View Full Version : SPOTFIRE new interconnect review
Cheers fellas.
Grant, you been talking to my wife?
No, retiring the helmet. Could be a film title couldn't it.
Drugs are working.Yup. You've responsibilities now lad. [emoji23]
What happened? Too much right hand?
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 07:23
What happened? Too much right hand?No mate, doing less than 20mph. Went round the wife's car to wave at my boys in the back, didn't see the shed load of gravel and lost the back end. I managed to get it back but it was like being on ice. It just went from under me. Nothing I could do.
Will be suing the council
Wishing you well Oli .
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sorry about you and the bike, get well soon.
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 08:09
Thanks guys
rmcin626
16-01-2019, 08:12
Wishing you well Oli
brian2957
16-01-2019, 08:38
Get well soon mate .
jandl100
16-01-2019, 08:44
Ouch.
Wishing you well, Oli.
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 08:56
[emoji106]
bronzeage
16-01-2019, 09:54
Wishing you a speedy recovery, hope it is not too painful.
walpurgis
16-01-2019, 10:05
Ouch. Sounds painful Oliver, get well quick!
Hi Oliver
Really hope you mend soon
Let me know if there's anything you want or need help with
Steve...
ijrussell
16-01-2019, 10:10
Fingers crossed for a speedy and thorough recovery.
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 10:28
Thanks guys, pain killers are going in well. Doing a good job
Bksabath
16-01-2019, 15:18
Get well soon ...
Hows the bike ?
Lost back end on my vidowmaker 35 years ago and that was it not rode since
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 16:11
Get well soon ...
Hows the bike ?
Lost back end on my vidowmaker 35 years ago and that was it not rode sinceCheers mate,
I have no idea, I haven't seen it yet. This will probably finish my days as a biker tbf. Sad.
Good grief Oli, really shocked to hear this. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping you can keep the pain at bay.
I guess your plans for collecting/arranging the stuff for your friend mentioned in the wanted-anything thread will be delayed for now?
all the best
E
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 16:51
Good grief Oli, really shocked to hear this. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping you can keep the pain at bay.
I guess your plans for collecting/arranging the stuff for your friend mentioned in the wanted-anything thread will be delayed for now?
all the best
EThanks Ed,
Yes, everything is in hold for now. Alan has kindly agreed to build cables for my patiently waiting customers so I can recover. All SPOTFIRE stuff will have to go on hold too.
Oliver
Sorry to hear about your accident Oliver, wishing you all the best for you recovery mate.
Cheers Andy
Bigman80
16-01-2019, 20:48
Cheers Andy
johnsteer
17-01-2019, 00:17
Don't give up the bike Oliver you might regret it.I fell off mine when just sitting on it and badly hurt my leg but would never give it up.
John
Bigman80
17-01-2019, 01:52
Don't give up the bike Oliver you might regret it.I fell off mine when just sitting on it and badly hurt my leg but would never give it up.
JohnThanks john.
Sorry to hear about your accident Oli. Hope you make a speedy recovery.
I'm sure you'll be back on the bike on no time.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Bigman80
18-01-2019, 18:31
Sorry to hear about your accident Oli. Hope you make a speedy recovery.
I'm sure you'll be back on the bike on no time.
Sent from my SM-G950F using TapatalkThanks Simon
Berni217
18-01-2019, 19:46
I wish you to get well soon....
btw. Thanks to your recommendation, I have now a Phonomac AT-1010 Mk6 sounding lovely in my systems. It was also an opportunity to meet Angus, who is a very good guy!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Bigman80
18-01-2019, 21:49
I wish you to get well soon....
btw. Thanks to your recommendation, I have now a Phonomac AT-1010 Mk6 sounding lovely in my systems. It was also an opportunity to meet Angus, who is a very good guy!
Sent from my iPad using TapatalkHi Bernie,
Thanks. You are welcome! Glad it worked out.
Oliver
Bigman80
27-03-2019, 18:16
Some more SPOTFIRE IC's ready for delivery.
Considering I was supposed to be taking it easy, it's the busiest I've been!
https://i.ibb.co/99MLtGm/DSC00974.jpg (https://ibb.co/QF5RdX7)
https://i.ibb.co/2NM4dnq/DSC00971.jpg (https://ibb.co/16XWTvZ)
walpurgis
27-03-2019, 18:32
Wait until you retire mate. You'll find all that 'spare time' a myth and still find there are not enough hours in the day! You end up wondering how you ever found time for work and a job. :)
Bigman80
27-03-2019, 18:35
Wait until you retire mate. You'll find all that 'spare time' a myth and still find there are not enough hours in the day! You end up wondering how you ever found time for work and a job. :)Haha, I'll bet!
A year on since I first reviewed and bought the SPOTFIRE RCA IC cable from Oliver, I decided to purchase another pair initially to use with a Pi which I did and got excellent results. However I decided to try the SPOTFIRE between my pre and power amplifiers over the weekend and I was taken aback at what I heard.
