AudioNervosa

Group Therapy => NC Triangulation => Topic started by: richidoo on May 21, 2012, 05:28:50 PM

Title: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on May 21, 2012, 05:28:50 PM
Hyper Econowaves
Audio Research VT100
Audio Research Ref1 preamp
Samet i60
richidoo-DAC
Sonos / CDs
Clearaudio Concept TT / Vista pre
JPS

Please bring music, in any format.
Please bring $5 for chow.
Please BYOB and take it home. 
Please bring balanced purple wires. :drool: 
Please don't park on the grass.
Please PM for directions.
1pm til ....?

The econowaves are as good as they are gonna get before the SEOS12 horns arrive from China to design the final version. I'm still tinkerin' with them, but I don't wanna put off the G2G anymore. :D 
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: Bigfish8 on May 21, 2012, 05:56:19 PM
Rich:

Please pencil me in as a tentative attendee.  I am at peace with my system but would certainly like to see the guys and you again.

Ken
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: stereofool on May 21, 2012, 06:25:39 PM
I'm IN and will bring 'wires'  :thumb:!!!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: mfsoa on May 21, 2012, 06:46:21 PM
I'll be Lynchburg Va that weekend.

How far are you?

(kidding)

Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on May 21, 2012, 07:23:54 PM
How far are you?

Far out  8) 
150 miles, 3 hours. Of course, you're welcome, Mike.

Ken, I hope you can make it. We miss you!

Thanks Steve!

A little birdie told me that a pair of Hypex NCore amps will be here - not the tour pair.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on May 30, 2012, 05:54:58 PM
It is possible that the Hypex NCores and DAC Cherry amplifiers will be here together for an informal comparison at the G2G. Thanks to launche and jtwrace!

Sol is working on his next generation i60 with updated input stage, and improved protection on output stage. He hopes to have it running by then.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: Carlman on May 31, 2012, 01:28:09 PM
Sounds like the gear is stacking up! I hope I can make it... That week we were planning a vacation but maybe we can work around it. 

I'm excited about your latest Ewave break-throughs.  And the Ncore, Sol's i60, a Cherry... man, that's pretty awesome. 8)

It is a must-visit event in my opinion! :)  I will do my best to make it so.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on May 31, 2012, 01:51:32 PM
I hope you can make it Carl!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: djdube525 on May 31, 2012, 03:13:23 PM
I need to double check I don't have a bike ride scheduled that day... I think I'm free. Pencil me in if you still have room. Maybe I can actually stay through the early evening for once.  :rofl:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: RichardS on May 31, 2012, 03:54:52 PM
Looks like a 'digital' amp shoot-out may be forming. Let me know if you want another, namely a NAD M2 (just purchased--arrived today).
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on May 31, 2012, 04:54:35 PM
Dave -  :thumb:

Richard, of course bring it! You must be very psyched about that!  I've been looking forward to hearing that amp for a long time. Congratulations on the new acquisitions.

Sol, Ken, Shane and Steve, (our class D allergics) don't worry, we have some nice analog amps too, in case your brain cells start to fry.  :rofl:  The reference system is Steve's AR tubes. We will hover around that unless we all agree to swerve off.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on May 31, 2012, 05:06:07 PM
Oh man, so much good stuff!

SE PA to NC just under 6hrs driving, oh if only I was younger.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: eleazar on May 31, 2012, 06:01:54 PM
Oh man, so much good stuff!

SE PA to NC just under 6hrs driving, oh if only I was younger.

Gene we could go together and share the driving   :shock:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on May 31, 2012, 06:05:00 PM
You are both welcome!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: eleazar on May 31, 2012, 06:56:52 PM
Thanks Rich

Well Gene what up !!!!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on May 31, 2012, 08:16:41 PM
Can we take the Jag? I'll get a room at the Hampton Inn, dual Queen beds.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: lonewolfny42 on May 31, 2012, 08:26:30 PM
You guys should drive down.... :D

Maybe Tommy (DAC) would go along as well.

