What did you do to your stereo rig today?

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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,671
    Oh, I am quite certain that there were changes...

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,756
    Speaking of my daughter, she was 2 and half in this pic. She was absolutely in love with my home theater. When my A9's arrived after upgrading from the Monitor 70's, she was hugging the A9's as I pulled the boxes off lol. Just look at the sheer joy on this face.

    Oh yeah, at that age, she was eager to learn everything she could, how to properly clean discs, all the functions on the remote. One day my wife calls me at work and says, "Look, I just want to watch TV, how do I do that". I laughed and told her to hand the remote to Grace and she'll get you set up

    zsr4emjctup0.jpg
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,376
    My wife and daughter ignore my stereo stuff. :s

    But they want me to put $$$ stickers on it all in case I depart before them. :o
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • xsmi
    xsmi Posts: 1,801
    Tony M wrote: »
    My wife and daughter ignore my stereo stuff. :s

    But they want me to put $$$ stickers on it all in case I depart before them. :o

    We REALLY need an LMAO reaction button!
    2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 26,320
    Tony M wrote: »
    But they want me to put $$$ stickers on it all in case I depart before them. :o

    Boy you could totally have some fun with this......

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  • OleBoot
    OleBoot Posts: 3,035
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Tony M wrote: »
    But they want me to put $$$ stickers on it all in case I depart before them. :o

    Boy you could totally have some fun with this......

    But he wont be there to see the fun.
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    New (Budget) Rig, New Room
    The inspiration for building this rig came from my fear-mongering over tariffs. Originally, I just planned to stock up on cheap "Chi-Fi" while it was still affordable. Then I went down the rabbit hole and ended up building this little system to experiment with.
    I’m starting by breaking in the components since they’re all new. After that, I’ll try out a linear power supply (LPS). I’m also planning to add a large subwoofer—something bigger than the 10-inch ones I currently have.
    The Room
    So, where is all this happening? The master bedroom. I moved my bed and various belongings into the smallest spare bedroom, which I now affectionately call “the dog house” (until I move back into the master, lol). I chose the master because it’s the largest room in the house that isn’t a shared space—like the living room, where my main hi-fi system (listed below) lives. Once I’m done playing around with this budget rig, I plan to bring the big setup upstairs for some more “intimate” listening.
    The Rig So Far:
    • Dayton Audio DTA-PRO
    • Dayton Audio T652
    • Monster XP speaker cables
    • Stock USB A to Mini cable
    Next Upgrades:
    • Linear power supply
    • Longer USB cable (Monoprice)
    Initial Impressions
    The sound from this setup is engaging and fun—laid back in the highs and lows, with sweet mids. I plan to put in plenty of hours on the speakers over the next three days, weather permitting. (Spring around here always brings daily scattered thunderstorms.)
    The goal is to loosen up the dual 6.5” drivers. These speakers are tuned to 35 Hz, and when I played a 31.5 Hz sine wave (relatively quietly), they didn’t seem to struggle or distort—pretty impressive! One thing to note: the speakers are rated at 6 ohms with 87 dB sensitivity, and the amp delivers 50 watts into 4 ohms. That’s not quite enough power for these speakers, lol. I’m really looking forward to seeing (and hearing) the difference a better power supply will make.

    Some Photos:

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    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    ChatGPT hacked my account. B)
    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,376
    edited May 6
    Well, tonight after dinner I went out to listen to some YELLO music on the SRS2s. I put the NAD C370 speaker selector to "A" meaning the Polk SDA-SRS2s would play the "YELLO" Cds.

    I replayed "STELLA" first. WOW! The BASS... :D was incredible. I listened to the whole CD and it sounded different from the Newform Research speakers but each speaker set has their merits. Both are serious high-level performers.

    I then put in "YELLO's" Pocket Universe CD. WOW, WOW, WOW! The music on this CD enveloped me. The BASS was incredible. :p More so than the bass from the "Stella" CD. The highs were more pronounced too.

    The speakers disappeared and the wall in front, the spaces beside me on each side seemed to have walls with giant speakers on them and the height of the sound reached the 16' height in front and encased me from overhead too. A literal 16' half-dome of tight pulsating sounds massaged me for an hour+ listening to that P.U. CD. What a musical EXPERIENCE I had tonight.

    I have the new RD-0194 tweeters in the SRS2s and they sounded amazing tonight.

