AudioNervosa

Systemic Development => Bipolar System Disorders => Member's Systems => Topic started by: Guy 13 on August 13, 2019, 06:21:46 PM

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 13, 2019, 06:21:46 PM
Hi all.
Now that Folsom is taking over the ship (Thanks to Nick and Folsom)
I will soon post the evolution of my steps with SET amplifier and Open Baffle speakers.
Of course, I will post of pictures, but with only a maximum of 600Kb
that will restrict the amount of pictures.
I hope Folsom will change that restriction.
Thanks again and I will do my best to participate in make this forum interesting,
informative and fun in a civilized matter.

Guy 13

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Admin on August 14, 2019, 04:01:50 PM
There's no plans to change the picture size right now. That would be a major upgrade to the server.

Here's my suggestion; use https://imgbb.com (https://imgbb.com). It's free, and once you upload then it gives BB codes for the images that you can use. Those BB codes can be directly pasted into your reply and will appear as images when you post.

Looking forward to your system post.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on August 15, 2019, 06:03:59 AM
  Cool. AN is in for a long life. Love this place. Guy Civil the key word here.

charles
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 15, 2019, 06:13:29 AM
  Cool. AN is in for a long life. Love this place. Guy Civil the key word here.

charles


Hi Charles.
For some time now, I've been looking for a forum with civilized members
and where I can share what I did in the past 50+ years in audio
in exchange of opinions and experiences from other members.
I often say : Live is an exchange.
You give me, I give you.
I love when members comment what I post.
Voila. It"s been said.
Now lets see....


Guy 13


Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 15, 2019, 06:17:20 AM
Hi all.
If everything goes well,
tomorrow, I will start posting on my jouney in audio,
in serious audio that is.
Since my audio buy - sell has been spread over many, many years,
I need to put together mny picture and the text.
Hopefully my several post will generate comments and exchange.
See you later aligator.

Guy 13

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on August 15, 2019, 11:49:24 AM
  Cool. AN is in for a long life. Love this place. Guy Civil the key word here.

charles


Hi Charles.
For some time now, I've been looking for a forum with civilized members
and where I can share what I did in the past 50+ years in audio
in exchange of opinions and experiences from other members.
I often say : Live is an exchange.
You give me, I give you.
I love when members comment what I post.
Voila. It"s been said.
Now lets see....


Guy 13

That’s what I like about this forum. Great exchange of ideas in a fun, civil way
Nick
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 18, 2019, 05:20:56 AM
Hi all.
Still trying to figure out how to reduce the size of my files to 600Kb
I've tried imgBB but it did not work for me.
I am a BIG ZERO when it comes to figure out how those programs work...
Anyway...
I found a way and I am choosing the pictures to supplement my story of evolution.
Patience...

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 18, 2019, 06:17:24 AM
Hi Guy, no need to resize if you don't attach the image. You just need to embed a link to the image in your reply.
Note, there is no attachment in my post. Just click the "Quote" button to see how the code looks...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/819/39583843730_b6e2d8c871_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23iTxEj)
Titan_Lady (https://flic.kr/p/23iTxEj) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 18, 2019, 06:58:31 AM
Hi Guy, no need to resize if you don't attach the image. You just need to embed a link to the image in your reply.
Note, there is no attachment in my post. Just click the "Quote" button to see how the code looks...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/819/39583843730_b6e2d8c871_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23iTxEj)
Titan_Lady (https://flic.kr/p/23iTxEj) by Barry (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20967309@N06/), on Flickr

Hi Barry.
As mentionned in my post : I am a BIG ZERO when it comes to computer.
Minds you, for 25 years I was an industrial combustion designer - technician.
(One day I will post what I design from scratch and built,
a lot more complicated than the problem I have now.
How do you embed a link to the image ???
All my pictures are in my computer under '' My Documents '' or on a usb key.
Go slowly with any explanations. I am slow like the turtle in the attachment.

Guy 13 (The slomo in computer stuff)

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 18, 2019, 08:58:16 AM
I just created an account at imgbb.com to take you through the steps. An account isn't necessary, but it makes organizing you images easier, and it's also much easier to find them again later, if you want to use them again.

So first go to imgbb.com and click create account, follow the instructions they provide, it's similar to creating an account at a forum.

(https://i.ibb.co/Zz50xpq/IMGBB-00.png) (https://ibb.co/JjV9HwD)


Similar to attaching an image to a post here, you attach/upload the image to your account at imgbb.com...


Click the Start Uploading button...

(https://i.ibb.co/fHNm69q/IMGBB-01.png) (https://ibb.co/YhdvnXP)


Choose the image you want to upload...

(https://i.ibb.co/z5dv7TH/IMGBB-02.png) (https://ibb.co/1ncWdtJ)


Then choose "BBCode Full Linked" or if the image is really big "BBCode Medium Linked"...

(https://i.ibb.co/6rkBCq3/IMGBB-03.png) (https://ibb.co/34nzZPD)


Then copy the code they provide...

(https://i.ibb.co/Q9PfgVj/IMGBB-04.png) (https://ibb.co/Y2c3CST)


Lastly, paste it into your post...

(https://i.ibb.co/6sJ0sZN/IMGBB-05.png) (https://ibb.co/HgpTg2X)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 18, 2019, 09:12:26 PM
Hi Barry.
I've already open an account, but did konw how it worked, but now, with your detailled instruction
I think I've got it.
I will do a test as soon as I've choosen the pictures that I will use for my '' Evolution '' post.
It's now Monday lunch time on planet Vietnam, so it will be this afternoon
under a 90F thermometer...

Guy 13

https://ibb.co/WxQF7Pn
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Folsom on August 18, 2019, 11:23:08 PM
Nice. Guy, if you click your own link and go right under the file name (DCS1500) and click on "embed codes" then copy and paste the BB code into your reply, you'll get this!

(https://i.ibb.co/ZL3KvYd/DSC1500.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WxQF7Pn)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 12:15:05 AM
Hi Barry and Folsom.
Working on that right now.
Stay tune, I will be back soon.
I hope this set-up will be completed,
I am getting frustrated with that stuff.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Folsom on August 19, 2019, 01:19:51 AM
Don't hesitate to use us.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 02:35:35 AM
Don't hesitate to use us.

Hi Folsom.

I won't hesitate to ask, beause I am not a shy person.
So... I think I got everything correctly.
Now, what should I use :

Link :
Viewer's link.
Direct link

HTML codes:
HTML image
HTML complete link
HTML intermediaire link
HTML miniature link

BB codes:
Complete BB code
Complete link
Intermediaire link
Mini link.

That's all the options I can choose from according to imgBB.
Which one, then I will give it a try.
I've already downloaded all the pictures I want to use.

Guy 13
 
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 19, 2019, 08:45:14 AM
Hi Guy, try, "Complete BB code" or "Complete link"

A little frustrating now, but once you get it, you'll be glad you did :wink:
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 11:34:34 PM
Hi all.
One - two - three - Testing - testing.

https://ibb.co/WxQF7Pn

https://ibb.co/MNY24kC

If this works, you should see the pictures of my debut in audio when I was 18 years old, that's
more than five decade ago.
At that time, it was tubes, transistors where in just starting...

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 11:36:38 PM
Hi all.
The pictures didn't show up like they should be.
What am I doing wrong.
O.K. I try again.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 11:38:33 PM
Hi all.

Testing again...

(https://i.ibb.co/dKdWq45/Audio-09.jpg)

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 11:39:59 PM
Hi all.

At last, at long, long last.
Alléluia, it works.

Thanks to avery one involve in helping me.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 19, 2019, 11:53:18 PM
Hi all.

The blurry black & white picture of what looks like a mono amplifier is, in fact
a mono amplifier that I've built with scavenged parts from old radios and TV.
It use 5Y3 as a rectifier and a 6F6 penthode as power tube and a 6SN7 as voltage amplifier triode.
The power of this single channel is ? ?  ? 5 watts at the most with probably 25% distortion and
a range of 50 to 10KHz plus or minus 10 Db. (Ha, ha, ha....)
The volume control is combined with the power switch (Common in those days)
with a tone control.
I wanted to have a bass and treble controls, but at that time,
too complicated for me.
I really used whatever I cold put my hands on for free.
I bought a soldering gun (Weller 100-140Watts).
That's more or less what started my love for audio.
What also helped was the fact that my father bought a RCA stereo furniture,
two units, one with turntable and amplifier and one for the Lps.
Each unit had a 6.5'' woofer and two 3.5'' tweeters at 20 degrees angle.
Also my mother bought from Selection of Reader's Digest an album of LPs with classical music.
That how the '' Evolution '' started.
The picture of the mess was my corner working shop.
My father gave me that space, was not easy with 10 children under one roof (Bungalow).
More to come, if you are still interested.
Any comments are more than welcome.
That's why I join Audio Nervosa to exchange experience and more.

Guy 13

I expect no less than a zillion comments, I know that's a lot.

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 20, 2019, 10:37:41 AM
Hi all.

Testing again...

(https://i.ibb.co/dKdWq45/Audio-09.jpg)

Guy 13

Well done!
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 20, 2019, 01:23:09 PM

Thanks a lot to you Barry and of course also to Folsom.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 23, 2019, 01:40:23 AM
Hi all.
After building my own super 6F6 mono amp,
I found a job at Cité Életronique (Hochelaga street, Montréal)
and thre I could buy as an employee at discount price
audio stuff and I could pay on monthly installements.
Soooo, I bought lots of stuff and my very first real hi-fi stereo system.
Dual 1019 turntable, Sony tape deck, Nippon SOUND amplifier from Japan (35wpc)
and bookshelf speakers from RSC (Radio Speaker of Canada)
I kept and enjoyed every piece of it for a few years
and I am sure I would still enjoy it today.
More of the evlolution soon.
Guy 13


(https://i.ibb.co/KhS6wxj/Audio-05.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on August 23, 2019, 11:15:03 AM
  Those were the days, Reel to reel, LPs and tubes oh my !!! The way Glen Miller played. Those were the days.

charles
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: toobluvr on August 23, 2019, 01:18:14 PM
"Gee our old LaSalle ran great"
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 24, 2019, 03:37:39 AM
Hi all.
In a previous post I mentionned that my father bought a strereo system (Two ieces)
well I found a picture of it.
The picture was taken in my borther and I bedroom.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/QYdvhv7/DSC1595.jpg)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 24, 2019, 03:40:06 AM
Hi all (Again).
The little 45 reccord player on top of the stereo was for playing 45 rpm LPs.
Notice that the tone arm is on the wrong side,
that's because the negative of the picture was printed the wrog side.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 24, 2019, 12:37:15 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/hMLBq6C/DSC1595.jpg)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 24, 2019, 12:39:03 PM
Hi all.
Some problems with imgBB
Anyway, here it goes.
RCA stereo 2 pieces.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Folsom on August 24, 2019, 12:45:35 PM
Looks ok. Photo will be big for some monitors, you can right click on it and do "View Image" if that's the case.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 05:39:37 AM
Hi all.
Between the time when I enjoy my first real stereo system and the next big one
(Naim, Linn, Nakamichi, Stax, B&W...)
I've own so many components that I don't remember all.
However, I have a few pictures of those items that I will share with you.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/BCJ3dYX/Sony.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/F4cSGSZ/Audio-06.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/QFv5WPz/Audio-04.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/524MhsR/DSC1510.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/jJ4mkcf/DSC1509.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/f94hc2H/DSC1506.jpg)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 05:43:21 AM
Hi (Again) all.
More audio stuff that I have owned.

Guy 13


(https://i.ibb.co/T2PjYDZ/DSC1505.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/T2PjYDZ/DSC1505.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/T2PjYDZ/DSC1505.jpg)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 25, 2019, 05:45:49 AM
Hi all.
Some problems with imgBB
Anyway, here it goes.
RCA stereo 2 pieces.

Guy 13

Hi Guy,

Try to use "BBCode medium linked" to share your pictures from ImgBB...

(https://i.ibb.co/j5x2CZ7/IMGBB-06.png) (https://ibb.co/Db6yBg3)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 05:50:25 AM
OUPS...
Double and triple post...
Sorry...

Guy 13

Next post, the system that I believe at the time, was the top of the top...

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 05:52:43 AM
Testing one,t wo, testing....


(https://i.ibb.co/Jq5fhKH/DSC1506.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RNzx59c)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 05:53:35 AM

Haaaaa..... That's more like it.
Thanks (Again) Barry.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: HAL on August 25, 2019, 06:06:32 AM
Still says image not found here for all of them.

Just got a Sony '60s 1/4" machine from a friend to try and repair.  Will see what happens.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 06:52:39 AM
Still says image not found here for all of them.

Just got a Sony '60s 1/4" machine from a friend to try and repair.  Will see what happens.


Hi HAL.
Strange, because Barry and I we saw all the pictures...

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: HAL on August 25, 2019, 07:09:50 AM
This is all I see on Firefox browser:
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 25, 2019, 08:32:54 AM
This is all I see on Firefox browser:

Hi HAL.
Here it's 10.30pm (Planet Vietnam)
and before I go to bed I'm asking you,
what other pictures did you see ?
Beause I've posted many pictures...

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: HAL on August 25, 2019, 08:36:39 AM
On this page only the picture of the Sony 1/4"tape deck!
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 25, 2019, 06:39:54 PM
HAL, do you see the picture I posted,  post #33 (https://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=7228.msg91586#msg91586)?
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: HAL on August 25, 2019, 08:14:48 PM
Yes, I see that picture.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 26, 2019, 06:42:46 AM
Thanks HAL.

Guy, are you deleting your pictures from ImgBB after you post them here?
They need to stay on ImgBB for us to see them here.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 27, 2019, 06:39:27 AM
Hi all.
Sorry about what's happening.
I will start again with the imgBB and do it right this time.
Give me a few days,
I'm back from a two day vacation in Dalat city
and tomorrow I have to go to the doctor with my wife for
her sponsering with IOM (International Organisation of Migration).
Thanks for the information and your patience.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 28, 2019, 08:05:37 PM
Hi all.
O.K. I will try again to post pictures of what I previously wrote.
My first mon tube amplifier.

(https://i.ibb.co/3CMXYJB/Audio-08.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 28, 2019, 08:07:47 PM
Captain's mess...
My work shop in the basement of my parent's house
where we were 10 chidrens and two adults under the same roof.


(https://i.ibb.co/qMKMwWz/Audio-09.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 28, 2019, 08:09:32 PM
Pictures of a few audio systems that I've owned.

(https://i.ibb.co/ncQGrLk/Audio-04.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C7VcBH0)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZY6cqqN/Audio-05.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 28, 2019, 08:10:54 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/nzzpZT8/Audio-06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/722h8HN)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 28, 2019, 08:16:31 PM
Well, that's about it.
Still lots of pictures to post, but too much work for me.
Next post will be my Naim - B&W - Nakamichi - Stax - Linn system.


