15761294699_2ee6121c06_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q1LKNk)DSCF4640 (https://flic.kr/p/q1LKNk)
bigmarty
05-12-2014, 00:35
Lovely photography.......
Marty :D
Playing around with some new settings in Lightroom...
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/15827539968_ee815a9900_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q7Chd9)DSCF4823 (https://flic.kr/p/q7Chd9)
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/15827512928_53708a7454_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q7C9aW)DSCF4835 (https://flic.kr/p/q7C9aW)
30 years ago this month (yes this photo is from Jan 1985) this arrived in my system...how things change! :D
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7542/16130982280_0b12f0a62e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qzrv39)Scan-150119-0005 (https://flic.kr/p/qzrv39)
System at the time was...
LP12/Basik Plus/Basik cartridge
Creek CAS4140
JPW P1
NACA4 speaker cable
And you know what? It sounded bloody great. :)
bigmarty
20-01-2015, 00:31
Richard is this a scan from a transparency?
Marty
Richard is this a scan from a transparency?
Marty
It is indeed. :)
30 years ago this month (yes this photo is from Jan 1985) this arrived in my system...how things change! :D
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7542/16130982280_0b12f0a62e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qzrv39)Scan-150119-0005 (https://flic.kr/p/qzrv39)
System at the time was...
LP12/Basik Plus/Basik cartridge
Creek CAS4140
JPW P1
NACA4 speaker cable
And you know what? It sounded bloody great. :)
l concur Richard a friend of mine back in the day had a mid end but very well sorted LP12/Naim/Kan system and it was a music maker par excellence.
Plus ça change...
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/16654954515_030edd55ef_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rnJZJc)DSCF4999 (https://flic.kr/p/rnJZJc)
It was inevitable really. :)
Plus ça change...
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/16654954515_030edd55ef_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rnJZJc)DSCF4999 (https://flic.kr/p/rnJZJc)
It was inevitable really. :)
An overrated amp Richard!;)
Well done.:)
Well, Andy it was bound to happen I guess. This and the Campion are very different beasts and to be honest I'm not 100% which is 'better' as such. That says a lot for both of them though.
Well, Andy it was bound to happen I guess. This and the Campion are very different beasts and to be honest I'm not 100% which is 'better' as such. That says a lot for both of them though.
l have just had an experience almost exactly the same......:)
l have just had an experience almost exactly the same......:)
Great minds sharing great experiences or some such. :D
Seriously though, the Campion is a marvellous tool - I bought it on a whim after reading Good Things about it on PFM, but on listening to it for the first time it was a curved-ball moment. Very different to the Naim rig I had at the time; softer, less ragged (as you might expect) but with all the get-up-and-go still in place where needed. Not over-burdened with power (I really need more in our place tbh) but within its power envelope it's a gem.
Where does this leave the big Sony? Now I'm so familiar with this amp, there's an element of coming home, it has to be said. You know, I may well end up keeping both of them.
Big sony's a beaut
Sure is. :)
Spent a little time this morning comparing the Sony's phonostage with my Sedley. Now, the latter is a very fine phonostage imho, probably up there with a Dino2/NCPSU, which I had previously. Not quite a match for a Rega Aria (which is a bit special IME) but definitely worth its asking price and more. It's multi-adjustable and has the added benefit of plenty of different capacitance settings - a boon for those with fussy MM cartridges (2M Black, Shure 97XE to name two).
Feeding the Benz's output into the Sony's MC stage (set to the 40ohm tap) you know I actually prefer it to the Sedley. There's more heft, gravitas, to the sound with a greater sense of bounce and life. The Sedley's a touch leaner & cleaner - maybe a tad more spacious too, but by such a tiny degree it's hardly noticeable. The 770's stage is also a match in terms of noise/hiss - and that's praise indeed as the Sedley is uncannily quiet.
finding a mint version like yours is nigh on impossible now unless you want to part with the crown jewels. always liked sonys big es models...sheer class.
hoopsontoast
28-02-2015, 13:11
Nice Richard, the 770ES is a cracking amp, as you know I have had 3!
Nice Richard, the 770ES is a cracking amp, as you know I have had 3!
In that case we're 3-all now, Rob. :)
l can also confirm my minty 770ES sounds quite good.:D
The Dino/NCPS was that the one l brought from you Richard?:scratch:
The Dino/NCPS was that the one l brought from you Richard?:scratch:
You know I'm not sure, Andy - could've been. <slightly embarrased that I can't remember>
It was a Dino 2/NC with the posh power cord I remember that much. Really nice little phonostage. Saying that, the best I've had at home in a long time is the Rega Aria. Stunning bit of kit - they really hit a bullseye with that, and would love to hear one into the 770. :)
A year can be a long time in hifi...looking slightly different now:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1649/25115449865_3417e5af3f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EgnfeF)_DSC2389 (https://flic.kr/p/EgnfeF)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/24222096946_957a5de8b4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CUqzx9)Q Acoustics 3010 (https://flic.kr/p/CUqzx9)
southall-1998
21-02-2016, 20:31
abandoned the beast of that Sony for that skinny cyrus?
S.
Hi Richard,
Nice seeing you checking in again. Superb pictures as usual, mate!
System's looking good. Hope all is well with you and yours? :cool:
Marco.
The Black Adder
21-02-2016, 21:00
looking great, Richard... welcome back :)
brian2957
21-02-2016, 21:13
Hi Richard , good to see you back on the forum . How you liking the 3010s ?
Thanks all. :)
Hi Richard , good to see you back on the forum . How you liking the 3010s ?
They're a riot. :)
Some folk may well remember my and others' enthusiasm for the older 2010i. It was a fabulous little speaker which performed beyond its price & size in a way which hardly seemed possible. A few weeks ago I was having a wander around Lincoln so popped into Superfi to take a look at the new ones - for just over 100 quid (125 to be exact) it seemed daft not to try the 3010.
They're more refined, but have not lost one ounce of their older brothers' effervescent music-making nature.
The Cyrus amp was bought in a late night bout of drunken eBay BiN button hitting (seriously!). I've had a slightly wayward fascination with this kit - it's proper Marmite stuff, which imho is why it's always worth taking seriously. You know what? It's bloody good - and the PSX-R brings extra refinement, calmness and control to the party. I love my 770ES - after all, it's seen off a fair few amps over the last few years (other stuff has been different, rather than actually better). The 8vs/PSX-R is the first amp to sit on the shelf and bring a proper, demonstrable improvement.
brian2957
21-02-2016, 21:35
Seems you got the 3010s for a very good price Richard . The 770ES is indeed a very good amp , so the Cyrus amp must be very good to better it . :) I must say that I've never tried them either . Another one for the '' must try '' list .
the Cyrus amp must be very good to better it . :) I must say that I've never tried them either . Another one for the '' must try '' list .
I can appreciate - and understand - that the 'Cyrus Sound' may not be for everyone. It's quite brightly-lit but on the other hand never harsh and is both open and extremely fast. What has struck me above anything is its ability to dig out the most tiny musical detail - groupings of phrase patterns which weren't especially obvious before being one trick. It'll be at Scalford anyway for those who fancy a quick listen.
twickers
21-02-2016, 21:44
Very nice system. I heard it at Scalford last year. Did you keep the Royd's or move then on Richard?
Very nice system. I heard it at Scalford last year. Did you keep the Royd's or move then on Richard?
Thanks Paul - the Royds are still here but may well get moved on, along with the 770ES (need to raise cash for a new camera lens). :)
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5513/31120736521_ec4623dec5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Pq2UJM)LP12 (https://flic.kr/p/Pq2UJM) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
brian2957
27-11-2016, 20:28
Oooh! very nice Richard , nice to see you back here :)
southall-1998
27-11-2016, 20:29
Looking good, Richard.
