Where next with my system?

[kininigin]

So i'm wondering where to go next with my system and would value some input. I'm quite happy with it atm but would like to improve on it! Extremely happy with the speakers and sub, so they are definitely staying!

An obvious step would be sending the croft to Glen to upgrade it to R spec or to my preferences but not sure what they would be?? I would like the phono stage to be improved though!

Also thinking off maybe trying an MC cart which i've never had or for that matter listened to! I do love the Shure SC35C which i'm using, so something which retains it's strengths and builds on them would be what i would be considering.

On the digital side of things i have been using beresford dacs for the last 7 or so years, so maybe try something else?

Budget around £500 but can be flexible on that if i need to be!

Cheers.

[Jazid]

So i'm wondering where to go next with my system and would value some input. I'm quite happy with it atm but would like to improve on it! Extremely happy with the speakers and sub, so they are definitely staying!

An obvious step would be sending the croft to Glen to upgrade it to R spec or to my preferences but not sure what they would be?? I would like the phono stage to be improved though!

Also thinking off maybe trying an MC cart which i've never had or for that matter listened to! I do love the Shure SC35C which i'm using, so something which retains it's strengths and builds on them would be what i would be considering.

On the digital side of things i have been using beresford dacs for the last 7 or so years, so maybe try something else?

Budget around £500 but can be flexible on that if i need to be!

Cheers.No idea if this is a public enquiry but if so it would help to know what your kit is (hint: signature seems way off) and what you wish to change? On the face of it you seem to have a very decent set up for a relatively affordable spend.

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[kininigin]

No idea if this is a public enquiry but if so it would help to know what your kit is (hint: signature seems way off) and what you wish to change? On the face of it you seem to have a very decent set up for a relatively affordable spend.

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

Is my kit not in my signature? I can see a list of my kit under my post! As to what i want to change, i basically want to improve it within a given budget and get the best bang for buck and was after ideas on how best to achieve that!

In case no one else can see my kit in my sig, I have a modded 1200 with MNB, EPT platter, Jelco 750D arm, Shure SC35C cart, Croft Micro 25, Korus custom server, Bushmaster II, Paradigm reference active 20's and Paradigm servo 15 sub.

[Macca]

is there any specific aspect of the sound that is bugging you? Or do you just want to see if you can move the whole thing up a notch?

[kininigin]

The only thing that is bugging is the digital side which i'm finding a touch bright and forward compared to my tt but yeah wanting to take it up a notch really.

[forsell]

So i'm wondering where to go next with my system and would value some input. I'm quite happy with it atm but would like to improve on it! Extremely happy with the speakers and sub, so they are definitely staying!

An obvious step would be sending the croft to Glen to upgrade it to R spec or to my preferences but not sure what they would be?? I would like the phono stage to be improved though!

Also thinking off maybe trying an MC cart which i've never had or for that matter listened to! I do love the Shure SC35C which i'm using, so something which retains it's strengths and builds on them would be what i would be considering.

On the digital side of things i have been using beresford dacs for the last 7 or so years, so maybe try something else?

Budget around £500 but can be flexible on that if i need to be!

Cheers.

At this system level the only upgrade within you budget I can think of is a decent new MC. Sorry mate, but a DJ cartridge for $ 59 on Amazon can not really play music and makes any preamp modifications by Glen himself pretty pointless.

[kininigin]

At this system level the only upgrade within you budget I can think of is a decent new MC. Sorry mate, but a DJ cartridge for $ 59 on Amazon can not really play music and makes any preamp modifications by Glen himself pretty pointless.

Well I beg to differ! It's far more than a "DJ cartridge" that cannot play music! It was originally designed for the BBC and in its 'made in America' form and not the modern ' made in Mexico ' form, it's a very decent MM! I simply wouldn't spend what I have on my TT and put a cart on that couldn't do it justice!

[Yomanze]

Have you experimented with decoupling? I've had excellent results from putting Bright Star Isonodes under my gear. Good VFM too. You can read about my experiences here:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?54627-Bright-Star-Isonodes-Coupling-vs-Decoupling

[kininigin]

Have you experimented with decoupling? I've had excellent results from putting Bright Star Isonodes under my gear. Good VFM too. You can read about my experiences here:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?54627-Bright-Star-Isonodes-Coupling-vs-Decoupling

I haven't no, not something I have really considered. I have recently put sorbothane under my speakers which gave a bit of an improvement! I do need to try something under the sub, so will check your thread out.

