View Full Version : New Member Themis Saying Hello!
Hello,
i've been into hifi for 35 years or so, and I live in France.
My actual (everyday) setup consists of a Rega Planar turtable, a SB Classic, a Northstar192 dac (and a Caiman one, I promise to keep only one dac... one day), a Cyrus 8xp amp and Sonus Faber GPD speakers (I'm a SF addict, my apologies to the other manufacturers) and some Audio-Technica headphones.
I have also a Denon 3808 AV amp, one of my favorite-sounding AV amps.
Oh: and I will never (ever) use one the 5 computers at home for streaming audio: I'm too used to consumer-oriented (and user-friendly) electronics. But I have no opinion on other people trying to do otherwise.
I listen to various types of music, but most of my favorite albums were made in the '70s. Which doesn't prevent me from loving Porcupine Tree or The White Stripes. Or others. Or appreciating classical music concerts.
Anyway, my favorite music reproduction method is a Revox RtR tape and some good islander whiskey. Yeah, some say I'm a rather analogue guy...
Cheers all, :cool:
Themis
Beechwoods
01-10-2009, 18:46
Hi Themis! Hope you don't mind me giving you your own thread! Sounds like you have great music taste, and it's always great to say hello to a fellow RtR fan! Welcome to AOS, and thanks for saying hello!
Thank you ! (and my apologies for having missed the "new thread" option :o )
Spectral Morn
01-10-2009, 19:16
Hi Themis
Welcome to AOS.
Which Revox do you use ?.
I agree with Nick you have good taste in music too, I love Porcupine tree and the whole prog rock scene.
Can we have some photos of your set up?
Regards D S D L
Welcome, Themis I won't embarrass myself trying schoolboy French, but great to have you on board - you should fit in well having read your introduction - have fun, and enjoy yourself. What part of France are you in?
Hello,
and some good islander whiskey. Cheers all, :cool:
Themis
Hi Themis,
Welcome to AoS - we're getting quite cosmopolitan here with new members joining from all over the world (almost :) ), and all the better for that.
It may just be an oversight, in which case I apologise for mentioning it, but are you aware of the difference between 'whisky' and 'whiskey'? The former is the name given to the products originating in Scotland and when it is spelled with an 'e', (whiskey), it denotes that the product comes from Ireland.
Hope I'm helping and not insulting.
Welcome again and enjoy your stay - we are very friendly on here - hope you like the atmosphere - on that subject we like to use first names when posting as it helps the friendly atmosphere.
Cheers,
Hi Themis,
Welcome to AoS - we're getting quite cosmopolitan here with new members joining from all over the world (almost :) ), and all the better for that.
It may just be an oversight, in which case I apologise for mentioning it, but are you aware of the difference between 'whisky' and 'whiskey'? The former is the name given to the products originating in Scotland and when it is spelled with an 'e', (whiskey), it denotes that the product comes from Ireland.
Hope I'm helping and not insulting.
Welcome again and enjoy your stay - we are very friendly on here - hope you like the atmosphere - on that subject we like to use first names when posting as it helps the friendly atmosphere.
Cheers,
Who put an e in my whisky ? :doh: It wasn't me !
(oh well, ok, ok. It was me ... )
Talking about nicknames, i've always used the same: it comes from online RPGs (Lineage,GW, wow, etc) so I'm used to it.
What part of France are you in? Montpellier, south France (2km from seaside, I tried hard, but I can't live far from the sea...). But I'm Greek. ;)
Dimitri ;)
That's funny - I must have had an inkling you aren't French, as I deliberately said which part are you "in" as opposed to "from". Lovely part of the world - both Southern France & Greece. What part of Greece are you from? ;)
That's funny - I must have had an inkling you aren't French, as I deliberately said which part are you "in" as opposed to "from". Lovely part of the world - both Southern France & Greece. What part of Greece are you from? ;)
Athens. But my heart is in Crete. :)
Dimitri
...... my heart is in Crete. :)
Dimitri
Hi Dimitri,
I'm 100% English but my wife and I are very fond of Crete, having holidayed there several times. We have always stayed around Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos, but not in Aghios Nikolaos, far too noisy and busy but some nice restaurants. We once drove south over the hills to small fishing villages on the south coast - beautiful fresh fish in very small tavernas right on, and sometimes over, the sea - happy memories. We've often wondered what the far west of the island is like - we prefer smaller towns and villages with a slower pace of life and cheaper, fresher food - have you any views on that end of the island?
