What did you do to your stereo rig today?

jbreezy5

Got most of my CD collection out of basement storage and onto shelves today.

Picked up a stack of Red Seals and Telarcs on the cheap to up my classical game.

Next step alphabetizing.

treitz3

Tore into the mains to do some surgery. Nothing wrong with them....just further refinement. I must have listened for 12 straight hours yesterday/today. Fell asleep in the sweet spot and woke up about an hour ago...

The listening session resumes. It's a sickness, I tell ya'...

Tom

treitz3

Same thing this weekend. I am tuning the speakers (MTM mostly) to the room. Woke up in the sweet spot this morning at 4:00am.



I am learning that what is inside of a speaker can be just as important....and in some cases, more important, than any kind of component, crossover or driver changes. I am on my 5th attempt (so far) at getting it spot on perfect within all of the parameters I am trying to achieve and am learning quite a bit along the way. It's amazing how just one little bit of change can affect the end result as to what hits your ears.

Don't get me wrong, they sounded great before but I am striving for even better. I have a feeling I will get to where I want to go and I should be able to get there within the next two attempts. My goal is to get it to where you still hear the wood within a string instrument without the overloading of certain frequencies at extreme louder volumes....while still achieving the crystal clear and wonderful "ping" (when called upon) that the Millennium tweeter does so well. Not an easy task...but I am getting much closer. Right now, it's a little "too clean". The adjustment I made last night got me closer to my goal but I didn't go far enough.

Even rolled some NOS 12AX7Ei Gold Pin tubes in the Jolida JD-9MKII. Tung Sol Gold-Pin 12AX7 tubes were in there and I think that this was somewhat of a lateral move...instead of a "Wow". Some things are different, some of those changes are attributes, while others are deficiencies. Basically, a different flavor.




As you see, I am still also working on alphabetizing the LP collection. Also got the parts in to rebuild my Nitty Gritty RCM. New pump, one way valves, all new tubing and new foam strips. She will be basically brand new again.

pitdogg2

Tom,
Any reason you're not trying some nos or close to nos tested 5751 triple mica RCA or Raytheon triple mica windmill getters or something along that line?

Just curious

treitz3

I just recently got back into rolling tubes in the vinyl setup I have because I have been working so hard on the digital side of things in the rig. Now that I have reached the top of the mountain there, I am once again getting back into listening and improving the vinyl aspect of the rig. It used to be that the vinyl was sonically well above my digital but now it's the other way around. The Tung Sol's that were in there came straight from the MKII upgrade, so I figured that I would give them a shot before I started rolling more tubes into the mix.

I just had a hankerin' to hear something different, so I rolled in my go-to tube that I used in the Jolida JD100 CDP. I have about 4 or 5 more different pairs in the closet stash that I will go through before I start buying tubes again for the Phono pre. It only uses 1 pair, so it's not like it will break the bank when I get around to that.

It's been so long since I rolled tubes of the 12AX7 variety, I honestly have forgotten what I actually do have. One of them must have 9 designated names to it (D-getter, long plate, triple mica and the list went on seemingly endlessly). I do distinctly remember that one of them sounded freakin' INCREDIBLE when it came to female voices and especially horns, but that one came with the expense of a slight loss in mid bass punch. But with that said, this is a different application. This one is for analog as opposed to digital.

If you have any suggestions, I can keep a lookout for them.

Tom

jbreezy5

treitz3 wrote: »

I just recently got back into rolling tubes in the vinyl setup I have because I have been working so hard on the digital side of things in the rig. Now that I have reached the top of the mountain there, I am once again getting back into listening and improving the vinyl aspect of the rig. It used to be that the vinyl was sonically well above my digital but now it's the other way around. The Tung Sol's that were in there came straight from the MKII upgrade, so I figured that I would give them a shot before I started rolling more tubes into the mix.

I just had a hankerin' to hear something different, so I rolled in my go-to tube that I used in the Jolida JD100 CDP. I have about 4 or 5 more different pairs in the closet stash that I will go through before I start buying tubes again for the Phono pre. It only uses 1 pair, so it's not like it will break the bank when I get around to that.

