Author Topic: stereofool's  (Read 5014 times)

Offline richidoo

  • Out Of My Speaker Cabinet
  • ******
  • Posts: 11144
stereofool's
« on: June 25, 2008, 06:25:57 AM »
I visited stereofool's house last weekend. He has Piega C8, Butler 2250, AR Ref1, RaySonic CDP, Linn Sondek LP12, AR phono stage, JPS SC, grover balanced and SE whiteys, equitech, foam corner traps and first reflection absorbtion. Insulated wood panel walls, lots of built in bookcases and a huge bass trap integrated into the ceiling.  We had planned to do some acoustic tweekin of the room, but by the time I actually got there a month or so later, Steve had tweaked the new Piegas pretty well. I couldn't hear any acoustic issues at all, nice job Steve! I marvelled especially at the incredible bass that he had goin on. Deep and satisfying, meeting well with the extremely present midrange. I couldn't believe it was coming from 3 6" drivers. Finally Steve spilled the beans, his ACI Titan was playing along with the Piegas.  :duh   Fooled again! Same thing happened to me at RMAF07, the subs blend perfectly, only noticable when turned off.

Anyway, another hour goes by, I'm starting to notice a little blur in the upper bass, a little chesty on the occasional vocal or piano note. Knowing that there is no blur in Piega or ACI separately, I asked Steve if he ever messed with the phase angle of the sub. Nope... What the heck, worth a try.. we are audiophiles anyway right? I twisted the phase 90 degrees and it cleared up a lot. It was late at night so that was the most we were willing to fiddle at that point. The sound was cleaner but not as fat and satisfying anymore. Bringing up the sub crossover to 40Hz and turning down the sub made it come right in.  Magnifique! What was great before was now one of those rare audio listening experiences that you remember for a long time... 

Steve's system has tubes in every component. I think this is why the midrange was so luscious. It did not seem rounded at all, it was very subtle, but also sounded fat and huge, palpable. Big and luxurious but also fast and quick. Combined with the bass of the AR preamp, Butler SS, and ACI plus the speed and control of Piega it was the best bass I have ever heard. Maybe by now Steve has got it set back to the way it was before... murmering, "another damn audiophile screwing with my system..."   :D

We had a quick listen to the Linn TT. Everytime I hear that high end vinyl sound I think, "I gotta get a turntable." Incredible.

Visiting a master audiophile for a day is the most rewarding thing you can do as a novice.  I brought some gear to swap in and test, blablabla... But soon after I arrived and heard his system, I realized this wasn't gonna be the usual gear swapping G2G. Just Listen and Learn!

Thanks for a great visit and lots of learning, Steve!

Offline stereofool

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 453
Re: stereofool's
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2008, 10:34:57 AM »
Rich,

You are more than welcome...I truly appreciated your company, input, and another set of ears.

As I mentioned...I've got a pair of ACI Titan XL's coming...within the next couple of weeks...so that should completely round out my system...for a LONG time to come. Says my weeping wallet  :rofl:!!

When I can finish a few more house repairs/projects, then I will invite the whole gang to come over  :).

YEAH, YEAH...I know that I've been saying that I needed to get those jobs done...for the past 2 YEARS...but this time I actually think I'm going to get that accomplished  :duh!!!
Steve
Have you ever noticed.... Anyone going slower than you is an idiot...and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

Offline Carlman

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 3037
Re: stereofool's
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2008, 11:25:06 AM »
I can't believe how much money and time it takes to complete a building project.  I feel like I understand your pain... I had a plan to be FINISHED by now with my basement... oh well.. Best of luck on your improvements, Steve. 

Sounds like you both had a great time.

-C
I really enjoy listening to music.

Offline stereofool

  • Obsessively Audiophilic
  • ****
  • Posts: 453
Re: stereofool's
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2008, 02:45:33 PM »


Thanks for a great visit and lots of learning, Steve!

[/quote]

Rich,

I can't cop to you learning anything from ME...maybe from the system (???)  :lol:.

No changes...in your tweak...at least until the new ones come in. I guess I'm going to have you back over then...for me to turn knobs, and you to listen and tell me when to stop  :)!



Carl,

My biggest obstacle has been me working 6 days/week...it's challenging to get much done...or even want to...in that one day off :(.

Nevertheless...I will get done...probably about the same time that you finish your basement. That way I can hear the difference in a purpose built room.

Although, since I don't have a wifey around, then I don't have to worry about pleasing someone else's tastes...especially in a openly visible room, of my house.

Steve
Have you ever noticed.... Anyone going slower than you is an idiot...and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

Offline Carlman

  • Audio Neurotic
  • *****
  • Posts: 3037
Re: stereofool's
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2008, 03:47:16 PM »
I'm the main factor in the 'acceptance' part of this equation.  I think my wife would've been ok with me using the bonus room.. but I 'had to have' the basement room.  And, after seeing the time and expense required for this room, I bet many wives would rather have the system in a main living area.

If I didn't work from home and wasn't fairly handy, I wouldn't be able to do this project at all.  Everyone you need works 9-5 M-F and takes cash or check only it seems. ;)

So, I don't know how you make any progress with only 1 day, and it being on a weekend.  Any room in your practice for a partner?  Just a thought..

-C
I really enjoy listening to music.