Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] DACs : unmodded Transporter vs Perfectwave DAC?
darrenyeats;600640 Wrote: For me, if you want a certain quality to the sound I don't believe the digital source is the right place to expect that. Use down-stream equipment to deliver the qualities of sound you like (and that's fine - see below). For me, it's like complaining an RCA connector is boring because it's transparent. But this is interesting because I've come to realise there are two different ways of looking at hi-fi and both are equally valid. One opinion is that the best hi-fi is that which makes the most recordings sound the best or most real. If you think about it, it's a very sensible opinion and I won't criticise it - indeed I cannot. The other opinion is that the best hi-fi delivers the original recording as closely as possible. On many recordings, this may be deliver an experience which is less real and perhaps less comfortable. However, when done properly this is not an unpleasant sensation and I would say it's the opposite of boring. You hear the equipment less and the recordings more and there is a lot variety in recordings out there, variety that can easily be papered over. Anyway, I'm just saying this is an another way of looking at things. At this point in my audio journey I keep the second view but I respect completely those dedicated to the first view. Enjoy the music everyone! Darren Sensible and reasonable viewpoint! I am of the second opinion as well, relying on the recording / mastering side expertise to bring me the best possible sound for my setup. My current music library has roughly 25% recordings that are exquisitely done, 25% enjoyable, 25% so so for background and the rest is pretty bad, sound quality wise. -- empty99 SB3-Benchmark DAC1HDR-Pass X250-12g Romex-BW N802 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82155 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Does audiophile equal quiet?
and the stuffs they are trying to peddle from lessloss.com to know who they are. As the old saying goes: Salesmanship is the art of making you laugh while ripping you off blind. Be afraid...very afraid! -- empty99 SB3-Benchmark DAC1HDR-Pass X250-12g Romex-BW N802 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=84091 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Does audiophile equal quiet?
magiccarpetride;596419 Wrote: Or, maybe it is that I'm lost for the ultra rarefied and refined world of super-human esoteric high end of audiophilia? While it's a fun hobby, the letdowns are huge. Preventative is best by tempering enthusiasm with a daily dose of reality. There are good doctors in this house. -- empty99 SB3-Benchmark DAC1HDR-Pass X250-12g Romex-BW N802 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=84091 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] High definition digital vs red book
Phil Leigh;585141 Wrote: No - I do not believe I could tell them apart on a quick A/B... (I've just tried and failed). They ARE very different in terms of information content, but can you actually hear it...? I don't believe so. The extra information in 24/96 vs 16/44.1 just isn't THAT important! As I've always maintained, the benefit of redbook recording is in the mastering flexibility - you get to create great sounding results. 16/44.1 can sound absolutely fine if produced from a great master... can be fantastic, in fact, some of the finest sound I heard are regular CDs from the ECM label. Manfred Eicher has great ears! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82870 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How much can transport mechanism affect SQ?
magiccarpetride;582125 Wrote: You can have a very high resolution, high quality digital sound source and still have this uneasy feeling of nervousness when listening to it, something you don't get when listening to a high quality, high resolution analog source. It's called digititis irritis, a mental condition and has nothing to do with hearing. Patients reported seeing wild and endless stepladder going up and down, flashing ones and zeros in rapid successions against very dark background, almost black, causing irritation and anxiety. When subjected to a steady stream of fog and dim lights, patients experience peace, restfulness, their eyes less strained, their locations intact w/ proper sensory feedback... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82520 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How much can transport mechanism affect SQ?
Phil Leigh;582163 Wrote: Post of the Month so far :-) Small miracle actually, that vinyl can sound that good really, considering how crude the whole playback chain is but thanks to endless tweaking for 50+ years, it got pretty good! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82520 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Bryston BDA-1 vs. Benchmark HDR?
The volume pot is nearly full sized w/ a motor attached, vs a very small PCB type pot on the rest of DAC1 variations. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82326 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Agggghh Transporter gone
michael123;579939 Wrote: If you're targeting for high-end system, only Transporter and do not look elsewhere Hi-Fi can go with Touch or SB3 with some upgraded power supply (e.g. Teddy Padro) To me High End may not be HI FI, which is High Fidelity. High End can sometimes be Anything You Wanted with lots of money ;^) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82319 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter Balanced Analog Cable Adapter help
Would this work, leaving the ground connections alone? -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82242 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Unbalanced Analog Cable Help
jhonsber...@msn.com;578056 Wrote: Thanks for your help .Im gonna get some cables from Blue Jean. The slightly thinner RG-48? coax cables terminated w/ screw-on gold plated RCA plugs from PartsExpress.com. It's flexible enough yet has the solid core conductor that just sounded great to my ears. You can make a bunch of them ICs real cheaply. SB3 Benchmark DAC1-HDR Balanced XLR Pass X250 BW 802N Nicer! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82122 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Most bang for buck? Add DAC to SB or buy Touch?
The Touch has a better DAC with better analog outputs at $299 AND 30 days home trial, I say go this route first to see if you like the change or any worthwhile improvement that you can hear. In my experience, DACs sound quality differences are very small versus other components such as speakers and preamps. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=82067 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] S-Booster
iPhone;571568 Wrote: Buyer beware, the only change to your system will be the lightness in ones wallet and a little less treble from your lowered seating position. There's that smooth warm analog sound without the digital edges upgrade! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=81454 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB3 + Power amp problem
Wombat;574730 Wrote: I second that. The SB3 alone has an output that should have not the slightest problem to drive a pre-amp input. The Op-Amp in the exit has enough current juice even for low impedance power-amps. If a pre-amp betters the sound the power-amp has some broken or badly engineered inputs or the pre-amp just adds his own sweet sound. and felt pretty smug about for the last 20+ years w/ my very decent passive VC setup, an impedance friendly setup at that, i.e very short cables, high input impedance on the amp 75kOhms, 50kOhm Alps pot and the low low impedance out of a DAC of 30 ohms. I know there was clarity galore yes, but as I turn up the volume, some sorts of compression kicks in and the sound is still clear but congested, I always felt my system is more capable than that. I loved the clarity but there is persistent thinness to the sound. The sound is clear but flat, if you know what I mean. So there was this what if nagging at me through several passive potentiometer changes, from cheap Shacks stuffs to TKD to Alps (I started PVC experiment in 1986!) Well, I know now that there is almost as much plus and minus in PVC as in AVC and impedance mismatch can really tip the scale either way. I know now that the precious low level line out that contains both voltage and current that are easily messed up by lousy connections or equipments. SB3 Benchmark DAC1 HDR Balanced XLR Pass X250 BW N802 Nicer! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=81664 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB3 + Power amp problem
Wombat;575578 Wrote: Pretender! :) Nice Amp btw. Never liked BW sound in that league. A full flavoured Avantgarde Trio setup may be a different story... Thanks...Hey you're pretty courageous yourself building own speakers! Now you really can get more of what you like, accuracy be damned! ;^) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=81664 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Quality of digital input on Transporter
I heard nothing but positives on the Transporter, but being a discontinued product, there is something to worry about. The nearest competing product for me is the Benchmark Pre HDR 1, a bit more versatile in the fact that it can take in Analog (SACD from my Sony player), has gain adjustable XLR balanced out (very handy to optimise pre to amp matching and at the most linear analog volume control range) and complete wireless control did it for me. It is the most expensive and smallest audio device that I ever bought. Oh yes, it sounded great into my Pass X250 and BW N802! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=81283 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Quality of digital input on Transporter
Phil Leigh;572544 Wrote: Well, that's a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, since the Benchmark is a DAC and the Transporter is a NMP... not exactly the same kind of animal. I'm sure your system sounds great BTW. Thanks! Since the original poster already has a SB3 like mine so I was talking in DAC functionality mindset. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=81283 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] 2.0 vs 2.1
