Line Array rig nearing completetion...

RuSsMaN

First of all, I got rid of the cheesy make-shift rack I was using, and picked up a couple of the QS&D closeouts. You can see the thread on the $74 (+ship) racks HERE.

Great build, went together like a charm, solid MDF shelfs, each spiked (+ bottom). They had 1 black set left, and several Cherry (shown), and Walnut - so it's not too late to order, and get your rack scene under control, if it isn't already. Buy with complete confidence.

I originally wanted black, but needed two racks, and they only had one. I think the Cherry looks decent - adds a little color to the room. Interested in your thoughts, pro or con, on that matter.

Gear:
Fred Arrays
Signet SP200 Sub
Audio Research SP-6 Preamp (mod)
Audio Research DAC-1 D/A Converter
Radii Audio MMS211 SET Mono Amplifiers (mod)
AMC CD8b
Sansui TU-417 Tuna (mod)
Polk Audio XRt-12 XM Tuna
Furman Rack Rider RR-15NL Power Strip
Elemental RCA
Tributaries Digital Coax
Audioquest RCA (sub)
Signal Cable Magic Power
Audioquest CV-4 (speaker)
Vibrapods / Sonic Boost (isolation)

Next stop, a Lead Balloon with a VPI sitting on top (to the left of the racks). Seeing as I have FIVE Pioneer 707 R2R's, I think I will throw one in there also on the bottom shelf. That's all folks, back to the Dire Straights re-masters, Beam Shooters, and MHL.

Cheers,
Rooster

F1nut

The cherry looks nice, too much black is....well, too much black and the AR's are a very nice addition. Now, the scary thing thing....I'm listening to the same DS cd. :eek:

Early B.

Looks great. Excellent deal on those racks. Do they provide enough clearance for your gear? It could be the picture, but it looks like your AR components need to loosen the belts around their midsection, 'cause it's kinda tight.

RuSsMaN

My thoughts exactly Jesse, on the black. Black speakers, black sub, black amps, black black black. It would start having it's own gravitational pull before too much longer. I think the cherry finish sets it off a little (or at least that's what I'm telling myself since I bought two).

On the CD, good music is good music, doesn't suprise me you are spinning it also. I just bagged all the re-masters for the hell of it. Why buy just one, you know?

Plenty of clearance height wise, the preamp is on isolation pucks. Now width wise, the AR gear is rack-mount style, and with the 'legs' on the stands, it can either sit just slightly behind or in front of the widest part of the leg - but it's far from cramped. I opted for slightly back.

Cheers,
Russ

trubluluc

Rooster-

Good looking setup.
They contrast and compliment each other well.
Adds a touch of class.

Dire Straits first album......."Six blade knife, do anything you want".
One of my all time favorite albums.
The second album, "communique" is golden also.

-Luc

RuSsMaN

Thanks for the feedback Luc. I guess I should preface, these are NOT up to the level of Adona and the like. You want to go ultra hardcore, you need to keep shopping.

They can't compete on THAT level, but for an entry level rack, with some added iso features - solid MDF shelves, spikes, etc - they certainly hold their own. The closeout price is the cherry on an already delicious audio sundae.

Cheers,
Rooster

Shizelbs

They look great. Looks like they have a nice glossy finish to them as well.

You did good getting two of them. I like them better than in the black.

I am now in the process of convincing my wife that these will look good at our place and that both I, and the house, need at least one set. They aren't too tall either.

BlueMDPicker

Very nice, my friend!!

Give me a bit of insight into the sub implementation and settings with the SET monos. Is it fed from the preamp or the amps? I've tried my SE OTLs and a sub both ways (since many claim you lose the character of the amp(s) when feeding from the pre). I'm afraid my listening area has far too much volume -- since I don't like it either way.

SCompRacer

Nicely done. Racks are thrifty, practical, with good appearance. I like the indirect lighting effect behind the speakers. Dig them mono's with the Kong tubes. :cool: How bout a night tube-glow shot....

BlueMDPicker

Russ,

I remember the Fred Arrays from one of the Texas Bottleheads meets, but I don't remember the specs (drivers/tweeter). Can you provide that?

