GONGS Music Maker 2017

[RobbieGong]

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[Bigman80]

That's a great setup mate. That Sansui looks the business. I'd love a Cadenza black. I bet that's a very transparent system.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[Audio Al]

919 :stalks:

[Ian7633]

Lovely stuff you've got there, that 919 is pornographic. I'm really interested in getting a Cadenza black when finances permit, never heard one but read great things about it.

[Zoidburg]

Very nice indeed.

[agk]

Sweet.

[RobbieGong]

I managed to bag this new minty mega rare 230/240v UK Beauty.

I'm led to believe there where only ever three UK / Euro spec models imported into the UK.

Built like a tank, 22.5kg's It is gorgeous in the flesh and the sound is absolutely pure hi-fidelity to my ears - It does not impart anything of itself, cover or gloss over other than laying everything in the recording / music bare, and I mean everything -

Detailed, neutral, every nuance, micro macro detail revealed - warts n all, seperation of all the recorded parts, textures, timbres, vocals, horns, drums, all instruments sound real !

Power delivery is effortless - dual mono construction, 130 wpc @ 8 ohms and damping factor of 150 :eek:

To coin an old cliche - Re-discovering the most familar of albums............

I've heard things I never knew where there in terms of how a vocalist tails of a phrase and more startling is the way some rythms start or pause, as I say different to what I've heard a thousand times before - this thing reveals how it really was laid down and it's a shock first time it happens :eek:

Cant get enough it, all I'm doing and want to do is get the set fired up and play tunes - which has to be testimony itself :D and I take my hat off to Sansui !

To say I'm chuffed to bits to have bagged this beauty / beast is an understatement.

http://www.audioscope.net/sansui-aualpha-707dr-p-1660.html

http://www.hifi-studio.de/hifi-klassiker/Sansui/Sansui_AU-alpha/Sansui_AU-alpha707DR.htm

https://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/sansui-au-707-dr-amplifier

https://sansui1944.websitetoolbox.com/post/au-707dr-1062087


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/26174815748_7c1ddf5e34_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FSYLNG)282 (https://flic.kr/p/FSYLNG) by Robert Rowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/), on Flickr

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https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4768/26174829588_d3366bf775_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FSYQVj)266 (https://flic.kr/p/FSYQVj) by Robert Rowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/), on Flickr

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[vinylspinner]

That looks really good Rob, you must be well chuffed, well done buddy.

Nigel

[RobbieGong]

That looks really good Rob, you must be well chuffed, well done buddy.

Nigel

Cheers Nigel,

It's looks are a bonus for sure but it's how this thing sounds or doesnt if you know what I mean that is amazing. It just lets the music and everything on the record come through.

Combined with the Cadenza B, it is untold detail and not just that, it's the info about the detail and whole damn recording, textures, timbre, breaths, all the little deeep down nuances, timing and structure of the ryhthm - everything - if it's in those grooves it comes through in all it's glory. The separate parts have their own characteristic / texture and I've not experienced that to this degree.

You'll hear the difference from one tom hit to the other, rim shots are now quite woody sounding or knock /cuff as a rim shot does in real life.

On some recordings I've loved for decades I now hear that the snare is hit pretty hard / harder than I've ever heard before and / or very firmly, or with more of a pronouced smack.

The fact I'm still up says it all really. This is a serious piece of kit no question......

[vinylspinner]

Must say that you have put together a great system, would love to hear it sometime.
Enjoy the music Robert.

Nigel

[julesd68]

I'm well pleased for you Mister Gong - the new amp looks very serious and purposeful!

But do you think it's time for the neighbours to get some rest from the snare drum or do you have equally serious sound-proofing ... :lol:

[RobbieGong]

I'm well pleased for you Mister Gong - the new amp looks very serious and purposeful!

But do you think it's time for the neighbours to get some rest from the snare drum or do you have equally serious sound-proofing ... :lol:

:lol: I've reluctantly switched off now and replying on my phone :D
Twas critical listening at respectful levels dear chap, not to mention the wife is in bed and I dare not incur the wrath thereof - heaven forbid :eek:

Off to bed now so I can be fresh for another sesh tomorrow :D ;)

[RichB]

Really great looking system there.