OldCoder;551723 Wrote: I have used subs for almost 30 years now, both in a 2.1 configuration and my current 2.2 setup. I have found that the key (for me) is having a electronic crossover and driving the subs with their own amplifier. This allows me to adjust enough from my listening position that I can get the sound integrated smoothly once I get the subs close to correct in their positioning. It makes it a snap to alter the crossover frequency to reduce boom, and match volumes for smoothness of output. As another poster noted earlier, the greatest benefit of sub is taking the load off the primary speakers, allowing them more clarity and dynamic headroom. I have gone this route for about 10 years and did noticed the improvement you said but upon going back to plain 2 channel due to wife insistence on ridding those tube subs, I found that I lost the depth but gained back the clarity and focus of the music, somehow, all those x-over electronics added some mud to the sound...I can see the benefits of such system when you want extremely high volume playback level because it's more efficient. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79054 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] DAC Resolution Test and Don't EVER use Digital Volume Control
Just looking at your gig, nice TV! In my ear mind, I would think it's better if you can switch your listening position to achieve a more LEDE, Live End Dead End setup, putting your stereo on the flat wall side and your chair on the open side. As it is, you will get lots of early echo from the back wall messing up with the main sound from the front... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=77725 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter as preamp
cliveb;527485 Wrote: Someone will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the SACD spec require that you cannot get a digital output from the SACD layer? Presumably that means that when you play an SACD disc, the data stream on the SPDIF output is from the redbook layer. When playing SACD discs, my Sony S9000ES mutes its digital outs. I don't know what happens if one chooses the Redbook layer playback for hybrid discs... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=76483 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Suggestions for upgrade from ARCAM A85 Amp
norderney;494697 Wrote: ok sorry if this seems a silly question, but what exactly is a sub? And how does it connect to my system? It's a dedicated low frequency reproducer, usually has its own amplifier, that you can hook up to your system. Do a search on its working principle to see if it makes sense to you. The reason I recommend it is that your bookshelf speakers (reads: small) cannot reproduce real deep bass, although they can offer just a hint of it to kind of fool you into thinking that it's there. The most difficult part about its setup is blending, this will take time, and this is part of the fun, to play with. It has level control, crossover frequency in Hz, usually 50 to 120, a phase switch, to compensate for the distance between it and main speakers, it likes corner placement, where it can double in output w/o distortion from overdrive (low frequency takes lot of power to reproduce) A big side benefit is that depend on how you set it up, it can UNLOAD this burden from your small bookshelf system, allowing it to play cleaner and louder w/ the same wattage that your existing amp can provide. This hookup requires feeding your transporter output sub amp your speakers, taking advantage of the low / high pass filters from the sub. Read up on it, then experiment, you will be pleasantly surprised. Many people says this upgrade gives the best bang for the buck. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=72273 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
Glad I have Squeezebox now. Absolutely SB3 has changed my listening habit as well! Now who got an Oppo modded to output recordable DSD signals? Let me know! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
matka;494639 Wrote: Actually, it is not DSD that you can capture from ispdf, it is PCM, so there is a conversion taking place. DSD is send via HDMI 1.3 , but then what can you do with it ? Play it via DSD enabled receiver with better DSD DAC then Oppo I guess... According to Oppo, analog audio output is converted from DSD directly without going thru PCM. So it is possible that analog capture can be of better quality then PCM from SPDIF. We were talking about a modded Oppo that does DSD24bit/88.1Khz downsample PCM stream we can capture, then playback thru TP. Many SACD discs I got already have Redbook CD layer on them that sound quite decent. We audiophiles just want to split hairs to get to the last drop of goodies so suffer we must! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Suggestions for upgrade from ARCAM A85 Amp
norderney;494623 Wrote: Can you explain what is meant by the term 3 or 4 way speakers? Would my existing BW CDM1NT stand mounted speakers be 2 way? Sorry if this question is a bit basic, but I am not a hi-fi expert, but I am trying to learn!! Here's the short answer: You got a very nice system, I love them spacious sounding speakers! Here's the short warning: You could do worse by spending more! Here's what I think you can improve quickly: Get a quality BW sub and play w/ it but keep an ear out for boomy or muddy low end by staying south of 80Hz lowpass, I prefer 50Hz and lower. You may not realize how much good clean low bass CAN improve your hifi! Welcome to the dark side... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=72273 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
pfarrell;490648 Wrote: empty99 wrote: I am no longer a SONY guy... I had a huge stack of all-Sony AV gear and a big Sony 35 TV (crt, wonderful picture) including Stereo TV tuner, casette desks, Beta VCR, turntables (bet you didn't know that Sony sold a linear armed turntable), etc. I have zero Sony gear in the house now. I believe that they have sold out on their brand name, it used to be a bit more expensive, but great quality and good sound. Now, not so much. All IMHO. -- Pat Farrell http://www.pfarrell.com/ Ahh yes, those CRTs, I got the last great analog Trinitron XBR2-100 @ $3000.00 in 1998 and yes I remembered the silver linear arm turntable. Hey how about them top load SCOTT brand cassette decks made by Sony before even Sony? -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Suggestions for upgrade from ARCAM A85 Amp
by going w/ something a little bigger for speakers. I learned that there is a risk exists w/ large speakers, they tend to not image as well as smaller system such as yours, and place a huge demand on placement to keep them from sounding boomy. Again, your room will dictate what ultimate bass performance you can get. Some people just end up adding a sub and finding a sweet spot for it will give you plenty of playtime. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=72273 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] What outboard DAC do you use with Squeezebox?
cliveb;492205 Wrote: Just took a look at the DAC1/PRE out of curiosity. As far as I can tell, the DAC/PRE does not have remote control. It's marketed as a digital preamp - how on earth can you sell a preamp in the 21st century without RC? the purists! Seriously though, the new Benchmark w/ RC is not bad, it has a motorised Alps analog pot but at $300 premium. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=72018 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] best internet station sound quality?
if you dig this genre of music. Very consistent quality. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71701 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How good is your DAC? - Really Interesting test results!
Once you iron out your test procedures, it will be great to test those hi-end DACs out there for linearity, starting w/ the TP? Of course, for CD or WAV recorded at 16bit/44.1Khz, it is still fairly coarse and low rez results. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=72147 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] What outboard DAC do you use with Squeezebox?
from SB3 using optical link, just a touch warmer sounding than from CD player (Sony DVP-S9000ES) playback of same tune but in WAV format. I slightly prefer the 96k vs 192k (a touch softer focus) resampling rate setting (I suspect from resampling errors, i.e double vs quadruple) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=72018 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
My S9000ES Sony just refused to replay a SACD disc that I just listened to today, trying to savor the incredible sound it provided (Channel Classics, pure DSD) with flashing ...C 13 00 disc errors... This thing was in the shop twice for the same problem. Oh wait, my other Sony blu-ray also skipped discs last night. And dad, how come your machine can't play my CD-R but is CD-RW OK, my party is ruin? How about DVD-R? Sorry kid, it can't play any of those either because Sony wants to protect their Hollywood movie and music business. It's a damned shame, great technology, great sound, lousy QC, crappy implementation and greed from a once great company. After about $20,000 USD worth of mostly high end SONYs: 4 Trinitrons (Profeel, XBRs), 2 SuperBeta VCRs, 2 Hi8 camcorders, 4 CD/SACD players, 2 DVD players, 1 Blu-ray player, 2 boomboxes, 1 AV receiver and 2 Walkmans, I am no longer a SONY guy... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
DCtoDaylight;490609 Wrote: The dirty little secret some universal players hide, is that they convert DSD to PCM before outputting to the DAC. The Oppo mod referred to intercepts the PCM signal before the DAC, and routes it to the SPDIF output, where it can be played, or recorded, by any PCM SPDIF device. The conversion is done in the digital domain, but, as you might expect, there is some argument about the quality of the conversion. I haven't had the opportunity to directly compare the DSD and PCM converted streams, so I can't comment on that Cheers, Dave Ah I see, what a hassle it's probably not worth it. Thanks, TN -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
Phil Leigh;489351 Wrote: Personally I'd buy/borrow a modded Oppo and rip the SACD's as 24/88.2 and play them on the TP. By far the neatest solution IMO and the sound quality will be indistinguishable from playing the SACD on an SACD player. But that's just my opinion of course. Thinking the DSD stream was locked down tight, I will definitely research this route. Is it done in digital domain? Thanks, -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
pfarrell;489353 Wrote: Phil Leigh wrote: Personally I'd buy/borrow a modded Oppo and rip the SACD's as 24/88.2 and play them on the TP. By far the neatest solution IMO and the sound quality will be indistinguishable from playing the SACD on an SACD player. But that's just my opinion of course. Or, if you own good ADC cards that can really do 24/88.2 or higher in the number of channels you want, simply play the SACD and record the analog output. The old analog hole that can't be stopped. -- Pat Farrell http://www.pfarrell.com/ A really really good ADC might do the job. I did a bunch of LPs this way using a simple SoundBlaster 16 on my 486 PC waaay back when, not too bad consider how lowly AD/DA gear were...Thanks for all the pointers! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Well, this should be fun!
