:lol: Oh is that what they are, I keep mine in the cupboard :doh:Quote:
Originally Posted by AlfaGTV
Must get them out more often,
:cool:Alan
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:lol: Oh is that what they are, I keep mine in the cupboard :doh:Quote:
Originally Posted by AlfaGTV
Must get them out more often,
:cool:Alan
Firewater?Quote:
Originally Posted by Firebottle
Nice room, nice kit and lovely pics. Every time I see a thread on AOS that shows kit in situ I think to myself ...."you are a scutter Stuart. Take up the hoover and hoover. Take up the big box and throw some crap out. " It never happens.
can you share more about your macbook pro setup? what types of media you use it for, players, DACs, method of connection, etc?
Sure. I'm mainly using LPs when really listening music but lately more and more of the "everyday" listening has been done with the Macbook Pro setup.
I have Macbook Pro and NAS (WD 2GB drive with Raid backup system) in my WLAN. Tha NAS includes part of my CD collection and some downloaded albums in losless format and in addition I can use Spotify premium or Sony Music Unlimited services to stream music online. To transport the signal forward for all of these I can use either my WLAN with Apple Airport Express and optical cable, or then direct USB cable, connected to Russ Andrews DAC-1 I have connected to my system. Not the best possibly system and at the moment heavily dependent of my WLAN but still during the years it has been reliable and user friendly system..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika K
Hi Mika, l have tried a Denon DL103 in my SME V and thought it sounded really good, and this was very badly set up, in the next week or so l am getting up by a dealer, but l am excpecting it to sound even better, will report back in due course:)
The Denon is surprisingly competent cart despite its shortcomings. Have not used my Zu in ages, perhaps have to give it a hot during the summer vacation period if have time from other things. That said - now the T'fig cart is really singing after the house move when have re-aligned and adjusted everything.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8...ee89e79d_c.jpg
Now just have to get on with the acoustic project as last week few of my friends were here with the proper measurement equipment. Checked the speaker placement and adjusted the subwoofer to match the main Yams and now it integrates in very clean way. If you wouldn't know that I have one here you certainly wouldn't notice it and the LF response goes now under 20Hz without any shortcomings.
Now have some Vicoustic Wavewood panels spread around the room but have to still figure out the exact places and attach those properly. Then might next consider what to do for the roof. ANd also have the my diy Solidtech Radius project there waiting for the wood and also terrace project pending, blaah :D
Well, you've got all summer to spend on your projects! ;)
Very piccies as usual Mika!
Regards Mike
Finally some progress! That's what we're talking about here :D
Last week go the new equipment rack finished that have been working on for the past month or so. Simple, solid design that looks good and takes everything it needs to. Most of the Vicoustic acoustic panels have been added to the room despite the ceiling is still undone and few panels are behind the futon sofa, those can be raised to the top of the sofa and in front of window in case os critical listening. Have also added some slate under the amp, phono preamp and the PSU, as well as the DA converter. Got new vintage listening chair from one person that was about to move Helsinki.
The system is starting to sound bloody marvellous! For the people interested of measurements and figures can say that the system nails 16Hz with -3db with good quality and the subwoofer is really well integrated to the main speakers. The whole bandwidth is inside +/-3db with two exceptions that are inside +/-5db and this is not done sacrificing the tone or the rhythmic drive :)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/9...7a06b902_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9...c8fed701_c.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/9...f72f695c_c.jpg
Hi Mika,
What can I say stunning system and pictures :)
Marty :D
Had to dig out my camera as took few pics of the new vintage listening chair acquired recently to a friend who's trying to check it's origin, so here's one also to this forum. Finally you're able to see also some colors here.. :cool:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9...77143fd6_c.jpg
And very nice colours it is, too! :)
Great photography, as always!
I have also fallen into the trap of beryllium domes, and aquired a pair of NS-1000M :)
They must be the best value of real hifi available today!
Regards Mike
Hmm, don't really know whats wrong with my Flickr account as it keeps losing pics or updating/breaking the old the links :scratch:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/9...012a78ab_c.jpg
I really hope that got my Flick account sorted out some time ago, so perhaps time to update something here also.
During the last months I've been testing few DACs including the Metrum NOS Mini DAC, that was relatively interesting item. It had pretty good overall performance with nice detailed sonic signature. However with the bottom octaves or with its rhythmic precision it did not match my current Russ Andrews DAC-1. Not having any solid plans at the moment but as most of the "everyday music" is nowadays streaming from Spotify or NAS I think will need to check some options for my next DAC possibly even with Hires support.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/1...fb43d3df_c.jpg
The vinyl rig has been doing it's thing without any changes and that's the way I like to have it. Despite the occasional idea for 2nd player have no plans for this.The NS-1000 monitors are working really well but still think that could use other set of speaker, preferrably with horns. Have been eyeballing few interesting options from used market and going to see/listen one during the weekend. If that's not my coffee have even considering some Avantgarde Acoustics stuff like Unos or Duos.. :)
Today spent the cover song evening at our house with some friends that also like hifi and music like me. The idea was to bring some CDs and LPs with cover songs, and prepare small introduction for others of the music and the backround.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/1...c971e716_z.jpg
Listened some music and discussed many interesting topics. I prepared light dinner (bluecheesesalad, tandoorichicken with white bread and mountain cheese) and we shared few quality beers. Then listened some more music etc. Jolly good!!!
