Hi Srajan -
long time no write,though I continue to read 6moons daily. While I remain ensconced in boring Boston, you remain peripatetic. Martin Mertens has yet to be listed as a reviewer, nevertheless his review is most welcome. His review (with translation?) of the NAD C315BEE and Onkyo A-9355 was a model of conciseness: clear writing -- no fuss, no muss -- with no valorization of the alice in wonderland school of audio review (wherein words only mean what I want them to mean); one mixed metaphor piled up against the next, willy-nilly, in which the reader is left shaking his head at the conclusion wondering if what is being reviewed is the newest vintage wine or audio equipment. Yes, I own my biases - lololol at myself.
Martin compared both pieces of equipment in meaningful and useful terms. No ambiguity. He actually took a clear position on each piece. I was quickly able to read the article and make a determination on my own next steps. Bravo to martin mertens. Let's see more of his work again, it was a real pleasure to read his 'meat and potatoes' useful review.
I do hope you and yours are now resettled in your new 'digs'.
Best,
bostonjohn
Martin is a new reviewer for fairaudio.de and I'm told there's another one joining for a total of four regular contributors. They'll keep me busy translating, I'm sure. I agree, Martin kicked off his new gig well.
Srajan
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Dear Mr. Kan,
I have a set of Klipsch KLF-30 speakers that I kept all these years anticipating the purchase of some valve amplifiers. Of course the Klipsch are very efficient at 102db. However, the rest of my system is decidedly mid-fi and what I am attempting to do is maximize the sound while deciding on what tube components and cables will give me the best synergy.
I am an avid fan of the 6moons site and was most interested in your July 2007 article on the OCOS cables/adapters and the Enacom speaker filter networks. I noticed in the pictures that accompany your article that you installed the Enacom product in two different ways. One way had the Enacom wires under the speaker cable spades and the other used banana plugs which, I guess one could say, didn't come in direct contact with the spades of the speaker wires. I was wondering if you noticed which method gave the best result. I have quizzed Enacom about this but I never get a return email response ;0(. Now, common sense would say that I should try connecting the Enacom's both ways but I'm not sure my system is resolving enough to show the effects each way. So I thought that since you have an audiophile system AND younger ears you might have noticed which attachment scheme gives the best result.
I have talked with Klipsch several times about the 'ringing' problem which is exactly as described in your article. I have been unable to get an impedance curve from them for the model KLF-30. Lastly, have any of your friends and colleagues had experience with the KLF-30 speakers. If so, would they have any direction to offer as to cabling or amplification that would meld very nicely with the speakers? I attempted to consult a high-end audiophile dealer in Ann Arbor, Michigan and they told me to come back when I had better speakers. Oh, well, that was not helpful.
So, in conclusion, what is your take on how to maximize the use of the Enacom speaker filters. Any advise or direction on other similar products would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Richard Horton
Dear Mr. Horton,
Sorry to get back to you so late. First of all, let me tackle the easy question. I have three pairs of Enacoms and they are all terminated differently: spades, banana plugs and original naked wires with thin layer of WBT solder to prevent fraying. The reason is to partner different speaker cables. When cables terminated with spades are attached, I have to use Enacom with banana plugs, so they can both share the same pair of binding posts. And vice versa. I doubt if one way is sonically superior than the other. Honestly, I have never compared.
I do not know anyone that has KLF-30. I've come across La Scala, Synergy F3 and F2 and RF-52. They seldom ring. As a matter of fact, they all sound very smooth in the high FR, wonderfully musical with tube amps. The best tube amps that I have heard so far on my F2 is the Italian Synthesis 2A3 monoblocks 'The Dream'. I couldn't afford that so I satisfied myself with Dared MP-2A3C.
Some very old (20 years) La Scalas might have dried up caps and other over-matured parts in the crossover that make them sound coarse in the HF. Re-building the entire crossover is the best solution. I know Dignity Audio in Hong Kong and Excel Stereo in Toronto are experts in doing that. I have heard both La Scalas and they are absolutely amazing. But your KLF-30 is at the most 12 years old and I wonder if the crossover needs work. Anyway, if you know someone who can do that, it might worth investigating.
Another idea to control the HF is bi-amp (horizontally) and choose a smoother sounding amp for the Hi/Mid.
Now the Enacom. I trust that it's a Zobel network like the OCOS adapter. You can save yourself some money if you can DIY. The Enacom is tightly sealed and cannot be opened. But I have details of the OCOS adapter in my review, which you can follow. Another interesting review on Enacom is here. Sometimes, it pays to do something about the woofer even if we are experiencing too much HF. The reason is the crossover network might not be filtering enough HF signals feeding the woofer. Here's one interesting article telling people to add a Zobel network onto the woofer!
Cheers,
David
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Hello Srajan,
I have corresponded with you via email in the past so I hope you don't mind the direct email. I have been contemplating trying an F4 amp in my system. Did you ever try the F4 in combination with the Almarro A318B? If you have tried it I would love to know the results.
I am in the process of building a pair of open baffle Hawthorne Audio Sterling Silver Iris speakers with Augies for low end. I have been using the A318B for the past few months with a pair of ASi modified Silverline Audio Preludes (upgraded crossovers, resistors, caps etc from www.asi-tek.com) and I love the amp. I found your A318B review very enlightening and it also helped provide the push I needed to pick one up. It is one of the best audio purchases I have made and that includes many as my Audiogon feedback is over 300 and I am a hobbyist and not a dealer.
