What makes yours, a 2ch rig?

tonyb

DK,
I'm just curious bro, have you ever given a one line answer on this forum ?:cheesygrin:

Just bustin balls bro....I do enjoy reading your posts.

Geoff4rfc

DarqueKnight wrote: »

When shopping for A and B above, it is prudent to personally evaluate many candidates and do a considerable amount of research. Applying the same logic to audio, what performance aspects of stereophonic reproduction are you looking to improve?

Thanks DK, all very sound information!

While I appreciate the A/B analogies, I have a fair amount of experience with both areas where as with audio, I have very little. So more than a considerable amount of research would have to be applied on my part.

Talk about "scratching the surface" in this area, if 2ch were in a warehouse, my familiarity would only lie in the first couple of isles.

I guess the thread I should've started would read; Your 2ch rig, list your components, what's the cost, and what's your next contemplated upgrade?

DarqueKnight wrote: »

As you go up in quality, and as your ears and body become better acclimated to the the stereophonic illusion, what you hear and feel will get closer to an actual performance. In other words, spending more money will buy you more stereophonic realism.

So true, this hit's the nail on the head for me. And I have only fallen in the first stages of it.

DarqueKnight wrote: »

Unfortunately, the opportunity to audition high quality stereo gear in a proper environment is getting rarer and rarer. I don't know if such opportunity exists in your city. If it does, I hope you are able to take advantage of it in a cordial setting with a knowledgeable salesperson.

This is my aim, to seek these places out. The closest one has one salesman that does seem very knowledgeable, but doesn't shut up long enough for a guy to let anything sink in. I've been there twice and I've literally run out of there each time.

So I will have to make a trip, but you know what they say, "Time is a trip man".

evhudsons

Start with the best speakers you can afford, and then go from there even if it means you have to look at your speakers rather than listen to them until next paycheck when you get a decent preamp or receiver with preouts to go to the amp you will inevitably get later.

I bought everything I have used except for my speakers. I had to look at how pretty they were for a few months while I saved up to by something to power them. At the time It was the best I could afford. It was a wise decision.

Like DK said, do some research and you will be rewarded. Your thread is the first step in doing research. My personal recommendation is somewhat skewed because I am partial to SDA Polk Audio speakers which you can find at decent prices. You can also get some really good used preamp, avr, and amps for good prices too.

Good luck!

pyrocyborg

Even a small system like mine can do a wonderful job if you like brand new stuff on warranty and if you're on "tight" budget (my "tight" might not be yours... .... :rolleyes:). Hopefully, it will entertain me for years as I can enjoy clear "non-bright" music now. I don't see myself getting something else in the near future except maybe a sub one day.

Anyways...If you have another room where you could set-up a new rig, it could be a good point to start. If it's a smaller room, you could go up for bookies with a small integrated amp! It doesn't take a lot of space, and it's not always true that separates sounds better that integrated, expecially new and "high-end" ones. However, I do agree it's easier to get used separates.

As for tubes amp, they're not for everyone. For example, I do not think that LP + tubes necessary sound better than a good quality file. It has different sound "qualities" that some people really like, while others don't... For my part, I don't get the scratchs, noises and stuff, so a turntable is a big no for me!

Sure, I'm not in the "ritual" thing like old school listener (I grew up with a Nintendo and computer "in my hands"), so I prefer a computer with FLAC files as it's conveniant and it sounds great, even with an entry level DAC like mine. Sure, we all hear differently, and some people might consider my system an entry-level "audiophile" one, but I'm really starting to enjoy this hobby since I'm in 2 ch (I bought my first system as a HT/gaming rig with 50% music... but now, I'm 95% music, 4% movies and 1% gaming).

tonyb

No shame in your game Pyro, you put together a very nice system there, you should be proud.

Geoff4rfc

cnh wrote: »

You could just upgrade your current system. Better CDP source would be the first thing I would do.

SONOFA.......just did a "small" search on CDP's, what the he11 man???? http://www.stereophile.com/category/cd-playertransport-reviews

Just a drop in the bucket, right? Wow man, just wow.

BlueFox

Get a subscription to stereophile and the absolute sound. Every month you will see gear that can be used for a two-channel system. The price range will vary.

cstmar01

Mine is a 2 channel because well all I can run is a two channel. L/R outs of a pre amp into mono blocks into two speakers.

No AVR, no display and just simple music trying to get the most out of it I can.

When I first started I was a HT guy, which I no longer really get into. I like it, but I normally sit and listen to music more than I do HT and for the amount of time spent with HT wasn't worth keeping it around.

2 channel I think is a lot of fun, everything makes a difference to the sound you get. I want the best sound to me ears as possible so I like to play with different things to find out how it works. IE tube amps, never thought I would own one like I do now but it really makes me happy to listen to and very enjoyable.