Mnyb;489323 Wrote: Do you reckon if i manage with 4 of these for my boom ? ;) maybe also one drop of this on the display: http://www.belt.demon.co.uk/product/odl/One_Drop_Liquid.html I must stay away from these treads this week I did a especially painful tonsillectomy this Monday. I laugh to much right now I might start to bleed, wonder if I'll be the first fatality claimed by vodo audio products ;) Isn't great finding these life savers on your journey to audio nirvana? -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71839 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Well, this should be fun!
Whenever I mentioned am an audiophile people looked at me funny! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71839 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Well, this should be fun!
radish;489314 Wrote: http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html A total steal at just $959! (15% off if you buy 3!) Damn these people almost convinced me to buy their battery powered DAC a while back because they made it sounds so logical, what with master clock setup and how to mod your CD player to get the clock output, etc...They must be desperate, caveat emptor!!! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71839 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] I am torn...
I got about 50 SACD discs that I enjoyed a lot, when I really got the time to sit down and listen intently but most of the time, my SB3 thru my MF A3.24 DAC is very satisfying. I wanted the TP bad, to simplify everything, ie get rid of my passive pot and associated wirings to the amps. The problem then is how to integrate the SACD playback thru the TP and its volume control. The nearest setup (rather than the TP) to my liking is the EMM Labs DCC2 and a DSD transport but at huge expense. Any thoughts on this setup since I can only read about it? PS: I experimented a lot with various passive potentiometers going back 25 yrs after getting so sick of preamp noises (one of my tests is putting my ears close to the tweeters w/ the volume at maximum setting). The volume control scheme on the DCC2 is fairly unique, so is the one on Pass Labs, they put in quite a bit of thoughts into this very weak link in the system. Had a chance to test the Placette Passive and felt that it sounded pristine, better than my setup except for the irritating clicks when you change levels, so I know there is room for improvement. SB3MFA3.24Alps2 Nak PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71841 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Will a transporter sound as good as the Linn Majik DS
kphinney;484428 Wrote: Totally agree. Although I liked my rechargeable $300 Harmony much more than the AAA sucking flimsy $99 one they sent me as a replacement. My point being, will they replace a broken TP with a NPR-in-the-kitchen worthy Squeeze Radio? Here's hoping that the healthy open-source forums like ours to come up with solutions for the TP when Logitech no longer support it. I am still holding out for a $900 unit (to replace my SB3+MFA3.24DAC) ;^) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=60169 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Will a transporter sound as good as the Linn Majik DS
I liked my Harmony remote w/ its smart downloadable programing tricks for all my gears but disliked the buttons size and arrangement on it. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=60169 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB3+DAC: Optical or coaxial best?
I had to use optical, the coax caused horrible scratchy sounds whenever I dimmed any lights in the house. BTW, could not tell any difference between the 2 otherwise. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=69641 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] The next major Audiophile question on here?
All in one design w/ decent DAC implementation and analog stages? If they can rid it of the digital volume control scheme and instead put a discreet analog step ladder volume pot in it, sign me up! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=67711 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] The next major Audiophile question on here?
ralphpnj;465757 Wrote: I agree that the Touch with a decent DAC would be the equivalent of a Transporter. And what you are suggesting would be a Transporter/analog preamp hybrid. Just a Transporter with a knob (a GOOD knob, ala discreet metal film resistor clicker to adjust volume) SB3A3.24MFDAC25k Alps2NakPA7sN802Nice! Good to be back to the forum. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=67711 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] The next major Audiophile question on here?
ralphpnj;465912 Wrote: I don't think so. The only volume adjustment presently available on the Transporter is in the digital domain. To be able to adjust the volume in the analog domain would mean adding an analog preamp stage (circuit) to the Transporter, which is a lot more than just adding a knob, even a good quality knob. the analog outs on the TP as is has plenty of voltage, both XLR and RCA outs, see specs. My vision calls for disabling the digital volume control (or leave it at 100% in software), then put a pot on the analog outs, even on the XLR (cost a bit more to build due to doubling of parts) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=67711 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] BW 802D Speakers. Tempted.
wyrob1;263229 Wrote: My SB3 setup is giving me plenty of enjoyment, but time for a speaker upgrade. My current Monitor Audio S10s are OK but cannot keep up with my new amps (Murano Audio IcePower based P-500S [EMAIL PROTECTED]), show full benefit of the DAC1 clarity, nor fill our large listening space. Some internet review research led me to the BW 802Ds and a listening test at a local store blew me away. But at $10,000 this is a big step. Wondering if anyone had experience with these speakers and/or any other loudspeakers that could offer similar quality / range to the 802Ds Many thanks SB3 - Benchmark DAC 1 - Murano Audio p-500S - Monitor Audio S10 so many flavors and arguments! I remembered John Bowers as a little gentleman w, huge ears standing next to the odd looking original 801, this was in 1980, when every other speakers were rectangular boxes. He talked about edge diffractions, cone breakup, cabinet vibrations AND laser interferometry, strange stuffs indeed, a good 15 years ahead of industry. I couldn't afford the 801, no sir, but the $250/pr DM110 sounded better than my ESS AMT ($1200) squackboxes. Then came the 802FS as my next system for 17yrs (drove from Oregon to Vancouver BC and back for a demo unit that i could afford), and the N802 since 2002 (another trip to Bellevue and back to save some pesos). To sum it up, i appreciate the improvement in quality more than someone who just jump into a BW from another brand, because for very little money, the bottom rungs BWs already give you excellent sounds. I still have all of them but due to its size i gave the 802FS to my daughter because she has a huge listening room. SB3MF A3.242NAK PA7N802NICE! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=42808 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] So what are the 'audiophile camps' anyway?
all the information available from a given recording and not add or subtract anything, if I can help it. I tend to view every piece of audio gear with suspicion as a result. For me, space/rhythm/timing/warm/cool/dry/wet/hot/spicy/sweet or sour must be there in the recording or else I don't want it. But reality is how can one knows for sure what the ACTUAL RECORDING sounds like, I can only guess and have been guessing for the last 30 years :^O!!! SB3-MF A3.24DAC-50Kohm Alps pot-2 Nakamichi PA7s-BW N802-Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34379 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] So what are the 'audiophile camps' anyway?
