AudioNervosa
Group Therapy => Audio Syndrome NY => Topic started by: RussL on January 03, 2015, 11:38:28 AM
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Happy New Year to all! We’ll be starting the new year with lots to see and hear on Friday the 16th at the home of Andy Dubitsky . In addition to his main system, Andy will be demonstrating four computer based audio systems, three with vintage speakers. The four computer systems are identified below:
1) computer + Qinpu tube/hybrid amp + Dynaco A25s (1970)
2) computer + Heathkit monoblocs + Large Advent (1972)
3) computer + B&K amp + JBL L100s (1974)
4) computer + Audioengine 2+ powered desktop speakers
Andy could use one more laptop for this demo. In addition, if anyone has USB DAC they want to show off, they would be welcome to do so. Please contact Andy in advance if you could help out with either request.
A dbx DriveRack equalizer / crossover unit (http://dbxpro.com/en-US/product_families/driverack) has replaced the Behringer EQ in Andy’s main system. The Driverack allows for level settings of subs and woofers, choice of crossover slopes and turnover points and parametric or graphic equalization. New Electro-Harmonix 6922s have replaced the noisier Bugle Boys in his Audible Illusions 2D preamplifier. Otherwise, the main system has remained pretty consistent.
Analog duties are handled via a VPI Scout TT with a Zyx cartridge and Beyerdynamic step up transformer. An Oppo transport and Eastern Electric DAC (with discrete opamp modification) handle the digital duties.
Andy’s Audible Illusions 2D preamp directs the signal to the dbx DriveRack thereby dividing up the signal for his McAlister PP150 tube amplifier driving his Martin Logan Request panels and for his Bryston 4B amplifier driving the Martin Logan woofers. Two M&K subwoofers help boost bottom end response. Whew, that’s a lot of equipment!!
As usual, doors open at 7:30 with the formal meeting starting about 8:00 or so. Be sure to bring along some libations or deserts to help keep the holiday spirit going.
Russ Lachow
Audio Syndrome Secretary
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If anyone needs directions that is not a club member PM me here.
charles
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If I can make it, I'll bring my camera because :lol:
:pics?:
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Another great turnout. A good time had by all. Thanks Andy for setting up five systems. Bobs' little DAC and amp made the vintage Advents sound pretty good, shocking.
The old JBL 100 with a Wyred for Sound DAC [ thanks Joe] was a surprise as well.
The main rig a la Logans were fresh and dynamic. We got a good taste of computer audio from a phones driving a DAC to laptops.
charles
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+1 Great meeting, Andy! :thumb:
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Good times and a fun theme.
If anyone is interested here's a link to the small DAC's from HiFiMe DIY.com
http://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs (http://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs)
And here's a link to the small T-amp (SMSL: SA-36A Pro), but you can also find these in many places, including Amazon and e-bay.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/SA-36A-TA2020-SMSL-20W-2-Tripath-Class-T-Digital-Amplifier-DC-12V/1140113_1662171617.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/SA-36A-TA2020-SMSL-20W-2-Tripath-Class-T-Digital-Amplifier-DC-12V/1140113_1662171617.html)
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+2, a lot of fun!
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Thanks Andy, You have my vote for the most music per rooms-in-the-house ratio...it was fun to listen & mix it up with everyone. Much appreciated!
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Something's weird Emil. Can't see any of the pictures.
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Something's weird Emil. Can't see any of the pictures.
I don't see them anymore either.
Damn computers :lol:
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Something's weird Emil. Can't see any of the pictures.
I don't see them anymore either.
Damn computers :lol:
Something's weird Emil. Can't see any of the pictures.
I don't see them anymore either.
Damn computers :lol:
They just deleted all the porn pix. ](*,)
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Don't worry you can probably get more :thumb:
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OK. here we go
Triode Pete and Rollo
Rollo is using a powercord to hold up his pants
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1fMx9OoW1Pc/VLvl1zV4eRI/AAAAAAAAGXw/FjTax1BIAV0/w889-h591-no/DSC00419.JPG)
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Andy's VPI Scout
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ADNbYuJRY50/VLvlubXQ-bI/AAAAAAAAGXw/iTUWERFgcC0/w889-h591-no/DSC00422.JPG)
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In case you were wondering what that note taped on the wall says
Remember electrostatic charges
Do not touch stereo unless you are sure you are fully discharged.
Even then, do not touch the VPI table.
Failure may result in severe consequences for me or you.
Let me help.
