View Full Version : My 2019 Update Thread - My final system I think.
There was once a dealer I knew who would not sell you anything unless you had heard the item(s) in question in your own system at home. You would deposit the asking price on a Friday and take the goods away to listen to over the weekend. If you liked the item(s), all well and good, you would get a recipt and guarantee. If you didn't get on with the item(s), you would return on the Monday with them and your deposit would be refunded.
The arrangement applied to used as well as new items.
So basically the exact opposite if my dealer. No wonder there's hardly any left.
Few upgrades Incoming... :thumbsup:
I've been modding my PS Audio dac, big thread over on PS Audio forums on it?
Much success.
From my earlier post HERE:
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?61906-My-2019-Update-Thread-My-final-system-I-think&p=1280795#post1280795
Finally got around to getting these Dac upgrades done.
Dac booked into Loud and Clear Edinburgh to have stock transformers swapped out for better ones.
also,
I fitted a power controller board into my Dac, splitting the power rails between digital and analogue stages of the Dac, and allowing for use of an external linear power supply, to power the Analogue stage independently.
https://i.imgur.com/NzpLLOS.jpg
To power the analogue board, one of these is on its way.
Farad Super 3.
https://www.faradpowersupplies.com/#features
Initially thought about saving a bit of money here, but cleaner AC power (imo) is a major factor in final sound quality.
So decided...yeah. Go for it.
Super-capacitors apparently...:eek:
Like a battery setup, but without the downsides?
https://www.faradpowersupplies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FARAD_S3_Hf-Pi-700x467.jpg
Decided "do it once do it right", maxed it out and added their optional upgrades: SR Purple Fuse, Furutech Rhodium IEC Inlet and their "level 2" silver DC cable.
Better speaker mounting on its way too?
Herbies Cone/spike decoupling gliders winging their way from the US:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2267/3225/products/cs_gliders_3_110x110@2x.jpg?v=1569270214
.
https://i.imgur.com/REyTxIP.jpg
Should all lead to a nice uptick in sound quality.
Cool.
Think that's me done? :scratch:
Maxxed out the PS Audio gear, all cables done, AC power done...
Less than ideal Streamer setup tho,
PS Audio bringing out their own Q2 2023, will probably spring for that - replacing the Oppo 203, then take a deep dive building a better Roon Server at some point.
Groovy.
Cool Gary, very cool.. all looking great
Ali Tait
31-07-2022, 19:55
Yeah, need a board meeting mate.
Rush2112
02-08-2022, 07:24
Hi Ali, Absolutely love the avatar ! Some of Spocks most famous quotes !!
"The needs of the vinyl outweigh the needs of the tape, or the CD." "I have been and always shall be your vinyl friend." "Vinyl is the beginning of wisdom ... not the end." "Live long and DJ."
Wee update,
posted about this before but finally putting it in place.
More of a tweak than putting in a new bit of gear,
but happy knowing I'm eeking more out of my speakers.
Speaker Isolation Feet
Herbies cone/spike decoupling gliders.
Ordered these months ago from the States, finally came in today.
They will be replacing the stock spike hard floor protectors that came with my Wharfedales.
Basically flat aluminium discs with a 1mm(?) layer of rubber stuck on.
(Sitting on SDS isolating plates on carpet)
https://i.imgur.com/08igYUw.jpg
Rave reviews from American forums,
Titanium disk sitting on some kind of hard but compliant material with a plastic base,
isolates the speaker foot and allows for easy repositioning/ toeing in of the speaker.
https://i.imgur.com/ZwxAFnf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fJ9LfUA.jpg
Long day at work,
bit knacked so will fit them tomorrow and have a listen.
https://i.imgur.com/B16M4sD.jpg
Think they look great, and add to the look of the speakers.
Hopefully do the business in the sound department too, by all accounts (and reviews) they really do.
Good stuff.:thumbsup:
Ali Tait
20-08-2022, 19:42
Hi Ali, Absolutely love the avatar ! Some of Spocks most famous quotes !!
"The needs of the vinyl outweigh the needs of the tape, or the CD." "I have been and always shall be your vinyl friend." "Vinyl is the beginning of wisdom ... not the end." "Live long and DJ."
Thanks, sorry missed this. :-)
Posties been...
https://i.imgur.com/GMsIXAt.jpg
and your on beans again :ner:
much fun begins mate :)
Great packaging.
https://i.imgur.com/MyMG6sM.jpg
Ordered it fitted with a Furutech IEC inlet, SR Purple fuse and solid silver DC cable.
might as well max it out, good saving on retail fuse price when supplied fitted with power supply.
https://i.imgur.com/G6izCp2.jpg
Custom "level 2" silver DC cable, GX16 termination 4 at PSU end, 2 at Dac end.
https://i.imgur.com/Z88tRQM.jpg
Small but very heavy unit,
large Toroidal in there, built in house too.
https://www.the-ear.net/sites/default/files/farad-super3-internal.jpg
Lots of clever stuff going on inside the supply.
Big ticket item are the Blue caps - Supercapacitors, which I know nothing about!
The Tech-Talk section on the Farad website explains the magic sauce inside.
https://www.faradpowersupplies.com/tech-talk/
https://i.imgur.com/OkDPf2y.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9kFckG9.jpg
Hooked it up to the Dac's power control board I fitted,
https://i.imgur.com/NzpLLOS.jpg
Idea being it separates the digital and analogue output stages of the dac, allowing them to be powered separately.
I know from my Music Server building days, the advantages of separating the power rails in audio equipment.
Said it before, I'll say it again: clean power is everything.
The Farad is powering the Analogue output board.
SR Purple fuse inside the Dac feeding only the Digital board now.
New PSU, new DC cable, new fuse...
a lot of new.
Leaving it on 24/7 and not thinking about burn in, it will take a long time before it all starts running to spec but will just play music and enjoy it.
Taking the Dac in end of the Month to get the Analogue output boards signal transformers upgraded, apparently the most significant upgrade for the Directstream.
With that, I'll have hit the end of the Journey with my "last" Dac, thing sounds great stock, to be able to improve it further with mods appeals to me.
Pic of the Farad in place,
looks good with the PS Audio gear I think.
https://i.imgur.com/SQ8ZIUO.jpg
Cool.
Aye! :lol:
and your on beans again :ner:
much fun begins mate :)
Firebottle
23-08-2022, 06:37
That looks 'propa' Gaz, even a proper external heatsink on the back.
brian2957
23-08-2022, 08:46
Very nice mate. Looks like a cracking piece of kit. Your system was sounding fantastic when i was over a couple of weeks ago. I'll have to pay you a visit soon.
Sent you a PM buddy.
Ali Tait
23-08-2022, 08:51
Looks decent mate, look forward to hearing it sometime.
Looks decent mate, look forward to hearing it sometime.
As i said - its a shame Nick doesn't sell direct.
Maybe has under the radar, dunno. His power supplies after all.
My first port of call, all things power supplies.
But hey Ho.
That looks 'propa' Gaz, even a proper external heatsink on the back.
Thanks Alan,
interestingly the supply doesn't run anything more that "warm" to the touch.
Heatsink will melt the identity off your fingertips tho!
Doing its job I guess. :thumbsup:
Very nice mate. Looks like a cracking piece of kit. Your system was sounding fantastic when i was over a couple of weeks ago. I'll have to pay you a visit soon.
Sent you a PM buddy.
Anytime Amigo.
Transformer upgrades to the Dac will be a biggie...
Will get "the Band back together" (new members welcome) when the new transformers are fitted to the dac, and had time to run in.
Covids been a bugger,
missed this side of the Hobby.
Will put a shout out at the time,
Grant,
hope you can make it Sir, fingers crossed.
:thumbsup:
Ali Tait
26-08-2022, 07:57
Nice one mate, will bring the Neurochrome amp.
Will get "the Band back together" (new members welcome) when the new transformers are fitted to the dac, and had time to run in.
Covids been a bugger,
missed this side of the Hobby.
Will put a shout out at the time,
Grant,
hope you can make it Sir, fingers crossed.
:thumbsup:
hope so gary.
brian2957
26-08-2022, 08:10
Nice one mate, will bring the Neurochrome amp.
Love to hear it Ali.
Ali Tait
26-08-2022, 08:58
It’s very good mate, better than any other SS amp I’ve had here.
brian2957
26-08-2022, 09:46
Looking forward to it buddy.
https://i.imgur.com/caDbyV4.jpeg
lots of wireworld there mate... how's it sounding
Few days in from new PSU,
It's game changing.
Few days in from new PSU,
It's game changing.
jolly good show old chap :lol: glad its worked out.
Taking the PS Audio Dac in today to get Transformers upgraded,
pick it up next Saturday and plumb it back in.
Looking forward to hearing what it does for the digital stuff, supposed to be a big jump in the Dac's sound.
Using the same transformers in the "DS mark II" currently being developed, so that's a good sign.
Final upgrade to my "Final" dac, good stuff.
Aside PS Audio's i2s Roon endpoint when it comes out, that's the digital done.
In other news,
second and last part of the speaker tweaks this weekend
https://i.imgur.com/ZWOJgnl.jpgPostie dropped these off.
https://i.imgur.com/20DnOuV.jpg
Meant to be put under Isoacoustic Gaia screw in speaker feet if your using on carpet,
These neatly fit under the Herbies slider cone cups I have my Speaker spikes coupled to.
Heavy buggers, about 45mm Dia.
https://i.imgur.com/DEyd5AO.jpg
Give improved performance on carpet if using the Isoacoustic feet, thinking as the Herbies use a similar De-coupling technique to those, I would get an advantage using them too, as opposed to the Herbies feet sitting directly on carpet.
https://i.imgur.com/WKd9BtJ.jpg
Before there was a fair ammount of wobble with the speaker, as they were just "floating" on the carpet.
A two part speaker isolation theory I thought?
1 - Carpet discs spiked directly into the stone floor, hence coupling anything sat on it to the floor.
2 - Speakers sat in the Herbies feet decoupling the speakers from the (much better than carpet) hard unmoving coupled surface, directly spiked into the floor.
Speaker isolation wise...
Best of both Worlds?
https://i.imgur.com/4Y6wIwk.jpg
Installing them wasn't as straightforward as I'd expected, until I got the hang of it I think putting sheets on a waterbed would have been easier!
https://i.imgur.com/8hpuzwZ.jpg
In place
https://i.imgur.com/8R7zWsL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YxNnK6f.jpg
Mid and tweeter height raised slightly, but zero issues with that happily.
I played some music for half hour or so with only one speaker done, to hear if I can spot any difference.
Immediately obvious.
With the speaker without the carpet plates, the image sounded a lot more bound to the floor, more shut-in sounding in comparison.
Other thing I noticed is that stuff I'd always assumed was strictly just from the one channel, with the spiked discs sitting under my speakers I could easily hear how that sound actually bled over naturally to the other channel, even though on that side (with no carpet discs) it was recessed and had less air and 'life" about it.
Classical music particularly showed this, strings just sat in the air far better, and heard a sense of sound-stage Height I'd not really heard in my system before?
Guess Im just hearing more of what my speakers can do, given the improved environment they are now working in.
Both speakers now spiked, sounding great.
Another nice wee tweak that worked out the way I'd hoped it would.
Not all of them do, but if you dont try you never know.
All for getting the most out my kit, this speaker/ floor tweak absolutely works.
:thumbsup:
what speaks you using at moment gaz
Looks like Wharfedales? Maybe Elysian 4?
Most likely to be the Evo 4 series.
Wouldn't mind trying some of the Isoacoustic Gaia isolation feet Gaz.
I have the “Pro” audio versions under my speakers. They are very effective.
what speaks you using at moment gaz
The Evo 4.4 floorstanders Grant.
Mighty things they are too.
I have the “Pro” audio versions under my speakers. They are very effective.
Use the same ones (I think) them under my PS Audio electronics Kev,
very very effective, and not expensive either.
The Evo 4.4 floorstanders Grant.
Mighty things they are too.
wharfedales then... good stuff; had a feeling you had had an interest in wharfs at one time but didn't know you had got them
wharfedales then... good stuff; had a feeling you had had an interest in wharfs at one time but didn't know you had got them
Had 'em a couple of years now Grant,
Doin' the business and then some.
Been mightily impressed with the Herbies decouplers under my speakers, definitely hearing more of what the speakers can do, being better isolated from the floor.
Got myself another set for under the hifi rack, just as another tweak.
Fitted them this morning, a real ballache, as I had to dismantle the whole system and clear the rack, so I could lift it up to fit the decouplers under the rack spikes.