Rich, Carl, Ken, Shane...and the other guys....all good people!! :thumb:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: tmazz on May 31, 2012, 10:16:55 PM
Sounds like it could be a fun road trip. I would love to join you guys but I have tickets for Ringo on Fri 6/22 and the Beach Boys 50th Anniv tour on Sun 6/24.

It never rains but it pours.....  :?
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on June 01, 2012, 05:18:35 AM
Comes down to if I drive up to Emil's the 6th, I can't see driving to LI, then to NC 2 weekends later.

I really want to hear the NCORE amps, and if the Cherry's are there for comparison, all the better.

And meeting the Carolina crew would be an extra, God knows they have to be better mannered than the NY crew.  :rofl:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: eleazar on June 01, 2012, 05:24:20 AM
Can we take the Jag? I'll get a room at the Hampton Inn, dual Queen beds.

I've known you awhile but don't know if you can drive stick shift.
Now don't be insulted I know a lot of people who can't.....P-man
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 01, 2012, 05:59:02 AM
A Jag with a stick? Sounds interesting...   orange, of course...

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6058/5894018634_747b6d4cab.jpg)
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: eleazar on June 01, 2012, 06:16:57 AM
A Jag with a stick? Sounds interesting...   orange, of course...

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6058/5894018634_747b6d4cab.jpg)

Boy oh boy do I wish it was orange but alas it's green

(http://www.myflexads.com/ad_pix/JaguarDrivFront2.jpg)
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on June 01, 2012, 06:18:36 AM
You kumquat brain, I put myself through Northeastern as a temp driver, I have my CDL still.

My first car was a Ford Falcon window van with '3 on the side'.

Can we take the Jag? I'll get a room at the Hampton Inn, dual Queen beds.

I've known you awhile but don't know if you can drive stick shift.
Now don't be insulted I know a lot of people who can't.....P-man
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: eleazar on June 01, 2012, 06:23:08 AM
You kumquat brain, I put myself through Northeastern as a temp driver, I have my CDL still.

My first car was a Ford Falcon window van with '3 on the side'.

Can we take the Jag? I'll get a room at the Hampton Inn, dual Queen beds.

I've known you awhile but don't know if you can drive stick shift.
Now don't be insulted I know a lot of people who can't.....P-man

Hey Gene the kumquat is that in the pumpkin family ?? :rofl:

Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on June 01, 2012, 06:47:07 AM
Hey Rich -

Put Bill and I down as tentative, I have to check to see if my ex can cover the house that night.

We'd be a 2-3pm arrival most likely.

Gene
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 01, 2012, 08:33:19 AM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: ampdesigner333 on June 04, 2012, 06:19:02 PM
It is possible that the Hypex NCores and DAC Cherry amplifiers will be here together for an informal comparison at the G2G. Thanks to launche and jtwrace!

Sol is working on his next generation i60 with updated input stage, and improved protection on output stage. He hopes to have it running by then.
Thinking about it.  I have some demo Cherries (even a pair of faceless MONOs and ULTRA MONOs, but Patrick wants to review them ASAP)!!!!  Is it in NC?  Just got to this thread so pardon my ignorance....
-Tommy O

p.s. my new (but related) technology prototype should be ready in about 2 months, pre-chassis
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: ampdesigner333 on June 04, 2012, 09:12:25 PM
It is possible that the Hypex NCores and DAC Cherry amplifiers will be here together for an informal comparison at the G2G. Thanks to launche and jtwrace!

Sol is working on his next generation i60 with updated input stage, and improved protection on output stage. He hopes to have it running by then.
Thinking about it.  I have some demo Cherries (even a pair of faceless MONOs and ULTRA MONOs, but Patrick wants to review them ASAP)!!!!  Is it in NC?  Just got to this thread so pardon my ignorance....
-Tommy O

p.s. my new (but related) technology prototype should be ready in about 2 months, pre-chassis
Forgot to mention, that's my BIRTHDAY!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 05, 2012, 09:17:59 AM
You are welcome to come down Tommy, yes it is in Cary, NC. We already have a member's Cherry amp lined up, which we will play, but you are welcome to bring whatever you want. It would be great to meet you. My BD is 20th, so we will have to make it a BD party if you come.