(https://i.ibb.co/yR18CxP/DSC1504.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RSmCKJb)

(https://i.ibb.co/wWY0TL5/DSC1506.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HzXF025)

(https://i.ibb.co/hCz7QkJ/DSC1507.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cxngfPS)

(https://i.ibb.co/LzTKhwj/DSC1510.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BVhkKDW)

(https://i.ibb.co/nwhY6Ff/DSC1511.jpg) (https://ibb.co/p1CMbSZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/8BZymmy/DSC1513.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cvnWyyW)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 28, 2019, 11:38:40 PM
Hi all.
In my what I call '' Evolution '' I had lots of different audio stuff.
At that time, I didn't know much about nice sounding equipment, only equipment that
made me happy when I listen to music I like - love.
Some receiver like : Marrantz, Realistic, Nippon Sound, etc...
Where purchase more for their look than their sound.
I don't think I am the only one that did that.
Most of the Sony prducts that I bought I loved very much.
In the past, Sony use some wood on their components
like this one.

(https://i.ibb.co/hCz7QkJ/DSC1507.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cxngfPS)

..and their design, the look was clean and pleasant like this one :

(https://i.ibb.co/nzzpZT8/Audio-06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/722h8HN)

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for today's components.

Sorry about my post the way it comes out, but for me, it's not easy to use the imgBB system.

More to come.

Guy 13

Note :
I wish I woud have kept some of the vintage components I had when I was a kid,
even if today they wouldn't be working or repairable, I would love just to look at them sitting on a shelf.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 29, 2019, 08:17:29 AM
Sorry about my post the way it comes out, but for me, it's not easy to use the imgBB system.


Looking good Guy, images working nicely now!
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 29, 2019, 11:59:02 PM
Hi all.
After spending a little fortune on audio stuff,
I finally decideed when I was 30 years old
to buy a good system.
I went to Audio Club store on St-Hubert street (Montreal)
and bought a complete system for 15,000 CND$ (1978 money)
Linn LP12 turntable
Ittok arm Karma cartridge
Nakamichi BX100 tape machine
Stax headphones with ss Stax amplifier
(Sorry don't remember the models)
Naim NAP160 (?) amplifier with seperate power supply
with Naim CD-3 (?) CD player
B&W DM3000 speakers.
At first, I liked the sound, but I've noticed that I got tired after one hour of listening,
it's like the sound was agressive, I don't know how to put words on that feeling.
I brought with me the complete system (Less the Stax) on planet Vietnam.
Of course, I bought a step down transformer.
After a year or two, the left channel of the Naim amplifier went dead.
I found a Vietnamese repair shop and he changed an IC but the sound was thin,
not what it should be.
A year later, I brought back to Montreal (Visiting the relatives) the amplifier and the turntable
and got the amplifier repaired by the official importer and then give the amplifier
and turntable to Audio Club and they sold it for me within two weeks.
The I bought a small Sony system, knowing that it would be temporarily.
Soooo....
The next Evolution on my next post.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/K7D1xjp/DSCN0470.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MpfXkDx)

(https://i.ibb.co/JdmgrNc/DSCN0473.jpg) (https://ibb.co/thQFYSH)

(https://i.ibb.co/0h7vS2g/DSC1649.jpg) (https://ibb.co/syfzGR0)

(https://i.ibb.co/YLSrtrt/DSC1651.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LZyGCGC)

(https://i.ibb.co/0q2h5td/DSC1652.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rk049s1)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Barry (NJ) on August 30, 2019, 07:26:28 AM
 :thumb:
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on August 31, 2019, 11:42:32 PM
Hi all.
Sooooo....
Almost 25 years ago I arrived with my Naim + B&W + linn system
and 15 years later I sold it.
I was left with only a small Soney receiver with built in CDP...After visiting a customer of mine
(A well known photographer who bought lots of studio flashes from me) he showed me his system:
Lowether driver in horn enclosure with a tube amplifier that he built himself, well, that's what he said.
I was impressed with the micro details that came out of the speakers,
however, the room acoustic was non, sound like we were in a bathroom,
just terrible, plus very little bass coming out of his speakers.
But anyway, that made me start looking on the Internet for some Hi-Fi audio stuff.
I discover lots of audio manufacturers did I nerver heard of, like,
Decware, GR Research, Omega, PI Audio, PAudio, Bottlehead, Audio Nirvana and more...
I decided to buy the Decware SE84C+ with a pair of 8'' Audio Nirvana extended range drives
in an open baffle configuration.
My source was basic (Cheap) automatic Sony turntable
and I used the Soney receiver to spin CDs.
I was pleasantly surprise with the mids and high but I knew tha bass would not be there.
So I took two 8'' B&W drivers from my DM3000 (Two on each side) in again an OB set-up
driven by a small Sone sub woofer (Built-in 3'' sub woofer, don't get much bass out of that, of course it's for near filed listening)
with 30 watts (Mono) to power four 8'' woofer.
So I got some bass but....
Next Evolution on my next post.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/3S3rzhk/DSCN0479-Copie.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XFQ28JV)

(https://i.ibb.co/NnSzBvQ/DSC-8327.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TqL53fp)

(https://i.ibb.co/gPxcNbv/DSC0357.jpg) (https://ibb.co/X3qG1fy)

(https://i.ibb.co/2nbsYBj/DSC-8345.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Rv5B4WC)

(https://i.ibb.co/L9wkn0s/Tubes-03.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qmGykD2)

 
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 03, 2019, 04:51:47 AM
Hi all.
After my first steps into SET amplifier and OB speakers
I decided to up-grade my amplifier and I bought from Niteshade Audio a SEP amplifier.
It came with tube rectification (5U4) and penthode 6L6 and voltage amplifier 6SN7.
I was supposed to get 15 wpc, but got only 10 wpc because Mr. Lampear
forgot that tube voltage drop is hight with tube than with solid state.
I paid 895 USD which I realize today that's a little overpriced.
The sound was what I call average, nothing extraordinary,
for sure a lot less quality than my Decware SE84C+
I've used it a few times and now it's gatering dust.
Will sell it (At lost I'm sure) when I get to Canada.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/L0hnbbF/Guy-ampli.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CwshNNc)

(https://i.ibb.co/HGyC0HL/DSC0332.jpg) (https://ibb.co/h2Nckmx)

(https://i.ibb.co/Hg4KVDs/DSC0333.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GPpd0vL)

(https://i.ibb.co/CPdFT1d/DSC0336.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y09GqR9)






Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on September 03, 2019, 10:19:54 AM
  One busy Guy. Looking good.

charles
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 04, 2019, 04:08:33 AM
Hi all.
Until today, I kept the Decware SET (SE84C+) and the Nightshade Audio NS-10.
I the past few years I've added speakers to my systems.
First was the GR Research M3 (Modified to my liking and needs.)
Sorry no picture for that one.
We now use it for the TV and my wife use it for her Karaoke.
She went thru two pairs of speakers (Burn the colis...)
but so far so good.
After I order from Danny Ritchie (GR Research) a V1 kit and got the cabinet
made by a local Vietnamese cabinet maker.
Nice job and super inexpensive. (250 USD for the two cabinets.
I did the installation of the drivers and amplifiers and the high density foam,
also very inexpensive compared to what is available on the USA market.
The soud is good, in my opinion is better suited for Home Cinema than music.
I do prefer cross over less speakers and I think the crossover for the 12'' PAudio coaxial
(Made in Thailand) is robbing micro details.
All the persons that have listen to the V1 said the sound was impressive.
After the original one piece cabinet, I asked my cabinet maker to make it two seperate
cabinet with spikes. Look cool, but I could not hear any improvement over the original one piece design.
They will be sold in Canada.
More to come.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/1JF8zpW/Guy-03.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XkcSYdR)

(https://i.ibb.co/B4tnPfz/DSC0365.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vsHXBcw)

(https://i.ibb.co/LS7vbpJ/DSC0369.jpg) (https://ibb.co/G7SFBPt)

(https://i.ibb.co/ky7XJXc/DSC0373.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3s3cvch)

(https://i.ibb.co/cF6JJhz/DSC0374.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2tvqq3X)

(https://i.ibb.co/b1X5KTs/DSC0377.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kKX2Sj4)

(https://i.ibb.co/0FV0yRC/DSC0380.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QCjWv3P)

(https://i.ibb.co/my3Z92k/DSC9864.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8xHvrfq)

(https://i.ibb.co/8BgPDJL/audio-13-01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xsqzSyt)

(https://i.ibb.co/QD0172b/audio-13-02.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fDJPVh1)

(https://i.ibb.co/3pvFbSW/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-2.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
 
   
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 05, 2019, 05:33:44 AM
Hi all.
After putting together the GR Reserch V1 kit, I went with the V2
a smaller version with a 8'' PAudio coaxial driver and two per sides
12'' Eminence Acoustinator woofer driven by Danny's own GR Research
Model : SA-1 240 watts plate amplifier (Non servo)
By the way I bought 8 woofers. Four at 25 USD each and four at 75 USD each.
A bargain.
I am posting a few picture of the H frame enclosure built (Again) by my Vietnamese
cabinet maker at still a bargain price.
I did change the design with my own design to the disliking of some Audio Circle members.
But there was no patent on the design and it was my stuff.
The sound was good, but of course, not as good as the V1.
However, I must say that I was surprised with the sound of the woofers
that are guitar speakers.
I still have four 12'' woofer and two SA-1 plate amplifiers and I will use for the mid and highs
my Audio Nirvana 8'' extended range.
All the drives will be in a U frame configuration.
With the Eminence woofers for a short time, I had a 7'' Omega drivers,
the combination with the 12'' woofer was to my ears, the best of all the speakers I had
in the past 40 years and they were not the most expensive.
In conclususion, I don't regret all the money spent on all the speakers.
When back in Canada, I am not sure if I will keep any Open Baffle speakers,
I might not have the room...
That's it for my evolution.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/0yr3JBb/DSC-8539.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jkDF4VX)

(https://i.ibb.co/WBNJwGk/DSC-8533.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5sXHyGr)

(https://i.ibb.co/6yRG8hm/DSC-8417.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S6XHcTP)

(https://i.ibb.co/PF12M0m/DSC-8390.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zQP3FDn)

(https://i.ibb.co/JstyqDQ/DSC-8383.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YLQyXHZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/7rxwLp6/DSC-8382.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DwPxTMS)

(https://i.ibb.co/vLnK8Nv/DSC-8374.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qmQPwHF)

(https://i.ibb.co/cgD6Zny/DSC-8373.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WxgkMJH)

(https://i.ibb.co/6yRG8hm/DSC-8417.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S6XHcTP)

(https://i.ibb.co/mTqPFpS/Guy-06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/02MzV5Q)

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on September 05, 2019, 11:44:43 AM
  Wow Guy you have been through some changes. Like you style and choices. You need a bigger room.


charles
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 05, 2019, 05:58:16 PM
  Wow Guy you have been through some changes. Like you style and choices. You need a bigger room.


charles

Yes Charles my journey in audio is... Well long with ups and downs.
For the bigger room, that will not happen,
unles I stay on planet Vietnam and that...
Wont happen, unless my wife chage her mind and decide not to go to Canada
and again, that wont happen.
Sooo.... No bigger room, only a smaller room and anyway,
I am downsizing all my audio gear.
That's o.k. with me,
I am a lot less demanding in audio stuff, but I do have a minimum in audio quality.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 07, 2019, 08:22:26 PM
Hi all.
One last thing.
After we settle down next year in our appartment in Montreal,
I will buy a 43-55'' Sony or Panasonic 4K Smart television with a
DVD-Blueray player.
We will use my wife's 20 years old Pioneer receiver
with my GR Research M3 speakers
(Two M130 with planear tweeter in sealed enclosure)
All analog music will be on external hard disk and usb keys.
I might replace the Piooner with a new Sony or equivalent receiver
that got HDMI connecxions.
Music and movies will be on that system,
no more dedicated music only system.
Of course I will also have my ambiant music set-up
for when I work on my computer.
...and that's it !
No ore BIG and EXPENSIVE stereo system for music only,
minds you, I will sometimes listen to music on the TV system,
good enough for me.
Downsizing is the ultimate goal.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 15, 2019, 03:30:40 AM
Hi all.
Part of my writing on my audio evolution post - topic or never ending search for the best of the best
I will share some thoughts and experiences of audio stuff.
From the source to the speakers (And headphones) via cables and converters...
This might be long, so I will spread it on several post.

The source, I can say I had all kind of sources from turnrtable, many makes and models including Linn LP-12,
to cassettes (C90) with my Nakamichi BX-100
to the CD Players Naim CD3 - Rega Apollo
to the Reel to reel (Sony two models already posted)
to the VHS for music,
to the Radio Internet with my little Grace Mondo.
Did I forgot one ?
For the turntable, the Linn was the best, of course for the price I paid it had to be good
and the not so good
for no real reason is the Rega P3 with Exact cartridge
other than too expensive for what it give's you (To me cheap construction).
For the cassettes I only had and still have the Nakamichi BX-100 that I like
even if it's not the top of the line.
When I drop a cassette in the tray, it reminds me the good old days.
It's doing it's job.
For the CD Players did not like the sound of the Naim, to me, was too agressive
and the Rega Apollo too slow to down load the menu
and sometimes it does some weird things, like stop playing for no reason.
For the VHS well it was o.k. during the dinosaur era.
Now the Radio Internet, that I like, I like the sound, I like the choice of (Free) music
and the small size of the device.
Those where all my sources, which one I liked the most or I prefer today.
Humm mmm
First radio Internet, second CD, third audio cassettes and last vinyl.
If I can,
all my music will go in external hard disk and usb key.
Convenience and small foot print.
Voila.
More to come...

Guy 13

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 15, 2019, 04:25:02 AM
Hi all.
Between Internet radio and CD player I will squeeze the reel to reel player.
I really like that device.
Look nice and sound good,
you can see clearly the wheels turning, the two VU meters , etc...

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/nzzpZT8/Audio-06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/722h8HN)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 15, 2019, 11:04:22 PM
Hi all.

From all the - my sources I have owned in the past 50 years,
I have two criterias to describe what I like and don't like.

Turntable :
Only a few makes and models look nice to me.
Denon and Luxman are the ones.
What I don't like :
Is the inital set up and the maintenance of vinyl, cartridge, etc...

Cassette player :
Mostly all vintage models from several brands.
What I like :Easy of operation.
What I like less : Sound, not that it is bad, but could be better.