Gave me a change to clean it and better dress the cables, so worth the time.
Rack can slide on carpet now, as an unexpected bonus I was able to nudge it along the wall to better fit between the speakers as well. :thumbsup:
Don't have a Dac just now,
upgrade work on it is kicking off Monday, so not fussed about sound quality just now.
Playing music through the Sony telly is actually pretty good, never really listened to it before.
https://i.imgur.com/MlSEhgq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qKduW68.jpg
Raises the rack height up a little bit, actually prefer it a bit higher.
All good.
Will get Dac back next week so will plumb it all in hear how it sounds with latest round of upgrades 'n tweaks.
Guess who's back...
https://i.imgur.com/kRUlrLS.jpeg
A completely different sounding Dac now,
Seriously Impressive.
wow.
Long burn in time for these Transformers, so expecting the usual highs and lows.
Been listening to music through the telly for the last few weeks, so I'll survive. :)
The external Farad power supply feeds the Dac's analogue output board, and just upgraded the output transformers on it, so D/A conversion is maxed out.
Old and the new Transformers
https://i.imgur.com/hsIMHmG.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/3cwDMwW.jpeg
Tech spec wise, these are MUCH better, but more importantly they are the exact ones the Dac's designer Ted Smith wanted for the Dacs initial release, but BOM costs knocked that back.
The one's I upgraded to are the same as the ones being used in the MKII version of the Directstream,
Nice to hear, speaks to their quality.
That's Digital done aside PS Audio's new 'Airlens' streamer when it comes out.
Enjoyed playing vinyl when my Dac was away,
but its an ex demo cart that's fitted to the P10 whilst my own is back at Rega HQ getting rebuilt.
Right now the Digital is sounding better than my P10. :eek:
Back to the music...
jolly good... hope it opens out a fair bit yet .... worth it if your happy mate... all those beans i mean :ner:
brian2957
18-09-2022, 08:36
I'll have to get over soon mate. The system was sounding very good the last time I was over :)
jolly good... hope it opens out a fair bit yet .... worth it if your happy mate... all those beans i mean :ner:
:lol:
A HILL of beans..
Worth it tho.
I'll have to get over soon mate. The system was sounding very good the last time I was over :)
As and when Amigo,
anytime.
:lol:
A HILL of beans..
Worth it tho.
a gary audio get-together..
https://youtu.be/VPIP9KXdmO0?t=8
Three little people in this crazy World...
https://i.cbc.ca/1.4413516.1543602611!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/hi-casablanca-2676350.jpg
Picked up and fitted my rebuilt Rega MC cart today.
Had a Loaner Dynavector MC cart in there whilst mine went back to Rega HQ for surgery,
Good to have the Apheta 3 back where it belongs.
https://i.imgur.com/DjWgFAp.jpeg
Vinyl is back. :)
delicate little wires in there gaz... great cart im told
Firebottle
29-10-2022, 17:31
How does it compare to the Dynavector Gaz?
Very obviously better Alan,
Even 'fresh out the packet' its far more open with better realism and timbre.
Be interesting after 50 hours or so on it,
Noticing it opening up after 5 albums or so already.
Not overthinking it,
Vinyl sounds like it should again.
Happy Days.
brian2957
29-10-2022, 20:25
I really need to pay you a visit mate. Been a bit busy of late but things hopefully getting a bit quieter soon:)
That looks like a very special cartridge Gary and I expect installing it was a white knuckle ride!
I really need to pay you a visit mate. Been a bit busy of late but things hopefully getting a bit quieter soon:)
:thumbsup:
That looks like a very special cartridge Gary and I expect installing it was a white knuckle ride!
Yeah James,
Especially after bending the stylus on the old one! :eek:
Heard from Paul Darwin at Rega,
curious what the "rebuild" entailed?
All parts except the perspex body replaced with new and the cart rebuilt from the ground up.
Basically a new cartridge, For about a third of the cost of a new one.
Shout out to Rega Customer Service and Loud n Clear Glasgow for looking after me again.
Bricks and Mortar stores are worth supporting folks.
Another wee Dac electrical noise reduction tweak being worked on today,
Post some pics later.
A lot of mods I've done to my Dac have been in lowering electrical noise, better transformers, the Stillpoints RFI cloth etc, but could more be done?
Turns out there was.
I only use the i2s input in the dac, all other inputs are unused.
I'm not using them, but they are always "switched on", what about USB being a notoriously noisy bugger, anything be done there?
If Im not using it, why not switch it off.
The XMOS Usb chip in the dac isn't the quietest, turns out there's a mod to fix that too.
USB input on the Dac is USB type B, same squared off connector you get on a printer cable.
Looking at the Pinout diagram, can see that Pin1 is the Voltage.
https://www.etechnophiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/USB-type-A-and-B-pinout-768x432.png?ezimgfmt=ng:webp/ngcb40
Is there any way to short the USB input I'm not using, so that its electrical noise is thrown to ground?
Turns out, Yes there is.
By connecting pins 2,3 and 4, and leave the 5V+ line floating, the USB input is shorted - and any electrical noise it generated is gone.
So set about making a Shorting plug:
Sacrificing an old Printer cable I got to work. :thumbsup:
Cut cable and removed outer jacket
https://i.imgur.com/hBgSo4Y.jpg
Shield removed and 4 wires seperated
https://i.imgur.com/hCUlqXq.jpg
5V+ line isolated, two Data lines and ground stripped back ready to be twisted together.
Got the Multimeter out and did a continuity check between pin 1 on the plug and the red 5V+ wire, just to confirm cable pinout wired properly before I went any further.
https://i.imgur.com/xIxjMqY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C3fs2Ln.jpg
And the Final Product, might heatshrink it later if I can be arsed, can't be seen so probably not. :D
https://i.imgur.com/XzWitNp.jpg
So plugged it in and
Yup,
Guys on PS Audio forums came through again.
Sound improvement in soundstage width and solidity thru the midband.
Everything just sounds clearer and more "hear through", Dac sounds more relaxed but there's more detail there now.
What you'd expect from lowering internal noise I guess, less to detract from the original sound.
Vocals and strings in particular stand out as clearer and better articulated in the mix.
Interestingly,
the MkII version of the Dac has inputs which automatically switch off when unused to avoid the problem this fixed.
Stan Beresford had this idea years ago with his automatic switching inputs, which at the time I thought was very cool.
Good use of a half hour of a Sunday.
This, and getting my Apheta 3 cart back on my turntable has been a good wee Hifi upgrade weekend. :)
Wakefield Turntables
30-10-2022, 16:52
Gary, how would you describe the sonic signature of the Apheta 3?
Gary, how would you describe the sonic signature of the Apheta 3?
Hi Andrew,
I'd describe it as very detailed but musical.
Everything in the mix gells well together as a whole,
but if you want you can focus in on one particular thing that's playing its easy, as separation and realism is really great.
Sum it up by saying you get lost in the performance and the hifi stuff takes care of itself.
I need better Hobbies :lol:
i2s/ HDMI Shorting plug, similar to the USB one I made.
Direct from the Dac designer,
Short pins 1-12 and it switches off circuitry on the unused i2s port and reduces electrical noise again.
This was a big one,
Vocals and electric guitar far more "in the room".
Nice
Unlike my 'brute' force' soldering, But had to link those pins somehow? :D
(no, its not tinfoil)
https://i.imgur.com/FNjj8br.jpeg
Wakefield Turntables
06-11-2022, 19:20
"Brute Force Soldering", I like that!
I trust you are not using solder alone to short out the pins.
No,
Theres wire in there too (somewhere...)
Posties Been...
https://i.imgur.com/qJBFKa5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1I1I2mF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/68BtkN5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mqjOTUo.jpg
(I'm off work this week and a bit bored, so another write up :lol:)
I use balanced XLR between my Pre and power amp.
I've only even used the supplied cable that came with my PS Audio gear when I bought it, but as its the main link between Pre and Power I got curious if I was hearing all my Preamp could do.
As an experiment, I had a snoop around at Pro Audio XLR's, what was used in Studios and what was well thought of.
Took a punt on a pair of Mogami 2549 based cable, with Neutrik connectors.
Initial thoughts on plugging it in was it was clearer, but had little bass.
After few days though the sound filled out and top end got even better.
Proof of concept done.
Prefer to try things for myself - and not all balanced XLRs sound the same.
Cool, whats next?
Have respect for the Pro Audio guys, and their no BS way about snake oil and marketing that they have, and I thought if anyone would see through Marketing BS to go for bang for buck it would be them.
If I was investing in a "suitable" XLR cable for my Preamp this was the way to go.
On my Audiolab 6000CDT isolation thread https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?75883-Looking-again-at-vibration-isolation-Audiolab-6000CDT
I'd mentioned a YouTube audiophile I like, Hans Beekhuyzen.
What was his reference XLR cable I wonder?
It was a Grimm SQM, as sold here.
https://www.analogueseduction.net/analogue-interconnects/GRIMMSQMXLR.html
Researching this cable on Pro Audio forum Gearspace.com I kept coming across a cable from a Mastering Engineer over there with a fascinating story, and how many other Studios were replacing their wiring looms with his new cable.
On a pro audio forum, seriously?
Yup, right enough.
California based Grammy Award winning engineer, him and his Business partner were looking for their ultimate "mastering level" XLR cable as they weren't satisfied with what was on the market.
Usual BS hifi story I thought, but did a deep dive and sure enough.
They came across an Italian no-name cable that blew them away, and they spent 6 years developing and prototyping their own cable from that.
Eventually came to market as Ghost Cables.
So got these beauties the other day fresh from across the Pond in California.
Cable Construction
Shielded twisted pair, 8 rotations per foot.
https://i.imgur.com/pwItur2.jpeg
Full story HERE.
https://gearspace.com/board/product-alerts-older-than-2-months/1390508-ghost-cable.html
(https://gearspace.com/board/product-alerts-older-than-2-months/1390508-ghost-cable.html)
He goes in to the science of what he's done in some detail, not random marketing fluff.
What impressed me was he did LISTENING tests through the prototyping stages, and constantly compared his to other leading cables on the Market.
Also real world feedback from studio owners that have used his cable and how they are way above any Mogami, Canare, Belden and the like "pro" cables.
My own experience directly comparing it to the Mogami bears this out. :thumbsup:
He tells of a shootout with higher brand "Hifi" cables, and only losing out to two $1000+ cables, from Acoustic Zen and Nordost.
What they both had in common was they did not use Neutrik connectors, but their own.
He offers his cable with standard Neutriks, but like always the guy did his research.
Unlike the bespoke connectors, the main difference was that Neutriks use plated brass alloy in their XLR pins,
His Ghost+ cables, like the Zen and Nordost do it differently, his design using Tellerium copper pins, which has much better conductivity than the plated alloy that Neutriks use.
Attention has been paid to pin construction and resonance damping.
There's other stuff done to the higher grade cables as well, all good.
The cables have opened my amps sound up so much compared to even the Mogami.
Plumbed the original XLR in as a sanity check, lasted 2 minutes.
Naa.
This cable is astounding in what it does for stripping away the equipment and getting it out the way.
A real sense of live performance and (puts on Hifi Hat) "Transient attack" that I've never heard in my system.
Every genre, every album that quality is there in spades. I love it.
I guess Im hearing coloration I'd got used to being striped away and really hearing what my preamp can do.
Its quite a thing to hear.
I want to go fully balanced in my setup, I'll be getting another set of these when I pick up the new balanced Phono Pre for my P10 down the line.
Some saving to to first, toast n beans for a while again.
Highly recommend this cable,
The good news?
Price is good.
£200 a pair for a 6.5ft length.
Wall of Diminishing returns hit HARD.
https://ghostcable.com/en-gb
looks expensive... you'd never see me buying anything expensive :ner:
Looks interesting Gary and good price too.
Do you run XLR throughout your whole system?
I do James yeah.
Phono amp was the last one to go balanced,
well, will be when I get it!
But yeah,
Everything else balanced, including the mains transformer powering the system.
My system is fully balanced, source to speaker, and I make up all my own cables. You might think that £200 for a 2 metre cable pair is reasonable - I do not, especially as most of my interconnects need only be 50cm long, both for tidiness and reduction of cable losses.
I'm always suspicious of suppliers who cover their cable with braiding - what are they hiding?
The best cable I have heard are those used by Neumann (for their microphones) and by EMT.
Who pissed on your cornflakes Barry? :scratch:
£200 might not be reasonable to you, possibly not for a lot of folks understandably.
It is for me though, and well under the sensible Kit/cable spend ratio for my own system.
Its not random braiding, its Techflex, a particular type he chose (after listening) used for its RFI damping.