Everyone should remember that I am just an amateur DIY speaker builder. Don't expect perfection. At least all the amps have the same handicap. The tube has the advantage of offering the speakers better disguise....
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: jtwrace on June 07, 2012, 05:40:52 PM
Thought I'd post these as I can bring them.   :thumb:

Up for sale are two of the pictured enclosures.  I will sell without the Cardas Binding Posts. 

$300 for the pair without the binding posts shipped to your door in the USA.

They measure 6.5" tall x 18" wide x 20" deep  The inside measures 14 1/4" x 17 1/4" deep

It has a removeable top which allows for easy access.

$200 if brought to Rich's. 
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: hometheaterdoc on June 08, 2012, 10:15:54 AM
I might be able to come.....  someone else will kind of dictate that for me, though... I haven't exactly had a lot of free time the past couple months :)

The custom 6C33C amps are apparently dead silent now (and significantly cooler running) according to Sol after custom toroid power tranny upgrades to replace all the EI cores... I haven't had a chance to listen to them yet to confirm... if you want to borrow anything, or have things delivered early so everyone can listen and enjoy, let me know....  if Carl makes it and I don't, he might be able to bring stuff along for me as an alternate option :)....

Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 08, 2012, 10:28:45 AM
That's great news!

I'm looking forward to hearing those again, and to seeing you, of course...  nice avatar, btw.  Good lookin guy obviously takes after Melissa.  :-P
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: jianghai on June 08, 2012, 09:50:10 PM
I should be able to make it too, can't wait to hear em! :drool:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 09, 2012, 10:10:36 AM
Great!!  See you then.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 18, 2012, 07:02:39 PM
Polk LSiM-707 will be in attendance.

(http://www.polkaudio.com/images/home/large/black/lsim707.jpg)

One more week!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: lonewolfny42 on June 20, 2012, 08:12:47 PM
Are those the speakers you picked up in Florida Rich ?




Oh....by the way.....

(http://www.zurekbrau.com/blogs/richsblog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Cake.jpg)..... :beer:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 21, 2012, 05:35:04 AM
Thanks Chris!

Yes, heard the speakers at CAF last summer. They sounded pretty good there with AR stack. My family likes the sound of them and they are very nice to look at. Just something good and cheap to keep the tunes playing when the DIY projects are in surgery, and keep my ears from wandering into diy LALAland.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: StereoNut on June 21, 2012, 06:40:32 AM
Happy belated Birthday!!!  :duh
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 22, 2012, 02:37:14 AM
Thanks Bill!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: Bigfish8 on June 22, 2012, 04:30:39 AM
Hi Rich:

I was really looking forward to the opportunity to see everyone again but Vera and I will be out of town.  Have a great time and I hope you will post lots of pictures.

Ken

Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 22, 2012, 07:58:10 AM
OK Ken, have fun!  Catch you next time.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: rollo on June 22, 2012, 08:48:49 AM
What someone had a Birthday ?? Happy happy. Sounds like you guys will have some fun. Enjoy!!!!


charles
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: chrisa on June 22, 2012, 09:51:18 AM
Rich,
can you handle one more? I was thinking I would be out of town, but not looking that way at this point.
I'll bring a 5 spot for food, and the Medeliene Peyroux CD that somehow ended in my stack at the last meet I attended.

Chris
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 22, 2012, 12:34:13 PM
Thank you Charles!

Sure Chris, come on over.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: stereofool on June 22, 2012, 01:53:38 PM
Rich,

Need anything besides 'purple' wires??

I'll bring camera and some sounds.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: hometheaterdoc on June 22, 2012, 04:03:15 PM
Rich,

I'm iffy and will only be able to stay a short while if I do make it...  I'll be early if I'm coming..... I certainly want to come, but lots of errands have been piling up and someone isn't exactly jumping up and down at the thought of me disappearing for hours and leaving her to look after Ryan....