[narabdela]

At this system level the only upgrade within you budget I can think of is a decent new MC. Sorry mate, but a DJ cartridge for $ 59 on Amazon can not really play music and makes any preamp modifications by Glen himself pretty pointless.

You couldn't be more wrong! The SC35C is a helluva cartridge; probably one of the best audio bargains on the planet.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-3-shure-sc35c

[RobbieGong]

My recommendation without reserve would be the Ortofon 2M Black - flagship of the 2M series for good reason.

Not an mc I know, but it has often been said to be as good as plenty of mc's out there until you start 'spending'.

Really opened my eyes this cart did and I rate it highly - deserves it's rep' as arguably 'the' best mm out there.

An excellent classy performer.

Only downside is, it is very set up critical and very fussy about vta which is where it's sweet spot is found and best dialled in if possible, carefully on the fly.

It likes a slightly negative rake.

A deck / system with easy vta adjust is essential in my experience but once you've found that sweet spot :eek: - oh Yeah !! :)

[karma67]

as a member too of the ortofon owners club i totally agree with robbie :)

[kininigin]

I have heard lots of good things about the 2MB but am not sure if it is the right cart for me! The impression i get is that it's very detailed and maybe slightly edging to the brighter side of things?? I may have got that completely wrong of course.

I do like detail but not in an 'look at me' kinda way. I listen to alot of beat/rhythm driven music so something which handles bass really well is important to me! Something which sounds 'chunky and solid' can party but also to the delicate thing with an open soundstage is what i would be looking for if i go the cartridge route.

Also how would it stand up against what i have now? I paid £60 for the SC35C. Would i really get that much improvement spending £400 or so on the 2MB? I simply don't know where the Shure stands in the pecking order!

[RobbieGong]

The 2MB most certainly has a detailed presentation but I didn't find it bright.

Look into the meaty and musical Denon 103.
Been around for a long time and has big following which says something.
Marco knows these inside out and there'll be loads of advice here to get the best out of it.

You'll also have loads of change left from your £500 ;)

Oh! and if you didn't like it which I think you will, it'll sell as easy as kebabs do on a Friday \ Saturday night ;) ;)

[kininigin]

The 2MB most certainly has a detailed presentation but I didn't find it bright.

Look into the meaty and musical Denon 103.
Been around for a long time and has big following which says something.
Marco knows these inside out and there'll be loads of advice here to get the best out of it.

You'll also have loads of change left from your £500 ;)

Oh! and if you didn't like it which I think you will, it'll sell as easy as kebabs do on a Friday \ Saturday night ;) ;)

Yes the Denon has been on the radar for awhile and sounds like the sort of thing i would like. I would need a sut or headamp though and not sure how much a decent one would be.

I have also considered a Jico SAS for the Shure which may be a relatively cheap option but maybe not the jump up in quality i want.

Then there is the upgraded croft option, which is tempting! Basically i want the biggest sppv i can get as that is what most of my system is based on :)

[Jazid]

The only thing that is bugging is the digital side which i'm finding a touch bright and forward compared to my tt but yeah wanting to take it up a notch really.If this is the problem then I don't think cartridge change will help, you are happy there, stay that way!
Beresford DACs, (I've not heard one) have a reputation for being on the brighter end of things so maybe a new DAC or transport might help?

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[paulf-2007]

I was thinking the same thing, why talk about carts if you are happy with the tt side of things.

[Edward]

Darren

I'm guess your Korus server was made by Gary (Gazjam). Highly suggest you have a chat with him to see what he suggests on improving the digital side of things which you say is a bit bright. I've found that quite a lot of useful improved SQ can be gained by improving the server side of things as well as trying out different DACs. But of course Gazjam is the expert on these things.

[kininigin]

If this is the problem then I don't think cartridge change will help, you are happy there, stay that way!
Beresford DACs, (I've not heard one) have a reputation for being on the brighter end of things so maybe a new DAC or transport might help?

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

I wouldn't say it's a problem as such, i've been using the Bushmaster for a few years happily enough but am just aware of it's slight brightness when listening to music! I probably listen to more records than anything digital, hence the cart talk! Yes i'm happy with what i've got but if i can improve on what i've got then i'll look into it!

No idea what dacs are about nowadays, any suggestions on that front?