Keep up the great work on your magazine. I used to subscribe to TAS & Stereophile. I find your ezine and other online websites like audiocircle, hawthorne audio, diyaudio to keep me informed of the audio news that means something to me.If you are ever in Southeast Michigan please let me know as I would love to meet you and play some tunes.
Best Regards
Nick Goode
I have not tried the A318B/F4 combo since, on my speakers, the Almarro didn't suggest any need for assistance. What will happen as you lower the output impedance and increase the current is a change in the tube sound. Depending on your speakers and tastes, these changes could be heaven-sent or take something away you cherished. I'd be more inclined to strap the F4 to 45s, 2A3s and 300Bs than 6C33Cs since the latter are already more robust and endowed with more audible "drive" than the former. Plus, if you love the Almarro as you say, why mess with success? If you were to biamp with the F4, however, running it off your Almarro to the woofers - now that'd be a guaranteed ticket to bliss. That I could endorse blind purely on concept.
Srajan
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After reading the reviews which mentioned the Patio Cord from Walmart, I ran out and bought some, wired it up for speakers and was duly impressed! Thanks! But a huge warning for others: Walmart also sells a 20-foot Patio Cord for 40 cents or so less (7.40 vrs 7.80 for the 40 ft.). I grabbed one over the weekend because they were out of the 40 -oot versions. After lobbing the plug off, I found that the cable is not the same. I repeat, it is not the same—in spite of all labeling being exactly the same as the 40-foot length.
I haven't seen a 40-foot length for about three weeks. You can be sure I will be grabbing what I can find when I do see it. Let's hope that the 40s haven't been changed...
Bill Dodd |
Hi Jeff,
I just read all your reviews on the Leben stuff (and Acoustic Revive) and wondered if you ever used the 28CX with the integrated CS600? Since you own them all I thought...? Is that better than the CS600 alone? Since I listen to the Leben CS600, I much more enjoy listening to all kind of music. At this time I listen to it with my new Audio Note AN/E speakers (a kit build by Peter van Willenswaard, also waiting for his DAC) but it performed even extraordinary well with the Gallo 3.1s. That surprised me.
Now I am also thinking of buying the 28CX and 660P. Not that I need more power or that I am not happy enough with the CS600 but somehow I just want to buy them. Recently I sold my BC Ref1000', Graaf GM200 OTL and ARC CD7 and Reimyo CDP777. The ARC Ref3 pre is still for sale. But the Leben CS600 gives me so much in return that I will not miss any of it. There's much more pleasure for me now with my old Marantz CD11 LE and the Leben and the AN/Es.
Well, thank you for your nice reviews and best regards,
Wim Rodenburg
BTW: did you also try the MHDT Laboratory Havana Dac?
Hi Wim,
I understand completely your desire to buy the CS660P and 28CX - the exact same thing happened to me too. I could easily see myself with the entire Leben line if I'm not careful. :-)
The CS600 is one of the finest audio products I have come across at any price and it always gets across the musical message in a very accessible fashion. The CS660P and 28CX combo is very very good too and their ultimate performance is probably a bit higher than the CS600 but not by a lot. Their primary advantage is the extra power of the 660P and the phono stage of the 28CX. I plan on keeping them forever (!) but they are not nearly the extraordinary value that the CS600 is, which is one of those rare wondrous products that seems to transcend what is normally possible in an audio device at a given price.
The CS600 works fine with the 28CX although I think the CS660P is a bit of a better match, which it should be as they were designed to work well together. Leben just released a dedicated phono stage designed to work with the CS600, so that could be worth checking into for you as well. I haven't tried the Mhdt Havana DAC but the Mhdt Paradisea+ is really something special.
Thank you for writing, I enjoyed hearing from you very much.
Kind regards,
Jeff |
Hi Srajan,
Cheapskate that I am, I was a bit flummoxed after reading this tidbit on theNuForce site. I suppose the cheapskate brigade are meant to pay top dollar for the tech, one way or another. My oldest is neat and a hard worker and I feel certain I can get a good price for him on the black market and have my used Nuforce upgraded to primo status...50% above the standard fee would be 70-80% of a new item...which means to upgrade and break even one would need to purchase the used piece at 70-80% off of retail, unless my coffee fails me this morning.
From the NuForce site: "Most NuForce products are upgradeable. Upgrade fees range from 20% to 30% of the unit's original MSRP. Please note: These upgrade fees apply only to original owners. Customers who purchase used NuForce products will be obliged to pay 50% above our standard upgrade fee."
Fred Crane
Naturally, I can't speak for NuForce. But it's obvious how the Internet classifieds from eBay to AudiogoN and elsewhere have put a serious dent into many manufacturers' profitability. Used sales across international borders compete with sales of sealed new stuff. Perhaps in an attempt to discourage short-term ownership and the mad rush of equipment changes many audiophiles engage in now that second-hand buying and selling on a global scale is so easy and varied, you see things like non-transferrable warranties which apply only to the original owner. And, your above quote seems to fit the same thinking. It's the old conflict between the makers of things trying to stay in the business of selling their (new) stuff at the necessary profit for survival; and self-proclaimed bargain hunters attempting to get rock-bottom pricing. The Internet has given the latter a potent new tool and you can't blame the "other side" for experimenting with various ways to protect their interests -:)
Srajan
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Hi Srajan,
Congratulations and good luck with the move! I look forward to your return (I understand there will be other reviewers moving forward while you're busy moving). In the meantime, I await Franck's interconnect cable to attach to my Modwright Transporter (perhaps attaching it to an Isabella). You can see you've had no impact on selections :).
