View Full Version : AlfaGTV's den
as it stands right now... Inspired by Mika K's B&W photos i'll do the same for now. Have very difficult light in my den with mixed colour temperatures. :(
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW01.JPG
First up is my trusty old Heybrook TT2 or TT12 due to the Valhalla motor control. Switched to a RB-301 with a Denon DL-103 this morning. Never boring, to my ears!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW03.JPG
And here's my digital source and preamp. Both Marantz, the pre is the SC-11S1, quite a capable fully balanced pre with a very good phono stage and an equally potent headphone amp. It delivers excellent audio to the power amp also. The top item is a NA-7004, Network Audio Player, with more capabilities than i have the energy to go through :) I use it as a UPnP Media Renderer for music stored on my NAS, and also as a DAC for music from the Mac Mini/Amarra which is in the background somewhere. And to be honest i also use it for sending AirPlay streams to it with surprisingly good results!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW02.JPG
My SACD player is also a Marantz unit, an SA-15S1 which mostly is used for playing back SACD's. Ordinary CD's are to 99% ripped once and then played from files, as this sounds a lot better in my system. Below the Marantz is the Bladelius Balder Power amp, quite a powerful unit. The toroid trafo is spec'd to some 2KVA's.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW04.JPG
Ah, and here's my DD TT, wouldn't dare showing pics on this forum without a Techie, would you? :lol: This is an SL-150 Mk II fitted with an SME Series III and most of the time hosts one of my lighter MM's.
Actually i am quite fond of it and it shounds shoo shweeet with it's Ortofon 2M Black (Or Bronze or even Red if in doubt over LP quality) Horrible acoustic feedback though, on it's original feet.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW05.JPG
Finally, my old sweetheart, the Luxman L-530! Beautiful amp with a more than respectable phono stage and a sweet beautiful sound which "makes my heart sing" :D
High current bias delivers some 20W in pure Class A and then some 120W into 8ohms in Class AB.
Thanks for looking!
Regards /Mike
That Heybrook and mighty Luxman anp look stunning indeed! Had myself L-525 back in the days and still wonder why sold it? Audiophilia nervosa I guess.. ;)
Thanks for sharing loooks nice
Audio Al
29-09-2012, 18:02
Very nice
Looks like you have a fair few LP's as well :)
Thing Fish
29-09-2012, 18:57
Heybrook looks beautiful in those tones.
Beautiful, I think I have spied some of your pictures before :)
Always liked the Heybrook and its top of my wish list of TT's, I think I have decided to go for a vintage as opposed to new player. Just need to find a good one now.
Thanks guy's! :) Tim, i saw that one guy wanted advice on pricing as he was about to sell his TT2. Look in the Analogue dept. for recent post in the thread on TT2.
I'll try and add some further pics of various bits of kit as they emerge from my closets for some out-time!
/Mike
Rare Bird
29-09-2012, 21:01
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW04.JPG
Whats the swirley Vertigo fuzzy?
Always liked the Heybrook and its top of my wish list of TT's, I think I have decided to go for a vintage as opposed to new player. Just need to find a good one now.
Hehehe... I knew that you'd eventually succumb to the powers of the dark side. You've spent too long on AoS for the bug not to bite! :eyebrows:
Mike, awesome pics, dude. I agree with Dave that your TT2 looks stunning in black and white, just indeed as it does in colour! :respect:
Oh, and I LOVE that Luxman - Japanese engineering at its best!
Marco.
Hehehe... I knew that you'd eventually succumb to the powers of the dark side. You've spent too long on AoS for the bug not to bite! :eyebrows:
Darn it, looks like the games up http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/hidingunderchair.gif
:) it's a sign of 'sound' thinking, isn't it?
RareBird, the fuzzie is Black Sabbaths debut, an impressive sounding German first issue! :eek:
/Mike
Beautiful, I think I have spied some of your pictures before :)
Always liked the Heybrook and its top of my wish list of TT's, I think I have decided to go for a vintage as opposed to new player. Just need to find a good one now.
How about this one?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=366626&postcount=62
How about this one?
:doh: I'm watching that, now everyone has seen it :(
Thanks for the thought though . . . I don't spose you could amend your post to take it out?
:doh: I'm watching that, now everyone has seen it :(
Thanks for the thought though . . . I don't spose you could amend your post to take it out?
Done, if you look closely!
Done, if you look closely!
;)
Took a couple of hours setting up this morning, but still worth it:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW06.JPG
My late Heybrook TT2 with TPS motor control and an Audio Origami RB-250 with all the bells and whistles... Benz Micro Glider L2 on the end generating tiny voltages for the Tom Evans MicroGroove to fettle with! :)
The TT is placed on a slab of kitchen board material. Called Nero Azoluto and this one weighs in on about 30lbs, that would be about 14Kg for us metrics. This has got 5 small pads of Novibra (TM) between it and the top shelve (shelf?) on the Quadraspire.
Oh, and yes, i use iPods also, this one is a "Classic" containing my digital music in 256Kbps AAC for travel and party purposes. (It delivers digital signal into the earlier mentioned Marantz NA-7004)
Regards /Mike
Love the heybrook Mike, great pics too...
Jason
Thx for your comments!
Went by my local second hand shop here and saw an old Philips CD Player that caught my interest.
Its worth a tenner just to have a look under the bonnet! :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/CD614.JPG
It is very pretty for it's age, but unfortunately it doesn't sound very nice. However, it seems to be a brilliant transport sporting a coaxial digital output.
The audio presented is very meaty, clean and calm when feeding the Marantz NA-7004 via its coaxial digital input!
Regards /Mike
Nice buy for a tenner Mike....
Yup, jason, it was worth the pennies! :)
I have actually made a a major change in my system as of this weekend. The Marantz products have been p/x:ed for a new frontend, with digital AND analog source switching and of volume control?
The new front end is delivering the sweetest sounds i have ever heard in my environment! Analog, detailed, grainless ,powerful and smooth, all in one package! The dynamics are magnificent and somehow i understand more when people say that digital does sound very differently, from various sources.
Alright, of course there are differences, i know and hear them too. :mental:
But differences between digital sources are in my world relatively small, when compared to analog source components such as turntables, pickups etc.
So once more a simplification has happened in my setup, the Marantz Pre and Network Player has been replaced by a Bladelius Embla DL Classic (http://www.bladelius.com/index.php/products/embla).
This is a file player and DAC that also have an excellent preamp with analog connection possibilites. Files are played from UPnP source or an USB Mass Storage device such as an external hard drive.
And it does sound absolutely magnificent!
Will post some further info and pics later! Now, back to playing music!
:cool:
Regards Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Embla_BW.JPG
The rack is getting slimmer and slimmer... Now it's almost tidy.. ;)
From top to bottom:
Heybrook TT2 with TPS motor control unit.
Tom Evans MicroGroove X
Bladelius Embla DL CLassic
Bladelius Balder
Not pictured:
Tellurium Q Blue speaker cables
and Dali 40SE speakers
/Mike
This is what it looks like at the moment. I am fortunate enough to be blessed with both a spacious flat and an understanding better half. That means that even the monstrous Dali 40SE's are welcome! :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Hemma1_bw.JPG
And there i sit and wonder, over the newly found bass resonances that makes you seasick... ;) Nah, not entirely true, but twisting the room 90° woke some resonances that are hard to tame.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Hemma2_bw.jpg
Listening to Yello is out of the question until i get it sorted...
And i finally got around to the idler turntables!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Lenco_bw.JPG
Have still to find out what all the fuzz is about though. Even with new v-block bearings... :D
:cool:
//Mike
The Black Adder
04-12-2012, 08:42
Bloody lovely... What an amazing looking drum... :) - Very, very nice indeed, Mike!
I had some Dali Helicon 800 MkII's once, lovely speakers but they were too big for my room unfortunately.
Thx Joe!
I actually have a story to tell regarding a pair of Helicons 800's!
I bought a pair of nice headphones a couple of years back, a pair of Denon AH-D7000.
When i went to collect them we naturally started talking about musik and hifi and the guy, very proudly, invited me for a quick listen to his Hifi.
I was seated in sweetspot and the guy played some music on his Denon PMA-2000 and its matching CD/SACD connected to a pair of Helicon 800's
I was baffled... There was absolutely no top end extension at all?!?!? :stalks:
Upon examining the connections made, it was easy to see that he had been using his very expensive speakers without the jumpers to the top end terminals connected for almost two years.
We made some jumpers and he was a happy camper, however a little unused to the full frequency at first. He did give me big thanks and reduced the price on the headphones! :lol:
"drum" :scratch:
Must be some expression i am unaware of?
Or you have discovered something in the pics that i am unaware of? :lol:
Anyway, thx! :cool:
//Mike
macvisual
04-12-2012, 11:19
Mike I've sent you a pm.
Stunning photography, excellent!!
As to your audio gear, wOw beautiful, that Heybrook tt is sublime looking, beautiful simple looking. And your Luxman, what can I say.............speechless.
Keep us updated, and more b/w photo's please.
Thank you.
"drum" :scratch:
Must be some expression i am unaware of?
Or you have discovered something in the pics that i am unaware of? :lol:
//Mike
'Drum' - Cockney slang meaning house or flat. e.g 'The rozzers gave my drum a spin looking for that hookey tom.'
The Black Adder
04-12-2012, 18:25
'Drum' - Cockney slang meaning house or flat. e.g 'The rozzers gave my drum a spin looking for that hookey tom.'
Shat it you slaaaag! - Thanks ol' chap... :cool:
Yes, sorry about the confusion there... lol
:D
Thank you, gentlemen! I suspected t'was bout the flat, but i couldn't figure it out.
Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, and you'll never now when the knowledge will come in handy!
Thx! :cool:
Beautiful flat and system, Mike! :youtheman:
I like your taste in decor :)
Marco.
Thank you Marco! Appreciated!
:cool:
//Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TT2_AO250_S.JPG (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TT2_AO250_L.JPG)
:) Really doesn't matter what kind of competition this beauty gets, i still like it the best!
Have had a lot of different turntables up and running lately, but connecting the ol' Heybrook TT2 with its Audio Origami RB 250 is like coming home! :) As i write this im looking forward to exchanging the pickup to a Benz Micro Wood SL... Oh, i bought that one with a Michell TecnoDec! ;) Looking very much forward to trying that one too!
I have sold some equipment also, the Bladelius Balder power amp has been replaced by two InterM R500 Plus in bridged mode @ 500w per channel AND good sound!
Listening to a lot of music at the moment and enjoying it immensely!
//Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TecnoDec.JPG
The competition has arrived! Just assembled, really impressed! Excellent engineering, from an initial point of view!
Only settling down at the moment, so the 2M Red in a Black body will do, likewise with the horroble Rega counterweight and stub...
Already it plays clean, neutral and with good drive and pace! Seems quite dynamic also...
The TechnoDec still sounds very good, and it now has got the 2M Black tracing the grooves! Only problem is that the pickup i bought with the deck is now playing on the Heybrook TT2, a not yet broken in Benz Micro Wood SL. :)
Lets just say, that i prefer the sound of the Wood over my good friends Miyajima Shilabe... ;)
I would like to think that my collection of carts have showed how good vinyl replay can sound, but this one is in a class of it's own.
I mean, how big a difference can it be between the Benz Ace SL, Glider L2 and now, the Wood SL? Well, i now have the answer...
Pictures coming up!
Ok, now the TecnoDec is coming on song! TechnoWeight polished and installed (Thx Myles!), Benz Micro Glider L2 in place... :eek:
To be quite honest, this one plays music really well, cant say that it sounds better or worse than the Heybrook, just different... :scratch:
And, as most people agree, the engineering and finish on the Michells is second to none. :)
And, it looks good to me!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TecnoDec_BMG_TW.JPG
Spinning The Joshua Tree at this moment!
/Mike
Looking very nice indeed Mike.
You take wonderful pictures, Mike! :)
No matter what the Heybrook sounds like (and I'm sure that it sounds good), it is a seriously gorgeous looking T/T. I love it's 'clean' and simple lines:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TT2_AO250_S.JPG (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TT2_AO250_L.JPG)
:stalks: :respect:
Marco.
Thx Marco! I know the Heybrook is not your "cuppa tea", but it sure is good looking!
To me, it sounds really really good, especially for the money it commands. :)
Thanks again and i wish you all a nice weekend!
Thx Myles! Today arrived a useful thingy; A Tungsten counterweight for the RB-tonearms.