[kininigin]

Darren

I'm guess your Korus server was made by Gary (Gazjam). Highly suggest you have a chat with him to see what he suggests on improving the digital side of things which you say is a bit bright. I've found that quite a lot of useful improved SQ can be gained by improving the server side of things as well as trying out different DACs. But of course Gazjam is the expert on these things.

Yes it was Gary and a good shout. Only ever used Beresford Dacs so maybe trying something else just to see what else is out there is worth a shot?

[walpurgis]

Rega DAC's seem well liked by folk here.

[Edward]

Yes it was Gary and a good shout. Only ever used Beresford Dacs so maybe trying something else just to see what else is out there is worth a shot?One time when I was looking for a new DAC I went to my local hifi place and tried out three Dacs at home. Ended up buying one of them. Maybe there is someone near you that allows that.

Other than speakers I've found dacs can be the biggest improvement in SQ. But I have not used vinyl for years which you seem to prefer.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

[Yomanze]

I have heard lots of good things about the 2MB but am not sure if it is the right cart for me! The impression i get is that it's very detailed and maybe slightly edging to the brighter side of things?? I may have got that completely wrong of course.

I do like detail but not in an 'look at me' kinda way. I listen to alot of beat/rhythm driven music so something which handles bass really well is important to me! Something which sounds 'chunky and solid' can party but also to the delicate thing with an open soundstage is what i would be looking for if i go the cartridge route.

Also how would it stand up against what i have now? I paid £60 for the SC35C. Would i really get that much improvement spending £400 or so on the 2MB? I simply don't know where the Shure stands in the pecking order!

I like MMs, and would put the Reson Reca above the Denon DL103 for instance, or an Audio Note IQ. Haven’t heard the Ortofons but reading on the web suggests a balance I might not like.

I also listen too a lot of thick bass driven music and slam is one area where MMs can beat out MCs.

[kininigin]

Rega DAC's seem well liked by folk here.

Never heard any Rega gear, so will look into what they have.


One time when I was looking for a new DAC I went to my local hifi place and tried out three Dacs at home. Ended up buying one of them. Maybe there is someone near you that allows that.

Other than speakers I've found dacs can be the biggest improvement in SQ. But I have not used vinyl for years which you seem to prefer.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

There is an Audio T near me but i once went in there to inquire about a support for my tt and as soon as i mentioned it was a Technics, he looked down his nose at me! I have never been back! I do prefer my vinyl over my digital at the moment.


I like MMs, and would put the Reson Reca above the Denon DL103 for instance, or an Audio Note IQ. Haven’t heard the Ortofons but reading on the web suggests a balance I might not like.

I also listen too a lot of thick bass driven music and slam is one area where MMs can beat out MCs.

I definitely wouldn't want to lose slam, which i think the Denon does have from reading! Not heard of the other carts but interesting you listen to similar music and prefer the Reson Reca!

[kininigin]

Well i have emailed Glen about potentially upgrading to 'R' spec! I want to improve my analogue side of things, so am thinking upgrade the pre and at a later date think about another cart and dip my toes into the MC world.

I have mentioned to Glen that i use active speakers which have an input impedance of 15k ohms and the Micro 25 has an output impedance of < 300 ohms. Is this a good match?

[Pharos]

The rules on Impedance used to be that an O/P impedance has to be at least as low as 1/10th of the I/P impedance it is feeding, and your situation easily meets this.

The AVI S2000 pre has an O/P impedance of 0.1 ohms and can drive a light bulb.

[kininigin]

The rules on Impedance used to be that an O/P impedance has to be at least as low as 1/10th of the I/P impedance it is feeding, and your situation easily meets this.

The AVI S2000 pre has an O/P impedance of 0.1 ohms and can drive a light bulb.

Ahh ok, that's good to know! Also my speakers have correct phase and Glen's amp have inverted phase. Would it be of benefit having the phase reversed on the pre? Can it even be easily done?

[struth]

you can just reverse the cables and you will be back in phase.

[kininigin]

you can just reverse the cables and you will be back in phase.

I use active speakers though so not possible.

[YNWaN]

you can just reverse the cables and you will be back in phase.

Yes, the speaker cables, and only reverse the polarity at one end - red to black.

[kininigin]

Yes, the speaker cables, and only reverse the polarity at one end - red to black.

Again, i'm using active speakers, so no speaker cables to swap over!