I was using my VPI Scout turntable which already had my original SPOTFIRE RCA IC between it and my preamp.
To say I was impressed is an understatement. I really was not prepared for the extra performance I experienced. In a nut shell the gains in soundstage and layering of detail I had initially were continued with this second cable. The impact was so great my partner Helen also noticed. The most significant aspect was the incredible soundstage with a fabulous 3D effect. The depth into the recording and information placed at the back of the recording went out through the rear wall by a considerable margin. My previous cable only hinted at this in recordings whereas the SPOTFIRE IC clearly showed incredible depth to the soundstage. The width also improved, making recorded information sound even more spacious and this was the killer aspect SPACE.
We all know what its like to hear the acoustic space around instruments and reflections in the sound environment, this cable allowed so much space I was hearing layers of detail in the open acoustic that were just not there before with my other cable. You could actually here all the recorded information layered from back to front in a clear and almost tangible soundstage.
Oliver had mentioned way back that to gain the full benefits of the SPOTFIRE cable you needed them throughout. I was a bit sceptical of this until I heard the
benefits for myself over the last couple of days.
Like I said when I first heard the SPOTFIRE RCA IC it is a remarkable cable that I would suggest anyone should try in their system.
Bigman80
21-04-2019, 06:54
Hi Jimbo,
Thank you for the update!
A year since you bought the first demo pair?! Wow where has that time gone!!
I remember that conversation "I want THIS pair" lol. I had to remake the loan pair on three occasions as people didn't want to move them on.
Well, in that year the SPOTFIRE "range" has grown quite a bit. There is now a Tonearm cable, Speaker cables and I'm currently investigating a power cable too!
I'm really pleased at the feedback you've offered (again). The cables have improved my own system and I'm sincerely pleased that you have had the same experience.
A question:
Did you have the SPOTFIRE cables in those positions when you tried the speaker cables?
Wakefield Turntables
21-04-2019, 07:36
Jim,
Good post. This mirrors my finding with having a full loom of Yannis Tome cable (sorry to mention another product Oli) on my 1210/ATC system. I also get very similar sound stage effects that your describing in the sound stage. You may also want to go one further and have your Croft rewired with Spotfire cable just like I did with my Croft. I got Yannis to design some internal cabling to the RCA's, I wonder if Oli could do the same? Certainly food for thought :cocktail: ( I've never used that one before)!!!!
Bigman80
21-04-2019, 07:46
Jim,
Good post. This mirrors my finding with having a full loom of Yannis Tome cable (sorry to mention another product Oli) on my 1210/ATC system. I also get very similar sound stage effects that your describing in the sound stage. You may also want to go one further and have your Croft rewired with Spotfire cable just like I did with my Croft. I got Yannis to design some internal cabling to the RCA's, I wonder if Oli could do the same? Certainly food for thought :cocktail: ( I've never used that one before)!!!!
Hi Andy,
No Worries, I'm cheaper than Yannis! :lol:
It can be done. I will be rewiring my Krell with SPOTFIRE as soon as it's in its final location. As it's currently standing on it's faceplate, i want to relocate it first. Then will follow new binding posts too. The DCB1 is already wired with SPOTFIRE. The Bigbottle Phonostage is next for the treatment as i couldn't get it at the time i was building that. Thankfully their stocks are now fully replenished.
Hi Jimbo,
Thank you for the update!
A year since you bought the first demo pair?! Wow where has that time gone!!
I remember that conversation "I want THIS pair" lol. I had to remake the loan pair on three occasions as people didn't want to move them on.
Well, in that year the SPOTFIRE "range" has grown quite a bit. There is now a Tonearm cable, Speaker cables and I'm currently investigating a power cable too!
I'm really pleased at the feedback you've offered (again). The cables have improved my own system and I'm sincerely pleased that you have had the same experience.
A question:
Did you have the SPOTFIRE cables in those positions when you tried the speaker cables?
Oli, I did not have the SPOTFIRE cables in the same positions when I tried the speaker cable so I know what I need to do next!:):doh::)
Jim,
Good post. This mirrors my finding with having a full loom of Yannis Tome cable (sorry to mention another product Oli) on my 1210/ATC system. I also get very similar sound stage effects that your describing in the sound stage. You may also want to go one further and have your Croft rewired with Spotfire cable just like I did with my Croft. I got Yannis to design some internal cabling to the RCA's, I wonder if Oli could do the same? Certainly food for thought :cocktail: ( I've never used that one before)!!!!
Hi Andy, frankly I was amazed at the difference using the SPOTFIRE speaker cable made inbetween my pre and power amps. I was deeply impressed with the cable between turntable and preamp but the addition of the second cable simply took things to another level!
I need to get the speaker cables in next to hear how they will sound with this cabling throughout my system.
I will also discuss with Oli about re wiring the Croft.