A little Autosol polish and then it looks like this!:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/rb_tungsten.jpg
First subject, my old Heybrook TT2 with RB-310 and DL-103!
I'll report in later! :)
http://www.cesarcalderon.es/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/gollum-ring.jpg
Shiny!
Well, i have found a suspect for the part of acting Power amp in my system.
I have been using a couple of InterM R500Plus amps to great effect, they are truly amazing for their cost.
But now my local dealer had something exciting on his hands and and the price was reasonable.
So i asked politely for a loan and it looks very much like it's staying:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/kas180.jpg
Karan KAS 180 Power amplifier
Sorry, no full pics at the moment...
It is, as usual, fed signal from my pre/streamer/dac:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/embladl.jpg
Bladelius Embla DL Classic
or possibly from this (at the moment)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/michell.jpg
Michell TecnoDec with RB250/Technoweight and a Benz Micro Glider L2
To my ears the Karan plays Music in the most convincible way i have Heard in my system. I still kept what i liked about the InterM's, a powerful punch in the lower mid/bass section with great dynamic headroom. The Karan does play voices and top in the most silky smooth way you can imagine, without ever masking detail. It didnt change the tonal character of my whole system, just let the Hifi shine through, depth, soundstage, microdynamics etc.
Some call the Karan sound Tube-like, but im not sure i would agree fully. Maybe in the very smooth mids och voice registers, but tha bass is way better than i have Heard from tubes in my home. (TBH that is not so very many)
Looks like we have a Winner! ;)
:cool:
wiicrackpot
04-05-2013, 09:06
You're onto a winner indeed Mike, that L'il TT2 is the best i've clapped eyes on and lovely Tecno deck too,the new addition Karan looks the biz,
any chance of a full frontal of the whole system, :D if anything to go by, like all our Scandic friend's systems, it'll be special. :cool:
Sorry 'bout the mess, but my "mobile absorber" has a tendency to make sure dust is evenly spread all over!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/drum.jpg
The white panels are Vicoustic, mounted on distances so they're about 2" from the wall, hung by a steel wire. They ease the the room quite noticably.
Of course the vinyl also make's an acoustic difference, so in total i'm quite pleased with the acoustics and enjoy my music a lot!
http://www.ollars.net/sixten.jpg
My "Mobile absorber" with unknown bitch (The furry one's mine...
I mean, the one with four legs.. :lol: )
wiicrackpot
04-05-2013, 16:34
Mike,
Explain 'bout the mess, what mess?, :scratch:
all i see is everything uniformly placed in a clean, precise ordered manner like only true northerners do it. :cool:
Errr...define 'unknown bitch', do they spring up among Artic Orchids and run ''wild and free''?,
if so consider my Holiday booked for your part of the woods, hate to see talent going to waste. :rolleyes::D
oh lovely beemers at the back BTW.
WOStantonCS100
05-05-2013, 03:01
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Hemma1_bw.JPG
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Hemma2_bw.jpg
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Lenco_bw.JPG
:stalks: What a room! Luv it.
Thanks guys!
The room was messy, more so than what was apparent from the piccie! But i assume thats what a decent photographer does, i mean conceal the blemishes ;)
The aforementioned 'unknown bitch' was taken by the charm of my wonderful furry friend (thats my dog :lol: ) at a nice Beemer Meet a couple of years ago. Have some piccies and my ride at the time can be seen here (http://www.ollars.net/M-Traff/pages/Avusbl%E5-93-Touring.htm)
Regards Mike
Aha! You can solve a mystery for me. What is the significance of "Bitte ein bit"? There's a bloke in our village who has that sticker on all his cars and I've been wondering for years what it's about!
Hehe Shane, you're not the first to question that sticker! I am not certain, but the slogan is for a beer making company, making a very nice lager called Bitburger. Why this has found it's way to a lot of cars and other areas i dont know! The slogan is very well known in Germany, that i know!
Best regard /Mike
I've heard that one also when traveling the german side of the alps. I undertood that the slogan was originally a commercial for that one special brewery but later it has established more common meaning "One beer please".. :)
Very nice room you have there neverthless! Do you have any acoustic treatment there or just plain standard furniture.. ?
Thank you Mika!
The only treatment are these Vicoustic panels, besides ordinary furnitureand textile.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/drum.jpg
My better half did go ahead and get some nice fullsize curtains that also helped calm the room down! Had some friends over this afternoon and they all liked both the hifi, the sounds it made and the acoustics :)
Very pleased now!
Nice!
Have been eyeballing those Vicoustic panels myself for the room have to take under work during the next month or two. I guess you have been happy for the quality etc? Asking as they are not exactly cheap.. :)
I would say the build quality and finish on the panels are very good! My friend bought a pack of 10 from the UK via eBay. The price was about 30-35€ a piece with shipping included. I wouldn't hesitate to order some more.
I have considered some foam panels on the other wall of the room, but havent ordered any yet. Will let you know i go through with that too!
Regards Mike
I like to listen to some music before shuteye. For that purpose, and not to disturb the missus, i have a headphone rig by my bedside.
I built a headphone amp based on a kit from eBay a couple of years ago, the Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear clone. I am very, very impressed with it and use it a lot. Unfortunately the audio from the Sonos ZP90's analog outputs is not very good, but acceptable. I happened to aquire a DAC from eBay also, and figured it would be a good idea to gather these within the same case.
So, now its done:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/riggbw.jpg
And for you DIY'ers, hold on to your hats! ;)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/insidebw.jpg
The left side houses the two separate trafos, a 60VA toroid for the HP amp and a 30VA R-core for the DAC. The small PCB is the DAC, an AK4396 based jobbie with a very appealing sound. To the right is the Lehmann clone, an absolutely stunning piece of kit, at peanut cost.
Both the dac and hp amp uses OP-amps, NE5532 as std, but they have been exchanged for a much better option, the LME 49720HA (metal cased).
The sound quality from this combo is flawless to my ears, its hyper detailed, smooth, extremely dynamic and with the Denon AH-D7000 headphones the bass is physical! :) Actually very, very nice soundstage and depth too!
Regards Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/LuxmanL_S.jpg (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/LuxmanL_L.jpg)
Found a rare Luxman L-560 not to far away and went ahead and bought it.
Here it's sitting to the left of my old trusty and very well sounding Luxman L-530.
The differences are that the L-560 runs in Pure Class A, which means that it gets fecking hot after a few hours. The good news is that it has always been well taken care of, no dust, well ventilated placement and such means that it runs very well! Never been messed with, 100% function and sounds absolutely smashing! I think i can say that it actually sounds way better than i have heard any integrated in my home.
The L-530 is a couple of years older, and has a different construction. This one is a high bias Class AB construct, which means that is does some 15W per channel in class A and the bias then varies to allow the amp to deliver some 120W per channel into 8ohms per channel when needed.
The high ias means this one also runt quite hot, but not to the same degree as the L-560 (pun intended)
Both of these have an absolutely top class phono stage, and of course variable loading and TWO phono inputs! They also have Source Direct capability for the Phono inputs. (The L-560 adds a Source Direct for the CD-input also)
I can heartily recommend these amps to anyone liking good sound, a little bling styling and excellent phono capabilities. Oh, yes, they have a very respectable headphone amp also!
Frankyc2003
10-06-2013, 20:27
:stalks:
Champagne finish, veneer...
This is true lux-ury!
:ner:
I've been thinking for ages buying me one of those A-class luxury packages. Wonderful amps..
The Outcast
11-09-2013, 21:43
Beautiful gear beautifully captured
Took a couple of hours setting up this morning, but still worth it:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/BW06.JPG
My late Heybrook TT2 with TPS motor control and an Audio Origami RB-250 with all the bells and whistles... Benz Micro Glider L2 on the end generating tiny voltages for the Tom Evans MicroGroove to fettle with! :)
The TT is placed on a slab of kitchen board material. Called Nero Azoluto and this one weighs in on about 30lbs, that would be about 14Kg for us metrics. This has got 5 small pads of Novibra (TM) between it and the top shelve (shelf?) on the Quadraspire.
Oh, and yes, i use iPods also, this one is a "Classic" containing my digital music in 256Kbps AAC for travel and party purposes. (It delivers digital signal into the earlier mentioned Marantz NA-7004)
Regards /Mike
Thanks gentlemen! Time to update this page!
I'll be back!
I believe there is a HiFi Hall of Fame that you have good reason to experience in your life.
In my journey the time had come for Yamaha HiFi to enter house!
And yes, they may have produced many high quality products in their day, but the most appreciated must be:
10576
Yamaha NS-1000 Monitor
These were from Swedish national television, and they are a matched pair, by measurement and listening tests. The finish is not the absolutely best i've seen, but there will be time to see to this.... ;)
With that i mean, they're not going anywhere soon! :D
Replacing my Audio Physic Tempo V, their clarity and precision is astonishing! And then were comparing with one of the cleanest speakers i've experienced? And for a sealed box, i was amazed by the amount and quality of the bass output!
One of the drawbacks must be, they absolutely massacre bad recordings.. :( not all of my music is listenable...
Regards Mike
PS stands are under construction...
Great find! :D
I'm guessing that A-class Luxman should be pretty good match for these speakers. If that's what you using to drive these..?
You're absolutely correct Mika!
They were initially tested with my L-560, but i could't resist making a minor modification, exchanging the speaker terminals for some proper one's. (the original are squeezy one's)
And after the NS-1000M were installed in my main system, they have stayed... :)
Driving them with my Karan KA-S180 fed from Bladelius Embla, makes so much music! :D
But the Luxmans drives them really well too, just a tad more laid back and "slow" if that makes sense?
I have also taken delivery of a big kit of acoustic treatment panels that will find its way on to a couple of big, flat surfaces in my listening area. The were Vicoustic, by the way, but these are the foam type, with angled surfaces.
Regards Mike
WOStantonCS100
19-09-2013, 21:49
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/LuxmanL_S.jpg (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/LuxmanL_L.jpg)
:drool:
Absolutely gorgeous!
I've been spoiled by the convenience of a multi-function unit in my system, as of late. It has me thinking about making a more permanent switch to an integrated. The Luxman units, even the new ones (SQ-38u, L-505u, L-507u), are tugging at my pantaloons. (Yes, I said pantaloons. This is AoS, afterall. ;) :lol: )
:drool:
Absolutely gorgeous!
I've been spoiled by the convenience of a multi-function unit in my system, as of late. It has me thinking about making a more permanent switch to an integrated. The Luxman units, even the new ones (SQ-38u, L-505u, L-507u), are tugging at my pantaloons. (Yes, I said pantaloons. This is AoS, afterall. ;) :lol: )
Thank you! And as Mika suspected, they are both, but particularly the L-560, very well suited to match the Yammies!!!
Still prefer my more expensive "nu"-amp though! ;)
Nevertheless, it is truly amazing what you can assemble with smaller amounts of money, if you know what to look for, and does not fear the boot sales, and vintage market! :eek:
Regards
/Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/YNS1000M.JPG
These will get treatment as they have som minor damage on the outside, the drivers are very recent though. Actually works very well on the IKEA Bekväm stands! :lol:
Better stands are being put together!
Regards /Mike
alex_san78
22-09-2013, 15:56
Hi Mike!
I really like the "wall" behind the speakers! :) Good collection of vinyl!
Regards Alexey.
Thanks Alexey! Besides being a good source of enjoyment, they double as diffusors! :)
ATB //Mike
Looking good indeed! :cool:
Yammies on the bench, and the Tecnodec too! :) (Yammies are getting an exterior treatment, as well as their new stands)
In their place my trusty Heybrook TT2/TPS with a Rega RB250 and a Benz Micro Glider L2 is making sounds that are delivered by my Audio Physic Tempo V.
And, i have bought a new interconnect between the Embla and Karan power amp; A Jorma No3 in XLR form... It wont shock your socks off, but is does sound very correct immediately. And when left in place for a couple of days something happens?!?!! Cant say what it is but i tried disconnecting it and inserting it's predecessor; a Tara Labs RSC Prime XLR, the differences were obvious. The Jorma is staying! :)
I have aquired a CD/SACD player too, a real find i must say; A Pioneer PD-D6-J for £50 !!! It actually sounds much better than it has any right to!