Its only used on his top cable, not on the standard.
And he publishes his cable spec on his website, with diagrams and everything.
Whats being "hidden" is the cable section illustration I put in my post, perhaps look again if your interested.
Not heard Neumann or EMT cables, sure they are good too.
LOL - nobody pissed on my cornflakes! Actually, I don't eat cornflakes; breakfast today was muesli with Greek yogurt, toast and Mocca coffee.
But I digress. Yes, I did read the 'blurb' by Ghost Cable, and interesting reading it makes. First of all, they make the correct statement that cables have no (intrinsic) sound of their own but do possess electrical properties (line resistance and capacitance, etc.) which interact with those of the items between which they connect.
They then go on to say that their cables have found favour with guitarists who like the way the cables affect the sound of their guitars. This is entirely understandable as the pickups of electric guitars have a high resistance (anywhere between 5K and 20K), so the cable capacitance will affect the high-frequency roll-off. Indeed I have seen vendors selling cable having a range of line capacitances, so the user can choose one which best provides the sound he seeks.
The important thing to note is that the guitar, cable, and amplifier constitute an instrument; the cable being as important to the overall sound as much as the choice of strings. Ghost Cables then say their cables have also found favour with recording studios where recording, mixing, editing, and re-mastering are done. All of these activities affect the overall sound and as such create the final sound, so it could be argued they too are instrumental. Once the final tape is made for the production of CDs and LPs, the 'sound' has been fixed.
When it comes to the reproduction of CDs or LPs, what is required is that all of the reproducing equipment should be as neutral as possible, including all the cables and interconnects. In the case of the cables, this is not hard to achieve as the impedance of the source will be low (very low, a few Ohms for solid-state gear, and about 1kOhm for valved gear), so any high-frequency interaction will be small, often beyond the upper hearing limit. So Ghost Cables need have no advantage over any other quality cable; and the diagram showing their construction looks no different from that of other manufacturers such as Klotz, Van Damme, Mogami etc. The use of an isolated carbonised nylon braid as an RFI shield is not really effective: it would have been better to have used a semi-conducting sheath [I]in contact[I] with the outer braid.
So yes, a well-made cable which will perform well, but essentially little different from the competition when used for sound reproduction. The chat about cable directionality and 'burn-in' is nonsense but does no harm.
If you are pleased with your Ghost Cables Gary then good for you - enjoy them. As regards the ratio of interconnect to equipment pricing - I don't really have an opinion, save to say that whilst my preamps, CDPs and power amps each cost thousands, I still prefer to make up my own cables which probably only cost no more than £20 for a set.
Firebottle
12-01-2023, 09:07
That's very interesting Gaz, plus finding an alternative manufacturer that comes up with the goods.
I'm not sure about the 'Polyethylene dielectric insulation layer ensures low capacitance and low series resistance'
Surely that should be impedance in the context of dielectric insulation.
This is the second instance I have heard of where apparently bog standard OFC materials combine to give superior results.
I use the term 'bog standard' as I firmly believe that better quality copper, OCC or Triple-C, is the gold standard.
I wonder if ghostcable investigated OCC or Triple-C.
All my analogue cabling (IC's and speaker) is OCC.
brian2957
12-01-2023, 15:36
Well, I was over at Gary's place a few weeks ago and spent a few hours listening to his excellent system. Today I paid him another visit and spent 3 hours again having a listen to his system with these new cables in place and I must say his system has improved very audibly IMO. I'm not going to get into the whys and buts because I just don't know. All I can say is that these new cables have a quality feel about them and the plugs, in particular, look excellent. All in all a very nice improvement IMO.
Well, I was over at Gary's place a few weeks ago and spent a few hours listening to his excellent system. Today I paid him another visit and spent 3 hours again having a listen to his system with these new cables in place and I must say his system has improved very audibly IMO. I'm not going to get into the whys and buts because I just don't know. All I can say is that these new cables have a quality feel about them and the plugs, in particular, look excellent. All in all a very nice improvement IMO.
Good to get to hear another system and your favourite subject (cables!) I know you have a lot of experience with them so they must have been good if you heard an improvement in SQ.:)
brian2957
12-01-2023, 16:22
Good to get to hear another system and your favourite subject (cables!) I know you have a lot of experience with them so they must have been good if you heard an improvement in SQ.:)
Very obvious improvements in all areas James. Unfortunately I couldn't get a listen to Gary's vinyl system today because his phono stage was unavailable, but the digital side was outstanding today. The new cables have taken it to another level. I know they weren't particularly cheap, but money well spent judging by what I heard today.
You spoke a lot of sense there Barry, much of which I agree with.
Strong agree on cables being part of a cohesive 'Whole'
Everythings about synegy with what you have...
However in this case,
I will defer to my own "any Pro cable sounds the same" vs THIS cable opinion (in my case Mogami 2549 terminated with Neutriks) ... As well as opinions of other folks having listened and compared the same.
Not all XLRs sound the same, you said yourself you preferred Neumann and EMT?
From direct comaprison with other XLRs within my own system,
The Ghost cables are game changers.
Not having a pop Sir,
Just sayin' the discussion that all XLRs of a certain type "must" sound the same is nonsense, I'd posit PARTICULARLY in replay.
I trust my ears, the Mastering Engineer at Ghost spent 6 years prototyping and bringing his cable to market, and other engineers he sent sample cables out to did too..
I mean,
If you dont trust your ears, what are you left to listen with? :)
Thats what works for me.
LOL - nobody pissed on my cornflakes! Actually, I don't eat cornflakes; breakfast today was muesli with Greek yogurt, toast and Mocca coffee.
But I digress. Yes, I did read the 'blurb' by Ghost Cable, and interesting reading it makes. First of all, they make the correct statement that cables have no (intrinsic) sound of their own but do possess electrical properties (line resistance and capacitance, etc.) which interact with those of the items between which they connect.
They then go on to say that their cables have found favour with guitarists who like the way the cables affect the sound of their guitars. This is entirely understandable as the pickups of electric guitars have a high resistance (anywhere between 5K and 20K), so the cable capacitance will affect the high-frequency roll-off. Indeed I have seen vendors selling cable having a range of line capacitances, so the user can choose one which best provides the sound he seeks.
The important thing to note is that the guitar, cable, and amplifier constitute an instrument; the cable being as important to the overall sound as much as the choice of strings. Ghost Cables then say their cables have also found favour with recording studios where recording, mixing, editing, and re-mastering are done. All of these activities affect the overall sound and as such create the final sound, so it could be argued they too are instrumental. Once the final tape is made for the production of CDs and LPs, the 'sound' has been fixed.
When it comes to the reproduction of CDs or LPs, what is required is that all of the reproducing equipment should be as neutral as possible, including all the cables and interconnects. In the case of the cables, this is not hard to achieve as the impedance of the source will be low (very low, a few Ohms for solid-state gear, and about 1kOhm for valved gear), so any high-frequency interaction will be small, often beyond the upper hearing limit. So Ghost Cables need have no advantage over any other quality cable; and the diagram showing their construction looks no different from that of other manufacturers such as Klotz, Van Damme, Mogami etc. The use of an isolated carbonised nylon braid as an RFI shield is not really effective: it would have been better to have used a semi-conducting sheath [I]in contact[I] with the outer braid.
So yes, a well-made cable which will perform well, but essentially little different from the competition when used for sound reproduction. The chat about cable directionality and 'burn-in' is nonsense but does no harm.
If you are pleased with your Ghost Cables Gary then good for you - enjoy them. As regards the ratio of interconnect to equipment pricing - I don't really have an opinion, save to say that whilst my preamps, CDPs and power amps each cost thousands, I still prefer to make up my own cables which probably only cost no more than £20 for a set.
AJSki2fly
19-01-2023, 19:31
Gary did you investigate or try these, the blurb by the original developer and his background is quite interesting and makes some sense. Whether applying what he found out in another sector is worthwhile or of benefit in a hifi scenario I will leave you to decide.
You just might need to try them out.[emoji23]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Have 2 sets of the Ghost+ XLRs now, 'tween Pre and Power amps, and Dac and Pre.
Will get another pair for the new phonestage when that drops.
Come 'pre cooked' with 75hrs on them, but take a few weeks to fully open up.
More so than any other cable I think I've had.
System fully balanced now, including AC power to the system.
Going balanced was a gamechanger for me, and these cables are about _in the Designers words, from a mastering/mixing perspective - "Preservation not presentation".
Nothing added nothing taken away?
Always hated the idea of cables as Tone controls, much rather the old 'straight wire with gain' approach, and these balanced cables are exactly that.
Gary did you investigate or try these, the blurb by the original developer and his background is quite interesting and makes some sense. Whether applying what he found out in another sector is worthwhile or of benefit in a hifi scenario I will leave you to decide.
You just might need to try them out.[emoji23]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've been fully balanced from source to speaker for a few years now. The only source left unbalanced is vinyl playback (ironic, seeing as pickup cartridges are inherently balanced), but I have yet to find an RIAA stage that is fully balanced (I have looked at the Aqvox amplifier, but don't agree with the idea that low output MC should be treated as current sources, apart from the less than staggering reviews they receive).
I thought the Aqvox was outstandingly good.
I thought the Aqvox was outstandingly good.
I have only looked at the specification and read reviews of the Aqvox, I have yet to hear one.
https://www.aqvox.de/webpics/PHONO_oben_sm.jpg
Sadly they are no longer made in Germany and are no longer available in black.
Interesting stuff Gary.
Have you also replaced the equipment XLRs with non-brass pinned connectors?
Hear you on that one Kev,
Happily the higher end PS Audio kit doesnt use off the shelf XLR sockets,
gold plated copper, no brass in sight.
Hear you on that one Kev,
Happily the higher end PS Audio kit doesnt use off the shelf XLR sockets,
gold plated copper, no brass in sight.
:thumbsup:
Bought a few things.
Not big ticket items,
but just as much fun is enjoying the aspect of not needing to spend big to get good sound.
the rummaging about in the research and getting best bang for buck (Marco had a phrase for that...buggered if I can remember!) is always fun too.
Enjoying the Journey. :thumbsup:
Ali Tait
10-06-2023, 18:20
SPPV. :D
come on then what have you had?
Ali Tait
10-06-2023, 19:55
Will get that phono off to you Gary, just not had the time yet.
Thanks Ali.
Know yer a busy Man.
Meantime,
I'll do my thing. :)
Phono stage stuff.
Sold my Primare phono stage a while back and was without vinyl for a while, knowing "One day I'll..."
So,
Saving up now for my "final" vinyl black box.
But I missed the black stuff,
so bought a good phonostage, meets my needs but stock its severely gimped with a crappy switchmode wall wart PSU.
Sounds great as-is have to say (Running it balanced out to my Pre) but looking forward to enjoying getting the best out of it for not a lot of spend.
Pro-Ject Phono S3 B
https://i.imgur.com/7XhUaOz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ijBIMg5.jpg
Got this one as I didn’t want to spend too much as I would be selling it on later when the new one drops.
Also,
It was getting great reviews, cartridge settings could be set from front panel (no dip switches!!) and most importantly it could be run BALANCED
The supplied power brick is an about the worst I’ve seen though?
less than 1m cable length too, it works sure, but it’s not great.
I won’t be doing any internal mods to it, but will be replacing the 18V 1A wall wart switchmode with a regulated linear supply.
Will make up a decent DC cable to hook the two up as well, have an Oyaide gold plated DC plug kicking about I can fit to it.
Sourced a really quiet regulated bench supply from CPC, and it’s on its way.
Extremely low ripple measurement and regulation +/- is spot on.
Ordered another of my favourite interconnect cables for it as well?
Another pair of Ghost+ XLRs from the States.
Currently reusing a 0.5m set of Wireworld Gold Eclipse 8 (pictured) that previously connected my preamp and Dac, until the Ghost+ XLR came in, which was noticeably better.
Bizzare given the price difference but hey ho, price isn’t always a factor.
The longer XLRs will let me place it properly in the rack too,
The half metre Wireworlds mean it has to sit next to the Preamp, and there’s a whole “Tower of Power” thing going on, looks daft, but not for long.
:)
https://i.imgur.com/57PBhrO.jpg
So more to come on the vinyl front.
👍🏻
Still,
even with the supplied brick plugged straight into the wall it sounds good.
So the plan is to enjoy as-is, and when it’s powered by a much better power supply, directly from the balanced mains unit… cool.
Theres some fun to be had in this best Bang for Buck thing. :)
I like the idea of a balanced input, since cartridges are inherently balanced sources (apart from some Shure models), but would prefer a better (and discrete) connector(s). The rest of my system uses balanced XLR interconnects.