If I bring amps, can you make arrangements to get them back to me at a later time so folks can have a listen for the entire event?  Or if not, do you want me to bring them at all?
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 22, 2012, 05:57:08 PM
Sure Shane, I'll bring them back to you, after a while... ;)  You can bring them by if you feel like it. I'm sure they will be a big hit. Or just come and chill without working...

Steve,  thanks for bringing the wires. A set of balanced and a set of SE would be great to add to my 2 SE jps sets. If you have a JPS digital RCA that is better than my black cat, but it's good enough if you don't. That should cover anything. Richard is bringing 3 PCs to add to my 2.

I'll be serving chili and cornbread, salad. Chips, salsa. Coke and Sprite. BYOB and sweets.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: BobM on June 23, 2012, 06:43:59 AM
Have fun today boys and be sure to post all that goes on, with pictures. Get one of Rich with his birthday hat on!

Enjoy,
Bob
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 23, 2012, 07:32:40 AM
Thanks Bob. Maybe I'll wear my whole birthday suit?
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: rollo on June 23, 2012, 07:44:00 AM
   Anxious to hear the opinions of the Hypex amp. To date they have been mixed. Some love em, some say to sterile and detailed. Most agree the bass is stellar.
   So "tastes great or less filling" ??? Have fun guys.


charles
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: rollo on June 23, 2012, 07:47:23 AM
Thanks Bob. Maybe I'll wear my whole birthday suit?

   :shock: Have fun guys.


charles
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: Triode Pete on June 23, 2012, 08:51:56 AM
Enjoy! Hopefully the weather is as nice in NC as it is in NY right now!

Cheers  :beer:,
Pete
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 23, 2012, 09:31:34 AM
Thanks guys! Weather is beautiful. Only wish we lived closer so you all could come.

Bill and Gene hit some traffic in VA but they'll be here at 2. On the phone they sound like Tom and Ray Magliozzi, the Tappet Brothers, from Car Talk Show.

All set up and things are sounding good.  Rick Craig will be arriving a little early with his curved array speakers. So we'll have 4 speakers to sample, and 5 amps.
Rich
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: Carlman on June 23, 2012, 04:41:18 PM
Wow, what a bonanza!   :shock:

I rolled in from the beach a couple of hours ago... Long drive with the family... we're beat and the little one's a little out of sorts... but loving being home.  So, I'm here for the night.

So, sorry I can't make it.  VERY MUCH looking forward to hearing all about today's fun! :)

-C
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: stereofool on June 23, 2012, 09:52:47 PM
Rich, as always, thank you for opening your home, to a bunch of unruly audiophiles.

Bill & Gene, it was great meeting you, and of course it was great seeing a bunch of familiar faces.

I must confess to doing very little listening...mostly catching-up with friends and chatting with some visitors.

Eyes are about to slam shut...I'll work on pics tomorrow...zzzzzz!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 23, 2012, 10:16:54 PM
You got home quick Steve.  :thumb:  Thanks for bringing yourself and some goodies.

Thanks for making the drive Bill and Gene, it was great to meet you guys and shoot the shit. I hope you heard what you wanted to hear and had some fun too.

Thanks to Shane, Rick, Richard, Sol, Jason and Eric for bringing gear over.

The NCores sounded best on my Polks. Nothing else really did it on the Polks. The Cherrys sounded best on the Ewaves and the DTQWTs, they fattened up the sound and added bass. We only listened to Richards M2 on the DTQWT and it was not a good match.

Rick's Game changer curved arrays were impressive sounding with the 6C33 tube amps on the tweeters and Cherry on the woofers. That was probably the peak quality sound of the day and stayed on the longest.

We set up a passive all tube system with AR Ref1 preamp and 6C33 amps to play vinyl. It was nice, but a bit too soft for my taste. Giyan played some Brandi Carlile on that system and it was awesome.