Cheers,
bacobits
02-10-2009, 15:11
Hi Themis,
Great, another Rega person. Not many here.
I also agree with the computer streaming comment.
I like hands on and physical interaction with my music.
I'm old and have also been messing with this stuff for 30 years.
Welcome
Den
Hi Dimitri,
I'm 100% English but my wife and I are very fond of Crete, having holidayed there several times. We have always stayed around Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos, but not in Aghios Nikolaos, far too noisy and busy but some nice restaurants. We once drove south over the hills to small fishing villages on the south coast - beautiful fresh fish in very small tavernas right on, and sometimes over, the sea - happy memories. We've often wondered what the far west of the island is like - we prefer smaller towns and villages with a slower pace of life and cheaper, fresher food - have you any views on that end of the island?
Cheers,
You should try Aghia Marina (near Chania) : much better food. Cheaper, too. Better seaside, fewer tourists, kind people. I've got some interesting addresses there (and some very good friends).
Elounda is ok, but the spirit of Crete has abandoned it, unfortunately.
PM me if you decide to go there, I'll give you all the details. ;)
Great, another Rega person. Not many here.
I also agree with the computer streaming comment.
I like hands on and physical interaction with my music.
I'm old and have also been messing with this stuff for 30 years.
Welcome
Den
Well, I've had this turntable since 86 (and 3 belts away). I won't change it until it stops working, I guess. :) Should I ?
It's my 3rd turntable (after a couple of Thorens).
aquapiranha
02-10-2009, 17:07
Hi Themis, and welcome.
My wife & I love the Greek islands, (Kefalonia probably being our favourite), so I can understand why your heart would be in Crete.
Having gone back over the posts, I'm now a bit confused -
My actual (everyday) setup consists of a Rega Planar turtable, a SB Classic, a Northstar192 dac (and a Caiman one, I promise to keep only one dac... one day), a Cyrus 8xp amp and Sonus Faber GPD speakers (I'm a SF addict, my apologies to the other manufacturers) and some Audio-Technica headphones.
I have also a Denon 3808 AV amp, one of my favorite-sounding AV amps.
Oh: and I will never (ever) use one the 5 computers at home for streaming audio: I'm too used to consumer-oriented (and user-friendly) electronics. But I have no opinion on other people trying to do otherwise.
So what do you use the Squeeze Box Classic for - just streaming internet radio? And if so, why is that different to streaming from your PC, or have I got the wrong end of the stick? :confused:
Having gone back over the posts, I'm now a bit confused -
So what do you use the Squeeze Box Classic for - just streaming internet radio? And if so, why is that different to streaming from your PC, or have I got the wrong end of the stick? :confused:
I mean, the SB is a consumer product, much like a CD player, with a remote and a user-friendly interface. I don't have the habit of streaming.
Perhaps it's just that, a matter of habit: when I listen to music I go to the living room. It's funny, I have computers everywhere in the house, but neither in my bedroom, nor in my living-room.
Perhaps I associate computers to work ? (I work for software). Probably.
I agree it seems confusing.
(Kefalonia is a magic place)
Ah, I see now - thanks for explaining, it's not pc music that you are against - but the interface - fair point. As to computers everywhere - I've resisted the bedroom (though there is a spare IBM notebook power pack always plugged in...) but the living room often has 5 laptops running between the 2 of us - 1 each personal laptop, 1 each work laptop, and then a music client laptop connected to the Caiman - if there is ever any truth in wi-fi causing health problems we're doomed! (English readers please add "Captain Mainwaring" for comedy effect - sorry Dimitri - a little joke from the British comedy series Dad's Army.)
if there is ever any truth in wi-fi causing health problems we're doomed! (English readers please add "Captain Mainwaring" for comedy effect - sorry Dimitri - a little joke from the British comedy series Dad's Army.):lolsign: "doomed" is the word...