It's been so long since I rolled tubes of the 12AX7 variety, I honestly have forgotten what I actually do have. One of them must have 9 designated names to it (D-getter, long plate, triple mica and the list went on seemingly endlessly). I do distinctly remember that one of them sounded freakin' INCREDIBLE when it came to female voices and especially horns, but that one came with the expense of a slight loss in mid bass punch. But with that said, this is a different application. This one is for analog as opposed to digital.

If you have any suggestions, I can keep a lookout for them.

Tom

I really liked the switch from new production Tung-Sol 12ax7s to new production Mullard Long-plate 12ax7s in my Jolida TubeDac III.

If you can find any, this would deepen the bass and improve the texture and slam in that region, while sounding reasonably similar to the Tung-sol in mids/highs.

pitdogg2

The 5751 tubes do not have as high of gain ax=100, 5751=70.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325200109387?hash=item4bb76fdf4b:g:PuAAAOSwi25ihurm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234567407322?hash=item369d4e96da:g:EUQAAOSw3OJijvus

I recently bought some original Tung-Sol pairs. I've not had the pleasure of using them yet, recently some original TS have been popping up.
The RCA'S I have used, good bass no sizzle in the top and good midrange.

No biggie I was just wondering if you got better results with new production, I personally found nos 50's-60's tubes more to my liking.

xschop

treitz3 wrote: »

Same thing this weekend. I am tuning the speakers (MTM mostly) to the room. Woke up in the sweet spot this morning at 4:00am.



I am learning that what is inside of a speaker can be just as important....and in some cases, more important, than any kind of component, crossover or driver changes. I am on my 5th attempt (so far) at getting it spot on perfect within all of the parameters I am trying to achieve and am learning quite a bit along the way. It's amazing how just one little bit of change can affect the end result as to what hits your ears.

Don't get me wrong, they sounded great before but I am striving for even better. I have a feeling I will get to where I want to go and I should be able to get there within the next two attempts. My goal is to get it to where you still hear the wood within a string instrument without the overloading of certain frequencies at extreme louder volumes....while still achieving the crystal clear and wonderful "ping" (when called upon) that the Millennium tweeter does so well. Not an easy task...but I am getting much closer. Right now, it's a little "too clean". The adjustment I made last night got me closer to my goal but I didn't go far enough.

Even rolled some NOS 12AX7Ei Gold Pin tubes in the Jolida JD-9MKII. Tung Sol Gold-Pin 12AX7 tubes were in there and I think that this was somewhat of a lateral move...instead of a "Wow". Some things are different, some of those changes are attributes, while others are deficiencies. Basically, a different flavor.




As you see, I am still also working on alphabetizing the LP collection. Also got the parts in to rebuild my Nitty Gritty RCM. New pump, one way valves, all new tubing and new foam strips. She will be basically brand new again.

Really like those copper phase-plugs.

jbreezy5

This weekend I painted the wall behind my system (previously was a charcoal color) because like to be able to see through my ESLs and subjectively the lighter tone makes the room feel a bit more spacious.



Plan to add some foliage to the container behind the right speaker to enhance dispersion; blinds accomplishing the same behind the left speaker.

Also added some acoustic foam treatments, and much to my satisfaction, I have finally attained a soundstage in my very small listening space!

BlueFox

I had a lot of acoustic foam in my HT/spare stereo room (walls, and ceiling at first reflection point), and the room was dead silent. After a while I started removing some of the foam, and I realized that the sound improved. Now there are just two pieces on the rear wall, and one piece on each side wall.

jbreezy5

I agree dead rooms don’t sound good; like all of the life is sucked out of the music.

Fortunately electrostats don’t suffer from ceiling and sidewall reflections due to their dipole design. I only needed to treat for front and rear-wave reflections.

I used measurements to attain a flat frequency response (as close as possible) at my listening position.