At least for the first one (the Modwright TP), I'm extremely happy. By the way, the other guy that I've read more than others in your pages has been John Potis. I noticed he's not there anymore. Is he done reviewing or can he be found elsewhere? Sorry if this was already covered in some sort of Q&A or announcement, I just didn't see it (and I'm not angry like the guy that was missing Jeff Day :)...
Jim Schneck
I think you'll be quite impressed by Franck's cable. Check out the first informal review on Audio Exotics in HongKong. The writer, like most the clients of AE, ran the Danish Argento cables before. Rather more expensive. A lot more. John Potis can be found over at Positive Feedback Online now where a number of his latest contributions have already published.
Srajan
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Srajan,
I have received my Musical Affairs Grand Crescendo SAG speakers and now have finally put enough time on them to get some idea of what they are capable of. They are capable of a lot. Once I got my New Audio Frontiers 845 SE Special Edition 845 amp, I am able to really hear the quality of sound they can produce. Everything you said about the PHY-HP KM30SAG driver is true! They are almost electrostatic in their sound qualities. Images are real, not exaggerated, and they are effortless. I can't wait until they finish breaking in (apparently quite a long process.)
The New Audio Frontiers 845 integrated amp is a find. There really is something to the mystique of the directly heated SET amp. It has plenty of power and is as close to plug and play as any tube amp of which I am aware. It simply sounds awesome! Clear, detailed without being etched and wonderful at the extremes. An ideal amp for 16 ohm alnico magnet speakers.
Once again I want to thank you for your report on PHY. I would have never known about these amazing speakers had it not been for your heads up.
Regards,
Louis D Berkman
Well, you're ahead of me there. Samuel has built my pair of Ocellia Grand Calliope Silver Signatures for review but I told him to wait until we're settled into our new digs in Switzerland so it'll be a bit longer before I get to listen to a PHY driver in my own four walls. Congrats, I'm glad the gamble of trusting a reviewer with such an unconventional speaker paid off for you. I'm certainly very much looking forward to my PHY moment of truth (and my wallet is trembling in fear).
Srajan
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Hi Edward,
I made contact with you a while ago regarding the Dr. Feickert Analogue Twin, I subsequently bought one in April 08. I totally agree with your review, it is an excellent TT. I currently use mine with an Audiocraft AC3000 Ltd tone arm and a MySonic cartridge. This TT deserves to do well, I have in the past owned Nottingham Dais and Redpoint Model A TTs but the Twin beats these quite well. It is definitely a keeper. I have placed the TT onto a heavy piece of granite which is a good improvement.
Take care,
Andy |
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Hi Srajan
I have to confess my faith in you ;)
I read 6moons, enjoythe music.com, TNT, stereotimes,Positive FB, $$audio, stereo mojo and Tonepublications almost on a daily basis. they are on my bookmarks toolbar. I bought however Taboo and RW30.2 on your recommendations. I am building an active 3way system OB with the RW30.2 for mid/midbass, the TABOO for high and GR-research servoamps and 4 servo bass drivers 12 inch. My preamp is the DEQX HD so I don't have to think too much about Xovers.
My office speakers are Silverline Menuet which I listen to as long as my main speakers are not ready yet. I power them with the RW30.2 with a heavy modified SB3 ( Wayne) and PWS byPaul Hynes. All electronics have hundreds hours of play behind them or more.
Then just for fun I replaced the 30.2 with the Taboo and was shocked how much better the sound became. I had the impression the 30.2 was a world class amp and did not anticipate such a difference. Much more air in between the instruments, more palpable gestalts, more transparency. I have a newer Taboo than you reviewed ( not a rat's nest inside anymore) with NOS Mullard tubes and Russian Teflon cap inside. Of course I lost loudness, 6 watts or 30 watts is a difference.
I just wanted you to know. I hope you to be a happy and lucky guy living in a warm EU Mediterranean environment with all the expensive manufacturer's knocking at your door and makin a living with writing about your hobby.
Wish you good luck and prosperity.
Kyrill |
It's a pity Jeff Day is no longer listed as a writer on your staff. I will now stop reading your reviews. Jeff was unique, funny and brought fun and affordable ideas to the masses of us who cannot afford 99% of the products you review. Have a nice life, I am sure I will find Jeff Day's reviews elsewhere.
Best, Nigel Marsh, Toronto
Jeff can indeed be found in the pages of Positive Feedback Online now but, as before, I'm sure he'll also review higher-priced gear like the Leben and Harbeth products for example. And I rather think you could afford something like the $249 NuForce Icon or S-1 speakers quite readily which I have reviewed (or am about to). Painting with too broad a brush tends to overlook things. But it's certainly true that we don't specialize or focus on just affordable stuff. For that, you might go to Affordable Audio or GoodSound.com.
