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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
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
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!:)
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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:Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
Ooh...
Incoming...
1 of 3
https://i.imgur.com/YYEry4P.jpg
Posties been
https://i.imgur.com/GXOvEzm.jpeg
ooooh, new TT :D
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
I like that, clean design and all controls and settings easily accessed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
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?
It enters but it cancels itself out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
shiney:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
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,Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
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.
Yup,Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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.
Very nice mate. I'll be over for a listen as soon as...
Looks very nice mate, look forward to a listen sometime.
:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by brian2957
Next time your back up Ali, always good mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ali Tait
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 ;)
Ya. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Looks like a nice bit of kit mate. Another visit long overdue :)