    I only listened to the P.U. CD once before on the B&Ws and it was great through them too BUT NOT LIKE WHAT I EXPERIENCED TONIGHT. :o WOW! ;)

    I'll try to find a link to this P.U. album now.

    https://youtu.be/J90lb1Wz4CI
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    I typed up a whole post about last nights shenanigans with the T65s and some how it got erased. :#

    Here's the highlights lol: They were 48in from the back wall, now they are 26in. This increased the bass big time. In fact is there another (new) pair of speakers for two bills that dig as low as these? Cons to the SQ so far, I need more high! They are too recessed. Maybe they're still breaking in?

    I also forgot to add some pros and cons to my chatgpt post. lol

    Cons: They fail the knuckle test and the binding post are trash. They are only two bills after all. lol
    Pros: The veneer hits way above its price point. The grills are solid with metal mounting post. SQ/Stage isn't bad for its price point.

    One word about the grills: They mount so securely to the cabinets it feels like you're peeling off your finger nails :# . I'm not sure this equates to quality lol.

    So if you're feeling froggy and have a couple of hundos burning a hole in your pocket I'd say get a pair, you might be surprised by what you get out of these little floor standers.
    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,376
    As long as you like what your money was spent on, up to the highs being recessed, enjoy them.

    Can you turn a treble dial or treble setting up?


    When you get some Polk audio towers in the future, I expect you'll hear a lot more and better musical sound. ;)

    How's the secondary market where you live? Yardsales, Goodwill stores, thrift stores, pawn shops or the unbeatable Facebook marketplace and Craig's list sites?
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    edited May 7
    Tony M wrote: »
    As long as you like what your money was spent on, up to the highs being recessed, enjoy them.

    Can you turn a treble dial or treble setting up?


    When you get some Polk audio towers in the future, I expect you'll hear a lot more and better musical sound. ;)

    How's the secondary market where you live? Yardsales, Goodwill stores, thrift stores, pawn shops or the unbeatable Facebook marketplace and Craig's list sites?

    I am enjoying the rig so far. I left the little rig play all day as I was out running earns. I can't wait till this evenings listening session.

    The DTA-PRO has treble and bass settings but are currently set to 0. Theres also a direct option.

    I do have some small Polk R40 towers. That'll be a fun comparison! I wonder what they cost new?

    The secondary market is pretty crap for the most part when it comes to high-end electronics in my area.

    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    The LPS arrived today. I'm currently burning it in. The highest amp draw I've seen so far is .3a. I'm going to run it for a while to see how noisy the cooling fan is in it.
    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    Ok here's a quick recap of last nights shoot out for the T65s vs. R40s (since no ones asking for it :D ). I wanted more highs and got them with the R40s! That's where the comparison end. The T65s take the cake everywhere else. The easiest way to put it is, bigger speaker bigger sound (and stage).

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    Eagle eye viewers will notice the adjustable LPS on the bottom right shelf doing its thing. I can't say I noticed a huge difference in SQ while using the LPS. But wait! There WAS a gigantic difference in this little amps performance! It actually ran cooler and louder with out clipping believe it or not. I couldn't turn the amp up past 70 with the SPS before I noticed the sound was degrading/clipping.

    It's really cool to watch a real time amperage draw!(If you're nerdy like me :D ). For the most part it ran between .230A-.289A. I did manage to push the little amp to draw 1amp! but you are exceeding 80 plus on the volume and the music was way WAY to loud to listen to for any extended period of time. The fan in this unit is audibly noticeable, but only ran when it was pushed hard than switched it's self off.(I like that alot!).

    This "sesh" went to midnight lol :#
    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,211
    Conradicles wrote: »
    Bought my 1st Mac gear!

    Nice; What did you get?
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,650
    Conradicles wrote: »
    Bought my 1st Mac gear!

    Inquiring minds want to know…
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,246
    MHA150
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,650
    Nice! Welcome to the wild blue. All you need now is some Mac tube gear.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 3,259
    Tonight, I determined that my trusty Benchmark HPA4 preamp has serious issues with the two RCA inputs :( Initially, I feared that source components were the problem, but after testing with different components and cables, I have narrowed it down to the HPA4 RCA inputs themselves. The two XLR inputs still work fine, so I will be able to limp along until I figure out next steps.

