AOS Library - Suggestions and Content

Paul / Primalsea floated the idea of an AOS Library a while back on this thread: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1828 and I've picked up as a bit of a project.

The idea has got full Admin support, and I've got a test area where I can have a play with different ways of presenting the content. We want this to happen!

What I need from you lot is ideas and content. Paul and I have put some thoughts down in the thread linked above.

Just one note; whatever we do will have to work within the forum software, so we can't go down the 'proper Wiki' route - too complicated as far as hosting and support is concerned. Any other ideas and thoughts are welcome!

Thanks for your help!

that def sounds like a good idea to me i for one would apriciate some facts

the other day after finding out my order for a red project rmp 1 has been almost indefinatly delayed and i might have to paythe 2009 price i came on here looking for an alternative and came across all these peoplewho seem to love the technics sl1210s

in a library there could be a list of sorts of possible upgrade for these things, it doesnt have to go in to whys and wherefores just the possibles. that would then leave me to find out the info and pros and cons of various bits

this doesnt just count for 1210's im sure that would work with loads of hifi bits and bobs

same especially goes for possible opamp upgrades for stans dacs
i came accros opamp options ranging from £10 up to £90 when looking round and got really confused on the way
so.. some kind of opamp guide, what is comparable to what in functioning. it doesnt need any opinion in it just what what works with what without causeing fire

even more simply.... a dictionary of electronic componants. i did electronics at gcse but i remember only vaguly what a resistor does. as far as what a transistor actually does....i knows i got em in my many hifis and microwaves(probably) and other stuff apart from that.... no clue!!

AoS as a forum does seem to specialise somewhat, so sticking to these areas and doing it well would not only keep the library simple but also add value. Areas such as Beresford mods, a DIY reference (particularly DACs), All things Valve, and of course Technics direct drive TTs.

Another thought - A TDA 1541 reference area. AoS was the first place I saw this chip discussed, and it certainly is one of the most comprehensive websites for info on these chips. It just needs organizing & editing, perhaps some additional googling to cherry pick other relevant titbits.

There is already good stuff here, making it more accessible and usable would really put AoS on the map.

Thank you, guys, for the suggestions and feedback. Really brilliant stuff, just the kind of ideas I was looking for.

Keep 'em coming please, everyone!

Hi Nik



What about various sections for some or all of the following;

• Equipment Manuals, or links to a revevant site
• TT setup info, I have some saved info on tonearm and cartridge setup procedures
• A master page with selected links for, TT parts and sources of electronic bits, Capacitors, Inductors, Resistors etc TT and CD motor drives and such like.
• DIY bits like, cases, switches, cables and terminations and braiding ect
• DIY projects, speakers and electronics, crossover design and the like.
• All stuff valve related.

Hope that gives you something to ponder over, I know some stuff has already been suggested but worth while repeating it, as I am far too lazy to remove any pre-suggested suggestions (my mastery of the English Language is masterful as usual)

Andy - SDDW

I also think a glossary of hi-fi clichés (and what we think they mean) would be a good idea.

Examples:-

Night and Day - a difference too significant to be dismissed as possible expectation bias.

No-Brainer - as above but with no obvious compromises or trade-offs.

Plus various coloration descriptions - warm, bright, metallic, edgy, smooth, flat, forward etc.

Etc.

Any of the mods/admin will be able to edit the library to add and modify bits of it, so it would work as a wiki in that respect.

I'm optimistic that this will be a feature that will set us apart from other forums and will work with our nailed-to-the-mast subjectivist approach.

Also setup and tweaking tips as tried and tested by AOS members.

I like that. It took a while for me to work out what PRaT was. I thought you lot were being rude!

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Originally Posted by Beechwoods

I It took a while for me to work out what PRaT was. I thought you lot were being rude!

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Me too - problem is I still haven't worked it out - no matter I probably wouldn't understand it anyway !!:)
Dave.

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Originally Posted by Beechwoods

I like that. It took a while for me to work out what PRaT was. I thought you lot were being rude!

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Although I know what the acronym stands for, not sure how one knows whether one's system has it or not.

Still think it is a descriptive label that should be applied to any over-zealous fan of a certain Caledonian turntable, and who claims that this phenomenon is only revealed by their turntable! And to think that before they came along, nobody could follow a tune, sing along or even dance to their records. We have so much to thank them for!

Barry

Hi Guys,
The recent postings that were instigated by Dave (Dave&Sue) got me thinking quite a bit about this library thing.