SCompRacer

Geoff, do you have any audio or music clubs in the area? That is a good way to get your ears on different gear. Lots of good advice so far. I'd add don't forget about budgeting for room acoustic treatment. I've heard better speakers sound like worse speakers due to room problems. Don't be afraid to get off the beaten path gear wise. The more gear you hear, the better you can define your own path. Tubes only rule......if you want them to.:cheesygrin:

The only other thing I'll add is sometimes we chase different, not necessarily better.

Geoff4rfc

Series Competition Racer, thank you!

On another "note", lets seeeeee, should I get a new Ford F-350 KingRanch SC, or a pair of these????? http://www.mitcables.com/available-online/oracle-v1.3-hr-speaker-cable.html

SCompRacer

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

Series Competition Racer, thank you!

On another "note", lets seeeeee, should I get a new Ford F-350 KingRanch SC, or a pair of these????? http://www.mitcables.com/available-online/oracle-v1.3-hr-speaker-cable.html

It actually stands for Super Comp, but thats OK.

Why not both?:cheesygrin: When I was into cars, I had a lot less invested in my audio gear.

Geoff4rfc

SCompRacer wrote: »

It actually stands for Super Comp, but thats OK.

That's right!! My humblest apologies! I remember now. I was once a Chaplain with RFC and was brought down to Pomona for a big NHRA final, way cool experience.

My Field director took my up and down the staging lane introducing me to the racers and explaining the different classes; SC=Super Comp.

He would tell the drivers I raced bikes, they'd say, uh huh. Then he's say, "road races" bikes, then they'd look at me and tell me I was crazy, I look back and them and tell them they were crazy

SCompRacer

No worries....

It's all a calculated risk, but you are closer to heavens or **** doors on two wheels. I rode bikes many years ago. Fast for its time, even rode a turbo Kaw KZ 1000. About 20 years ago, a poker run ended in tragedy with one of the wife's lifelong friends being killed in an accident. That ended bikes for me if I wanted to stay married.

gdb

That's why I now "do it in the dirt", much less fatality potential ! :eek:

Geoff4rfc

gdb wrote: »

That's why I now "do it in the dirt", much less fatality potential ! :eek:

Let me give you some sound advice; Dirt is for worms and potatoes, asphalt is for racing!

Kidding of course, I love training in the dirt. Sliding in the dirt helped me become a more accomplished road racer. Up here in the N.W, the rain can be the best tool in your toolbox. Rain is the only thing that saved my results in '08 on my slow a** 600.

I had to laugh at my (gf at the time) wife, one of the races she got to see that year was a rain race, new to the sport, she comes up to me after my race and says, I think you're in trouble. I said, why? She says, they kept calling your name over the loud speaker. I laughed and said, that's because I was passing two and three riders a lap, these young boys are afraid of the rain :biggrin:

gdb

The only thing I race is the occasional squirrel or ground hog.

Drenis

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

Let me give you some sound advice; Dirt is for off-roading, asphalt is for racing!

Fixed :razz: I can't stand you guys and your crotch rockets dragging your knees around a race track. You can keep it!

Geoff4rfc

Drenis wrote: »

Fixed :razz: I can't stand you guys and your crotch rockets dragging your knees around a race track. You can keep it!

Ahhhh, you too must be a dirt guy. Dirt IS for worms and potatoes.

Don't hate us because we flow in a symphony of rhythm

gdb

Asphalt is for abrading leather and skin and bone !:eek: I'd happily ride on an empty road, it's the other motorists that keep me off nowadays.

gdb

Hey... this went from a two channel thread.... to two wheels...

Geoff4rfc

Sweet! It's my thread so it's okay :cool:

Drenis

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

Ahhhh, you too must be a dirt guy. Dirt IS for worms and potatoes.

Don't hate us because we flow in a symphony of rhythm

Actually, I've never owned a off-road capable vehicle. However, I'd love a Jeep or pick-up next.

I still have yet to have anything that goes fast on asphalt.

Geoff4rfc

Drenis wrote: »

Actually, I've never owned a off-road capable vehicle. However, I'd love a Jeep or pick-up next.

I still have yet to have anything that goes fast on asphalt.

I too would love an off-road Jeep. Growing up in TX, my best friend and his dad built a dune buggy in their garage, my buddy and I had a blast ripping around in the woods. A Jeep would be awesome!

gdb

Better decide which is the better way to drop 20-30 grand......MITs or a Jeep !!

OOPS! I forgot road motorcyclists do NOT like the word "drop" !

Geoff4rfc

gdb wrote: »

Better decide which is the better way to drop 20-30 grand......MITs or a Jeep !!

:

Veddy funny, make special wonton soup for him!

gdb wrote: »

OOPS! I forgot road motorcyclists do NOT like the word "drop" !

Drop is not a good thing, I've dropped my 1000 twice doing 120mph. I've dropped my 600 once doing 120 also, walked away twice, broke my leg once. The only break in 20+ years of racing.