Srajan
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On the audio front, I have just installed (in Bergen in April) the first new "Finale" speaker system with our "Conductor" and "End Game" electronics. See attached photos and (if you can read Norwegian) here is a link to the Norwegian audio society forum which is buzzing with news of the new Finale system! The launch party was great fun and some of the Audio society guys were still playing their music at 3.00am! There are a few other audio goodies in the wings so I will update my website soon.
Cheers
Derek and Petra, Overkill Audio. |
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Initially inspired by an article on 6moons site featuring a cheap but good sounding system for $339.44, I investigated, then bought the units from Dave Merrill (probably near-last ones before he retired; thanks Dave!) I too have just retired and finally, after a few idle months, got it together to begin building the Zigmahornets. At first I bought the wood, but, having no tools to speak of, and being quoted £120 ($250!) to put a few joints on the wood....I let the wood sit a while . Maybe I'll just 'butt-joint" that one, later.
A series of events inspired a sideways look at this project. An interest in light-walled, low resonance, single/wide-range units (Ocellia a favourite, but Harbeths, etc) plus a visit to Tom Evans' factory where his bathroom was stacked up with small polystyrene speaker boxes, plus old memory of Wharfedale once making a plastic-cased, polystyrene filled box made me wonder. Checking local suppliers, I found and utilised a polystyrene maker to cut the pieces (of 2-inch mid density) polystyrene for the boxes.
I had no idea just how it would work but it was worth a week of fiddling (and minor aggravation!). Only tools? Mainly a big fine-toothed wood saw! Plus Stanley knife or trusty chef's knife! Japanese Shakuhachi flutes are plain looking bamboo flutes. But the inside is carefully lacquered with multiple layers to achieve the perfect tone. To attempt to stop some of the sound escaping through the box (polystyrene is 96% air!), I layered it with coats of PVA inside and out (added strengthening side effect) and then lined it with gold metal-backed wrapping paper. (Yes, Ali, that paper!)
Finally stuck it all together with 'No nails' glue, using silicone in less-smooth gaps, or PVA. So. Sound? (Which means 'good' or 'I agree", in Liverpudlian- "yeah-... sound!") Well, it sounds better than my expectations. I feared the worst, given the transparency of the box. But, given the forerunners in Harbeth, Ocellia plus (thanks again to Dave Merrill) the efficacy of the single wide-spectrum unit, it sounds pretty good. The wideband, non-crossover unit making a lovely coherent whole. I'm guessing my attempts to channel some of the sound down the 'pipe' by lining it are producing some bass; amazing from a 3-inch unit. The detail is excellent, the dynamics good (Ethiopian brass playing as I type). And obviously, there's a good 'out of the box' result! The box certainly doesn't add any character! But also doesn't hold any energy back either. A bit of omni-directional side effect?
Imagery is fine and stage detail and depth. I think perhaps, given the appearance, they should be called Sevilla, or Penitents, after the hooded penitents who line the streets at Easter in Sevilla? Rumour has it that they 'break in' over a period. I look forward to that! Using polystyrene means that they want to fall flat on their 'face' with the weight of the speaker unit, so the base needs to be heavier than current poly to counteract this tendency! Certainly on either side of my Apple Imac table, running from Kingrex USB and Itunes, they are fantastic as uber-headphones!
Thanks are owing to Dave Merrill for having the enthusiasm and knowledge to design and instigate manufacture of these lovely little speaker units. To Jeff Day for the spark via his article on 6moons site. To V.Esa for the hint of not diluting PVA. To Tom Evans' loo collection for reminding me.(and Steve Blackmore, designer in waiting...) To Harry Zweben for picking up the baton (Merrill unit supplier now). To CS Manufacturing for the polystyrene cutting. To my lovely partner Carole for patience and more patience!
Christopher Skelton |
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You know, I'm here toiling away in our audiophile home...and you're out there on the beach soaking up rays with some other audiophile...not thinking about circuits or OPTs...probably having a summer read while some fellow, who's almost like family after one day, brings you a drink with an umbrella in it.
I'm buying a Rat Shack receiver and pairing them with some 6x9 speakers from my old VW.
In all seriousness, enjoy the good times.
FC |
Hi Srajan:
Stephaen's 12/06 Altec Dream Speaker article motivated me to try building my own. Using the Great Plains Audio 604H-II drivers, I designed my speakers and had them built by a local cabinet maker. They look and sound great! Total cost for everything was about $3650.00.
Thanks,
Mike Masztal |
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Hi Srajan,
First time I send a message to a reviewer. I have read hundreds of audio reviews in my life, and this is the best. I wished most of the other reviewers had half of your talent. And I read it several times, something I don't usully do. It takes a lot of talent to express clearly what an audio product that has no particular trait per se can do in a system.
I read your review after I ordered a set of Furutech Reference III Be-Wire cables (replacing VDH The Breeze and to match Vecteur L4.2 and I 6.2 and Totem Forest) to try to cure my audiophile insecurity.
So thanks again for the good time and sorry for my french.