Reel to Reel :
What I like is the look, impressive, especially the one with the BIG spools
and VU meters.
I like the sound, especially at higher recording - playing speed.
What I don't like ? Well nothing really, except maybe the price.

CD Player :
I haven't seen any CDP that look nice to me,
however, I do like the CDP with vertical CD ad large window that you can see the CD spinning.
Sound is good.

Internet radio:
What I like is the chooice of music and it's free.
What I also like is the sound on some stations.
What I like is the prices for all budget.
What I don't like : Too much stations to choose from. LOL.

For the amplifiers, I love the Pioneer, Sony, Scott, Fisher, Marrantz, Sansui  receivers for their look more than their sound.
I like the illuminated dial with the vu meters.

(https://i.ibb.co/ZWGLKn6/REC-03.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hDL7HPR)

(https://i.ibb.co/GMNK44d/REC-07.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HP3WffK)

(https://i.ibb.co/K2WNS09/REC-08.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pfdW503)

(https://i.ibb.co/qL6cYBv/REC-09.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xKZBqhN)

(https://i.ibb.co/gP9f14p/REC-11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NmCJhTP)

(https://i.ibb.co/4dR3vz7/REC-12.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)

Conclusion : Internet Radio, maybe a cheap turntable just in case I want to spin some vinyls
and maybe one day, a R2R machine, just for the fun of owning one.

Well, that's it, that's all.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/fY925b0/R06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wN7RXT6)



Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 17, 2019, 04:25:05 AM
Hi all.
Today I will talk a little about switching box.
You all know already what I'm talking about a device
to select the one of the sources.
I never bought an already finish product,
because I always thought they were too expensive
or I was too much of a cheap skate.
So I made two of tem myself.
The first one is the big one,
was o.k. sound wise by way too big and too many switches.
So I made a second one with only two inputs and one output,
I've used a (Red) rocking switch that came from a photographers flash
and was rated at 350 Volts at 10 amps.
One end of the interconnecs were soldered directly to the switch
and the cables were Signal audio brand.
OFC with silver plated.
Source directly to amplifier or via the switch box
my 68 years old (At the time of the built) could not tell the difference
so no sound degradation.
Total cost of the build :
Interc, switch, box : Less than 100 USD.

So, that's it for today.

I still have the huge switch box, not sure what I will do with it ? ? ?

Guy 13

Still more to come.

(https://i.ibb.co/6tvMWfp/DSC0045-Copie.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hdX6mtn)

(https://i.ibb.co/c8Qx01B/DSC0344.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2Md5xy9)

(https://i.ibb.co/stFjtb8/DSC0343.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XVzXVjc)

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on September 17, 2019, 06:53:20 AM
  I like that Marantz rig.

charles
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 17, 2019, 07:10:19 AM
Hi Charles.
About 40 years ago I had a Marrantz,
I liked the sound and the look.
But,... I wanted better....

Guy 13


(https://i.ibb.co/8BZymmy/DSC1513.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cvnWyyW)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 17, 2019, 07:51:17 PM
Hi all.
Today I will talk about Interconnectors and speaker cables.
For me, there is not much to say.
I did some evaluation of different cables from Super El Cheapo
at 4.95 USD, some home made brew at 25 USD and some Signal Cables
at 45 USD pair.
With the Signal Cables I had the OFC and the Silver coated.
Except for the El Cheapo ones, it was difficult to hear any differences,
soooo.... I will blame my 70 years old ears...
The same goes for the speaker wires.
Own brew and Signal Cables 14ga. OFC 10 feet long.
I don't say there is nor difference between different cables make and model,
but I can't hear differences, if you can, then good for you and bad for me. 
I'm happy with what I have and it will stay like that.
Not a very good review or evaluation,
but that's me.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/Z8gb53d/DSC0340.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qX413Z)

(https://i.ibb.co/y8FT7fG/DSC0363.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XzxBM2N)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 18, 2019, 08:18:58 PM
Hi all.
My next post was supposed to be on pre amplifiers and amplifiers,
solid state and tubes, but...
After reading what I wrote up to now,
I realize once again, that I am not a good reviewer
and that my post don't bring much to this forum,
plus, I did not create much response - comments from AN members.
So, I will take a break and maybe later on,
post only my own opinion on audio stuff that I have owned
and that I presently own,using it or not.
I still enjoy a lot my little ambiant music system when I'm in my office.
(See details below)
There is some little up grade I will do when I'm back in Canada.
In addition, if space permit, I will build one or two and even three speakers
using different drives I choose lately.
So, see you later, aligator.

Guy 13
 
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on September 18, 2019, 10:50:20 PM
Hi all.
My next post was supposed to be on pre amplifiers and amplifiers,
solid state and tubes, but...
After reading what I wrote up to now,
I realize once again, that I am not a good reviewer
and that my post don't bring much to this forum,
plus, I did not create much response - comments from AN members.
So, I will take a break and maybe later on,
post only my own opinion on audio stuff that I have owned
and that I presently own,using it or not.
I still enjoy a lot my little ambiant music system when I'm in my office.
(See details below)
There is some little up grade I will do when I'm back in Canada.
In addition, if space permit, I will build one or two and even three speakers
using different drives I choose lately.
So, see you later, aligator.

Guy 13

Guy,
I like your posts and likely many other forum members do also. But sometimes I don’t comment.  As I am in my 60s, I really enjoyed the pictures of the vintage equipment. I had some Marantz 7..I think...amps , a Recocut? turntable and a few other items from a friend in 1990. Also, my parents owned a Grundig console with an automatic record player and tuner. Nice memories 🙂
Nick
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 18, 2019, 11:18:58 PM
Hi all.
My next post was supposed to be on pre amplifiers and amplifiers,
solid state and tubes, but...
After reading what I wrote up to now,
I realize once again, that I am not a good reviewer
and that my post don't bring much to this forum,
plus, I did not create much response - comments from AN members.
So, I will take a break and maybe later on,
post only my own opinion on audio stuff that I have owned
and that I presently own,using it or not.
I still enjoy a lot my little ambiant music system when I'm in my office.
(See details below)
There is some little up grade I will do when I'm back in Canada.
In addition, if space permit, I will build one or two and even three speakers
using different drives I choose lately.
So, see you later, aligator.

Guy 13

Guy,
I like your posts and likely many other forum members do also. But sometimes I don’t comment.  As I am in my 60s, I really enjoyed the pictures of the vintage equipment. I had some Marantz 7..I think...amps , a Recocut? turntable and a few other items from a friend in 1990. Also, my parents owned a Grundig console with an automatic record player and tuner. Nice memories 🙂
Nick

Hi Nick,
thanks for sharing.
I prefer vintage audio stuff for their look more than today's look,
there are a few exceptions today,like Acuphase, Luxman and Leben, etc...
I have quite a few pictures f vintage stuff, maybe I will share
with basic comments.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 19, 2019, 07:22:34 PM
Hi all.
I am thinking of starting a new topic under '' Anecdotal Evidence. ''
I want to call it : Everything but the kitchen sink
and it will be my experiences, my thoughts of equipment I've owned
or I would like to own and my understanding of zillions gadgets
that are supposed to improve the sound quality.
So, you see, it a bit of everything and if Folsom accept this,
it might be interesting and entertaining.
A bag of mix everything.
I don't know everything about audio,
however, I do have more than 50 years of audio trial and error.
So what do you think ?
Should I give it a try ? ? ?

Guy 13

If I joined Audio Nervosa it to share, exchange, learn and have fun.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on September 20, 2019, 08:44:29 AM
Hi all.
I am thinking of starting a new topic under '' Anecdotal Evidence. ''
I want to call it : Everything but the kitchen sink
and it will be my experiences, my thoughts of equipment I've owned
or I would like to own and my understanding of zillions gadgets
that are supposed to improve the sound quality.
So, you see, it a bit of everything and if Folsom accept this,
it might be interesting and entertaining.
A bag of mix everything.
I don't know everything about audio,
however, I do have more than 50 years of audio trial and error.
So what do you think ?
Should I give it a try ? ? ?

Guy 13

If I joined Audio Nervosa it to share, exchange, learn and have fun.

Sounds like fun  :thumb: it’s ok with me unless the Administrator disagrees
Nick
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on September 20, 2019, 09:11:03 AM
Go for it.  :thumb:

And nobody knows everything about audio. It is trial and error for all of us.

This is one of the best things about a forum like this it gives us a chance to network with others who are all doing trial and error type experiments and add their results to our own base of knowledge.

We have had an audiophile club here on Long Island for over 30 years now and had been doing the idea sharing thing for many years before the internet came along and allowed us to cast a much wider net.

You can learn just so much on your own..........
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 21, 2019, 11:00:52 PM
Hi all.
In my last post I mentionned that I would talk about pre and amplifier,
but I changed my mind.
They say : Only crazy man doesn't change his mind.
So, here I go.
In my smaller system, the one for ambiant music in my office,
I got from my laptop via a usb cable to a Schiit Fulla2
then via another usb cable to my 2.1 subwoofer amplifier.
I cannot compare the Fulla 2 to other DAC because that's the only DAC I ever used-own.
I am satisfied with the sound quality, even with the headphone output,
enough power.
I've tried different make of cables and to my ears they all sound the same.
The fulla2 get's his power from the laptop via the usb connection.
I've also tried a small walwart 5V to supply power to the Fulla 2
but no sound improvement to the amplifier or to the headphones.
From the DAC it goes to the Schiit SYS switch box with a volume control.
That one is 49 USD.
Can't beat that price...
However,
I woud like to have a single unit to combine the two units,
the Fulla 2 and the SYS under one roof or hood.
So... Thanks to Schiit, they just came out with the new Asgard 2
DAC, headphones amplifier, plus preamp and volume control all that
for a ridiculus price of 299 USD.
Now, should I upgrade the 4490 DAC to a Multibit  DAC for an extra 100 USD,
for a total of 399 USD ? ? ?
I don't think my 71 years old ears would hear the difference
and my modest system will not show the improvement in sound.
Therefore, I will upgrade to Asgard 2 with 4490 DAC.
That's it for the DAC.
Next will be : Amplifiers, pre-amplifiers and receivers.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 22, 2019, 07:55:29 PM
Hi all.
O.k. here we go again.
Pre-amplifiers, amplifiers and receivers.
When I was younger, thThe Venturesat's a long time ago, I had many receivers (It was what was popular in those days)
from Nippon Sound, Marrantz, Radio Shack, Hitachi, Pioneer and some other that I forgot about.
All of them sounded good for me young ears looking for music of those days, momories of music I loved
and rythm, bass and more, it was more the melody than the sound.
Of course at that time I've listen to what was popular like the Beatles, James Last, etc...
What I like about those receiver was the illuminated dial, the one or two meters for tuning,
all the buttons for bass, treble, balance, reverse, mono, loundness, local - distant FM and more...
Which one that I have owned sounded the best ? ? ?
Cannot really tell, to me at that time, they all sounded the same, what made the difference was the speakers
and I owned lots of them.
My Naim was the last amplifier I've owned before moving to planet Vietnam and..
Yes, the sound was better than all the receivers,
however, there was something about the Name NAP160
that make me not able to listen to it more than one hour.
I would use the words : Agressive - irritating...
That's it, next : Speakers.

Guy 13

 (https://i.ibb.co/NYJ741y/Audio-04.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3hjkJfC)

 (https://i.ibb.co/8BZymmy/DSC1513.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cvnWyyW)

 (https://i.ibb.co/LzTKhwj/DSC1510.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BVhkKDW)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 23, 2019, 06:10:19 PM
Hi all.
Now it's the turn of speaker turn.
Where to start.
I've owned so many....
From bookself, floor standing,
horn, bass reflex, sealed and Open baffle.
For the makes : RSC (Radio Speaker of Canada)
Sony, GR Research, Acoustic Research, Pioneer
and others that I don't remember the brand name of that didn't have any brand name.
Other than the speaker that were just o.k.
some I really liked for different reason other than just the good sound.
The hoen speaker that I got in exchange for a piece of furniture,
was built by the owner and the drivers ? ? ? Just don't remember the make,
but they sound good, very good for my 20 years old ears,
however, they had to be in corners to sound their best
and had no grill and didn't look that good, scratches...
The other pair of speaker that I really liked was from RSC and were bookself
with two 4'' driver in a sealed enclosure.
Really powerful bass for their size, I remember.
They were really heavy for their tiny size I'm sure the drivers had huge magnets.
The front grill was metal shaped like a book cover, I wish I had taken pictures of them, but I didn't.
The other pair that I also like was and that look nice was the Acoustic Research with a 10'' with a tweeter
ina  sealed encloseure.
I had two pair of speaker that I built myself and that look terrible and probably sounded as bad as they look.
One with a 10'' and tweeter and the other with an 8'' extended range drive from RSC both were bass refex.
I've also owned a pair of B+W DM3000 driven by the Naim amplifier.
Nice bass, o.k. midrange and a little weak tweeter.
The cabinets were really nice,
my wife said to me : Why you didn't keep them, they look nice in our living room.
Then came the GR Research with the M3 modified, then the GR Research V1
(Two servo 12'' subwoofer and a 12'' coaxial driver in H frame enclosure.
They sounded good, but there was something missing.
The micro details were not there, good low bass but not envolving.
The cabinet themselves is impressive, my design buit by a local Vietnamese cabinet
maker for a ridiculous 500 USD pair.
Then I've decide to try the GR Research V2 but I modified it.
Two non servo 12'' Emminence Acoustintor with 240W GR Research plate amplifier
and a 8'' PAudio (Thaïland made) coaxial drive.
The bass was good and very detailled, but the mids and highs were...
Well... like any drivers with a crossover, there was something missing, gone...
After a while I replaced the 8'' coaxial with an 8'' Audio Nirvana (Common sense audio)
extended range drive.
Of course like many such drivers, there is a peak in the 2,000 Hz region, but all the details are there.
Then again, I've replace the Audio Nirvana with a Omega 7F drover.
Those were the best extebded range drivers of all.
Not peakness, fairly flat and with the double 12'' Acoustinator
I really like the sound, the details and I was listening to music differently.
I was enjoying all the details in the instruments from low to high frequencies.
The three last speaker will be going to Canada with me and sold ovethere
because here on Planet Vietnam,
if it's not a well known make, they are not interested.
I forgot the mentionned the Rythmik - GR Research F12G subwoofer, I have two.
Sound good, goes to very low frequencies and to me, are better matched with
Home Cinema set up.
Right now and until I'm back to my home country,
I am listning to my ambiant stereo music set up
and it'a perfect for that purpose.
Well, that is.
I think I've went around everything I've owned as far as music system is concerned.
If something come back to my mind,
I will add it to this topic.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/6yRG8hm/DSC-8417.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S6XHcTP)

(https://i.ibb.co/WBNJwGk/DSC-8533.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5sXHyGr)

(https://i.ibb.co/PF12M0m/DSC-8390.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zQP3FDn)

(https://i.ibb.co/y6NqHNr/DSC-8388.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HtKq5Kj)

(https://i.ibb.co/JstyqDQ/DSC-8383.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YLQyXHZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/7rxwLp6/DSC-8382.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DwPxTMS)

(https://i.ibb.co/cgD6Zny/DSC-8373.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WxgkMJH)

(https://i.ibb.co/cF6JJhz/DSC0374.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2tvqq3X)

(https://i.ibb.co/LS7vbpJ/DSC0369.jpg) (https://ibb.co/G7SFBPt)

(https://i.ibb.co/B4tnPfz/DSC0365.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vsHXBcw)

(https://i.ibb.co/my3Z92k/DSC9864.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8xHvrfq)

(https://i.ibb.co/3pvFbSW/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-2.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: S Clark on September 23, 2019, 07:51:38 PM
Looking at your V2 model, it looks like you widened the dimensions?  Did you modify the crossover to compensate for the change in baffle step diffraction?
When you replaced the PAudio driver in the V1, how did you measure the differences? Were they the same effeciency?  what about impedence?  If you replaced it with a full range, how did you compensate for the comb filtering that occurred? 
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 23, 2019, 08:57:23 PM
Looking at your V2 model, it looks like you widened the dimensions?  Did you modify the crossover to compensate for the change in baffle step diffraction?
When you replaced the PAudio driver in the V1, how did you measure the differences? Were they the same effeciency?  what about impedence?  If you replaced it with a full range, how did you compensate for the comb filtering that occurred?