That Sanusi amp looks purposeful.

[Jimbo]

Nice to see you pop in Rich, hope your ok mate?

Yes Rob, your system is rather awesome now, can't believe how much work and expense must have gone into your turntable set up. Expect it sounds superb!

[RobbieGong]

Nice to see you pop in Rich, hope your ok mate?

Yes Rob, your system is rather awesome now, can't believe how much work and expense must have gone into your turntable set up. Expect it sounds superb!

Thanks Jimbo,

When I joined here in early 2011, the whole Techie seen was buzzing and just got hotter and hotter. At one point it felt like the epicentre of modding techies - It out-numbered other threads / posts by a fair bit I'd say.

As a result I was hooked, from a few KAB mods to the Mike New bearing that was it. The further along I went, I knew that I wasnt going to compromise which meant the mods I felt would take to a serious level were done one and sometime two at a time.

I've sold all manner of stuf, saved, a bit of juggling here and there and a little credit card action from time to time and fi ally bingo !!!

- It's taken years but I wouldnt change a thing, it's been worth every penny and all the pain that goes with the territory of a self confessed audiophile - you cant put a price on 'this' :)

Where I'm at now is a dream and labour of love realised - The techie is just one component amongst all the other parts that has brought it all together, The Cadenza B and this amp without question have been the icing on the cake - Its 23.13 on a Sunday night and I should have swithced system off some time ago as I have an early start for work in the morning - enough said ;)

[Bigman80]

What happened to the 919????? [emoji54]

[Audio Al]

Double :stalks::stalks:

Very nice :eyebrows:

[RobbieGong]

What happened to the 919????? [emoji54]
No flies on you Olli mate, I wondered when someone was going to ask that.
I still have the Legend 919, it's with Angus for a job on the Phono selector switch which needs replacing.
As you can imagine these parts are proving harder and harder to get hold of so I've been without music for a few months hence bagging the Alpha 707 DR.

So what to do when the 919 returns :eyebrows:

[Bigman80]

No flies on you Olli mate, I wondered when someone was going to ask that.
I still have the Legend 919, it's with Angus for a job on the Phono selector switch which needs replacing.
As you can imagine these parts are proving harder and harder to get hold of so I've been without music for a few months hence bagging the Alpha 707 DR.

So what to do when the 919 returns :eyebrows:Indeed! I'm sure it won't be too hard to move on if you choose.

[HackneyRF]

That's really lovely Rob, nice one.

[Hammer]

Nice looking system bet it sound great too

[RobbieGong]

Put the arm out somehow and lost the sweetspot a good month back.

Had to go through the whole time consuming brain numbing set up again and then try and try and try to nail it, on the fly vta stylee - worse the Cadenza B shibata has to be set up and done properly.

I'm a fussy, anal so and so, and wouldnt rest until I was happy it was right
and then finding the time with everything else going on, thats a challenge in itself :(

Anywaze nailed the bar steward this evening so the tunes have been getting pulled from their sleeves faster than who soever you care to name out of the blocks !

It's been a well needed fab evening. Again, I dont want to go to bed, but must........ after one more then ;)

[RobbieGong]

Was very tired today........

Should be in bed but the music.......... :rolleyes: :)

[RobbieGong]

Well.......

I'm full of anticipation because today is a very big day for me .......

All will be revealed later ;)

[Bigman80]

Well.......

I'm full of anticipation because today is a very big day for me .......

All will be revealed later ;)What you up to Robbie? [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848] [emoji6]

[RobbieGong]

What you up to Robbie? [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848] [emoji6]

:) Hopefully about to realise one of the final pieces in the jigsaw, at long last

Some knowing me here will have more of an idea what that likely is ;)

[Bigman80]

:) Hopefully about to realise one of the final pieces in the jigsaw, at long last

Some knowing me here will have more of an idea what that likely is ;)Speakers maybe?