At the very end there was only Sol and Giyan left. I was tired of the soft tubes, so Sol suggested we put in his i30 integrated and that did it for me. My DTQWT-12s finally, FINALLY found the amp that makes them sing. Bass is delicate, controlled, musical, the horn bass did not sound separate from the rest of the music, nor did the treble get too loud, it was just right. I've been using his i60 for a year but it didn't match well with these speakers. So I'm gonna audition the i30 for a while and maybe order one from Sol.

I learned a lot at this G2G, thanks to everyone for coming and for sharing your wisdom and insights.

Pics tomorrow.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: RichardS on June 24, 2012, 05:24:37 AM
Great time. Great guys (and one lady). Great listening. Great host.

I'd heard Rick's curved arrays before, but they impressed me more this time, especially with Sol's tubes on top and the Cherry on bottom. They provide a wonderfully density of images and really fill up the spaces with music. Also a nice two-person speaker, creating a believable soundstage when listening off-center.

The M2 sounded harsh and congested on the DTQWT, which surprised me as it's quite clear and open on my Peak Consult speakers. On the way home I realized I hadn't adjusted the speaker impedance-matching filter to match the treble of the speaker. It's set to 4-ohms to match my Peaks, which could account for the treble's harshness (though not the veiling through the mids). Rick's right though; not a good match. Sorry I missed Sol's i30 on the DTQWT.

I love what Rich has done with his room, especially the huge ceiling diffuser--looks nice--and the closable wall between the living room and kitchen.

Can't wait till next time...
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: lonewolfny42 on June 24, 2012, 08:00:18 AM
A ....(http://png-1.findicons.com/files//icons/236/merry_christmas/128/golden_star.png) ...for Bill and Gene ....I thought they'd "flake out" at the last minute... :rofl:



What are your thoughts of the comparison of the NCore's to the DAC amp ? Thanks... :thumb:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 24, 2012, 10:07:47 AM
Chris, I liked the NCore for precision, accuracy, merciless grip at all freqs. It doesn't have as violent transients as Spectron or Levinson 53, but still very impressive overall from the audiophile's "absolute sound" perspective. It seemed more musical than those other 2 technical marvels, while also simpler, smaller, lighter cheaper. It did not suffer Rick's older version DEQX pre/processor well, exaggerating the edginess of that pre. Sol thinks it sounded like OP2134 opamps characteristic buzz, he is pretty accurate guessing chips and transistor part numbers by ear.  With my Buffalo DAC there was no edge with NCore, but a few people still felt a trace of class D sizzle form NCore, even with the Buffalo. Eric's DAC amp (original stereo Cherry) reminded me of a clean PP tube amp with massive balls. The adjective most frequently heard among the guys was fat or phat depending on who said it. Fat from those who prefer accuracy and did not like the richening the Cherry added. I thought it was phat because it added flesh to the tone, rounded the edges a little compared to NCore, and seemed to tip bass response up a couple dB. It had a darker, richer sound that I liked better than NCore on the Ewave and especially on the DTQWT, while the Ncore sounded better to me on the Polks (we didn't play that combo at the meet.)  It is weird that the NCore sounded better to me on the Polks than the Cherry, because the general agreement was that the Polks sounded top heavy on all of the other amps. But the NCore made the bass sound so great on the Polks maybe that allowed me to focus less on the highs.

We only listened to Richard's NAD M2, only on the DTQWT, and only after most people had split, and the match was not great. The Cherry blew away the NCore and M2 on the easy load, high efficiency DTQWT speakers, perfect match. I'm not sure we analyzed that combo, but I was playing it at the very beginning when people were first arriving, and even my wife commented how great it sounded. She said what speakers are these? The ones I built last summer... Hmmm. Uh oh! Maybe I just needed a different amp instead of 2 more DIY speakers.  :duh   :rofl:

But Sol's newest version i30, with <1/10 power than Cherry, was pretty much in the same class as Cherry on those speakers. It was a very nice match. Unfortunately we discovered that too late with only me Sol and Giyan still around to hear it. Magic hour came too late! We'll remember it for next time.