I think many of us feel that quite a few of Dave's threads have been quite inspiring, as it's made us think about the first principles again - which is always a good thing (& it's always nice to be of help to someone).

I think all who read it must have jumped for joy when Dave had his eureka moment over positioning his speakers!!

So we should maybe think about having a part of the library for people like Dave, who're new to hi-fi, but need practical & sensible advice about things like speaker positioning etc.......things we all take for granted, but will let us experience more moments like the one Dave had.

The thing I like about AoS is that very rarely is anyone patronising or boastful about the subject - that's why I've never stuck around for long on other fora. Also there's very little 'this is best, it must be cos I've got one' attitude. However, unless I can't remember the earlier posts in this thread properly (& frankly, at the moment I can't be bothered), most of the suggestions (apart from the Glossary) have been for the slightly more 'advanced user' - mainly because that's where most of us are at.

I did make a request for this sort of info in the thread before this one ;)
I too have been learning a lot from the questions Dave has been asking. I'm edging closer to asking my own, too!
I would definitley like to see a beginner's info section - and I think what Beechy has done here falls into that. I'd still like to know what a soundstage is.

I also think a section on valve equipment for someone who has never had valve equipment would be good. General things you need to know to be able to use the kit, and I don't mean fettling.

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Originally Posted by symon

I did make a request for this sort of info in the thread before this one ;)
I too have been learning a lot from the questions Dave has been asking. I'm edging closer to asking my own, too!
I would definitley like to see a beginner's info section - and I think what Beechy has done here falls into that. I'd still like to know what a soundstage is.

I also think a section on valve equipment for someone who has never had valve equipment would be good. General things you need to know to be able to use the kit, and I don't mean fettling.

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Keep the great ideas and thoughts coming...


Soundstage...


"A 3 dimensional sound which has both width, height and depth that exists between and beyond the speakers. This also has a believable/accurate reproduction of the recording venues acoustic or the virtual one created in the studio. Each instrument has its own space and reality, with a solid real vocalists if such are present on the recording. The sound should in many ways be like a real stage in the room on which the musicians perform"

Hows that ...?


Regards D S D L

I think you Spot on Chris
Perhap we could do basic intermediate and advanced concepts
and it has been great to read Dave and Sue Euraka moment as well as Andy (Sand Dancing Walker) listening sessions with Ushers For me this is what all the effort is all about; to enjoy the music at a deeper level!

I do think that a comprehensive library, categorised by manufacturer and model, of user manuals, technical manuals, original brochures and photography would be highly valuable. In the best traditions of forums, it would get everyone contributing: imagine if everyone foraged for or scanned documents pertaining to their current systems, it would very quickly grow into a valuable archive of past and present equipment.

I'd certainly be willing to upload as much material as possible.

Thank you MartinT that would be very welcome as a contribution to this AOS venture. Nick ( Beechwoods) is organizing it, PM him or list here what you have in mind.



Regards D S D L

So where did this idea get to? Does the library exist? Should I start scanning?

It's been up for 11 months Martin - did you miss it?

The links to it are all down at the bottom of the big list of fora on the front page.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Ah bugger, yes I did miss it :doh:

But even worse, I've contributed to the suggestions topic in the past?!

I am definitely getting old.

Lol - you've never noticed The Library before? :doh: :eyebrows:

I think then we need to make it stand out more somehow.....

Has anyone else not noticed The Library?

Marco.

Chris, (wazoo) how are you getting on with the bits i lent you?

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Originally Posted by Marco

Has anyone else not noticed The Library?

Marco.

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Yes, i have been in & had a look about ;) Smelled kind of musty though, like a room that had been sealed up for years :eyebrows:

Nice idea that in reality needs more content imo :)

Hi Mark we would be open to any suggestions you might have

Hi John, it simply needs more input, more in there to read just like any library :scratch:

I'll take a look at who is dealing with the articles & see if i can figure out if i can contribute in any way possible ;) I'm not promising anything, but if i find a subject that i feel i could contribute about (without making a total balls up of it) & i find some time fairly regularly, i might be able to cobble something together :eyebrows:

Or maybe not, we'll see :doh:

Mark - the library is a resource by members for members, we want everyone to get involved, if they have something to contribute. The library definitely needs more content; and hopefully over time, as we get contributions from members, it will grow.

As Nick says please feel free to add

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Originally Posted by Jonboy

Chris, (wazoo) how are you getting on with the bits i lent you?

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Steady but sloooooow Jon. Time for a big push I think!