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The Symphony Hall was opened in 1991, so by they had learnt a lot about acoustic by then. I haven’t been there, but I can believe it does have world standard acoustics.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
A neat idea used is to 'alcoves' which can be opened or closed to suit the required acoustic appropriate to the size of the performing group.
As I need to increase my panel size and quantity for the room acoustic treatment I have decided to go with some manufactured panels from a local company. They do a wide range of sizes, material infill and material cloth finishes in about 200 colours. I think their price is very good indeed a I would be hard pressed to build one myself for the price they are knocking them out for!
So if you are interested in some very nicely finished, well manufactured panels for a reasonable price I have attached a link here:
https://acousticpanels.co.uk/product...c-wall-panels/
Further fine tuning of the system has bought about a significant change to the overall sound . I have concentrated over the last year or so on room acoustics and system set up in particular speaker positioning placement and gained huge rewards. These have far out weighed any gains I have made in controlling vibration, tube rolling, cable changes or indeed equipment changes! I know I have been banging on about this for a good while but I am now more convinced more than ever that the interaction of your system with the room is the biggest fundamental factor in what you hear. Through my evaluation of acoustic treatment and system set up I have gained so much but it has been painstaking and may not be over yet.
I know for many it is a ball ache to swap and install acoustic material or even move speakers around but through trial and evaluation I have been amazed at the difference and a small changes can have a large impact . But room acoustics are a complex thing with so much to take into consideration and each step that you make has consequences as I found out last week. As I have written before the areas I have had the most improvement in were soundstage, imaging, ambient acoustics, transparency, tonal quality and layering of harmonic information. All subtle stuff and highly subjective but It is what I observed.
One area that was not really on my radar was detail. I know for some folk this is everything and it drives their motivation to buy gear that forensically throws more and more detail. For me I prefer the bigger picture and all the other aspects of sound quality I have listed too, but in the last few days I was shocked at another small change I made which has had a huge impact on everything. To quantify this I must just say that with controlling room acoustics although it improves many aspects of the sound quality it does have some negative aspects mainly detail retrieval . Obviously most detail is found in the higher frequencies and this is where the room treatment can adversely affect detail retrieval. Controlling everything else can scrub off some of the detail but I found a way of bringing it back without adding any brightness or harshness what so ever!
My Heco speakers have an option to lift the treble by 2db on the crossover which they recommend using in acoustic environments probably like my own. Now before the room treatment I found this option too bright and it sounded harsh but with the room acoustic treatment is has simply elevated the high end frequency information to another level and I am shocked at how much! Even some of my poorer recordings now sound superb and the really great recordings are now off the scale!
This has now tipped the balance of the sound in all areas as the uplift in detail accentuates so many other aspects of the sound quality and makes everything sound more live. It is really hard to describe the sound now but it is extremely vivid, live sounding, very transparent and holographic. Hard to put into words but sitting there last week listening I could close my eyes and there was nothing obvious there between me and the performer but an uncanny presence in the room. This was also witnessed by audiophile buddy who sits off axis and was also gobsmacked by the uplift.
Everything is a culmination of small factors that add to the listening experience. My step by step approach to room acoustics and system set up has now given me a truly outstanding level of performance that I would not have believed could be gained from the tinkering I have done. I would say to anyone who really wants the best from their system to pursue this area of their hifi as I have found more gains from room acoustics/system set up than from anything else I have done in my 40 years messing about with this hobby!:)
it is amazing how small adjustments in the FR can change the whole sound. I think if more people realised this there would be less focus on things like cables and doorstops on top of DACs and a bit more on the things that really do make a difference.
BTW did you know that according to Amazon your speakers will only take 20 watts - and are waterproof? :)
https://i.ibb.co/BBks8m0/heco.jpg
So I can use my speakers outside?!:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
You're absolutely right Martin. I found adjusting the FR really has a huge impact on the sound and sometimes in ways you don't expect.