S.
Thanks fellas. :)
Been 25 years since I last owned an LP12 - been spending the last few weeks searching for something to buy (up to around £1.5k) but in the end thought 'fuggit...I'll search out a decent used Sondek'. This is a 67*** Pre-Cirkus/Valhalla. Got the Ittok from Cymbiosis - in equally beautiful condition, boxed and with warranty.
1. Yes, I know (from experience) I could get something better sounding for the money.
2. It'll need a bit of a 'tweak' now and then.
3. It ain't the most un-coloured bit of kit ever made.
However,
This one's in almost time-warp condition (Peter at Cymbiosis says I've got myself a very fine example) being virtually spotless outside and in. It does sound pretty darn good too. 'Pride of ownership' is sky-high put it that way.
It will of course be at Scalford.
You always take a nice picture but you have rather excelled yourself with your recent LP12 pics :).
Many thanks, Mark - although I'll admit she's quite a photogenic old bird. :)
Audio Al
27-11-2016, 22:35
Hi Mr Richard
Welcome home :wave:
When I read this i was expecting a photo of your wife :o "I'll admit she's quite a photogenic old bird." Phew ! :)
British high fidelity
27-11-2016, 22:41
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5513/31120736521_ec4623dec5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Pq2UJM)LP12 (https://flic.kr/p/Pq2UJM) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Absolutely stunning
Sent from my LG-H961N using Tapatalk
Thanks Deano - it's definitely helped by it being a very photogenic bit of kit. :)
Be honest, have you dumped that pic through some image processing s/w? It kind of doesn't look real - in a very good way.
Be honest, have you dumped that pic through some image processing s/w? It kind of doesn't look real - in a very good way.
Hi Justin - this was a SOOC jpeg from my Fuji X-Pro2 put through Lightroom CC. The only processing was to lift the shadows slightly so the blacks retained a little bit of texture. Rear lighting was from a MagLite placed under the top glass shelf, light from the front is from the living room window which was just enough to bring out the wood texture. A slight vignette added to focus the eye into the centre of the photo. There's no direct lighting on the turntable, it's all from the walls being lit by the torch which softens everything up. Long exposure smooths the platter/lp.
I don't like doing much (if any) processing as to be honest I'm crap at it. :D
Well it looks blinking fab on my LG OLED right now, if a bit surreal. Saw it on Pink Fish too.
Good work, keep it up.;)
Thanks Justin. :)
Couple more...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5734/30413973224_ff1db5e6dd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NkzyCG)LP12 (https://flic.kr/p/NkzyCG) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5834/31059339531_70b3ec4f97_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PjBexZ)Light music (https://flic.kr/p/PjBexZ) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
I was going to say they look like brochure pictures but they are better. Linn will want you soon ;)
Thanks Martin - might be time to negotiate a healthy discount. ;)
A bit of Ittok loveliness...
https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5576/31407914676_4c94cee774_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PRpLNh)Linn Ittok LVII (https://flic.kr/p/PRpLNh) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Not the greatest photo (was taken on my phone) but the arm's rather photogenic. Not 100% sure the arm's a keeper though - this was never the plan to start with as it was a 'buy it, lose nothing when selling' purchase to get me going. Whilst on really good recordings it can sound stunning, on more ragged/heavily scored stuff it still displays that presence region 'sting' which makes cymbals (for example) sound splashy and coarse.
southall-1998
05-12-2016, 22:14
You find too revealing for your taste, Richard?
S.
You find too revealing for your taste, Richard?
S.
Probably not revealing as such, but it definitely has a presence-region 'lift'. This gives vocals lots of inflection (good) and provides plenty of impact on drumkit and anything containing percussive instrumentation, but the downside is a very narrow colour palette. Particularly noticable on wind instruments - Clarinet and Saxophone especially. Strange though that on really big orchestral (Stravinsky/Shostakovich etc) it sounds great.
Hi Richard,
First of all, nice to see you checking in again, and as usual with such GORGEOUS photography! Hope you are well and enjoying life :)
Not 100% sure the arm's a keeper though - this was never the plan to start with as it was a 'buy it, lose nothing when selling' purchase to get me going. Whilst on really good recordings it can sound stunning, on more ragged/heavily scored stuff it still displays that presence region 'sting' which makes cymbals (for example) sound splashy and coarse.
That is 100% spot on. What you've described is the classic sonic signature of an Ittok! And why the Linn cartridges, designed to be used with it, were voiced accordingly so as not to exacerbate said "sting", indeed some would say that synergy was achieved. The classic combo is with a Karma, Troika or perhaps an Archiv.
I missed it, what cartridge are you currently using on the Ittok? Anything remotely not well-behaved in the mid/top-end, and you'll hear it. One cartridge that I suspect would be a great 'modern day match' with the Ittok, is a Denon DL-S1.
Marco.
Thanks for the kind comments re the photos, Marco - being semi-retired now I get plenty of time to get immersed in the hobby. :)
I'm enjoying the LP12, since getting it I sincerely don't think I've listened to so much vinyl in a long time. Yes, I could've got something better for the money and I'll be the first to admit that the old girl puts something of her own stamp on music. What it has shown is that proper, thorough set-up is paramount. Peter at Cymbiosis went through every aspect of stripping and re-building the deck - at the end of which he just said 'see - it ain't rocket-science'. And was at pains to point out there's no black magic/laying of hands needed to make the deck work properly - just methodical attention to detail. No bullsh*t, no hard sell. Refreshing.
To get me started again I got a new Denon DL110 - a cartridge I know well, it doesn't do too much wrong (for the money) and is musically articulate enough to be a satisfying listen. Being a Denon it's also very kind to surface noise and tracks anything thrown at it.
The whole lot...
https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/752/31384294252_915c4dd6b4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PPjHgA)System (https://flic.kr/p/PPjHgA) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Your LP12 looks simply stunning Richard. If only you knew how to take a decent piccy :lol:
Your LP12 looks simply stunning Richard. If only you knew how to take a decent piccy :lol:
Thank you Paul - as to the photos, one just does one's best... <nerves> <I do try...honest> :D
https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/527/30692157334_5038b1c3cc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NLak5s)LP12 and P10 (https://flic.kr/p/NLak5s) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Notice the CD player's gone ;)
Thanks for the kind comments re the photos, Marco - being semi-retired now I get plenty of time to get immersed in the hobby.
Nice hobby to have, mate, but can be expensive sometimes, I guess?
I'm enjoying the LP12, since getting it I sincerely don't think I've listened to so much vinyl in a long time. Yes, I could've got something better for the money and I'll be the first to admit that the old girl puts something of her own stamp on music.
Indeed, as does every turntable in existence, although some more than others. There's no doubt though, if you like it, the ol' fruitster imbues music with an addictive tunefulness/musicality that is hard to achieve elsewhere. Whatever makes you relax and enjoy music is all that matters! :)
What it has shown is that proper, thorough set-up is paramount. Peter at Cymbiosis went through every aspect of stripping and re-building the deck - at the end of which he just said 'see - it ain't rocket-science'. And was at pains to point out there's no black magic/laying of hands needed to make the deck work properly - just methodical attention to detail. No bullsh*t, no hard sell. Refreshing.
Yes, Peter does seem to have a good rep with LP12s. The fact is, there's no 'magic' to it, just common sense and solid engineering principles.
