View Full Version : Went Round To Oliver's (Bigman)...
...yesterday to pick up one of these Nelson Pass DCB1 pre-amps that are knocking about at the moment so had a chance to listen to his set up.
I'd already heard his Technics SP10 turntable set up at the bake off in Penkridge back in the summer and was blown away but was keen to hear it in a domestic setting. Also he uses a Krell KSA100 Mk2 and as a fellow Krell user was interested to see how that was sounding.
First music up was Making Movies (Dire Straits). I like this tune even though this album is the only one where Knopfler was not happy with the production values. Oli is using some vintage Pioneer 'Kabuki' speakers with 12'' main driver, 2 mid range cones and a horn tweeter. I have some similar vintage Akai as regular readers will know. Speakers like this get dismissed as 70s tat with too many drivers but if you stick to the top of the line models they have a lot of strengths, a cohesive sound with lots of clarity and tight bass with slam but it doesn't go too deep (they need close wall reinforcement) which Oli can't do with his present room.
But I use a modern set of speakers in a much larger room so I needed a bit of acclimatisation for a few minutes just to get my bearings.
Then we had a listen to Guns and Roses 'Appetite For Destruction' - all of side 2 which was cracking. Felt like I was nineteen again. There's no nasties in the sound of the system, nothing interrupts the music or breaks the spell and ruins it.
I might have missed something out there but next was some audiophile music - a bird singing plaintively with some deep bass. Now this isn't the sort of thing I would ever bother to listen to out of choice but it was interesting from a hi-fi point of view. From the clarity side it could have been a CD we were listening to. Blemish free vinyl playback but with nothing smoothed over and the bass control was perfect. Oli is a musician and he has spent time in studios like I have (although I was mostly just ligging) and I think we both like the same sort of sound.
One issue though is the room is a suspended floor and despite being on stands and with some isolation as well the bass was transmitting into the floor. Concrete slabs under the stands would sort that. Got to say that is something I would have already done, it would distract me long term that.
And we played a classic bit of music, ZZ Top's First Album which I've bored about for ages elsewhere, suffice to say I know it well. I could hear the tape hiss on Oli's set up, can't on mine. (you should be able to hear it btw). This was also a good listen, there's a lot of intensity in the performances on this album, the system grabbed me with that, I didn't have to listen for it.
Result: really excellent system with one proviso (or maybe two). As I said to Oli I think he has got an absolutely killer system there but it isn't all getting out through his current loudspeakers. They are not bad speakers but they are totally outclassed by the rest of his system.
Second proviso: he has 2 garages one of which is about the size of my house and would make a dedicated listening room so perfect even the Pope would be jealous. Ollie man you need to sort that out one day!
Sounds like you had an enjoyable listen. Rooms are always the big variable
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 21:03
Thoroughly enjoyed it, Grant.
System used:
Technics SP10 MK2 WITH PMAT-1010 Tonearm (PM Phonomac with enquiries)
Kontrapunkt b cartridge.
SPOTFIRE tonearm cable (PM me if you want one)
BIGBOTTLE MC valve phonostage (PM me if you want one)
DCB1 preamp (PM me if you want one)
Krell KSA 100 MK2
SPOTFIRE Interconnects (PM me if you want some)
Fisual S-FLEX speaker cable.
Pioneer CS-77A speakers.
Excuse the blatant attempt at product placement [emoji23][emoji23]
It's always useful to get a fresh perspective on what we've cobbled together and use for our listening pleasure.
I can't really argue with Maccas observations about the systems outgrowth of the speakers. So much has changed in the last 3 months that I had started to think "maybe it's the speakers turn for an upgrade"
The problem I have is that I adore these Pioneers and if I want to buy something else, I would have to sell them first. I wouldn't find another pair in this condition or even working full stop, such is the rarity in the UK. For a long time that alone has put me off trying other speakers. I recall someone here asking why I haven't 'box swapped' with the speakers, that's why.
Luckily, Macca has offered an extensive loan of his JMLabs when his new Tannoys are delivered. I only hope that it's not cut short due to Macca hating the Tannoys! I'm sure he won't btw.
The music played was, as Macca described, "an audiophiles nightmare"
Guns N Roses, Lynyrd Synyrd, ZZ Top all have this ability of crushing a lesser systems ability to remain organised in the soundstaging dept. No problems here reported Macca. It's true, the Turntable and phonostage provided the DCB1 and the Krell with all the bits they needed to provide an unadulterated session of good ol' fashioned rock.
The "bird" singing was Sarah Jarosz. I've been banging on about her album for some time. It's not the usual stuff I listen to but her voice really does come across well from the LP and there's lots of acoustic stuff going on. Like Macca said, the detail and clarity does have a digital precision about it, which is exactly what I want from the SP10 and PMAT1010 tonearm.