Here my friend Mr.T is listening one of the tracks Mr.H played to us from one french LP..
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/1...4b8b534c_c.jpg
As usual, very nice piccies Mika! I'm a little envious on your ability to push the contrast without loosing detail!
And i'm sure you had a great evening! We're a few audiophools who does likewise. Some beer, (not necessarily quality, though ;)) some food and lots of music!
Regards Mike
Thanks Mike!
Too bad I live here in the north and in middle of nowhere. Otherwise would most likely travel around more to meet people and if possible in these kind of great occasions :)
Today evening Mrs.Mrok is at the roller derby club party and as the kids are sleeping started to felt abit bored while listening music and checking some discussion forums from the laptop.
Suddenly decided to try this one danish teak chair in our living room as it has been buried under felts and clothes at our master bedroom for a while. I guess the chair is from the 60s. Nice chair despite being little low for my tastes. I actually received this as pre-heritage from my grandmother when moved to my own place almost 20 years ago.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/1...f220dcc6_c.jpg
Thats an interesting take on your listening experience! But, oh so true!
Personally i prefer comfy before stylish, but thats a compromise i have to live with every day ;)
As usual, sublime photography!
I'm i hallucinating? but i thought you guys were bicycle fit guys!
Hmmm Mika, the beer, food and music must have been particularly fine that evening as I really don't remember visiting your wonderful home. We also appear to have moved on one letter in the alphabet as I am Mr S. Your friend is my doppelganger from the side... ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika K
Glad you enjoyed it! :D
I will burn in hell for this.. :eyebrows:
I have lusted Eames Lounge Chair for ages and knowing the prices have decided that will not buy any cheap copy and instead will try to hunt down an used original. However last week one of my work collegues said that his friend is moving and has China imported Eames copy for sale. The chair had been bought directly from factory for sale few years ago and has "upgrade" leather installed instead of some cheap stuff. I though this over and over again during few days and as the price was way cheap I swallowed the bait with the line, rod, fisherman and the boat also. So now I have fake Eames Lounge Chair standing at my living room. I know. I will burn in hell for this.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/1...826a11de_z.jpg
The chair is fairly good quality and the leather especially is something else than usually with the el cheapos but despite that of course it's not the same thing than the original. It feels solid and is really comfy thou. So alas! I've taken decision that at some point I will buy new original one if do not bump into 2nd hand option. When this happens? I do not know but from now on that will definitely be one of my targets..
Good decision! This is art with function!
Besides, i think you'll enjoy music even more with this "upgrade"
Enjoy!
//mike
I accidentally speakers..
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/1...caeec7dc_z.jpg
And few pics from the first iteration with the original JBL 4341 Studio Monitors with alnico magnets etc.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/1...a3afd935_c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/1...57d0816d_z.jpg
Very promising have to say! I think I have to play bit with the speaker positioning, switch the side for other supertweeter and also get those monsters some "legs" or stands that raise them little out of the floor..
Feck me! There be monsters! :)
I'm sure you are a happy bunny Mika, looking forward to hearing some more on your impressions!
Apart from all their other fine attributes they would also make the most excellent party speakers... :D
Those speakers and that room look AMAZING Mika.
If the set-up sounds as good as it looks then you are one lucky dude :)
what's that stuff on the walls - art or room treatment? if later, what exactly?
^ Those are acoustic treatment from Vicoustic.
http://www.vicoustic.com/music-broad...tion/panel/415
Okay Mika
I've been jealous of your system and room for some time now, that Eames chair almost pushed me over the edge but those JBLs have finally done it. I will be coming over to Finland to burgle your house in the near future ;)
If you snag the speakers and chair, can you get me his CD collection Martin ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Yep no problem - as we have different musical tastes we should be able to whack it out between us quite successfully :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim
Those CDs you're free to snag any given day as long as you stay away from my vinyl collection.. :D
Today spent few hours tweaking the speaker placement for the JBLs and actually found one I prefer over the previous one. Also did some experiments with the speaker height using some small bricks and books under the current feet made from wood and think I nailed it. Later today contacted my local carpenter (who is friend of mine) with the exact measurements and ordered the stands bit like the ones used by Kenrick Audio. As he is crafting those for me besides other more commercial stuff don't know the exact target date, so not going to hold my breath for the quick delivery.. :D
Great system. Even better pics. Like the use of flare in this one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mika K
I did like the retro bamboo blinds in the old room.