[walpurgis]

No doubt you have line level cables feeding the speaker inputs. The phase can be reversed on (one of) those. Or an adaptor an be made or bought that does.

[kininigin]

No doubt you have line level cables feeding the speaker inputs. The phase can be reversed on (one of) those. Or an adaptor an be made or bought that does.

If you can buy an adapter, then that sounds the easiest way and something i can try without too much fuss.

Is it even worth bothering with? How important is it having the pre and power amps in phase with each other?

[walpurgis]

Is it even worth bothering with? How important is it having the pre and power amps in phase with each other?

To be honest. I doubt you'd hear any difference between 'in phase' or 'reverse phase'.

[kininigin]

To be honest. I doubt you'd hear any difference between 'in phase' or 'reverse phase'.

I must say i cannot detect anything obvious. Wasn't sure if it was a case of not knowing what you are missing kinda thing!

So those of you who have upgraded from the 25 to the 25R what improvements did you hear? Did you just go to a standard 25R or did you tailor it to your needs and if so what did you get done?

[Ninanina]

The only thing that is bugging is the digital side which i'm finding a touch bright and forward compared to my tt but yeah wanting to take it up a notch really.

Darren for what it's worth I would upgrade the Dac

Something like the Rega Dac for the money is very good indeed and I owned one for a while but if you can get your hands on an Audio Note Dac that would be even better, these Dacs do not sound bright or forward as you describe

I owned the Bushmaster for a short while but unlike a lot of people on here I didn't get on with it

Just a thought

[kininigin]

Darren for what it's worth I would upgrade the Dac

Something like the Rega Dac for the money is very good indeed and I owned one for a while but if you can get your hands on an Audio Note Dac that would be even better, these Dacs do not sound bright or forward as you describe

I owned the Bushmaster for a short while but unlike a lot of people on here I didn't get on with it

Just a thought

I will upgrade the Dac but will wait till i've done the analogue side of things first. Maybe i'll try and loan a Rega and see what it can do. Isn't Audio Note quite expensive stuff? I don't want to go crazy ha.

[Ninanina]

I will upgrade the Dac but will wait till i've done the analogue side of things first. Maybe i'll try and loan a Rega and see what it can do. Isn't Audio Note quite expensive stuff? I don't want to go crazy ha.

The Rega is very good and can be purchased used from about £250 and an AN Dac can be purchased used from about £400 upwards if that helps, both are very good

I can also recommend the Chord Hugo if you can put up with the dreadful UI.. I owned the Hugo for a few weeks and while I loved the sound I found the UI terrible... ;)

[kininigin]

The Rega is very good and can be purchased used from about £250 and an AN Dac can be purchased used from about £400 upwards if that helps, both are very good

I can also recommend the Chord Hugo if you can put up with the dreadful UI.. I owned the Hugo for a few weeks and while I loved the sound I found the UI terrible... ;)

Not so unreasonable price wise with AN Dac! We will see which way i go. Will be in the new year sometime though.

[kininigin]

So have spoken to Glen and it looks like i will be upgrading to R spec! He has suggested waiting till the new year though due to the run up to xmas.

Should be interesting to hear what upgrade brings to the rest of my system.

[kininigin]

Well i couldn't resist and i've gone and ordered a Jico SAS Neo styli for my SC35C! This will have the sapphire cantilever rather than the ruby! It's been an itch i've wanted to scratch for awhile so i hope it's something i will like! Anyone used their new SAS styli yet? How did you find it?

[kininigin]

The SAS is currently in the hands of customs, so waiting impatiently for that to get to me. What would be the charges on an item costing $150?

In the meantime i have managed to bag myself a second Paradigm Servo 15 sub :D I have wanted to have two subs for awhile and am very excited to finally get another. Knowing how good one of these subs is, has got me waiting in anticipation with having two of these bad boys in the chain :eyebrows:

[Jazid]

Always wanted two subs, even though (when I use it) mine crosses at <50hz. Keep us updated please :)

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[kininigin]

It was always my aim to have true stereo full range. I cross mine over at about 70-80Hz so i can give the mid-range good space to breathe. Helps that the sub and speakers have been designed from the outset together, with them both using the same amps. Also the sub is sealed and servo controlled so is very agile and blends really well with the speakers.

Will keep you posted.

[montesquieu]

The SAS is currently in the hands of customs, so waiting impatiently for that to get to me. What would be the charges on an item costing $150?