François Caron |
Hello Srajan,
Seeing you favorably reviewed Red Wine audio gear, I wanted to share with you a letter I just sent to Vinnie Rossi:
Hello Vinnie,
I know you get a lot of (deserved) compliments about your product, but I wanted to also say how refreshing it is to have all the "other" details done right. I think many manufacturers underestimate the experience a buyer has when they purchase something...how the item is packed, how the box arrives at your door, how the instruction manual reads, how billing and shipping paperwork is handled...in short, everything other than the sound of the equipment. While those details would not be enough to persuade someone to buy an inferior product, it can make a big difference among products of comparable quality. It certainly does with me.
In my experience, attention to these details is the difference between having what you receive feel like a nice product or a precious jewel. The only two people I've dealt with who've understood that truth are you and EveAnna Manley. Not coincidently, I own products from both of you (the Shrimp is a wonderful mate for the Sig 30.2, BTW)...
Any way, a long-winded way of saying thank you for "getting it." If you listen closely, you can hear Benny Carter playing in the next room...sublime...
Matthew DeMaio |
Hi Srajan,
I am Jacques Lacôme from the south of France. I am going to make it short... :-)
First of all, congratulations for the overall quality of your site, no usual stupid talking there like on most of the audio stereotypical world, you go straight to the heart of things, pictures are awesome, description of tested stuff is honest and pretty well documented. I recently discovered among your tests Trafomatic Experience One review, so, after maybe more than 35 years of " Graal pursuit " to the perfect for my brain and ears piece of audio that would not keep me searching after something else and elsewhere and again and again ( which I kept doing for I don't know how long ), I got it.
This amp is great ! I am not talking about ridiculous intellectual audio masturbation, it does not make hifi, it makes music and nothing else. I got it yesterday, after a whole month of waiting, according to a supposingly "fast German package delivery" called DPD but that's an other story I could write a book about all that transportation ...I switched it to my Lyngdorf CD-1 player and recently purchased Zu Druid, and then music arrived in my room in the most natural way than ever.
My previous system was working with the Melody Astro Black 50 (KT 88) and a pair of Jean Marie Reynaud Offrande Signature, extremly good speakers, but......the Melody despite of its power is definitly killed by the natural definition of the "The " how you nicknamed it, bass range is incredible of power and definition, never boomy, straight and tight, with an amazing sense of modulation, voices are "human" , the upper range fabulous of natural, no agressivity like with the Melody, silky and smooth but extremely sharp at the same time.
I keep talking with Sasa on the Internet, to my point of view this guy is honest in the best sense of the term, I am going to try to do something to help him to hit the French market which needs " fresh air ", that's going to be tough, but who knows....
Hope to talk to you soon,
all the best,
Jacques |
Hi,
It's going back a bit since Wayne Zufall's review of this amp but I thought you may like to know how to squeeze a fair bit more from this value for money design. It's well documented that the Dussun is receptive to jumper lead and power cord upgrades. I changed the jumpers to some made by Normy 1019 for sale on E-Bay. These are based on Kimber AGSS silver wire and are more detailed and sweeter than the supplied links. The power cord was then upgraded to a TM3 Connections reference item, again using silver cable which delivered further gains in transparency throughout the range. Note: the presence of silver cabling isn't an issue in my system as I own 'warm-sounding' speakers.
Despite the improvements, the bass was not as deep as it could have been and seemed rather bloated. To try and sort this out I contacted Steve at Herbie's Audio Lab and fitted three Iso-Cup feet with acrylic balls. Initial impressions were disappointing -- there was more detail but no real bass weight -- but gradually the sound just got better and better. Treble and mid cleared up and bass became more articulate and extended - it seems the Dussun's stock feet weren't doing an awfully good job at isolating the amp from the environment. If anybody does fit Herbie's Iso-Cups to their hifi, be patient - they do seem to need time to bed in. Finally, the icing on the cake - a set of RS Duet Palladium interconnects opened things up further bringing inner details and refinement to the overall picture.
The end result is a far more natural and detailed sound than obtained with the stock V8i. Timing is better and the bass is far more controlled and convincing.
Thanks for the website and the opportunity to let people know what can be done for relatively little hard-earned cash!
Regards
Paul Hammond |
Hello Mr. Day,
I love to read your reviews , it was the motivation to listen to the Leben 600cs which I purchased. In my opinion you're absolutely correct to concentrate on musicality over high-end terms. I'm a semi pro musician (double bass, bass, guitar ) with 30 years experience in making/hearing music (blues, jazz, both acoustic/electric). That's why I think I can easily distinguish components which sound right from components that create effects. Enough of self compliments, what I wanted to say is try out some vintage EL34 Telefunken with double getter and the Leben goes IMHO another step up into musicality.
Greetings from a big fan from Germany,
Bernd Kluemper
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Ken,
You have a great way of describing the strengths and shortcomings of the pieces that you are reviewing. I get a real feel for them. Could you compare the Ayon Audio CD-1 and the Audiomeca Mephisto IIx. One has tubes and the other doesn't so I understand that but if one has tubes in the CD player and then use a tube preamp and or tube amp, there is the risk of too much of a good thing.
Does the Audiomeca have the air, note decay and the emotion that the Ayon has and if not, is it close? Thanks and look forward to your next review.
John Rago
John,
Thanks for your email and kind words. To be honest, that Audiomecca review was quite a long while ago, and though I owned the player briefly, I am hard pressed to remember all of its sonic characteristics. Particularly as I have owned and reviewed a few players since then.