Skunk;194294 Wrote: A couple of the Telarc discs I have list ATC monitors used in mastering. Get a set and then use some dohickeys to achieve flat in-room response, and you're half way there (for one album)! I wouldn't doubt it if lots of albums sound better on properly thought out systems than it did to the engineers... runs for cover Telarc recordings are a big part of my so-called reference list. I do believe you will be in the danger zone if your system achieve much higher resolution than mastering EQs, weird stuffs can start showing up unintentionally. This point is fairly important to keep in mind when one is trying to achieve ultimate fidelity! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34379 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Experiments with bi-wire speaker cable
Ben Diss;193556 Wrote: I had my wife alternate having the jumper in and listening without it. I could hear no difference. -Ben But my wife refused to help and immediately went shopping :^)! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34318 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Super Squeezebox Project
Just look at those knobs, they really put the words cranking up the volume to mean it! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34291 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Best practices
powerstrip and RG-60 coax ICs completely eliminated all hums and noises for me. As far as clutter, I used those slit flexhose for bundling the ICs together and keep them away from AC cords -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34279 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Best practices
w/ solid core center lead and web-wound shielding, can go great distance w/o losses. It was my final answer 20 yrs ago after countless swapping around to kill the last bit of airborne noises. They are too cheap and plentiful for audiophile uses ;^) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34279 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Dog/Remote/Bad
bobschneider;193096 Wrote: For my other gear, I just trained the dog to walk over and adjust the controls from the faceplates, with her snout. Unfortunately, I can't do this with my SB3, since it doesn't have any controls on the faceplate. Time to talk to the wife about getting a Transporter... has trained me just when to get his food, rub his belly and clean his litterbox, I'll be damned if he chews on my SB3 remote !:^O -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34240 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Do you have Bi-Wiring speaker terminals? Try this out!
PhilNYC;192455 Wrote: This is bi-amping, not bi-wiring... all else is really up to the ears of the beer holders ;^))) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34163 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Do you have Bi-Wiring speaker terminals? Try this out!
Pat Farrell;192591 Wrote: Anne wrote:[color=blue] I can almost understand how bi-amping would work, altho that seems to me to indicate that the amp(s) leave something to be desired. -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html my desired amps cost $16,000 USD. With my current compromised setup, it sounds almost as good for about 1/10 the cost. I know I am cheap but happen to have a huge listening room ;^) SB3MF A3.24DACAlps pot2 Nak PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34163 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Do you have Bi-Wiring speaker terminals? Try this out!
imagination ;^)! Actually, I bi wired because I got 2 stereo amps, each L/R powers HI/LOW on speaker terminals. SB3MF A3.24Alps pot2 Nak PA7sBW 802NNice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34163 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Some advice - two different pairs of speakers
If both are similarly priced. I tend to think of Paradigm speakers as overachievers: cheaper than BW yet sounds almost as good, if you know what I mean ;^) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33902 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Cheap tweaks that really work
and again, it's free! If you haven't tried it, you are not getting your speaker money worth. SB3MF A3.24DACAlps pot2 Nakamichi PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33956 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] A photo of your Squeezebox setup (please)
A poll associated with this post was created, to vote and see the results, please visit http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 Question: Should there be a new forum for photos? - yes - no - maybe sebage;190024 Wrote: Spousal judgement I take it your area never had any earthquakes or tremors... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Help me decide please
srw;189804 Wrote: I also listen to a lot of internet radio, which I presume I could do through my hifi with sd3? Simon The ability to play Net radio stations (by the hundreds!) is a huge bonus with my SB3 since I am interested in finding out new music (most Net radio songs played with album name and song title) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33853 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter Upgradeability
The jumper adjustable analog XLR outputs! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33769 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter and Nuforce monobloks
harmonic;185841 Wrote: okay Thanks Think will just start out using only the transporter since this is proberly the way to get the best sound kval, and then use some room treatment if needed. also because it worked so good with the ice amp. regards A gentle approach to solving playback acoustical problem or fine tuning without resort to source signal manipulation (leave that to the professionals, they got the skill and million dollar equipments during recording). In my 30 years experience, the simpler the playback system, the more musical and pleasant the sound. It's very hard to explain, it's the micro ear/brain/time delay/phase/amplitude/decay/reverberant cues that are the norm in our daily lives which help the brain locate things, I dunno, just my humble opinion... SB3MF A3.24DACpassive pot2 Nakamichi PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33327 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] FM Stereo Transmitter vs. Squeezebox
frjame;184667 Wrote: I have been using an FM Stereo transmitter for years,(ccrane) to broadcast streaming radio through my stereo or portable radio. I am interested in your opinions that compare audio from streaming radio or Pandora via wireless Squeezebox in comparison to using an FM transmitter to help me decide whether or not to purchase Squeezebox. Thanks, Frjame 1/128k MP3 internet streaming radio sounds very good in my system, edging out regular OTA analog FM for sound quality (I ditched my analog tuner since getting the SB3) 2/Huge variety of digital music choices on the Net accessible thru the SB3 (caveat: u need high speed internet access, 56K modem won't do) 3/HomePC server music thru SB3 can sound as good as any hifi system out there, certainly better than ANY FM transmissions. SB3MF A3.24DAC2 Nakamichi PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33214 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Please recommend best quality solution
spooley;184493 Wrote: I am not satisfied with the sound quality so I am considering two options: i) Escient Fireball with 2 Sony 400 CD/DVD changers ii) Transporter (I will rerip my cd's in a lossless format) What would you recommend for best quality sound and best interface (I like the functionality of WMP 11). Also should I be concerned about speed of access through the Transporter (i.e. delays in scrolling through library, moving to next selection, etc). My computer is 1.6GHz with 512 MB of memory. Thanks! The real beauty of PC music server is its shuffle and playlist abilities, you cannot duplicate that with any disc changers, too clunky and slow to work, or if working, will greatly shorten its life due to mechanical complexity. The SB3 sound quality (either digital or analog outs) is plenty good for ANY receiver out there, provided that you do not duplicate needlessly the ADDA circuits in those receivers if using SB3 analog outs, since signal conversion introduces distortion, why do it twice. The Transporter is clearly high-end and very expensive product requiring matching components downstream to realize its full potential, IMHO. SB3MF A3.24DAC2 Nakamichi PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33197 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How to increase quality of server side music...
pablolie;183598 Wrote: Darn, I had prided myself on my cassette recorded skills, and friends begged me for my productions!). I know I'd be displeased if different sources had wildly different levels - for one I'd be worried about some source actually feeding too high a signal and distorting or even damaging stuff. You got to ride your gain on cassette recordings to maximize S/N ratio, those Chromium dioxide tapes, then pure Metal particle tapes, allowing those red peak indicators to flash just so w/o overloading the tapes. I wore out the azimuth adjustment screws on my Sony deck just trying to match the sound quality of the source. I thought I did but upon later listening, they proved fruitless due to mechanical stress and degradation of the tape media itself, and with the introduction of the CD with its wild dynamic range, the cassette days were doomed. Fond memories indeed... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33095 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How to increase quality of server side music...
kphinney;183583 Wrote: Thanks pablolie. I am using digital TOC with volume locked, not RCA. With more experimentation I've found that the better the quality (1411, vs. 128kpbs) the higher the gain, but it doesn't seem to correlate completely: Streamed audio at 128 (mostlyclassical.com, groovesalad, etc) still has a much higher VU than my stored music at higher kbps. The Netradio sound levels are generally about 2-3dB louder than my ripped WAV in server, just a click or two on my passive pot to make it level, no big deal IMHO. SB3-Optical-MF A3.24DAC-50kOhm pot-2 Naks PA7-BW N802-Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33095 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter:XLR v RCA
tomjtx;183108 Wrote: Same length, same brand and both short. your PRE likes XLR connection. In typical home environment and short cable lengths, the two type of connection should not make an audible difference. XLR only reject common-mode noise PU by the cable itself, as I understand it. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33032 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How to increase quality of server side music...