There is some magic in those cables.:)
Wakefield Turntables
21-04-2019, 13:40
Hi Andy,
No Worries, I'm cheaper than Yannis! :lol:
It can be done. I will be rewiring my Krell with SPOTFIRE as soon as it's in its final location. As it's currently standing on it's faceplate, i want to relocate it first. Then will follow new binding posts too. The DCB1 is already wired with SPOTFIRE. The Bigbottle Phonostage is next for the treatment as i couldn't get it at the time i was building that. Thankfully their stocks are now fully replenished.
Well TBH I went for something a design that that Yannis dosen't advertise. I would say that your Spotfire IC's give about 95% of the performance of his cables and for probably a lot less wonga!! Sound Spotfire wins the SPPV battle over Yannis. :)
Hi Andy, frankly I was amazed at the difference using the SPOTFIRE speaker cable made inbetween my pre and power amps. I was deeply impressed with the cable between turntable and preamp but the addition of the second cable simply took things to another level!
I need to get the speaker cables in next to hear how they will sound with this cabling throughout my system.
I will also discuss with Oli about re wiring the Croft.
There is some magic in those cables.:)
Jim, it might also be worth getting the Croft's RCA's replaced with some WBT's. I have the MM stage, aux port and the output RCA's swapped over on my Croft and I noticed a BIG difference. I'm usually quite sceptical this sort of thing but I do honestly think the WBT designs add to the detail that you hear.
The speaker cables are something that I would like to hear but I have a big problem with the connected spades, I don't think that they would truly demonstrate the cables true sound (or potential). I bought 8 WBT-0681 Ag signature Nextgen 8mm spades for £352 (the cheapest I could find) and they totally transformed a simple run of Van Damm studio blue, I suppose they should at that price, but if that can happen to such a simple cable then what would happen to a cable that's been especially designed like Oli's work? These are only my thoughts for what they are worth. The WBT's allow for unterminated cables to be connected meaning you can try all manner of stuff without the need of terminating your speaker cables, which means no additional cost of new spades or plugs if you fancy something different. So, in an ideal world I'd like to try Oli's cables unterminated and then connect the WBT's. Now that would be something special, but I appreciate that this costs Oli money (sadly)!! My problem is that I'm in the process of getting the Pre and power amp upgraded alongside my phonostage so it might be difficult to see what the Spotfire's bring to the table!!!!! :doh::doh:
I will check out the WBT's Andy. I have no doubt they will improve on the standard Croft RCAs. Luckily I had beefed up Output terminals on the Croft which took Olis spades well although you had to apply plenty of torque. Unterminated maybe good but i do worry about oxidation?
Have you heard the SPOTFIRE speaker cable yet?
Wakefield Turntables
21-04-2019, 14:05
Have you heard the SPOTFIRE speaker cable yet?
Not yet, I need to talk to Oli at some stage.
Bigman80
21-04-2019, 14:07
Well TBH I went for something a design that that Yannis dosen't advertise. I would say that your Spotfire IC's give about 95% of the performance of his cables and for probably a lot less wonga!! Sound Spotfire wins the SPPV battle over Yannis. :)
Jim, it might also be worth getting the Croft's RCA's replaced with some WBT's. I have the MM stage, aux port and the output RCA's swapped over on my Croft and I noticed a BIG difference. I'm usually quite sceptical this sort of thing but I do honestly think the WBT designs add to the detail that you hear.
The speaker cables are something that I would like to hear but I have a big problem with the connected spades, I don't think that they would truly demonstrate the cables true sound (or potential). I bought 8 WBT-0681 Ag signature Nextgen 8mm spades for £352 (the cheapest I could find) and they totally transformed a simple run of Van Damm studio blue, I suppose they should at that price, but if that can happen to such a simple cable then what would happen to a cable that's been especially designed like Oli's work? These are only my thoughts for what they are worth. The WBT's allow for unterminated cables to be connected meaning you can try all manner of stuff without the need of terminating your speaker cables, which means no additional cost of new spades or plugs if you fancy something different. So, in an ideal world I'd like to try Oli's cables unterminated and then connect the WBT's. Now that would be something special, but I appreciate that this costs Oli money (sadly)!! My problem is that I'm in the process of getting the Pre and power amp upgraded alongside my phonostage so it might be difficult to see what the Spotfire's bring to the table!!!!! :doh::doh:Those WBT-0681 Ag signature Nextgen are certainly expensive and I don't doubt that they are doing a good job for you BUT and it's a BIG BUT, they don't match the spec for the SPOTFIRE range.
Believe me, I don't just stick some bits of metal onto the ends of my cables and hope for the best! Lol.
A lot of time, thought, money and effort goes into making sure that every cable I produce or introduce to the lovely folk of this forum, is as good as it can be.
The SPOTFIRE cables, all of them, have to be the same in terms of consistency. Sticking Ag spades on the end completely diverts away from the rest of the line up and believe me, I tried Ag KLEs amongst others like AEC, WBT etc and they didn't give me what I wanted. In fact, a customer insisted on KLE Ag and reported that the cable was better once the Ag was removed from the equation, as I said it would be in the first place.