Oddly enough, just as I am writing this a friend called who also owned the AM when I did, and he recalls that while it had great dimensionality and soundstaging, ultimately it lacked drive and was rather soft sounding. I also recall that it had a lot of trouble reading some discs and I had to get it repaired. I think I went from the AM to a McIntosh CD player, which drank its milkshake...if you catch my meaning. !
The Ayon is everything I said it was in the review and unlike the AM, which I believe is no longer made or at the least lacks support from the manufacturer (I believe), the Ayon is a going concern. I will soon be reviewing their integrated amp.
And as far as the use of tubes possibly being too much of a good thing, I disagree. I use a tubed CD player (Raysonic CD168) and tubed pre and power amps (Shindo) and all is right in my world. There is no syrupy tube gloss or overwrought harmonic flavors here! :)
Best
Ken
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Hi Jeff.
I bought an Acoustic Revive ground conditioner after your review and treated it like a whimsical indulgence..my version of a weekend in Vegas! I kept my expectations modest. I haven't used any form of power conditioner save the modest Blue Circle noisehound and an assortment of decent power cords (JPS Labs digital and Zu Mother). The AR unit is making a huge difference! Bigger than the happy inclusion of a good standalone DAC and much bigger than experimenting with some excellent and pretty darn expensive ICs and speaker cables.
My Gallo 3.1s don't have a huge bass and it hasn'tbothered me. I never did have any interest in the extra Gallo sub amp and my perception was that its use might be fussy to implement. Suddenly I have bass. I can feel air moving in my room. Along with this is additional ease with the remarkable Gallo tweeter...it's not diminished, yet somehow it doesn't call attention to itself as it has. Soundstage has widened and deepened...the cliche of more analogue sound appears...pace and rythm(now aided by bass) in the Cuban music I've been listening to lately...(Gonzalo Rubalcabo and Roberto Fonseca) come full into play..a favourite guitar/banjo/mohan veena artist...Harry Manx, has more wood in the body of his instuments..more harmonics and more natural decay with his notes..
M Bel Canto Ref 1000s seem as great as before but do seem to have taken on a personality of most slamming tube amp that of course they're not. All this from a mysterious hockey puck of a stereo component? Yup, and thanks so much for making this reader aware of them..
Regards.
Al Luke
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Hi Stephæn:
I just enjoyed reading your "SR Revisited" article where you mentioned my> AA posts (MMasztal) and would like to make a couple comments. I, too, had a similar response to the Earthcalm device, but read on.
I started having some health problems following a surgery with complications (severe hemorrhage) about a year ago. Simply put, I was feeling like crap. Several tests which showed nothing and I'm not the type given to hypochondria or somatization. My MDs had no answers.
Upon further thought, environmental factors became a possibility. I recalled my malaise also starting around the time we WiFi'd our home and, trying to be eco-conscious, installed compact flourescent lighting (CFL) throughout our house. After considerable reading (see below) on EMFs and human health, I thought that EMFs might be the culprit.
After removing the CFLs and Wi-Fi, I began to feel better after a week with improved stamina and ability to focus. The reason for my problem became evident. Simply put, EMFs are bad for humans. Most adults' immune systems can handle this ubiquitous EMF/magnetic/microwave stress, however, some adults' systems become decompensated and physical manifestations start to show up. In my case the hemorrhage likely weakened my immune system resulting in my becoming susceptible to the deleterious effects of omnipresent EMFs.
My curiosity piqued, I picked up a Graham-Stetzer Microsurge meter which measures noise in the home's electrical system. Down to some experimentation. Using the G-S Microsurge meter, I plugged it into the wall. I got a reading of 38 (sorry, the device doesn't have the units). On the same duplex, I had a lamp with a CFL bulb plugged in. When I turned> on the lamp, the G-S meter jumped to 162. Multiply that by 10 for overhead lighting and other lighting uses. According to G-S, the readings should be 25 or lower. This number was determined by a study in Russia where a good bit of reasearch has been done.
We subsequently added G-S filters throughout our home. Our home is fairly large which required 34 G-S filters to be installed. Our house now seems "quieter". Not from an acoustic sense, but more from a inner calmness. (Sorry for the New Age analogy, but it's the best I could do).
The research on this is not scant. If you're interested in learning more about this, I'd recommend a few books. They were all in our local library system and are written from a scientific perspective - not "New Age" drivel. Numerous scientific reports are cited in each book.
- "The Body Electric:Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life"
- "Cross Currents" by Robert Becker, MD, orthopedic surgeon and researcher who pioneered the application of electric fields to bone healing. He has also done several studies on electrical pollution. Lots of research citations in his books.
- "Energy medicine : The Scientific Basis" by James L. Oschman, PhD. More technical, but with good explanations.
- "The EMF book: What you should know about electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, and your health Mark A. Pinsky. Escellent, written for the lay-person.
- http://www.stetzerelectric.com/filters/research Several studies done on EMFs and the effects on humans and cattle.
In summary. I'd opine that reducing the sources of EMF would allow one's immune system to recover/improve. Neurological functions, which operate on microcurrents, would also improve, ie, our hearing will improve. This is why one will likely not immediately hear/feel when the SR device is removed. Over time however, the tolls of EMF stress will again take their toll. Whether the SR devices are affecting the electric system or our hearing ability is anyone's guess. I'd opt for the human factor.