Two questions
1. What camera?
2. Where are these white acoustic panels from?
p.s. I used to be on the floor doing the Brio with my kids
Next step is Kapla - the best building toy ever.
http://www.kapla.com/kapla/accueil.en.htm
My brother in law is addicted to it and he's 48.
Steven
The pic was taken ages ago while we were still living in our old apartment but.. :)
1. Looking from the storage it looks like the pic was taken with Panasonic DMC-LX3 (f/2:1/4":5.1mm:ISO 800)
2. The panels are DIY by yours truly using Ecophon Master Alpha acoustic panels in size 120x60x4cm plus Auralex Acoustics DST-R diffusive tiles on top.
Few pics from the living room with new speaker placement and longer listening distance..
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/1...c0c14189_c.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/1...ddcd3e42_c.jpg
Wonderful pic, Mika. I love the warmth and cosiness portrayed by the room, thanks to the soft lighting and the gentle glow of the meters on the McIntosh amp - just my kinda thing!
I could happily chill there for hours :)
Marco.
Great idea having the lamp behind the system. Creates a nice effect.
Thanks for the info on the panels. They looked familiar. I was after some. I saw them elsewhere, searched and found them and then lost my search.
Nice little camera. Recently replaced a Canon S90 f/2 with the f/1.4 DMC-LX7 (in the Leica DLUX6 version), probably the best pocket low light camera around and great value.
Psvane T-series
Have used already Genalex Gold Lion KT-88 tubes with my McIntosh amp but with the stock preamp tubes. Upgraditus maximus has lurkes behind the corner last week saw few hundred used 12AT7-T ja 12AX7-T tubes for sale here in Finland from other McIntosh owner. Most of the user reviews for Psvane tubes are positive as well as other ones like this Tone Audio one mm. http://www.tonepublications.com/blog...ntastic-tubes/, so decided to give these a try.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Iss...tubefromGF.jpg
So far have been really satisfied and below are the three main differences that I feel have the biggest impact in my system when comparing these to the stock ones:
1) Better PRAT - Despite talking about american made tubeamp still feel that this can be covered as every kit has these in one for or the other. So it's not only on/off thingie as some seem to think it is. McIntosh house sound and its bass is something different from the norm of powerful tube or solid-state amps. They define the leading edge of bass transients in sharp and especially lifelike way. The transients of bass instruments are seemingly slower but no less precise than those of upper-midrange and treble instruments, and this gives some listeners feeling of lagging behind. Psvane tubes improved this very clearly. Nice bass melodies there on Belle & Sebastianin album Write About Love albumilla or modern progressive masterpiece The Mountain by Haken.
2) Clarity of mids and highs - Smoother and more detailed presentation without the slight harshness that was present with stock tubes. Quieter background and better focus is also there.
3) Transparency - The overall performance is much more transparent and the music flows as a whole, despite you can still easily focus to individual elements if you desire.
I think for the price these Psvanes are really good and balanced tubes. Based on my earlier experiences there might be some NOS variants that do some things better but then again they're much more expensive and might lack that sweet balance that is fairly important imho. So, if you need some mid-priced tubes I can highly recommend Psvane as one potential option :)
Tuberolling huh? And some people claim the world was simpler in the old days... ;)
Bet it sounds lovely though! Whats your estimate on lifetime for a set of tubes there? And are they used as output power tubes or low power staging/buffering tubes?
ATB /Mike
True!
Lifetime for tubes is supposed to be very high with McIntosh biasing and ventilation solutions, something like several thousand hours for the output powertubes. For the preamp side and the stage/buffer I think it's closer to ten thousand hours etc. Have some friends that have been using MC275 poweramps for years and years without any issues despite naturally at some point the performance of the tubes is not optimal anymore. Now I have the originals as spares and the costs for full set is not that bad, so.. :D
New speaker stands for the JBLs arrived few days ago from the local carpenter.
They're everything as they're supposed be - clean, simple and sturdy design with good looks, so no complaints from my side. Have to still do some minor tunedemming for the speaker placement as the 3" change in speaker stand height compared to old wooden furniture feet seems to have small impact to balance of the sound. Perhaps some other minor changes also there..
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/1...b541d6a2_c.jpg
Perhaps few words later of the update when get things properly sorted out :D
Lovely setup, great pics.
Thanks!
Now new stands for the JBLs have been in use for over a week and the speakers have found their position, which I seem to prefer the most. At the moment my setup is sounding better than ever and overall the improvement during the last minor adjustments have been remarkable. Me so happy :D
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/1...cf3db7f7_c.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...0ebb4040_c.jpg
Hi Mika,
what is you Garrard deck standing on?
cheers
Jimbo