Yes, I completely agree, I have said much the same myself but not as eloquently as yourself.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Unfortunately my better half has put a stop to further room treatments, so I am forced to use temporary ones easily removed. So for near perfect listening sessions[emoji23] it’s curtains at side walls, TV covered with a fleece throw and Venetian blinds over windows at odd angles, it is amazing how a quick change that takes 5 minutes can bring focus, detail and depth. I know it works as I measured it with REW but my ears are my prime judge of it.
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At least you can do something even if it's only temporary as I know how difficult it is to incorporate room treatment into a "domestic" environment in a harmonious way. Unless we are single or have a "man cave" no one can really get away with the full acoustic treatment in place and have good relations with the other half!:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by AJSki2fly
But being aware of the differences and what room acoustic treatment can do to improve aspects of your system is certainly the first step. Even temporary solving problem areas is a good move.
I have some temporary acoustic treatment as well as permanent but my plan is to slowly creep the permanent stuff in more and more!:sofa:
My boss, wife, say “you must have a big pair of pants if you think you’re going to get away with that!” [emoji23]Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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Darko on his channel is expounding on room treatment,as essential.
Your comment on a hall (philharmonic?) having alcoves reminds me of a chapel in Spain that has open ceramic pots embedded
in the walls that must add ambience, I guess.
Not sure I can replicate that concept in my living area!
Over the last few weeks I have been doing a bit of work on the old Lenco GL75 and trying to sort out a few issues I have with it. One area that has always been a concern was the fact it sits on its original springs which have seen better days and sag at different heights which cause an issue with levelling the turntable. I am not a great believer in the technical merits of these springs as I know the intentions of Lenco to design some sort of isolation from footfall and the like and prevent unwanted vibration reaching the table.
However I don't think they are anywhere near their original compliance and effectiveness after sitting for the best part of 50 years with a massive platter / motor weight weighing them down. So my options are to remove altogether or replace with something better or at least closer to the original spring performance. The jury is out on this one? I know so many of these turntables have gone on to become "projects" and I am very tempted myself but I would like to keep this one original as it is a true classic and it doesn't sound bad!:)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...40a14372_k.jpgIMG_0671 by , on Flickr
Keep them if your happy with the way the TT sounds.
The Lenco may sound great but it is popped up on a pile of drinks coasters!:doh:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
Replace them with audiophile versions and the deck will sound even better. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Yeah +1!Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
:lol:
Out last night to see a cover band called Darkside. They were resident for the whole weekend at a local venue playing Pink Floyds back catalogue, however last nights performance included the whole of Dark Side of the Moon plus a few choice tracks, Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb! To be fair they did a very good job and when they were on it they were very good. The girl who was backing singer was really the star of the show. Her rendition of "The great gig in the sky" was magnificent and probably as good as the original! This is a very difficult piece to sing and she was stunning.
Anyway great night out and very entertaining. Good to see some live stuff although it was a tiny venue. When you hear amplified bass etc you realise your own system sounds like a tiny tranny radio!:)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...94aa80e1_k.jpgIMG_0699 by , on Flickr
There are several Pink Floyd appreciation cover bands around the world. One of the most amusing is the Welsh 'Pync Ffloyd', who I presume cover Floyd's work in the Welsh language.
Looks like the cover group you saw did a very good job, and you had a good time. :)
The lead guitarist was very good indeed. Great night out and only £22 a ticket!Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I bet they did a storming version of "Careful with that Acs Eugene" :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I saw The Australian Pink Floyd show in Liverpool a few years ago - they were great, and their efforts sounded closer to the original songs than Pink Floyd themselves did when I saw them 25 years earlier.
They did a mash up of Careful with that axe Eugene and Interstellar Overdrive. Great stuff. Even did Arnold Layne!Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
I heard the Pink Floyd play 'Arnold Layne' in Bristol, way back in1968. Syd Barrett was on stage, but it is entirely possible that Dave Gilmour was 'covering' for him in the wings.