In the meantime i have managed to bag myself a second Paradigm Servo 15 sub :D I have wanted to have two subs for awhile and am very excited to finally get another. Knowing how good one of these subs is, has got me waiting in anticipation with having two of these bad boys in the chain :eyebrows:

Vat will be about £22 on that and the brokerage charge for collecting it depends on who will be delivering, anywhere from £5-15.

[mikeyb]

The postage gets added the overall cost when calculating the taxes. So 3.5% import tax added to the overall cost including postage then 20% vat on that total, then I would expect about £8-£12 collection.

Without adding in the postage I think it will be about £150 all in.

[struth]

I'd say about £40. Rip off but that's the model

[montesquieu]

Very keen to hear how you go with the Jico SAS stylus on the SC35C, having been turned on to it by Petrat I’m a big fan of this cartridge. To get the best out of it in stock form you need a heavy headshell I have it in a massive Fidelity Research one that weighs 32g (SPU weight) all up and tracking at 5g (fine for a conical). It sounds awesome. The Jico should allow you to get much more out of it at a lesser VTF and less overall mass. A rare hifi bargain.

I have a standard Jico on one of my Shure M3Ds and prefer it over the NOS stylus I also have. A B&O SP1 makes up a trio for me of early low compliance MM designs that stand up surprisingly well against exhaulted and expensive MCs.

I do wish Jico would find an EU based distributor though. The cheap ones can more than double in price by the time you bring them over.

[kininigin]

Very keen to hear how you go with the Jico SAS stylus on the SC35C, having been turned on to it by Petrat I’m a big fan of this cartridge. To get the best out of it in stock form you need a heavy headshell I have it in a massive Fidelity Research one that weighs 32g (SPU weight) all up and tracking at 5g (fine for a conical). It sounds awesome. The Jico should allow you to get much more out of it at a lesser VTF and less overall mass. A rare hifi bargain.

I have a standard Jico on one of my Shure M3Ds and prefer it over the NOS stylus I also have. A B&O SP1 makes up a trio for me of early low compliance MM designs that stand up surprisingly well against exhaulted and expensive MCs.

I do wish Jico would find an EU based distributor though. The cheap ones can more than double in price by the time you bring them over.

Yes i'm a big fan as well, which is why i want to see what the sas brings to the party. I have two SC35C's, one i have put in an aluminium body, which has brought an improvement. I plan to use the aluminium with nos stylus on my more beat driven/electronic records and the sas on my more 'real' instruments recordings. will try the sas in th aluminium one first though, as i can't find my spare headshell.

I'm hoping it keeps the same traits as the original but adding more refinement and detail. I don't know how the SC35C stands up against ''exhaulted and expensive'' MC's as iv'e never heard any MC's but the SC35C does so much well that iv'e never really felt the need yet and i've could of easily trodden the MC route by now!!

So looking at paying £30-40 for customs and delivery. Bit of a bummer but hey ho.

[montesquieu]

I don't know how the SC35C stands up against ''exhaulted and expensive'' MC's as iv'e never heard any MC's but the SC35C does so much well that iv'e never really felt the need yet and i've could of easily trodden the MC route by now!!


Well to be fair, for all its qualities in presenting a big bold sound with pretty reasonable detail (not terribly unlike an early conical SPU), a decent MC will offer a lot more in terms of fine detail, micro-expression and phrasing, back to front as well as sideways depth (so better overall 3D imaging), and presentation of acoustic ambience of the recording space. Depends on what music you listen to whether all that's important or not. What I have found is that the SC35C is always very musical and enjoyable and any sins it has are ones of omission, which are quite forgivable.

[kininigin]

Well to be fair, for all its qualities in presenting a big bold sound with pretty reasonable detail (not terribly unlike an early conical SPU), a decent MC will offer a lot more in terms of fine detail, micro-expression and phrasing, back to front as well as sideways depth (so better overall 3D imaging), and presentation of acoustic ambience of the recording space. Depends on what music you listen to whether all that's important or not. What I have found is that the SC35C is always very musical and enjoyable and any sins it has are ones of omission, which are quite forgivable.

I'm sure one day i will venture into the MC world. I guess it's a case of not knowing what i'm missing atm. Yes the SC35C isn't perfect but for the £60 i paid for it, it's pretty damn impressive! Lets hope the sas takes it up a notch or two.