There's way too much 'fairy dust' attached to the whole process, spouted by ardent fanboys, almost as is if one needs blessing with Ivor T's bath water, by the man himself, undertaken in a semi-religious ceremony at midnight during a full moon, within the sacred shrine at Eaglesham HQ, before one is qualified to set-up an LP12! :rolleyes:
To get me started again I got a new Denon DL110 - a cartridge I know well, it doesn't do too much wrong (for the money) and is musically articulate enough to be a satisfying listen. Being a Denon it's also very kind to surface noise and tracks anything thrown at it.
The 110 is a superb budget MC, and a great all-rounder, but somewhat out of its depth on the end of an Ittok. To hear what the arm can do properly, you'll need to dig a little deeper down into your wallet and buy something with more poise and finesse, in order to ameliorate the presence region "sting" you mention.
My recommendation would either be the Denon DL-S1, which I mentioned earlier, or something from Benz Micro, such as their superb Ace: http://www.analogueseduction.net/all-cartridges/benz-micro-ace-sl-low-output-mc-cartridge-04mv.html or if you can afford to aim higher, the Glider S: http://www.analogueseduction.net/all-cartridges/benz-micro-glider-s-moving-coil-cartridge.html
Both, IMO, would work superbly well on a Tik-Tok. The unfortunate fact is, you're going to have to aim a little higher than a 110 (and perhaps also upgrade your phono stage) in order to fully appreciate the musical abilities of your Ittok (and LP12)... Sadly, this vinyl malarkey doesn't come cheap! :cool:
Marco.
Hi Marco - sorry been busy listening to too much vinyl. :)
Agreed re the Benz, I had one (an ACE SL) in my old Sony 6750 and it is indeed a lovely thing. Quite neutral, not music genre-fussy, singing sweetly on just about anything thrown at it. Shame I let it go with the Sony but hey ho...
The Ittok has been replaced by a Roksan Nima - the former was only really fitted to give a base-line to work from, to offer an initial insight (or re-jogging of the memory - it's been 25 years since my last Sondek) into the LP12 way. The Nima is quite different, being less front-row, although still a dynamic performer, not as initially forthright as the Ittok. At first it sounded un-involving, lazy even, but over the weekend's long listening sessions it's won me over with its abilities. It always seems slightly odd having a U-P arm on a bouncy deck, but somehow this just works The DL110 is sounding sweet and along with the Cirkus bearing upgrade and Herc II psu (both fitted last week) I have a very nice tool for listening to records.
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5595/31679038125_8fb7160238_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qgnmmv)LP12 with Nima (https://flic.kr/p/Qgnmmv) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/612/30937281613_99dafb5a18_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/P8PDZ8)Roksan Nima (https://flic.kr/p/P8PDZ8) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
jandl100
28-12-2016, 17:45
Lovely pictures, as usual, Richard.
I had a Nima arm on a Roksan tt I had in for review a few years back. That was my first ever unipivot, and it took quite a while to get used to the very different feel when handling it. Quite a shock at first, it felt all wrong!! I soon settled down with it, though, and got to like it.
If you are interested, I'd be quite happy to loan you a Linn Asak with a VdH retip. It's quite an interesting sounding beast with a fairly upfront and dynamic sound and I find it very enjoyable, but I don't play LPs these days so it's just sitting around not doing a lot.
British high fidelity
28-12-2016, 18:07
In all honesty those pictures are amazing, if I saw these images in a brochure I would buy the TT
Very impressive - Audio porn
Sent from my LG-H961N using Tapatalk
Thanks chaps. :)
A new addition - just about run-in now...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/728/32499601926_1487d910e9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RvSXof)Hana EL (https://flic.kr/p/RvSXof) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
With the Hana being LOMC, it's been good to get the Dyna P75 into PE mode so it can stretch its legs.
Hi Richard, I see you snagged those Royd Sintra IIs on PFM, will be interesting to hear your thoughts. The one Royd speaker that I haven't tried in my system... I did find the Sapphire I a bit too feisty at times, the Sintra II 'look' more balanced and refined to me judging by what I have heard from his other speakers.
PS do you still have your Something Solid SL24?
In all honesty those pictures are amazing, if I saw these images in a brochure I would buy the TT
Very impressive - Audio porn
Sent from my LG-H961N using Tapatalk
Maybe Richard is missing a trick by not seeing if dealers want their wares to be photographed by him. :)
Hi Neil - thanks for the kind comments re the photos. :)
The Sintras? Should be interesting. Like you, I sometimes found the Sapphires slightly 'too much of a good thing' even though I still loved them. I actually preferred them (at a nudge) to the Edens which just didn't do scale quite as well. The Sapphires worked great on the 770ES, the Edens were better on the Exposure XV - by virtue that the XV has a stronger low end, and less top end extension. My favourite Royds, amongst those I've owned, were the Merlins. Liked them more than the Minstrels.
A good friend of mine has owned his Sintra II's since new, and I've been trying to persuade him to sell them to me for ages, but without success. The Scanspeak D2010 certainly cleans things up - they're still bright/perky (they're Royds when all's said!) but are certainly more refined. Have also got an Exposure Super XV on the way so the Expo/Royd Dream Team is back on. :)
Well, the Super XV is in place and been settling down/warming up(?) over a period of some 48 hours - along with the Sintra II's of course.
First impressions were not good - the amp sounded very nice into the Q3010's but the Sintras just didn't play ball at all. Thin, pinched, no bass to speak of, and just downright shouty. Seems the Sintra - unlike the Merlins/Sapphires/Minstrels don't like being out from the back wall. They're far more 'Eden' in their positional requirements, needing to be pushed as near to the wall as possible with a small amount of toe-in. Result? Much, much better. The Q's still do bass better though, and have more dynamic headroom (I'm not going to push the Sintras though - they're way too precious).
Exposure on the shelf...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/414/32709985645_2ab39495c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RQte8K)System (https://flic.kr/p/RQte8K) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Going to perform a small amplifier bake-off tomorrow between the Exposure and the Cyrus rig - had a brief dabble just now (by putting the Cyrus back on line) and the tentative result has surprised me a little...
Floyddroid
05-02-2017, 20:02
I was considering one of these carts till the recent price hike.
Thanks chaps. :)
A new addition - just about run-in now...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/728/32499601926_1487d910e9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RvSXof)Hana EL (https://flic.kr/p/RvSXof) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
With the Hana being LOMC, it's been good to get the Dyna P75 into PE mode so it can stretch its legs.
I was considering one of these carts till the recent price hike.
Don't blame you, Steve - it's a very good cartridge but they're taking the p*ss with the price rise. Got bugger all to do with exchange rates imho (as I said elsewhere, the GBP is at its 2nd highest level against the JPY since July'16) they priced them to sell to start with, the cartridges became popular and are now trying to rake it in.
Funny how other stuff (also from Japan) has only risen a small amount, and some not at all.
Floyddroid
05-02-2017, 20:33
You hit the nail right on the head Richard. I heard one of these cartridges at the last NEBO and once fettled i could hear it's strengths. I started to look around a few days ago and happened across the thread about the price hike. I read it the same as you "taking the piss". It happens with everything that gets a recommendation or good review. I think i will be looking for an alternative based on that.
Don't blame you, Steve - it's a very good cartridge but they're taking the p*ss with the price rise. Got bugger all to do with exchange rates imho (as I said elsewhere, the GBP is at its 2nd highest level against the JPY since July'16) they priced them to sell to start with, the cartridges became popular and are now trying to rake it in.
Funny how other stuff (also from Japan) has only risen a small amount, and some not at all.
Floyddroid
05-02-2017, 20:39
BTW, You have a lovely system there and beautifully photographed. I doth my cap.