Does purchase of the unit include a balanced lead?
Even so, I agree it's good VFM.
You dont get any leads with it Barry, just the power supply.
The packaging is ok, but not the best.
Gotta keep costs down somehow I guess.
Agree on better connectors for balanced input, theres room there to have designed discreet standard XLR connectors and I'd prefer to see those.
The 5-pin Mini XLR balanced input used on the back is a direct fit for the accompanying Project Turntable.
Think the whole package comes in at under 2K, and seems its pretty good too.
Good review of the set here.
https://www.hifinews.com/content/pro-ject-x2-bphono-box-s3-b-turntablephono-preamp
(https://www.hifinews.com/content/pro-ject-x2-bphono-box-s3-b-turntablephono-preamp)If I was starting again I'd be going for this.
You wonder why more manufacturers haven't went with balanced inputs over the past, makes sense in contect of an MC cartridge, fully balanced end to end.
Guess most tonearms aren't wired that way, and like many things the standard just stuck?
Internally too,
The Project amp shows attention's been paid to the circuit design?
looks like a discreet and symmetrical gain stage in there.
https://i0.wp.com/www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PhonoBoxS3B-6.jpg?fit=640%2C533&ssl=1
Really enjoying playing records through this thing,
will see what it can do with a better XLR cable and cleaner balanced AC feeding it.
Sofar everything I've tried sounds better when powered balanced.
Not bad at all for 350 notes.
:thumbsup:
face is similar to mine... sure it will sound good
Hmm - looks like I would have to make up my own lead.
Mini XLR 5 pin line sockets are readily available, but if I did go that route (and it's very tempting) I would probably change the entire connector with one made by Lemo.
Do you know if the 5 pin plug, now commonly used at the tonearm base, is the same as a 5 pin mini-XLR?
Good question Barry!
Checked Project website and a couple of other places, all refer to it as a "5-pin Mini XLR"
Haven't heard a Tonearm cable connector described as anything different?
I reckon a 90% certain sure fire bet they are the same.
Would be easy to do, but Im not sure of the pinouts on it, you would need to check.
I'm not messing with my Rega arm, but if I was sticking with this phonostage I'd get AudioOrigami (J7) in Glasgow to do the work for me.
From the reviews I've read of the Pro-Ject phonostage/Turntable combo,
the improvement going fully balanced from an MC cart to preamp is not subtle.
AJSki2fly
12-06-2023, 14:44
Very interesting Gary, my experience with Pro-Ject gear especially on the vinyl replay front is that they often give very good VFM with a high SQ. You might be surprised just how good the Phono Box S3 B is if connected using XLR feed. It would be very interesting to compare it to my phono set up, I'd just need to buy the Pro-Ject 5P to Mini XLR for £89 to use it.
Adrian,
Would you perhaps need to rejig the wiring to balanced at your tonearm outputs?
Not familiar with your arm, thinking yeah you could fit a balanced cable which might physically fit, but perhaps the pinouts would be different?
Not sure m'self, just a thought.
AJSki2fly
12-06-2023, 15:46
Adrian,
Would you perhaps need to rejig the wiring to balanced at your tonearm outputs?
Not familiar with your arm, thinking yeah you could fit a balanced cable which might physically fit, but perhaps the pinouts would be different?
Not sure m'self, just a thought.
Take a look at this https://i0.wp.com/www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connect-it-Phono-S-5P-miniXLR-1.jpg?fit=1536%2C1037&ssl=1
https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/connect-it-s-true-balanced/
My Pro-Ject Signature 10 TT uses a standard straight 5 pin DIN connection for the phono cable, up its bottom so to speak. Looking at the picture above the 5P - Mini XLR, if my understanding is correct the shiny silver one goes into the base of the arm(as does my existing Phono cable) and the other black end(the dark side mini XLR) goes into the middle XLR socket on the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, it should then go from that to the Pre-Amp.
I also read somewhere on one the Pro-Ject bumf that the 5P - Mini XLR cable is good for other Pro-Ject TTs like mine. It could be well worth investigating if the reviewers comment "It was very nearly as good a as coveted £40K phono stage" is true.
Looks good!
Yeah read that review as well... :eek:
Yeah I get the cable thing Adrian,
just wondering if your turntables "inner bottom" (Xlr JACK with 5 pins) and its INTERNAL pin wiring layout inside the deck would be wired up correctly with balanced, even if the cable physically fits?
Would the Pinouts match?
I know with some tonearms theres a small circuit board connecting the wiring, and can be configured differently for single ended/ balanced.
Must admit my knowledge here runs out about now, even if there is some internal rewiring needing done, it would be easy for those than know more about it.
Its an intriguing thought isn't it?
rewire your arm for fully balanced playback, especially if the rewards are apparently THAT good.
And your Turntable would be miles ahead of the Pro-Ject...
could perhaps have it wired for both via a switch?
Take a look at this https://i0.wp.com/www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connect-it-Phono-S-5P-miniXLR-1.jpg?fit=1536%2C1037&ssl=1
https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/connect-it-s-true-balanced/
My Pro-Ject Signature
That is exactly what is required, though I baulk at the of the idea of paying £89 for it!
I would like to know what cable is used between the two connectors.
But to answer the question of the pin-out for the tonearm connector (the silver socket), it is the same for all tonearms.
AJSki2fly
12-06-2023, 20:26
That is exactly what is required, though I baulk at the of the idea of paying £89 for it!
I would like to know what cable is used between the two connectors.
But to answer the question of the pin-out for the tonearm connector (the silver socket), it is the same for all tonearms.
I have had two Pro-Ject RCA tone arm cables and both are very well made and good sonically, and not expensive. I thought £89 was not bad.
I'm suspicious of any cable which has an outer braided sheath - it can cover up a multitude of sins.
I also would like to know if the connecting cable is screened 4 core cable (which would simply extend the wiring in the arm). or if it consists of two sets of screened two core cable.
Posties been.
https://i.imgur.com/pA4CfOz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6Ve1da6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zBTxUjv.jpg
Heavy Bugger!
oooh, a cardboard box... sexy:ner:
I'm kinda "all in" with maxing out AC power quality to my System?
I've found it makes a fundamental difference to how your kit performs and basically takes away any barriers to it hitting closer to its full performance.
The specs of the Pro-Ject S3B are very good, particularly in it's Balanced circuit design?
The rest of my system runs XLR Balanced cables, from a fully hardwired balanced AC Mains transformer, and wanted vinyl playback to join in the fun too.
Plus, I suspected the Pro-Ject was severely gimped with the crappy stock switchmode brick.
PSU Specs:
Voltager regulation and Ripple Current are very good for a regulated linear supply that costs under £40.
I've the 3A 18V version.
https://i.imgur.com/Ku3tvet.jpg
This replaces the crappy wall-wart that came with the Pro-Ject phonostage,
and hopefully tick the box of Getting as much performance out of the Phonostage as possible - a better match for my Rega hopefully?
Will bring the following advantages?
1 Lets me get rid of a noisy switchmode supply
2 Can run the Phonostage on balanced AC
3 Use a far better quality DC cable and connector
4 Can hook up the power supply to mains using one of my better power cables I have kicking around
5 As PSU will be in next room feeding Pro-Ject through wall,
it frees up a socket behind the rack (hardwired distribution block fed from balanced mains) that I can now use to keep my Rega P10's power supply constantly powered and fed from less noisy balanced AC. Ideal.
So well worth doing, cost me less than £40 and can bring into service better quality cables from the spares box.
Plugged in and tested - all good.
Can set it up to 18.6V and measured the output with a meter, Voltage regulation is spot on.
Measured at the AC connector tip too, no Vdrop over the cable - so does what it says on the tin. :thumbsup:
https://i.imgur.com/F9yFth5.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0BYsggm.jpg
get the tt wired and your good gary
Raided the spares box,
and made up a groovy DC cable using Ixos power cable I had kicking about, fitted it with an Oyaide DC connector and some good quality screw in banana plugs.
Job 'Jobbed.
https://i.imgur.com/AVnfXvw.jpg
Almost time to plug it all in, cool.
So going from this:
https://i.imgur.com/I7zzQDK.jpg
To this:
https://i.imgur.com/yzID8iT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JBc8FIN.jpg
All powered from balanced mains, so practically no noise floor.
Will stick a good fuse in there too at some point.
So kinda hoping for a difference? :)
Happier at least knowing Im probably getting the most out of the Pro-Ject now, and hopefully a better match for my Turntable.
All cabled and hooked up.
The power supply in the next room, hidden out of sight and sitting at a perfect 18.1V
Interestingly enough the Pro-Ject only pulls 0.17amps when its drawing power?
https://i.imgur.com/4BMDZvD.jpg
Perhaps more when its sending analogue to the preamp, but under 1amp anyway.
So not a big gas guzzler leccy wise, which is cool.
Have this and the Rega's power supply powered up,
will spin a few records tommorow when its all warmed up.
Not a bad change of the system for under £40?
:thumbsup:
oooh, a cardboard box... sexy:ner:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GEnHRjp986Y/TifhcwQTiaI/AAAAAAAAAJM/9Dnh9Wdg0y0/FA1115F-E14294.jpg
That's the most realistic blow up doll I've ever seen! :lol:
That's the most realistic blow up doll I've ever seen! :lol:
that is gary dressed as his alter ego.. Cherrie:D
Posties been.
]
https://i.imgur.com/zBTxUjv.jpg
Heavy Bugger!
That's pretty funky. I've no need for one but I'm still tempted.
Ha!
You couldn't make this up...
Sat down earlier to play some vinyl and the Pro-Ject croaked on one channel.
Swapped cables over to troubleshoot and yup, the right hand channel died.
Contacted the Seller to let them know,
They have arranged a collection/ swapover via DPD for TOMMOROW
Was on phone to them about an hour ago, just got the Text from DPD for a time to collect tommorow. :eek:
Big shout out to Analogue Seduction
https://www.analogueseduction.net/
For whats maybe the best online shopping Customer Service I've had.
It was 4 days outside the 14 day return window too, they chose not to be arsey and look after their customers.
They said this was the first time they had a return on a Pro-Ject product, and was quite surprised.
These things can happen,
its how they dealt with it that was important.
And im not without my vinyl for any more than a day.
Outstanding Customer Service.
:thumbsup:
Plugged in the wall wart, was the same with that Grant.
Plugged in the wall wart, was the same with that Grant.
i meant could the new psu have caused it?
Yeah,
cant think why though...
but anythings possible.
Tested PSU before I plugged it in, voltage wasn't running amok and anything hooked up to it only draws the current that it needs.
No "left/right" on the PSU, so would have expected the whole thing to have gone dead if a cap popped or whatever inside it.
The Pro-Ject has seperate circuitry for left/ right, and only one channel is down, so more likely (I reckon) somethings popped in that.
All change tommorow anyway,
so thats good.
Great customer service. I buy a lot of stuff from them.
Great customer service. I buy a lot of stuff from them.
ive bought a few things from A S too...
AS seem to have a lot of gear and accessories that would be difficult to find elsewhere unless you were buying from abroad .
Their prices are not cheap but their service is excellent.
Agree James, can shop around and get a few quid off from Ebay sellers and the like,
but I'm glad I bought the Pro-Ject from AS and not "HifiMan6321551684" on Ebay for £20 less!
Dodged a bullet with the the Pro-Ject
New ones working fine, and next day Collection/delivery too.
No messing about with RMAs, labels or anything.
:thumbsup:
Pigmy Pony
15-06-2023, 14:28
Well done Gary. Proper businesses that actually care about what they're selling and their customers, deserve our custom. Saving a few bob isn't everything.
Spot On Steve.
Had resigned myself to RMA'ing it, waiting for it to go to Pro-Ject for examination, weeks and weeks to go by without a phonostage.
"Sorry 'bout that, we will get DPD to deliver a new one tommorow. Our Apologies again."
Service like that is worth highlighting.
Thats why I support Bricks n Mortar stores when I can,
the service you get from a good dealer, with auditions, loan of equipment before buying and all that good stuff, is worth encouraging.
Well done Gary. Proper businesses that actually care about what they're selling and their customers, deserve our custom. Saving a few bob isn't everything.
Glad you got sorted quickly Gary. My last purchase took 4 weeks to sort but that was from another dealership. At least it didn’t cost me anything apart from a long wait.
In other news…
vinyl’s sounding rather terrific :eek:
Postie's Been.
https://i.imgur.com/PlrRfKy.jpg
Another set of my favourite Ghost+ XLR studio cables from the States.