I still have a bit of a mid-bass bump at around 50-60Hz, but everything is much clearer and more satisfying now.

treitz3

Done with the tuning, for now.

Y'all would not believe how much of a change tuning your speakers makes. It's not simple, it's not easy and it takes many, many , many hours of experimentation, listening, back to the drawing board, adjusting, listening, further final tuning, listening....

You get the picture. While I may have been through the Devil's workshop and back within the past 3 weeks? I do believe I have achieved 95% of what I was looking to achieve (maybe more, we shall see).

What I wasn't expecting was what I did receive. All I will say for right now is that the countless hours without music, the build down, rip out, put back, screw in, adjust, put back together, take back apart, further fine tune, put back together, take back apart, seal this, check that, tighten this, cut this down some more, build back together, listen, blah, blah, blah seemingly endlessly?

The end result?

Man, the amp has only been running for about 3 or 4 hours now. It sounds really good. I mean, REALLY good. History has shown (or at least my ears have told me) that my amp sounds best after up and running for 3 days.

So....I listen during that time and wait. *fingers crossed*

Gotta be honest here....I think I nailed it. I have one more trick up my sleeve and if when the amp is truly warmed up? If it doesn't take care of what I think it will? I know exactly what to do.

Life is good. Back to listening...

Tom

treitz3

jbreezy5 wrote: »

I agree dead rooms don’t sound good; like all of the life is sucked out of the music.

Trust me when I say that the same thing can be said about speakers.

I have heard my speakers adjusted by Bob Carver, VR3 (Trey) and myself via the inside of the speaker and also via the crossover units. I have literally heard them sound exactly like (read - indistinguishable from) a pair of Amazing Platinum's. I have heard them sound like a cheap rendition of a Bose speaker at their worst and I have heard them sound like a pair of TOTL Von Schweikert's......and everything in between. Including what they originally sounded like.

IME/IMO, the room can be deadened just as much as the speaker itself has the potential to be deadened.

I choose to tune the speaker(s) to the room, instead of the room to the speaker. Both are equally a PIA but IME, the benefits are greatly enhanced tuning the speakers to the room.

Danny Ritchie had a big influence in my decision making here....and probably not in the way that you think.

Tom

jbreezy5

treitz3 wrote: »

jbreezy5 wrote: »

I agree dead rooms don’t sound good; like all of the life is sucked out of the music.

Trust me when I say that the same thing can be said about speakers.

I have heard my speakers adjusted by Bob Carver, VR3 (Trey) and myself via the inside of the speaker and also via the crossover units. I have literally heard them sound exactly like (read - indistinguishable from) a pair of Amazing Platinum's. I have heard them sound like a cheap rendition of a Bose speaker at their worst and I have heard them sound like a pair of TOTL Von Schweikert's......and everything in between. Including what they originally sounded like.

IME/IMO, the room can be deadened just as much as the speaker itself has the potential to be deadened.

I choose to tune the speaker(s) to the room, instead of the room to the speaker. Both are equally a PIA but IME, the benefits are greatly enhanced tuning the speakers to the room.

Danny Ritchie had a big influence in my decision making here....and probably not in the way that you think.

Tom

Danny Ritchie strikes me as a both/and (treat the room and the speaker) kinda guy from what I’ve seen of his videos. Although once he is pleased with the speaker measurements, it would seem to be a one-and-done kind of adjustment; static rather than plastic for speakers.

My preference is to buy a speaker that I like as it is and update the room around it, because I don’t consider myself to be “mechanically inclined”. Also because I don’t want to void my warranty.

If I alter the sound of the speaker to the room and I later move it to a different room I would have to alter the speaker each time to get the sound I want. For me that isn’t something I want to do.

I bet you get some great sounds with your tweaks, though, and enjoy watching your journey. 🙂

treitz3

jbreezy5 wrote: »

My preference is to buy a speaker that I like as it is and update the room around it, because I don’t consider myself to be “mechanically inclined”. Also because I don’t want to void my warranty.