But since you brought it up, I'll show you a minor drop of my 1000 in '06. I'm the blk/wht Suz, the yel R1 was the reason I "dropped" it. Oh yeah, I posted this on the picture thread so you may have already seen it.



And here's one I haven't posted (#316). I may have a low level of comprehension of MIT cables, but I'm doing fair in the law of physics :cool:

gdb

You gots bigger danglers than I do, that's fer sure !:eek: Are you tracking in pic two ,or drifting ? I used to follow Yvon Duhamel 's racing back in the 70s for a while but other than an occasional street race, I never really got the urge nor felt I had enough talent to take up racing. I did get a turn at riding a TT bike on an empty oval, steel soled boot n' all ! The bike's owner bluntly said that I sucked !

pyrocyborg

Oh man Geoff! That's some nice pics here, expect that in the first one, I assume the situation wasn't fun at all!

While I practice into Autocross and Rallycross with my Subaru, I don't think I would ever have the guts to drive a motorcycle at high speeds!! I'm going downhill on my longboard at 35 mph, and I'm scared by the "lack of protection, just in case"... lol

If you want my advice, audiowise, I think that, as someone said before, you could always try to hear a many systems and components you can: if possible, at home. Meanwhile, you try to get a much information on Internet, reading about different speakers you may like (that fill into your budget), amps, DAC, turntable/CD player, cables, etc. . Also, some people will probably disagree with me, but unless you hit 1500$ worth of components in 2 ch., there is almost no need to buy pricier cables than entry-level quality ones (insert Signal Cable, Blue Jeans Cable and such brands). Those have physicals properties that may be suited better for music than your "traditionnal" cheap interconnect, which helps open up your speakers (e.g. more clarity in the highs because of a lower capacitance). I don't want to start a debate on this, as it's beaten to hell (and still shaking/beating up again and again), but I want to say that there is actually a certain difference in clarity and maybe other qualities when you get a new cable, whatever it's price. While, to my hears, it wasn't a night and day diffenrece, there was a slight difference in tonal balance for longer runs of cables between two audiophile brands cables I demoed at the audio shop (10-12 feet interconnects). It wasn't necessary better, as everyone's taste are different, but I head something different. For a 2 or 3 feet one, seriously, I heard no difference at all between my Blue Jeans LC-1 and the pricey MIT the salesman plugged on his "personnal" 15 000$ demo system. He heard the difference, saying the sound was fuller, I did not. Maybe I do not have golden ears, but you can try to draw an opinon/conclusion from this.

As for cables, here's my call: Try it, if you do not hear a difference, go for the cheaper quality one (30$ ish interconnects for a 2 feet run) and spend that other money on better components, or on anything else your heart desires. Quality cables have better connectors than let's say monoprice ones (which are too tight... might destroy your amp's connectors if you unplug them frequently), and some have better shielding if you have noisy environment, or lower capacitance (which is probably only meaningful in longer runs, from what I read... that would explain why I didn't heard such a difference between cables in smaller runs).

Other than that, I would say a 2 ch. rig is, like it's name suggest, a 2 speakers system, whatever components you use. An amp isn't necessary, depending on your speakers size/impedance/sensitivity rating, and so is a turntable/CDP. I mean, whatever your source is, as long as you have a "not so bad" DAC, some good power and a pair of speakers you like, you're into 2 ch.

rebuy

Funny question. A lot of us grew up with 2 speaker rigs and you other guys have to make something out if it.

Geoff4rfc

gdb wrote: »

Are you tracking in pic two ,or drifting ?

That's T-3 at Portland. Too tight and slow to drift in but you can wheelie and slide the rear at the exit. T-4 is just a head only a Rt of the same caliber.

Now I did tuck the front two years before on my 750 in T-3 (they're only 3 Lft handers on the track so the left side of the tire doesn't stay very warm on cold days), and slid the bike on it's side so close the edge that T-4 called the tower to report a crash.

If the bike doesn't spin as it's sliding, you can pick it back up. This one I was able to save.

cnh

Geoff4rfc wrote: »

Veddy funny, make special wonton soup for him!





Drop is not a good thing, I've dropped my 1000 twice doing 120mph. I've dropped my 600 once doing 120 also, walked away twice, broke my leg once. The only break in 20+ years of racing.

But since you brought it up, I'll show you a minor drop of my 1000 in '06. I'm the blk/wht Suz, the yel R1 was the reason I "dropped" it. Oh yeah, I posted this on the picture thread so you may have already seen it.



And here's one I haven't posted (#316). I may have a low level of comprehension of MIT cables, but I'm doing fair in the law of physics :cool:

Obviously you're under 45 because doing that to your knees can only be bad for what awaits you when "aging" gets its teeth in you. Knees are one of the first things to go. Even if you just played H.S. football, and jogged through your 40s. I can't imagine what the physical forces at these speeds are doing to one of the most fragile parts of ones body?

Looks like fun though!

cnh