Hooking up the Project Phonostage balanced into the Preamp.
https://i.imgur.com/78gFIhb.jpg
Lets see what this Puppy can do.
looks good, and can only help i'd think gary.
Postie's Been.
https://i.imgur.com/PlrRfKy.jpg
nice one cherrie:ner:
looks good, and can only help i'd think gary.
Yeah.
They really did the business hooking up my amps and Dac, closest to a "straight wire with gain" sound I've had from any cable.
Very transparent and tonally accurate.
Take an AGE to burn in though, so expecting the usual ups n downs.
Not all bad though,
Not long had the Rega Cart rebuilt, so just plug in the cable and let em both run in over time, and just enjoy the records.
:thumbsup:
brian2957
19-06-2023, 17:18
That's a nice looking cable mate :)
Posted previouly about my Pro-Ject phonostage going linear powered from the balanced mains unit bringing a good improvment.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?61906-My-2019-Update-Thread-My-final-system-I-think&p=1350240#post1350240
Recently moved from Virgin media to BT for broadband,
the BT router was proper "Fibre to the Home" and I found my online TV and Music services had a nice bump in quality over VM.
Lost of folks in Computeraudio land use linear power supplies for their router, and even "Audiophile" switches in their setup.
My BT Router was plugged into the wall using the supplied switch power brick,
me being me I got curious about improving the power supply for that too.
From back in the day I powered my Beresford Caiman dac (Stans suggestion) and later my music servers with Maplin's CB Radio linearpower supplies.
Comes stock at 13.8V for CD radio's but theres a pot inside to let you dial down the voltage to 12V.
Had a couple of these kicking about still, so why not lose the crappy wallwart and use one to power the BT Router, fed directly from balanced mains?
https://cdn.ecommercedns.uk/files/7/226987/1/8175961/xm22ysh.jpg
Unfortunately the BT Router's DC barrel connector isn't a standard variant, and looking in to it was impossible to source, unless from America.
So had to splice the existing connector onto the cable I was using to run from the router, through the wall and on to the Maplins supply hidden away in the next room.
Less than ideal, but is what it is and probably wont make a difference worth worrying about.
(Obviously for safety, the connection was insulated and hidden out of view)
https://i.imgur.com/edJgfow.jpg
The cable I used was Mogami 3103,
2 core 12GA OFC copper, a good solid cable with good specs.
A speaker cable actually, but 12GA cable can handle up to 20amps or so, and the router pulls about 1.5, so was fine.
https://i.imgur.com/KRDCZYd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WeUkw4i.jpg
Cable made up, connected to mains supply and all tested A-OK.
https://i.imgur.com/vKLFwsw.jpg
Connected to Balanced Mains\Maplins psu > BT Router and plugged in.
I've said for ages I found clean power gets the best out your Kit, and like the Pro-Ject phonostage, the supplied switchmode power brick was chucking all sorts of electrical mush into the Mix.
This was VERY worthwhile to do.
Aside CDs and vinyl, all my music and video enters into my system through the BT Router?
As this is my digital "source" my thinking was to reduce noise to that, to get improvements down the equipment chain?
And Yup, very much so. :thumbsup:
A Similar level of improvement to powering the Phonostage linear from the balanced mains.
Noticed it with Apple Music and even Radio Paradise right away, sounded better across the board.
Watching Movies too.
On AppleTV theres a lot of 4K movies in my movie Library and the picture quality, in terms of resolution, contrast and sharpness, took a noticable jump.
Was taken back a few times by it actually, a couple of "Eff Me...!" moments.
It just looked much better and got very close to playing a 4K disc from my Oppo player.
Even YouTube looked better, with a sharper more dynamic picture.
Sound was better watching TV too, everything was placed better and in its own space.
I've done this a few times now,
And all these things are consistent with removing electrical noise from the line, letting the equipment better do its thing.
Good use of a couple of hours,
Cost was £27 for 2m of mogami cable and my time.
Not bad!
Systems took another wee nudge forward, so happy with that.
Firebottle
16-07-2023, 15:25
Something I really must try out, I have a similar psu kicking about.
Good result.
Posted previouly about my Pro-Ject phonostage going linear powered from the balanced mains unit bringing a good improvment.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?61906-My-2019-Update-Thread-My-final-system-I-think&p=1350240#post1350240
Recently moved from Virgin media to BT for broadband,
the BT router was proper "Fibre to the Home" and I found my online TV and Music services had a nice bump in quality over VM.
Lost of folks in Computeraudio land use linear power supplies for their router, and even "Audiophile" switches in their setup.
My BT Router was plugged into the wall using the supplied switch power brick,
me being me I got curious about improving the power supply for that too.
From back in the day I powered my Beresford Caiman dac (Stans suggestion) and later my music servers with Maplin's CB Radio linearpower supplies.
Comes stock at 13.8V for CD radio's but theres a pot inside to let you dial down the voltage to 12V.
Had a couple of these kicking about still, so why not lose the crappy wallwart and use one to power the BT Router, fed directly from balanced mains?
https://cdn.ecommercedns.uk/files/7/226987/1/8175961/xm22ysh.jpg
Unfortunately the BT Router's DC barrel connector isn't a standard variant, and looking in to it was impossible to source, unless from America.
So had to splice the existing connector onto the cable I was using to run from the router, through the wall and on to the Maplins supply hidden away in the next room.
Less than ideal, but is what it is and probably wont make a difference worth worrying about.
(Obviously for safety, the connection was insulated and hidden out of view)
https://i.imgur.com/edJgfow.jpg
The cable I used was Mogami 3103,
2 core 12GA OFC copper, a good solid cable with good specs.
A speaker cable actually, but 12GA cable can handle up to 20amps or so, and the router pulls about 1.5, so was fine.
https://i.imgur.com/KRDCZYd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WeUkw4i.jpg
Cable made up, connected to mains supply and all tested A-OK.
https://i.imgur.com/vKLFwsw.jpg
Connected to Balanced Mains\Maplins psu > BT Router and plugged in.
I've said for ages I found clean power gets the best out your Kit, and like the Pro-Ject phonostage, the supplied switchmode power brick was chucking all sorts of electrical mush into the Mix.
This was VERY worthwhile to do.
Aside CDs and vinyl, all my music and video enters into my system through the BT Router?
As this is my digital "source" my thinking was to reduce noise to that, to get improvements down the equipment chain?
And Yup, very much so. :thumbsup:
A Similar level of improvement to powering the Phonostage linear from the balanced mains.
Noticed it with Apple Music and even Radio Paradise right away, sounded better across the board.
Watching Movies too.
On AppleTV theres a lot of 4K movies in my movie Library and the picture quality, in terms of resolution, contrast and sharpness, took a noticable jump.
Was taken back a few times by it actually, a couple of "Eff Me...!" moments.
It just looked much better and got very close to playing a 4K disc from my Oppo player.
Even YouTube looked better, with a sharper more dynamic picture.
Sound was better watching TV too, everything was placed better and in its own space.
I've done this a few times now,
And all these things are consistent with removing electrical noise from the line, letting the equipment better do its thing.
Good use of a couple of hours,
Cost was £27 for 2m of mogami cable and my time.
Not bad!
Systems took another wee nudge forward, so happy with that.
Try plugging one of these in next to your hifi and you will be amazed. I was. You may be amazed at the price too!:lol:
https://chord.co.uk/product/poweraray-professional/
Hence my Post Alan. :)
Sometimes the small things make a big difference.
This one... wow.
Something I really must try out, I have a similar psu kicking about.
Good result.
Try plugging one of these in next to your hifi and you will be amazed. I was. You may be amazed at the price too!:lol:
https://chord.co.uk/product/poweraray-professional/
https://theartofsound.net/images/smilies/10481.gif
Happily,
running all things Hifi balanced now (and knowing the 'science bit' behind it), I fart in that nonsense's general direction.
Dissapointed in Chord
Mr Watt's... seriously?
(from experience.. knowing Me I'd probably take a Punt on it LOL)
https://theartofsound.net/images/smilies/10481.gif
Happily,
running all things Hifi balanced now (and knowing the 'science bit' behind it), I fart in that nonsense's general direction.
Dissapointed in Chord
Mr Watt's... seriously?
(from experience.. knowing Me I'd probably take a Punt on it LOL)
£6000 for a black box without a switch or a light on it and mystical powers. That sounds just up your street Gary:lol:
To be serious this thing works particularly well with digital equipment, but not so sure of its effect with analogue. I was shocked what it did with my humble digital system. It really was a night and day effect and I was deeply sceptical it would do anything.
This device was from the Chord cable company not Chord electronics so nothing to do with Mr Watts etc.:)
Are 'Chord' and 'Chord Cable' separate businesses? I have tried some Chord cable (something called Tuned ARRY (?)), and found them to be the only RCA phono terminated cables where I could hear a definite, but subtle, difference that was repeatable and distinct.
Like Gary, my system largely uses balanced-line connections. Some of these use cable marked "WWW.CHORD CABLE.COM". Can't say I've noticed any difference between those and other cables using either Klotz, Mogami, EMT, Neumann or Gotham.
Yes Chord electronics and Chord Cables are separate businesses.
I have tried many of Chord cables top end ICs (RCA) and some are definitely very good indeed but unfortunately too expensive for my wallet!
Chord cable company was started by the wife of a Naim employee, back before Naim realised there was big profits in cables.
No connection at all with Chord Electronics.
Ah - thanks for that James. One other question are the Chord Cables made in China, or are they European?
Going back to the Tuned ARRY (?) cables, they were on loan from someone who used Naim equipment, cost a couple of hundred quid, so we couldn't open them up to see how they were made. But we did have them x-rayed. They use two separate coaxial cables, wired 'shotgun', with the screens connected together at one end only, which makes them directional. We tried to duplicate the construction, but with limited success.
Chord cable company was started by the wife of a Naim employee, back before Naim realised there was big profits in cables.
No connection at all with Chord Electronics.
Thanks Martin.
I would have thought Chord themselves would have had something to say over possible confusion with the name of their company.
Interestingly when I typed in "www.chordcable.com" into Google, I got nothing.
Thanks Martin.
I would have thought Chord themselves would have had something to say over possible confusion with the name of their company.
Interestingly when I typed in "www.chordcable.com" into Google, I got nothing.
https://chord.co.uk/
The cables I have are marked: WWW.CHORDCABLE.COM , along with arrows suggesting they are directional.
I suspect they are Chinese. Got them from a recording studio terminated in XLRs, along with a pile of other cables, all for about a fiver, so shouldn't complain.
I doubt I will ever buy another cable.
Ah Ha...
I did not know that.
Chord cable company was started by the wife of a Naim employee, back before Naim realised there was big profits in cables.
No connection at all with Chord Electronics.
How did you get your Mitts on one of these James?
You never paid fullh bhuna for it did you? :stalks:
Was it a loaner?
That said its all relative,
if its doing the business it "works".
Open minded to at least trying things out, but need to know a LITTLE bit about how they work, so I'm out. :D
£6000 for a black box without a switch or a light on it and mystical powers. That sounds just up your street Gary:lol:
To be serious this thing works particularly well with digital equipment, but not so sure of its effect with analogue. I was shocked what it did with my humble digital system. It really was a night and day effect and I was deeply sceptical it would do anything.
This device was from the Chord cable company not Chord electronics so nothing to do with Mr Watts etc.:)
How did you get your Mitts on one of these James?
You never paid fullh bhuna for it did you? :stalks:
Was it a loaner?
That said its all relative,
if its doing the business it "works".
Open minded to at least trying things out, but need to know a LITTLE bit about how they work, so I'm out. :D
it works by reducing distortion on the AC power feed in the very high frequencies, way beyond hearing, no different from any other 'mains purifying' device.
In theory that cannot improve sound quality. In practice maybe that's a different matter, there's no real experimental evidence either way. It could be a six grand placebo.
I don't see that there's any need for it to cost so much whether it has a real effect or not. As usual with these things if they charged less no-one would take it seriously.
Ah - thanks for that James. One other question are the Chord Cables made in China, or are they European?
Going back to the Tuned ARRY (?) cables, they were on loan from someone who used Naim equipment, cost a couple of hundred quid, so we couldn't open them up to see how they were made. But we did have them x-rayed. They use two separate coaxial cables, wired 'shotgun', with the screens connected together at one end only, which makes them directional. We tried to duplicate the construction, but with limited success.
Not sure if Chord cables are manufactured in China. I do know that some of their top end cables are manufactured here in the UK.
How did you get your Mitts on one of these James?
You never paid fullh bhuna for it did you? :stalks:
Was it a loaner?
