Current Set up at Dalek Towers

[Spectral Morn]

Been awhile since I posted main system photos and there have been a few changes since then namely computer audio based front end having joined the system.

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/001-8_zpsfeac23ce.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/001-8_zpsfeac23ce.jpg.html)

On the Target wall-shelf: SME Model 20 turntable, Graham Phantom mk1.2.

On the Clearlight Audio Aspekt racks left to right: Technics 1210 (Origin live based, one of the Technics turntables I am using as part of my upcoming series of Technics reviews), BAT VK300 SE Integrated Amplifier, Revox B760 Tuner, Anthony Gallo SA Amplifier (drives the second set of coils in my Gallo Ref 3.1 speakers bass drivers), Acer Notebook laptop, Freecom 2TB HD, iFi Audio iUSB Power, BAT VK10 SE phono-stage, AMR DP777 DAC, Marantz SA7 S1 SACD player.

A few close ups

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/002-7_zpsd9c7b0e5.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/002-7_zpsd9c7b0e5.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/003-8_zpsd3c2bf32.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/003-8_zpsd3c2bf32.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/004-7_zps894f5199.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/004-7_zps894f5199.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/005-5_zps7a1ebecc.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/005-5_zps7a1ebecc.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/006-3_zps91508bbe.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/006-3_zps91508bbe.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/007-5_zps556a19fd.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/007-5_zps556a19fd.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/008-4_zpseedd0779.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/008-4_zpseedd0779.jpg.html)


Regards Neil

[WOStantonCS100]

Ppphhhttt... Noob. Who uses folding wooden chairs anymore??? ;)

Looks like a great setup, Neil.

Question: If you tap on the top of the Oyaide mat, is there any detectable platter ringing? At what resolution are the files you're playing / what's your preference?

[Spectral Morn]

Ppphhhttt... Noob. Who uses folding wooden chairs anymore??? ;)

Looks like a great setup, Neil.

Question: If you tap on the top of the Oyaide mat, is there any detectable platter ringing? At what resolution are the files you're playing / what's your preference?

Hi Biff due to the size and lay out of the room folding directors chairs are used round the table - it was that or the table set up affected the hifi and the table lost.

With a rubber ultra thin mat underneath (sounds better) no, without, slightly if the platter is off the deck but if in position no.

Re files 96 or 192 sound best though 88.2 are good as well but I am more interested in the music than the file resolution as such.


Regards Neil

[WOStantonCS100]

Hi Biff due to the size and lay out of the room folding directors chairs are used round the table - it was that or the table set up affected the hifi and the table lost.

With a rubber ultra thin mat underneath (sounds better) no, without, slightly if the platter is off the deck but if in position no.

Re files 96 or 192 sound best though 88.2 are good as well but I am more interested in the music than the file resolution as such.


Regards Neil

You haven't gotten rid of the R2Rs, have you? :nono: ...just checking...

[Spectral Morn]

You haven't gotten rid of the R2Rs, have you? :nono: ...just checking...

No I still have an A77 and B77 Revox though I have got rid of an old Akai I had. The A 77 is at the other side of the listening chair, with a few other bits and pieces. Awkward room to take a complete shot of everything.


Regards Neil

[WOStantonCS100]

As usual, Neil, I look forward to reading anything you write up about your current system. :)

[Tim]

What are your thoughts on the iFi iUSB power supply Neil?

Looks like you like the file based audio, nice to see another user ;)

[Spectral Morn]

What are your thoughts on the iFi iUSB power supply Neil?

Looks like you like the file based audio, nice to see another user ;)

Hi Tim

I reviewed it for Adventures in High Fidelity Audio and liked it so much I bought it. It certainly improves the sound of the iDac and even though the DP777 derives no power from the USB cable it still improved sound enough to justify buying it.

You can read about it here http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com/10/02/2013/ifi-audio-idac-and-iusb-power-amazing-miniature-wonders/

I am slowly getting in to it but at some point want to improve the computer bit but I don't have enough funds at the minute to do it + I would like to hear something first to see if it is a big enough improvement over a laptop.


Regards Neil

[realysm42]

Heard good things about your speakers Neil; are they a permanent fixture?