Besides being able to play my SACD's analogically into the preamp section of the Embla i also can use it as a transport using the digital output as input to Embla. The latter works very well, almost as good as ripped files! :)
Regards Mike
Yes! Got meself a nice Gyro SE, at the moment with a RB700 and my old trusty DL-103 :)
I know, i know... It's not an optimal combination, but it sure sounds nice!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/gyrose.jpg
Great deck! :)
There have been a lot of adjusting on the Gyro SE, and each and every little tweak makes the player respond with very obvious changes in audio quality! This is the most responsive player i've had the pleasure of fiddling with!
When bought it had the distances made for the SME tone arm plate, which means the VTA was horrible. My first listening was made using a bolted on Denon DL-103 and the original tungsten weight. The tt was however placed carefully and balanced out nicely with the springs.
One of the suspension tower thrust balls was however lost so it had to be sent by mail last week.
Okaj, sound quality to start with was very promising, however unusually thin and splashy for a DL-103. First tweak was to replace the thrust ball and re-level the platter- Yes, a definitive improvement! Next up, order the correct tone arm plate distance from the UK.
Hmm, cant wait... Created a temporary solution using some aluminum tubing and longer machine head screws, way to stiff for optimal performance but way better concerning VTA.
While the tonearm was free'd i exchanged the tungsten weight for a spare TechnoWeight.
Once again, there was massive improvement! Hey bass, where've you been hiding? ;)
Next step, replace the DL-103 with something little more refined; my trusty Benz Micro Glider L2. Ahhhh, now were talking big soundstage! Retained slam and added some midrange warmth but most obviously, the upper register are displaying lots more detail and never sizzles.
And yesterday the original delrin spacers for the tonearm arrived. Replaced them and thoroughly checked all settings using my Dr Feickert Protractor Next Generation, an invaliable tool for the vinyl nerd! :)
Yup! Here we have a winner, this beauty isn't going anywhere soon! ;)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/GYROSE.JPG
337alant
12-12-2013, 07:21
Very Nice system Mike ;)
I am very interested in you tweaks on the Gyrodeck as I have one, I am using a AT 33EV on it at the moment but not sure Im getting the best from it
Alan
Bit of bling there at the Gyros design me thinks :)
Nevertheless it's wonderful player when adjusted properly with synergetic tonearm and cart. It has certain agility in its sound I think. My friend has one with all kinds of mods starting from Orbe platter, speing system and some damping material and I don't even know what else. He uses it with some Origin Live arm and Lyra Dorian cart and the combination sounds really nice especially with jazz and classical music..
Thanks Alan and Mika!
I haven't had the Gyro SE for more than a couple of weeks, but it is highly appreciated already!
A little 'bling' is alright! Particularly in christmas times! ;)
About the tweaks, i am satisfied at the moment. I will try my Audio Origami arm later, and also the Benz Micro Wood cartridge. Think i'll try some damping also!
The package as a whole does sound rather neutral, engaging and has great slam...
Regards Mike
Santa was very kind this year! He must think i have behaved too...
He left me a Michell Orbe SE, an indisputable upgrade me thinks! It has got the Orbe Controller and a DC motor along with all the goodies you may expect. As this table is spinning records in parallell with the Gyro SE, it has got my Audio Origami RB250 with a Benz Micro Wood SL mounted.
It makes magnificent sounds and challenges everything iv'e heard so far, when discussing turntables! :)
Flipping records like madman at the moment!
Some pics:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/ORBESE02.jpg
Spinning a Ltd Edt of Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons, on transparent vinyl.
Some pics:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/ORBESE02.jpg
Spinning a Ltd Edt of Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons, on transparent vinyl.
Hey, Mike, that's a stunning pic! I hereby command you at once to post it on the 'Get yer turntables out for the lads' thread in Analogue Art!
:exactly:
Marco.
Thank you, gentlemen! :)
I'll see what i can do! ;)
Ah, well then, here's some illustration on the subject of bettering the arm on the Orbe SE:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/OrbeSE_SMEVC.jpg
Still using the olde Benz Micro Glider L2 though, and it loses some when compared to the WoodSL. But, changing cart on a SME V takes minutes! And it is a pleasure to work with!
Happy bunny! :)
Idlewithnodrive
19-02-2014, 21:53
Looks absolutely amazing Mike. I bet it sounds it too.
Very nice indeed Mike and welcome to the Gyro club ;) It's one of those iconic decks that could last the distance in many systems and as you have discovered, it is very tweak-able (rather it takes a lot of setting up to get it sounding at it's best but well worth the effort). It works well with a surprising number of arms too. The Technoarm remains one of the better value reasonable performing arms for it and performs well for a Rega based arm. I use a 309 on mine and that seems to be an excellent match.
RochaCullen
20-02-2014, 20:45
Love the sl-150 mkii. How do you or did you get on with that? I have the 1400 mkii. The standard feet are a bit crap.
Thanks! It's an excellent record player!
Yesterday i actually switched to my main cart, the Benz Micro Wood SL which is basically new (or tops 80-100 hours) and the change in audio quality is NOT subtle!
I have always regarded the Glider L2 and Wood SL as quite similarly voiced carts, but oh no, not anymore! The Wood has got way more body and warmth, still a lot cleaner though and the stereo imaging is quite stunning.
@Reffc; It's actually an Orbe SE nowadays, which i'm sure sounds luverly with a Technoarm, but i have no intention of changing my SME V for one! ;)
@RochaCullen; I really enjoyed the SL-150 MkII, though it was very sensitive to acoustic feedback. (feet?) But placed correctly it sounded really nice. Unfortunately the SME Series III put some limitations on my choice of carts, so i decide to let it go in its original state instead.
ATB //Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Lyra.JPG
Oh my, this was a nice cart! :D
After a few days of listening to my "new" cart i must say i quite like it! :) It's audio signature differs significantly from my Benz Micro Wood SL, but they share one trait; Vinyl replay in itself is almost completely silent... How is this possible? The records are the same, and they are far from perfect, most of them anyways.
The Lyra Delos emphasizes depth, width of the soundstage and leading edges of notes, while the Benz focuses primarily on the decay of notes in my opinion.
While the Wood SL also adds some warmth, and body to most recordings, far from all LP's benefit from this. There are others that definently sounds better with the Delos, but equally the other way around.
Both carts easily massacres CD in terms of presence, authenticity and "sense of reality"
Was just playing my hirez version of Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand, @ 24/96 resolution which sounds really good. Have mostly prefered this version to the very "fat" sound of the 2LP Rhino pressing on vinyl. However, when switching over to the vinyl version today, as interpreted by the Lyra Delos/SME V/Orbe SE there really eas no competition, the vinyl was lightyears ahead! Alisons vocals were clearly defined in the soundstage, the double bass and other string instruments were really "live", basically; a very big step towards authenticity!
Humm, where does this journey end? ;)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/usu4ahe2.jpg
Just purchased another turntable! :) Can you have to many? I don't think so!
This is a quite special one, very simple, but most effective. Some furniture plywood as a base, a very good over the top bearing (delrin/teflon sleeved), a 20mm acrylic plate, given a surface like the SME turntables, which means it feels almost like LP grooves, only not so deep. Motor from ClearAudio Reference and there you go!
Drive belt from Clearaudio too, thin silicon belt which is a PITA to get into place.
But assembled this thing really shines!
Oh, almost forgot! It's called Simply Black Magic, and created by a real enthusiast, Miroslav Stasilovich of Veteran Hifi in Stockholm. Sold with a normal gimballed tonearm or his own development of the Continuo Cantus.
When swedish hifi journal tested this, Mirre gave them two versions, one with a Rega RB-300/Ortofon 2M Blue, quite a nice package at ca £1100. Mirre also thinks this TT can handle some really exclusive options so the other one up for trials was one with an SME V and an Ortofon Windfeld!
Both versions were extemely well recieved to say the least.
Just read through this entire thread, simply staggering equipment and beautifully photographed. Think the Luxman's are my favourite!
One question - what do you do work wise to pay for all this gorgeous stuff?
Just read through this entire thread, simply staggering equipment and beautifully photographed. Think the Luxman's are my favourite!
One question - what do you do work wise to pay for all this gorgeous stuff?
Thanks James! :)
Actually this hobby is to a great extent self sufficient for me. I buy interesting stuff at reasonable cost and sell them on after giving them some maintenance/elbow grease and evaluation, most of the time with a small surplus in my wallet.
It's getting difficult to improve on my main rig without spending major £$ though... ;)
I work as an IT Systems manager in public healthcare by the way!
All the best /Mike
Well... I have fallen from grace.. The grace of Solid State that is...
My digital front end/pre has left the building and surrendered it's place to something different!
I was always plenty please with the performance of my Bladelius Embla, but i got the opportunity to p/x it for something different and entirely out of my league.
So in it's place:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/VTL.JPG
The reason for this is the fact that i really enjoyed the analog playback more, from my Orbe SE and the desire to provide my tt with better possibilities.
Now the Orbe SE is connected to this VTL TL-5.5 Series II Signature, a fully tubed preamp with the optional phono-stage.
Digital duties are handled by my Mac'n'DAC, MacMini with iTunes/Amarra feeding USB into a Gustard U10 USB2AES/EBU converter further onto a Micromega T-DAC which provides balanced output into the VTL.
It actually sounds really nice, even though this DAC is bout 15years older than the Embla, but the Pre's audio signature shines through.
Mighty pleased as it stands, but really anticipating the delivery of a new tubeset for the phono section which sounds a little bland with it's current tubes...
Otherwise i now have the option of trying a StepUp! ;)
Few times I have heard it VTL has been pretty convincing :)
Thx very much gentlemen!
Pleased with the audio performance, sound soooo smooth! Needs a little more dynamics on the phono section though, but anticipating big improvements with the new tubeset on it's way from the US.
Already have plans for trying out a couple of Lundahl step up trafos actually, it's easy to co fig the phono section for MM use if i'd like.
Regards Mike
Well, after 'nu toobs' the VTL still failed to acclimatize itself in my setup. I saw no other option than to replace it with somethin' more solid state! ;)
Though having my vinyl setup on service at the moment i'm still genuinely impressed! This combo demolishes anything i've heard at home, even if i have to make do with digital! :D
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/KaranCombo.JPG
The fact that my Yammies (NS-1000M) manages to step up and perform is perhaps the most surprising! They do suite the room very nicely, and thats probably a big reason!
Karan make some good gear. :)
Thx Barry! They sure do sound excellent!
Some of my kit is on a visit to the United Kingdom, the RiAA is with Tom Evans for upgrade and my Orbe motor and psu is in Herts for service.
That means i am having a ball using my Simply Black Magic with the Audio Origami RB250! My old RIAA has been reinstated atm, a Lehmann Black Cube.
But, i did actually manage to buy something i've wanted to try; a StepUp trafo, K&K pcb equipped with a couple of Lundahl LL1678 transformers.
There are still some adjustments to be made but hey, this really works well!
I have tried stepup once before but that sounded horroble, so i've been sceptical.
Now, i do understand that this flavour could very well become addictive! :)
Looking forward to trying the StepUp with my VTL later!
Still haven't tried my Lundahl StepUp with the VTL as i want to try that with my Orbe... It has been in use with the Simply Black Magic/AO RB-250/Benz Micro Wood SL though, and i really liked what they did together.
But my vacationing welshman has returned!;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/20140824_01.JPG
MicroGroove+ X MkII
I'm way too curious to leave it sitting around, so pulled out my old NOS Thorens TD-318 MkIII
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/20140824_03.JPG
Mounted and aligned the Wood SL and behold, this doesn't sound bad at all! ;)
I'm sure the sound will change some when the MicroGroove gets some hours under it's wings but it already sounds very good! The StepUp+Lehmann also performed very well, but this has got more musical nerve and presence. Not to mention the dynamic nuances which are made very clear by TEAD. :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/rack201409.jpg
Finally! Everything back in place!
The Orbe SE's motor and PSU finally arrived last week, now with a NeverConnected Gen2 power supply.
And the shelves in my wall mounted "rack" has been replaced with the excellent Product from IKEA, the Lämplig chopping board, at £8 a piece :)
They have even got resonance controlling millings on the underside, very much like Quadraspires latest offering!
To my ears the audio was improved by both the PSU upgrade and the new shelves, improving soundstage stability, and "blackening" the backdrop even more than before.
Right now, my biggest concern is; How do I find the time to hear all the music i want to???
Are you still using those miniature resonators in your listening room Mike?
Are you still using those miniature resonators in your listening room Mike?
Sorry Barry, havent got around to buing any yet! The ones i tried were a friends,and he is using two kits permamently.
I do like the effect of 'em, but i don't like the price.