That said its all relative,
if its doing the business it "works".
Open minded to at least trying things out, but need to know a LITTLE bit about how they work, so I'm out. :D
Haha it was a loan item from my mate who is a Chord dealer. He did explain how it works but it sounded a bit complicated for my small brain. They do make a cheaper version but not as good. The professional product I heard was seriously good.
If you can get a loaner item I would recommend it. Basically it dumps all the noise in your mains and anywhere near
your digital stuff into the black box and eats it!:lol:
It was extraordinary like flicking a switch and my £200 digital set up suddenly sounded like a £10,000 set up!:)
it works by reducing distortion on the AC power feed in the very high frequencies, way beyond hearing, no different from any other 'mains purifying' device.
In theory that cannot improve sound quality. In practice maybe that's a different matter, there's no real experimental evidence either way. It could be a six grand placebo.
I don't see that there's any need for it to cost so much whether it has a real effect or not. As usual with these things if they charged less no-one would take it seriously.
I can't comment on the cost because for all I know it maybe manufactured from highly exotic materials by hand and take months to build.
What I can say is forget the technicalities and theories. I plugged it in and was astonished at what I heard. That's all I can say. Night and day.:)
I can't comment on the cost because for all I know it maybe manufactured from highly exotic materials by hand and take months to build.
What I can say is forget the technicalities and theories. I plugged it in and was astonished at what I heard. That's all I can say. Night and day.:)
If I'm being asked for 6 grand I want all the evidence and theory I can get! That means, for me at least, some controlled testing, and there is none. If it was a couple of hundred I might take a punt but not at that price.
Conversion from AC to DC power in the power supply of the equipment will remove all mains noise and distortion so it is hard to see what this thing really could do.
However...
Years ago I bought a Linn pre-amp on ebay and the seller e-mailed me and we had a bit of a chat about hi-fi. He recommended a Belkin mains block that a pal of his had said improved the sound. He'd got one and thought the same. He sent me a link and it was fifty quid so I took a punt.
made the sound worse with power amp plugged into it, but with just the pre and CD player plugged in it did seem to improve clarity and sweetness of tone.
I'd have put this down to placebo but thing was civilians started to comment, totally unprompted, on how good the sound was, which they had never done before. That even included my mother! Nothing else in the set-up had changed. That did make me wonder.
Sadly when they came to change my meter I left it plugged in and the anti-surge crowbar thing operated, which disabled the unit. (This was back when Belkin offered a million dollars of cover if the unit failed to prevent a surge from destroying your equipment).
By then they had stopped making them. I bought the replacement version but no magical effect with that. Still does make me wonder if there may not be something to it. I could afford the six grand but I'd have to be more sure than I am that the effect is real. And also that I couldn't get the same benefit for less.
My process for evaluating and buying equipment.
1. Borrow piece of kit that I intend to incorporate in my system and listen to it in my system.
2. Find out how much it costs and then decide if the price is commensurate with performance upgrade.
3. Read all the technical articles and sales fluff.
4. If I cannot at least get to try a piece of kit in my house I would at least try listening to it at a dealers or in someone else's system.
5. Ponder for a few months if I really need or can afford to buy new piece of kit.
6. If it is absolutely great value and I cannot live without it - BUY.:)
A good way to go about things James.
Your ears, your system.
Similar to myself,
unless its a "fun punt" under £50 then I'll have a go, for funsies. :)
The Mystery Box
For myself I reckon have mains noise covered anyway running everything from the big balanced mains unit.
Always fun to play with thi stuff of course,
Handy if your mates a Hifi Dealer!
My process for evaluating and buying equipment.
1. Borrow piece of kit that I intend to incorporate in my system and listen to it in my system.
2. Find out how much it costs and then decide if the price is commensurate with performance upgrade.
3. Read all the technical articles and sales fluff.
4. If I cannot at least get to try a piece of kit in my house I would at least try listening to it at a dealers or in someone else's system.
5. Ponder for a few months if I really need or can afford to buy new piece of kit.
6. If it is absolutely great value and I cannot live without it - BUY.:)
A good way to go about things James.
Your ears, your system.
Similar to myself,
unless its a "fun punt" under £50 then I'll have a go, for funsies. :)
The Mystery Box
For myself I reckon have mains noise covered anyway running everything from the big balanced mains unit.
Always fun to play with thi stuff of course,
Handy if your mates a Hifi Dealer!
My mate has a mega balanced mains unit running in his system and he still gets an improvement with this mystery black box. I think he uses two!:eek:
Incoming...
1 of 3
https://i.imgur.com/YYEry4P.jpg
Posties been
https://i.imgur.com/GXOvEzm.jpeg
That looks like a new turntable?
New Turntable yup.
One of the higher end Pro-Ject's.
And matching Phonostage
Both Balanced (hence cable)
think this might be a trick that Rega missed?
180 degree change in TT design philosphy, fancied a change.
Hoped the P10 was my endgame 'table, but preferred my Digital lately, and given the cost of the thing that didn't seem right.
:thumbsup:
Exciting stuff Gary. Hope it works out well.
I find new turntables always seem something to relish as there is so much to them compared to another black box!:)
James,
100% agree!
think its the more "hands on" approach that draws one in mibbay?
Speaking of black boxes...
https://i.imgur.com/HClrydg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HYwWmmI.jpg
No DIP switches, all settings controllable fron the front panel.
an "on the fly" variable loading dial too.
Mainly though, all about the Balanced. :thumbsup:
Powering this Puppy from the same linear bench PSU I posted about before,
big improvement over the supplied wall-wart switcher supply.
About getting the most from your kit I guess?
Looks like the Swiss Army knife of phono stages!:thumbsup:
Set this up in the Morning...
https://i.imgur.com/pmbEKH3.jpeg?1
Speaking of black boxes...
https://i.imgur.com/HClrydg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HYwWmmI.jpg
I like that, clean design and all controls and settings easily accessed.
Looks like proper equipment. Good to see a subsonic filter too.
Project X8? You weren't tempted by a Technics then?
I was Martin,
but the better reviews won out.
The Balanced Thing is a big deal for me too, from experience it really makes a difference?
Fanboying too for my Ghost+ XLR cables, so any opportunity to use them in my system as possible is a real plus.
My pre has XLR inputs as well, why not use 'em!
Low level phono signals seemed the biggest potential sufferer of "noise on the line", so the "Science Bit" makes sense to me.
:thumbsup:
Set this up tommorow
https://i.imgur.com/71x6NOA.jpg
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/nh8avJ5.jpg
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/QSkoJH2.jpg
Comes fitted with an Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge,
Will enjoy it, but the Arm can take some seriously spendy cartridges (according to Michael Fremer's review) so thats one to keep an eye on going forward.
All good.
I was Martin,
but the better reviews won out.
The Balanced Thing is a big deal for me too, from experience it really makes a difference?
Fanboying too for my Ghost+ XLR cables, so any opportuninty to use them in my system as possible is a real plus.
My pre has XLR inputs as well, why not use 'em!
Low level phono signals seemed the biggest potential sufferer of "noise on the line", so the "Science Bit" makes sense to me.
:thumbsup:
yes makes sense from a belt and braces pov - there's no reason not to use balanced connection if it's available. I think in ten years or maybe less most new domestic equipment will be balanced or have the option of it.
Would be nice, seems unlikely tho.
Guess theres a reason its a bit of a "niche" thing?
In Pro circles, its already there, general populace Spotify users though, not so sure.
Shame,
guess like HDCD and SACD, a good idea that never really caught on mass market?
Makes sense when phono cartridges are already balanced. Of course the whole balanced thing only works if it is end to end. Biggest positive I can determine from balanced is lack of noise entering the chain?
Makes sense when phono cartridges are already balanced. Of course the whole balanced thing only works if it is end to end. Biggest positive I can determine from balanced is lack of noise entering the chain?
It enters but it cancels itself out.
Would be nice, seems unlikely tho.
Guess theres a reason its a bit of a "niche" thing?
In Pro circles, its already there, general populace Spotify users though, not so sure.
Shame,
guess like HDCD and SACD, a good idea that never really caught on mass market?
I see lots of amps and DACs offering it now. Most domestic cases it's not really necessary for noise as cable runs not long enough but it also helps avoid ground loops.
Set this up tommorow
https://i.imgur.com/71x6NOA.jpg
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/nh8avJ5.jpg
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/QSkoJH2.jpg
Comes fitted with an Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge,
Will enjoy it, but the Arm can take some seriously spendy cartridges (according to Michael Fremer's review) so thats one to keep an eye on going forward.
All good.
shiney:eek:
Pigmy Pony
23-07-2023, 08:57
Handsome t/t Gary, looks proper :) The black shininess would have Mrs. P drooling, best not let her see it.
Yes very smart and tidy minimalist TT
Musics playing and Nipper approved. :thumbsup:
Set it all up this afternoon, not dialled in the cartridge settings properly yet, just a quick few tracks to test all's well and working.
https://i.imgur.com/JNJxfsJ.jpg
Running setup completely balanced Cartridge to preamp, liking what Im hearing.
Phonostage and turntable powered by linear PSUs fed from the balanced mains unit too, so things in place to get the best out of it.
Might look at replacement feet down the line, as no space for an isolation platform under the telly (turntables a chunky boy)
Can't hear anything through speakers when I tap the plinth, so doing a good job As-is.
The feet seem to have a middle layer of sorbothane, and are slightly squishy.
I've sat them on Soundamped Steel isolation plates anyway, as I found they work really well on glass and only add a few mm to overall height.
https://i.imgur.com/ueNtxBo.jpg
Gratuitous tonearm shot
https://i.imgur.com/QO9FRE0.jpg
The arm feels solid, and I like the idea of a 1 piece carbon fibre armtube.
Cueing mechanism feels flimsy though compared to the Rega arm, with no real damping as you lower the stylus. (Points off Pro-Ject)
Not having an exposed catilever like the Rega cart though means I can chill and enjoy playing records a bit more, no more getting "The Fear" when cueing up a record!
Different sound to the Rega, early days yet but a bit less clinical sounding maybe? Music a bit more enjoyable through the Pro-Ject?
Probably more forgiving to less than perfect pressings as well, which isn't a bad thing.
Still to dial best cartridge settings in, do that later today.
Tracking force is set to recommended 2.3g, confirmed with an electronic stylus gauge
Whats quite cool is with the Phonostage, you can tweak the cartridge loading in real time as your playing, letting you dial in by ear.
No more Dipswitches!
The other possible negative isn't unexpected, but is what it is.
The piano black finish is a feckin' dust magnet!
Good job its got a dust cover. :eek:
Gonna enjoy this thing.
Selling the Rega was the right thing for me, just wasnt enjoying playing records as much as I should.
Also wasnt sold on the looks, especially given the cost of it.
Much prefer the look of the Pro-Ject.
Soundwise I would say the P10, because it was so clean, had close to a Digital sound, and that with pops n clicks isn't much fun.
Vinyl didn't have that vinyl "thing" with the Rega, and I think thats what I missed.
The Pro-Ject has it, still as clear and transparent, especially going balanced, but a less Forensic flavour to making music, which I prefer.
Good stuff.
pleased your happy mate...:)
It's a good-looking deck - and arm.
is that the X8 tt?
Yeah Grant,
it's the X8.
https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/x8/
Lovely jubbly.. quality kit
Yeah very nice and not surprised in your comparison with the Rega. I was warned by a friend about some turntables that ironed out so much they became clinical and CD like in their nature especially at the high end so can completely understand your decision to buy and try the Project.
Yeah very nice and not surprised in your comparison with the Rega. I was warned by a friend about some turntables that ironed out so much they became clinical and CD like in their nature especially at the high end so can completely understand your decision to buy and try the Project.
Yup,
pretty much where I was coming from James.
I'd describe that as the P10's sound.
It was when I caught myself thinking maybe I need to spend more on a phonostage to get the P10 to "sing" I thought summit must be up?
Been playing records all day and having a blast,
can already hear things opening up with some hours on them.
Happily the X8 was a punt that paid off. :thumbsup:
Been on a bit of a Balanced "Mission" of late, and getting the Vinyl to benefit from it ticked my boxes.
Mission accomplished I reckon.
brian2957
23-07-2023, 20:26
Very nice mate. I'll be over for a listen as soon as...
Ali Tait
23-07-2023, 22:53
Looks very nice mate, look forward to a listen sometime.
Very nice mate. I'll be over for a listen as soon as...
:thumbsup:
Looks very nice mate, look forward to a listen sometime.
Next time your back up Ali, always good mate.