Hi S Clark.
I did not modify the crossover to compensate for the change in baffle step diffraction
and I did not hear any sound degradation.
Keep in mind that I am not sound quality demanding
and my old ears don't hear all the subtilities of
the instruments sounds.
I did not replace de coaxial driver on the V1,
it's on the V2 that I did the switch from PAudio 8'' coaxial
to Audio Nirvana 8" extended range driver and after that
I switch again to Omega 7F.
On all the V2 changes I did,
I did not make any changes - compensation for impedance,
baffle step diffraction and comb filtering.
When I was on Audio Circle when I mentionned what I did with the original M3 and V2
many AC members were horrified with what I did
and didn't follow the original design of Danny
and did not compensate for anything.
You know what ?
All the changes I made without any compensation made me like more what I did to
the speakers.
Especially the V2 with Omega 7F
that's the one I like the most.
You know what again ?
Those are my speakers, in my house and are paid for and there is no patent on them
and I never, never complaint that with all the changes did not degraded the sound,
on the contrary.
I know very well that with what you mentionned, the sound quality would have been better,
but I am not demanding.
So, that's it, that's all.
I am not rude, only direct in my saying.

Guy 13

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on September 24, 2019, 04:32:12 AM
Guy, you have exactly the right attitude. This is a very personal hobby. The goal of putting together a system is to please the owner.... and nobody else. If you accomplished that, then the changes that you made were the right ones for you, regardless of what anyone else thinks, least of all someone who is making a criticism online, who and has never even heard the system.

One of the things you will find here is that when someone asks a question on you post it is almost always because they are looking to better understand the hows and whys of what you did so they can either put it into the context of their own experience and /or add it to the body of their own knowledge of the hobby. as opposed to other places where it seems that responsive posts all to often become combative where the relies seem to get combative seemingly so they can prove to the world how they are so much smarter than everyone else.

And that is one of the many reasons I like it here.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: S Clark on September 24, 2019, 04:36:07 AM
Thanks for the explanation.   I'm sure the changes were pleasing to you; otherwise, why make them, right? 
I was with Danny when he was developing the crossover for the V1.  We worked for quite a while to get the upper voicing correct on piano (my ears were much better back then), so I have a special interest in that speaker.  I was quite proud and happy for Danny when it won so many awards at the RMAF.  To my ears, the V1 reproduced piano about as well as any speaker I had heard to that point, and I played for years.  The final crossover was the result of lots of measuring with a professional Clio unit, and lots and lots of listening. 
You may be the only person I know that has modified these, hence my interest in how you did it and to what result. 
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 24, 2019, 04:55:26 AM
Hi all.
For the V1, I modified the look so it would be easier to build for my Vietnamese cabinet maker,
it end up being more or less complicated or at least, just more workbut the results where to my liking.
A Vietnamese speaker manufacturer here in Saïgon (Ho Chi Minh City)
by the name of : Thyvan Audio
http://thivanlabs.com/en/home/
came to my place to hear the V1 and they where not completely satisfied with what they heard,
but not disatified either. They said that the upper mid-range was not right, whatever that means...
For the (Highly modified) V2 with the Audio Nirvana 8'' wide range drive, one morning about three years ago
my wife called me from downstairs to come down to meet a foreigner (An American by the name of John Stone)
I met him and we start taking about audio, because his serious hobby was playing drums.
I ask him if he had a minute to come to listen to my V2 and he loved them.
His comment was that I never heard a sound so natural and he told me that he's been in many recording studio.
Did he really mean that ? Or did he only want to flatter - compliment me ? ? ? ?
I will never know, he's back in the USA and never answered my e-mail.
So that's it....

Guy 13 

Note : I will find the picture of the two owners of Thyvan lab and
post it on my next post.
 
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on September 24, 2019, 05:09:27 AM
Hi again.

Here are some pictures.
First pictures taken at Thyvan Lab showroom.

(https://i.ibb.co/FmyXsSJ/image-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VJzxH7D)

(https://i.ibb.co/pzz7y7F/image-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BZZpNpM)

(https://i.ibb.co/HNztm2Z/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5Y8rq9Z)

The second sets of pictures with the owners of Thyvan Lab in my listening room.

(https://i.ibb.co/HHsk23C/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hmjtMwc)

(https://i.ibb.co/6Y5z3Kz/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZdC5nQ5)

(https://i.ibb.co/tLmPTRY/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TWvqxyP)

I am adding more picture(s) of a pair of speakers that I built myself (That's the reason why they look sooooo ugly)

they are U frame with two 12'' Acoustinator and a 240 W plate amplifier with the Audio nirvana 8'' full range drive.

(https://i.ibb.co/KsjKK0t/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1XfzzvC)

(https://i.ibb.co/XJP95qd/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JkTNp9b)

Well, that's about it for now.

Guy 13

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 01, 2019, 05:30:05 AM

Hi all.
In the past 5 to 8 years I did lots of evaluation - testing - trials
on different audio items to see if I could improve the sound of my system(s).
I tried different makes - models of tubes, interconnects, damping material,
speaker wires, positionning of speakers, different sources, accessories for turntable such as
mat, marble base, spindle clamp and a few more...
In my next post I will explain what I did and what was the results,
not all at the same time, too many.
I will spread over s afew post.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on October 01, 2019, 06:03:29 AM
Hi again.

Here are some pictures.
First pictures taken at Thyvan Lab showroom.

(https://i.ibb.co/FmyXsSJ/image-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VJzxH7D)

(https://i.ibb.co/pzz7y7F/image-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BZZpNpM)

(https://i.ibb.co/HNztm2Z/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5Y8rq9Z)

The second sets of pictures with the owners of Thyvan Lab in my listening room.

(https://i.ibb.co/HHsk23C/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hmjtMwc)

(https://i.ibb.co/6Y5z3Kz/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZdC5nQ5)

(https://i.ibb.co/tLmPTRY/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TWvqxyP)

I am adding more picture(s) of a pair of speakers that I built myself (That's the reason why they look sooooo ugly)

they are U frame with two 12'' Acoustinator and a 240 W plate amplifier with the Audio nirvana 8'' full range drive.

(https://i.ibb.co/KsjKK0t/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1XfzzvC)

(https://i.ibb.co/XJP95qd/he-thong-am-thanh-ong-le-duc-Audio-13-9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JkTNp9b)

Well, that's about it for now.

Guy 13

Check out the pose in that last picture.  :shock:

Looks like we may have found somebody to try and fill Lonewolf's shoes. All he needs is a beer bottle in his right hand as it is a perfect match.  8)

Which gets me to thinking, has anybody heard from Chris lately? I heard a rumor that me was going to come to Pete's TWL gathering this past summer, but that never happened.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 01, 2019, 06:25:39 AM
Hi TMAZZ
Yes, a sexy pose.
but you will never see me with a beer,
I don't drink that stuff....  :lol:

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 01, 2019, 07:41:41 PM
Hi all.
One test that I did a few years ago, was to hear the differences between
three CD source I had and still got.
Sony One Discman,
Sony receiver- CD Player and amplifier
Rega Apollo CD Player.
No need to say that the last one was the Sony Discman,
even with my HD-650 it sounded... Well not bad, but not good,
especially the mids and highs.
The Sony receiver CD player sound was much better than the Discman (Of course)
but a little , let's say 20% inferior to the Rega, that surprised me.
The overall sound was not as detailled as the Rega.
The winner was the Rega Apollo, normal it was the most expensive one.
I even try a Arcam DAC (Can't recal the model, it's a tiny one)
and use the optical output of the Rega to the Arcam
and them to the amplifier (Decware SE84C+)
With a switching box I could not hear (At the time I got my 69 years old ears)
any differences what so ever between the two.
I am sure some of you would have hear differences, but I did not,
let blame my old hearing....

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 02, 2019, 08:20:44 PM
Hi all.
I read everywhere that good interconnect makes a '' HUGE '' difference on sound.
Well, sometime ago I bought a few different model of Signal Cable
and I've trown in some '' El Cheapo '' interconnect that you get free when you purchase '' El Cheapo '' components.
Something that is worth probably 2.95 USD each sets.
My Signal Cables models were OFC and OFC with silver coating.
The silver coating had plastic bullet connectors, the OFC has what I believe was copper bullet
with Gold (? ? ? ) plating.
Of course the '' Super El Cheapo '' interconnect sounded like, El Cheapo,
thin sound.
Now the difference between the OFC and OFC with silver coating
was more difficult to hear.
Not sure, if I could really hear a difference,
so I've used that OFC silver coating on my system.
I had a look at the Decware DAG 99USD for 50cm
or at the time of my test something equivalent.
I never want to pay more than 50 USD for 1 meter interconnect,
that me and that my thinking, because I don't think my ears will hear the difference
and my budget tell me not to invest that much in something that I do not hear differences in sound quality.
Humm mmm almost forgot to tak about the interconnect that I made myself.
Made in China bullets and shielded cables.
Again, difficult to tell the difference between the Signal Cable OFC (Silver)
and my own cables.
One thing is sure, they cost less to make and sound as good for me and maybe a little less good for someone else,
mind you, I am sure that if someone else had listen to my cables, they might have said they sound terrible,
bu that's o.k. they are in my system and I am happy with them.
That's what happen when you are not demanding like me.

Guy 13

(Next : Speaker cable)

(https://i.ibb.co/Z8gb53d/DSC0340.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qX413Z)
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 03, 2019, 08:39:34 PM

Hi all.
Now it the speaker's wire turn.
Not much to say about that.
I always thought that the bigger (In gage) the better,
but with time and reading from people that knows a lot more than me,
there are other factors to consider,
like inductance and capacitance.
After my move to my (Second) home country Canada
(My first home country is planet Vietnam, that's what I like to think)
I will do some test on speker wires and find out if I can improve enough the sound quality
to be notice by my old ears.
In the past, I did some test between Signal cables 14 ga. multistrands OFC
and heavy duty (Made in China) extension cables 12G, Not OFC, but copper
with thick, very thick, but flexible rubber enveloppe.
I've also tried with and without banana plug.
Honestly, I didn't hear any difference,
sad that with many test and upgrade I cannot distinguish
any improvement or very little improvements.

(https://i.ibb.co/y8FT7fG/DSC0363.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XzxBM2N)

Guy 13

Next post I will talk about my ambiant stereo system in my office.


Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on October 03, 2019, 09:38:36 PM
Hi all.
I read everywhere that good interconnect makes a '' HUGE '' difference on sound.
Well, sometime ago I bought a few different model of Signal Cable
and I've trown in some '' El Cheapo '' interconnect that you get free when you purchase '' El Cheapo '' components.
Something that is worth probably 2.95 USD each sets.
My Signal Cables models were OFC and OFC with silver coating.
The silver coating had plastic bullet connectors, the OFC has what I believe was copper bullet
with Gold (? ? ? ) plating.
Of course the '' Super El Cheapo '' interconnect sounded like, El Cheapo,
thin sound.
Now the difference between the OFC and OFC with silver coating
was more difficult to hear.
Not sure, if I could really hear a difference,
so I've used that OFC silver coating on my system.
I had a look at the Decware DAG 99USD for 50cm
or at the time of my test something equivalent.
I never want to pay more than 50 USD for 1 meter interconnect,
that me and that my thinking, because I don't think my ears will hear the difference
and my budget tell me not to invest that much in something that I do not hear differences in sound quality.
Humm mmm almost forgot to tak about the interconnect that I made myself.
Made in China bullets and shielded cables.
Again, difficult to tell the difference between the Signal Cable OFC (Silver)
and my own cables.
One thing is sure, they cost less to make and sound as good for me and maybe a little less good for someone else,
mind you, I am sure that if someone else had listen to my cables, they might have said they sound terrible,
bu that's o.k. they are in my system and I am happy with them.
That's what happen when you are not demanding like me.

Guy 13

(Next : Speaker cable)

(https://i.ibb.co/Z8gb53d/DSC0340.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qX413Z)

I have found cables to be very system dependent. a number of years ago a friend of mine brought over to my place a pair of interconnects that he picked up at a great price on a clearance sale. They made a significant improvement in my system and I ordered five pairs. very excited about this find, i brought them over to another friends house. We put them in his system and not only did he not get the magic that I found, but the actually sounded bad in his system. Go figure.

The bottom line here is that if you find something that works well in your system, just go with it and don't worry about what it is.

Actually now that I think about it, that philosophy works for pretty much anything in audio, not just cable.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 03, 2019, 11:12:33 PM

Hi TMAZZ,
the more I write here, to more I think about it,
the more I am convinced that I cannot tell the difference between
many audio (Up grade) items.
Some can tell differences like :
Subtle, huge, noticeable difference between A and B
but for me, it is very difficult.
Is it my brain, my ears or a combination of the two ? ? ?
In addition, when I compare A to B the switch over from one to another
must be within one second,
that the time my memory keeps information from previous hearing.
Well good if they can hear small, tiny differences between A and B,
but not me or just a little.
Plus the fact that I am retired and my financial status is not what it use to be,
therefore, I don't spend 500 USD on a pair of interconnects
or 1,500 USD on a pair of headphones, etc...
I think that when I am back in Canada,
there will be only a few audio items that I will buy
to improve my system.
The Schiit Asgard for one...
Of course we need a TV and a DVD player,
since everything here is not compatible and-or too old.
I might write something on the appropriate topic to get member's opinions and experience,
even if I know pretty much what I will buy.