If I alter the sound of the speaker to the room and I later move it to a different room I would have to alter the speaker each time to get the sound I want. For me that isn’t something I want to do.

I bet you get some great sounds with your tweaks, though, and enjoy watching your journey. 🙂

Thank you, sir. I do appreciate the kind words. My listening room has not changed in 8 years, nor will it until I am 6 feet down (hopefully). If it does? I am the type of person to do it all over again if the rooms change.....in fact, I still might...with the same room!

I did listen to Sound Garden, Journey, (Insert Brain **** here), Metallica, along with a few select others that.....well, they "weren't so listenable" in the past. Tonight, I was able to listen to them as if they were reference albums. The things that they threw out within the stage? AWESOME!!!

With that said, the family is asleep and have been for (OH CHIT!) 4 hours but the sonics have always been the same. What sounds great at low volume? Sounds Re-freakin' 'DiCkULASSSSS at louder volumes.

Certain exceptions apply but one can "usually" tell when a bad recording or compression comes into play somewhat instantaneously, even at lower volumes. I am looking VERY forward to waking up in the AM!!!!

Long live the Audio Gods. *My hat is off to them tonight! Thank you!!!*

I have a little slice of heaven here on Earth.

Tom

treitz3

Phisch....that was the brain ****....

Later Tater's....

Tom

jdjohn

I'll keep this thread alive with my recent acquisition of a CEC PH-53 phonostage. Here are my personal pics of the unit I received (from an eBay seller in Hong Kong):



And here is a link to the corporate/factory product webpage:
http://www.cec-web.co.jp/products/amp/ph53/ph53_e.html
Many vinyl veterans know the importance (and reputation) of CEC in the world of vintage/historical analog sound reproduction, which is why I could NOT resist buying this unit.

At this point, I have used mine for both MM and LOMC, and I'm quite satisfied all around. You can see from the DIP switches on the bottom that there are a myriad of adjustments available. The marketing literature mentions a special circuit topography when a true, balanced, XLR phono input is used...but that is hard to come by, so I can't yet comment on that. But, you might notice from my pics that I've used the balanced/XLR OUTputs...all good there.

I am quite happy with this unit...it is church-mouse quiet, and I've had no RFI with it, which is quite a statement for me, since I often have FM radio RFI issues with (even high-dollar) phonostages. With this unit...even when I turn the volume/gain up quite-a-bit (even with a LOMC cartridge), there is no interference. This tells me that substantial shielding is incorporated into the design.

I don't want to come across as giddy, nor say this is a giant killer, but IME, and for the price...you will be hard-pressed to find a better external phonostage for this price. CEC does not make junk, so if you have any interest whatsoever, I'd suggest doing a quick eBay search on this make/model, submit your best offer, and reap the benefits.

treitz3

Jody, please tell us more as you listen!

treitz3 wrote: »

I am the type of person to do it all over again if the rooms change.....in fact, I still might...with the same room!

Well, I did such a thing. Multiple times over. It has been a month of tuning the system to the room and I am 98% there. Hubba, hubba, hubba....

What a PIA....while at the same time? Worthwhile. Educational. Fun!!! The end result? TOTALLY worth the effort. I'm actually thinking about doing the same thing to the LSiM's I have (They would be SO much easier than my mains...them son's-a-beaches are HEAVY!)

Tom

treitz3

Enjoyed some albums in their entirety and finally got around to rebuilding my Nitty Gritty Mini Pro 2. It's hard to believe that this is 14 years old now. New felt pads, all new tubing, new one way valves and a new pump. She's basically back to brand new condition!



Tom

treitz3

Listened to music after one more final adjustment.

Thoroughly enjoying the evening before the Carolina boys get back together tomorrow.

Tom

treitz3

When you can listen to Billie Eilish as you once did Pink Floyd in total bliss/mind wandering?

You know you did something right.

Tom

xsmi

Put the Moon phono pre back into the system. Blacker backgrounds than the Mani, but a little less pace. My albums seem to have a little less energy.

jbreezy5

Set up the Focal 705v in office system to give them a listen.