AJSki2fly
24-07-2023, 07:19
Looks good Gary, welcome to planet Pro-Ject. Their TTs and arms are pretty good IMHO, offering very good VFM. I believe the Xs are based on the Signature range., the carbon arm goes back to the Xperience TTs of some years I believe, they took a page out of Wilson Benesch book there, stiffer and less resonance.
If you have not already done so buy the upgrade 15v psu from them or run it from a linear PSU, it will be better again, I expect you already have.
You can definitely go to a very good cartridge on it, I would consider a Benz Micro or go up the Ortofon range to a Cadenza(you can get exchange deal from Ortofon).
Happy listening. [emoji3]
Cheers Adrian,
thats all good to know, thanks mate.
I prefer it to the Rega P10 have to say.
I'm enjoying playing vinyl more, which is what its all about.
Prefer the sound as well,
definately more "analogue" sounding than the Rega, which bordered on a very good CD player at times, but was missing the vinyl "thing" that makes it sound special.
Alls well but ends well. :)
Posties Been...
https://i.imgur.com/yD3PsVi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZZP5EpK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EVqm3Sx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ofRsZW9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oaPQSxB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/d23oa7V.jpg
Pro-Ject Power Box RS2 Phono
Basically a 2 output 15V and 18V linear power supply for Pro-Jects hugher end turntables and phonostages.
For playing records I'm going all in on Pro-Ject "Balanced" analogue way of making music.
Had the Rega P10, but it never really gave me the vinyl "tingle" the way I'd hoped it would, more like a very resolving digital player, without the vinyl magic.
The Pro-Ject X8 turntable is better for that, whilst retaining 99% of the Rega's forensic detail and resolution.
Its a better deck IMO, noticably more so when its run fully balanced.
Both my phonostage and X8 turntable are powered by external power supplies,
the kit is supplied with pretty naff switching wall-wart supplies.
Previously I was powering the phono stage with a £40 bench supply from CPC, which was a big improvement over the supplied cheapo power brick.
The turntable, though, was ran from the supplied wall wart.
Also,
With the bench power supply there was a few times the Phonostage randomly just shut down which made the niggles at the back of my head prick up.
So reasons to go for the official Pro-Ject solution.
Made to get the best out my exact kit, it seemed a no brainer, though not a pocket money spend.
Ah well, all in I guess.
This linear power beastie from Pro-Ject can power them both, and on inspection the thing weighs a ton, has a chunky toroidal transformer and quality caps and great voltage regulation.
DC cables are impressively thick and heavy too, with good quality connectors.
It acts as an isolating transformer as well, kinda redundant I guess as I'll be powering it directly from hardwired balanced mains, but any extra layers of isolation from electrical mush is welcome.
All this stuff Matters for a power supply.
Build like a tank,
It has a 6mm aluminium faceplate, and (what feels like) at least 3mm metal casework.
Passes the knuckle tap test for sure.
So gonna plum it in later this evening and leave it warming up, get a good vinyl listening sesh at the weekend.
As always new products like this take a wee while to bed in properly,
but happy to let any goodness further down the road surprise me.
Just gonna play records and enjoy the music. :)
Cool.
Another nice addition to eek out the very last bit pf performance from the Project set up?:cool:
another brick in the wall ;)
Another nice addition to eek out the very last bit pf performance from the Project set up?:cool:
Ya. :)
brian2957
01-09-2023, 14:40
Looks like a nice bit of kit mate. Another visit long overdue :)
another brick in the wall ;)
(Vinyl) Walls all now in place now yeah. :)
The Ortofon Quinetet Blue carts sounding pretty great with some time on it now,
No real itch to upgrade, at least for the foreseeable.
(Vinyl) Walls all now in place now yeah. :)
The Ortofon Quinetet Blue carts sounding pretty great with some time on it now,
No real itch to upgrade, at least for the foreseeable.
need to get fit enough to visit myself... looks great system anyway..well done
Some minor turntable upgrades/mods coming up, see if I can eek out more from the vinyl setup.
Quite a good forum community for Project stuff, cool.
See how it goes, put some pics up soon.
Sounds a bit Scratchy...?
https://youtube.com/shorts/ubiK9WJrFDg?si=RZQBA5TDcZ8rtqAF
https://youtu.be/6fr4UH6VFRQ?si=T76VITSNqVhrr6eS
The secret is to always be well lubed up for smooth operation:eek:
Sounds a bit Scratchy...?
https://youtube.com/shorts/ubiK9WJrFDg?si=RZQBA5TDcZ8rtqAF
itchy and scratchy??
The secret is to always be well lubed up for smooth operation:eek:
https://i.imgur.com/yVraKlA.jpg
Used this stuff to lubricate the counterweight
Call it an oil, but its very high viscosity stuff (100k), really thick n gloopy.
Used for radio control car differentials (apparently), just wanted something to damp the rattly counterweight and stop any micro vibrations possibly getting to the arm.
Every little helps, right?
Weight feels solid and smooth, with no play between it and the arm stub.
Job jobbed.
https://i.imgur.com/F6jX80j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tEl0hju.jpg
Metal counterweight is damped with a ring of sorbothane, the metal tracking force dial is stuck on to a central plastic shaft.
https://i.imgur.com/1r0CevN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1UWd9gg.jpg
Positioned to the front the metal actually contacted the tonearm tube, so I removed it and rebalanced the arm.
Use a digital tracking force gauge anyway, these dials are never the most accurate.
Nice improvement, top end more solid, and soundstaging better.
A more Direct Drive type sound if that makes sense.
Nice wee upgrade for about £15 and a half hour of time.
:thumbsup:
Next up,
Platter mat.
With my Rega deck, I ran with the stock white felt P10 mat, until my Dealer suggested I tried the red Collaro mat, as they preferred it to Rega's own.
Sure enough, it was better and I fitted that and didn't think about a new mat, job done.
New turntable though, heavy mass deck the opposite to the P10, so wondered if the thin Collaro mat on the heavy damped Aluminium platter was still the best option.
Sounded good - better than the stock Pro-Ject for sure, but not the best for a metal platter.
Did a bit of reading, and the Funk Firm (ex Pink triangle) Acromat kept coming up.
Michael Fremer, American turntable reviewer, recommended the Mat in his review of my exact turntable.
Good enough for me I thought,
good reviews all around and supposed to work great with metal platters so picked one up.
I bought the 5mm version, apparently more effective than the 3mm one, which was for decks with no VTA adjustment.
Sits fairly thick on the platter, so need to adjust the VTA of my arm.
Easily done, loosen two hex bolts on base of arm, adjust to suit then retighten.
Interesting "blurb" sheet that came with it?https://i.imgur.com/ZSEzK3v.jpg
Construction is interesting?
Bottom layer which sits on platter looks like acrylic, and its topped off with a layer of what looks like vinyl, but feels different as under its surface skin it looks like hard vinyl foam.
the idea I think is that air bubbles there dissapted vibration as heat.
Its from the Pink Triangle guy, figure he knows a bit about turntable platters and the like.
Two layer 5mm construction
https://i.imgur.com/bS5s6PD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iWGC9Sj.jpg
Top Surface with indent for the label, so the LP sits as flush as possible to the mat. Good idea that!
https://i.imgur.com/m4sALfS.jpg
Underside, showing acrylic surface. All the shineys...
https://i.imgur.com/k1UTnZu.jpg
To stop the LP spinning on the similar material platter mat, very thin double sided stickers come with it, and the instructions advise on placement.
Not perfect but close enough, not overthinking this one. If its stuck down its stuck down.
https://i.imgur.com/g5yrDQF.jpg
Decided to leave tweaking VTA and setting the deck all up again till tommorow, hit it early with a fresher head and better light.
Been playing around with tweaking Roon and my digital setup, so will enjoy the digital stuff tonight.
Like how the Mat makes the turntable look more "serious", tapping my knuckle on the platter its a lot more damped than with the red felt mat, hopefully this should translate to improved sound quality.
https://i.imgur.com/nwqkpiI.jpg
I really like this Pro-Ject deck,
with the balanced connections and linear PSU its really something, if the matt eeks out more performance I'll be a happy man.
Good to know too that the deck can take serious cartridge upgrades, but thats for the far flung future if I ever get there! :eek:
I tried a lot of different mats, Achromat was the one I ended up using. Seemed to give the right balance of everything,
i had a yellow one on my thorens... 3mm tho due to spindle height
The Black Adder
05-11-2023, 07:31
You guys should give the Funk Houdini a go. Bloody amazing little thing.
It's probably the best upgrade for a turntable I've ever done. And together with the Achromat, it's quite something.
https://www.tannoyista.com/2020/11/the-funk-firm-houdini-and-achromat.html
Seriously, it's really quite remarkable.
Let me know if you guys have any other questions, happy to help.
Sent from my moto g13 using Tapatalk
Good read that, thanks.
Alan Sircom really likes the Houdini as well,
A reviewer I have respect for since the old Hifi World mag days.
Got me interested,
Having a rummage around, reading a long thread over on the Wam about it, mostly the usual moans from folk that haven't tried it.
Only thing is I'd not want to go back to the Rega sound, still need that vinyl magic.
Cart/tonearm interaction can BE the sound of a deck, but with a money back guarantee no harm in taking a Punt, see what happens.
If I can get more out the deck again, then great.
OK,
Fitted Achromat and reset VTA.
Took the chance to check turntable was Bob-on level too, checked tracking force too.
Not going down the rabbit hole with VTA, parallel to record surface is good enough for now.
https://i.imgur.com/VHmsXUY.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/6u6g6nV.jpeg
Love what this mat has done, decks sounding noticably better.
The felt mat obviously wasn't the best for a heavy aluminium platter, even though its heavily damped.
Cool, good stuff.
Will do some homework on the Houdini, thanks Josie for the heads up.
The Black Adder
05-11-2023, 15:06
No probs.
Glad to be of help. As I said, any questions, just ask.
Many thanks
Jo
Sent from my moto g13 using Tapatalk
Wakefield Turntables
05-11-2023, 19:49
Gary, great read so far. I remember being just as analytical when sorting out my 1210 system. I used the Achromat 5mm for ages but it was bettered by the Crystal mat that I've been using for the last 8-10 years on the 1210. I appreciate that your deck is different to the 1210. Please keep the updates coming!
I faffed around with mats: cork; felt; silicone rubber loaded with metal dust; plain rubber, and glass.
In the end I reverted back to using the rubber mat supplied with the deck, and use a record clamp.
Wakefield Turntables
05-11-2023, 20:37
I faffed around with mats: cork; felt; silicone rubber loaded with metal dust; plain rubber, and glass.
In the end I reverted back to using the rubber mat supplied with the deck, and use a record clamp.
I did a similar thing with the Garrard 301 mat. I tried loads of things until I eventually settled on the Tenuto 5mm which has graced the deck for many years now.
Ali Tait
06-11-2023, 09:33
I really like the Hexmat I got a while back. Better to my ears than anything else I’ve tried so far, including an Achromat.
New headphones day...
Have Sony XM4 Bluetooth cans, sound amazing over Bluetooth, terrible over a wired connection.
Enjoy watching movies late at night, stuck with streaming apps, sound over Bluetooth into the Sonys.
For CDs and bluerays was stuck,
Had Beyer Dymamic.Amirons, but they broke after a few months so been on the hunt for a replacement.
Picked up these today, from Loud n Clear Glasgow.
https://i.imgur.com/jTeEMWr.jpeg
Still in cellophane, time to get these unboxed.
New headphones day...
Have Sony XM4 Bluetooth cans, sound amazing over Bluetooth, terrible over a wired connection.
Enjoy watching movies late at night, stuck with streaming apps, sound over Bluetooth into the Sonys.
For CDs and bluerays was stuck,
Had Beyer Dymamic.Amirons, but they broke after a few months so been on the hunt for a replacement.
Picked up these today, from Loud n Clear Glasgow.
https://i.imgur.com/jTeEMWr.jpeg
Still in cellophane, time to get these unboxed.
I had some of those Gary, very nice and comfortable.
Yeah James,
They are really comfortable, very light and the self adjusting headband 'just works'.
No faffing around with click positions for best fit or that stuff.
Sound wise,
Out the box I prefer them to my Beyer Amirons, which at half the price of the Beyers makes them great value.
Rich, very clear with good 'tone' and wide soundstage, and that's out the box.
A wee bit harsh sometimes at the very top end, but that should smooth out with some hours on them.
I wanted to be able to slap on a set of good sounding headphones to watch movies and listen to CDs at night, and these things tick that box 100%.
Build quality is solid, feels a premium product.
Everything is bolted together, feels right.
