First time pics of system...

[ppat2]

Hi folks,

First time pics of system here, lets see if this works....

Sorry about the dimming, will put up some better pics with time.

Here, music is on non stop, for the last 30 years.... Not as background, is always the main source of R&R. The TV is seldom on.

About a 1,000 pieces of vinyl, same for cd, but main interest has always been vinyl which keeps going up and down, lots of trading locally for vinyl.

Current system, upgraded over decades... comprises:

Proac Response D Two's
Air Tight ATM-1 (new addition, 15 yrs young, amazing!)
Thorens TD 160hd (new model, have the original too in second system)
Audiolab M-DAC
Cambridge Audio 840c
Squeezebox Touch with 500GB cd quality or higher WAV files
Oppo BDP-83

https://doc-0g-2c-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/uvvepgd0jb3dq8f1kg2a5gm1eqsu5bqd/kvbg980dm6flhi2c9jqivmbb4bpi8dpj/1362103200000/06731826156536481173/06731826156536481173/0B8BaSzP_UjHDaEY2TlZiMFYzSlk?e=download

[ppat2]

Just adding a couple more pics...

https://doc-10-2c-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/uvvepgd0jb3dq8f1kg2a5gm1eqsu5bqd/312j7rut2kg6idcieiffu5qoaih04g6k/1362110400000/06731826156536481173/06731826156536481173/0B8BaSzP_UjHDa1pUSEc1QmlycnM?e=download

Closeup of Air Tight

https://doc-10-2c-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/uvvepgd0jb3dq8f1kg2a5gm1eqsu5bqd/sh89o7qdl0ehotqsmuo0glamd4fv4n2p/1362110400000/06731826156536481173/06731826156536481173/0B8BaSzP_UjHDMXVDR0ZpaGFSRGs?e=download

[synsei]

I am not seeing those pics Paul ;)

[ppat2]

Hmmm.... Seems to be working at first, then stopped. I changed the share to public on the web and I can see them on the page now.

[MartinT]

Sorry Paul, not getting them here either.

[Wakefield Turntables]

nope dude, linky no worky!

[ppat2]

Hi guys,

First time using Google Drive to share photo's, not working for some reason. The files are 333kb or smaller, and after I post them as a URL link to the file on Google Drive, they show up fine on the AOS thread, and then after they are gone. I don't know if that is an issue with Google Drive, or is AOS not liking the link or file size and removing it? On Google Drive, I have set the images to "public on the web" which lets anyone view the url. It is an HTTPS secure page, I don't know if that is the problem as Insert Image defaults to standard HTTP URL to link to.

So I am selecting to "insert image" on AOS, and it allows you to insert the URL. Trying that again here one more time. If this does not work, I am going to put the photo's into a different service other than Google Drive and try it again later.

First, here are just the URL's if anyone wants to click them to see if it opens the correct images. Below, I'll use the insert image code.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDdHI5eTlUcEI5Qmc/edit?usp=sharing

Next:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDbnBTZmNnTnpMelE/edit?usp=sharing

Next:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDZEZtcXU3VFpHWDQ/edit?usp=sharing

using insert image option:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDZEZtcXU3VFpHWDQ/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDbnBTZmNnTnpMelE/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDdHI5eTlUcEI5Qmc/edit?usp=sharing

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thats better! Are you using the cushions as a method a room treatment?

[synsei]

Links are working but images not showing with Insert Image. PhotoBucket is what I use ;)

[MartinT]

...and I use Flickr.

[ppat2]

I am going to check out Flickr and photobucket, will try one of those.

The cushions in the image, are just to hide some AC cables and such. The cables are not quite long enough to run them cleanly along baseboard or such, plus I like to keep them off the floor if I can.

Everything has to be done with WAF in mind. :-)

Once I get the image storage issue sorted out, I'll update this with some clearer pictures. Need to put a tripod on my camera to deal with the low light issue, and the backlight from the windows that cause the lighting to wash out.

The room is 26 foot long, 12 wide and 9 high (feet). Sitting about 12 feet from speakers, but you can sit anywhere in the room and the sound is good.

[ppat2]

The picture at this link gives a better view of the room setup.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDNWRHUHJFOENqMU0/edit?usp=sharing

[synsei]

That is a nice looking system and a lovely room too Paul :)

[Thing Fish]

Very nice Paul...:)

[ppat2]

Closeup on the Air Tight ATM-1. This amp just keeps getting better. Have had it about a week now. Stunning output.

Link to image:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDSGkxUXVDV18tRUk/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8BaSzP_UjHDSGkxUXVDV18tRUk/edit?usp=sharing

[AlfaGTV]

Looks amazing! (when checking the link, not displaying in Tapa)
Bet it sounds that way too!
Regards //Mike

[kenworthy100]

That looks a superb system

[MartinT]

I've heard good things about Air Tight amps from elsewhere on this forum.

[jazzminded]

beautiful system and congrats on the Charisma Audio Function speaker stands, these brought an entire new experience to my own setup.

[Marco]

Hi Paul,

Nice system. Best to use Photobucket or Imageshack, though, as that way your images will appear automatically when the page loads :)

Marco.