Anyway, I don't hear a difference between a CD and streamed music (except of the one consisting of having the dac sharing the same clock and thus bypassing the "wonderful" S/PDIF interface...).
But, I DO hear an enormous difference with analogue sources*. I hope one day someone will come out with a better idea than 16/44 audio... before I become deaf or worse. :smoking:
(although I admit that great efforts have been made on digital recordings for the past 15 years or so)
Edit:*probably mostly due to an inaccurate CD mastering
Steve Toy
08-10-2009, 11:16
I spent 6 months living and working near you at a park called Le Lac des Rêves between Lattes and Pérols and midway between Montpellier and Palavas les Flots. So where are you exactly?
Themis, if you do hear an "enormous" difference between your turntable and digital sources, I'd suggest a cartridge upgrade, along with the Rega motor to the "fixed" version (if you haven't done this already). The former (not knowing what you're using right now but guessing a Rega cartridge?) should "neutralise" the excessive character a bit and the other will sort out much if not all of the audible wow this deck echibits (only really heard when using turntables and other sources that don't do this..). if by changing the cartridge you find the deck has lost some of its "funk," then I'd suggest a suitable wall shelf (their own and one of the best ways of *not* hearing a Rega contribute to the sound off LP's) or some other form of isolation, as the deck isn't really heavy enough on its own to give good bass reproduction with a "flatter" cartridge... If you have the old woolly mat, I'd suggest investing in the current thinner one (can't remember what year they changed thickness on the Planar 3 models - the Planar 2 carried on with the thicker one due to its thinner platter), as I though the sound improved further.
Just my tuppence worth and my opinion only. I sold many, many Planar 3's over the decades and tried many things with them.....
Themis, if you do hear an "enormous" difference between your turntable and digital sources, I'd suggest a cartridge upgrade, along with the Rega motor to the "fixed" version (if you haven't done this already). The former (not knowing what you're using right now but guessing a Rega cartridge?) should "neutralise" the excessive character a bit and the other will sort out much if not all of the audible wow this deck echibits (only really heard when using turntables and other sources that don't do this..). if by changing the cartridge you find the deck has lost some of its "funk," then I'd suggest a suitable wall shelf (their own and one of the best ways of *not* hearing a Rega contribute to the sound off LP's) or some other form of isolation, as the deck isn't really heavy enough on its own to give good bass reproduction with a "flatter" cartridge... If you have the old woolly mat, I'd suggest investing in the current thinner one (can't remember what year they changed thickness on the Planar 3 models - the Planar 2 carried on with the thicker one due to its thinner platter), as I though the sound improved further.
Just my tuppence worth and my opinion only. I sold many, many Planar 3's over the decades and tried many things with them.....
Thanks for the upgrade advice, Dave. I'll ask my local dealer about the price, it seems easy to diy. I plan to get a AT440 cartridge soon, anyway.
In fact all my "ranting" about digital sources are of two kinds:
- First, the amount of money needed to get to a "correct" result. Not so much compared to my TT, mind you: mainly compared to my tapes' sound. Fortunately, things change, and now I can find some cheap dacs (Stan's, for instance, but I know some others, mainly in the "pro" domain) that do the job without having to mortgage my house.... Also, as I gave away my Revox long ago and my Naka last year, to someone who digitizes (I hope its' the correct word) precious tapes, I don't see the problem anymore. ;)
- Second, the mastering CD quality of the music I like the best. I had to buy countless copies of some beloved pop/rock groups. For some of them, it's still impossible to get a "good" CD (Kansas "Leftoverture" remaster is a slaughter, for example), I'm bound to use my vinyls. Some others (after several "approximate" remasterings) got finally a correct job, the quality is as good as analog, but the mastering result is slightly different than the original. In this case, I still keep the vinyl, and I listen to one or the other depending on my mood (Tales of Topographic Oceans, for instance). Others are excellent (R.Wyatt or EL&P), and I don't feel a real need of listening to their analog versions.