The Spades used on the Production Speaker cables, not my own, are gold plated pure copper. NO BRASS. However my speaker cables have whatever I had in the connection tin and I think the spades may be brass. I do have some of the Copper spades and I'd be happy to put those on before I let you hear them.
Wakefield Turntables
21-04-2019, 15:35
Those WBT-0681 Ag signature Nextgen are certainly expensive and I don't doubt that they are doing a good job for you BUT and it's a BIG BUT, they don't match the spec for the SPOTFIRE range.
Believe me, I don't just stick some bits of metal onto the ends of my cables and hope for the best! Lol.
A lot of time, thought, money and effort goes into making sure that every cable I produce or introduce to the lovely folk of this forum, is as good as it can be.
The SPOTFIRE cables, all of them, have to be the same in terms of consistency. Sticking Ag spades on the end completely diverts away from the rest of the line up and believe me, I tried Ag KLEs amongst others like AEC, WBT etc and they didn't give me what I wanted. In fact, a customer insisted on KLE Ag and reported that the cable was better once the Ag was removed from the equation, as I said it would be in the first place.
The Spades used on the Production Speaker cables, not my own, are gold plated pure copper. NO BRASS. However my speaker cables have whatever I had in the connection tin and I think the spades may be brass. I do have some of the Copper spades and I'd be happy to put those on before I let you hear them.
I don't doubt any of what you say, you know your design ethos better than anyone else! May comments only come from using a pure copper cable and then plonking on a high purity Ag spade, as you say it works for me. Weird how this hobby works. :scratch:
Bigman80
21-04-2019, 15:41
I don't doubt any of what you say, you know your design ethos better than anyone else! May comments only come from using a pure copper cable and then plonking on a high purity Ag spade, as you say it works for me. Weird how this hobby works. :scratch:Ha, Yes indeed. If it's working for you, it's perfect!
Crackles
22-04-2019, 06:59
Hi Oli
Is there any chance of you doing a loan pair of speaker cables like you did with the interconnects?
Also interested in the tonearm cable but there's no way I'm having a go at fitting that myself[emoji846].
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Bigman80
22-04-2019, 09:19
Hi Oli
Is there any chance of you doing a loan pair of speaker cables like you did with the interconnects?
Also interested in the tonearm cable but there's no way I'm having a go at fitting that myself[emoji846].
Sent from my SM-G920F using TapatalkHi matey,
Unfortunately there won't be a loan set of Speaker cables. I realise that folk are less likely to buy them without hearing them but it's just not cost effective to do.
Postage is about £20 each way and then how long should they be?! Everyone has different requirements so it's not gonna happen.
The tonearm cable is a doddle to fit!
Crackles
22-04-2019, 19:32
A doddle? I had a nightmare last year just fitting a new cartridge. Broke one of the tonearm connectors off and spent about two hours trying to solder it back on. The thought of dismantling my Nottingham Analogue tonearm terrifies me.[emoji44]
Maybe I'll have to bring it to you for you to fit it [emoji6].
I never went through with the jack to phono Spotfire because I decided I don't want to keep my Chord Mojo long term, so will wait until I upgrade my DAC at some point and get another regular pair of Spotfires.
I understand about the speaker cables, makes good sense. Might just have to go for it anyway, I'm pretty sure it will be the right decision.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Bigman80
22-04-2019, 19:50
A doddle? I had a nightmare last year just fitting a new cartridge. Broke one of the tonearm connectors off and spent about two hours trying to solder it back on. The thought of dismantling my Nottingham Analogue tonearm terrifies me.[emoji44]
Maybe I'll have to bring it to you for you to fit it [emoji6].
I never went through with the jack to phono Spotfire because I decided I don't want to keep my Chord Mojo long term, so will wait until I upgrade my DAC at some point and get another regular pair of Spotfires.
I understand about the speaker cables, makes good sense. Might just have to go for it anyway, I'm pretty sure it will be the right decision.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk[emoji1787][emoji1787] oh dear!!! In that case, leave it!!!
You're welcome to bring it over and I'd fit a cable for you, no problems.
Yes, I've had many enquiries of a loan pair of SPOTFIRE speaker cables but it's just not feasible. Far too many variables even to the point of people not wanting the connections I use lol. Crackers!
Every pair sold has been bought blind and the feedback has been very positive. I realise I'm clipping my own wings not having a loan pair but I don't mind if I don't sell many pairs of them, I have a pair [emoji38][emoji38]
No worries on the Jack to RCA, just let me know when you're ready. If you want a good DAC, don't look past the Allo Boss1.2 and Pi combo I'm using here. You're welcome to come and have a listen and have your eyes opened! Bakeoff against the Chord?
Crackles
22-04-2019, 20:01
That sounds like a plan if we could combine a mini DAC bake off with a Spotfire tonearm fitting session?