Gotta love Andy :rofl:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kG8i3vB9wts/VLvlgZuH5JI/AAAAAAAAGY8/5W1pndXE4oA/w889-h591-no/DSC00428.JPG)
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Greg, BobM and Stereonut
Thats right, Stereonut. Show off that ticket for the Menudo reunion at The Garden
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s6X6NY-GO7M/VLvlwtUTRqI/AAAAAAAAGXw/eZGj51c8qxQ/w889-h591-no/DSC00421.JPG)
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Pair of Heathkits in the home theater room
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KzuJiMg6PWE/VLvmAov3q3I/AAAAAAAAGaU/GkvF0mLZ2-8/w889-h591-no/DSC00413.JPG)
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JBL L100s in the basement
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N7Sef22HTKI/VLvlSBIueXI/AAAAAAAAGac/IFiHB7GrwjA/w889-h591-no/DSC00433.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_-aox6Eh3Hw/VLvlVUeGE3I/AAAAAAAAGak/kDN5fDn9CBA/w889-h591-no/DSC00432.JPG)
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Audible Illusion pre sans cover
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RPoPIOW9YhY/VLvlpymjEwI/AAAAAAAAGas/oOst2m4AdNo/w889-h591-no/DSC00424.JPG)
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Audioengine computer audio
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sacV4O7_2CU/VLvlAlgcIPI/AAAAAAAAGa0/CQFjJi1lF4Q/w889-h591-no/DSC00411.JPG)
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Lissnr having his ancient tube tester examined
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xkwiHfJzLSs/VLvlJPweVlI/AAAAAAAAGXw/yKiIo7HFqso/w889-h591-no/DSC00437.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bjZobYPZuc/VLvlGqyeLZI/AAAAAAAAGa8/aNU7OXkEIRw/w889-h591-no/DSC00438.JPG)
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(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FoN65v4nmQ/VLvl7eHbbSI/AAAAAAAAGXw/1GauYJrjaDY/w889-h591-no/DSC00417.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttbYlQtLmFQ/VLvl4QRfrKI/AAAAAAAAGXw/tHSBcxXT4JU/w889-h591-no/DSC00418.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bzuiBHwJGIY/VLvlYKeD0SI/AAAAAAAAGbE/u9ELzvhVIHo/w889-h591-no/DSC00431.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ar5DzB8R4h8/VLvlzXxsvjI/AAAAAAAAGbM/-w7-HytbI3s/w889-h591-no/DSC00420.JPG)
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Greg, BobM and Stereonut
Thats right, Stereonut. Show off that ticket for the Menudo reunion at The Garden
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s6X6NY-GO7M/VLvlwtUTRqI/AAAAAAAAGXw/eZGj51c8qxQ/w889-h591-no/DSC00421.JPG)
Jealousy will get you no-where, Emil!!! :rofl:
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Thanks everybody for coming!
Bob M: Your phone and min-amp sounded ridiculously good hooked up to the Advents upstairs. Your USB DAC transformed the sound of the puter/Audioengines in the dining room.
Joe B: Thanks for taking the trouble to bring your music server and hi rez files. Amazing sound thru the JBLs.
Emil: The pics came out great!
Paul L: Sorry we couldn't find cables to connect your music server/dac.
I think the olde speakers acquitted themselves quite well- several people told me they were better than the Martin Logan setup. I'll still take the main system, thanks, and I'm still listening to mostly vinyl.
To anyone who wonders why I've made the main system so complicated- Whats his name at Audio Breakthroughs once told me it was like throwing boxes of band-aids at bad speakers. If you've ever read a review of Martin Logan speakers, or have heard them in other systems, the weakness has always been matching the cone woofer with the estat panels.
I was inspired by the Innersound systems- they used a big ss amp for the woofers with a built in adjustable x-over. Martin Logan has now followed suit- their upper end speakers now feature powered woofers and woofer controls- add a tube amp and you've got something similar to what I've put together.
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The best part for me was looking at the RTA curves on everybody's phone when I played the pink noise test.
I used my Iphone to set a baseline for the system and eq out some nodes.
Then I see 8 different phone apps, androids and Iphones, and the curves are way different on each one! Who am I kidding?
Of course mine is telling me the truth, cause I'm pretty happy with the sound. But I wonder how much better/different it might sound with an accurate RTA meter.
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Of course mine is telling me the truth, cause I'm pretty happy with the sound. But I wonder how much better/different it might sound with an accurate RTA meter.
I think the biggest difference is that cell phone have cheap little mics that are optimized for voice pickup and not much else. Just a guess , but I think they might be pretty similar in the 300 - 3000 cycle range and outside of that it's anybody's guess.
I know you are not using the Beringer unit in the main system anymore, but do you still have it hanging around. That had a pretty good RTA section in it. If you don't have the calibrated mic that goes with it let me know, I can lend you mine.
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Greg, BobM and Stereonut
Thats right, Stereonut. Show off that ticket for the Menudo reunion at The Garden
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s6X6NY-GO7M/VLvlwtUTRqI/AAAAAAAAGXw/eZGj51c8qxQ/w889-h591-no/DSC00421.JPG)
Jealousy will get you no-where, Emil!!! :rofl:
Bill is going to an Islanders game because guess who is #1?!
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Thanks everybody for coming!
Joe B: Thanks for taking the trouble to bring your music server and hi rez files. Amazing sound thru the JBLs.
Thanks for hosting! Glad you enjoyed the setup on the JBLs, even happier everything worked with out a hitch.
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The Behringer is sitting in the back of the den, underneath the Bryston. It works perfectly EXCEPT for the RTA section, which died a couple years ago. Don't know if its a soft switch problem, software or connection, but having it would be nice. Not worth the money it would take to repair.
The dbx also includes its own calibrated RTA and mic. To use it, full range signal has to be routed from the dbx to amps and spkrs. Since I run the panels straight from the preamp, I don't get full range pink noise when I push the RTA button. The RTA analysis function in the dbx doesnt work with an external pink noise source.
So I thought I'd start with the phone. Now, if anyone has a working, calibrated RTA unit, I would be v interested in borrowing for an hour or so.