[RobbieGong]

Speakers maybe?

:D

[Bigman80]

Ha! Looking forward to seeing what you've bought mate.

[walpurgis]

:) Hopefully about to realise one of the final pieces in the jigsaw, at long last

Some knowing me here will have more of an idea what that likely is ;)

Another bleedin' great Jap amp?

[RobbieGong]

Another bleedin' great Jap amp?

:lol: Already got one of those and it's going no where :D (that reminds me, need to update signature :) )

[RobbieGong]

Right audiophile buds, chat later when all hopefully will be revealed..............

[julesd68]

I have looked into my crystal ball Rob and seen two things for you -

a 1980's Amstrad tower of power system or a pair of Spendor floorstanders.

My money is on the latter ... :)

[Bigman80]

I have looked into my crystal ball Rob and seen two things for you -

a 1980's Amstrad tower of power system or a pair of Spendor floorstanders.

My money is on the latter ... :)Mine too [emoji6]

[Hammer]

My monies on speakers:)

[RobbieGong]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/970/40858815355_5f81d4bc69_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25fy7iH)296 (https://flic.kr/p/25fy7iH) by Robert Rowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152233952@N07/), on Flickr

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[struth]

They blend in well... amp is a stoater robert...love it

[walpurgis]

Very nice mate. The drivers are ones I've not seen before.

[Bigman80]

Wow,, great stuff.

[RobbieGong]

At long last the itch has been scratched - Spendor D7's in da house.

I'm sure many who've followed my journey will know I've been hankering for some Spendors to replace my beloved, long serving and quite frankly excellent Mission 752's Freedoms.

I soon realised after posing the question quite a few years back with regards to a suitable replacement in the same musical, natural, detailed and importantly non fatiguing vein, that Spendors would be the one.

Responses more often than not suggested Spendors fitted my bill.

I pm'd our own Clive197 a few times. He knows the Spendors and has had a good few pairs himself - hes' a big big fan and it was great geting a users views and experience.

He didnt have a bad thing to say about them, from BC1, S6e, S8e and now D7's - He's been there and knows them.

S8e's were sought but for some reason I kept missing out and to be honest there were times as my system went up and up the upgrade path that I found myself thinking can I really let these 752's go, they just deliver the music so beautifully, totally unfazed by the big upgrades and changes going on around and in fact sounding better and better with them, just to complicate things further :rolleyes: :scratch:

Anyway, you know what itches are like ......

Eventually you'll scratch especially if you're an audiophile and a weak one at that :lol:

So, What's the story so far ?

On firing up from cold and on first ever listen, they wernt bad at all.

As things warmed up immediate impressions were, more open than the 752's, brighter maybe due to a more extended treble and a slight upper mid emphasis.

I also felt that they sounded a bit hifi ie: a touch more towards good digital as opposed to the very organic analogue flavour of the Missions.

I needed to spend some proper time with these beauties, really get to know them and spin as many as my fave and most familar albums, from Marley, Stevie Wonder, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Steely Dan (including Aja and Goucho of course ;) )

Last night was a late one ! Getting the hours in was great as the more the system ran I realised that initial sense of slight hifi / digital over analogue presentation had gone :D

Today I've had the house to myself since mid day which has given me the chance to properly 'boost' the system up and let the fire blaze so to speak and my gosh.

Get the Sansui power up these Spennies and man they sing !

Revealing, deep detail retrieval but in a more open manner. Bass when there is deep, tight, firm, solid and tuneful, treble very clear and extended, mids and vocals lovely open and expressive as hoped.

Where the 752's do stellar service, the D7's take things up a notch filling the room more.

The 752 Freedoms lacked a little sparkle in the treble and have a slightly in the box flavour, very well balanced, detailed, lovley in the mids with a natural organic / analogue non fatiguing presentation making them an easy addictive listen.

Add to that they just sing there hearts out you'll see my dilema.