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Bigman80
22-04-2019, 20:19
That sounds like a plan if we could combine a mini DAC bake off with a Spotfire tonearm fitting session?
Sent from my SM-G920F using TapatalkAbsolutely!
Drop me a PM with the details of what you need and we'll sort it out.
I'm away this week so it'll be after that.
O
Blackmass
23-04-2019, 11:14
A doddle? I had a nightmare last year just fitting a new cartridge. Broke one of the tonearm connectors off and spent about two hours trying to solder it back on. The thought of dismantling my Nottingham Analogue tonearm terrifies me.[emoji44]
Maybe I'll have to bring it to you for you to fit it [emoji6].
I never went through with the jack to phono Spotfire because I decided I don't want to keep my Chord Mojo long term, so will wait until I upgrade my DAC at some point and get another regular pair of Spotfires.
I understand about the speaker cables, makes good sense. Might just have to go for it anyway, I'm pretty sure it will be the right decision.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
I’ve bought a Spotfire IC with RCA to RCA, another one with a 5 pin DIN to RCA and a pair of the reference speaker cables.
All the above have been bought blind and I’m extremely happy with them all. My system has never sounded so good. I was listening over the weekend and the one word which seems fitting is ‘satisfying’. I think I’m damn close to the sound I’ve been looking for over 30 years. The realness/authenticity , the feeling of complete engagement with the music surprises and excites me every time.
This is not blowing smoke up Oliver’s butt or shilling. I’ve bought the cables with my hard earned cash. I would never recommend anything unless I was 100% confident in the product.
I’ll also be placing a further order for another Spotfire IC RCA to RCA when Oliver returns from his holiday.
Cheers
Rob
Bigman80
23-04-2019, 11:35
I’ve bought a Spotfire IC with RCA to RCA, another one with a 5 pin DIN to RCA and a pair of the reference speaker cables.
All the above have been bought blind and I’m extremely happy with them all. My system has never sounded so good. I was listening over the weekend and the one word which seems fitting is ‘satisfying’. I think I’m damn close to the sound I’ve been looking for over 30 years. The realness/authenticity , the feeling of complete engagement with the music surprises and excites me every time.
This is not blowing smoke up Oliver’s butt or shilling. I’ve bought the cables with my hard earned cash. I would never recommend anything unless I was 100% confident in the product.
I’ll also be placing a further order for another Spotfire IC RCA to RCA when Oliver returns from his holiday.
Cheers
RobHi Rob,
Thank you for your words. Its great to hear that you are getting the performance I expect from the cables.
You were very brave to buy blind, but you did your due diligence and made your choice!
Yes, you have quite a collection now and a nice custom cable for the Naim. I'll be home Friday so I'll drop you a message.
Thanks again!
O
Crackles
23-04-2019, 17:36
Absolutely!
Drop me a PM with the details of what you need and we'll sort it out.
I'm away this week so it'll be after that.
OCheers Oli, will do.
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
I’ve been holding off saying anything about the Spotfire interconnects until a got a better handle on them as I haven’t got that many hours on them to both get a feel for them and run them in.
I have a 1m din to rca from my Naim CD player to a BTE passive preamp with a Khozmo shunt type stepped attenuator then a 0.5m rca to rca from the pre to my Luxman Avance Z504 power amp (also supplied by Oliver - thanks :)) and onto Lockwood Academy speakers (15” Tannoy HPD).
I got the rca to rca first and whilst it improved the system initially I have found that combined with the second cable, giving me Spotfire from source to amp, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Either that or the din to rca is even better than the rca to rca version. I should say that my previous interconnect cables were identical in construction to each other, using unscreened tinned copper conductors and Neutrik Profi rca plugs and the same Preh din plug as the Spotfire.
My findings of the Spotfires are as follows:
Superb separation of each instrument and voice.
Ability to create believable images of instruments pinpointly placed within an organised soundstage, possibly their greatest strength - each instrument has a palpable presence and body.
Tone and texture are gorgeous (see caveat below), from cymbals down to bass guitar but perhaps particularly cymbals.
Clarity. I’m continuing to hear new info with every disc particularly stuff like studio chattter and banter which are very faint and distant in the mix.
Acoustic space - reverb and decay are beautifully captured.
Natural dynamics, not overstated but still satisfying.
Cohesion - very well integrated, no one thing stands out yet everything is there to follow individually should you desire.
There *may* be a **very** slight polishing effect, everything appearing ever so slightly burnished, I’m talking minimal here so that nothing appears uncouth or brash. Or, this may just be a lack of distortion, which I’m not used to hearing - artifice free as it were. Either way I’m not sure it’s a fault, just an observation.
I love them and they are staying put.
I am sorely tempted to replace my speaker cables and internal wiring too but my crossovers are in a state of flux at present so I’ll need to decide what I’m doing with those first!
So, it’s a big thumbs up from me.