Regards,
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thank you for writing. It was my hope that the article would generate meaningful discussion, as well as more data points. I appreciate the references you provided and your willingness to share what you've learned, both here and at AudioAsylum.com.
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Hi Srajan,
I just read your report on Schuman resonance. Here is a website you may be interested in: www.slimsuniverse.com
I have been using his tools, especially the environmental harmonizer, that has a 15 mile radius.The harmonizers have been tested by 4 high tech labs and 2 US Air Force bases and have been proven to work in clearing geopathic stress, EMF and EMR, air and water pollution, 30% increased crop production and decrease of agric. pests, increase of Paramagnetism (much more than the pyramids at Giza) and mental and spiritual blockages. As a side benefit, my stereo system sounds better as well.
Thanks for your great reviews,
Greg Calise
Thank you, Greg. I have also forwarded your note to Stephæn, the actual reviewer of this assignment.
Srajan
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NuForce Icon. Received mine today. It's blue. I hooked it up (with the new 2m cables) to my Quad ESL-57s. Your write-up is 100% correct. You hit it on the nose. This sounds really incredible.
Have you ever hear original Quads overwhelm you with detailed bass? Ha!
Need to see if the optional power supply exists.
Wow!
Regards,
Gary Krakow
It'll take more of us saying this or people will think it's a bad joke or massive hype that couldn't possibly be factual. Well, those of us who already have listened to this thing know it's a $249 atomic bomb.
Srajan
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Dear Srajan,
Very nice site! It is so good to find a site not influenced by advertising! Is there any chance of reviewing the Cayin iDAC-1? I have found precious little about it except for general info and specs.
Thanks,
Rich W.
Nobody from Cayin has contacted us so nothing is presently planned. I often tell readers with specific requests to contact the manufacturers of whose products they would like to see reviews in particular publications. More than once, it's gotten the ball rolling.
Srajan
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Hello,
I've just achieve my High end DIY project. You can take a look here: http://www.iut-geii.org/emeric.shtml. I began the system with the loudspeakers and then all electronics: amplifier, préamplifier and the CD Player (using a CDPRO2 mechanism). Project 2005 - 2008, released on my own, designed by me.
Emeric Vissault |
Hi Srajan,
I wrote you some months ago and asked about the synergy of the RWA 30.2 and the Avantgarde Uno Nanos. You gave me an answer and furthermore I acquired the RWA thing.. the rest is history. That RWA machine has since then given me countless hours of deeply satisfying, musically envolving moments with my favourite music. It really has touched me in a way no audio purchase ever. I strongly believe it is becoming an audio classic. Well done - both Vinnie and you too, Srajan! :)
My kind regards,
Jouni Seppänen
PS. I use Auditorium 23 speaker cable and interconnects (new product from the wizard name Keith Aschenbrenner :), competes favourably to much more costly Shindo ic) in my system and in my opinion, you can't go wrong with these reasonably priced cables. |
Dear Marja (and Henk),
Your Munich coverage was absolutely brilliant in every sense of the word. You essentially transported me to the hifi show. All other reviewers pale in comparison with their show reports. I especially like the links you always provide, the no BS insights and fantastic high rez photography. Take a bow, you are the shit - to use some of your cool US vernacular!
Rick Brown |
Dear Srajan,
We met briefly in Munich, and I thanked you for introducing me to Juan Carmona's music. I now thank you for the recommendations of Todd Garfinkle's m.a. recordings. I find the music refreshing and the recordings are wonderfully open, airy and relaxing. In other words, like real music in real spaces.
One question, if I may. Have you had a chance to hear Bo Bengtsson's latest speakers from Transmission Audio? I remember you reviewed the RRM R1 while still with Soundstage and wondered how the products have progressed. I have remained in contact with Bo (I used to import RRM while they still had Bo and Vic Tiscareno on board) but have not had a chance to listen to the new products.
Thanks again for your interesting taste in music, and your very good web magazine.
Kind regards
Andy Stuart
I lost track of Bo after he first launched Transmission Audio and never had a chance to actually hear a production model either. I'm pleased to hear however that his venture has in fact gone commercial so I'll inquire about future review ops to perhaps report on status in Sweden.
Srajan
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Dear Mr. Srajan Ebaen,
Let me introduce myself briefly. I am a young Polish music lover and regular 6moons.com reader. Reading many 6moons reviews I wondered why these interesting products are not available for Polish audiophiles. That is why I have decided to start audio distribution business in Poland and bring a couple of interesting brands to our country. The brands represented by me include some of the 6moons 'discoveries' like Mark&Daniel, ModWright Instruments, Red Wine Audio and Zu Audio.
I am currently setting up a website for online presentation of the brands and their products with links to 6moons reviews included, which I hope you approve of. I have one specific question to you concerning my website - I have found a piece of graphic in the RWA Signature 30.2 review that I would like to use on my website as an 'icon' for RWA (that is the rectangular piece of graphic to the right of the attached header gif). As the copyrights to the graphic belong to you, please let me know if you agree for using it on my website.
Best regards and many thanks for 6moons,
Maciej Chodorowski
SoundClub Sp. z o.o.