Guy 13

Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on October 04, 2019, 05:22:15 PM
Before my first wife passed away we lived in a house that afforded me the luxury of a dedicated audio room. This room was all mine and I could do whatever I wanted in it. So over the 27 years we lived there I tweak that room in all kinds of way. I could place equipment and speakers however and wherever I wanted and use any  acoustic treatment that my heart desired. If I don't say so myself , it sounded damn good. Then when I got remarried I needed to find a house that would meet the needs of not only my budget but an extended blended family. Unfortunately, when we found a house that worked for the family, it did not come with a space I could use for a separate audio room. While this kind of bummed me out at first, it really turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My audio system had to fit into a common space, the living room and as such had to blend into a multi use space that to start wit was significanly smaller than what I had before. Sp gone was were the oversized speakers and the 135 lb 30 inch deep tube amp. I had to downsize in order to fit in the available space and as such, my expectations of how good it would be were also diminished. (Just for kicks I actually tried the big Thiel CS-6s in the room and they just overpowered it.)

I went into this move knowing the sound would not be as good as I had and to my surprise what ended up happening is I began to spend more time listening to and enjoying the music and less time fussing over the sound itself.  As I think back on it the change in my system was probably a good thing because even if I did find a room big enough to use the old stuff, it would have most likely taken me a long time to tweak the setup in that room to the point that it sounded as good ad the first room and I would have been miserable until then knowing tat the system did not sound as good as it should. My lowered sonic expectations freed me to enjoy the music more than I had in a long time.

I have now changed my way of thinking about new equipment. Instead of listening to see if the change sounds better, I am now looking to see if the change allows me to enjoy or connect with the music better. Where I used to strive to put together a system that had the best sound I now look more for one that provides the most musical enjoyment. Sometimes that coinsides with the best sound , but sometimes not.

A friend of mine recently conducted an experiment with regards to high res files. He took several LPs and digitized then at various bit rates and asked me to evaluate the sound. His contention was that the differences in high res files was all in the mastering and the bit rates had very little if anything to do with the sound quality. Much to his dismay, through critical listening I was able to identify the higher bit rate files 90+% of the time.Being in this hobby as long as I have been I knew exactly what to listen for, things like attack and decay on cymbals and body resonance on a hollow wood instrument. But while I could hear and identify these difference, in doing so I was concentrating on the sound and not the music. What surprised me most about this experiment is that when i sat back and just listened to the music the higher bit rates did not add that much if anything to my enjoyment of the music. My toe tapped just a much to the redbook file as it did to the 96/24 and the 192 file did not do much more to draw me into the music.

Now I am still an audio nerd and so the prospect of better sound is still enjoyable on some level, but in recent years I have just put it more in perspective and place much less importance on chasing that last 1% of SQ.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on October 04, 2019, 06:26:57 PM
Before my first wife passed away we lived in a house that afforded me the luxury of a dedicated audio room. This room was all mine and I could do whatever I wanted in it. So over the 27 years we lived there I tweak that room in all kinds of way. I could place equipment and speakers however and wherever I wanted and use any  acoustic treatment that my heart desired. If I don't say so myself , it sounded damn good. Then when I got remarried I needed to find a house that would meet the needs of not only my budget but an extended blended family. Unfortunately, when we found a house that worked for the family, it did not come with a space I could use for a separate audio room. While this kind of bummed me out at first, it really turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My audio system had to fit into a common space, the living room and as such had to blend into a multi use space that to start wit was significanly smaller than what I had before. Sp gone was were the oversized speakers and the 135 lb 30 inch deep tube amp. I had to downsize in order to fit in the available space and as such, my expectations of how good it would be were also diminished. (Just for kicks I actually tried the big Thiel CS-6s in the room and they just overpowered it.)

I went into this move knowing the sound would not be as good as I had and to my surprise what ended up happening is I began to spend more time listening to and enjoying the music and less time fussing over the sound itself.  As I think back on it the change in my system was probably a good thing because even if I did find a room big enough to use the old stuff, it would have most likely taken me a long time to tweak the setup in that room to the point that it sounded as good ad the first room and I would have been miserable until then knowing tat the system did not sound as good as it should. My lowered sonic expectations freed me to enjoy the music more than I had in a long time.

I have now changed my way of thinking about new equipment. Instead of listening to see if the change sounds better, I am now looking to see if the change allows me to enjoy or connect with the music better. Where I used to strive to put together a system that had the best sound I now look more for one that provides the most musical enjoyment. Sometimes that coinsides with the best sound , but sometimes not.

A friend of mine recently conducted an experiment with regards to high res files. He took several LPs and digitized then at various bit rates and asked me to evaluate the sound. His contention was that the differences in high res files was all in the mastering and the bit rates had very little if anything to do with the sound quality. Much to his dismay, through critical listening I was able to identify the higher bit rate files 90+% of the time.Being in this hobby as long as I have been I knew exactly what to listen for, things like attack and decay on cymbals and body resonance on a hollow wood instrument. But while I could hear and identify these difference, in doing so I was concentrating on the sound and not the music. What surprised me most about this experiment is that when i sat back and just listened to the music the higher bit rates did not add that much if anything to my enjoyment of the music. My toe tapped just a much to the redbook file as it did to the 96/24 and the 192 file did not do much more to draw me into the music.

Now I am still an audio nerd and so the prospect of better sound is still enjoyable on some level, but in recent years I have just put it more in perspective and place much less importance on chasing that last 1% of SQ.

Great post. I am curious though about upsampling and what it might do to much of the old tunes I listen to.  If I recall correctly, my previous dac ...the Antelope Gold...could play some high res but not upsample. Right now, I have the Border Patrol nos dac.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 04, 2019, 10:34:37 PM
Before my first wife passed away we lived in a house that afforded me the luxury of a dedicated audio room. This room was all mine and I could do whatever I wanted in it. So over the 27 years we lived there I tweak that room in all kinds of way. I could place equipment and speakers however and wherever I wanted and use any  acoustic treatment that my heart desired. If I don't say so myself , it sounded damn good. Then when I got remarried I needed to find a house that would meet the needs of not only my budget but an extended blended family. Unfortunately, when we found a house that worked for the family, it did not come with a space I could use for a separate audio room. While this kind of bummed me out at first, it really turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My audio system had to fit into a common space, the living room and as such had to blend into a multi use space that to start wit was significanly smaller than what I had before. Sp gone was were the oversized speakers and the 135 lb 30 inch deep tube amp. I had to downsize in order to fit in the available space and as such, my expectations of how good it would be were also diminished. (Just for kicks I actually tried the big Thiel CS-6s in the room and they just overpowered it.)
I went into this move knowing the sound would not be as good as I had and to my surprise what ended up happening is I began to spend more time listening to and enjoying the music and less time fussing over the sound itself.  As I think back on it the change in my system was probably a good thing because even if I did find a room big enough to use the old stuff, it would have most likely taken me a long time to tweak the setup in that room to the point that it sounded as good ad the first room and I would have been miserable until then knowing tat the system did not sound as good as it should. My lowered sonic expectations freed me to enjoy the music more than I had in a long time.

I have now changed my way of thinking about new equipment. Instead of listening to see if the change sounds better, I am now looking to see if the change allows me to enjoy or connect with the music better. Where I used to strive to put together a system that had the best sound I now look more for one that provides the most musical enjoyment. Sometimes that coinsides with the best sound , but sometimes not.

A friend of mine recently conducted an experiment with regards to high res files. He took several LPs and digitized then at various bit rates and asked me to evaluate the sound. His contention was that the differences in high res files was all in the mastering and the bit rates had very little if anything to do with the sound quality. Much to his dismay, through critical listening I was able to identify the higher bit rate files 90+% of the time.Being in this hobby as long as I have been I knew exactly what to listen for, things like attack and decay on cymbals and body resonance on a hollow wood instrument. But while I could hear and identify these difference, in doing so I was concentrating on the sound and not the music. What surprised me most about this experiment is that when i sat back and just listened to the music the higher bit rates did not add that much if anything to my enjoyment of the music. My toe tapped just a much to the redbook file as it did to the 96/24 and the 192 file did not do much more to draw me into the music.

Now I am still an audio nerd and so the prospect of better sound is still enjoyable on some level, but in recent years I have just put it more in perspective and place much less importance on chasing that last 1% of SQ.




Hi tmazz.
Thanks for that very nice write up.
Your past situation will be my future situation.
When I move to Canada on arrival we will rent a one bedroom apartment,
therefore, no dedicated audio room.
The only place where I will be able to put some of my audio stuff will be in the living room,
it's a commoun area and I cannot do whatever I want, tat's for sure,
even if my mife is very tolerent accepting some of my ugly audio stuff..
I will buy a TV and DVD player and put what ever audio stuff I have left
on the tv cabinet,
I will sell all the big items, mainly monster speakers...
Later on, we will buy a triplex,
but that doesn't garanty  I will have a dedicated audio room.
So, I've already decided to scale down my system,
probably end-up with my ambiant system for my office and maybe,
I won't even have a dedicated office room.
Well... What can I say.
I will make my ambiant system as much as possible enjoyable
and as small as possible.
I already a a pretty good idea what it will look like and what I will be.
With my last system with the Decware and wide range driver in OB
that was the one I liked the most,
because I could hear all the substilities of the instrument
and at the same time, enjoy the melody.
Plus with our reinforced concrete house, I could play
as loud as a discotheque and my with didn't hear a thing.
Well those good old days will be gone soon.

Thanks again for sharing your '' Evolution ''

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on October 05, 2019, 07:34:18 AM
Before my first wife passed away we lived in a house that afforded me the luxury of a dedicated audio room. This room was all mine and I could do whatever I wanted in it. So over the 27 years we lived there I tweak that room in all kinds of way. I could place equipment and speakers however and wherever I wanted and use any  acoustic treatment that my heart desired. If I don't say so myself , it sounded damn good. Then when I got remarried I needed to find a house that would meet the needs of not only my budget but an extended blended family. Unfortunately, when we found a house that worked for the family, it did not come with a space I could use for a separate audio room. While this kind of bummed me out at first, it really turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My audio system had to fit into a common space, the living room and as such had to blend into a multi use space that to start wit was significantly smaller than what I had before. Sp gone was were the oversized speakers and the 135 lb 30 inch deep tube amp. I had to downsize in order to fit in the available space and as such, my expectations of how good it would be were also diminished. (Just for kicks I actually tried the big Thiel CS-6s in the room and they just overpowered it.)

I went into this move knowing the sound would not be as good as I had and to my surprise what ended up happening is I began to spend more time listening to and enjoying the music and less time fussing over the sound itself.  As I think back on it the change in my system was probably a good thing because even if I did find a room big enough to use the old stuff, it would have most likely taken me a long time to tweak the setup in that room to the point that it sounded as good ad the first room and I would have been miserable until then knowing tat the system did not sound as good as it should. My lowered sonic expectations freed me to enjoy the music more than I had in a long time.

I have now changed my way of thinking about new equipment. Instead of listening to see if the change sounds better, I am now looking to see if the change allows me to enjoy or connect with the music better. Where I used to strive to put together a system that had the best sound I now look more for one that provides the most musical enjoyment. Sometimes that coinsides with the best sound , but sometimes not.

A friend of mine recently conducted an experiment with regards to high res files. He took several LPs and digitized then at various bit rates and asked me to evaluate the sound. His contention was that the differences in high res files was all in the mastering and the bit rates had very little if anything to do with the sound quality. Much to his dismay, through critical listening I was able to identify the higher bit rate files 90+% of the time.Being in this hobby as long as I have been I knew exactly what to listen for, things like attack and decay on cymbals and body resonance on a hollow wood instrument. But while I could hear and identify these difference, in doing so I was concentrating on the sound and not the music. What surprised me most about this experiment is that when i sat back and just listened to the music the higher bit rates did not add that much if anything to my enjoyment of the music. My toe tapped just a much to the redbook file as it did to the 96/24 and the 192 file did not do much more to draw me into the music.

Now I am still an audio nerd and so the prospect of better sound is still enjoyable on some level, but in recent years I have just put it more in perspective and place much less importance on chasing that last 1% of SQ.

Great post. I am curious though about upsampling and what it might do to much of the old tunes I listen to.  If I recall correctly, my previous dac ...the Antelope Gold...could play some high res but not upsample. Right now, I have the Border Patrol nos dac.

Just to be clear, the experiment that I did was not using upsampled versions of the same music, it was Vinyl rips done multiple times at higher and high  bitrates. Upsampling involves taking a digital file and converting it to a higher bit rate, essentially repeating each sample a set number of times. This does not add any information to the signal so the upsampled signal will have the same resolution as  the original signal, not the resolution of the higher bitrate that it is now running at. In theory, what upsampling does do is shifts the the frequency of the digital noise associated with the signal further away from the audible spectrum which allows the DAC to use a shallower slope, or in some cases even no filter to remove that noise from the final output.  Steep slope filters tend to introduce things like phase shifts and in general lower order filters are preferable in audio applications. (I say "in general" because in high end audio it seems that the only absolute truth is that there are no absolute truths in high end audio.  :lol:)

All that said, I have heard excellent designs that use oversampling and your Border Patrol DAC is perhaps the best sound redbook DAC I have ever heard and it does no oversampling at all. There are so many design variables in a DAC that it is hard to isolate the effect of any one through comparison of commercial products. While I  am sure that oversampling or not may very well have some kind of sonic effect, the fact that there are great DAC out there on both sides of the fence just proves to me that oversampling is just a small piece of the puzzle and the overall design of the DAC is far more important than whether or not it uses oversampling.

I am further made skeptical about the value of oversampling in and of itself because I have spoken with and read posts from more than a few people who have used Room to convert all of their PCM files to DSD before sending them off to the DAC. Some of them thing=k that this is the greatest thing since canned beer and others think it is a wasted effort and the DSD stream sounds no different than the native file. Again no clear consensus and I would tend to think the differences in opinion are probably related to which DAC they are using.