    I've recently been testing a couple of RTR tape decks through one of the RCA inputs of the HPA4, but now both RCA inputs are bad, so I don't really think the recent tape deck testing has created the problem.
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 3,259
    Update to my previous post: I contacted Benchmark about the issue with my HPA4 preamp, and the next day I had a reply. Short version: after checking my S/N, they said my unit is still under warranty, gave me an RMA number, and off it went. It was delivered to their HQ in Syracuse, NY today, so I'll be waiting for their evaluation. Honestly, being Memorial Day week, I'm going to temper my expectations, and not be overly critical about progress.

    In the meantime, I'm using my Benchmark DAC3/HGC as a preamp, and honestly, I don't feel like I'm 'settling' at all. IMO, they are amazing, and quite unassuming, little units.
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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  • dogwallop
    dogwallop Posts: 16
    jdjohn wrote: »
    Update to my previous post: I contacted Benchmark about the issue with my HPA4 preamp, and the next day I had a reply. Short version: after checking my S/N, they said my unit is still under warranty, gave me an RMA number, and off it went. It was delivered to their HQ in Syracuse, NY today, so I'll be waiting for their evaluation. Honestly, being Memorial Day week, I'm going to temper my expectations, and not be overly critical about progress.

    In the meantime, I'm using my Benchmark DAC3/HGC as a preamp, and honestly, I don't feel like I'm 'settling' at all. IMO, they are amazing, and quite unassuming, little units.

    Benchmark’s customer service moves faster than some amps warm up… maybe they are magic boxes
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  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 3,259
    dogwallop wrote: »
    Benchmark’s customer service moves faster than some amps warm up… maybe they are magic boxes
    True dat. I got notice yesterday that my preamp is now on its way back home B) That was a one-day turnaround, during Memorial Day week. Impressive! Since their roots are in professional/studio gear, I wonder if the competitive nature of that market has made them uber responsive overall.
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 845
    Memorial Day shenanigans:

    The weather was gloomy, foggy and rainy. So I got to spend a lot of time playing with the chi-fi rig again :). I decided since I had a pair of Dayton Audio B65s laying around that I'd do a little comparison between them and my PolkAudio LS-FXs. As I was warming everything up I noticed when I played with the bi/di pole switch the sound in the tweeters were scratchy or cutting in and out while in di pole mode (which was the mode I want to run them in). So I decided to remove the crossovers and use some of my audiophile quality CRC electronic cleaner on the switches and cycled them ~25 times each.

    While the switches dried I listened to the B65s for a while and liked what I was hearing from the mids to the highs but came to the conclusion that they and the LS-FXs were needing to be paired with a sub. So I broke out a old PSW202 I had laying around and wouldn't you know it the plate amp $#*t the bed after only two song while paired with the B65s :#:D .

    That's when I decided to put the LS-FX back together and give them a listen. Wouldn't you know it the issue with the switches were resolved! During the listening Sesh I had them in dipole mode. These little speakers are great! I couldn't believe how much bigger they sound than they actually are. They totally give Maggie vibes (on a much smaller scale) . I can't wait to pair them with a sub.

    As for the POS PSW202 I'm going to order a new Dayton Audio plate amp (to continue the theme) for it as soon as the one I want is back in stock :# .

    Some photos:

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    The T65s are now currently back in the rig.


    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,644
    edited June 17
    I like your sign!

    47b921b7eiko.gif
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • JCL
    JCL Posts: 160
    Just installed a few things today.rd5c8rgprh2a.jpeg
    L600 (front), R200 (rear), R200 (rear surround), L400 (center), Sunfire HRS-10 (2)Marantz AV7706Sunfire Cinema Grand, Marantz M8077, Music Hall Stealth, Ortofon bronze cartridge, Parasound Zphono XRM, Sony UBP-X800
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 26,320
    Is that going to be out of the field of that C-coil? Seems close to that other inductor on the board.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,159
    The coil close to it is 90 degrees so should be ok
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • JCL
    JCL Posts: 160
    I can always move the crossover to the other side of the enclosure. Seams to sound good though. Much better than the original crossovers.
    L600 (front), R200 (rear), R200 (rear surround), L400 (center), Sunfire HRS-10 (2)Marantz AV7706Sunfire Cinema Grand, Marantz M8077, Music Hall Stealth, Ortofon bronze cartridge, Parasound Zphono XRM, Sony UBP-X800
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