Thanks Steve - you're most kind. :)
As to the Hana cartridges, armed with the knowledge of the price-rise, I'd be looking at other stuff too.
Floyddroid
05-02-2017, 23:20
Must admit, i am intrigued by the Audio Technica AT33 PTG/II
Ali Tait
06-02-2017, 07:39
Heard one past week, sound great.
Must admit, i am intrigued by the Audio Technica AT33 PTG/II
Had this low-mileage Hana not come up, I'd have pulled the trigger on a PTG. Lovely cartridge. :)
chris@panteg
06-02-2017, 10:20
Hi Richard, how much are the Hana cartridges now?
I've decided I've had enough of the OC9 MLII, it's just too mean and analytical.
Ali Tait
06-02-2017, 10:32
Must admit, i am intrigued by the Audio Technica AT33 PTG/II
One for sale on here mate.
Hi Richard, how much are the Hana cartridges now?
I've decided I've had enough of the OC9 MLII, it's just too mean and analytical.
Hi Chris - not sure on the latest (post-rise) prices, but think the EL was around £350, the SL £550.
walpurgis
06-02-2017, 10:59
I've decided I've had enough of the OC9 MLII, it's just too mean and analytical.
Ha Ha :). I've heard that said quite a few times. Some like them though. See if you can get a listen to a ZYX R50 Bloom.
chris@panteg
06-02-2017, 11:11
Ha Ha :). I've heard that said quite a few times. Some like them though. See if you can get a listen to a ZYX R50 Bloom.
Thanks, yes I've heard the Zyx at Paul's (rfc) very nice indeed, hell I think I'll listen to anything, just need to get away from the OC9 sound, it's impressive don't get me wrong but oh so cd like, in fact it's more like cd than cd lol
chris@panteg
06-02-2017, 11:14
Hi Chris - not sure on the latest (post-rise) prices, but think the EL was around £350, the SL £550.
Thanks Richard, not that bad then, the Hana is a great match for you.
walpurgis
06-02-2017, 11:17
Thanks, yes I've heard the Zyx at Paul's (rfc) very nice indeed, hell I think I'll listen to anything, just need to get away from the OC9 sound, it's impressive don't get me wrong but oh so cd like, in fact it's more like cd than cd lol
The Lyra's can be a bit like that too. Not as much as the OC9 though.
There again. My ZYX R100 2H is about as ruthlessly revealing as a Decca, but not peaky. Has to be given a little system matching thought.
Thanks, yes I've heard the Zyx at Paul's (rfc) very nice indeed, hell I think I'll listen to anything, just need to get away from the OC9 sound, it's impressive don't get me wrong but oh so cd like, in fact it's more like cd than cd lol
You know what I'm going to say ;) if CD impresses less I'm certain it's because of speaker issues (passive crossovers are the absolute pits, even Harbeth ones!!!). Yeah, I know the OC9 is a bit relentless and I remember how much beefier the ancient OC30 was. I could be totally wrong, but I believe the OC30 DNA is now in the 33PTG, but could be totally wrong here. My beef with ZYX is that they seem to have doubled in price? in the last ten years. Ask HiFi Dave, as he knows the ZYX intimately and will always 'look after' AOS members.
jandl100
06-02-2017, 12:57
I have to confess that I was thinking that youse guys' CD playback systems needed fixing! ;)
chris@panteg
06-02-2017, 13:02
You know what I'm going to say ;) if CD impresses less I'm certain it's because of speaker issues (passive crossovers are the absolute pits, even Harbeth ones!!!). Yeah, I know the OC9 is a bit relentless and I remember how much beefier the ancient OC30 was. I could be totally wrong, but I believe the OC30 DNA is now in the 33PTG, but could be totally wrong here. My beef with ZYX is that they seem to have doubled in price? in the last ten years. Ask HiFi Dave, as he knows the ZYX intimately and will always 'look after' AOS members.
Hi Dave, I wouldn't say I was unhappy with my cd playback, I have living voice Avatars, quite revealing of anything hard or relentless I would say though.
RothwellAudio
06-02-2017, 13:18
... I'm certain it's because of speaker issues (passive crossovers are the absolute pits, even Harbeth ones!!!)
Millions of people all over the world manage to live with them. I've heard some extremely good speakers with passive crossovers.
jandl100
06-02-2017, 13:22
I think Dave is having one of his Little Moments. :lol:
You know what I'm going to say ;) if CD impresses less I'm certain it's because of speaker issues (passive crossovers are the absolute pits, even Harbeth ones!!!). Yeah, I know the OC9 is a bit relentless and I remember how much beefier the ancient OC30 was. I could be totally wrong, but I believe the OC30 DNA is now in the 33PTG, but could be totally wrong here. My beef with ZYX is that they seem to have doubled in price? in the last ten years. Ask HiFi Dave, as he knows the ZYX intimately and will always 'look after' AOS members.
That is totally erroneous...plain wrong I'm afraid Dave!
The fact is that they've been at the same price for years up until last year, so have had to go up in price. The issues are very simple: Changes to the design, changes to the range, the falling pound against the dollar have all combined with a need to raise prices to reflect the additional investment that the founders had to make in order to increase production and improve reliability of production and distribution. These things all cost money.
The entry level R-50 Bloom cost £565 for a fair number of years with no price hikes. Now that the pound has fallen against the dollar by 30% (and this matters because the largest ZYX market is the USA so they are priced to export there), then the "old" price would realistically now become about £735. However, they couldn't keep prices as they were and keep the company afloat or improve production or distribution channels, so given the new range, the better availability and the necessary pre-Brexit price hike needed, then the £850 for the all new R-50Mk3 is STILL a very good price compared with just about any equivalent competition. Most of the R-50 competition is above £1000 anyway, and always was in reality. I certainly haven't heard anything this side of £1K to better them.
Millions of people all over the world manage to live with them. I've heard some extremely good speakers with passive crossovers.
Absolutely. Well designed, there's absolute nothing wrong with them.
My take on them is that they ought to be designed with as few components as necessary to achieve the desired acoustic, phase, step, and polar responses. To say "they're the pits" is just an example of brainwashed nonsense propagated by those who know little to nothing about 'speaker design. It is true that some of those using especially complex ones can often sound a bit sat-on if badly designed. However, having heard a superb pair of original Rogers LS3/5as at the weekend, you'd have to be deaf, a liar or both to suggest that 1) the crossover could be "heard" and 2) that it detracted from the sound. Indeed, without it, the speakers wouldn't work and sound horrible.
Not everyone wants active amps and DSP, and not every speaker system needs it. I know of one relatively complex passive crossover system with less impedance losses than the loudspeaker cable connected to it!
Arkless Electronics
06-02-2017, 15:01
There can be no doubt that active is better and substantially so. Personally I wouldn't use digital filtering though.
Crossovers for active speakers can be built passive of course... which is usually ignored.
The main reason active is not used more widely (by amateurs anyway. It's the norm for professional studio monitoring) is "audiophile disease".... it rules out tinkering and box swapping!
Ali Tait
06-02-2017, 15:08
Quite happy with my active OB's run with a 4x8 miniDSP.
Arkless Electronics
06-02-2017, 15:15
I do analogue engineering only so would never touch digital crossovers with a bargepole, even if they were better, which IMO they are not. For the real purist as I said above a passive crossover can be used before the separate amps for each driver...
There can be no doubt that active is better and substantially so. Personally I wouldn't use digital filtering though.
Crossovers for active speakers can be built passive of course... which is usually ignored.