[sirAndy]

Very nice. The D Twos are bloody nice speakers. :clap:

[ppat2]

Ok, trying this again, using Photobucket and the option image codes for forum boards. If this first photo works, then I'll add a few more right after. This is the Air Tight ATM-1 amp, and today something new. I have my Cambridge Audio 840C, set to "pass through" mode (no upsampling, raw data) fed directly into the front of the amp in the "CD direct" input. While this is a power amp, it has this one input on the front where you can use it as an integrated amp if you have only one source. Whatever type of preamp circuit is used, it is the best I have personally ever heard. BTW, this amp is all point to point wiring, no circuit boards or such.

The result, is phenomenal. The most clean output, zero grain or etch or "digital" sound. This is a tube and digital audio marriage made in heaven.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a578/ppat2/amp-close_zps35bbadcf.jpg

[ppat2]

Bloody hell, seems to have worked! I see an image at leat for the moment, so here is some more:

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a578/ppat2/rightclose_zps9f09adfc.jpg

My Thorens TD 160HD. This has the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge, and a Clearaudio Basik Plus phonostage with the Accu+ battery pack to bypass the AC.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a578/ppat2/thorens-td160hd_zpseec9f324.jpg

[ppat2]

And a last picture for now. I've got to upgrade my photo skills.... :doh:

Thanks Marco for the photobucket tip. Seems to be working for now!

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a578/ppat2/bright-wide_zps071c9ce0.jpg

[Fi-Wi]

Very nice setup. I would love to have a dedicated audio room but alas. I don't know the Proac Response D Two's but they sure get some good reviews.

[MartinT]

Very nice, Paul. Have you modified the Touch in any way, for instance the EDO digital output app?

[ppat2]

Hi Martin. No, I have not done any upgrades to the Touch. I use it with a 500GB hdd locally connected via usb, and the Touch digital out to my Cambridge Audio 840c.

The fact that support has ended for the device does not concern me so much due to using it with the local hdd. I don't use it much for the Internet Radio.

A great tip here for anyone who has an iPad and looking for a way to feed the digital audio out to another device. That then allows using the iPad as a source to stream Internet radio and such.

I found this after a bit of searching on the web. Buy the Apple camera kit. Inside, are 2 pieces. One of them has the Apple 30 pin to plug into the iPad, and the other end a usb out. The usb out bypasses the iPad DAC, a little known and not advertised fact. I can guess why with all of the third party manufacturers out there making digital docks for the iPad. This also bypasses the need to use the headphone out and the iPad dac.

Just connect the usb out to an outboard DAC or other device that accepts usb input. In my case, I connect the usb out to my MDAC. I have done some A/B comparisons of the same music stations using the iPad this way versus the Internet radio on the Touch, and the iPad sounded better in every case.

The only downside, is that you cannot charge the iPad while it is connected in this manner. As long as you have a good charge you'll be ok for several hours at least. Volume will be controlled by your amp or preamp, not the iPad.

[Ali Tait]

Nice kit you have there Paul.

Check this out for the Touch mods -

http://soundcheck-audio.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/touch-toolbox-30.html

[ppat2]

Thanks Ali, I will check out the Touch mods. Been meaning too, just never seem to find the time, the music and gear takes up all my free time now...

[Ali Tait]

They are worth doing IMHO.

[realysm42]

I heard your speakers at the sound and vision show, they gave a great sound, especially for their size.

[walpurgis]

If you want to tweak your pictures for presentation (anywhere), try Faststone Image Viewer. It's free on 'download.com' and although not to professional standards, allows you to reframe and adjust photo colour, contrast and lighting etc. quite nicely! I use it a lot.

[MartinT]

No, I have not done any upgrades to the Touch. I use it with a 500GB hdd locally connected via usb, and the Touch digital out to my Cambridge Audio 840c.

In that case, I strongly recommend that you install the EDO (Enhanced Digital Output) module. It disables all analogue-related functions and improves the sound quality out through the digital connectors. It's a noticeable performance.

[ppat2]

Good tip Martin, I am going to start there.

[Fi-Wi]

In that case, I strongly recommend that you install the EDO (Enhanced Digital Output) module. It disables all analogue-related functions and improves the sound quality out through the digital connectors. It's a noticeable performance.
I see it is supposed to improve usb dac performances but does it also work for coax attached dacs like the Caiman? Or do I have to connect it through a quality usb to enjoy its full potency and ditch the Mike Homar coax?

[MartinT]

I use my Touch with a co-ax attached DAC - the Bushmaster (there is no USB input). The EDO definitely works with co-ax connection.

[Fi-Wi]

Ok thanks Martin. I'll give it a try and maybe consider a quality usb cable to compare the sq with my coax.

[archiesdad]

Hi, I have the same speakers(well not THE same set obviously, but I too recommend them) on Partington stands, yours look really nice, I'll need to look into those.

[ppat2]

Hey Ali, I just installed the soundcheck mods to the Touch, and very happy with the result. Did the full setup, analog out is off as I send the digital out to my 840c digital input/dac.

Much more solid, some tizziness in highs eliminated, and quieter background. All changes for the good and nothing lost.

Strangely, output is higher, even though I used the touch volume before at 100%. I have to turn the attenuators on my amp much lower now. Maybe there is some sort of volume split/sharing when analog and digital are both on?