They sound smooth and balanced, but have limited bass depth and dynamics and will compress if pushed too hard. Boundary reinforcement is desirable if no sub is used.

The midrange driver has a nice humanity that some metal cones lack when operating within its limits. The tweeter is smooth and detailed, especially for an entry-level metal dome.

They are pretty ideal for listening in a low to moderate volume office system where one simply wants good, enjoyable sound, and don’t take up too much space.

Cabinets are pretty stout and pass the knuckle rap test.

sparky14

Today I picked up a Schiit Saga S pre and Loki Mini Eq to go with my desk system, which has an Aegir amp driving R200s.

Sounds great, and since I am at my desk 6-8 hours a day I love it, but definitely not enough power to drive the R200s in anything but a small room. I had an old B&K 5.1 pre before which had bass management, so I was able to split off the lows before Aegir - then it got plenty loud. I do have some 95db sensitive Tekton Mini Lore Monitors in the living room, may have to test out the Schiits on them.

jbreezy5

sparky14 wrote: »

Today I picked up a Schiit Saga S pre and Loki Mini Eq to go with my desk system, which has an Aegir amp driving R200s.

Sounds great, and since I am at my desk 6-8 hours a day I love it, but definitely not enough power to drive the R200s in anything but a small room. I had an old B&K 5.1 pre before which had bass management, so I was able to split off the lows before Aegir - then it got plenty loud. I do have some 95db sensitive Tekton Mini Lore Monitors in the living room, may have to test out the Schiits on them.

Any chance at a couple mini-reviews on your Schiit gear?

tratliff

I have spent the better part of this week disassembling my system to prepare for the 2.0 version.

I am moving from the McIntosh C50 and MC-601's. My goal is to simplify and get a smaller footprint in the room. I had the McIntosh 2-channel system integrated with a Yamaha 9.1 theater system via theater bypass. Had 2 turntables, a Oppo Blu-Ray, a Marantz SACD, a Parasound Phono pre, DirecTV controller and a Furman 15.

I am keeping the TV in the room but moving away from any theater audio. All needed video related electronics will be relocated into the room behind my listening room and cables routed through the wall. Only video related electronics that are staying will be the Oppo and DirecTV. Only 2-channel electronics and TV will be in the listening room.

I will be going with an integrated amp, Norma IPA-140, keeping my VPI Prime turntable and for now the Marantz SA-14s1 SACD player. My current speakers, Legacy Focus S/Es and pair of REL Carbons will be staying.

The maze of wiring I had in place for all of this was amazing.

I am still waiting on items for the new setup so final setup is a couple of weeks out.

I will soon be putting items up for sale. I have a full loom of Douglas Connection (Furutech Alpha) cables that I will be looking to get rid of. I am currently using them as the new cables are the main things I am waiting on.

I'll get additional details out soon as I get things together.

pitdogg2

I will soon be putting items up for sale. I have a full loom of Douglas Connection (Furutech Alpha) cables that I will be looking to get rid of.

I hope life is treating Doug okay, it's been awhile since he has posted here.

sparky14

jbreezy5 wrote: »

sparky14 wrote: »

Today I picked up a Schiit Saga S pre and Loki Mini Eq to go with my desk system, which has an Aegir amp driving R200s.

Sounds great, and since I am at my desk 6-8 hours a day I love it, but definitely not enough power to drive the R200s in anything but a small room. I had an old B&K 5.1 pre before which had bass management, so I was able to split off the lows before Aegir - then it got plenty loud. I do have some 95db sensitive Tekton Mini Lore Monitors in the living room, may have to test out the Schiits on them.

Any chance at a couple mini-reviews on your Schiit gear?

Sure, I'll try to get one up next week.

SCompRacer

I'm up to F entering my LP's to Discogs...

treitz3

OMG....I just alphabetized my LP collection.....that was very time consuming. I could not imagine doing that. I feel your pain though.....

Tom