Good lightshow though. :)
Yeah bet those early days were great. I saw them in 1980 at Earls Court playing The Wall for the first time. The experience has never diminished. No one in all the intervening years has come anywhere near close to that experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
You two are really lucky! I once managed to catch Live from Pompeii on Channel 4 once. :eek:
Did you see this photo of me standing outside Earls Court waiting to go in. I am the one in the denim jacket!Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...35bac30d_k.jpgA6B59C56-E4E9-4AD1-9800-900394765EB1 by , on Flickr
I'd rather see them in a small venue than the proper Pink Floyd in a large venue. Can't stand big gigs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
I prefer listening to the CD than going to a stadium gig.
I went to see Iron Maiden (my fave band) at Twickenham once, watched about 5 mins and spent the rest of the gig in the bar. It wasn't quite the Ruskin Arms.
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I saw Iron Maiden as a support band to AC/DC back in 1976 on their Highway to Hell tour at Bingley Hall Stafford. Didn't know who Iron Maiden were and don't think I made much effort to listen to them but certainly listened to Bon Scott and Mr Young do their stuff. Bingley Hall was not a particularly large venue and watching one of the worlds soon to be mega rock bands before their move to massive stadiums was a fantastic experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrence001
I think for me AC/DC were at their height as a band then although I am sure others may disagree but then I am not sure that many folk who became fans of the band saw them perform at a small venue and with Bon Scott. They only know them as the stadium mega rock band?
Not me. Johnson is a great but no-one's ever been a better rock vocalist than Bon Scott.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
First three albums are the best and nothing they did after 'Back In Black' ever really grabbed me.
Spot on Martin. Back in Black was their high point. Bon Scott had so much energy and charisma and a way better voice than Johnson!Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
'Back In Black' was with Johnson on vocals, but musically I think it was the last really good one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
'High Voltage' is my favourite.
yes of course it was the album they came back with after Bon Scotts death. The two Young brothers were really inspired to write something memorable as a tribute and they came up with an album which is one of the best selling records of all time. I think it was No 5?Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
I have not been very active on my Audio Ramblings blog recently but I have been working on a new project which has been extremely time consuming.
It is certainly hifi related and hopefully it should be finished and I can share it here on Friday.:)
:popcorn:
:uhho::popcorn:
That is the perfect emoji mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by brian2957
I hear you needed some help...
https://i2-prod.lancs.live/incoming/...S253253929.jpg
Link not working Steve?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod...9032e4cc92.jpg
You may have posted in jest Steve, but The Repair Shop is one of my favourite programmes on TV. I'm always amazed by the skill and dogged determination of the restorers/repairers to do the best job they can.
My new project will definitely be posted up a little later today as the first part is now complete.
Don't make it too short James; Andrew's (Wakefield Turntables) restoration of his Garrard 301 is now running to 48 pages. ;)
Don't worry Barry this one will run and run!:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
No. Hopefully you'll have more success with your latest project :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
And it's still on going! More upgrades and updates to follow :eek:.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
You're quite right Barry, and some of the stories are really moving. Though there was an episode recently where they 'did up' an ironing board which had no story, the previous owner had left it out for the binmen iirc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
One of my favourites was the 'mechanical' Christmas cake, how the repairer made sense of that I don't know :)
Jimbos Audio Ramblings is now on Youtube. The new channel is called Audio Ramblings.:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxVHBBKwCGg
Hi James, thats cool.... I like it.
Informative too... I've often wondered about trying Ortofon Black, it seems to be a good all rounder cart. I've always been a fan of Ortofon.
Thanks Josie. It really was a trial video to get my Youtube channel set up. I have been working on others which I will upload over the next few weeks and months.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Black Adder
Really enjoyed this mate. well done :)
Cheers Brian.Quote:
Originally Posted by brian2957
Well done! Nice video. Enjoyable, also good see the old M55E war horse!