[paulf-2007]

IT depends on the kind of presentation you like, I have had Benz wood SL and contrary to opinions that they are warm and laid back, I didn't find that at all, very detailed and dynamic. Other more expensive mc's like IO leave me cold, great for the laid back brigade. All the time my Shure Ultra is working nothing else will take its place.

[kininigin]

IT depends on the kind of presentation you like, I have had Benz wood SL and contrary to opinions that they are warm and laid back, I didn't find that at all, very detailed and dynamic. Other more expensive mc's like IO leave me cold, great for the laid back brigade. All the time my Shure Ultra is working nothing else will take its place.

I do like the big bold presentation and not so much the airy fairy type! A Denon 103 seems an obvious step to take with the MC route for me but then we are adding in an sut or headamp and talking about paying probably £6-800 to do it properly! Maybe that's could value for money in relative terms but it's a big step up from what i paid for the Shure! I guess i need to hear what a good MC can do first to know if it's worth it for me.

[walpurgis]

A Koetsu Black would probably fit the bill.

[kininigin]

A Koetsu Black would probably fit the bill.

Just looked it up and it's £2000 new and that's without sut/headamp! Slightly out my price range and what i would be willing to pay for a cartridge!

[walpurgis]

Just looked it up and it's £2000 new and that's without sut/headamp! Slightly out my price range and what i would be willing to pay for a cartridge!

That's the 'starter' model in the range (or was). Didn't realise they'd gone up in price that much.

[Pigmy Pony]

That's the 'starter' model in the range (or was). Didn't realise they'd gone up in price that much.

For that kind of money I would expect a professional home installation by someone resembling Nicole Kidman, who would also stay for breakfast

[Yomanze]

I do like the big bold presentation and not so much the airy fairy type! A Denon 103 seems an obvious step to take with the MC route for me but then we are adding in an sut or headamp and talking about paying probably £6-800 to do it properly! Maybe that's could value for money in relative terms but it's a big step up from what i paid for the Shure! I guess i need to hear what a good MC can do first to know if it's worth it for me.

What sort of music do you listen to? For me, I prefer rock, metal and electronica through a good MM...

[montesquieu]

That's the 'starter' model in the range (or was). Didn't realise they'd gone up in price that much.

Indeed it's not that long since a new one was £600.

[kininigin]

What sort of music do you listen to? For me, I prefer rock, metal and electronica through a good MM...

Mostly electronica but also some industrial rock, funk/soul, reggae, afrobeat.

[paulf-2007]

Ive heard several Koetsu's, all been a bit meh. £2000 for an entry level one is laughable. Ok for those with more money than they deserve to have.

[paulf-2007]

I do like the big bold presentation and not so much the airy fairy type! A Denon 103 seems an obvious step to take with the MC route for me but then we are adding in an sut or headamp and talking about paying probably £6-800 to do it properly! Maybe that's could value for money in relative terms but it's a big step up from what i paid for the Shure! I guess i need to hear what a good MC can do first to know if it's worth it for me.
Try to get to a bake off or demo and listen to some decent mc's and see if it's what you like, a big bold presentation may not be what you will hear.

[montesquieu]

Try to get to a bake off or demo and listen to some decent mc's and see if it's what you like, a big bold presentation may not be what you will hear.

SPU is good for that. Agreed a lot of MCs can be a bit prissy and 'hifi'.

[kininigin]

Try to get to a bake off or demo and listen to some decent mc's and see if it's what you like, a big bold presentation may not be what you will hear.

Yeah good idea and hopefully is something i can try and do in the near future.

So customs has been paid (£36-grrr) and the SAS will be delivered on Thursday but unfortunately it will have to wait to see what it's all about, as my partners Dad has been taken into hospital and so we've had to come to Bangor for a little while! We are hoping he can come home soon!

Also the sale of the sub fell through as the guy is a complete twat!! So a bit annoyed about that.

[kininigin]

So have finally received the sas and have done a quick set up which wasn't too difficult as i didn't have to adjust the arm height! Tracking force is at about 1.25g. I've only been able to listen to 1 record just to check set up, but straight away it was clear that it was picking up alot more high frequency info with everything being clear and well separated. Midrange was very open and what bass i did hear, seemed very tuneful and quite deep.

Very early days as i need to run it in and optimise set up but so far have enjoyed what i have heard so far. It also appears that i will be getting the second sub tomorrow now after a mix up from the sellers end! So will spend the day re-arranging my set up and then getting some vinyl spinning.