[Tim]

I reviewed it for Adventures in High Fidelity Audio
Thanks Neil, I may give it a go one day but I would need a trial, as I'm not going to spend £175 unless it makes a significantly noticeable difference. To be honest I am very happy at the moment and my server ticks all the boxes.

You should notice a difference between a dedicated player and a laptop, I certainly did, but the only way is to try it out? I have tried a netbook, a laptop, 2 different tower PC's and I am now on version 3 of my dedicated server, so that makes 7 different hardware set-ups in all, plus 3 operating systems and all the popular software music players. The only thing I plan to do next is upgrade the case and psu, but that can wait as really they are cosmetic changes, as opposed to improving the sound - as my SQ has increased, the desire to 'tinker' has decreased and I'm where I want to be now as far as a file based audio server goes . . . just a turntable to acquire at some point in the future (when I move) and a fully embedded Ethernet network and bespoke NAS :D

[Spectral Morn]

Heard good things about your speakers Neil; are they a permanent fixture?


Hi Martin

Yes the Gallo's are the one thing I may well not change, as I know they will stand many more changes elsewhere up chain. These really were a massive bargain at the time I bought them sadly production issues in China mean't Gallo switched production to America and despite significant design improvements (the 3,5s sound better) the price went through the roof.

Its virtually impossible to go back to a box design after hearing/living with these as the effects of a traditional cabinet are all too obvious.


Regards Neil

[Spectral Morn]

Thanks Neil, I may give it a go one day but I would need a trial, as I'm not going to spend £175 unless it makes a significantly noticeable difference. To be honest I am very happy at the moment and my server ticks all the boxes.

You should notice a difference between a dedicated player and a laptop, I certainly did, but the only way is to try it out? I have tried a netbook, a laptop, 2 different tower PC's and I am now on version 3 of my dedicated server, so that makes 7 different hardware set-ups in all, plus 3 operating systems and all the popular software music players. The only thing I plan to do next is upgrade the case and psu, but that can wait as really they are cosmetic changes, as opposed to improving the sound - as my SQ has increased, the desire to 'tinker' has decreased and I'm where I want to be now as far as a file based audio server goes . . . just a turntable to acquire at some point in the future (when I move) and a fully embedded Ethernet network and bespoke NAS :D

Hi Tim

I agree proof in the pudding is in the listening but the sound was improved with all three of the laptops I have kicking about here but I suspect a DAC that derives its power from the USB will benefit most but the DP777 sounded better with it in place so I bought the review sample.

You are lucky you have the skills to build a solution well done you.


Regards Neil

[Tim]

You are lucky you have the skills to build a solution . . .
Well I am a firm believer that if you can install an operating system, you can build a computer - its really not that tricky, I didn't have the faintest idea what I was doing when I built my first one in the early 90's and it's way easier now. YouTube has oodles of video tutorials and parts are dirt cheap these days, as well as only being a couple of clicks away. I reckon you could do it Neil as could most people on AoS, its fear that stops them and that fear is totally unfounded IMHO.

(my current server components didn't cost much more than your USB power supply if you discount the software ;))

[Spectral Morn]

Well I am a firm believer that if you can install an operating system, you can build a computer - its really not that tricky, I didn't have the faintest idea what I was doing when I built my first one in the early 90's and it's way easier now. YouTube has oodles of video tutorials and parts are dirt cheap these days, as well as only being a couple of clicks away. I reckon you could do it Neil as could most people on AoS, its fear that stops them and that fear is totally unfounded IMHO.

(my current server components didn't cost much more than your USB power supply if you discount the software ;))

Worth thinking about for sure ;)


Regards Neil

[realysm42]

@Tim (and apologies for thread crapping but PMS don't work for you)

Could you send me a system spec please mate? I'm looking to build a reasonably priced server.

[Tim]

Could you send me a system spec please mate? I'm looking to build a reasonably priced server.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/20-21_08-05-2013copy_zps8f6665ad.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/20-21_08-05-2013copy_zps8f6665ad.jpg.html)

;)

[Barry]

Been awhile since I posted main system photos and there have been a few changes since then namely computer audio based front end having joined the system.

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/001-8_zpsfeac23ce.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/001-8_zpsfeac23ce.jpg.html)

On the Target wall-shelf: SME Model 20 turntable, Graham Phantom mk1.2.