Bigman80
24-04-2019, 21:02
Hi John,
Well, I'm a little surprised by the feedback!
Obviously, when we spoke, you weren't entirely convinced, so I read this with a huge grin on my chops [emoji4]
So, polished performance ay?!
Not in the slightest. I *know* that amplifier very well and rate it in the top 5 Amplifiers I've heard anywhere. Yes, it's a KIT, professionally built. Yes, it's getting on a bit but it does 90% of everything the Krell does. If I hadn't heard the Krell, that Luxman would still be with me.
What you're hearing is the real sound of everything you've configured. The Preamp and Poweramp should be utterly transparent from experience and yes, more pairs of SPOTFIRE do seem to improve things further than one pair. The chain of gear you have (minus the Naim as I have never heard one) IS free from grain and should be fluidity personified. That's a great thing to hear.
To some, and understandably so, that may seem like a ploy to sell more cables BUT, every single person that has bought multiple pairs has said the same. Even Jimbo, who only recently added a second pair to his lineup.
The SPOTFIRE cable I use for the NAIM cable is exactly the same as the SPOTFIRE IC stuff, just a smaller gauge and far easier to fit in that bloody din plug [emoji23]
Anyway, I am very grateful for the feedback and I'm glad they are doing a great job in your system.
We can rewire your speaker and if you require some speaker cables, give me a shout. I'm confident you'd be just as impressed.
Thanks again!
My system is sounding better than ever Oliver, thanks in no small part to the Spotfire interconnects.
The big Luxman has been as revelation too. It is totally self effacing and just draws you into the music. Initially it was a bit underwhelming but I soon realised this was more natural than having the music forced upon you which is similar to my initial reservations of the Spotfires as my old cables were more in your face.
I've made a few few changes ("breathed on it" as Mikrik would say - lol) to the amp since you had it which have lifted its performance a bit further. It was set for 220V input so the transformer was buzzing and the DC rail voltage was high. I swapped to the 240V transformer primary and it seemed to sigh in relief, loosing a bit of edginess and generally sounding more at ease with a blacker background. I also removed the input trim pots and cheap phono sockets and fitted some nice cmc ones and improved the internal signal wiring. Replaced the binding posts too with bigger ones as one of the originals snapped off. Finally I upgraded the internal mains wiring and added an IEC inlet socket so I could mess about with foo mains leads. Had to Earth the chassis too as there seemed to be some leakage from the transformer giving a nasty voltage on the case. Oh and the live and neutral were crossed internally meaning the switch was on the neutral which I don't like so sorted that too and set the bias and dc offset. Tried it in class A but didn't like it, too dour, and you could almost hear the capacitors all crying in the heat:D
So, good for now but the speakers are definitely on the to do list to finish.
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 20:27
My system is sounding better than ever Oliver, thanks in no small part to the Spotfire interconnects.
The big Luxman has been as revelation too. It is totally self effacing and just draws you into the music. Initially it was a bit underwhelming but I soon realised this was more natural than having the music forced upon you which is similar to my initial reservations of the Spotfires as my old cables were more in your face.
I've made a few few changes ("breathed on it" as Mikrik would say - lol) to the amp since you had it which have lifted its performance a bit further. It was set for 220V input so the transformer was buzzing and the DC rail voltage was high. I swapped to the 240V transformer primary and it seemed to sigh in relief, loosing a bit of edginess and generally sounding more at ease with a blacker background. I also removed the input trim pots and cheap phono sockets and fitted some nice cmc ones and improved the internal signal wiring. Replaced the binding posts too with bigger ones as one of the originals snapped off. Finally I upgraded the internal mains wiring and added an IEC inlet socket so I could mess about with foo mains leads. Had to Earth the chassis too as there seemed to be some leakage from the transformer giving a nasty voltage on the case. Oh and the live and neutral were crossed internally meaning the switch was on the neutral which I don't like so sorted that too and set the bias and dc offset. Tried it in class A but didn't like it, too dour, and you could almost hear the capacitors all crying in the heat:D
So, good for now but the speakers are definitely on the to do list to finish.Well, I had no idea it needed anything doing to it! However, if I'd have kept it, I would have done exactly the same as you. I was just looking for another Luxman Avance as I felt I'd like to max it's performance and see what it can do in optimal conditions but as usual, no cheapy ones about at the minute. I really like that amp and if you've taken that ever so slight "push" away from the sound, I imagine it would compare closer to the Krell. I love something that sounds effortless, not lazy or relaxed, effortless. There is a huge difference. The Big Krell does this so well that it's an absolute joy to listen to. Sounds like the Avance has the same ability. What a bargain you've had lol. I'm really glad you bought it too, because you've gone to the effort of improving it.
It's a little bit mind bending when you go to the SPOTFIRE cables, because they sound quite different from the norm. I felt/hoped you would realise that once you'd got your head around what they do. It's a far more natural, effortless presentation. It still has the ability to rock, which is an absolute must here, but it always sounds under control and deliberate to me.