Also found another version that was under construction. It looks interesting! Have you heard the finished product yet?

amulford

Looks VERY nice Russ. What is the efficiency of the line arrays? How much is the Radii feeding them?

I also like how the second pair seems to be coming. Are they done? I take it they are going to be using a ribbon? Interesting...

steveinaz

I like the cherry/black combo, it breaks things up alittle--gets too boring when everything matches. Awesome rig Russ.

hoosier21

Line arrays are next for me, Danny at GR Reasearch has a nice DIY offering, looks great Russ.

Russ

dorokusai

Excellent.

ohskigod

I've noticed that subs have gained a little acceptance in 2 channel rigs as of late. I assume the arrays sound sweet, but dont dig as deep as you like?

so far, the best example if a sub in a 2 channel that I have actually put ears on was Doro's rig at polkfest, But I 'd love to hear this one some day

I find Line Arrays very intriguing

RuSsMaN

The woofs are Silver Flute's, the tweeter is the same one from the Bottlehead Straight 8. 95 db 1w/1m, they are tuned to about 52Hz, load up into the mid-40's in room. The sub is playing 45Hz and down. They are very tuneful, and don't NEED a sub, but I can, so I do.

The Radii is actually running no where near it's potential. 211's are good for about 30 (single ended) watts. To get that much power, typically you will see a 300b and a 6L6 as front end drivers. This particular amp is putting out 12 watts, and uses a single 6BM8 for driver. The 6BM8 is kind of like an EL84/6BQ5, but with half of a 12AX7 on top.

Fred is always tinkering, I think he's hosting the next meet - if I can, I will attend.

Cheers,
Russ

dkg999

Russ - very nice looking, and I'll bet sounding, setup. I think you did good by going with the cherry finish. Works very nice with your equipment and room. I have always liked the simple audio stand, and speakers setup, no TV and other crap plugging up things! I can't wait for the day when I can get back to having a setup like this. Nice work and have a Merry Christmas!

Dennis Gardner

Great looking LA rig Russ!!

For those of your looking into something a little different than what we normally see here on the forum, you need to look into Danny's new kit from GR research. I know Russ is familiar with these models too from his friend.

Open baffle powered dual 12" design:

RuSsMaN

Danny's stuff is SICK. I haven't gotten to hear that model Dennis, but Gary had lots of nice things to say about it.

Cheers,
Russ

Tour2ma

Looks very nice sitting on the back wall, Russ.

I spent some time with Fred Arrays (maybe the same ones?) on two different occasions. Very nice indeed...

Can't wait to see the VPI in the mix.

HBombToo

The audio reasearch gear has my name all over it when you become tired of it....

1/4twin

janmike

I personally really like the cherry. Adds real class to I'm sure some very classy gear. Cherry speakers would really do it for me.

RuSsMaN

Appreciate the additional feedback fellas. Looking at it today (sans Makers Mark), I'm liking it even more.

Henry, I'm sure we'll work a swap out down the road. Just keep that Quicksilver in good shape. Talk about a piece I regret 'letting go'.

Cheers,
Russ

HBombToo

but Russ, the Quicksilver is waiting for the VPI Scout... are you telling me I have to start over??? ;>)

1/4twin

RuSsMaN

You can't have ALL my best gear Henry, only some of it.

HBombToo

but at least you know its safe!

hydrobud

i love that helmet cd.

reeltrouble1

Nice Russ.

I am going to do a SET rig, thinking though totally different than the array, I hear good things about the Omega Grande for speaks.

RT1

halo

The cherry looks very nice Russ (and so does the rest of your rig! ).

madmax

Russ, so what characteristics do you hear out of a line array? It is my understanding that arrays keep the sound from hitting off of the floors and ceiling, in other words the vertical dispersion heads in a straight line towards you. How do they compare with other speakers you have had? Looks great!!!
madmax

RuSsMaN

You nailed it pretty much Chuck. Think big Maggies, but with dynamics.

They are one of, if not the BEST I've had in house, and I've had a lot come through rancho de audio.

Cheers,
Russ