I sometimes think that "it's my fault" that I like pop/rock "rubbish" (a joke), because most of my friends who listen to jazz and/or classical exclusively didn't have so many difficulties getting into the redbook evolution: mastering of jazz/classical is often superior to the one of "popular" music. Yes, it's probably my fault, after all. :lolsign:
ELP suffered varyinbg quality of their CD's, although Trilogy (mastered by Barry Diament first time round) was superb and I still enjoy my twenty plus year old CD of this. On Brain Salad Surgery, Barry tamed a metallic mic sound and this was thankfully restored on the Victory re-release in '96 or so.
ToTO by Yes is a disaster whatever the format, but I understand that the fairly recent Japanese release is quite good (don't know the latest issue I'm afraid).
You will find the 440MLa a good choice I think, the Denon 160 possibly being a bit ballsier and a very good match to the Rega arm.
Sorry, but there's no Goodbye section, so I post here.
I've been in forums since they exist and it is the first time that a subject is locked "just because we want it". To me, this translates to : for no reason.
No one is perfect, and a forum administration is hard, but keeping to some basics is essential.
Problem is, I don't want to participate to forums where essential rules are not respected.
All this is a pity, of course, and time lost cannot be taken back.
Nevertheless, I keep good memories of some exchanges, many people make this a great place to be. Namely:
Thank you Dave(DSJR) for your precious help and humanity.
Thank you DaveC, Jill and hifi Dave for all your advice. I will be back to you when needed.
Thanks Andr'e for all the prog knowledge.
Thanks all-who-are-too-long-to-name-individually-but-know-who-you-are for your company and good mood. :)
Farewell. :cheers:
(I will still read PMs for a few days, but no posting anymore)
Spectral Morn
06-01-2010, 21:45
Sorry, but there's no Goodbye section, so I post here.
I've been in forums since they exist and it is the first time that a subject is locked "just because we want it". To me, this translates to : for no reason.
No one is perfect, and a forum administration is hard, but keeping to some basics is essential.
Problem is, I don't want to participate to forums where essential rules are not respected.
All this is a pity, of course, and time lost cannot be taken back.
Nevertheless, I keep good memories of some exchanges, many people make this a great place to be. Namely:
Thank you Dave(DSJR) for your precious help and humanity.
Thank you DaveC, Jill and hifi Dave for all your advice. I will be back to you when needed.
Thanks Andr'e for all the prog knowledge.
Thanks all-who-are-too-long-to-name-individually-but-know-who-you-are for your company and good mood. :)
Farewell. :cheers:
(I will still read PMs for a few days, but no posting anymore)
I am saddened to read this post Themis. I will take this opportunity to say I will miss you a lot and your contributions were valuable and enjoyable.
Take care Neil
What on earth has happened here? I really enjoyed Themis' contributions.
Sad that he feels he has to leave. Who will be next?
Yours with concern
The Vinyl Adventure
06-01-2010, 21:56
What's going on in this place tonight? Must be a full moon or something?
I too think it is a shame if you feel you can't contribute any more dimitri! Who are you going to learn bad English off now? I don't mean to make light of what ever has upset you, I have found my self in situations that have annoyed me in the past too, but you have to admit there are not many forums that manage to remain as calm as this one does? I just don't read the rows any more, that way I can't get involved or be held responsible ... I would urge you to stay and give it a go! I'm sure there are a lot of people here who see you as valuable as a memebr of this place as me and neil and Barry do!!
What on earth has happened here? I really enjoyed Themis' contributions.
Sad that he feels he has to leave. Who will be next?
Yours with concern
Me too, your knowledge Dimitri is extensive, :scratch:
Dimitri,
This is way too hasty, I'll PM you and I'm sure we can sort this out :)
Hang on!
Marco.
Hope I haven't contributed excessively to this decision. I see both sides, but I do remember what i was like 35 years ago and sometimes cringe....
Don't go.... Just take some time out and return refreshed...;)
Dimitri, I have PM'd you earlier, but just to add my public comments - you will be much missed, if the sentiments expressed by others here don't persuade you to give it another go!
Really don't mind if you sit this one out.
My words but a whisper, your deafness a shout.
I may make you feel but I can't make you think.
Your sperm's in the gutter -- your love's in the sink.
So you ride yourselves over the fields and
you make all your animal deals and
your wise men don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.
And the sand-castle virtues are all swept away in
the tidal destruction
the moral melee.
The elastic retreat rings the close of play as the last wave uncovers
the newfangled way.