I have advised this recently to a guy who said his foot wasn't tapping after installing some SPOTFIRE speaker cables, I told him to allow his brain to get used to what the ears are now feeding him. He "got it" after a few days, It looks like you have too, Excellent!
I'm happy!
You've summed things up well there Oliver!
I'm chuffed, country and western has never sounded so good :lolsign:
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 20:37
You've summed things up well there Oliver!
I'm chuffed, country and western has never sounded so good [emoji38]sign:Lol, whatever floats the boat mate, happy days!
Yeah, me and Walpurgis are the only ones on here who like a bit of country and western.
Just listening to Chet Atkins and Suzy Bogguss, sounds fab.
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 20:58
Yeah, me and Walpurgis are the only ones on here who like a bit of country and western.
Just listening to Chet Atkins and Suzy Bogguss, sounds fab.Chet Atkins? Did he do Wayfaring Stranger?
I prefer the Eva Cassidy Version but Chet's is easy to listen to.
Chet Atkins? Did he do Wayfaring Stranger?
I prefer the Eva Cassidy Version but Chet's is easy to listen to.
No, that was Chet Adkins, with a D.
This is Chet Atkins, Mr. Guitar! Check out the Merle Travis funk at 1:10, oh and the suit :eyebrows:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao1VOMrEuS4
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 21:27
No, that was Chet Adkins, with a D.
This is Chet Atkins, Mr. Guitar! Check out the Merle Travis funk at 1:10, oh and the suit :eyebrows:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao1VOMrEuS4Well shit! How didn't I know about that track. Good grief, I was captivated.
He really was the man, his touch was the best I've heard, gold in every note.
Disappointed Geoff didn't jump on the C&W comment, he hates it with a passion :D
walpurgis
25-04-2019, 21:34
Disappointed Geoff didn't jump on the C&W comment, he hates it with a passion :D
I don't fall for every bit of bait that's tossed out. :)
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 21:34
You're a bad man Oliver.[emoji38][emoji38][emoji38][emoji38]
I genuinely loved it! Honest.
All that talk of buying a 2nd Z504 made me remember you can run these as a monoblock.
Just tried it on one channel :eek:
The bass control and midrange projection are phenomenal.
That's the sort of current delivery the big HPDs need to really come alive.
Send help....
[emoji38][emoji38][emoji38][emoji38]
I genuinely loved it! Honest.
I meant about buying a 2nd amp!
I don't fall for every bit of bait that's tossed out. :)
With age cometh wisdom :)
Now I'm gonna have to listen in mono, can't go back.
walpurgis
25-04-2019, 21:41
With age cometh wisdom :)
Along with bitterness, disillusionment, disenfranchisedment, depression, downheartedness, humourlessness, decrepitude and pessimism, but otherwise it's all good! :D
Along with bitterness, disillusionment, disenfranchisedment, depression, downheartedness, humourlessness, decrepitude and pessimism, but otherwise it's all good! :D
You forgot "big words"
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 21:49
All that talk of buying a 2nd Z504 made me remember you can run these as a monoblock.
Just tried it on one channel :eek:
The bass control and midrange projection are phenomenal.
That's the sort of current delivery the big HPDs need to really come alive.
Send help....One on eBay in Japan, I could only imagine what it'd do for your sound! I might have to buy two lol
One on eBay in Japan, I could only imagine what it'd do for your sound! I might have to buy two lol
Why don't you buy it then I'll buy it off you when you prefer the big American beefcake (again :D).
That's Chet in my Avatar btw.
Just checked the schematic, the Jap ones have a different transformer with a single 100V primary winding so no good to us.
Bigman80
25-04-2019, 22:20
Just checked the schematic, the Jap ones have a different transformer with a single 100V primary winding so no good to us.Haha, no, it's no good to me, I want Monoblock Krell's lol
Just a further follow up to say that after a full day’s listening to something a bit more demanding than my usual I can confirm my system has never sounded better than since fitting the Spotfire interconnects. Certainly part of it is the synergy with my other components but there’s no denying, they are GOOD!
I’m not saying they’re all things to all men but they are the new secret ingredient in my secret ingredient soup :)
Bigman80
27-04-2019, 20:45
Just a further follow up to say that after a full day’s listening to something a bit more demanding than my usual I can confirm my system has never sounded better than since fitting the Spotfire interconnects. Certainly part of it is the synergy with my other components but there’s no denying, they are GOOD!
I’m not saying they’re all things to all men but they are the new secret ingredient in my secret ingredient soup :)Secret ingredient soup lol, I love that [emoji4]
I decided I needed to increase the length of one of my SPOTFIRE IC cables between Pre and power amp recently. Oliver kindly obliged and I popped it in. The cable was originally a 1 Metre IC but I needed a 1.5 Metre length to reach comfortably between the amps.