I tend to look at upsampling vs non-upsampling like I do all of the tubes vs transistors arguments. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but both when engineered properly both can be used to make excellent equipment.
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on October 05, 2019, 09:26:32 AM
Before my first wife passed away we lived in a house that afforded me the luxury of a dedicated audio room. This room was all mine and I could do whatever I wanted in it. So over the 27 years we lived there I tweak that room in all kinds of way. I could place equipment and speakers however and wherever I wanted and use any  acoustic treatment that my heart desired. If I don't say so myself , it sounded damn good. Then when I got remarried I needed to find a house that would meet the needs of not only my budget but an extended blended family. Unfortunately, when we found a house that worked for the family, it did not come with a space I could use for a separate audio room. While this kind of bummed me out at first, it really turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My audio system had to fit into a common space, the living room and as such had to blend into a multi use space that to start wit was significantly smaller than what I had before. Sp gone was were the oversized speakers and the 135 lb 30 inch deep tube amp. I had to downsize in order to fit in the available space and as such, my expectations of how good it would be were also diminished. (Just for kicks I actually tried the big Thiel CS-6s in the room and they just overpowered it.)

I went into this move knowing the sound would not be as good as I had and to my surprise what ended up happening is I began to spend more time listening to and enjoying the music and less time fussing over the sound itself.  As I think back on it the change in my system was probably a good thing because even if I did find a room big enough to use the old stuff, it would have most likely taken me a long time to tweak the setup in that room to the point that it sounded as good ad the first room and I would have been miserable until then knowing tat the system did not sound as good as it should. My lowered sonic expectations freed me to enjoy the music more than I had in a long time.

I have now changed my way of thinking about new equipment. Instead of listening to see if the change sounds better, I am now looking to see if the change allows me to enjoy or connect with the music better. Where I used to strive to put together a system that had the best sound I now look more for one that provides the most musical enjoyment. Sometimes that coinsides with the best sound , but sometimes not.

A friend of mine recently conducted an experiment with regards to high res files. He took several LPs and digitized then at various bit rates and asked me to evaluate the sound. His contention was that the differences in high res files was all in the mastering and the bit rates had very little if anything to do with the sound quality. Much to his dismay, through critical listening I was able to identify the higher bit rate files 90+% of the time.Being in this hobby as long as I have been I knew exactly what to listen for, things like attack and decay on cymbals and body resonance on a hollow wood instrument. But while I could hear and identify these difference, in doing so I was concentrating on the sound and not the music. What surprised me most about this experiment is that when i sat back and just listened to the music the higher bit rates did not add that much if anything to my enjoyment of the music. My toe tapped just a much to the redbook file as it did to the 96/24 and the 192 file did not do much more to draw me into the music.

Now I am still an audio nerd and so the prospect of better sound is still enjoyable on some level, but in recent years I have just put it more in perspective and place much less importance on chasing that last 1% of SQ.

Great post. I am curious though about upsampling and what it might do to much of the old tunes I listen to.  If I recall correctly, my previous dac ...the Antelope Gold...could play some high res but not upsample. Right now, I have the Border Patrol nos dac.

Just to be clear, the experiment that I did was not using upsampled versions of the same music, it was Vinyl rips done multiple times at higher and high  bitrates. Upsampling involves taking a digital file and converting it to a higher bit rate, essentially repeating each sample a set number of times. This does not add any information to the signal so the upsampled signal will have the same resolution as  the original signal, not the resolution of the higher bitrate that it is now running at. In theory, what upsampling does do is shifts the the frequency of the digital noise associated with the signal further away from the audible spectrum which allows the DAC to use a shallower slope, or in some cases even no filter to remove that noise from the final output.  Steep slope filters tend to introduce things like phase shifts and in general lower order filters are preferable in audio applications. (I say "in general" because in high end audio it seems that the only absolute truth is that there are no absolute truths in high end audio.  :lol:)

All that said, I have heard excellent designs that use oversampling and your Border Patrol DAC is perhaps the best sound redbook DAC I have ever heard and it does no oversampling at all. There are so many design variables in a DAC that it is hard to isolate the effect of any one through comparison of commercial products. While I  am sure that oversampling or not may very well have some kind of sonic effect, the fact that there are great DAC out there on both sides of the fence just proves to me that oversampling is just a small piece of the puzzle and the overall design of the DAC is far more important than whether or not it uses oversampling.

I am further made skeptical about the value of oversampling in and of itself because I have spoken with and read posts from more than a few people who have used Room to convert all of their PCM files to DSD before sending them off to the DAC. Some of them thing=k that this is the greatest thing since canned beer and others think it is a wasted effort and the DSD stream sounds no different than the native file. Again no clear consensus and I would tend to think the differences in opinion are probably related to which DAC they are using.

I tend to look at upsampling vs non-upsampling like I do all of the tubes vs transistors arguments. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but both when engineered properly both can be used to make excellent equipment.

Thanks for the clarification. It certainly would be fun for me to have a dac that can upsample as I’ve not had that capability. Nor do I know anyone who has an upsampling dac. I used to belong to a Las Vegas audio group, but they have disbanded a few years ago. My Border Patrol SE dac is a good performer and owner Gary Dews is now offering an upgrade using the Jenson paper in oil signal coupling capacitors. If I go that route, I’ll upgrade the tube as well.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 06, 2019, 12:03:58 AM
Hi all.
In my EVOLUTION or quest to get better sound quality,
I've tried a few times to upgrade the sound quality of my Decware SE-84C+
I've tried differenc brands and models variation of power tubes
and voltage amplifier and even the rectifier tube.
For the power tube, the amplifier was supplied with Russian SV83,
then I tried the Electro Harmonic, then the Gold Lion EL84 and out
of the three brands, the EH EL84 sounded a little better,
just a little, maybe maximum 10% better sound quality mainly in the mid frequencies.
Difficult to judge the differences between the tubes,
since sound memory only last 1 second (For me) therefore,
shuting power, using mits not to burn my pinkies, pau back the new tubes,
power back the unit and wait to warm up,
the one sencond is more like 30 seconds at best.
I also tried a pair of Toshiba NOS EL-84 but they sounded terrible,
I am not exagerating, sound was like putting several layers of hand towels over the speakers
and the volume had to be jack up a lot, like 50% more,
I returned the tube and exchange them for the Gold Lion.
I also had two other tubes from the same supplier that were defective,
no need to say that he's on my black list.
No name will be mentionned here, I don't want to tarnish his reputation...
For the voltage amplifier tube, the 6922, I've tried many different brands:
No name Russian, Electro Harmonic Thomas organ tube, RCA NOS,
and aonther brand that I forgot the brand name.
Since I did not hear any differences between all the tubes,
I end-up keeping the Electro Harmonic 6922.
In the future, I might try the 6DJ8 according to Decware,
that tube got more micro details that the others.
Will see, not an expensive trial or maybe up-grade.
For the rectifier, lots of people say that the 5U4 improve the sound over the 5AR4,
didn't hear any difference, but kept the 5U4 in there.
So that all my foolling aroung with tube to try to improve sound quality
but in the end it was fun, but kept the RCA 5U4, EH EL84 and EH 6922.

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/gPxcNbv/DSC0357.jpg) (https://ibb.co/X3qG1fy)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 07, 2019, 07:58:35 PM
Hi all.
I think I've pretty much covered my stereo audio system(s) EVOLUTION
sooooo....
Now I will talk (With pictures) about my present ambiant system in my office
that I use every day and that I enjoy as much as my main system,
which is now packed and ready to go for a long trip around the world.
I will use my office system until the last minute,
it will not be put on sea cargo, but will come with me in the plane's cargo.
It's up to the point that now, I cannot live with it.
Like the advertising of the credit card (American Express) says :
Don't leave home without it !
... and that's what I will do.

I will start with my Grace Digital Internet radio (Model MONDO red, my favorite color)
with analogue RCA output that I use.
Big clock display,
good sound for a unit that I paid at the time about 200 USD from Amazon.com
and that was ship to my nephew in Seattle
and a friend brought it to me on planet Vietnam via personnal belonging.
No transport or custom fees.
For a few years I listen to all the music stations without or with very little advertising,
then I found Art Radio that for 4 USD a month got a reasonnable choice of genre of music.
The interconnect from the radio to the Schiit switch box model SYS.
(Sorry don't know the real name in English of that device)
the interconnect are Signal Cable OFC silver coating.
More to come on my next post.

Guy 13

Also a photo of the complete set up.

(https://i.ibb.co/T0k6mcK/DSC1622.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C9zghBJ)

(https://i.ibb.co/8mZGdxx/DSC1623.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WHJ7Pzz)

(https://i.ibb.co/WKmTJCh/DSC1635.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ysH3j29)

(https://i.ibb.co/M9r2ZVc/DSC1633.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Fn2xmw5)

(https://i.ibb.co/5TmMt75/DSC1639.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jhm6BpL)

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 09, 2019, 12:04:23 AM
Hi all.
A little more about my ambiant music office system.
Same brand : Signal Cable
but one is OFC with steel (Brass or copper ?) bullet
and the other is OFC with silver coating with some kind of plastic bullet and a braided sleeve
the can esily being pull out of the bullet.
Please don't ask me which one sound's better ? ? ?
The same to me.
From the Fulla 2 ther is a usb c to rca cable with some kind of coton enveloppe.
From the Internet radio and from the Fulla 2 to the Schiit SYS switch box with volume control.Eventually the fulla 2 and the SYS will be replaced by the Schiit Asgard.
 

(https://i.ibb.co/pysp33b/DSC1636.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0tW3ffm)

(https://i.ibb.co/0DkBmLW/DSC1634.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cgPbk9p)

Now the piece of resistance, the amplifier subwoofer Brand Cambridge.
Was purchase 15 years ago in Canada and still work strong.
It failed once one or two years after I,ve purchased it, since then, no problem.
The subwoofer is bass reflec with a 5'' (At the most) woofer
and I believe a 15 watts Class D amplifier
and for the satellite amplifier I would think they are 5 to 10 watts each channel.
The original satellite speakers were 2 or 3'' drivers in a plastic housing.
That's why they were replaces with Sony speakers.
The subwoofer is powered by a walwart 12V. 1.5amp
one day I will try to power it with a dryfit 12V 7A battery to see - hear if there is some improvement.
A battery like that here on planet Vietnam cost about 10 USD the same thing in Canada is 2X to 3X more expensive,
Maybe here there choice of products is more limited, but the prices are 2 to 4X less expensive,
that's why I like it here....
I already mentionned inanother post that the subwoofer doesn't go below 70Hz
more due to the driver itself than the amplifier.
One day, I will try to bypass the small woofer with a bigger one, to ear the difference,
just for fun, because I am happy with the sound.
Sometime with my Grace Digital Mondo and balance of the system,
I am surprised of what comes out of the speakers.
Look like the source (Art Radio) is 192Kbps MP3,
that's what I see on the scrooling display.
The Schiit Fulla 2 for 99$ is a super bargain.
The builtin headphone is pretty good also.
I think the Fulla 2 is a must to bypass the crappy heaphone jack
of my and any other laptop.
 
(https://i.ibb.co/jybBkQd/DSC1631.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tqQkpvS)

(https://i.ibb.co/PN12zqw/DSC1630.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HVGcp5n)

(https://i.ibb.co/kc4PJXs/DSC1629.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BsyYGB5)

(https://i.ibb.co/cgLP3SS/DSC1627.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MFd4gg)

(https://i.ibb.co/tbbYPc0/DSC1626.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NLLWnp0)

(https://i.ibb.co/b7vvRcb/DSC1625.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GFMM3zH)

(https://i.ibb.co/VmxZJ4x/DSC1624.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PQMnFHM)

(https://i.ibb.co/6YxQBPX/DSC1616.jpg) (https://ibb.co/H7sZdzh)

(https://i.ibb.co/Y8qTk7N/DSC1614.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rM1f6GQ)

(https://i.ibb.co/BN4NL8k/DSC1613.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dgbgBnZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/4pNqThb/DSC1610.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JHk17DY)

(https://i.ibb.co/GMJqbtV/DSC1608.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HP2jkxr)

(https://i.ibb.co/YtqMF5T/DSC1607.jpg) (https://ibb.co/64fx7KJ)

Well that's it for now.
What's next ? ? ? ?

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on October 09, 2019, 11:51:45 AM
Downsizing is not a bad thing. As long as tonality and harmonics are not diminished all is good. Sound staging, imaging, scale might be lost but no big deal. The only thing maybe would be scale, meaning size of sound stage. Being spoiled by Maggies first the Pipedreams scale became an important part. Smaller sound stage now seems tunneled or unnatural now.
If I had a smaller space to deal with a two way stand mount speaker would be my choice. Adding a small sub like the Gallo [ Killer BTW ] would fill in the bass.
If I was to spend money it would be for the very best front end I could afford. Garbage in garbage out. Speakers would be Fritz Carrera BTW.


charles
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 13, 2019, 12:40:18 AM
Hi all.
There are several reasons why I stop the EVOLUTION or I call it
the quest for always better.
First reason :
The money, I have other priorities, my moving back to Canada
with my wife is the biggest one.
That will be costly, even if we wont leave planet Vietnam poor...
Second reason is :
Space in our new location.
Third reason is :
I don't know why, but a few years back I started to be tired of always looking for something better.
I said to myself : It doesn't make sense to spend so much $ $ $ and never be satisfied
or get tired or unsatisfied with what I bought,
plus the fact that we you sell, you loose.
I want to choose carefully and keep what I bought as long as I can
and enjoy it as much as possible.
I don't say I wont buy more audio stuff, but only if it's a super deal
and it's way better that what I already have.
Fourth reason is :
Also for convenience and space, I will (Try) to digitilize all my audio analogue.
It will be difficult (Mentally) to let go all my vinyl and CD and audio cassettes....
It will be a difficult decision.
But who knows, I might keep some of it, as souvenir, nostalgia...
Another thing is :
No more expensive (Audio) stuff, so when it fail and it's
unrepairable or it cost more to repair than buy a new one,
then I can trow it in the garbage
(Excuse me, in the specialized recycle bin)
and wont cry over it.
The other thing I want to mention is :
I like to have back up, because according to Murphy's law :
Everything that can fail, will fail one day
(Or something like that.)

EVOLUTION is good, but for reasons stated above, it must stop when ....
For me, when you cannot afford to....

Guy 13

 
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 17, 2019, 04:11:18 AM
Hi all.

   WOW !

2,055 views.
I am surprised (and happy),
is my write up on my evolution that interesting ?