/Mike
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/DynaXX2.png
By no means was i disappointed or let down by my Lyra Delos or Benz Micro Wood SL, but that does not mean i'm willing to pass on an opportunity!
So, this is what the occasion brought, a Dynavector XX-2 MkII!
It's not even run in yet so it is bound to change it's sound i suppose, but i do like what i hear so far!
Extremely smooth without loosing detail i'd say! Seems natural to my ears...
That looks really nice..not seen that un b4.
Thanks Grant, I'm getting to like this 'un a lot!
It's getting some mileage and the sound is really to my taste. Somehow it takes the warmish presentation from the Benz and adds the slam, resolution and dynamics from the Lyra into one very nice package.
/Mike
Here there have been some changes lately, mostly on the digital side.
I p/x'ed my VTL TL pre for a Bladelius Embla Classic, yes, similar to the one i had before(why, oh why, did i even sell it?)
This one is the biggest in the line though, with touch screen, CD ripping options and internal SSD storage.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/04/05a37134340f6bb76ec8083ef1c36214.jpg
And to be quite honest, this unit still sweeps the floor with all the DAC/Player options that have been through my system... Yes, it does have it's quirks, but they are all manageable.
It is a CD-ripper/CD-Player/UPnP Media Player/USB HD File Player/DAC/AD Converter/Preamp etc etc.
For convenience i bought a second hand BlueSound node for easy streaming, Internet Radio and Spotify Connect. This is connected to the Embla via TosLink (VdH Optocoupler) and sounds truly satisfying for all occations, save the very most critical.
And on the analog side i have layed my filthy paws on a 'new' Denon DL-103SA! It really is a different animal to it's cousins!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/04/e452e5325233aaf4b35e89484eb6314d.jpg
It has just done about 10hrs and have begun to come on song in a most surprising manner! No, it does not fully compete with my Lyra Delos, or the other expensive carts, but comes freakin' close, i'd say! It has lots of attitude and still a refinement thats not far from the others...
I do believe that my introduction of some damping fluid in the trough on the SME V really worked well with this cart though!
A fresh view of the rack:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Rack20150703.JPG
From top;
Michell Orbe SE with Never Connected PSU, SME V and at this time Denon DL-103SA.
Not in picture is a Tom Evans MicroGroove Plus X MkII.
Bladelius Embla Classic digital source
Karan KA L pre (Soon to be Mk II)
Karan KA S180 power amp
On the floor you can see a part of the Bluesound Node.
Not pictured, Yamaha NS-1000M's
Wiring is a mixture of Black Rhodium and NordOst power, Jorma Design interconnects and Tellurium Q speaker cable.
Have a couple of guests in my den atm.
These are from the mid 90's and i belive they wanted a share of Sonus Fabers market share! ;)
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/19/55c1c3764af59a89aab9638fa3c00a90.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/19/db9b54fe7e3f5919550dcb08013094da.jpg
They are Aliante One HEX Limited...
Note the external x-over mounted on the back of the custom stands!
Compared to my NS-1000, these have amazing imaging! But there seems to be some anomalies in the frequency response which i cannot enjoy thoroughly...
Mike, l used to run a DL103 in my SME V/Gyrodec and that combo rocked like a demon, I did not use the fluid damping but used an ART Q damper- sounded lovely.:)
I agree Tarzan, it is a good combo!
But, what is an ART Q damper? Is that a "shim" for mounting between cart and tonearm headshell? Carbon fibre?
Found some hot debates about some other form of carbon fibre blocks from A.R.T. Q from some ten years ago!
I agree Tarzan, it is a good combo!
But, what is an ART Q damper? Is that a "shim" for mounting between cart and tonearm headshell? Carbon fibre?
Found some hot debates about some other form of carbon fibre blocks from A.R.T. Q from some ten years ago!
Yes Mike that is the kiddie, it served two purposes- to add mass at the headshell, and to stop the back of the arm hitting warped records ( as you know the DL103 is a short cartridge), lord knows how the 103SA sounds on your Orbe:eek:, as l said really enjoyed my DL103 when l had it, so much so further down the line l would look at the Expert Stylus Company's DL103.:D
Thx tarzan! As you can see i also had to get creative to aquire correct vta with the SA without the rear of the SME touching thicker records...
I use a silicone-ish chopping board from IKEA to good effect.
It's about 3mm thick and works a charm!
Anyway, i have bought a pair of "old" speakers! Based on the reviews online these should be a bit bright and lack bass... I cant even imagine what these "reviewers" have been using to drive the speakers;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/sl.jpg
Positioned as near the NS-1000M's as possible, these Jamo Concert 8s is delivering a very full, detailed and enjoyable sound!
Like the Yammies, these were bought for a very reasonable amount.
They actually deliver more bass than the NS's! The soundscape is better, but they lack some dynamics and slam in direct comparison with the NS-1000's
All in all, a very enjoyable speaker, capable of more than you'd expect!
Had Concert 8s and later Concert 11s for some time perhaps ten years ago or so. Very nice speakers delivering quality sound with suitable system and I see you have also the original stands there.. :)
Thats right! The stands were included in the price (€250) and all in all i'm very pleased with the purchase. :)
I have actually been selling off some old stuff which gave me the opportunity to aquire these and a new tone arm cable for the SME V.
It's due for delivery any time now and i am really curious to what it's gonna do with my vinyl playback.
I dont think the VdH cable delivered with SME V is a bad one, but i'm sure there are better ones out there.
I'm waiting for a Nordost Tyr to see what it does!
Thats right! The stands were included in the price (€250) and all in all i'm very pleased with the purchase. :)
I have actually been selling off some old stuff which gave me the opportunity to aquire these and a new tone arm cable for the SME V.
It's due for delivery any time now and i am really curious to what it's gonna do with my vinyl playback.
I dont think the VdH cable delivered with SME V is a bad one, but i'm sure there are better ones out there.
I'm waiting for a Nordost Tyr to see what it does!
I had the Nordost Quattro- Fil on my V a while back and that sounded very nice indeed Mike.:cool:
Just wanted to show off a few piccies taken with the USB Microscope mentioned in another thread a few weeks back:
First up, my Dynavector XX-2 MkII;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/dynavectorxx2.jpg
As you can see, the diamond is mounted a bit off axis, not to mention the fact its twisted 90 degrees from what i had expected?
And secondly, the Lyra Delos with quite a different diamond, and method of attachment too!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/lyradelos.jpg
Wow thats a handy gadget , how is the lyra diamond fixed ?
Thats some kind of adhesive, but i dont know what.
A wild guess would lead to some form of cyanoacrylate (superglue) but i dont know whether the diamond is also anchored mechanically in the boron rod....
Interesting to see though! :)
Christmas is coming to ~Casa Miguel~:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/musikrummet_sm.jpg (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/musikrummet.jpg)
This is the view over the music room/library and you can actually see my tv/movie setup. At the moment even sporting the Orbe SE as a Techy has claimed the vinyl spinner position in the main setup! Wtf? Yes, curiosity is a disease hard to rid yourself of! ;)
No, its not challenging the Michell as it is very std, but beginning next week it will get its PSU externalised and regulated. Then the original cart-rod will become an Audio Origami RB-250!
We'll see where this ends up!
Oh, one more thing; my main power amp will get some serious competition during the weekend. :)
Cozy! Like it a lot despite not a huge fan of christman here and christmas there..
Thx Mika! Were not overly traditional either when it comes to christmas, but we both like cosy lighting! :)
Here's the newcomer;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/sl1210_sm.jpg (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/sl1210.jpg)
Still in standard shape, with the DL-103SA on the original arm.
Has the new tonearm cable arrived yet Mike?
:popcorn::)
Yes! It arrived a few weeks ago and fit perfectly! I was a bit worried i'd have to realign the arm in order to be able to extract/insert the din connector. As Michell owners know, there is not an abundance of space under the tone arm plate.
But it went fine and only takes a couple of minutes to change the cable.
The initial impression was very Nordost-ish... Plenty of space, depth, width and clarity. A little skinny though. But after a couple of days the cable had "settled down" in it's new habitat and the sound gained a lot of weight and definition in the lower registers!
Now, a couple of weeks later i am very pleased with the new cable! :) The analog front end gained a lot of resolution and a "step in soundscape" along with greatly increased definition and perceived depth in the bass!
Not cheap but a similar increase in quality as a new cart, a better RIAA etc.
/Mike
Was this with the standard SME right angled DIN plug Mike - l assume you moved the V along on it's sled, then moved it back again to it's original position?:eek:
No Tarzan, i thought that would be necessary, but some careful handling of the angled DIN allowed the standard to be extracted and the Tyr connector to be inserted, all without disturbing the settings on the arm. :)
No Tarzan, i thought that would be necessary, but some careful handling of the angled DIN allowed the standard to be extracted and the Tyr connector to be inserted, all without disturbing the settings on the arm. :)
:doh: I remember now when l had the Quattro-Fil, it had a chunky Cardas right angled SME plug however it took a couple of minutes to get the angle of the dangle correct without having to reset the arm..... should never have sold that cable:mental: - one always thinks the grass is greener on the other side........
Isn't it? ;) I seem to have the very same condition!
I this case, the black is blacker on the next machine...
And this beast is truly black!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/kas270.jpg
Karan KA S270 now permanently in my setup.
Which also means that i am now (again) using Bladelius Embla Classic as a pre amp as well as DAC/streamer.
Not complaining! ;)
Any more thoughts on the Tyr Mike- and yes the Karan looks black and big!:eek:
Beautiful system and pictures, congrats!!! :-)
Christmas is coming to ~Casa Miguel~:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/musikrummet_sm.jpg (http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/musikrummet.jpg)
What a superb room, Mike - just my kind of thing! Lovely cosy vibe. You Scandinavian dudes [Mika and you] have got great taste in decor :respect:
Those windows are stunning...
Marco.
Big thanks guys!
The Tyr tone arm cable is well worth the punt as a used item. It really "lifted veils" compared to the original cable. On the other hand some music does not benefit from the increased insight but here i dont feel that any of the musicality/enjoyment becomes lost.
At the moment though, this is the item in focus;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/sl1210_aorb250_s.jpg
Right now playing with an Audio Origami RB-250 + Clearaudio counterweight and the DL-103SA.
The difference from the somewhat abused original is quite obvious! ;)
Next up is externalizing the PSU!
Big thanks guys!
The Tyr tone arm cable is well worth the punt as a used item. It really "lifted veils" compared to the original cable. On the other hand some music does not benefit from the increased insight but here i dont feel that any of the musicality/enjoyment becomes lost.
At the moment though, this is the item in focus;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/sl1210_aorb250_s.jpg
Right now playing with an Audio Origami RB-250 + Clearaudio counterweight and the DL-103SA.
The difference from the somewhat abused original is quite obvious! ;)
Next up is externalizing the PSU!
:popcorn::popcorn:
Thx Andrew, appreciated! :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/SLMIDAS.JPG
My Techie-adventure, ventures on! The next step has been taken by getting the PSU out of the TT according to the excellent instructions in these threads:
First part, externalizing the tranny - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?22954-A-quick-visual-guide-to-externalising-PSU-from-your-Technics-SL-1200
Second part, performing rectification and smoothing externally - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?26620-SL-1200-DC-Power-Supply-DIY
As of now the not-so-pretty result is on a piece of MDF as i havent found a good enclosure that i'd like to use. Therefore, no piccies! ;)
Soundwise i actually expected more, but yes, there is definently an cleansing of the macrodynamics and improvement in soundstaging. Of course a lowered noise floor too!
I'm now waiting for some zeners for the Third part, improving the voltage regulation - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?28607-DIY-PSU-amp-Regulator
All this has happened in my secondary system which will be pictured soon. As for my primary source of entertainment there has been a couple of changes:
http://www.ollars.net/karan/KAS270_1.JPG
I have two digital sources, one is the Bladelius Embla Classic used as a streamer or file player. The other digital source is a MacMini with Roon Labs software into a Gustard U10 USB to AES/EBU and then into the Embla's DAC.
The analog source is my trusty Michell Orbe SE with SME V/Nordost Tyr and atm Lyra Delos. The RIAA is Tom Evans Microgroove Plus X MkII.
Both the analog and digital sources are switched and volume controlled by the analog preamp part of the Embla which then passes the balanced signal further on to the Karan KA S270.
A couple of Tellurium Q Ultra Black connects the Karan to the Yamaha NS-1000M and the outcome is most satisfying to me! :)
Other cabling are a pair of Jorma No1 RCA interconnects between the RIAA and Embla. The Karan is connected using a couple of DIY Klotz/Neutrik balanced interconnects.