pablolie;183592 Wrote: SB3-Optical-MF A3.24DAC-50kOhm pot-2 Naks PA7-BW N802- Nice! *Very* nice. Very nice indeed. The originator of this thread mislabeled the quality for playback level. It's only a volume issue, not sound quality per se. In my system, the PC server SB3 playback level is exactly the same as from my CD player when both feed the external DAC. The internet radio level is consistently higher for some reason but sounding harder, duller and constricted, typical of lower bitrate MP3 streams. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=33095 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Interconnect recommendations
I used coax RG-59 terminated with good gold plated soldered RCA plugs, make them as short as possible and save your money for more music purchases! SB3-MF A3.24-50Kohm Alps pot-2 Nak PA7s-BW N802-Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=32988 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] A photo of your Squeezebox setup (please)
A poll associated with this post was created, to vote and see the results, please visit http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 Question: Should there be a new forum for photos? - yes - no - maybe CFP;179431 Wrote: That's a sweet rug. Mind sharing where you acquired it? $100.00 Faux polar bear fur -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: High Frequency tone in the noise floor on SB3 R channel
if your SB3 is a wired version, wrapping the ethernet cable around a ferrite rod at the plug before it goes into SB3 body? -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=32045 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter and Bang Olufsen Beosound 9000
I found it both noisy, hissy and the sound quality degraded using analog out (versus my reference CDP). It actually got worse after I added a quality DAC to its digital out in my high rez playback system. I returned it and bought an SB3 and very happy now. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=32044 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: System shakeup -SB3 on the throne
empty99;170653 Wrote: P Floding asked: How does running SB3 directly into the pot sound compared to using the MF? The silly audiophile in me sez no way the puny SB3 can outsound the 20lbs MF DAC, so I haven't tried it yet. The unit is currently at Slim for repair. But I did a little system shakeup of my own while waiting: I can confirm that the MF DAC warms things up but also put a very thin veil on the overall performance, as compared to using my Sony S9000ES direct analog out. Once the SB3 returns, I will certainly try going w/o the DAC and test it tete-a-tete with the Sony. Simplicity...It's the most difficult form to achieve Anonymous I tested my setup per P Floding request, a brief description of room and equipments is needed here: SB3-SS ver 6.5.2-WAV audio Musical Fidelity A3.24 DAC 50Kohms Alps volume pot IC all RG59 or RG6 terminated with gold plated Neutrix plugs Two Nakamichi PA7s 200w/ch stereo amps, each biwired to one side of a pair of BW 802 Nautilus The listening room is of decent size 40Wx35Dx20H, with some considerations for good sound deadening, low reflectivity and early echo, I have virtually no sidewalls or rear wall to deal with (lucky me!) Follows are the results and as P Floding said, I also trust what I hear: -Direct SB3 to amps: sounded like a good connection with clear, strong emphasis on midrange, upon further listening, it's obvious the SB3 built-in DAC levels off at the extreme low and high frequencies, still OK for background listening. Also, built in volume control makes low level listening somewhat weak. -SB3 to 50Kohm pot to amps: Sound became leaden, almost hard, after one hour. I tried various settings, ie max on pot then control w/ SB3 and vice versa w/ everything in-between. Not recommended. If one chooses this route, I recommend using fixed value resistors to pad down volume instead of a pot. -SB3 (coax) to MF DAC to pot to amps: Very good sound, almost identical to source Sony, just a touch warmer though but the highs still very very good. Downside: light-dimming circuits wreak havoc with SB3-DAC connection, causing loud scratchy sounds, bad. -SB3 (optical) to MF DAC to pot to amps: Same as above, but I thought maybe just a teeny bit (God forbids!) clearer sounding, and less grain. No problems w/ any house light dimmers. (I knew this since last year) Ugh, but with both connections, I think I can hear jitters: the highs are still very very good, but individual timbres of instruments have just a tiniest bit of twist or bent to them. BTW, either sourced from Sony or SB3, the sounds are identical coming out of the DAC. The following statements is purely speculation on my part: I think the MF DAC is superior to the DAC inside the Sony, both in background noise and decoding accuracy, but, the added jitters from external connections cause it to suffer somewhat. I find it hard to accept that a PS mod can bring the SB3 analog SQ to par. I also find it very likely that a Transporter with matched analog outputs (see various posting about this) will top many digital source+outboard DAC setups on the market for its tremendous all-in-one low jitter advantage, simplified connection and good DAC implemention. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31662 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: A Cut-Rate Audio philes Experience With a Linear Power Supply
You are an Audiophile and you have a very sweet wife! I couldn't get mine to flip an A/B switch for a dinner and a movie! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31758 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Clicking before tracks and other teething problems
ceejay;171131 Wrote: Incidentally, by default sending WAVs to the SB won't stop transcoding taking place as FLAC is a preferred format over WAV: you'd need to untick the WAV-FLAC box in file formats. HTH Ceejay Indeed CEEJAY is right, you will need to uncheck the WAV-FLAC-WAV transcoder in SS if you want straight WAV-SB3 -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31621 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Clicking before tracks and other teething problems
pgamble;170950 Wrote: Hi guys Does no one have anything to say on this at all ? If you have any thoughts, please drop me a reply. Paul. Please be patient, someone with similar equipments will come to your aid. For now, try these: 1/ Can you hardwire your SB3 using ethernet? 2/ Rip some WAV files into your server PC and then try to play them (so no fancy codec involved in playback, in case u have a slow PC) 3/ Reset your SB3, check owner manual page 23 4/ The SS version in your QMAC whatever server must match the firmware on SB3 The aim is to start isolating the causes, you have several, i.e PC/NAS server, wireless networking, files transcoding and the SB3 itself. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31621 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: System shakeup -SB3 on the throne
P Floding;170434 Wrote: I see you use an Alps pot as an attenuator. That should be easy enough to rig up and try out.. Do you use it on the amp side or DAC side of the interconnect? How does running SB3 directly into the pot sound compared to using the MF? Rgds actually 1/2 way between the two: RCA outs from DAC-16 coax RG6-soldered to 50Kohm Blackwidow metal body Alps pot-16 coax RG6-75Kohms inputs of amps. The Alps L/R level tracking is superb, no complain from me at any settings. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31662 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: System shakeup -SB3 on the throne
P Floding asked: How does running SB3 directly into the pot sound compared to using the MF? The silly audiophile in me sez no way the puny SB3 can outsound the 20lbs MF DAC, so I haven't tried it yet. The unit is currently at Slim for repair. But I did a little system shakeup of my own while waiting: I can confirm that the MF DAC warms things up but also put a very thin veil on the overall performance, as compared to using my Sony S9000ES direct analog out. Once the SB3 returns, I will certainly try going w/o the DAC and test it tete-a-tete with the Sony. Simplicity...It's the most difficult form to achieve Anonymous -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31662 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: System shakeup -SB3 on the throne
You are now free, free of nicotine, free of odor, free of strange aftertaste. Silence, beautiful silence from the deep dark 200dB S/N (or more) of zero preamp noises. I got rid of the curse since 1989 and haven't look back since. SB3-MF A3.24-50Kohm Alps pot-2 Nak PA7s-BW N802-Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31662 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter - Analog vs Digital
yooper;167926 Wrote: I'm lifting my post from another forum in hopes of understanding the Transporters audio capabilities. I have an Anthem AVM50 pre-amp and Anthem MCA 50 Amp. Currently, I have the Transporter connected to the pre-amp using balanced XLR cables. It appears some people recommend using digital out via AES/EBU or BNC S/PDIF. This is where I become somewhat confused. Perhaps, my newness to this technology is causing my thinking to become flawed. If one of the most important feature of the Transporter is it's dac, doesn't using a digital out render this feature useless since the Anthems's dac would be used instead? I thought using the analog balanced out to the pre-amp was the only way to take advantage of the Transporter's dac. Maybe there is more going on within the Transporter than I am aware? Please advice as I want to be sure I am taking full advantage of what the Transporter offers. On another note, It appears BNC S/PDIF is not available on my AVM 50, I've never used such a connection, but don't see anything that resembles a connection matching the Transporter, I assume both ends match? Would the AES/EBU option available to me provide an adequate alternative if BNC S/PDIF is not an option? Thanks, Mark Bypass the Anthem Preamp altogether and goes straight into the amp, just make sure you read up on how to control the TP analog outs digitally (either RCA or XLR). Unless you have some outrageously great preamp, it's hard to beat this simplified connection. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31387 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: 10awg or 12awg dedicated line?
lafayette;165515 Wrote: I have several Living Stereo recordings. Alas, they are on vinyl and I no longer have a record player. One more reason to buy more CDs... Thanks! Fear not, these recordings are now on SACD/CD Hybrids, and they are bargain priced ($11 in stores and $5.99 on Yourmusic.com) -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31032 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: There are many questions about the use of preamps...