On the Clearlight Audio Aspekt racks left to right: Technics 1210 (Origin live based, one of the Technics turntables I am using as part of my upcoming series of Technics reviews), BAT VK300 SE Integrated Amplifier, Revox B760 Tuner, Anthony Gallo SA Amplifier (drives the second set of coils in my Gallo Ref 3.1 speakers bass drivers), Acer Notebook laptop, Freecom 2TB HD, iFi Audio iUSB Power, BAT VK10 SE phono-stage, AMR DP777 DAC, Marantz SA7 S1 SACD player.

A few close ups

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/002-7_zpsd9c7b0e5.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/002-7_zpsd9c7b0e5.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/003-8_zpsd3c2bf32.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/003-8_zpsd3c2bf32.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/004-7_zps894f5199.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/004-7_zps894f5199.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/005-5_zps7a1ebecc.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/005-5_zps7a1ebecc.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/006-3_zps91508bbe.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/006-3_zps91508bbe.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/007-5_zps556a19fd.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/007-5_zps556a19fd.jpg.html)

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/008-4_zpseedd0779.jpg (http://s549.photobucket.com/user/davros124/media/008-4_zpseedd0779.jpg.html)


Regards Neil

Mmmmm! Great to see some more shots of your system Neil.

I'm most envious of the SME/Graham record playbask system - sigh! :stalks:

I admire and applaude your excursion into computer audio. Sadly I'm an example of the maxim "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". I have a profound suspicion of computers: their security, reliability and longevity. :(

On a cheeky note, where are the other 30-odd tuners in your collection? ;) Not that it matters - that Revox looks the biz.


No apologies for allowing the images to be repeated - they are well worth showing again. :)

[WOStantonCS100]

I admire and applaude your excursion into computer audio. Sadly I'm an example of the maxim "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". I have a profound suspicion of computers: their security, reliability and longevity. :(

Hey Barry, I do, too, especially considering I was in IT for almost 20 years (right up until the recession). I mentioned in another thread that I finally realized that ever since my first CD, ostensibly, I've been listening to "file-based" audio. Looking at it that way made me ask the question, "Why should I not listen to (as is my preference) 24/192 files, along with vinyl and tape?? The good news (for me) is that it can be done with and without an actual "PC" or "laptop" as more and more file streaming devices ("little" computers) are masquerading as stereo components.


No aplogies for allowing the images to be repeated - they are well worth showing again. :)

+1 Indeed.


Neil, are the USB Flash drives music or software/data?

[Spectral Morn]

Mmmmm! Great to see some more shots of your system Neil.

I'm most envious of the SME/Graham record playbask system - sigh! :stalks:

I admire and applaude your excursion into computer audio. Sadly I'm an example of the maxim "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". I have a profound suspicion of computers: their security, reliability and longevity. :(

On a cheeky note, where are the other 30-odd tuners in your collection? ;) Not that it matters - that Revox looks the biz.


No aplogies for allowing the images to be repeated - they are well worth showing again. :)

Hi Barry


The tuners are upstairs in various places lol

The computer audio thing came about because I felt I should be able to review DACs that have USB inputs properly as only accessing red book capability via a transport was not the whole story and thus not a full review. The AMR DP777 review + the others computer related reviews in AIHFA tell the whole story. Barry if I can figure it out you can, assuming you want to.

The SME and Graham are a nice pairing. Bob Graham designed the Phantom with the bigger SME Model 30 in mind so it works a treat on the Model 20.

Thank you.


Regards Neil

[Spectral Morn]

Hey Barry, I do, too, especially considering I was in IT for almost 20 years (right up until the recession). I mentioned in another thread that I finally realized that ever since my first CD, ostensibly, I've been listening to "file-based" audio. Looking at it that way made me ask the question, "Why should I not listen to (as is my preference) 24/192 files, along with vinyl and tape?? The good news (for me) is that it can be done with and without an actual "PC" or "laptop" as more and more file streaming devices ("little" computers) are masquerading as stereo components.



+1 Indeed.


Neil, are the USB Flash drives music or software/data?

Hi Biff

There is music on them, which I have transferred to the Freecom HD. I am aware some think music sounds better played off a flashdrive and I plan to explore that someday soon - there is an empty one sitting ready to try.


Regards Neil