Power Cables are Nordost Heimdall 2 and DIY Ölflex Cable, all with Furutech connectors.
Techy goes Bo!ng!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/slboingbw.jpg
Just installed! And Mikey went Bo!ng! :D
Actually, i think they work very well, think that they were more clearly an improvement than extracting the PSU. Damnit! This is more money than i have spent on the whole deck so far! (Almost..)
A couple of notes though, the screws need to be longer and really should have a locking nut for the Techy chassis also. I hate rattling adjustable feet! Besides, its the springs that should supply the boing, right?
Secondly, all of a sudden the TT is no longer a solid deck, and you WILL boing your needle across a couple of lp's in the beginning!
All in all though, a worthwhile upgrade from the standard feet!
And i was far to quick to make evaluate the Bo!ng feet in my setup... :/
I though initially they were great, upping the level of detail and pace. But after having listened to a few records more i missed something, the base and fundamental low notes. The great bass and slam of the Techy were gone... All in all i lost interest and thought most records sounded like shite.
Back in went the original feet. And yes, here's the music again with rythm, control, pace and some real grunt!
Sorry, but the Bo!ng are not staying in my setup. Made the Techy sound like a nutered, plastic lightweight..
And i was far to quick to make evaluate the Bo!ng feet in my setup... :/
I though initially they were great, upping the level of detail and pace. But after having listened to a few records more i missed something, the base and fundamental low notes. The great bass and slam of the Techy were gone... All in all i lost interest and thought most records sounded like shite.
Back in went the original feet. And yes, here's the music again with rythm, control, pace and some real grunt!
Sorry, but the Bo!ng are not staying in my setup. Made the Techy sound like a nutered, plastic lightweight..
Less of a boing and more of a phut :D ah well, nothing ventured as they say, and sure they will maybe suit another type of deck.
What have i learned from ths expriment then? Well, once more it is proven that a change is not the same as an improvement!? And first impressions are not always the most honest...
And im convinced the Bo!ng will improve the sound in other applications. Perhaps as feet for electronics? Or as Rega Planar feet for that matter...
jandl100
21-01-2016, 08:11
Hmm, interesting. Must admit I am almost never a fan of footers that allow movement,- they all take the punch and excitement out of the music, imo.
But --- ime it is still worth bypassing the original Techie feet - they wobble too and lose a bit of whoomph -- I use RDC1 cones under my Techie dd tt. I do need a bit of compliance somewhere, though, as I am not on a solid floor, so need to absorb footfall etc. I find using sorbothane type pads underneath a solid surface, with the RDC cones then placed on the solid surface works better than anything I have yet tried.
I'll get a photo up shortly .... garden concrete slab - squidgy sorbothane footers - glass - RDC1 - Techie tt :)
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSCF6652_zpsguihutj7.jpg (http://s262.photobucket.com/user/jandl100/media/DSCF6652_zpsguihutj7.jpg.html)
Very nice Jerry! Like the SL-150 too!
I had to look up the RDC1 cones as i've never heard of them. They seem to be almost extinct nowadays...
Have you tried the sorbo underneath the slab'o'concrete instead? Of course each option will give different results but thats all part of the game, isn't it? :) Finding my way, as Rush aptly put it!
I tried it once Mike and within hours the sorbothane feet were flat.
I tried it once Mike and within hours the sorbothane feet were flat.
Haha! Of course, i didnt think of that!
I dont use any sorbothane meself, i use the stuff called NoVibra, a ribbed rubber pad originally designed for industrial purposes.
It's sold in small amounts by Clas Ohlson and other places.
I use it under my electronics, speakers and of course under the Nero Asoluto kitchen board placed under my Michell Orbe.
The pads are 10*10cm but should be cut into smaller pieces. Make sure the bits are compressed to about 1/3, that will dissipate most vibration in either direction. Put two on top of each other for big, heavy speakers!
Nevertheless, a set of RDC1 cones are now on the way to be evaluated under the Techie, thanks to jandl's suggestion! :)
Analogue Seduction sent those Clearlight Audio RDC1 feet like lightning! Usually packages from UK takes for ever, but these were here basically overnight?!?! :)
I do like what they do with the sound from the Technics! And cheaply too!
And i have had a discussion with Arthur K regarding my thoughts on the Bo!ng feet! That has actually led me to give them a second chance.
Now with 40mm M6 screws which is a much better fit. And also with locknuts to stabilize the feet even more (locking towards the Techy chassi) And yes, now were talking! I will listen a few days to try and give each set of feet an honest chance to prove themselves.
jandl100
29-01-2016, 08:39
Yep, Analogue Seduction orders usually arrive next day. :) Superb service, I've used them lots. I've even totally cocked up an order, only realised when I received it - but they were more than happy to sort it all out. :thumbsup:
So, it's a punch up between RDC 1 cones and the Boingy things under the Techie tt?
I've not tried the Boingy things, my general rule being rigid is good, squishy is bad ... just ask the ladies, they'll agree. :eyebrows:
Yep, Analogue Seduction orders usually arrive next day. :) Superb service, I've used them lots. I've even totally cocked up an order, only realised when I received it - but they were more than happy to sort it all out. :thumbsup:
So, it's a punch up between RDC 1 cones and the Boingy things under the Techie tt?
I've not tried the Boingy things, my general rule being rigid is good, squishy is bad ... just ask the ladies, they'll agree. :eyebrows:
No need to bring this thread down to Marcos level [emoji38]
Suppose it wouldn't be proper to suggest trying wood under the turntable! :lol:
Anyhoots, i have now tried three different set of feet under the Techy. And to make thing a little more exciting i'd like YOU to listen in with me! Each of the feet got to play four different tunes which were recorded in 24/96 PCM. They were saved in 24/48 WAV in shorter excerpts here (http://www.ollars.net/Test.zip)
Now, do yer job and download these and listen, think and give me your opinion!
So, the 01-files are one set of feet, the 02-files another etc.
The Technics were balanced out with each set, it had an Audio Origami RB-250 with a Clearaudio c/w. The cart is a DL-103 in a Midas body and the signal was amplified with a Lehmann Audio Black Cube. The signal was then splitted and played back in reasonably loud levels at the same time as Audacity recorded the signal on my iMac.
Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Edit: Brain fart... (Tone arm name)
downloading as i type...( and its split):eyebrows:
Not listened to all of each track and as I am on the laptop with my streamer its perhaps not the best test; I will try and send them down to the rpi tomorrow...but on clash and Cash, I preferred 2; stravinsky, which was a bit clicky and I havent heard before I liked 1; Stan, was 3.....but that might change tomorrow lol
I might add that it was marginal at best, and Bar the stravinsky, I would pick the cheapest or best looking
Excellent Grant, thanks so far! I'll let it soak for a couple of days and be back with me own conclusions too!
Atb Mike
listened to the Clash samples but only through computer speakers so needless to say not much in it. If I had to give a preference no2 was the best - punchier and with a bit more edge to it.
Thanks Macca, i have given the needledrops some listening during the day too.
There are no huge differences to my ears. Nevertheless i have identified the set that i like the best, but i'll keep it to meself for a few days.
I have had the samples in my pretty good IEM's at work today. Even if i most of the time knew what i was listening to, on a few occasions i identified the different sets "blindly".
Feel free to add your opinion!
Okay, the needledrops willl stay for a few more days if anyone's curious!
Interesting that the set of feet mentioned as most preferrable, by both Grant and Martin were the original paws! That is, the No 2 sample of each song were recorded with the orignal feet. The No 1 samples were recorded with the Bo!ng feet and they are, in my situation, the least preferrable to me. Of course your mileage may differ greatly, and i was using them on a glass shelved Quadraspire.
To these lugholes the best playback was aquired with the No 3 samples, using Clearlight Audio RDC1 cones.
They maintain a great fundament in the lower registers but allows the music to "relieve" itself from the speakers.
Of course, there might be other opinions on the subject and tobe quite honest, i dont think you found the diferrences substantial either!
Have a great weekend lads! Cheers!
True Grant, and in the end id bet that the optimal feet (or other) is a unique solution depending on environment, rest of the system and foremost preference.
How about this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TECHNICS-1200-1210-PIANO-BLACK-PLINTH-ZARGE-/182009633468
Im curious about filling the bottom with bead blast shot or something similar?
First up, my Dynavector XX-2 MkII;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/dynavectorxx2.jpg
As you can see, the diamond is mounted a bit off axis, not to mention the fact its twisted 90 degrees from what i had expected?
I did send this picture on to the swedish distributor of Dynavector inquiring about the offset of the diamond. He sent the info on to Dynavector JP and i got an answer back a few days ago.
It seems almost all carts, even these quite expensive ones, are subject to deviations in the manufacturing process. However, each individual cart is adjusted to strict standards before they are completed and should all sound almost identical.
Dynavector were impressed with the picture quality and requested information on the camera used! ;)
I actually will use my USB microscope on all carts from now on!
Just have a look at this image, from Ortofon, it is an extract from the official image of a new Ortofon Quintet Black from the swedish distributors homepage:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160206/228f2ba07affe0c0796e4df68af45879.jpg
Strange, isn't it?
Interesting idea, just popping the whole techie into the box. not a bad idea, although dunno if it will have any sonic benefits.
yeh, great pics; they will have got a start seeing them lol. that Ortofon one is pretty spindley
Ali Tait
06-02-2016, 13:36
Keep meaning to give this a try sometime -
http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/sandblaster_e.html
Thats the idea Ali! I just thought the "box" would add to the visual appearance of the Techy too!
My worries are though that the sand/bead blast will settle and that the damping effect will fade away?
Is that relevant?
Atb Mike
Can make your rack very top heavy though. Probably better with mag levs. I liked mine but not suitable or needed for my new TT. NOT CHEAP MIND AT ABOUT £150 a set new.
Not good news on the BOING then, Mike! However, given the opportunity (should Arthur send some out for evaluation, as is being proposed by Pinky) then I will certainly have a listen and offer my verdict.
Have you tried Isonoes? So far, those are by far the best support feet I've tried for the Technics.
As ever though, the results one gets with these things is largely dependent on what the T/T is sat upon, in terms of how the partnering equipment support, table or whatever, and its inherent design principles (if applicable) 'marries' with those of the T/Ts support feet and the T/T itself.
Consequently, the turntable used will 'prefer' how certain types of feet work more than others, and the listener will usually enjoy which in reality offers the best form of isolation, as that should translate as offering the best sound. Therefore, that's why there is no universal 'one size fits all' T/T feet, or indeed racks, tables or anything else! ;)
One simply has to 'suck it and see' :)
Marco.
...
One simply has to 'suck it and see' :)
...
Marco.
Very true Marco! In my situation, i did not prefer what the Bo!ng brought to the party but others may very well enjoy their effect.
CageyH obviously got a different impression from mine. :)
(Though i did notice he had Isofeet beneath the Bo!ng's)
I haven't tried Isonoe's yet, but if i get the opportunity i surely will.
I have some ideas for some other feet i will try in the near future also!
So, now it's happening! My SACDs are finally being ripped!
I found this;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/PS3_bw.jpg
Sony Playstation PS3 of the original model, with firmware 3.55 and SACD Ripper v0.37
I have started to rip and its not particularly complex, but quite time consuming.
I rip the whole SACD image to USB/SD and then split them into 2ch audio files in .dsf format, fully tagged and ready to play or stream.
I do like the audio result when playing back DSD64 files. Somehow they have a less gritty tone, even when compared to HiRez PCM.
It's not a huge difference, but i tend to listen longer when the material is DSD. Perhaps its about the less complex D2A process?
And i was far to quick to make evaluate the Bo!ng feet in my setup... :/
I though initially they were great, upping the level of detail and pace. But after having listened to a few records more i missed something, the base and fundamental low notes. The great bass and slam of the Techy were gone... All in all i lost interest and thought most records sounded like shite.
Back in went the original feet. And yes, here's the music again with rythm, control, pace and some real grunt!
Sorry, but the Bo!ng are not staying in my setup. Made the Techy sound like a nutered, plastic lightweight..
Really interesting conclusion. I wonder why it is so different? :scratch:
They did not make a massive difference in my set up over the Isonoe feet, but I am certainly not lacking the low notes. It's still there with grunt.
I like what they do, and they are staying in my system. I still have pace, rhythm and grunt but with added "space" and "air" with slightly sharper edges to the notes.