Well, the more time I spend with these D7's is the more I hear, realise and appreciate their highly regarded virtues.

They really can boogie and get right to the heart of the music / recording which I'm just loving !

The best compliment I can give them, coupled with the above, is that they have a wonderful combination of insight, an almost forensic / analytical way about them whilst remaining utterly musical.

Welcome to Gong Towers Spendor D7 and take pride of place ! :)

[Hammer]

Glad your liking the Robbie:)

[Hammer]

Glad your liking the Robbie:)

Can't spell them:doh:

[brian2957]

Very nice Robert . I'm a big fan too . I've heard the SP1s and the SP2s and loved them both . These look very special :)

[RobbieGong]

Geoff, Grant, Oli, Martin, Brian, thanks man !

I'd never heard a pair of Spendors prior and no matter how much you've read and feel you've gone for the right thing...

I wont lie, I was 'squeeking' a bit just in case they dissapointed but thank God they're great and fit the bill a treat - phew !! lovin' 'em :)

[Bigman80]

Geoff, Grant, Oli, Martin, Brian, thanks man !

I'd never heard a pair of Spendors prior and no matter how much you've read and feel you've gone for the right thing...

I wont lie, I was 'squeeking' a bit just in case they dissapointed but thank God they're great and fit the bill a treat - phew !! lovin' 'em :)Lol, squeaking a bit. That really made me laugh.

[Jimbo]

Congratulations Rob, they look great. Welcome to the Spendor club although I think your design which is 35 years ahead of my SP2's will sound very different.:)

[RobbieGong]

Congratulations Rob, they look great. Welcome to the Spendor club although I think your design which is 35 years ahead of my SP2's will sound very different.:)

Indeed James,

Newer Spendors have retained or at least tried to retain that original and renowned smooth mid range magic and non fatiguing (some say laid back) presentation / dna.

The D7's are said to be a bit of a 'modern' twist on that as in a bit more open, lively / upfront compared to their predecessor.

Hard for me to give comparison based on experience having never heard any Spendors prior to these but I can attest that these Spennies are as I've described and most certainly not laid back.

They are very open, clear and involving.

As a result they are probably not quite as non fatiguing as older Spendors or my slightly 'closed in' Mission 752 Freedoms.

They are very revealing and dont soften any brightness or hardness in the recording.

To use that well used phrase, they tell it like it is and get right to the heart of the music - Good recordings are fantastic, bright or hard ones are presented a such.

I've realised that is the trade off with genuinely good transducers ;)

[Jimbo]

Indeed James,

Newer Spendors have retained or at least tried to retain that original and renowned smooth mid range magic and non fatiguing (some say laid back) presentation / dna.

The D7's are said to be a bit of a 'modern' twist on that as in a bit more open, lively / upfront compared to their predecessor.

Hard for me to give comparison based on experience having never heard any Spendors prior to these but I can attest that these Spennies are as I've described and most certainly not laid back.

They are very open, clear and involving.

As a result they are probably not quite as non fatiguing as older Spendors or my slightly 'closed in' Mission 752 Freedoms.

They are very revealing and dont soften any brightness or hardness in the recording.

To use that well used phrase, they tell it like it is and get right to the heart of the music - Good recordings are fantastic, bright or hard ones are presented a such.

I've realised that is the trade off with genuinely good transducers ;)

I would imagine they are very truthful!

[RobbieGong]

I would imagine they are very truthful!

You're not wrong James,

My system already had a very detailed, revelaing presentation but the deep deep down hidden back ground things going on in the mix, voices etc that have now surfaced is just nuts, it is forensic, seriously ! - proper hifi-delity and the system I always aimed to build as I've always been quite analytical in my listening and hate stuf glossed over, beefed out, fruity, romantisised or otherwise.

Give me the music please, first and foremost BUT as close to the recording cause the two for me are intricatly related and the magic of the whole thing is in the expression thereof regardless of how good or not the recording might be.

As a whole, as undiluted, unsweetened or otherwise as pos it is how I prefer my music served - and Amen to that ! :)