Phil Leigh;164882 Wrote: At no point did I mention distort - you invented that. My point is simply that some systems can handle certain types of music better than others. For example, Quad ESL 57's sound rather nice with a bit of light choral...but they don't really make a great job of Led Zeppelin. So, if I mostly listened to choral stuff I might well be inclined to own a system with the Quads - and I wouldn't buy such a system if I mostly listened to hard rock. The idea of striving to faithfully reproduce the source is fine, but in practice this is easier with some sounds than others. So, IMHO it is essential to use a wide variety of source material that is relevant to your own listening preferences when choosing speakers etc. As you (all of us) have no idea what the music is actually supposed to sound like unless you were the producer/mastering engineer, we are only making subjective value judgements anyway - there is no absolute truth to compare fidelity against. The search for the ultimate playback system continues...When you mentioned the Quads (I had fond memories of the ESL-63!), I realized that the blend between fidelity and dynamic range for some speakers remain elusive, the delicate Quads are an extreme example, superb for low level high fidelity sounds, but has poor dynamic range for rock and roll. I was mainly concerned with ultra flat frequency response and not dynamic range in my earlier comment, they are nearly equal in importance. My bad! Happy Holidays! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: There are many questions about the use of preamps...
Bad advice here... Phil Leigh;164742 Wrote: but there is no point in using a solo voice as a reference track if the normal listening preference is Metallica. If you like thrash metal, you need a system that can do that well! Some systems suit certain types of music better than others... I was only talking about using certain type of recording to help ID neutral sounding gears. See, regardless of type of music one enjoys (I certainly am guilty of cranking it up with TOOLS once in awhile), our goal is still to faithfully reproducing the source, all else is distortion. You surely don't want to distort even Metallica, do ya? Quote: Originally Posted by Mike Anderson: Interesting, where can you find such music? It's been awhile, using a friend's Stax headphone system. Some of the recordings were from Nimbus Records' Ambisonic series, and some from obscured sources I don't remember, but I remembered how they sounded! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 vs Audio Alchemy vs BK AVP3000
rbclark;164805 Wrote: Hi all. 1st post here. Just got my SB3 I love it! With the help of this forum the wiki, I've been able to get over my learning curve issues easily! Quick history: My house for sale a while back kept my good gear in the attic (took up too much space said the realtor). Been in the new house a couple years and we've just been using a crappy Sony all-in-one system (it's small) but it's a pain to shuffle CDs thru. We had practically stopped listening to music. Tried the SB and suddenly... all our music is back! So now I'd like to take things a little further and get some of the old good gear out of the attic. I have a BK AVP3000 pre-amp (as well as a BM AV5000 amp) and an Audio Alchemy DDE v3.0 with Power Station Three. The question is, where's my best DAC amongst this gear? I bought the DAC back in 1998 some years(?) after the BK amp/pre-amp. So I'd assume the only reason I bought the DAC was that it was an upgrade over the DAC in the BK pre-amp. But this DAC is over 8 years old and I've read (on this forum somewhere) that even DACs only a few years old probably aren't as good as the DAC in the SB. Can anyone say that my SB DAC should be better than my Audio Alchemy DDE v3.0 DAC? Thanks! Bob My experience with this BK preamp was that it has fairly high background noise as compared to my passive unit. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30939 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Can overtaxed computer degrade audio quality?
Pat Farrell;164822 Wrote: seanadams wrote: caused by taxing the computer. However, SB2, SB3, and Transporter have lots of memory, so it is very unlikely that you could cause an underrun by taxing the CPU with other tasks. Usually, underruns are caused by bad wireless performance. In my house, underruns are nearly always caused by my microwave oven. I assume it is leaking more 2.4gHz signal than modern ones -- whatever the cause, it clobbers all WiFi when it is running -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html Otherwise we could see your avatar glowing! I am responsible for the annual microwave leakage test at my work, we have like 30 units, from lab sample dryers ($12k/each) to lunchroom soup warmers ($50/each). Depending on how old these are, leakage tends to be worse with older units but still very very low. You guessed it right! Those $12K unit are old and leaky and the modern cheap ones do not leak at all! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30933 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: There are many questions about the use of preamps...
Mike Anderson;164610 Wrote: Well, you can listen to the music with a high quality set of cans, and a good amp to drive them. That will at least take the room effect out of the equation, which is about 98% of it. Personally though, the added reverb effect of the listening room is really what brings the recording to life, provided it's done properly. I've done some headphone listening of specially recorded music using microphones embeded in a dummyhead. The results are quite startling, similar to what you experience thru a 3D Viewmaster slideshows with your eyes, everything is in focus and extremely realistic and three dimensional. This controlled playback environment is nearly ideal and extremely difficult to achieve using speakers. I found the early reverb bouncing off the front wall (back of speakers) to be most objectionable, smearing the aural images. I had to move the speakers 4 feet (measured to front baffle) from the front wall before the problem subsided and yes, the later reverbs from the room are highly desirables. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: There are many questions about the use of preamps...
Phil Leigh;164411 Wrote: Agreed - but ignoring some classical and other simple recordings (mostly older ones), much of the ambience is coming out of a digital Lexicon or an EMT... Doing LEDE properly in a domestic room is usually not possible due to low WAF and aesthetic considerations. Digital RC has high WAF. If one's using highly synthesized recordings (most rocks/pops) to setup his system, you do not know at which points you started adding more echo/reverb and colorations to the source. Please enlighten me about the use of seasoning in classical recordings, what is EMT? I only read of them trying to simplify/shorten the signal paths to improve clarity and realism, even down to a single omni mike in some venues. It's a luxury to having your very own recordings to tweak your system with, in this case, u cannot go too far off! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: There are many questions about the use of preamps...
Phil Leigh;164568 Wrote: As I said, most pop/rock (and some jazz/choral - even a bit of classical) has been treated to the addition of artifical ambience either at individual track level or even (gasp) across the whole mix. Often this will have come from a very expensive Lexicon digital unit or (going back in time) an equally expensive EMT plate reverb unit. That's not say there aren't a lot of natural ambience recordings - mostly clasical, jazz etc. The problem facing the average person is how much of the ambience of the original recording - artifical or real - are they hearing vs. the sound of their listening room being added... The thing is, whilst a lot of producers, musicians etc can recognise the sound of a Lexicon (even the model in some cases) the average listener will never be able to tell real hall ambience from a digitally synthesised (very very close) approximation. So my point is that the precious ambience is a bit of a red herring in many cases. I'm not just talking about run-of-the-mill synthesised pop here. Most - possibly all - of the great studio rock/rb/soul/blues/etc etc tracks have some form of artificial ambience on them - they'd sound dreadfull otherwise. So let recap what been said so far: - There are some artificial ingredients added to boost pleasantry in recorded music - There maybe a chance to boost same from the end user (unlikely, due to low cost non linear equipment or lack of knowledge) - Faithfulness to the source can be hit or miss due to same - DRC carefully applied can minimize room modes Considering all of the above, the average consumers can end up with systems ranging from horrible to great, just as it is now. I only wanted to point out all the potential pitfalls. From experience, I only used the simplest recordings of real acoustic instruments, preferably small ensemble works, or arias with voice, from quality record labels, to test new gears I want to purchase. This way, the least processing, the most identifiable sounds, makes it easier to pick out the one that sounds right. I don't mean to sound preachy, but it's been a crusade for me to help friends and coworkers understand what's needed when putting together an audio system. It can sound oh so good in the end, for so little money... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Why is no preamp best?