Perhaps we seek different things in audio? And surely our systems will perform differently. :)
As i said in a later post, the differences are not big though. The Bo!ng did perform much better with 40mm M6 screws, improving lateral stability. Still running the RDC1-cones and plenty pleased with that!
Well, it was about time i got some proper speakers, wasn't it?
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160401/f1dfc69c5b44be7adc984f3426fb73c5.jpg
50Kg á piece, 15" woofer, 6" mid in its own enclosure (ventilated) and a peculiar, but good sounding tweeter in a horn setup. 98dB for a Watt!
ElectroVoice PI 15-3
Let me just say that "caution is necessary"! They are extremely sensitive and do not dig deep, rolls off quite drastically from 85hz...
But the presence is amazing and the SPL is easily frightening! :)
Firebottle
02-04-2016, 06:06
Ikea stool supports as well?
Those look somewhat large and what a sensitivity :eek:
Macca could use those on his EL84 single ended amp ;)
Cheers Alan, yes, they are IKEA "stands"! Works surprisingly well as supports :)
I havent tried it yet, but i do have a quad EL-34 based tube amp. That might work just fine!
Right now they are powered by the Karan KA S270 which provides more juice than needed.
Are these known in the UK at all?
Firebottle
04-04-2016, 19:12
Oh yes, they are in every Ikea store.
:)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Burson.jpg
So, these are the thingys that really elevated the performance of my Karan KA L! For about a week, that is... :( Bah, one of them went bad and spits out pops and crackling sounds into one channel.
Im sure Burson will adress this swiftly and correctly though!
So for the moment its back to Bladelius Embla as an analog pre and digital hub, not a bad stand in.
But having enjoyed the Karan KA L with the Burson OPA-V5-D it does not quite provide the same experience.
And on the SACD ripping i am pleased to tell you that all of my SACD's are now safely backed up to hard drive, and also enjoyed through file playback! :D
They have also been converted into 24bit/88.2khz PCM FLACs for my digital players that don't like DSD files. And either way they sound really nice! Right now listening to Genesis - Mama in its 24/88.2 form!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160505/a724d38ce23baf6b6957bb151ea711e7.jpg
All of of these cymbals and synthezisers really enjoy the clarity and smoothness of HiRez!
All in all 130 SACDs have been backed up to harddrive!
Customer service from Burson have been very helpful which means my Karan KA L is now making excellent sounds with the aid of two pairs of Burson OPA V4 D! Communication is a little delayed which i assume is due to the time difference.
The V4's did not have the same, obvious, phases during breaking in as the V5 but the result sounds very much alike. Perhaps the V5 were digging out the minute details in a slightly better way but i wouldn't bet money on it. What they do equally well is the percieved dynamic improvement, the customary blackening of the sonic "backdrop".
Basically, im once again a happy bunny!
And i have bought a newer DAC! This time a multi talented M2Tech Young DSD! Im sure it will perform beautifully with a RoonPi as streamer (or fed from the Bluesounds output)!
The Young DSD is going back, not to my satisfaction. Would be nice to hear it with a linear PSU just to hear the difference, if any, but i won't throw that kind of money at it... :scratch:
I've read some different views on it but had a hard time summing up what i really could expect. Now that ive heard it in my own system i can actually understand that the reviews i've read are all on the same track.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/M2Tech_Young_DSD.jpg
It has some very good connection options, accepting most sorts of PCM and DSD over its five digital inputs. Build and handling are all top notch and the remote works like a treat!
Sadly its audio signature is not what i'm looking for and to be quite honest my S.M.S.L M8 miniature DAC beats it hands down, even with it's puny little switch mode psu. Better resolution (markedly), clearer definition of soundstage, less grit, better bass both by defintion and heft and a livelier sound with great dynamics. (and it handles all the formats the M2Tech does)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/SMSLM8.JPG
So, case not closed... Have my eyes on a Exogal Comet with PSU upgrade which seems interesting but way more expensive!
jandl100
01-06-2016, 13:38
Sadly its audio signature is not what i'm looking for and to be quite honest my S.M.S.L M8 miniature DAC beats it hands down, even with it's puny little switch mode psu. Better resolution (markedly), clearer definition of soundstage, less grit, better bass both by defintion and heft and a livelier sound with great dynamics. (and it handles all the formats the M2Tech does)
Actually, those little SMSL cheapo DACs are very good and will happily see off a lot of the audiophile competition
:)
Transducers are the difficult and expensive kit to get right, imo. Chosen wisely you really don't need to spend audiophile money on DACs and amps to get excellent results, imho.
...
Transducers are the difficult and expensive kit to get right, imo. Chosen wisely you really don't need to spend audiophile money on DACs and amps to get excellent results, imho.
True! The issue here is getting wise without going through each and every iteration of a DAC! ;)
Of course another option is to just settle for RedBook compatibility with the file based playback and enjoy vinyl for really high quality fidelity. :)
A house guest for the weekend!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/mfaudio.JPG
Music First Audio Baby Reference Pre
So this is what a good passive pre sounds like! Or is it more, "This is what your ordinary attenuator circuitry sounds like"?
I might be jumping to conclusions but it seems to put emphasis on the prescence part of the spectrum and upper bass. Or, again, my other pre's emphasise the lower end and smooths high notes...
The MF Audio does play with a very nice nearness which i easily could live with. I can not live without a remote controlled volume though :(
Very interesting listen tough, its good to have audiophile friends passing by now and then! (This is a loaner from a forum colleague)
Once more i have bought a second hand cart that opens up my perspective on what good music reproduction is about!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/lp.JPG
Benz Micro LP-S
Compared to my other carts it takes you a bit closer to the recording studio/event. Delivers brutal bass, silky smooth highs and a genuinely believable midrange. Soundstage width and depth is just about the best i've heard from vinyl replay ever.
Tracking is somewhat compromised compared to others though and if you are looking for a "flavour" this may not be your cart. When changing back to it's little brother Wood SL there is no hesitation over the kinship and actually the Wood SL sounds so right you're likely to be content. It's just a bit more of a facsimile of the event. But when the LP-S was reinstalled there was no questioning what it brings to the party!
And the same goes for the other main contenders in my collection; The Dynavector XX-2 MkII sounds truly great but a little modest in comparison, it misses out on some of the slam and dynamics of the Benz. On the other hand it portrays the mids and higs with a little more contrast which suits some recordings, others not so much. Same goes for Lyra Delos which represents the sweetspot in price/performance of these, i'd say. Lyra is the most agile of them, without putting emphasis on any particular feat.
I am really fortunate to have these "puppies" to play with! :)
And, the Yamahas have had reinforcement in the lower registers!;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/velo.JPG
Velodyne SPL-1000i
Yes, i like this! After some tweaking it now integrates really well and completes the lower end in a modest way. It brings "atmosphere" to the playback! Some recordings benefit, some does not need it.
I have gone down the Pi-route to, using Pi's as endpoints for my Roon Labs playback which works brilliantly. I am seriously contemplating selling my Bluesound-units as the Pi's are just as good reproducers/transports, if not better!?!?!
Atm i have Three Pi's, with three different HAT's;
Pi2 B with PiFi Digi+
Pi2 B with PiFi DACPlus (Burr Brown)
Pi3 B with SabreBerry DAC (ES9023)
Any one of these also feeds an S.M.S.L M8 over USB for full Dual DSD playback and up to 32/384Khz PCM. Works flawlessly and sounds way, way better than it should. I also connect my Bladelius Embla over a Gustard U-12 USB-AES/EBU converter and this also sounds really nice.
Just got a shipping notification on two linear PSU's from eBay, intended for Pi and the SMSL M8. This will be interesting! :)
Good subs those Velodynes. I'm looking out for one myself.
Thanks Martin, i dont have much experience with subs, so this is the first one dedicated to 2-channel hifi.
There was quite some tweakin to get it to integrate and disappear.
But it defininently adds a few hertz that the Yamaha cannot;
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160802/c8c3a1da114047401cec0810f8e174e2.png
Dead Can Dance - Anastasis
The first track, among others, really shakes the floor! :)
Aye the tweaking required is terrific. Took me months to sort mine out, although it is only a stop-gap. There are no hard and fast rules as it is different for every room and set of speakers you are matching with.
A very nice addition:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/abbd.jpg
Audiobyte Black Dragon DAC, Pre, Headphone amp
First DAC to challenge my Embla ever. And i have had quite a lot of them in for tests.
FPGA custom filter for best audible performance
Femtoclock
11 linear powersupplys, 50.000mF buffer.
Dual AK 4396 DAC and analogue output and headphone amp in pure class A.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/abbd_int.jpg
Nice and tidy!
But, first and foremost, a very nice sounding DAC!
And even if i didnt think so, a Sondek has found its way to my home. Ahem, i mean two... An offer you cant refuse, or so they say...
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/LP12_01.JPG
A real looker with the early Basik LV-V arm, but i havent heard it yet and most people dont exactly praise the LV-V... ;)
I'd wager it's an untouched -77'!
And the newer one:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/LP12_02.JPG
This is most probably an -83' Valhalla and nice Ittok LVII
I like'em! They are such classics, never mind their sounds!
You're even more hopeless than I am.. :D
Hahaha! Can't speak for you, but me... Yes, i am FUBAR when it comes to turntables!
But seriously, £400 for both of these? :)
That is crazy cheap. I prefer the old ones to the newer, souped-up ones anyway. Probably think different if I was mainly into Classical though.
Very good price godda admit! :eek:
I just realised, if someone told me 20 years ago that i would pay that sum for a couple of vinyl spinners... Then id call them bonkers! Today, its a very very good price. I wonder for how long vinyl will still be in fashion?
Skickas från min iPad via Tapatalk
Have this Dac on my radar Mike, great to get some "real world" feedback on its sound.
Interestingly, I thought your comments on the Young DSD were significant, especially in comparison to the cheapie dac you preferred?
Have the original Young (but modded with Linear PSU) and quite happy with it, but the Black Dragon gets my vote for its natural replacement without paying daft money.
Even has a similar dot matrix display which i would miss passing on my Young! :)
Sound quality wise, where would you put the 'Dragon against the Young DSD you had?
Thanks.
A very nice addition:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/abbd.jpg
Audiobyte Black Dragon DAC, Pre, Headphone amp
First DAC to challenge my Embla ever. And i have had quite a lot of them in for tests.
FPGA custom filter for best audible performance
Femtoclock
11 linear powersupplys, 50.000mF buffer.
Dual AK 4396 DAC and analogue output and headphone amp in pure class A.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/abbd_int.jpg
Nice and tidy!
But, first and foremost, a very nice sounding DAC!
To be very honest, the Young DSD is not in the same league. At least not to my ears. I prefer the S.M.S.L M8 over the Young DSD, even with its original switch mode PSU. (With a linear PSU it's remarkably good!)
But neither of these are anywhere near the Audiobyte Black Dragon's sound quality. To me it's one of audios biggest bargains.
I honestly belive that you would need something like dCS Rossini/MSB Platinum DAC IV/MSB Analogue DAC to make a noticeable step-up in sound quality. (My pal has got the Platinum IV which has recently been upgraded to V status, and we will have shoot out in the near future!)
Listening to my SACD rips of Nursery Cryme and Selling England By The Pound at the moment, through headphones and I am stunned!
Thats on the ABD while delivering the DSF with the aid of a Raspberry Pi with a Digi+ or over it's USB. Roon handles the software part.
I have NOT heard these albums before, even if ive played them hundreds of times! :)
Was considering buying a S.M.S.L M8, or m6 not that long ago but decided to upgrade my mf buffer instead. Saving up for an oppo at moment :) ... that Black Dragon is a thing of beauty, so its gotta sound good
Was considering buying a S.M.S.L M8, or m6 not that long ago but decided to upgrade my mf buffer instead. Saving up for an oppo at moment :) ... that Black Dragon is a thing of beauty, so its gotta sound good
And its black... ;)
Thanks Mike.
Dac sounds a good 'un.
Like that it has i2s HDMI inout too, my Oppo can output DSD audio from one of its HDMI's, wonder if I can plug the Oppo straight in?
(I think the dac only does DSD over usb, so maybe PCM converted only?)
Very interested in your Dac-off with your pals Platinum. :)
To be very honest, the Young DSD is not in the same league. At least not to my ears. I prefer the S.M.S.L M8 over the Young DSD, even with its original switch mode PSU. (With a linear PSU it's remarkably good!)