The main reason active is not used more widely (by amateurs anyway. It's the norm for professional studio monitoring) is "audiophile disease".... it rules out tinkering and box swapping!
That used to be said about CD, that unlike vinyl playback there was no room for tweaks and tinkering. Then along came 'green pens'; CD damping discs and rings, etc. :doh:
Agree re. active speakers. Unfortunately my Quad 57s do not readily lend themselves to be adapted from passive X-overs. It would require the use of three audio transformers per speaker, capable of dealing with voltages as high as 2.5kV.
Ali Tait
06-02-2017, 15:20
Running them with direct coupled amps would be very worthwhile Barry, some if the best sounds I've ever heard were done this way.
Arkless Electronics
06-02-2017, 15:32
That used to be said about CD, that unlike vinyl playback there was no room for tweaks and tinkering. Then along came 'green pens'; CD damping discs and rings, etc. :doh:
Agree re. active speakers. Unfortunately my Quad 57s do not readily lend themselves to be adapted from passive X-overs. It would require the use of three audio transformers per speaker, capable of dealing with voltages as high as 2.5kV.
As you will no doubt be aware, probably the best hi fi possible would be to do away with the transformers and directly drive electrostatic speakers from amplifiers capable 2-5KV output! Ideal for a valve or hybrid amp as it removes both the output transformer in the valve amp and the input transformer in the esl speakers.. Audio Nirvana! It was done commercially in the late 70's in the form of the Acoustat X (claimed by some to be the best speaker ever made). I recently had a look at the circuit diagrams for the amps and they were really crude....
Big enough ESL's with the right driving amps can do all the max SPL and slam anyone could possibly need as well.
Cost of course is the problem.... Although there are of course speakers selling for £50,000+ so maybe not that much of a problem other than the cost of parts in the £50K speakers is probably only £2K whilst it would be more like £5-10K for the ultimate electrostatic..
Arkless Electronics
06-02-2017, 15:33
Ali beat me to it whilst I typed!
Running them with direct coupled amps would be very worthwhile Barry, some if the best sounds I've ever heard were done this way.
That was a project of yours. How is it progressing?
As you will no doubt be aware, probably the best hi fi possible would be to do away with the transformers and directly drive electrostatic speakers from amplifiers capable 2-5KV output! Ideal for a valve or hybrid amp as it removes both the output transformer in the valve amp and the input transformer in the esl speakers.. Audio Nirvana! It was done commercially in the late 70's in the form of the Acoustat X (claimed by some to be the best speaker ever made). I recently had a look at the circuit diagrams for the amps and they were really crude....
Big enough ESL's with the right driving amps can do all the max SPL and slam anyone could possibly need as well.
Cost of course is the problem.... Although there are of course speakers selling for £50,000+ so maybe not that much of a problem other than the cost of parts in the £50K speakers is probably only £2K whilst it would be more like £5-10K for the ultimate electrostatic..
Yes, I know of the Acoustats. There were several teething problems if I recall. Never actually heard any, but they were on my radar.
These days were I to replace my Quads it would be with something from Martin Logan, or possibly Ed Saunders. Many years ago I heard some Dutch manufactured ESLs at an audio fair in London. They were superb (I can't remember the name, think it had "-stat" in t), but I have heard there were reliability problems. Not sure if they are still made.
I'm not aware of anyone currently making direct drive ESLs, so there must be a reason. Reliability, EU Health and Safety rulings, .... ?
If you were to design a valve anode coupled amplifier for ESLs, what would you choose for the valve?
Arkless Electronics
06-02-2017, 16:23
Yes, I know of the Acoustats. There were several teething problems if I recall. Never actually heard any, but they were on my radar.
These days were I to replace my Quads it would be with something from Martin Logan, or possibly Ed Saunders. Many years ago I heard some Dutch manufactured ESLs at an audio fair in London. They were superb (I can't remember the name, think it had "-stat" in t), but I have heard there were reliability problems. Not sure if they are still made.
I'm not aware of anyone currently making direct drive ESLs, so there must be a reason. Reliability, EU Health and Safety rulings, .... ?
If you were to design a valve anode coupled amplifier for ESLs, what would you choose for the valve?
I heard the Acoustats once and was impressed! Was "Audiostatic" the name of the Dutch company? I'm not sure but also remember them.... Then there was the B&W DM70 treble driver, Shackleton or something similar treble units, the Indian Cadence units etc...
Health and safety would be a major problem with full range, also full SPL range, directly driven ESL's yes and one of the biggest cost implications if they were to be safe. High quality, safe, reliable and hum free 10KV PSU's don't come cheap either!
I didn't have a specific valve type in mind but was thinking in terms of transmitter valves which can routinely take 10KV and would be just ticking over delivering 2000WPC @ 10,000V for the bass panels and should last years. "Little" things like 845's should just about suffice for the treble panels:D
I had in mind something about the size of a door here BTW...
The possibility of "Motional feedback" here could not be ignored either! We have the possibility of a speaker capable of less than 0.05% THD across the full audio bandwidth and flat +/- 1dB or better from 20Hz - 20KHz... A quantum leap in performance!
As an engineer I'd love the challenge of such a thing, the electronics side of it anyway, but alas for someone like myself it would need guaranteed customers before R&D was even started... it could bankrupt even a 10 man company to put that much into R&D and then not sell any!
That is totally erroneous...plain wrong I'm afraid Dave!
The fact is that they've been at the same price for years up until last year, so have had to go up in price. The issues are very simple: Changes to the design, changes to the range, the falling pound against the dollar have all combined with a need to raise prices to reflect the additional investment that the founders had to make in order to increase production and improve reliability of production and distribution. These things all cost money.
The entry level R-50 Bloom cost £565 for a fair number of years with no price hikes. Now that the pound has fallen against the dollar by 30% (and this matters because the largest ZYX market is the USA so they are priced to export there), then the "old" price would realistically now become about £735. However, they couldn't keep prices as they were and keep the company afloat or improve production or distribution channels, so given the new range, the better availability and the necessary pre-Brexit price hike needed, then the £850 for the all new R-50Mk3 is STILL a very good price compared with just about any equivalent competition. Most of the R-50 competition is above £1000 anyway, and always was in reality. I certainly haven't heard anything this side of £1K to better them.
You may well be right, but there's so much crap talked about cartridges, some companies maintaining prices fairly well and others made in the same country doubling in price over the last ten years. I understand from Rega that cantilever-diamond assemblies are bought in bulk, probably from the same supplier and then mounted to the coil formers. yes, I know that accuracy in fitting all the parts together can be labour intensive, but I have to say from experience that cachet and status counts for a heck of a lot of the retail price.*
*I cite hifi Dave's long-standing story as told by Ortofon regarding, I think, an MC2000 (sold for several hundred quid I recall) with foo-hard but brittle ceramic or similar body. His dem one was broken and a free replacement was sent; free, because the packaging cost more than the cartridge in material terms if nothing else. Check with him if you don't believe me...
So much bullshit floating around the so-called luxury 'Top End' of our industry where things are priced for status and cachet and even the Chinese imported products at around £350 retail come in for well under a ton, more like £60 if fairly recent experiences serve still...
Cynical? ME??? Well, I've been kicking around this industry now for around forty five years man and beast (make it over fifty since I started buying audio magazines and mopping up the info inside them) and seeing how certain personalities milk their customers dry does tend to have a lasting impact. Still, very few here and on other HiFi forums ever seem to buy new product via a retailer, preferring to buy used kit that's been around the block a few times, so I suppose it's moot...
Ali Tait
06-02-2017, 18:25
That was a project of yours. How is it progressing?