As soon as I popped it into place I thought hey ho whats going on here. It sounded better! Why was this? Over the last 6 days it has steadily got even better. I have spoken to Oliver about this and he has observed 1.5 -2 metre ICs have also sounded better. I had a quick noodle round the net and indeed have found further anecdotal evidence of this.
When I mean better I have observed that the cable sounded more open and transparency has gone up a notch. I have simply never heard my system sound this good.
Bigman80
05-05-2019, 19:09
I decided I needed to increase the length of one of my SPOTFIRE IC cables between Pre and power amp recently. Oliver kindly obliged and I popped it in. The cable was originally a 1 Metre IC but I needed a 1.5 Metre length to reach comfortably between the amps.
As soon as I popped it into place I thought hey ho whats going on here. It sounded better! Why was this? Over the last 6 days it has steadily got even better. I have spoken to Oliver about this and he has observed 1.5 -2 metre ICs have also sounded better. I had a quick noodle round the net and indeed have found further anecdotal evidence of this.
When I mean better I have observed that the cable sounded more open and transparency has gone up a notch. I have simply never heard my system sound this good.Hi Jim,
I thought you'd been quiet! Too busy rummaging around the internet lol.
Yes, an oddity that even I can't fathom. All the wisdom in forums suggests that the shorter the cable, the better. Unfortunately/fortunately (?) That seems to be a bit off the mark. I did recently read the article you sent about it, maybe I'll post it but as you say, I swapped 1m cables between my pre and power for 2m ones and noticed a "bit more" from them.
At the time I thought I was losing the plot a little and only really remembered that thought when you reported the same. Strange but a result that pleased me at the time as it does you, now.
So, all you kit's in the right place, your cables are long enough and your system has never sounded better. I'll take that mate. Well happy to have contributed to your enjoyment.
Next, speaker cables [emoji23][emoji23]
Speaker cables are definitely on the list mate.:lol:
I know we have banged on for ages about the SPOTFIRE cables but in all honesty they have been a revelation in my system - you have certainly found the magic formula!
Bigman80
05-05-2019, 19:24
Speaker cables are definitely on the list mate.[emoji38]
I know we have banged on for ages about the SPOTFIRE cables but in all honesty they have been a revelation in my system - you have certainly found the magic formula!Lol, yes "banged on" is definitely the right phrase.
Still, I love them.
Blackmass
05-05-2019, 19:27
Speaker cables are definitely on the list mate.:lol:
I know we have banged on for ages about the SPOTFIRE cables but in all honesty they have been a revelation in my system - you have certainly found the magic formula!
I concur. I love ‘em. Oh and you do need the speaker cables in your life. :)
I concur. I love ‘em. Oh and you do need the speaker cables in your life. :)
I know,I had it in my system for a few days and I agree they are superb. Just need to save the cash now.:rolleyes:
I think the thing I have found about the interconnects and speaker cable is that they kill the glare you didn't realise was there and let the tone and texture of the sound to come through more. Mostly I found that with the interconnects but adding the speaker cable has increased it to a degree. Not revelatory for me, but I was already using interconnects and cable that did that, just not to the same extent.
I think the thing I have found about the interconnects and speaker cable is that they kill the glare you didn't realise was there and let the tone and texture of the sound to come through more. Mostly I found that with the interconnects but adding the speaker cable has increased it to a degree. Not revelatory for me, but I was already using interconnects and cable that did that, just not to the same extent.
Agree with you 100% there Martin- spot on. There was certainly a lot of hash/glare in my system which has now disappeared but importantly I have not lost any detail. In fact I would say I have more.
I think the thing I have found about the interconnects and speaker cable is that they kill the glare you didn't realise was there and let the tone and texture of the sound to come through more. Mostly I found that with the interconnects but adding the speaker cable has increased it to a degree. Not revelatory for me, but I was already using interconnects and cable that did that, just not to the same extent.
Agree with you 100% there Martin- spot on. There was certainly a lot of hash/glare in my system which has now disappeared but importantly I have not lost any detail. In fact I would say I have more.
+1
Well put Martin
Bigman80
07-05-2019, 13:27
Shortest SPOTFIRE ever? Definitely!
A custom length for a valued customer!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190507/280f461ff026fbbecb43af10db3c7c22.jpg
Well we all know it's not how long it is it's what you do with it!:ner:
Well that's my excuse anyhow!!lol...
Bigman80
07-05-2019, 15:02
Well we all know it's not how long it is it's what you do with it!:ner:
Well that's my excuse anyhow!!lol...Lol, it's no issue here, I have loads [emoji38][emoji38]
Antinchip
07-05-2019, 21:57
I hazard a guess that such a short length would fit well between a Croft Micro 25R and a Croft RIAA-R.
Thanks Oliver.
Bigman80
07-05-2019, 22:04
I hazard a guess that such a short length would fit well between a Croft Micro 25R and a Croft RIAA-R.
Thanks Oliver.Ha yes Indeed. They are on their way! Should be there tomorrow.
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