But neither of these are anywhere near the Audiobyte Black Dragon's sound quality. To me it's one of audios biggest bargains.
I honestly belive that you would need something like dCS Rossini/MSB Platinum DAC IV/MSB Analogue DAC to make a noticeable step-up in sound quality. (My pal has got the Platinum IV which has recently been upgraded to V status, and we will have shoot out in the near future!)
Listening to my SACD rips of Nursery Cryme and Selling England By The Pound at the moment, through headphones and I am stunned!
Thats on the ABD while delivering the DSF with the aid of a Raspberry Pi with a Digi+ or over it's USB. Roon handles the software part.
I have NOT heard these albums before, even if ive played them hundreds of times! :)
...
(I think the dac only does DSD over usb, so maybe PCM converted only?)
...
The Black Dragon plays DSD64 over TosLink, RCA, AES/EBU, I2S and of course USB.
DSD128 over I2S and USB, havent got any "higher res" DSD and no transport that can deliver higher res.
However, i have an ongoing discussion with Nicolae Jitariu (constructor) to adress some channel swapping issues on other inputs than USB. (Works fine, but left/right channel gets swapped on some combinations of type of digital stream, DSD or PCM, and input)
And, i am awaiting I2S pin assignment for my fresh Hifiberry Digi+ Pro for connecting directly to the I2S input on the ABD! :)
Cool...
This dac sounds bettter all the time.
24/96 from the Transporter over AES and native DSD from the Oppo over hdmi.
Sorted.
Cool...
This dac sounds bettter all the time.l
24/96 from the Transporter over AES and native DSD from the Oppo over hdmi.
Sorted.
What dac Gary?
Grant, i believe Gary is referring to the discussed Audiobyte Black Dragon.
It has got capabilities beyond the advertised one's and sounds really, really convincing!
Yeah,
Mike said earlier he was very impressed with it and I think I may have found the upgrade for my Young without selling a kidney.
Connectivity and future proofing built in too.
Seems im in a "vintage" period:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/slp1200.JPG
Technics SL-P1200, almost 15kg of a CD-player!
I honestly think it sounds really nice!
jandl100
18-09-2016, 20:46
I had one of those Technics vintage CDPs for quite a while.
You're right - they do sound good! :)
Today the Black Dragon were taken on a trip!
It got the chance to replace an MSB Signature DAC V with matching Powerbase. As the MSB has got the Galaxy Clock and Analog input along with the stepped attenuator it normally works as a preamp.
That meant the Audiobyte Black Dragon was to use its digital attenuator and act as digital pre i this short, but educational test!
To cut to the chase, the Audiobyte got to go home, not in shame, but with an honourable loss in its baggage! :)
The MSB adds resolution, soundstage width, height and depth as well as a bit more control in the bottom octaves. It does play a smidge less bass though which may give it a head start in todays system which edged on the bassy side.
Both of them play music, not hifi, and were very enjoyable to listen to!
The Black Dragon does not do much wrong, it remains a highly recommended component for anyone in need of a versatile very good sounding DAC.
As a bonus is has a good, but not exceptional, level adjustment and a very decent headphone output and costs reasonable money.
(You would need to double its cost, not two or three times, but four times to get close to the cost of the MSB rig)
Good fun on a sunday afternoon! :)
Oh, the power amp was MSB's 200W stereo item, speakers Lawrence Audio Penguin and cabling was Jorma Prime. A Kemp distributor provided power and all units were grounded with Entreq equipment.
All in all a very, very well put together system for the guys and gals with bigger paychecks than mine! ;)
I listen to quite a lot of music using headphones. I have had a few other variants than these, such as Sennheiser HD-650/HD-598, Denon AH-D7000, Hifiman HE-300 etc etc.
But these are the ones that are currently in circulation:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/lurigt.jpeg
From left:
Philips SBC HP910, my first earopener that headphones and computers can really make some pleasant noise! Bought new around 1998-99?
Denon AH-D2000, my go-to cans! They are robust, sound good and get you up and going! A little lacking in finesse, but do everything well enough.
Sennheiser HD700, very new to me! Hoping these will change my aversion towards Sennheisers! They are on their way!
Philips Fidelio X2, the kings of my throne, currently! Smooth, detailed and warm, but still well balanced. Excellent imaging very enjoyable!
This is good clean fun, listening through phones! I want my headphones to sound like good speakers in a good room! And a the moment only the Denons and the Fidelios do that. To me, the Sennheisers still have a peculiar voicing even if these are way better than anything ive heard from them before. (Listening to HD800 at some hifi show doesnt cut it, and what i heard wasnt so spectacular at that time)
My local dealer (that didn't sound quite right?) turned out to have in store a phono stage that i've been eyeballing for a while. Last time one was for sale was in may on this very forum, but i missed that one.
This one did not slip through my hands though:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/TEAD_The_Groove.JPG
Tom Evans Audio Design, The Groove 20th Anniversary
I had expected a subtle, but obvious improvement in phono playback.
The change was anything but subtle, i can tell you! ;)
I have heard quite a lot of phono stages in reasonably known contexts, even the Master Groove in my friends system.
There is no doubt that the Groove and microGroove it replaced, are voiced in a similar manner, but the improvement was way bigger than i would have thought possible.
Soundstage grew to be humongous, if the recording demanded it, or a small jazz club it that was the subject. Bass is deeeep and extremely well defined without loosing power. And the resolution and depth is simply stunning. But the difference that is most staggering is the silence... I have always imagined vinyl playback would easily be detected in between songs and most often during, as vinyl playback has surface noise and of course some clicks and such.
It is gone! I dont know where it is hiding, but i dont want it back! :)
The silence is deafening so to speak as you may turn the volume way up before you know whats coming out of the speakers.
I have quickly learned this as i have shocked myself and my better half a few times already.
I have, for a fact , got a whole new vinyl collection that sounds as if someone has been through every record and exchanged it for a mint condition first pressing!
How can vinyl playback even be bettered from this?
That phonostage seems like a real result, Mike :thumbsup:
You're even more hopeless than I am.. :D
Haha ... just read this whole thread, and that's exactly what I was thinking, too :lol:
Love the Technics cd player, btw.
Yes, totally agree, i am a lost case! Hopefully better than a nut case! ;)
A man can never have too many stand mounts:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Compact-Image2-Mk-III.jpg
Bought on a whim locally, the first and only previous owner had bought them in China, when he was working there.
They are Compact Image2 MkIII if Google image translation were correct.
I cant seem to find any information on the speakers as such, but Compact often builds their speakers using european drivers, with chinese craftsmanship. I think they have managed to create a decent enough stand mount, and sonically they are very nice!
Not as open and punchy as the Yammies but very nice detailing, soundstage and surprising extension both in thhe top and bottom octaves.
No wonder a lot of silly priced high end speaker manufacturers use the very same drivers, Scan Speak D2905/950000 tweeter and the iconic 18W/8545-00 midbass!
All bought for 1/2 the cost of one new tweeter! :)
I need to look no further for my headphone needs:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/he1000.jpg
Now, what might be a suitable power unit for these?
Needn't be posh, or expensive. Just good!
(Spent all my allowance this month.. ;))
RobbieGong
27-10-2016, 20:18
Dont know what the speakers or headphones sound like Mike, but they both look bloody nice :)
Dont know what the speakers or headphones sound like Mike, but they both look bloody nice :)
Thanks Robbie!
I do believe the speaker stands could have been a bit more substantial though, that would have made them more pleasing to look at imo.
The headphones are all you could ask for though, both looks and listening! ;)
And the Hifiman HE-1000 have got a mate that can bully them about some!
This is the Schiit Jotunheim with built in RIAA!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/jotunheim.jpeg
It is a fully balanced headphone amp with plenty of output power, i think 5W for a pair of balanced headphones with an impedance of ca 30 Ohms.
The Jotunheim is extemely quiet, even in high output mode, and provides enou grunt to drive the HE1Ks to unhealthy listening levels. Not that they excel in loud playing, but at the same time lack of distorsion is a very appealing incitament to turning up the volume "some more"
And all of a sudden your better half screams at you across the living room, - Turn the volume down, i cant hear the TV!
They are open, very much so! :) And with that comes an effortless way of presenting space, ambience and microdetail but at the same time they sound as much, or more on the outside!
Do you really want to hear what your favorite music sounds like?
Are you sure? Not all music benefits, even if the HE1Ks are primarily musical and detail comes with the bargain so to speak.
They do need serious amplification though and while i havent tried any of the amps above €1000 i think the Schiit Jotunheim is a serious contender far above its entry fee.
And my old casette deck head phone amp/DAC actually competes with the Jotunheim! The difference is bigger going from single ended to balanced on the Jotun than when changing between the Jotun and the Lehmann Black Cube Linear Clone single ended!
I've heard som dismissive comments about the original Lehmann Linear and either that means my clone sounds a lot better, or the Jotun is mediocre, which i dont think.
My clone has a much bigger PSU, at 60VA, and also its OPAmps are Burson Discrete modules. Perhaps that accounts for it's very competitive performance!
Anyone have any thought on headphone amps suitable for planar magnetic headphones?
Please, speak up!
Cheers!, Mike
Oh, i also implemented the absolutely cheapest digital bridge i have ever had the pleasure of listening to!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/nanopineo.jpg
Thats the miniscule NanoPi NEO at around £8 in its luxury version with 512Mb RAM! It has got I2S possibilities and audio out , but for now its acting as a Ethernet2USB audio bridge and you definently couldn't guess its price by the way it sounds!
In from the cold!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/sondek.jpg
Felt for a wee change in the main rig so the Linn Sondek LP-12 got to play in the main rig for a while!
I was thinking of letting the Ittok LV II borrow the SME V original cable? It cant possibly be worse than the original Linn jobbie, could it?
I was thinking both in the dressing department and sound quality.
Right now it sounds really OK, but has some mileage to cover before it competes with the Orbe SE. I do like the Delos though! Very nice cart!
For once i have aquired another turntable! ;)
No, i dont need another one, but this one is also quite interesting in many ways.
Its one of these:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/ptlpt.jpg
Pink Triangle LPT, "Little Pink Thing"
It is in need of some TLC though so it might be awhile before any piccies show up.
The included tonearm is a reasonably well constructed ADC LMF-2 which i think will be sold. I think i'll give it a try with my Michell Technoarm!
Feel free to add any comments about these players? They are kind of rare in Sweden...
Current collection of headphones;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/collection2017.jpg
As you may remember i recently had a pair of Sennheiser HD-700, but they didnt last long. I simply cannot get on with their "house sound"...
Most recent addition to the far right, Hifiman HE-400i.
Excellent phones that really will work well as travelling companions along with a decent source. (No, im not talking about public transport. I want to have good sound along on holidays and such.)
If you like insight, dynamics and resolution give them a listen.
If you prefer some more slam, bass and dont mind a bit closed in stage and lesser resolution try the Fidelio X2. If you arent willing to compromise on any account, try the HE-1000 with proper amplification!
...and now i have found a good travel source too, this one:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/travel_kit.JPG
The Hifiman HE-400i ticks my critical boxes concerning it's sound, but it is quite demanding regarding its source.
I have made my selection based on a few criteria, storage space for "offline use", compatibility, versatility when in reach of a decent WLAN, portability and most importantly sound quality.
The Pioneer XDP-100R fulfills most of my demands as it is an Android based device with support for 432Gb of total storage, a good DAC built in (the ESS Sabre 9018K2M), good battery life, a nice design and a very nice sound quality. Since it is an Android based thingy, you can install any app you like from the app store such as Tidal, Spotify and in my case Roon Control.
When at home this means i can use Roon to play music over WLAN so vacuuming the apartment can actually be a pleasure!
Or play tunes from Tidal of Spotify whichever i prefer at the moment.
And when im off in the mobile home in Europe during summer i have plenty of space on the two 200Gb microSDXC cards for local music, in uncompressed quality and quite a few DSD and high rez PCM tracks.
And after the latest firmware updates to the XDP-100R it has gpt some serious grunt to power even the quite demanding planar magnetic headphones such as the Hifiman and Audeze more exclusive series. It is not quite as powerful as the Schiit Jotun of course but provides plenty of musical satisfaction when on the road or hotels and such.
After having a couple of Ino Audio i32s speakers in the main rig for about a week i decided to switch back to my Yammies. Ahhhh...