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on October 17, 2019, 07:21:33 AM
  Yes it is Guy. Good stuff to read. Back to upsampling DACs. Up sampling is hard to accomplish. Only a few if any Manufacturers get it right IMHO. Why fool with 44.1 as it is a great rate. Now if recorded in DSD at higher rate and played that way the result is better. However not much music recorded that way.
  My old Lector was the only digital piece that to my ears up sampled without any sonic artifacts. I like 1X oversampling and 44.1 the best. Now the Border Patrol is an over achiever for the money no question as numerous units sold. However rated a "C"component by Stereophile. I think it is a "B+" myself.
 I like a ladder DAC, future proof and non up sampling. Listen to as many as you can within budget and you will be glad you did.

charles
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 18, 2019, 09:03:43 PM

Hi all.
I do not regret my '' EVOLUTION '' spread over 55 years
and all the money spent and lost.
If I had to do it again,
it would be different,
some equipment I would not buy mainly because too exensive
for what they deliver
and didn't bring me satisfaction, enjoyment, etc...
Today when buying (Or when I will be buying) any audio-video equipment,
I look at (In random order) where it's made, preferably in USA (Canada),
cost for what it gives, durability and can it be repaired,
visual look of the components is also important to me.
I love vintag stuff with all their bottons,
but I also like symplicity like Schiit stuff.
Ease of programing (Set-up) and operation. 
I regret not keeping some of my vintage equipment I bought
30 or 40 event 50 years ago,
I wish I would have keep it,
even if it would not work anymore or was unrepairable,
just to have it in front of me and look at it bring me some joy and nostalgia.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 22, 2019, 06:31:58 AM
Hi all.
Of all the stereo systems that I have owned,
I think the one that I enjoy the most was the one in the photo below.
It looked good and sounded good at the time, not sure if today I would
still enjoy the sound, but 47 years, I still love the look of it
and I like the components that made that system.
The Sony tape deck, small and good looking, the Dual 1019 turntable built like a tank
and the look of the amplifier and tuner with real wood cabinet.
The speakers (Not shown) were RSC (Radio Speaker of Canada)
bookself made of two 3 or 4'' full range with huge magnet in a sealed cabinet.
I am sure if I had kept the system, I would probably still enjoy it today.
Why do we always have to sell and buy new stuff ? ? ? ?

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/ZY6cqqN/Audio-05.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: rollo on October 22, 2019, 07:15:23 AM
  Some of us buy to improve, some to play with new stuff, some are confused, some just go sideways and some KNOW what to buy. For me it is both quality of sound and getting new stuff.
  After the basics of clean power, decent room and speaker location the front end to me is the most important then the speaker. The preamp which I believe is the heart of the system needs to matched to the power amp. The power amp needs to be matched to the speakers. We do not want Maggies and 4W SET amp.
 What I have found is that improvement with cost with cost however not always bang for buck. Yes our Lamm Ref Preamp is better than all that have come before it but is it worth 24K ? For me yes to other maybe not. When it is removed I feel a loss in tonality and harmonics. Could I live with a Nobsound passive ? Yes but not happily after hearing the Lamm. The Audio Hungary APR 204 is an over achiever in preamps and cost 2K. It is close to the Lamm however far enough away to justify the price difference.
  We make trade offs for numerous reasons. Cost is a major factor like everything else on the planet. My best systems were Maggies, Audio Research DR250 amp, Linn TT, CAT preamp. Pipedreams, Arion class"D" hybrid mono blocks, Loesch & Weisner Preamp, Kuzma TT Lector CDP. Then Mirage M-3 Classe DR25 Amp, CAT preamp, Fritz Carrea SE , Audio Hungary A20i integrated, Aqua Formula DAC and Transport, Innuos Zenith Server. The latest and greatest Rethm Saadhana, Audio Hungary SE15 SET mono blocks, Lamm Ref preamp, Aqua Formula xHD DAC, Aqua transport, Zenith mk3 server. ALL the digital has been updated to latest updates.
  Yes lots of change over the years which all started with Sansui integrated, B&O TT, Heco Horn speakers and zip cord. Oh my !

charles
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on October 22, 2019, 09:49:48 AM
Hi all.
Of all the stereo systems that I have owned,
I think the one that I enjoy the most was the one in the photo below.
It looked good and sounded good at the time, not sure if today I would
still enjoy the sound, but 47 years, I still love the look of it
and I like the components that made that system.
The Sony tape deck, small and good looking, the Dual 1019 turntable built like a tank
and the look of the amplifier and tuner with real wood cabinet.
The speakers (Not shown) were RSC (Radio Speaker of Canada)
bookself made of two 3 or 4'' full range with huge magnet in a sealed cabinet.
I am sure if I had kept the system, I would probably still enjoy it today.
Why do we always have to sell and buy new stuff ? ? ? ?

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/ZY6cqqN/Audio-05.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)

Guy,
Regarding buying new equipment maybe it’s the nature of this hobby. I know some guys who keep the same equipment for years and others who constantly make changes. A diy guy I knew was constantly building power cables, interconnects and speaker wires. I wouldn’t have the patience to constantly do the listening tests to hear if there was improvement. But it is what he enjoyed doing 🙂
Nick
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on October 23, 2019, 08:42:27 PM
Hi all.
Yes, I bought and sold lots, lots of audio equipment in the past 50+ years,
however, there are a few audio items that I kept for a long time,
compared to others items that I sold only a few years after acquiring them.
Some items that I have for a few years (6 years+) that will be sold
when I'm back in Canada.
However some other audio items that I will never sell,
well unless they become unrepairable and that's :
My Sony receiver amplifier CD player in one unit with it's companion a Sony
mini subwoofer and a pair of bookself speakers.
I also have a Cambridge subwoofer 2.1 amplifier
those mentionned items were purchase 17 years ago and still run strong.
If I don't use them often today, they are a good back-up in case my main system fail.
Humm mmm I also forgot to mention my Sennheiser HD570
over the ears open back headphones
that was purchase also 17 years ago,
I use them a few times a month, they have super comfortable velour ear pads
and they will need to be replaced one day, but still o.k.
I love stuff audio or other that last a long, long time.
A long time for me is 20 + years...

Guy 13

(https://i.ibb.co/tbbYPc0/DSC1626.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NLLWnp0)

(https://i.ibb.co/BN4NL8k/DSC1613.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dgbgBnZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/1Kn5Xpr/DSCN0470.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BjPx67y)

(https://i.ibb.co/XSw4zDn/DSCN0472.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6gdZ48K)

(https://i.ibb.co/7NHDGZF/DSCN0473.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1J3N9Px)

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 08, 2019, 04:46:19 AM
Hi all,
part of the topic '' Evolution '' of a sound system,
there are many upgrades that you can do
to improve the sound quality of your system.
In my next post, still under the '' Evolution '' topic
I will list all (To the best of my knowledge) the possible upgrades.
Everyone is welcome to add their experience and coments.
Please wait until I start the, let's call it, second part of the Evolution.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 08, 2019, 01:31:33 PM
Hi all.
WOW !
My '' Evolution '' topic hit the 2,500 views.
I am still asking myself why my topic '' Evolution ''
is viewed by so many members and guests ? ? ? ?
I know, it's not a worldwide record, but still....

Guy 13
 
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 13, 2019, 12:34:31 AM
Hi all.
Part of an evolution in my - your sound system there are '' Up dates ''
They are part of the evolution since to evoluate, you have to up-grade whatever you have.
So, on a side note, I will post up-grades that I think are part of the evolution.
If I forget something, please jump in to add your experience.

Let's start with digital source.
I'm thinking about the Internet.
You tube or the same.
The source must be of high quality
and I think the only way to get the best source (High resolution)
is by trying, most sources will state what their resolution is.
For me with Art Radio it's 192 Kbps (MP3) but I am sure there are many others sources
that supply higher resolution.
Tidal, Qbuz and others...
Then there is your streaming device.
So many available, how can you choose ?
Not easy, especially if you are new to the streaming...
I choose a table top Grace Digital Internet Radio because of small foot print,
large colour screen and an RCA analog output.
of course the price was also an important factor.
I have a laptop that could do the same thing with a bigger screen,
but for me, laptop is not for playing music (But that me) and you need a DAC device.
Minds you not that expensive, I have a Schiit Fulla 2 (99$)
So, this is for the source, of course, you need good rca interconnect,
I've got Signal Cables (OFC with silver coating).
If you use your laptop for streaming I wonder if it makes sense
to have a 2,000 $ DAC and some 500 $ interconnects ?
Anyone want to add something ?

Guy 13
 
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 13, 2019, 02:34:05 AM
Hi all.
I invite all new members to jump in on this topic and share your experience or your opinion
and just by posting a few words you will show us that you are interested in our topics.


Guy 13 on planet Vietnam.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 13, 2019, 02:37:51 AM
Hi all.
I just saw on the statistics board (At the bottom of this site)
that there are 100 guests looking at our topics right now.
Why don't you join us ?
You might learn something and of you don't,
you might have fun just exchanging.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 14, 2019, 05:31:42 PM
Hi all.
 
Evolution = upgrade or is it : Upgrade = Evolution ?
Despite the fact that I didn't have any comments on my last post,
that doesn't discourage me, I keep going...

Now the analog upgrade.
I will start with the vinyl or the LP or the 33T all the same.
Seems that vinyl is more popular word.

So, how do you upgrade the vinyl.
Cannot, what you can do is to buy a good recorded vinyl,
how do you do that ?
By friends recommendations, by reputation of the recording company
and by your ears.
What you do not have is control over is how they recorded
or mastered the original.
The only control you have is to buy a well recorded vinyl.

Now. the turntable.
Lot, lots of choices here.
From cheap to insanely expensive turntable.
Let's start with an average quality turntable.
Many upgrade items are available.
Platter's mat, spindle clamp, tonearm, tone arm wiring,
cartridge (MM or MC),
turntable suspension and butcher block.
So many upgrades available.
Which one is better or which one gives you good return on your investment.
Return, being increase in sound quality ? ? ?
What's better ?
Basic turntable with some or lots of upgrades or a high end turntable.
My view that according to my past experience is :
If you have the money, buy the high end one ) Linn, VPI...
Or, buy an average Rega P3 and do some upgrades.
My onky upgrades was a marble slate under the table
and  a spindle clamp.
Sound improvement you will ask ?
Not to my 70 years plus ears.
Any one want to jump in and share what componens would give a significant
improvement for the money.
Yes, the source is important, regardless of what is downstream.
Waiting for tons of comments...

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 15, 2019, 03:17:47 PM
Hi all.
In my last post, I realize that I didn't do much upgrade and the Evolution
was mainly to change devices for different models and makes.
That's not really upgrades...
I really don't know how people do it to hear the difference between
a felt mat, a rubber mat or a steel, glass, even MDF platter ? ? ?
The differences between all those different materials
must be very small, therefore those people must have super sensitice ears
or a special music processing brain to differentiate small improvents.
A few years back, I realized that it was very difficult for me to hear the differences
between stock items and upgrade items.
From time to time, I wanted to upgrade some items in my system,
but investing $ $ $  without having any garanty that it will improve the sound,
for my was not worth taking the risk of loosing money.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on November 15, 2019, 05:10:09 PM
Hi all.
In my last post, I realize that I didn't do much upgrade and the Evolution
was mainly to change devices for different models and makes.
That's not really upgrades...
I really don't know how people do it to hear the difference between
a felt mat, a rubber mat or a steel, glass, even MDF platter ? ? ?
The differences between all those different materials
must be very small, therefore those people must have super sensitice ears
or a special music processing brain to differentiate small improvents.
A few years back, I realized that it was very difficult for me to hear the differences
between stock items and upgrade items.
From time to time, I wanted to upgrade some items in my system,
but investing $ $ $  without having any garanty that it will improve the sound,
for my was not worth taking the risk of loosing money.

Guy 13

Hi Guy,
I can sometimes hear very small differences, but it can take time and brainpower....
I usually don’t want to tweak to that extent. I do have a set of recordings I’m very familiar with and also listen to other songs as well. I’ve also had my hearing tested.
Nick
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 15, 2019, 05:49:51 PM
Hi all.
In my last post, I realize that I didn't do much upgrade and the Evolution
was mainly to change devices for different models and makes.
That's not really upgrades...
I really don't know how people do it to hear the difference between
a felt mat, a rubber mat or a steel, glass, even MDF platter ? ? ?
The differences between all those different materials
must be very small, therefore those people must have super sensitice ears
or a special music processing brain to differentiate small improvents.
A few years back, I realized that it was very difficult for me to hear the differences
between stock items and upgrade items.
From time to time, I wanted to upgrade some items in my system,
but investing $ $ $  without having any garanty that it will improve the sound,
for my was not worth taking the risk of loosing money.

Guy 13

Hi Guy,
I can sometimes hear very small differences, but it can take time and brainpower....
I usually don’t want to tweak to that extent. I do have a set of recordings I’m very familiar with and also listen to other songs as well. I’ve also had my hearing tested.
Nick

Hi Nick.
Thanks for your comments.
The last system that I put together
(Now in storage waiting for the sea trip to Canada next year)
was not an expensive one, but I did hear things that I vnerver heard before
or I will put it this way:
The tiny instruments note that were there, were more noticeable to my ears.
Clearer, more precise and that's what made me enjoy more
this system over other previous ones.
To me the extended range drive (Audio Nirvana 8'' with the Decware SET)
was 75% of the enjoyment and the two (Per channel) Eminence Acoustinator 12''
Open Baffle H frame configuration with GR Research SA-1 plate amplifier (240W)
was the 25% surprise enjoyment over previous systems.
Yes, the Eminence Acoustinateur are guitar amplifiers driver,
but they made me happy.
Of course there are better drivers on the sudio market,
but why search for something that will be more expensive and gives ?% improvement.
By the way, I paid from Dany Ritchie at GR Research 25 USD per driver,
can't beat that deal.
Humm mmm I bought four at 25 USD and four at 100 USD.
Just wanted to say....

Guy 13

Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

(https://i.ibb.co/GdyT1p1/DSC0388.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vcpYrqr)

(https://i.ibb.co/Gnh1Bbx/DSC0034.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5G7ztfM)

The Omega 7F extended range driver was a replacment to the Audio Nirvana 8F
but unfortunately one of the Omega stop working, so I went back to the original set up with the Audio Nirvana.
Honestly, the Omega was a little better, especially in the critical range 1 to 2KHz.
The Omega was less shouty...
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 16, 2019, 05:06:23 PM
Hi all.
The next item on my list of upgrades was the phono stage.
At the time I was looking for a phono stage I wanted a tube phono amplifier,
however,most of them where around 1,000 USD that was way above my budget.
I've search on Amazon and other sites and found the Bellari VP-129 a one tube (12AU7)
phono stage for mm cartridge.
The sound was o.k. but no more.
I've use it for a few years then I up grade it to a Project PHONO BOX (Black)
MM/MC Phono Pre Amp.
The sound was a bit better, but still what I wanted.
In addition with my Decware SE84C+ I found that with some vinyl I didn't get at the
Decware input enough voltage to get the full 2wpc.
Well, I still have both phono amplifier and chances that I upgrade again are 0%.
I found that on both units, the sound was thin,
but that's probably because of the vinyl recording.
I love bass and I did get that...