There was so much that we didn't get to do, so it will be fun to reassemble these amps again in the near future for a rematch, with better (passive xo) speakers, more flexible schedules and less speaker swapping. Fortunately these amps all live in NC and everyone wants to do it again sometime. Shane and I are about to dive into SEOS builds this summer hopefully one of those will prove a worthy victim of class D abuse. Shane has a true monster speaker planned.

Gene was tired toward the end, but some rare premium Lee Morgan (Take Twelve album) stoked his coals for a few minutes, and Bill hung in there to the bitter end. We all enjoyed their visit, and hope their threats to come again come true. 

I promised some CD copies but the CD-R blanks were not where they are supposed to be, so I will mail those out.

Gene, I didn't even know there was Hampton Inn in Holly Springs, glad you found it on your own. Pics coming...
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 24, 2012, 10:10:47 AM
Pics
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 24, 2012, 10:12:19 AM
More pics
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 24, 2012, 10:54:55 AM
Pic descriptions
3620 - DTQWT-12, NCore, Buffalo2, Concept TT
3622 - NCores close up
3623 - Cherry, VPI 16, Samet i60 mk1 hiding under hand drilled BAD panel
3624 - "Green room" staging area, aka speaker warehouse, and music room.
3625 - Name that butt
3626 - This is your Gene. This is Bill Evans. This is your Gene on Bill Evans at Village Vanguard, comparing NCore and Cherry.
3628 - Mystery man, Orange Crush (you know who that is ;) ) and Giyan talking NCore technology.
3629 - jtwrace's NCore handiwork... Nicely done Jason! :thumb:
3630 - Ewaves, Shane's newly quiet and cool 6C33s, fed by BuffaloII, with Selah Audio's Gamechangers in the background waiting patiently to spank all other speakers in the house, again.
3631 - Closeup of Samet 6C33 tube amps. 70W class AB, fully regulated B+, Lundahl amorphous core OPT, fast continuous analog autobias. Do you recognize the boxes from richidoo's workshop? Raw unfinished plywood, that's my trademark! Beautiful sounding amps.
3632 - DTQWT playing M2, with Samet i30 and i15 waiting their turns in background.
3633 - closeup M2
After that we switched to all tubes and vinyl with Steve's Ref1 preamp, 6C33s, DtQWT. But no more pics...  :( This system was too soft for me, but mellow and groovey, playing some jazz then Neil Young, Brandi Carlile.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on June 24, 2012, 02:16:52 PM
"Rick's Game changer curved arrays were impressive sounding with the 6C33 tube amps on the tweeters and Cherry on the woofers. That was probably the peak quality sound of the day and stayed on the longest."

Yes, yes, 1000 times YES! That was my favorite sound of the day.

Rich - A true pleasure making your acquaintance, thanks for having Pman and I to your event. Your wife and children were also a delight, I hope we weren't too loud at end of the night. Did you get your son to airport this morning?

The rest of the folks there were a pleasure to meet and speak with, I picked up a few nuggets of useful info. I would have learned more if only could have tracked with what Sol was saying to me, he's a real gem. I want his tubed amps!

And yes I got what I wanted, the Ncores are fine, but I don't see/hear them as a 'game-changer' in amplification to the point that I'd sell off what I already have. But if I was just getting into 2-channel and wanted powerful monoblocks, I could go that way.

Don't worry about getting the music out, maybe you'll make CAF and bring it with you.

14 hours in a small Jag with Pman in 36 hours, I need a drink now.
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: hometheaterdoc on June 24, 2012, 04:06:06 PM
I was under strict orders to stay less than 2 hours...  got to hear a couple combos...  I'm sorry I missed the combo at the end with Rick's curved array and the tubes...  that would have been nice because it was not sounding good earlier...  the ncore and deqx without remeasuring and reconfiguring was nails on a chalkboard to me, sol and Steve... the usual guys that cringe at that same 4k-8K stuff that others don't seem bothered by...  they had great coverage... I'm glad they went to another level after some good setup and with some tubes in the mix :)

For the comparison, I sat off to the side so can only speak about tonality and detail, not soundstaging.  Ncore was lean.  Clean but lean to my ears.  Cherry amp was much fatter sounding... a lot more heft and weight to the bass and up into the midrange.  I liked the tubes best... bass was bloated and not anywhere near as deep... but the tone was much more for me.  I'm a tube guy... I can't get away from it... I prefer to make the speakers detailed and then use the tubes as tone controls to tailor the sound to taste...