Warsaw, Poland
This e-mail is reproduded here simply to show that while common perception has high-end audio in the toilet, there's another side to it that continues on unabated, cheerful yet fully cognizant of the challenges. We can either focus on the negatives or the positives. Our vote is on the latter and Maciej's note clearly belongs.
Srajan
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Hello Srajan.
I am still enjoying my Yamamoto A08S with the Loth-x Polaris speakers. Recently I added a FirstWatt F3 for the fun of it, providing better bass control and a little higher resolution in the expense of dynamics of the glass alternative.
Although I can hear and measure around 40 Hz bass from the system, I would like to augment the bottom end with something more solid, so here I am looking for a subwoofer.
I would love to hear your experience and suggestions on this. One alternative I think would be the Method of Zu. Anything else? I tried the REL Stadium III without any luck.
Happy listenning,
Kunter
I'm no expert on this particular issue. That said, my favorite sub is the WLM Duo 12 - dual 12"s, vertically opposed inside a sealed octagonal enclosure, fully passive, stereo inputs, requires stereo amp and active crossover. Nelson is coming out with a 2-way adjustable active crossover for FirstWatt which would be ideal to split signal for a sub/monitor system. You'd then have to provide a yeoman bass amp. This 3-box solution won't be cheap (I'm using WLM's outboard crossover and my AudioSector Patek SEs) but the active network approach, outboard bass amp and WLM passive sub combo is superb to go woofing.
Srajan
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Hello Mr. Kan,
I have been reading the 6moons site for a couple of months. I am at the point of just turning 50 and my wife wanted to buy me something to celebrate. I was not into a Rolex but have wanted for years to buy/upgrade my 25+ year old system. I have had other priorities for a number of years but recently feel able to invest 5-10K in new equipment. I live in Hawaii so there arent many choices for High end shops...just one. I currently have Ohm c2 and Walsh speakers, SAE pre and power amps, a Mcintosh 5100 and a simple Teac changer. This was decent stuff 25+ years ago but not today. I have heard Gallo Ref 3s and really liked them. I spent a couple hours in the one shop last week and heard some new equipment...Avalon speakers...monitors that were great but at 7k maybe a bit too much. There was a Rega Planet cd player I liked a lot. I also listened to a Audio Source tube integrated from China. SOunded good but I am not real familiar with tubes, what they need to be functional in HI etc.
Anyway, I was curious if you had any recommendations for assembling a system. I have been going thru the site and been somewhat overwhelmed. I want stuff that is pretty reliable. If I can stay in the 5-7k range that would be good. I was thinking in terms of an integrated amp, tower speakers and a good single player. I still have vinyl too so if the unit can address that I would call that an advantage. I will keep the cd changer for when my wife listens as she is partial to that mode. I listen to lots of traditional and contemporary jazz, mostly guitar, piano, trumpet, and sax (non-smooth, more Miles, Wynton, Joe Pass, Bill Evans, Coltrane,), electric and acoustic blues, acoustic music (like Laurence Juber, hawaiian slack key guitar), vocal jazz, singer songwriters from the 70s and classical piano, violin, baroque and impressionist era...kind of eclectic. I have been thinking about some of the British stuff but understand that much of it is somewhat dry.
I figure I will do 50/50 focused listening and casual, i.e while doing other stuff. I may be able to buy a broader range of stuff when I go to Las Vegas for a nephews wedding in August. So even if I have a list of stuff to listen to then it can help in working out a buy list. Otherwise I may have to go without hearing stuff...not the best approach unless it is stocked by the one local shop. I have read about some of the interesting lower cost equipment listed on the site and above all I care about the sound. So if something seems like a good listen and a good deal that is fine. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Best,
Wade Souza
Hi Mr. Souza,
Happy 50! You are a lucky man. When I turned 50 my wife didn't buy me a new hi-fi system. I feel flattered that you are asking me for recommendation for such an important occasion, even though there are more qualified writers on 6moons that you could have contacted. You see, I'm probably the one with the least exposure to different gear and I focus more on music than equipment, making me a less demanding listener. The next shortcoming in me is that I like cheap stuff (but high quality though) and might not be able to help your wife to spend the full 5K.
Bearing in mind you don't want tube amps, my recommendation would be KingRex Preamp and two T20s, to bi-amp Klipsch Synergy F2 or RF35, and Marantz DV7001 as source. If you prefer the sound to be musical, go with F2 for room size of about 200 s.f. (or F3 for larger than 300 s.f.) Looking at your music repertoire, I think you might prefer more kicks and punches, so you might go for the RF35 (200 s.f.) or RF45 (300 s.f.+). The reason I'm suggesting the Marantz universal player is because I am a multi-channel SACD advocate and that's the best value machine. In case you want to pursue that route, you can extend the F2/F3 or the RF35/RF45 to multi-channel. The KingRex would add up to slightly under 1K, the Klipsch 1K (or less during sale) and the Marantz another 1K, totaling 3K.
If you want to spend the full 10K budget, my recommendation would be Mark & Daniel Sapphire and NuForce P-9/Ref 9 V2. The Sapphire is not floor standing but it sounds more impressive than most floorstanders. The factory compound marble stands cost about USD700 a pair.
If this is not good enough help, please feel free to approach other more knowledgeable writers on 6moons.
Regards,
David
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