Guy 13

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 17, 2019, 04:05:49 AM
Hi all.
9 of 10 upgrade I did in the past were unsuccessfull.
Didn't hear any improvement.
Must be my (Old) ears or brain or both.
I'm still wondering how others can hear
what I call small differences ? ? ? ?

Guy 13
 
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 18, 2019, 01:42:57 AM
Hi all.
Now it's the turn of the tube amplifier to have an upgrade.
My Decware SE-84C+ SET 2wpc came with Russian tubes.
Two SV83 pentode connected in triode mode.
One (No name I could not see the name) 6922
and a rectifier 5Y3 make : Ruby.
For the SV83 I tried the Gold Lion EL84, the Electro Harmonic EL84
and it was very difficult to tell the sound difference between the two makes,
what didn't help, was the fact thet my sound memory in my brain
(Like many audiophile) is very short,
I cannot memorized more than 3 seconds of music.
So by the time you shut off the power, remove carefully the tube with some gloves
or a clean rag, put the new tubes, put back the power and
wait for the tubes to warm up,
what I have memorized is erase from my music brain.
However, I did noticed a small improvement with the Gold Lion EL84,
but maybe it was my imagination.... ? ? ? ?
For the 6922 I had several different makes : RCA, Thomas, Sylvania, Electro Harmonic
and between all of them, could not hear any differences.
Now, the rectifier, many claim that the rectifier model makes a difference in the sound,
so the original Ruby 5Y3, the 5U4 RCA and the Sovtek 5AR4 no difference for me in the sound,
therefore,
I'm using the 5AR4 Sovtek, the Electro Harmonic 6922 and the Electro Harmonic EL84
and I am happy with the sound.
I don't know what else I could have done to improve the sound.
Maybe a pre-amplifier ? ? ?
That's a big investment for me.

Guy 13
 
(https://i.ibb.co/dDQBSwr/DSC0047.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jDLhdPT)

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 19, 2019, 06:10:45 PM
Hi all.
I think this will be my last post here.
Not much to say about my Evolution and-or my upgrades.
My last upgrade was my speaker
and that speaker's upgrade was the one that I can confirm
that it made a HUGE difference on sound improvement.
For me, crossoverless speakers is an upgrade and improvement on sound.
For me and for the speakers that I've owned.
Extended range drivers put out more musical information.
The middle frequencies are more natural.
I cannot really comment on higher frequencies,
above 8-10KHz because my 71 years old ears cannot hear those higher frequencies.
For the lower frenquencies (Below 100Hz) of course an 8'' driver
cannot do a good job at reproducing those low frequencies.
Of course if an extended range driver is in a bass reflex enclosure that will help, maybe go down to
30 or 40 Hz, but that's not my idea, I want good bass in an open baffle configuration.
So two 12'' woofers (For the large area surface) and a plate amplifier to help
the poor little 2wpc amplifier to do a good job.
I set the plate amplifier at around 100Hz.
Sooooo that's it.
Not much comments from the AN members,
but it was fun for me to share my Evolution, upgrades and experiences...

Guy 13
 
(https://i.ibb.co/Gnh1Bbx/DSC0034.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5G7ztfM)
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 19, 2019, 06:13:34 PM
A BIG thank you for the almost 3,000 views.
Look like my topic was not too boring
or that many views is maybe the AN members were just curious.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 26, 2019, 07:20:28 PM
Hi all.
I'm asking you : Is this an up-grade
or just one of those expensive and do nothing to improve the sound ?
Flat speaker wires and wire support - spacer.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on November 26, 2019, 08:18:00 PM
Hi all.
I'm asking you : Is this an up-grade
or just one of those expensive and do nothing to improve the sound ?
Flat speaker wires and wire support - spacer.

Guy 13

I have never used flat/ribbon cables. I assume part of the reason could be the potential for static electricity. I have known a couple of guys in an audio club who have done this, but have never asked them about it.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 26, 2019, 08:26:02 PM
Hi all.
First time I heard about flat speaker wires,
I thought is was only for running them under carpet,
at the time, I never knew it had something to do
with sound quality improvement.
For the speaker wire lifters,
I made some with mdf wood and tried them...
No difference in sound to my (At the time) 65 years old ears.
Minds you, my listening room's floor is ceramic tiles
over 12'' of reinforced concrete,
sooooo... I don't thing the floor would vibrate
or transmit vibrations to the sources...

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 26, 2019, 08:32:29 PM
Hi all.
One tweak I would like to try (Only by curiosity)
is bare wires each negative and
positive separated by a few inches from amplifier
directly to driver.
Suspended in the air.
Cost zero to a few pennies.
Did anyone tried that already,
if yes, what is your opinion on that tweak ? ? ?

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on November 27, 2019, 07:17:10 PM
Tommy O'Brien, who is a member here (ampdesigner333) has a product in his Cherry line of amps that does exactly that. The In-Line Maraschino separates the power supply from the Class D amp modules such that the amp is small enough and light enough to hang in mid air suspended by a short run (like 6 inches) of speaker wire. I heard them at Shadowlight's and they sounded quite impressive. I only heard them with the short wire, so I cannot really say how much was due to the short cable vs the amp itself, but the combination was very good.

Here is a link to the Kickstarter campaign that was used to launch the amp:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378044010/in-line-maraschino
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 28, 2019, 02:57:54 AM
Tommy O'Brien, who is a member here (ampdesigner333) has a product in his Cherry line of amps that does exactly that. The In-Line Maraschino separates the power supply from the Class D amp modules such that the amp is small enough and light enough to hang in mid air suspended by a short run (like 6 inches) of speaker wire. I heard them at Shadowlight's and they sounded quite impressive. I only heard them with the short wire, so I cannot really say how much was due to the short cable vs the amp itself, but the combination was very good.

Here is a link to the Kickstarter campaign that was used to launch the amp:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/378044010/in-line-maraschino

Thanks tmazz for your suggestion on the Maraschino amplifier.
I had a good look at their website with pictures and video.
First their amplifier is way over my budget.
Second, I don't see the advantage of the way to hookup their amplifier.
My idea was only to have bare wires from the amplifier (On a rack) to the driver
or amplifier and try to avoid any connectors. (Banana plugs, etc...)
Thanks any way for the suggestion.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: tmazz on November 28, 2019, 07:50:49 PM
OK, when you said you were looking to try bare wire a few inches from the amp I assumed that your objective was to come as close as possible to eliminate the speaker wire itself.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on November 28, 2019, 10:42:28 PM
OK, when you said you were looking to try bare wire a few inches from the amp I assumed that your objective was to come as close as possible to eliminate the speaker wire itself.

Hi tmazz.
Sorry about the confusion or my unprecise description of what I want to do.
I will (Again) blame that on old age.  :lol:

Guy 13

The distance between amplifier and speakers willbe approximately 10 feet.

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on December 01, 2019, 03:49:37 PM
Hi all.
I'm almost 100% sure that an upgrade with some Wilson speakers
and Classé audio amplifier with some several thousands of $$$ speakers cable
and Interconnects would not be an upgrade for me.
A few years back I went to an audio show in Saïgon (Planet Vietnam)
and the Wilson - Classé audio sounded terrible,
so terrible that I stayed for 15 minutes and saw many visitors leaving after only 5 minutes
induring that terrible soumd.
Yes, the acousting of the room didn't help.
But spending 50,000 USD plus is not what I call evolution or up-grade.
My opinion based on my (At the time) 65 years old ears.

Guy 13
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on December 01, 2019, 09:59:10 PM
Hi all. Reading all my comments, you saw that I have owned quite a few audio components.
Well, I went thru my memory, which doesn't work like when I was 30 years old, but still.
I made up a list of (To the best of my memory) all the receivers I've owned
and here it is :
(If some names I forgot come back, I will add them to the list.)
Marrantz
Realistic
Pioneer
Hitachi
Sound (Nippon Sound)
For the look, I think the Pioneer and the Realistic look the best
with all the dial, buttons, dial.

Guy 13

and wood case I like.
Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on December 06, 2019, 03:24:46 AM
Hi all.
Now close to 4,000 views with my topic '' Evolution ''.
All the reply I got were from what I call '' Regular '' members.
I wont named them, because I am affraid to forget some and they will be
angry at me...  :roll:
But why all the other silent members don't post some opinions,
I would like to read them, that could help me to improve my post.
Please silent members come out of the dark.

Guy 13

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on January 02, 2020, 08:04:43 PM

Hi all.
My (Systems) EVOLUTION spreaded over five decades is something
that I am not necessary proud of.
With all that money spent trying to improve my systems,
all that money (Probably 100,000 $)
could have been put aside until I was ready and well informed
on a system that could have kept me happy for a minimum of 20 years
or until the technology was opsolete, if such a thing exist.
(I still have tube amplifier, which is old technology, older than I am.)
But I guess it was fun shopping and buying new audio components.
Today I can (Proudly) say that I've owned in the past
a Naim and a Linn and a Decware and a GR Research, etc....
Evolution is good, as long as you don't go bankrupt buying stuff.
Updating components is good is it brings something,
like better sound quality or comvnience or smaller footprint.
I was never trying to keep-up with the John's (If you know the expression)
I was only trying to have the best sound possible and I have to admit,
the best looking stuff, not to impress other, but to impress myself and my ego.
I am in the process of downsizing everything audio - video
(Except the TV 32'' to 55'') I will always be looking a better
and more expensive components,
but compare to 40 years ago, now I can control myself,
well, not much choice,  my retired revenues are not what they use to me
20 years ago.
I don't want to give any advices, only tell you to enjoy the music
even if your system is not perfect.
Like some says:
Don't listen to the compnents, listen to the music.
That's what I am doing now and it's more rewarding than it was sometime ago.

Enjoy and relax.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Nick B on January 02, 2020, 09:58:48 PM

Hi all.
My (Systems) EVOLUTION spreaded over five decades is something
that I am not necessary proud of.
With all that money spent trying to improve my systems,
all that money (Probably 100,000 $)
could have been put aside until I was ready and well informed
on a system that could have kept me happy for a minimum of 20 years
or until the technology was opsolete, if such a thing exist.
(I still have tube amplifier, which is old technology, older than I am.)
But I guess it was fun shopping and buying new audio components.
Today I can (Proudly) say that I've owned in the past
a Naim and a Linn and a Decware and a GR Research, etc....
Evolution is good, as long as you don't go bankrupt buying stuff.
Updating components is good is it brings something,
like better sound quality or comvnience or smaller footprint.
I was never trying to keep-up with the John's (If you know the expression)
I was only trying to have the best sound possible and I have to admit,
the best looking stuff, not to impress other, but to impress myself and my ego.
I am in the process of downsizing everything audio - video
(Except the TV 32'' to 55'') I will always be looking a better
and more expensive components,
but compare to 40 years ago, now I can control myself,
well, not much choice,  my retired revenues are not what they use to me
20 years ago.
I don't want to give any advices, only tell you to enjoy the music
even if your system is not perfect.
Like some says:
Don't listen to the compnents, listen to the music.
That's what I am doing now and it's more rewarding than it was sometime ago.

Enjoy and relax.

Guy 13

Guy,
I got involved in audio in the late 70s and more with hi end equipment starting in the late 80s. I guess spending money...and often too much 💰 💰....is part of the learning curve. My system keeps improving and I am quite happy about that. I have changed my philosophy a bit and rather than having a very “neutral” sounding system, I’m looking for more of a midrange emphasis. Whether someone calls that euphoric, colored or whatever, that’s the musical presentation that appeals to me most nowadays.
Nick
Title: Re: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on January 03, 2020, 12:17:13 AM

Hi all.
My (Systems) EVOLUTION spreaded over five decades is something
that I am not necessary proud of.
With all that money spent trying to improve my systems,
all that money (Probably 100,000 $)
could have been put aside until I was ready and well informed
on a system that could have kept me happy for a minimum of 20 years
or until the technology was opsolete, if such a thing exist.
(I still have tube amplifier, which is old technology, older than I am.)
But I guess it was fun shopping and buying new audio components.
Today I can (Proudly) say that I've owned in the past
a Naim and a Linn and a Decware and a GR Research, etc....
Evolution is good, as long as you don't go bankrupt buying stuff.
Updating components is good is it brings something,
like better sound quality or comvnience or smaller footprint.
I was never trying to keep-up with the John's (If you know the expression)
I was only trying to have the best sound possible and I have to admit,
the best looking stuff, not to impress other, but to impress myself and my ego.
I am in the process of downsizing everything audio - video
(Except the TV 32'' to 55'') I will always be looking a better
and more expensive components,
but compare to 40 years ago, now I can control myself,
well, not much choice,  my retired revenues are not what they use to me
20 years ago.
I don't want to give any advices, only tell you to enjoy the music
even if your system is not perfect.
Like some says:
Don't listen to the compnents, listen to the music.
That's what I am doing now and it's more rewarding than it was sometime ago.

Enjoy and relax.

Guy 13

Guy,
I got involved in audio in the late 70s and more with hi end equipment starting in the late 80s. I guess spending money...and often too much 💰 💰....is part of the learning curve. My system keeps improving and I am quite happy about that. I have changed my philosophy a bit and rather than having a very “neutral” sounding system, I’m looking for more of a midrange emphasis. Whether someone calls that euphoric, colored or whatever, that’s the musical presentation that appeals to me most nowadays.
Nick

Hi Nick.
Humm mmm let me try to explain my philosopy about what I expect from what my system
should give me.
Micro details in the high frequencies, detail and naturalness in the ids (Voices) and some details
in the low frequencies, no boum boum...
I got 90% of that with my last system.
Rega Apollo, Decware SE84C+ and a pair of Omega 7F and double Emicence 12'' Acoustinator
driven by an inexpensive GR Research SA-1 plate amplifier,
not what you could call and high end system.
Probably not a flat frequency response, more like a roller coaster...
But, that the kind of sound I like and that make me happy.
As a matter of fact, this system's sound makes me more happy than my
Linn - B+W - Naim system I bought 40 years ago and that I paid 15,000 Cnd $
money of 1978.
Probably double that in today's money.
I we buy a triplex house, I might have room to keep my dream system
otherwise, well I will (Try) to enjoy whatever I will be able to keep
and that can fit in a small one bedroom appartment.

Guy 13

Title: Evolution...
Post by: Guy 13 on January 09, 2020, 04:58:10 PM

Hi all.
This topic (EVOLUTION) just reached 5,000 views.
Thanks all.
I wonder what did you like the most about this topic ?
The photos, the text, thestory or something else.
It's a good time now for the newbies
and the shy members to post some opinions.
Thanks again.

Guy 13 on planet Vienam.