Good looking things too,
Really like the real walnut cups, with the gold accents.
The AKG style headband design works well.
Will find a spot on my main wall for these I think, too nice to be tucked away out of sight. :D
https://i.imgur.com/lkNRMEw.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/cK94ICL.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/mahvd9S.jpeg
Beautiful and stylish looking cans there Gary. You ought to find a dummy head to store and display them.
Ali Tait
23-03-2024, 10:10
New headphones day...
Have Sony XM4 Bluetooth cans, sound amazing over Bluetooth, terrible over a wired connection.
Enjoy watching movies late at night, stuck with streaming apps, sound over Bluetooth into the Sonys.
For CDs and bluerays was stuck,
Had Beyer Dymamic.Amirons, but they broke after a few months so been on the hunt for a replacement.
Picked up these today, from Loud n Clear Glasgow.
https://i.imgur.com/jTeEMWr.jpeg
Still in cellophane, time to get these unboxed.
Those look nice mate. Have a set of XM3's, great cans for the money. Had a set of Dan Clark Ether's, and while they were better than the Sony, there wasn't a lot in it, which makes the Sonys great value imo, at around a tenth of the price. Sonys had more bass which was what I was looking for, tweakable with the app too.
Beautiful and stylish looking cans there Gary. You ought to find a dummy head to store and display them.
No, they're a bit creepy I think.
Pigmy Pony
23-03-2024, 12:06
No, they're a bit creepy I think.
If you have space, perhaps get a complete dummy that could be dressed up. Then cut out the eyes and replace with LEDs so the whole thing can double as a standard lamp. That wouldn't look at all creepy.
Ali Tait
23-03-2024, 12:14
LOL
Thanks all.
Seen it done elsewhere with the dummy head, a glass skull as well.
Looks cool, but not for me I think!
Found a spot, like them up there on the wall.
https://i.imgur.com/kNSGbcv.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/TNKLBlf.jpeg
And no creepy standing in the corner :D
With the shadow cast by the right hand speaker, your new headphones look a bit like the ghost of an alien. ;)
With the shadow cast by the right hand speaker, your new headphones look a bit like the ghost of an alien. ;)
Good spot!
Can't unsee that now :D
Thanks all.
Seen it done elsewhere with the dummy head, a glass skull as well.
Looks cool, but not for me I think!
Found a spot, like them up there on the wall.
https://i.imgur.com/kNSGbcv.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/TNKLBlf.jpeg
And no creepy standing in the corner :D
This review has just been put out by IIWI -I agree with everything he says about the Meze headphones as I had a pair myself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzKx_jufxqo
Thanks for the link James,
interesting watch.
These are great headphones, I like them a fair bit better than the Beyer Amiron Home's I had a while back.
Im going to enjoy these.
brian2957
30-03-2024, 10:00
Glad you're enjoying the headphones mate. Lighter nights coming so I'll be over for a visit soon to hear them. With Grant's passing I've realised that it's important to visit friends more often :(
Too true Amigo, too true.
miss the days of the Scottish Mafia, glad Grant made it to a few of the meets.
Ali Tait
30-03-2024, 12:52
Yeah me too. We should arrange something mate.
100% Ali.
Time to get the band back together, life’s too short.
Ali Tait
30-03-2024, 21:20
Sounds good.
Latest round of tweaks to the system, tweaking the vinyl and digital playback setups.
VINYL TWEAKS - TURNTABLE ISOLATION
Really enjoying going fully balanced with vinyl, a step in the right direction noise limiting wise, and the new Proj-ect Deck is a nice upgrade on my previous Rega P10.
Plenty of room for improvment though, particularly with upgrading the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC, sounds great as is, but the X8 turntables capable of handling a much better cartridge.
Thats further down the line though, so looked at getting the 'Infrastructure' sorted first before I go looking at cart upgrades.
My Hifi rack is a Stands Unique glass shelf jobbie, which isn't the best surface to plonk a turntable on, So - Turntable Isolation.
I really like the piano black finish of my deck's plinth, so didnt want to take away from that?
Turns out Pro-Ject do their own matching turntable platforms - cool.
The thicker and heavier ones only come in gloss grey, but there is one thats matching piano black.
Its still a 1" thick heavy slab of MDF with damped cone feet, so good enough for me, especially considering I'm throwing more than just the platform into the Isolation mix.
Piano black, matches the turntable
https://i0.wp.com/www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Ground-it-E_04.jpg?fit=1536%2C1026&ssl=1
Couple of extra things I did to better isolation of the deck:
Had some SoundDampedSteel isolation plates kicking around unused https://sounddampedsteel.com/hifi/ so used these between the turntable feet and the platform
(I designed the laser engraved aluminium Logo plate in work and added that on. Matches the platter :))
https://i.imgur.com/0peT7QW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ypc8m2S.jpg
So thats the Turntable/platform interface taken care of, still the platform/ glass surface to do.
Ordered some isolation pucks for between the Platform's conical isolation feet and the glass surface.
Had a lot of success with products from Herbies Audio Labs in the States for speaker and hifi rack isolation, so looked to them for this too.
https://i.imgur.com/OUKoSOn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/soCp76V.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/V9lAdvx.jpg
I'm taking the deck into Jonny at Audio Origami glasgow to rewire the arm with Cardas silver cable next, then calling it done until I get a Cart upgrade.
Thinking Hana ML or Ortofon Cadenza black.
See how it plays out. :thumbsup:
I like that support plinth. Classy!
Ali Tait
05-05-2024, 14:35
See if he still does the Ikemi silver wire mate, had that done on my Mission arm and was well worth it to my ears.
IMPROVING CD PLAYBACK ON MY OPPO 203
The Oppo is an awesome thing, as good as you've heard, and even better after modding.
Already done extensive upgrades on it over stock, see here: https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?56087-Hey-guess-what-I%92m-about-to-do-Major-Oppo-mods
Its my Roon endpoint, endgame level movie player and my current CD spinner.
Sounds really great, trounced my modded Audiolab 600CDT, but there was that last bit of 'digital' and slight fatigue about it to these fussy ears.
I even considered another CD Transport (Still might) but wanted to make sure I had eeked out the last bit of performance from it.
I like modding my gear. :)
Back in the day i didnt really suscribe to the CD tweaks that were doing the rounds, green pens on the edge of CDs, CD demagnetisers and the like...
But one thing that DID make me sit up and take notice was a clear damping film that you put over the CD to dampen vibrations and improved the sound.
Still have the CD I put it on, and remember how it improved the sound. Things were more focussed and the image was more stable.
So... player vibration could affect CD playback?
Not a daft concept if you think of the nM level a Redbook laser works on (never mind a Bluray) - any deviations got to affect something - right?
Remembering my experience with the CD damping film I wondered if there was any tweaks I could apply to the Oppo to help with that last bit of Digital-ness I was hearing.
Turns out there was - big time.
Did my usual reading about online, and a couple of potential ideas came up.
I was aware CD damping mats were a thing?
As a fan of Herbies Audio Labs and their philosphy on vibration control with audio gear it was interesting to see their products kept coming up in forumland as a sane practical improvement to CD playback.
Big fan of what they do, have their bits 'n bobs under my speakers, hifi rack and turntable so I know what they are about - their stuff does what it says on the tin.
So got a thing.
https://i.imgur.com/byy9CE4.jpg
Under a mm thick,
the side that sticks to the CD is a semi-tacky sillicone, you press it down onto the CD, the other side which interacts with the transport clamping mechanism is made from carbon fibre.
https://i.imgur.com/yDN8zgm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/02qcyPS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ISfbONu.jpg
All Im hearing is improvement from my CDs
Sound is more relaxed, yet more details there.
Biggest takeaway is that the soundstage is more locked in place, everythings more precise and in place, timbres improved too - a cello sounds more wooden and strings sound more like metal being rasped on.
Its great.
The Oppo is my movie player too, so tried it on some blurays.
Wow, improvements are more noticable with movies.
The image is more 'locked in place', more noticable contrast between static elements and any moving stuff in any scene. The picture is more Solid and 'there'.
Bigger improvement with movies over audio CDs.
Dont know how a carbon fibre/sillicone mat can improve with time on it, but not paying attention to that.
From the get-go CD and particularly bluray moves are improved signigicantly with this 2" donut.
No brainer for any physical media folks, just get one.
Seriously.
A 'Final hoorah' for my Oppo was to crack her open one last time and do the internal vibration mods I did to the Audiolab CD transport, so took the Oppo out the rack today and cracked her open.
Turned out I'd already done the power supply and capacitor damping mods... a Senior Moment! ��
Couple of bits I'd missed, so took care of those.
Armed with a sheet of now spare Silent Coat damping material, I set about... Hang on, what can I use this stuff with?
Was on a bit of a mission after the disappointment of the Oppo...
The analogue output stage of my dac is powered from a separate linear power supply, its a tinny metal box (though its very heavy given size of transformer and its Supercapacitors) so cracked the case open on that and a couple of hours later and much tweakery I ended up looking at this...
Cant tell from tbe photo, but the bottom of the case is completely covered too in Silent Coat damping material.
It's where the PCB lives, makes sense to damp that from vibration.
https://i.imgur.com/9CMK8Tv.jpg
Case is a tight fit, so some selective dampening on the inner top lid.
Big change, at first I thought I'd maybe overdamped as Id lost air in the top end and that 'snap of reality', but I'd powered everything down when I was doing the Mods, after a few hours the Air and sparkle came back, but oh boy its sounding better.
Power supply is everything, sorry to keep saying that but happy with this cheap as chips upgrade to my system.
https://i.imgur.com/9DCS2qb.jpeg
Listening over the last week I felt the top end was a bit more ‘shut in’ than I’d like, bit of sparkle had gone.
Opened the Farad up again and removed most of the damping compound from the Caps, kept the case and transformer damped, along with a few spots here and there on the PCB.
That sounded more like it…I had overdamped it.
lesson learned, should have been more selective like I was damping my Dac and amps.
Found the sweet spot now, so all good.
Have the benefits of tighter bass and better soundstage, but without the duller top end.
Listening over the last week I felt the top end was a bit more ‘shut in’ than I’d like, bit of sparkle had gone.
Opened the Farad up again and removed most of the damping compound from the Caps, kept the case and transformer damped, along with a few spots here and there on the PCB.
That sounded more like it…I had overdamped it.
lesson learned, should have been more selective like I was damping my Dac and amps.
Found the sweet spot now, so all good.
Have the benefits of tighter bass and better soundstage, but without the duller top end.
Interesting stuff Gary and completely understand the issues involved regarding damping. There is always a sweet spot I feel?
I think there is James?
From playing around with this stuff for a while now, reckon it's different for every bit of kit - no-one stop solution.
But hey,
Finding that out is part of the fun of the hobby, right? :)
Considering all gear is built to a BOM price point, there's always room to tweak and get more bang for your buck.
Marco always spoke about SPPV (I think it was?) and I think modding your gear for not a lot of outlay is a way to maximise it.
Good fun and and easy fix if you overdo it.
Some Room correction...
Fancied a change of vibe, plus having smooth stone walls, was curious about putting something behind the speakers and any potential effect on sound.
Couple of tables with big ass plants, changes the vibe of the room, I like it.
https://i.imgur.com/OsLkeAt.jpeg
Turns out sound has changed as well.
Left / Right focus has definitely improved, soundstage a tad deeper.
Ok, Concept in my own room proven, will investigate some 'proper' stuff going forward.
Years ago tried digital room correction software and didn't get on with it.
More potted plants it is!
Mahoosive framed print on wall behind me, figure thats playing a part, though my room doesn't sound particularly echo-ey.
Piqued my curiosity this.
System looking great Gary and like the plants! Think they had reflection rather than absorption?
AJSki2fly
25-07-2024, 09:43
Some Room correction...
Fancied a change of vibe, plus having smooth stone walls, was curious about putting something behind the speakers and any potential effect on sound.
Couple of tables with big ass plants, changes the vibe of the room, I like it.
https://i.imgur.com/OsLkeAt.jpeg
Turns out sound has changed as well.
Left / Right focus has definitely improved, soundstage a tad deeper.
Ok, Concept in my own room proven, will investigate some 'proper' stuff going forward.
Years ago tried digital room correction software and didn't get on with it.
More potted plants it is!
Mahoosive framed print on wall behind me, figure thats playing a part, though my room doesn't sound particularly echo-ey.
Piqued my curiosity this.
Looking good Gary, just need some hanging plants from the ceiling strategically placed to do a bit of refraction/reflection, watering might be tricky. :D
See the Meridian 557 is still pumping.
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