[struth]

thats usually the top weight for sas tips. ive got one on my m55 and settled at 1.1g

[kininigin]

thats usually the top weight for sas tips. ive got one on my m55 and settled at 1.1g

Yeah i thought i'd start there and then work my way back. How long did you need to run yours in for would you say?

[struth]

not long. it was used but only a few hrs. see,s fine now maybe 20hrs. i found it rides very low at 1.25g so lowered it.. sound improved a bit and it rides at a better height. Think all the sas tips are a bit this way.

[kininigin]

Ahh ok so not too long then. I did check for how much it would bend and it seemed fine to me. I would certainly not add anymore though, it looks extremely delicate! I was actually nervous dropping the arm for the first time. Especially as i've been running the nos stylus at 4.5g and cueing by hand.

[Haselsh1]

So customs has been paid (£36-grrr) and the SAS will be delivered on Thursday

Wow, are they coming in through the windows...?

;)

Or are they gonna blow the bloody doors off..?

[kininigin]

Wow, are they coming in through the windows...?

;)

Or are they gonna blow the bloody doors off..?

Hopefully neither....it's cold this time of year!

[kininigin]

So the second servo 15 sub has arrived and after re-arranging everything is now plumbed in and sounding very good :eyebrows:

Only issue i have now, is that i don't have any space for my tt to go :doh: Will have to figure something out :scratch:

[wee tee cee]

On the digital side Stans dacs have evolved as the years have passed.

I still have a BM2 out on loan.

My Caiman 2 was horse traded recently.

I bought a couple of Segs in November....they are another step up( one for me and one for my son).

The Seg is a really good dac/hpa with adjustable gain to suit your cans.

Maybe a wee PM to Stan to see if he has any 15v PSUs knocking around-to get the best out of it!

Ive tried quite a few DACs including the Rega and AN.

The SEG bang for buck is outstanding and quite a jump from the the BM2 IMHO.

[kininigin]

On the digital side Stans dacs have evolved as the years have passed.

I still have a BM2 out on loan.

My Caiman 2 was horse traded recently.

I bought a couple of Segs in November....they are another step up( one for me and one for my son).

The Seg is a really good dac/hpa with adjustable gain to suit your cans.

Maybe a wee PM to Stan to see if he has any 15v PSUs knocking around-to get the best out of it!

Ive tried quite a few DACs including the Rega and AN.

The SEG bang for buck is outstanding and quite a jump from the the BM2 IMHO.

I always had a soft spot for stans dacs and have only really used his so far. Interesting that you say the SEG is quite a jump from the BM2. I wasn't sure what the pecking order was on that front! I guess i could sell the BM2 for a cost effective upgrade to the SEG.

Would you say the SEG is less forward/toppy than the BM2?

[wee tee cee]

I always had a soft spot for stans dacs and have only really used his so far. Interesting that you say the SEG is quite a jump from the BM2. I wasn't sure what the pecking order was on that front! I guess i could sell the BM2 for a cost effective upgrade to the SEG.

Would you say the SEG is less forward/toppy than the BM2?ye... its quite a jump.

drags a helluva lot more info out of tracks with no harshness but a lovely bass quality and delicious midrange.

Evolution......Stan in is a great guy to deal with-always moving the game on.

Just more refined with more detail...

[kininigin]

ye... its quite a jump.

drags a helluva lot more info out of tracks with no harshness but a lovely bass quality and delicious midrange.

Evolution......Stan in is a great guy to deal with-always moving the game on.

Just more refined with more detail...

Sounds like a good buy and will be under consideration. I will first get the croft upgraded to 'R' spec and then will concentrate on the digital side of things.

So i've had a good few hours now with the second sub running and it is a definite improvement over using just the one! There is a solidness and rightness to everything now which i hadn't noticed i was missing before. I'm still getting the deep/fast and textured bass as i did before but now it feels more 'locked in' and cohesive. To put it simply, these subs are awesome and if you have one quality sub, i would highly recommend trying a second as i don't think you would be disappointed.

[kininigin]

Couple of pics of the subs.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/kininigin/IMG_20180104_143714093_zpszrpgbesq.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/kininigin/media/IMG_20180104_143714093_zpszrpgbesq.jpg.html)

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/kininigin/IMG_20180104_143810800_zpsphjytrzo.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/kininigin/media/IMG_20180104_143810800_zpsphjytrzo.jpg.html)