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Continuing my experiences with plugs and sockets etc I decided to unplug everything from my preamp and clean connections. So listening tonight I find it has improved the sound a fair bit especially in soundstage and imaging. Everything is just a tad better delineated. Vocals are also a bit more 3d and have exceptional clarity.
Next up valve pin cleaning! 5 years since I did them last !
Good result James, nice one.
Its always worth doing those boring Housekeeping jobs on the system I've found, I think of it as "essential maintenance".
From my own experience, I've found a dab of Deoxit Gold on the tip of each pin, then a couple of dips into a pad of "magic eraser" brings valve pins up a treat.
Something like this, not too dear from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smiths-Magi..._source=1&th=1
Deoxit's under a tenner for a wee tube, well worth it for this kind of thing. :thumbsup:
Will order some tomorrow, may use it on all plug pins and interconnect pins whilst I am at it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
Sounds like a Plan. :)
Interested to know how it goes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Hey James,
anythihng happening with the system?
Jim’s not posting anymore because he kept getting locked out of his account.
What error messages is he receiving? Has he changed his email account and hence address?Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
No idea Barry I think he just god fed up with problems logging in.
Oh
As far as I can tell Jimbo's account is still active. His last activity on the Forum was in 6 January this year, at 16:03.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
If he is really having trouble logging in, then we can do something about it, but a guess is an insufficient reason to start.
Is there anyone here who can get in touch with Jim by email or by phone to find out what is happening at Jim's end?
I have been invited to the launch of the Innuos Nazare at the weekend so could be quite special. I have heard the Innuos Zenith NG recently which bought about a huge level of transparency, ultra low noise floor and a remarkable amount of clarity and resolution. So I have high expectations for the Nazare!
https://innuos.com/nazareworldtour/
oooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh get you, budding audiophile journalist!!!!!!!!!! Attending all this swanky events!!!!!
LOL :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
We've needed a replacement Peter Belt for some years now :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
Was he the one who suggested using lead as a conductor for audio cables, aligning all the fixing screws of electrical wall sockets, and folding up a corner of the curtains in your listening room and securing the fold with one of his special 'de-ionised' safety pins? :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
Yes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
And folding a piece of A4 and placing it under one leg of the seat you were sitting on:lol:
I find my listening experience is dramatically enhanced if I roll up my left trouser leg! :lol:
I tried that when a Coldplay song came on the radio. It didn't help.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
So the work on my second system is now complete but resulted in me scraping most of my old system apart from my Spendor SP2 speakers.
Final result is Wiim Pro Plus used as a streamer into Rega Elex MK 4 using the Rega internal DAC and turntable is now the Project Debut Pro with Pick it Pro cartridge into Spendor SP2 speakers which have now had new tweeters fitted.
How does it sound. Well I wish I had bought this system years ago. It is superb. Streaming Qobuz via the Wiim into the Rega Dac is very very good indeed but the Project Debut Pro via the Rega Elex Mk4 sounds equally as good. It is very hard to choose between them.
I am more than pleased with how things have turned out and big thanks to Dave for recommending the Rega amp which is at the heart of the system. It is so good I am actually thinking of one of the bigger Rega amps for my main system.
Budget for main system is considerably more so I am looking for a powerful Integrated amp initially and have a few on my list to try.
Chord Ultima Integrated
Quad Platina Integrated
Rega Aethos
Hegel H400
My attention will then turn to upgrading DAC and speakers possibly although both will be tricky as they are both extremely good but I have a few ideas. My turntable will not be upgraded apart from a new cartridge maybe a 2M Black LVB or Hana ML.
First of the Big amps is going to be evaluated in my system next week!
Crikey, that Chord amp is £8.5K!
As a fellow WiiM owner who also streams Qobuz into a Rega Elex MK4, I have to wholeheartedly agree, it sounds extremely good indeed. I’m very pleased too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
YupQuote:
Originally Posted by Tim
Big spend, important to get it right.
Great that James is hearing different options.
Yes great combination.:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim
Gotta aim high Martin if I want to get a noticeable improvement in my system.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Lots of options with that kind of budget. Yamaha A-S3200? Not that I would, but it's better looking than those on your list IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Rotel Michi X5 is another alternative.
Hegel I just don't get. Crazy expensive even though made in China, so-so spec, boring to look at.
Bit cheaper than the Chord. Also available in black.
https://www.hifinews.com/images/styl...t_cmyk_sml.jpg
Is that on your wish list Steve?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Oh yes :) Been a MF fanboy since my Elektra E100 30 years ago. Though if I was spending that kind of money I'd be daft not to look at all options, as you are doing.
Jim,
Nice to see you posting again, sincerely good luck with upgrading your system.
I will certainly tread carefully as it will may well be an expensive decision.:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
cheers Andy, I do have a lot of stuff going on again so thought might be good to post up a bit of stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wakefield Turntables
Best of luck with the search.
Personally, I would disregard the Chord on looks alone, but that is me, as I think it is very "Blingy".
It probably sounds very good, but I really don't .ike the styling Chord use. I think a lit of the money goes into the case, and I am happy with a good sounding, boring black box.
Based on the price of the Chord, I think I would look at the Rega Osiris as well.
The Rega lifetime warranty is an attractive selling point.
The thing about those Chord products is that you don't really see their level of quality in photos. I was never keen until I saw them at a show, and then you can see they are immaculately constructed. They look expensive. And they are, but plenty of equally expensive kit that doesn't have that quality of finish.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
Yes some money goes on that but it doesn't actually cost that much to make an outstanding 100wpc integrated amp so with an £8K price tag there's plenty to spare for the cosmetics
I am sure it is a quality product, and it gets good reviews, but it is still not my cup of tea.
It does not matter though, as it is not me that is potentially buying it.
Cosmetically would not be my choice either but then I like 1980s Japanese styling so some way off for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
Speaking of which at this price level Accuphase should be a consideration.
I think the styling and aesthetics of all Chord audio products is awful, regardless of series: Ultima, Motorola, or Etude. Looks have nothing to do with sound quality, obviously sound quality is the more important the two, but it's nice to have both.
Yes, I would go for either Accuphase or a Luxman amplifier.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
I have heard the Rega Elex Mk4 ( I own one), Elicit and Aethos but not had the chance to hear the Osiris. I think the Aethos would actually suit but need to get one in my system to try.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
I really like the styling of the Rega amps and the build quality is fantastic.
I hate those DACs they do with the 'Captain Pike' lights on them. They look awful and are an ergonomic disaster. But their other kit I could live with the styling even if it wouldn't be my first choice. Like I said it does look better in the flesh than in photos.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I would also be tempted to listen to a Luxman L-507Z.
I’m sure the Luxman would sound great and lots of features I like.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
Those Lux integrated amps are nice. It is bloody well made stuff. Been happy with my M-800A and C-800F.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
It's so well made that buying second hand to get further up the range is a very safe bet. Even if it is a model or two behind.
IMHO of course.
I will definitely try and get to hear one.Quote:
Originally Posted by User211