We played Eric Clapton unplugged too and it again just filled me with enjoyment. I know it's weird critiquing your own system but strangely, I listened yesterday like someone who hadn't heard it before. If I'm telling porkies I'm sure Macca will point it out.
The key to hearing the tape noise is having a Preamp which is transparent enough to allow that signal to be passed through as cleanly as possible and that's why I get from the DCB1. Its possibly the most crucial part of the system. Without it, there's be no tape noise, I'm convinced on that.
Overall, I really enjoyed the day, thanks to Macca for the visit. It was great to get feedback that cemented my thoughts on the system and I will be looking at upgrades in the speaker dept forthwith
Oh, the garage..........one day [emoji6]
Hi Martin
Really good review.
My finding and thought on olivers system matches yours.
Truly awesome system.
Steve
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 21:14
Hi Martin
Really good review.
My finding and thought on olivers system matches yours.
Truly awesome system.
SteveThanks Steve. Appreciated.
:worthless:
;)
What did I say about making sure a camera is 'warmed up' at these events [for pics of the kit listened to]?:whistle:
Anyway, glad you guys had a good time!:cool:
Marco.
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 22:12
:worthless:
;)
What did I say about making sure a camera is 'warmed up' at these events [for pics of the kit listened to]?:whistle:
Anyway, glad you guys had a good time!:cool:
Marco.[emoji38] I have stock picks if you'd like those?
See belowhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/2af4c0c7e0bc111714c90a6f3fbf192a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/984b73a7ac05ecb75da932a45e825976.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/ad5653158ba7a9f10cd4830c440c0a76.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/0d197ef9af700e621f1f2bca29b1ca5f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/bac20da469cbc7018291d14bd7c5179b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/fb39480c3b47b58ddcdff6664423894e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/89d03f775d4348ceabf23eccabfbe32e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/d45f29520a92ade40a224394331abfa1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181109/a1ad125357e980c5b0ebb2d7ef73886c.jpg
Cool, some nice kit there... It just makes the words in the reviews more relevant for those of us who weren't there:)
[Note to all members: in future, please ensure that pictures (at least of the equipment listened to) accompany all write-ups of these events]. Cheers!:cool:
Marco.
Bigman80
09-11-2018, 22:59
Cool, some nice kit there... It just makes the words in the reviews more relevant for those of us who weren't there:)
[Note to all members: in future, please ensure that pictures (at least of the equipment listened to) accompany all write-ups of these events]. Cheers!:cool:
Marco.Cheers mate.
Yes I agree, pics do enhance the writeup.
having heard the what i believe is the next model up from oli's speakers,id have to agree with both steve and macca, oli its time to get rid of the pioneers,lovely looking as they are they are holding the rest of the system back mate. get some dynaudio's :ner:
Hi Oliver
Which dcb1 did you use in the demo for Macca.
Was it yours or the one i sent up for Macca?? ( my build )
Steve...
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:06
Hi Oliver
Which dcb1 did you use in the demo for Macca.
Was it yours or the one i sent up for Macca?? ( my build )
Steve...It was his mate. They sound as near as to identical now anyway.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:08
having heard the what i believe is the next model up from oli's speakers,id have to agree with both steve and macca, oli its time to get rid of the pioneers,lovely looking as they are they are holding the rest of the system back mate. get some dynaudio's :ner:[emoji1787][emoji1787] tried the Dynaudio at my house. Epic fail. Rear ported with glass doors behind just did not work.
I have a plan.
[emoji1787][emoji1787] tried the Dynaudio at my house. Epic fail. Rear ported with glass doors behind just did not work.
I have a plan.
he's gonna steal mine:D
na, your getting a loan of Macca's:)
[emoji1787][emoji1787] tried the Dynaudio at my house. Epic fail. Rear ported with glass doors behind just did not work.
I have a plan.
Hi Oliver
Would agree entirely
Rear ported speaker in your room really don't work !!
Steve..
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:11
he's gonna steal mine:DWhat you got
My big Telefunkens; and your no getting them til i die......next month:eyebrows:
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:16
My big Telefunkens; and your no getting them til i die......next month:eyebrows:I'll hang on then [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
My big Telefunkens; and your no getting them til i die......next month:eyebrows:
Take them with you Grant, they're almost big enough to be buried in :lol:
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:20
Take them with you Grant, they're almost big enough to be buried in [emoji38][emoji1787] you can come down with them Grant, we can get you stuffed and placed by the fire
Take them with you Grant, they're almost big enough to be buried in :lol:
if we chop up his corpse in the bathtub *mafia-style* we could get all of it in just one of them.
na, your getting a loan of Macca's:)
Yes plan is when my Tannoys arrive Oli's going to have a loan of the JM Labs and see how they play in his room. They are front ported so should not excite the glass doors and their output drops like a stone below 40Hz so they are unlikely to boom. In fact Chris who I bought them off was using them in a similar size room to Oli's and they sounded just fine. If it doesn't work out then he's still got his Pioneers to fall back on and my living room fills up further with more large, unused speakers...