Feels like coming home! :)
These are the Ino Audio i32s, quite well known here in Sweden and highly appreciated by a select set of audiophiles. A little like your "flat earth" crowd actually.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/inoi32s.jpg
Oh, they are designed and sold by the same guy who is responsible for Guru speakers, Ingvar Öhman.
And a current image of the rulers of this throne:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/rigg_bw.jpg
I will have difficulties in finding worthy successors to these...
Well, i've finally joined the "Mojitos" :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/mojo.jpg
I had one at home for a couple of days earlier but didnt quite get it. Good, yes, but outstanding, naahhh..
I reconsidered and nagged the seller for a second trial, and this time around the DAC had been properly run in. I really like what i hear and it actually drives my planar headphones with both decent power and loads of finesse.
So, on the road using the Pioneer XDP-100R as a transport with the Mojo as DAC/HP amp i get really, really nice sound! :)
Always something happening here!
Recent addition to the Pi stable:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/raspdac_ext.jpg
Running DietPi and Roon Bridge atm it is sounding very nice indeed! I did actually manage to implement the necessary libraries and scripts to make the power button work as it should! :) :yay:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/raspdac_int.jpg
I also bought an old Bluesound Vault very cheaply as it had issues ripping and was generally unreliable. I have successfully changed the harddrive to a 2Tb unit (the old 1Tb unit turned out to be bad) and also aquired and changed the faulty dvd-rom. So now it is working like a charm and provides an alternate music source suitable for the better half who only wants some radio channels and a Spotify Connect bridge. To me its an excellent all-in-one playback solution, Roon Ready endpoint and backup station for my most valued music.
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Blu.JPG
It is actually sounding better than i remember my previous Bluesound units.
Have had a good long think about what might be the reason for this.... One possibility is of course that my audio memory is failing, but i'd like to think that these are the reasons:
1. No Bluetooth or WLAN adapters on the motherboard or nearby!
2. No switching power supply in the unit itself, it is external.
3. Software optimisations and progress.
While pondering reason No2 above i remembered that i have a low noise linear power supply suitable for this unit. So that is the one powering the Vault for now! It improved the unit further and it is now very nice indeed!
Moved house, which means new listening space:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/vasa.jpg
The sofa furthest away is on its way out, which will allow me to reposition the speakers which needs a bit more wall reinforcement.
Beautiful room, Mike! :thumbsup:
Love how you've done it, and created a nice warm and welcoming vibe. I wish your family and you many happy and healthy years in your new home, especially when listening to music :cool:
Marco.
Moved house, which means new listening space:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/vasa.jpg
The sofa furthest away is on its way out, which will allow me to reposition the speakers which needs a bit more wall reinforcement.
Bit shit init....:lol: Noooo defo what Marco said. Room envy.
Audio Al
05-11-2017, 17:50
Is that a room :scratch: or a hall :)
Very nice
Berni217
06-11-2017, 22:34
Moved house, which means new listening space:
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/vasa.jpg
The sofa furthest away is on its way out, which will allow me to reposition the speakers which needs a bit more wall reinforcement.
Lovely room Mike.
Moving the speakers is a wise decision!
B.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Thank you, gentlemen! :)
I'll update when i have had the chance to rearrange!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/rummet_bw.jpg
Rearranged, and updated. Sadly the Yammies didnt like it here... :(
But i did find something nice to replace them with!
Pioneer S-3EX, bastards to lug around but sounding very, very nice!
I like that a lot Mike, it looks a very nice place to be
jandl100
16-02-2018, 07:22
In the UK we generally don't get to see the high end of the big Japanese corporations' speakers.
As an en-mass buying public we are way too insular and closed minded to make it worth their while to compete against the homegrown variety - Harbeth, Tannoy, Spendor etc.
Which is a great shame as I'd bet those big Pioneers are excellent.
I was going to say that your new room could accommodate some larger speakers, but you’ve beat me to it! Very nice, most inviting.
Russell
The speakers work well in the room and are both highly resolving and very "musical". Enjoying them alot!
Regarding Jerry's comment i think that is a general issue among us audiophiles (and other special interests), being open minded is more often rewarding than disappointing in these cases.
Liking my new drum alot and listening to a lot of music these days!
However, i like headphones also. Actually most of my music is provided through the ’phones.
I have a small collection of headphones which was expanded the other day!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Utopia_4.jpg
And these are truly amazing! Right up there with the absolutely best personal audio.
They are Focal Utopia and if you get the opportunity, have a listen!
hornucopia
25-05-2018, 14:26
23614I mis read the 'Focal' as 'Final' having recently been intrigued by Final planar headphones.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/final6/1.html
(I have used Wharfedale Isodynamics for the past decade, having first bought them circa 1974, and they sat untreasured until i re-tried them out one day.....and sold the existing (Audio technica WTH-1000) phones, preferring the depth of detail in the Wharfedales) Picture now added.....
so, I've been interested in the recent outflow of planar 'phones-Aude'ze, Oppo, Hi-Fi Man etc.
The Finals, as is Lexus, are typically seriously considered, Japanese-finicky, and probably totally excellent.
Just not sure I can justify +£3K for phones-well, not until I sell my Ocellias and retire to a chair.
Now to read up on Focals.....
23614I mis read the 'Focal' as 'Final' having recently been intrigued by Final planar headphones.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/final6/1.html
(I have used Wharfedale Isodynamics for the past decade, having first bought them circa 1974, and they sat untreasured until i re-tried them out one day.....and sold the existing (Audio technica WTH-1000) phones, preferring the depth of detail in the Wharfedales) Picture now added.....
so, I've been interested in the recent outflow of planar 'phones-Aude'ze, Oppo, Hi-Fi Man etc.
The Finals, as is Lexus, are typically seriously considered, Japanese-finicky, and probably totally excellent.
Just not sure I can justify +£3K for phones-well, not until I sell my Ocellias and retire to a chair.
Now to read up on Focals.....
Ah, they look fantastic! In a 70’s way anyway! ;)
hornucopia
26-05-2018, 21:08
The ear muff stuff has decayed to cloth backing (not surprsing after 44 years!) so intend to get a leatherworker friend to fit a nice Chamois replacement
-to my spare set-nostalgic attachment to my original set.
They are pretty inefficient; I used to run from speaker outlet of a Hafler DH-200! (100 watts per), but now do same from an i-Decco.
One day I'll get to Jerrys again for an opinion......but late at night in bed, I frequently doze off listening to them.
The ear muff stuff has decayed to cloth backing (not surprsing after 44 years!) so intend to get a leatherworker friend to fit a nice Chamois replacement
-to my spare set-nostalgic attachment to my original set.
They are pretty inefficient; I used to run from speaker outlet of a Hafler DH-200! (100 watts per), but now do same from an i-Decco.
One day I'll get to Jerrys again for an opinion......but late at night in bed, I frequently doze off listening to them.
I was able to find replacement ear pads for an old Sony pair of ‘phones that fit my old pair with rotten ear pads. Was fairly affordable really. While it wasn’t an exact fit, I made them work, and it looks good.
Russell
hornucopia
27-05-2018, 13:36
I like the idea of my own custom made covers-my friend of 40 years makes leather stuff-the belt I'm wearing.......so nice soft chamois (I've had stored for over 30 yrs!) will be good.
Liking my new drum alot and listening to a lot of music these days!
However, i like headphones also. Actually most of my music is provided through the ’phones.
I have a small collection of headphones which was expanded the other day!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/Utopia_4.jpg
And these are truly amazing! Right up there with the absolutely best personal audio.
They are Focal Utopia and if you get the opportunity, have a listen!
so they should be too.. about 3 and half grand lol.. look good tho
Thanks for the comments guys!
Good to hear that the olde loved Wharfedales gets looked after! Kudos!
And as Struth points out, the Focals are way too expensive not to be handled with kid gloves too (almost literally)
While i’m at it! I recently sold my trusty Michell Orbe SE, with a Technoarm and Benz Wood SL. My intent was to research a new vinyl spinner, and some time in the fall or so go hunting for a new prospect. As it happens, my friend decided to put an order in for the new Technics SL-1000 which meant his olde gal had to go.
I was quite easily convinced to give her a new home as i really liked what it did in his rig! :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/viella.jpg
AMG Viella (or V12) with the 12J2 12” tone arm and a HRS base.
While i really liked most things the Orbe SE did, this is a completely different animal.
I am a very happy bugger!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/viella_2.jpg
Some details highlighting the sound thinking behind this vinyl spinner.
And the excellent tone arm;
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/viella_3.jpg
Frazeur1
02-06-2018, 10:40
Superb table there! Enjoy!
hornucopia
02-06-2018, 11:51
I dare you to try a 78 rpm disc on it!
(Looks lovely)
Not for me -I sold all my vinyl about 2 years ago.
Just have a token few; Bob Marley 'Catch a fire' (original 'Zippo' cover) . Santana 'Lotus', again with original super fold-out cover .....plus Them 'Story of Them' single. V.rare....
While i’m at it! I recently sold my trusty Michell Orbe SE, with a Technoarm and Benz Wood SL. My intent was to research a new vinyl spinner, and some time in the fall or so go hunting for a new prospect. As it happens, my friend decided to put an order in for the new Technics SL-1000 which meant his olde gal had to go.
I was quite easily convinced to give her a new home as i really liked what it did in his rig! :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/viella.jpg
AMG Viella (or V12) with the 12J2 12” tone arm and a HRS base.
While i really liked most things the Orbe SE did, this is a completely different animal.
I am a very happy bugger!
Beautiful ‘table! Most impressive. How is it driven? I don’t see a motor, is it Direct, or hub? Or is it hidden in this pic?
Russell
Thank you! :)
Russell, it is belt driven with a moderately powerful DC motor. The drivetrain is hidden from sight, ultraviolet light and dust beneath the very heavy platter. The belt is mounted using a simple but effective jig and a couple of wood blocks, quite low tech but still very effective. :)
One of the other things this particular about this spinner is that the spindle is not part of the bearing, so when lifting the 12kg platter off the spindle comes with it. Beneath is what they call a subplatter but is more like a massive bearing house about 3” in diameter.
Most quiet table i have experienced!
That's a rather sexy turntable, Mike. An excellent left-field choice, sir! :cool:
Love how it's been engineered, and most of all the rather modest footprint it has for a high-end turntable... Once of my pet hates is the huge amounts of space some turntables take up these days:doh:
Give me dinky and effective, as opposed to bulky and such, everyday!:thumbsup:
Marco.
walpurgis
03-06-2018, 22:29
I agree. I like the minimalistic design. There's nothing there that does not need to be, but it still looks very appealing and stylish.
Exactly... Most of the high-end T/Ts you see now need a room of their own to be housed in! It's completely unnecessary. I like T/Ts you can comfortably sit on top of your average equipment rack (or wall shelf).
Marco [hates bulky, oversized turntables].
Late as usual! ;)
Thank you gentlemen! It does look pretty good, doesn’t it?
And i’m in audio heaven, it sounds fantastic!
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/portable_rig.jpg
Enjoying the relative cool of the evening with the portable rig on the balcony!
Roon unfolding+upsampling MQA from Tidal, via the iPad via the USB (camera connection kit) into the Hugo and outputting damned fine music through the Focal Utopias!
Sipping a wee dram of Balvenie Double Wood doesn’t make things worse! [:D]
Spectral Morn
05-07-2018, 21:02
While i’m at it! I recently sold my trusty Michell Orbe SE, with a Technoarm and Benz Wood SL. My intent was to research a new vinyl spinner, and some time in the fall or so go hunting for a new prospect. As it happens, my friend decided to put an order in for the new Technics SL-1000 which meant his olde gal had to go.
I was quite easily convinced to give her a new home as i really liked what it did in his rig! :)
http://www.ollars.net/hififorum/viella.jpg
AMG Viella (or V12) with the 12J2 12” tone arm and a HRS base.
While i really liked most things the Orbe SE did, this is a completely different animal.
I am a very happy bugger!
I have the Giro and its stunning, the bigger one does the same, but a bit more.
Good choice Neil! The Giro is a top performer imo!
May i ask if you chose the AMG cartridge for it? (The Teatro)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180724/d180d5059e6e906df4b1961514d13f47.jpeg
And the portable rig, now on vacation with the camper!
Sometimes it’s better to just listen to birds and enjoy the silence!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180730/32b3f945657922c037ff1af045a8c724.jpg
jandl100
30-07-2018, 18:47
Wow!
Audio Al
30-07-2018, 19:59
:eek::eyebrows::eek:
What a view , +1 WOW
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