Well it's more a case of asking Nick to build the amps for me, that kind of stuff is well beyond my knowledge.
In answer to your question, it hasn't, Nick is a busy man.
We'll get round to it sometime. :-)
:hijack:
I thought this was meant to be about Gromit's system?
:hijack:
I thought this was meant to be about Gromit's system?
So did I!! :scratch:
walpurgis
06-02-2017, 18:32
Thread drift is normal and expected. Extremes can be addressed, but that's not happened here.
tell me where you want it edited from and they can go into another thread if thats your wish
Here I was, hoping to hear more about your recent acquisitions, especially the Exposure vs Cyrus after you left us all in suspenders yesterday! Interesting debate going on, but not what I tuned in for :offtopic:
After 116 pages, I'm sure there is room for some thread drift. AoS is notorious for it!
Also it ought to be remembered that Members do not 'own' the threads they have started; anyone is free to contribute and thread drift is a possible consequence.
So with that, back to Gromit.
brian2957
06-02-2017, 18:34
Oh...and some piccies please :D
Oh...and some piccies please :D
Pretty please! I'm getting addicted :lol:
tell me where you want it edited from and they can go into another thread if thats your wish
No damage done - it makes for interesting(ish) reading ;)
Sorry to those expecting an earlier blow-by-blow report on my own little amp bake-off, had a very busy hifi-day (the joys of semi-retirement!). :)
Ok...
Although the Super XV's phonostage is superb - one of the best I've heard in any integrated - it is bettered by the P75 in PE mode.
As to an outright winner between the amps, it's hard to call but contrary to what I'd expected I'd have to give the nod to the Cyrus 8vs/PSX-R. It's more rounded, with greater heft and clarity over the Exposure. More music genre agnostic, and a broader musical picture. It has most of the groove of the Exposure but with the advantage of giving the listener a more open window on tiny details. It also sounds a lot more powerful and just gets a bigger sound from the Royds. Most of the music today was jazz, a lot of fusion (Chick Corea/Dave Weckl etc) where tomorrow we're doing some prog and rock (early Genesis/Rush/Yes etc) with a good dose of big band too. Who knows, it may swing the other way.
Piccies will follow tomorrow, I promise. :)
brian2957
06-02-2017, 19:22
Nice write up Richard , you've been doing a bit of box swapping the last wee while :)
It's nice to have the time to sit down and listen to ones system in a relaxed manner , and make your mind up about what you're hearing . I look forward to some pictures of what you were listening to and talking about :)
Cheers Brian - the Cyrus amp has been a very pleasant surprise over this last 12 months (yes I've kept an amp that long!). Their stuff does get a lot of ridicule on the forums but from what this little amp has given me, I can see (hear) why it is still liked by many.
Marmite? Probably - but certainly none the worse IME. :)
Few more piccies...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/569/32763113925_73a1c1f0a1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RVawjz)Volume (https://flic.kr/p/RVawjz) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/371/31919845894_140e42fc99_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCDy7A)Pair (https://flic.kr/p/QCDy7A) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/372/31919831934_fde44478d4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCDtXU)System (https://flic.kr/p/QCDtXU) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Another couple of hours this morning doing some fiddling about. As a huge fan of Exposure for nearly 25 years, I really hoped the Super XV would prove to be a better amp than the Cyrus but the silver boxes have it beaten. The Exposure is - at a smidge - easier to listen to but the Cyrus just digs out more detail and dynamics. The bass is better, being not only stronger but with a more defined sense of pitch, which is when all's said the grounding for harmony.
brian2957
07-02-2017, 12:29
Few more piccies...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/569/32763113925_73a1c1f0a1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RVawjz)Volume (https://flic.kr/p/RVawjz) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/371/31919845894_140e42fc99_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCDy7A)Pair (https://flic.kr/p/QCDy7A) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/372/31919831934_fde44478d4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QCDtXU)System (https://flic.kr/p/QCDtXU) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Another couple of hours this morning doing some fiddling about. As a huge fan of Exposure for nearly 25 years, I really hoped the Super XV would prove to be a better amp than the Cyrus but the silver boxes have it beaten. The Exposure is - at a smidge - easier to listen to but the Cyrus just digs out more detail and dynamics. The bass is better, being not only stronger but with a more defined sense of pitch, which is when all's said the grounding for harmony.
Beautiful pictures as ever Richard . I haven't heard a Cyrus amp for years mate , and TBH they've always been pretty low down on my wish list , glad you're enjoying them .
You've also had the little Teac DAC for a long time , do you use it ?
You've also went back to Royds , haven't you ? I've had A7s and Minstrels , however I found them a bit bright when I went digital . How do they compare to the Q Acoustics ?
macvisual
07-02-2017, 21:33
Beautiful looking hi-fi system there Richard, superb photpgraphy also...... wow.
I'm not that well up on the Cyrus amps you've in your hi-fi system, is that a Cyrus Pre & Power amp combo in your system then..?
Regards;
Pete
Beautiful looking hi-fi system there Richard, superb photpgraphy also...... wow.
I'm not that well up on the Cyrus amps you've in your hi-fi system, is that a Cyrus Pre & Power amp combo in your system then..?
Regards;
Pete
Thanks Pete. :)
The 2-box Cyrus is the 8vs integrated with PSX-R power supply. I bought the amp on its own to start with during a late-night wine-induced bout of eBay BiB button clicking (seriously!). Once in the system though, I was very pleasantly surprised by its abilities, in fact I'd say it was the first amp through these doors which was a genuine upgrade to the Sony 770ES.
The PSX-R just adds weight and clarity - and great value (used) too. :)
macvisual
07-02-2017, 21:59
Thanks Pete. :)
The 2-box Cyrus is the 8vs integrated with PSX-R power supply. I bought the amp on its own to start with during a late-night wine-induced bout of eBay BiB button clicking (seriously!). Once in the system though, I was very pleasantly surprised by its abilities, in fact I'd say it was the first amp through these doors which was a genuine upgrade to the Sony 770ES.
The PSX-R just adds weight and clarity - and great value (used) too. :)
Cheers for that info! Any idea which Cyrus power-amp/s may suit a passive pre-amp me wonders...? Having a nightmare trying to find a power amplifier or mono-blocks at the minute to suit my hi-fi system.
Thanks;
Pete
Cheers for that info! Any idea which Cyrus power-amp/s may suit a passive pre-amp me wonders...? Having a nightmare trying to find a power amplifier or mono-blocks at the minute to suit my hi-fi system.
Thanks;
Pete
Pete - a passive pre with Cyrus power, I'd have absolutely no idea I'm afraid. I think in such instances a Cyrus pre would be the best choice. If I don't keep the Exposure Super XV I may go for a Cyrus X-Power to bi-amp the Royds.
jandl100
09-02-2017, 06:52
IME (having - briefly - owned one) and from general forum banter, the Cyrus preamps are the weak link in their catalogue.
The one I had (sorry, forgotten the model) was mediocre in the extreme. Just opaque and boring and bland. It just closed the music down. A passive pre in a Cyrus system or with a Cyrus power amp would be a very interesting thing to try, imo.
jandl100
09-02-2017, 06:55
And Exposure gear. :scratch:
I was at a bake off quite a few years ago, and someone brought along a 'classic' exposure amp.
Everyone else was drooling down their shirt fronts at the sound when inserted into the system - but it just seemed rolled off, coloured and cloudy to me. Your missing the point, they laughed. Bugger me if there was a point!
A few years later I tried again, a dealer had a 21RC pre on a good deal. Bought it - sheesh, nothing special at all. It was better than that classic amp, but very ordinary.