you'll have to fight my mate for them..lol alas no bathtub tho, but like the idea of getting stuffed and sat on the couch.... could maybe get firebottle to rig up a motorised jaw and a tape player all remote controlled.. i could then talk:eek:
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:31
if we chop up his corpse in the bathtub *mafia-style* we could get all of it in just one of them.[emoji23][emoji23]
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:32
you'll have to fight my mate for them..lol alas no bathtub tho, but like the idea of getting stuffed and sat on the couch.... could maybe get firebottle to rig up a motorised jaw and a tape player all remote controlled.. i could then talk:eek:[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] I'll have a word
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 09:35
Yes plan is when my Tannoys arrive Oli's going to have a loan of the JM Labs and see how they play in his room. They are front ported so should not excite the glass doors and their output drops like a stone below 40Hz so they are unlikely to boom. In fact Chris who I bought them off was using them in a similar size room to Oli's and they sounded just fine. If it doesn't work out then he's still got his Pioneers to fall back on and my living room fills up further with more large, unused speakers...Yes, and I'm very grateful mate. Will be good to be able to freely listen without the necessity of having to like them. Which you do when they are your only speakers.
Will just add again, I really like the pioneers!!!
All assuming I like the Ardens better than the JM Labs and that isn't a given because the JM Labs are a significant cut above your typical multi-driver floorstander. If I hadn't decided to scratch the Tannoy itch I'd be sticking with them. Their equivalent in the current Focal range cost over five grand!
All assuming I like the Ardens better than the JM Labs and that isn't a given because the JM Labs are a significant cut above your typical multi-driver floorstander. If I hadn't decided to scratch the Tannoy itch I'd be sticking with them. Their equivalent in the current Focal range cost over five grand!
So your getting cabs for your Tannoys sorted out at last Martin? Who by? The guy Marco used for his motor?
Oops, this is a thread about Oli's stuff. apologies.
Bigman80
10-11-2018, 10:00
So your getting cabs for your Tannoys sorted out at last Martin? Who by? The guy Marco used for his motor?
Oops, this is a thread about Oli's stuff. apologies.It's all good, carry on!
So your getting cabs for your Tannoys sorted out at last Martin? Who by? The guy Marco used for his motor?
.
Yes same bloke. It's not a rush job but I'm hoping to have them before Xmas.
Bigman80
11-11-2018, 23:32
Yes same bloke. It's not a rush job but I'm hoping to have them before Xmas.Ooh, that's convenient, I have a week off. Perfect for auditioning speakers [emoji23][emoji23]
anubisgrau
12-11-2018, 00:23
I fully understand the passion for these speakers. Some time ago I've heard a rather similar vintage Marantz boxes driven by a vintage Marantz reciever - both untouched since 70's (in terms of servicing or whatsoever). Inherited by a female friend so no audiophile BS attached. It left me not only amazed but shocked how we are all mislead in terms of progress in audio.
I wouldn't sell them anyway (and I would be especially cautious with any contemporary forensic speakers)...
I fully understand the passion for these speakers. Some time ago I've heard a rather similar vintage Marantz boxes driven by a vintage Marantz reciever - both untouched since 70's (in terms of servicing or whatsoever). Inherited by a female friend so no audiophile BS attached. It left me not only amazed but shocked how we are all mislead in terms of progress in audio.
I wouldn't sell them anyway (and I would be especially cautious with any contemporary forensic speakers)...
I somewhat agree and I own a set of 1972 Akais from the same school of design. IME a good set of modern speakers are more revealing and consequently will show up flaws in the upstream kit (added to which many modern designs are not an easy load like the old school speakers are). Amplification is the heart of the system.
In any case Oli will get to try the JM Labs at length in his own room before deciding if he is going to have them so there's no need for caution in this particular case.
Bigman80
12-11-2018, 07:42
I fully understand the passion for these speakers. Some time ago I've heard a rather similar vintage Marantz boxes driven by a vintage Marantz reciever - both untouched since 70's (in terms of servicing or whatsoever). Inherited by a female friend so no audiophile BS attached. It left me not only amazed but shocked how we are all mislead in terms of progress in audio.
I wouldn't sell them anyway (and I would be especially cautious with any contemporary forensic speakers)...Hi Gordon,
Yes they are, in my opinion, beautiful speakers. Both visually and sonically.
Truth be known, I had considered selling the back in March. My suspended floor really isn't helping and I felt I'd be better off getting something more suitable. They have been superb here and I really do love them.
If I do decide to move them on, it's going to take something quite special to replace them. Speakers are the most difficult bit to get right IMO and unfortunately, I have only heard one pair of speakers I thought I might go for. Luckily they were Macca's JMLabs!
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