ModelCitizen;164343 Wrote: I agree with all of these posts, in that, what sounds good to the listener is best. However, the original quote said that no pre-amp is best. But, if the Transporter does not have a pre-amp how can it drive my power amp? It must have a pre-amp (but no pre-amp is good, according to CliveB). And a follow on is... how on earth can I just unplug the Transporter from my power amp then plug in into my pre-amp and it sounds fine i.e it does not blow it up! The signals levels for a feed to a pre-amp and a power amp vary by a magnitude but I don't have to tell the Transporter what it's feeding, it just seems to know. How can that be? MC Except for the old LP/Phono sources, which are extremely low in level, requiring step-up preamp stages, most modern music sources, ie CD, DVD, Tuners and yes, even Ipods, provide higher output voltages (around 2V), enough to drive many amps into overload. How can you be sure? Just read the specs on many amps...1.5 or 2.0v input sensitivity for rated output, etc Your Transporter is of the same high output class, made even better by good power supply and output stages up to 3v and with built-in volume control, it qualify as a preamp, a very good one at that. For most system, a simple 2 channel voltage potentiometer (pot) with low impedance is all one need nowaday to control the signal from your source to many mainstream amps (read the specs listed above just to be sure). A rule of thumb if you use this route: 1/ Use low capacitance cable and keep them as short as possible. 2/ Use high quality pots, such as Alps, PennyGiles, TKD and those made to order fixed value clickers, ie DACT (nice, but expensive). There are huge aftermarkets for these since people find out how clean they can sound. 3/ Use brandname finished passive preamps (oops, by definitions these are NOT preamps, they are switcher/level reducer) such as Mod Squad (now McCormack), Placette, Django, Simaudio, Bent Audio, EVS and CIAudo etc... 4/ Keep your cables short! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30852 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: There are many questions about the use of preamps...
Phil Leigh;164073 Wrote: 9) I'd say more like 75% - maybe higher (once you get beyond a certain point of equipment fidelity - whatever the hell that is). I know a few folks disagree but I think that DRC (and obviously a good source, amp and speakers) makes the difference between a system that is OK and one that is great Again, there are several school of thoughts: 1/ With current PC computing powers, it is almost feasible to mitigate room mode errors, ie standing waves, early boundary reflections. In digital domain and before realtime, the software must be super robust, playback equipments must be super linear to carry out the required tasks or else a whole bunch of distortions (phase/amplitude) will creep in and the original delicate and precious ambience information will be lost. 2/ There are cheaper trial and error methods in placing furnitures and absorbing panels in certain locations, using LEDE (Live End/Dead End) techniques, one can achieve similar results for much less money. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Noise level of SB3
USAudio;164362 Wrote: Thanks Skunk but I already have the display off when idle, no go, still hisses. I also use well shielded interconnects. Seems to be an issue that can only be addressed by Slim with a software or running hardware change? If so, I did looped the RJ-45 around a ferrite rod before it enter my Roku 1001 and that seemed to help a bunch. I returned the Roku due to other sound degradations. I kept this setup with current SB3 just for the hell of it. SB3MF A3.24/192K DACAlps Blackwidow pot2 Nak PA7sBW 802NNice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28514 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Using RG6 Satellite/Cable Coax for audio?
Termina;163902 Wrote: I've read that one can make RCA Cable out of RG6 cable. I was able to get a box of 500ft (2 coax + 1 ground line) RG6 cable for free, and would like to run audio cable throughout my apartment and hook up some (around 10) RCA speakers around my apartment. Would RG6 cable be the best bet, or could someone recommend a better way to do this? I'm familiar with making my own Cat5E and coax cable, so hopefully making RCA cable won't be too difficult. The site I'm looking at is: http://www.bus.ucf.edu/cwhite/theater/diycable.htm Which gives me a good idea of what I'd want; just want to make sure my cable will work. Thanks! only a bit stiff around bends. I also used RG-59 for the last 20 years, a little smaller and more pliable but still have that great solid core copper center and webwound jacket ground for superb airborne noise rejection. I do not know the effect of very long low level audio cable though. Mine are limited to 8 ft max w/o any negative effects. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30801 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] There are many questions about the use of preamps...
in a modern high gain audio systems (w/o LPs/Phono sources): 1/What a preamp do? 2/Why some system prefer preamp? 3/Why some people prefer preamp, rather than just passive level control? 4/Can you actually improve on recorded material? 5/Can you improve on a perfect recording? 6/Do you buy equipments just so you can enjoy certain favorite discs? 7/Are you sure those favorite discs are as well recorded to be used as reference material? 8/Is audio holy grail a straightwire with gain? 9/What about your room, or, how much does it add to the final sound? I certainly don't know the correct answers, but can offer some thoughts, after 30 years of playing around with audio equipments: 1/Control level and source switching. 2/System impedance matching. If you have very high input impedance on your amps 75Kohm+, a 10K volume pot will do fine. 3/Crazy/fancy interconnects that alter frequency responses, requiring active circuit control (which adds colorations) 4/No, unless it is simply frequency balance, ie treble/mid/bass, which tone control will help (but adds other colorations) 5/Of course not, the reason I bring this up is that people should be aware of when tweaking for a certain sounds for their system, they will affect signal purity 6 and 7/Many people do, and end up blaming the equipment because it sounds shitty. Well, maybe your favorite discs were not as well recorded? 8/Yes, well, at least minimum colorations added. 9/Many experts said most listening room will contribute up to 50% of the perceived sound quality of a system. You should focus most of your attention here, right? I may add that some people just love audio equipment, or gears, and will justify their uses and expenses. -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30820 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Audiophile virgin asking for help/advice.