Maybe Exposure just do things differently, and you have to be in to that particular vibe to appreciate it?
And Exposure gear. :scratch:
I was at a bake off quite a few years ago, and someone brought along a 'classic' exposure amp.
Everyone else was drooling down their shirt fronts at the sound when inserted into the system - but it just seemed rolled off, coloured and cloudy to me. Your missing the point, they laughed. Bugger me if there was a point!
The point was you weren't a blinkered fanboy! ;)
Can't stand that sort of pish - folk 'married' to a particular brand... Utter nonsense, and a sign of gross insecurity. If it sounds shit, then it is SHIT, no matter who makes it!! :exactly:
To the fanboys I would say: WAKE UP, remove the blinkers from yer peepers, and embrace REALITY...
Marco.
Must admit, I have little or no time for those who become evangelical over certain brands - even more so when it's to the detriment of other kit. Those who know me, will understand I've been a fan of Exposure amps for many years but would never state them as the be-all. As an all-round package I'd even say my Cyrus rig is the better of the 2 amps I own presently. The Exposure is also extremely fussy where speaker cable and warm-up is concerned. Regarding the latter, it really does take the amp 24 hours to come on-song (this is easy to demonstrate - providing one has the time of course!) or at least a couple of hours' hard use, from being switched off for any length of time.
Regarding cable - I've been using NVA LS6 for a few years now and am yet to find an amp which doesn't like it. The Exposure though (from past experience) really does prefer a simple, multi-strand copper cable of decent weight, ie its own or something very similar. To that end, I purchased some Van Damme Hifi (4mm) from Mark Grant the other day which works incredibly well - even driving the amp hard it doesn't even get the slightest bit warm so clearly a perfect match, electrically. :)
Arkless Electronics
12-02-2017, 15:32
Always found Exposure gear good but not as good as some would have you believe... Ultimately a bit lacking in transparency and a little "thick" sounding...
Firebottle
12-02-2017, 17:27
..... it doesn't even get the slightest bit warm so clearly a perfect match,
Crikey :eek:
Couldn't let that go, if you have warmed up speaker cables in the past you must have been using some pish :eyebrows:
Tell me that's a joke ......
Might get hottish at amp end, but shouldnt anywhere else
Crikey :eek:
Couldn't let that go, if you have warmed up speaker cables in the past you must have been using some pish :eyebrows:
Tell me that's a joke ......
Get it all glowing, that's what I say. :D
The amp getting warm...natch. ;)
Regarding cable - I've been using NVA LS6 for a few years now and am yet to find an amp which doesn't like it. The Exposure though (from past experience) really does prefer a simple, multi-strand copper cable of decent weight, ie its own or something very similar. To that end, I purchased some Van Damme Hifi (4mm) from Mark Grant the other day which works incredibly well - even driving the amp hard it doesn't even get the slightest bit warm so clearly a perfect match, electrically. :)
Interesting, I found the same when I started using my Exposure III / IV combo, I use the 2.5mm Van Damme HiFI, electrically as you say this cable is perfect for even the crankiest old amps, the clue is in the wide spacing between the conductors. Hmm I wonder if the 4mm would make any difference... my head says no, but my heart still wants to try. :P
The point was you weren't a blinkered fanboy! ;)
Can't stand that sort of pish - folk 'married' to a particular brand... Utter nonsense, and a sign of gross insecurity. If it sounds shit, then it is SHIT, no matter who makes it!! :exactly:
To the fanboys I would say: WAKE UP, remove the blinkers from yer peepers, and embrace REALITY...
Marco.
Surely that's a bit strong isn't it Marco?
Just because one person thinks something is shit as you put it doesn't necessarily make it shit in everyone's eyes.
I really like Exposure amplification and regularly defend it against Naimies who say it couldn't possibly equal or better Naim equipment, but I'm also not blinkered enough to think it can't be bettered. For instance I recently heard a Belles integrated amp against my Exposures that was nicer to listen to, so therefore arguably better, and had I been in a financial position to buy it I probably would have done.
It also depends on many different factors, what speakers you're using, what source, etc. etc.
narabdela
13-02-2017, 15:25
Surely that's a bit strong isn't it Marco?
I could be wrong here, but I think you've misinterpreted the point Marco was trying to make.
Arkless Electronics
13-02-2017, 15:41
Surely that's a bit strong isn't it Marco?
Just because one person thinks something is shit as you put it doesn't necessarily make it shit in everyone's eyes.
I really like Exposure amplification and regularly defend it against Naimies who say it couldn't possibly equal or better Naim equipment, but I'm also not blinkered enough to think it can't be bettered. For instance I recently heard a Belles integrated amp against my Exposures that was nicer to listen to, so therefore arguably better, and had I been in a financial position to buy it I probably would have done.
It also depends on many different factors, what speakers you're using, what source, etc. etc.
It's vastly better than Naim yes!:D
I could be wrong here, but I think you've misinterpreted the point Marco was trying to make.
Maybe, I wasn't having a go, just thought the statement was a little strong.
It's vastly better than Naim yes!:D
I agree ;)
walpurgis
13-02-2017, 16:49
Anyway. Regardless of all that. I like the way Richard's system looks. Very smart and classy, as I'm sure the sounds are too. Nice bit of photography by the way. :thumbsup:
Agree, the system is looking impressive :)
I could be wrong here, but I think you've misinterpreted the point Marco was trying to make.
Quite... I have nothing against Exposure equipment (indeed, I rather like it), but if as Jerry says, the sound produced at that bake-off (with the Exposure stuff) was, shall we say, nothing special, then that verdict should've been acknowledged by the assembled listeners.
I got the impression, and Jerry can confirm this or not, that the 'Exposure fanboys' present didn't necessarily disagree, but simply because it was Exposure, Jerry somehow had 'missed the point'... Which begs the question: what exactly was the point? :hmm:
And if it was simply to uncritically wank over some box (or boxes) that had an Exposure badge on it/them, then *that* nonsense is what I have ZERO time for, regardless of whether the gear concerned is from Exposure, Naim, Linn, NVA or The Harry Halfwit Company!
I take it you get where I'm coming from better now, Paul? ;)
Marco.
or The Harry Halfwit Company!
.
Think I had one of their amps years ago.
Arkless Electronics
13-02-2017, 17:55
Naim fanbois are the worst!
Perhaps... I just can't stand any form of blinkered fanboyism or (misplaced) 'brand loyalty'. It suggests an innate insecurity/lack of gumption in the character of those afflicted, and leads to the creation of cliques.
Marco.
Quite... I have nothing against Exposure equipment (indeed, I rather like it), but if as Jerry says, the sound produced at that bake-off (with the Exposure stuff) was, shall we say, nothing special, then that verdict should've been acknowledged by the assembled listeners.
I got the impression, and Jerry can confirm this or not, that the 'Exposure fanboys' present didn't necessarily disagree, but simply because it was Exposure, Jerry somehow had 'missed the point'... Which begs the question: what exactly was the point? :hmm:
And if it was simply to uncritically wank over some box (or boxes) that had an Exposure badge on it/them, then *that* nonsense is what I have ZERO time for, regardless of whether the gear concerned is from Exposure, Naim, Linn, NVA or The Harry Halfwit Company!
I take it you get where I'm coming from better now, Paul? ;)
Marco.
Gotcha, that makes a lot more sense now you've explained it in different wording.
Naim fanbois are the worst!
Bar none!