But your new shoes are worn at the heels and
your suntan does rapidly peel and
your wise men don't know how it feels to be thick as a brick.
And the love that I feel is so far away:
I'm a bad dream that I just had today -- and you
shake your head and
say it's a shame.
Spin me back down the years and the days of my youth.
Draw the lace and black curtains and shut out the whole truth.
Spin me down the long ages: let them sing the song.
PM sent! Dimitri, let me know what you think :)
Marco.
Steve Toy
06-01-2010, 22:41
I did not feel comfortable about what amounts to blatant censorship. The graphic equaliser argument is one easily won so there is no need to silence voices of dissent. This is the kind of response I would have expected a few years ago from the administrators of the Naim forum who really were getting oversensitive/defensive.
Let's unlock the the thread and adress the issue rather than sweep it under the carpet.
I did not feel comfortable about what amounts to blatant censorship. The graphic equaliser argument is one easily won so there is no need to silence voices of dissent.
That most certainly was not why the thread was locked, Steve. I have already explained to Dimitri by PM my reasons for doing so.
Please see your notifications on this matter elsewhere....
However, in the meantime, I have no objection to the thread being re-opened, as that's one of the things I had already suggested to Dimitri. I'll go and do it now :)
Let's unlock the the thread and adress the issue rather than sweep it under the carpet.
{Edit}: Done! But people must promise to remain civil at all times. I don't want to see any evidence of personal insults being made (you know who you are!) or the whole thing will be binned with no further warning.
Marco.
Well, sadly, given the latest shenanigans on the thread since re-opening it, I hate to have been proven right...... :(
Still, if Dimitri wishes to bring the thread back on-topic again so that the subject of graphic equalisers can be discussed in a civil manner, then he's most welcome to do so :)
Marco.
Dimitri
I really hope this issue has been resolved I like many really enjoy reading your thoughts, you have a lot of knowledge and a great passion for music
The Grand Wazoo
07-01-2010, 08:03
I missed all of this as it was happening, so I hope I'm not too late in joining those wishes for you to stay Dimitri.
Your input is very valuable here, as others have also pointed out & it would be a shame to lose you. I hope the PM's that have been exchanged by now, along with a chance to reflect on things overnight will give you a change of heart.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you well.
Beechwoods
07-01-2010, 08:05
I added this smiley for just this sort of situation...
:grouphug:
You know we all want one :)
Ali Tait
07-01-2010, 12:30
I missed all of this as it was happening, so I hope I'm not too late in joining those wishes for you to stay Dimitri.
Your input is very valuable here, as others have also pointed out & it would be a shame to lose you. I hope the PM's that have been exchanged by now, along with a chance to reflect on things overnight will give you a change of heart.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you well.
+1 :)
mercury1 (trolling as Dave K)
07-01-2010, 12:33
What he said, and more^^^^^^
Covenant
07-01-2010, 16:14
Dimitri
Please stay. :(
You guys are too kind with me, and me, I'm neither a Diva nor stubborn enough. :)
I can't deceive so many friends (or to become). ;) Unfortunately I can't post right now, I'll be right back a bit later this evening.
Thank you so much for posting and/or PMing me.
Nice to see you back Dimitri, we all await with baited breath for your next posting :)
Great News Dimitri:cool::mex:
How's it feel to be popular? ;)
:king:
How's it feel to be popular? ;)
:king:
And here I was thinking that this particular 'smiley' was for Marco's personal use only!
Great to have you back Demitri.
(I don't use smilies much but this one does seem appropriate: :grouphug:)
Regards
Spectral Morn
07-01-2010, 18:07
Good news Dimitri....welcome back.
Regards D S D L
Guys I'm really embarrassed...:o
Thank you again.
What we all need is a good pub with nice music and some beers (or whatever each likes), I think. :pub:
The Grand Wazoo
07-01-2010, 19:22
Great stuff Dimitri!!
I did not feel comfortable about what amounts to blatant censorship. The graphic equaliser argument is one easily won so there is no need to silence voices of dissent.
Are you saying there are arguments where it is necessary to silence voices of dissent?
Thank gawd for that!!!! :champagne:
Can we now return to business please ??????
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