thingfish;164122 Wrote: Not at this point I don't. I haven't had the chance to look into these things as of yet because of the move etc, but I am planning to after the holidays. I realize my questions are a little premature because of this but I just couldn't help myself :) The speakers I am looking at can be seen here http://www.stridbeck.com/produkter.html It's the 55.1 and the SL 24 that I am thinking of. I know there is no info at all for you ( or me ) at that site but hey at least there are pictures! :) It's in Swedish too but you are not missing out since it doesn't say anything about the technical details. I have heard both of these and loved them both, the 55.1 more so but it is also 3 times the price of the SL 24 so we will see. I know that the SL 24 should be able to be used with almost any amp, this according to the builder himself. the 55.1 might require a little more but as of now I am not sure. I am no wiz when it comes to audio lingo and so I can not describe what makes these speakers good in that sense. But I can describe the quality of the sound, or how it sounds to me anyway, and that is that the 55.1 was extremely revealing for a lack of a better word. I listened to recordings on it and heard things I had never heard before and just loved it! Same with the SL 24 but not as much. Overall that is the sound I am after, a clean sound with no added quality. If you understand what I mean ? You are no longer virgin the moment you dared posted on this Audiophile site ;^) I looked at those speakers and can't help noticing all those squared corners and flat baffles, known to cause diffractions, vibrations and a boxy sound. May I graphically recommend before you commit your $$$, check out those sexy, curvy (but extremely rigid) BW 805 Nautilus ($1200US/used) and start listening to naked, unboxed, three dimensional, in the flesh, holographic music of utter clarity, the result of nearly 40 years of producing quality speakers for the recording professionals. SB3MFA3.242 Nakamichi PA7sBW 802NNice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30823 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter with dCS
fred1322;162704 Wrote: I own a dCS DAC (dCS 955 + 972 upsampler + wordclock). I planned to changed my transport and was naturally intersted in the dCS Verdi. The Transporter could be an interesting alternative but is it worthwhile facing a Verdi. Has anyone tested the Transporter with a dCS DAC? Any opinion? We will wait for your trying the TP out in such already excellent setup, it's like icing on the cake! I volunteered my opinion: The TP makes the most sense if used standalone as DAC/Pre, the only caveat is that it's excellent balanced outputs cannot be lowered using low noise fixed resistor network, as used in its RCA outputs. I am still waiting for the next TP Mark II... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30639 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Audible difference? Transporter versus SB
opaqueice;163145 Wrote: I'm saying the sound from the CD player went through D-A (in the CD player), then A-D and again D-A in the preamp. The SB digital out went through D-A only, in the preamp. It's pretty hard to believe that the CD sound could be in any objective sense better after going through such a chain of conversions, and yet he prefers it. Probably because it's got nice glowing tubes, and it's expensive. Are you asking for a definition of better sound? I can think of several, although none that are fully satisfactory. Simplicity is the goal for good sound reproduction, as oppose to production, where they already spend millions to capture the music. Unfortunately, one's choice of playback equipment/listening room tend to force one's mix and match to produce desired sound (sometimes with bad consequences). I cannot over emphasize the importance of speakers and room relationship. I suspect his speakers/room sounded bright in this example, which tubed gear will warm up nicely but at the expense of signal purity. SB3MF A3.242Nakamichi PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30668 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Experiences with Switching Amps
A while back I posted a similar question, with regard to PWM-SS(Pulse Width Modulation-Solid States) amps, as compared to old school SS amps such as Pass Labs/Krell/Classe. After reading the article in AS, I started to wonder, especially with the statement from Krell CEO, saying the test pulses looked full of spikes in the amps using the new technology, it kinda put me off. Realizing of course, there are financial/business interests amongst all those interviewed. I will take the wait and see attitude... -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30464 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Suggestions for a DAC ......
Why not Musical Fidelity gears since u r right in the middle of UK? I currently enjoy the A3.24 ($600 US) very much over my high end Sony SACD 9000ES player. It is warmer, lusher full bodied sound w/ high quality output stage that works very well w/ my passive volume control unit. SB3MF3.24DAC2 Nak PA7sBW 802NNice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30408 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Transporter first impressions
DVD imbedded audio are 24/96Khz sampling rate and compressed 5.1 channel data stream, u normally set it to RAW if using a Dolby Digital/DTS receiver. If playing CD music, it defaults to PCM 16/44.1Khz anyway. Put another way, if u stick a DVD movie in and playback thru the TP in RAW mode, u get no sound (or some people reported 1/2 normal speed audio), now if u switch to PCM mode, the DVD player will downsample to 24/48Khz, which the TP will decode to stereo 2 channel audio no problem. Anyone can correct me on this? -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30402 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Personal Introductions: Please Make This a Sticky!
Lemme see, hmmm...It was 1966, I was like 7 or 8 yrs old, living in Vietnam. Money was tight, my dad has a Philips tubed reel to reel, I still remember waiting for the power gauge to turn green before cranking it to Play. Not satisfied with it's 2x6 built-in mono speaker, my brother and I took it out of the player, crawled under our dad's wooden desk, emptied out the biggest compartment and spent days turning it into a speaker enclosure, we just wanted some bass badly from that little driver. And bass it did, real nice warm tubey sound! Next come treble, we wanted some treble. My brother got a hold of a microphone, he took the thing apart and lo and behold, there was a nice delicate dome membrane there with fine coil around its diameter. He put a signal to it and whoa...TREBLE! Fine fine treble but it needed a flared cone to bring the level up to par with the other driver. To really be in the sweet spot, we were both crouching under that desk listening... Other equipments came and went...A tubed mono amp that glowed so hot it split open a ceramic capacitor, Soundesign stereo/turntable AM/FM that we listened to Xmas and New Year Top 50 hits countdown from one of the US Army radio stations, we were just glued to it during this time. A Sony TC-366 reel-to-reel with the unique sloped front, sounds great but mechanically fragile, and those damn slipping belts...Ahh, next come Sony Cassette deck (still carry Scott brand). Huge Sansui then Fisher, Pioneer, Marantz receivers driving Pioneer speakers with elaborate wooden grills, remember those?. We spent ALL our money on stereo gears! Then came Advent speakers, wow what sounds, then those JBL with chocolate bar front grills, hey American speakers really kick ass we all felt. Bobbing on the boat to Thailand a year after the war, I think it was 1976, the only thing on my mine was IF I made it to America, am gonna git myself a huge stereo system AND JBL L100 speakers, the thought kept me warm and fuzzy thru the whole ordeal... Forward to 1980, Sansui AU-717 integrated and ESS Heil air motion speakers and Technics turntables, and those wild college parties I was a pest at the local hifi shop, bugging them EVERY wkends, borrowing equipments home. One of which was a pair of BangOlufsen bookshelf. Now, these sounded quite different from my kick ass ESS, warmer yet full of inner detail, smooth and I started to wonder about my choice and taste in speakers. During this time, I was saving every dollar for those TDK high bias tape, like $5 EACH And I was making 2.35 an hour! I spent hours tweaking the azimuth record head on the Sony cassette deck, not really satisfied with its playback quality In 1985, owning our home with a decent listening room, I got a pair of BW DM110, 200W/c Nikko amp, a first on the block with a Sharp vertical loading CD player (which lasted 6 mos and the local Tower Records in Portland Oregon has 3 CD titles $24.99 each!) wow, no more hand washing LPs! In 1986, I made myself a passive volume pot from Radio Shack part and thought it sounded clearer than my preamp (an NAD) but the L/R level tracking was off. The hunt was on for some better pot out there continue even today for me I made my own IC out of either RG59/RG6 Belden solid core coax cables and goldplated connectors from Part Express, solder them wherever possible, Home Depot 12 gauge Monster cable for speakers. I spent no more than $100 total for wires and interconnects in last 30 years. I bought the cute looking Roku 1001 last Christmas and had a hard time liking the sound, which was both hissy and I doubt very much it was bit-perfect digitally, I had to return it. Then came the SB3, wow, now this thing is clean sounding and has a cool bouncy on screen menu. I am hooked! I have about 200 GB of WAV files and backup to external HD. I do not want to re rip these They are extracted from 500 CDs! I also have about 50 SACDs that I havent listened to much, the SB3 totally spoiled me and I felt that it is the best thing ever happened to an audio geek like me. My current setup: SB3Musical Fidelity A3.24Alps 50Kohms pot2 Nakamichi PA7sBW 802 NautilusNice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30141 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: HiFi System needed to show difference: SB3, TP
Impeller;157835 Wrote: I'm hoping to purchase my first 'real' hifi equipment, which will be something like this: Rotel RA05 amplifier Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 speakers Reasonably priced speaker stands Is it likely I'll hear a difference between the Squeezebox and the Transporter with a budget system like that? I'm no audiophile (yet), but I like to think I appreciate good sound. Thanks. Consider the price differences of SB3 and TP for your first HIFI system, I would say why not starting out with SB3, play around with room acoustic, speaker placement etc...basically dialing everything in nicely, then, only then, if you are not happy w/ the sounds or merely curious as to how much better the TP sounds, go ahead and upgrade to it, move the SB3 to the bedroom or rec room. It's a win win situation! I really meant to say that the improvement is smaller than the cost would imply for the TP. SB3MFA3.24DACPassive Pot2Nakamichi PA7sBW802NNice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30074 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Equipment advice please
Lots of good equipment to choose from: BW, KEF, Monitor Audio etc... for speakers and Musical Fidelity, Arcam, Rotel for amps! Me personally for a given dollar amount, I would spend 75% on speakers and 25% on amp. My setup: SB3MF A3.242xNakamichi PA7sBW N802Nice! -- empty99 empty99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3488 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=29732 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