Thanks for the input - and of course the kind comments about my little rig. :)
There are many types/makes of equipment which have me scratching my head as to why folk like it (I won't list them here). In fact, judging by their choice, I've even wondered if they've actually listened to any live music in their lives - however if what they listen to makes them happy, then that's fine. Just don't start preaching to me. Jeez, some people don't even like Marmite. <scratches head again> ;)
There are many types/makes of equipment which have me scratching my head as to why folk like it (I won't list them here). In fact, judging by their choice, I've even wondered if they've actually listened to any live music in their lives - however if what they listen to makes them happy, then that's fine.
Indeed... It's the 'evangelism', displayed by associated acolytes, that causes problems - almost as if some folk need a 'guru' to follow or someone/something (verging on a form of religion) to *believe in*, as much as a stereo to listen to their music on! :doh:
Sad puppies....
Anyway, I very much approve of the recent additions to your system. Judicious choices, as usual, Richard. Enjoy the music, mate :cool:
Marco.
Super XV...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2719/32824393211_4383ed65a4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/S1zAvZ)Super XV (https://flic.kr/p/S1zAvZ) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Hana EL...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2611/32974605036_f370229f6e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SeRtg3)Hana EL (https://flic.kr/p/SeRtg3) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Spinning some tunes...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2288/32200750593_d31c58fdb8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/R4tgi4)LP12 (https://flic.kr/p/R4tgi4) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
It's still here - was going to update my sig line but my rig's not changed in nearly 4 years. :D
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50624041243_c430f19769_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2k8trKi)Light Musik (https://flic.kr/p/2k8trKi) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
Hope all are keeping well on AoS.
Hi Richard,
:wave::wave:
Great seeing you checking in again! Hope the family and you are well and staying safe:)
I guess if your system's remained unchanged you must be pretty happy with it and just enjoying ya choons - not a bad place to be, matey! Fantastic photography as usual... Anyway, hang around more when you can and don't be such a stranger in future:cool:
Marco.
Thanks Marco - we're all good thanks, and trust you & yours are too. :)
Not really been frequenting much in the way of hifi fora - I suppose mainly because my little rig's doing the job fine. Perhaps a new cartridge will be needed in the next 12 months or so but that's about it.
Work-wise (since semi-retiring) I've been mostly teaching Clarinet and Piano at home, also doing some conducting. Got asked to go on the Board of Examiners for ABRSM but it would mean a lot of time away from home so that was a no-no. As a total change I got myself a little part-time job working for Waitrose in Newark. No stress, not in charge of anyone, no appraisals to write - and Mrs Gromit enjoys the John Lewis discount. :D
I shall certainly re-frequent the forum, and will look forward to reading up on the comings and goings. :)
LP12 looks lovely :drool:
LP12 looks lovely :drool:
It's not such a bad old tool :)
With the (horrific!) cost of Linn's own upgrades, I've no plans to take things further. As it stands, I feel a balance has been struck, and it's such a lovely thing to own and play records on that I've no desire to to move on. I also have a photography (Leica) addiction to feed too - something has to give :D
........ I also have a photography (Leica) addiction to feed too - something has to give :D
Which model Leica do you use Richard?
Which model Leica do you use Richard?
M-P Typ 240.
Finally took the plunge about 6 months ago - my dad once owned an M3 back in the 60's so felt it only right to have an 'M' of my own. They are lovely things, no doubt there.
brian2957
05-12-2020, 10:37
Hello Richard , good to see you back on the forum :)
Hello Richard , good to see you back on the forum :)
Thanks Brian - been mostly frequenting the photographic sections on hifi forums (anything for a quiet life!) but starting to dip my toe back into hifi-related stuff again.
Hope you're keeping well. :)
brian2957
06-12-2020, 10:13
Thanks Brian - been mostly frequenting the photographic sections on hifi forums (anything for a quiet life!) but starting to dip my toe back into hifi-related stuff again.
Hope you're keeping well. :)
All well here Richard , thanks . I hope you and yours are all well . Yes I've noticed that you've been practicing your other hobby on the forums :)
All well here Richard , thanks . I hope you and yours are all well . Yes I've noticed that you've been practicing your other hobby on the forums :)
Yes, he puts up some lovely pics of audio room etc on forums Be that expensive Leica I guess :)
brian2957
06-12-2020, 10:38
:)
M-P Typ 240.
Finally took the plunge about 6 months ago - my dad once owned an M3 back in the 60's so felt it only right to have an 'M' of my own. They are lovely things, no doubt there.
Very nice! I have an M3 and an M4. They have been all over the world with me and have taken thousands of photographs, under all weather conditions without problem - they have been superbly reliable.
I haven't got on well with digital cameras; mainly I think because most of them do not have an eye-level viewfinder. Having spent most of my time with rangefinder cameras, as distinct from SLRs, the M-P Type 240 is the one I would go for, but only if I could use the Leica lenses I have.
Very nice! I have an M3 and an M4. They have been all over the world with me and have taken thousands of photographs, under all weather conditions without problem - they have been superbly reliable.
I haven't got on well with digital cameras; mainly I think because most of them do not have an eye-level viewfinder. Having spent most of my time with rangefinder cameras, as distinct from SLRs, the M-P Type 240 is the one I would go for, but only if I could use the Leica lenses I have.
M3 & M4 is a lovely set, no question. I quite fancy an M6 (with the meter) some time in my future but there's always time. The M3 has to be 'the one' though. :)
I have spent some time shooting film in the last couple of years, mostly Medium Format (I have a 500CM, Mamiya 645 and Yashica 635 TLR) which is a lot of fun, and the results can be incredible. My heart still belongs - film-wise - to my old Nikon F3. A camera that's been everywhere, from the snows of the high Alps to the Saudi desert. Not once in 30 years has it let me down. So much truth in the saying 'they don't make them like that any more'. :)
The first bit of hifi I've bought in over 4 years. Been streaming via my MacBook for quite a while, but got tired of the faff and wanted a simple, small & neat solution which could be controlled via phone or iPad. So far, I've been quite impressed with this little box of tricks. Sure, on a lot of material the turntable kills it, but this is more than good enough for proper listening. Super-quick delivery by Richer Sounds too. :)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50978817171_c537fbeff2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kEPLgD)Bluesound+Cyrus (https://flic.kr/p/2kEPLgD) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
brian2957
26-02-2021, 08:36
Hello Richard, hope you are well :)
What is it ?
Hello Richard, hope you are well :)
What is it ?
I'm good thanks, Brian - trust you & yours are too?
The little box is a Bluesound Node 2i streamer. Dragging me into the 21st century. :D
brian2957
26-02-2021, 12:07
Aye all well here Richard :)
That looks like a nice bit of kit :)
First bit of hifi I've bought in - well, quite a while. Always been a bit of a cynic when it comes to these things - especially where the LP12 is concerned - but having recently purchased the Stack Audio 'Serene' pairing of mate and puck, I'm a convert.
Was expecting a 'different' rather than 'better' presentation (at best) but these really have made a worthwhile improvement, would even go as far to say they're a bit of a bargain. The puck is very light, so much that the armboard shows no drop whatsoever. The improvement is in a sense of musical ease, clarity, allowing vocals to retain dynamics but not becoming over-bearing on peaks. Bass has better pitch, and more differentiation between bass drum and leading edge of bass guitar/double bass etc. Other improvements are vastly reduced surface/background noise.
Bottom line is I've listened to more vinyl in the past couple of weeks than I have for months.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55044284023_ce332a392b_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rS5kVH)Akoustic (https://flic.kr/p/2rS5kVH) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55063940615_d98e6fb5e4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2rTP69t)System 26 (https://flic.kr/p/2rTP69t) by Boxertrixter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93875151@N07/), on Flickr
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