Great to see everyone if only for a few minutes :) :(  I wish I could have stayed longer.... hopefully next time :)
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: eleazar on June 24, 2012, 06:02:04 PM
A ....(http://png-1.findicons.com/files//icons/236/merry_christmas/128/golden_star.png) ...for Bill and Gene ....I thought they'd "flake out" at the last minute... :rofl:



What are your thoughts of the comparison of the NCore's to the DAC amp ? Thanks... :thumb:

(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/andriusr/andriusr1112/andriusr111200129/11602036-green-apple-with-a-surprised-naive-face-expression-its-eyes-are-widely-open-and-look-like-white-ball.jpg)
Chris oh you of little faith   :lol:

My sentiments are with Gene. I had a great time and I'm glad I didn't ''flake out''. But unlike Gene who can be fixed with a drink. I'll clearly need psychotherapy after a weekend with Mr. Gene :shock:

To Rich and all the guys thanks for making me welcome and if asked again I promise not to bring Gene :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on June 24, 2012, 07:11:13 PM
Glad to hear all the travelers made it home safely.

Yes Gene, my middle kid flew off to camp this morning. Me to bed at 2, woke at 6, yum Sunday mornings not supposed to be like that! But at least I didn't have to drive 8 hours. In a week he will arrive home with zombie eyes stoned on sugar and sleeping 2 hours a night, feeling entitled to continue living like that forever. Free bennie from my wife's company, for the employees whose kids are making the grades. After you left Sol was cranking his amp up to "see if they would clip" at 12:30 so no, you weren't too loud, but we could hear you snoring over Sol's testing..   :rofl:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: lonewolfny42 on June 24, 2012, 08:52:28 PM
Thanks for the comments and photos... :beer:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: Carlman on June 25, 2012, 06:50:33 AM
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and photos.  I REALLY wish I could've been there.  Hopefully I'll get to host some spin-off experiments from what sounds like a month's worth of comparing that was compressed into 1 day. ;)

I'm glad to hear Sol's new i30 is sounding nice.  I heard a very short taste at his house and thought it had a nice 'wholeness' to it. (hard to describe) but it was musical and detailed, which is a feat in itself.  I'm glad you're getting to help each other voice a system to each other's tastes.  It's a rare treat to have checks and balances in a creative process.

The Ncore and Cherry sound like fantastic options... and trying it in your system sounds imperative.  I think that's part of the deal with a 'value' system.  If you want your system to sound like a 6-digit system for close to 4-digits... You have to make sure it all "synergizes"... Seems to me the higher the price, the more they've considered compatibility so it becomes less of an issue.

-C
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on December 16, 2012, 01:57:56 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51URFlsv5GL._SS500_.jpg)

I just found a CD in my CDP, left there during the G2G in June. It is EWF, All 'n All. Let me know if you are missing it. Thanks!
Rich

I realized we haven't had a Carolina G2G since June!  :shock:  Time flies!
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: AcidJazz on December 16, 2012, 05:09:04 PM
Quote
I realized we haven't had a Carolina G2G since June!

Even more alarming is that you haven't played a cd since June??  :shock:
Unless of course you have a halodeck and experience everything 'live'.  :lol:
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: richidoo on December 16, 2012, 05:17:02 PM
I use the NAS/Sonos most of time, but less than half of my CDs are on there...   :?
Title: Re: June 23 - richidoo's
Post by: etcarroll on December 16, 2012, 07:47:28 PM
Only half????????

Son, you're just digging that hole deeper.

I use the NAS/Sonos most of time, but less than half of my CDs are on there...   :?