Matt, so pumped. Have to make sure my paypal has cleared...Then I can get what I want from Steve, lol. Headed down to NJ to Audio Connection tomorrow as I have sold a bunch of me gear that's I've had there for re tubing. If you are around???? Steve has been AWESOME in dealing with my questions etc... That was a huge reason I pulled the trigger over the Ayre. |
How do you do ethernet instead of usb? I don't fully understand how to not use a server. Sorry, crash course need, lol. |
Thanks Steve. Appreciate the input. |
Wish I understood more of this. Think I'll be sticking with USB servers for the OSDE as Steve said the USB is the best input on his device. So many choices, lol...which is good. |
Steve, what isolator? What does it do? Is that something that we should all be looking at IRT our mac mini servers? Thanks so much for the help and thoughts in this thread. |
Ok, two questions then. First what drive unit would you purchase for a 2009 mac mini. Then where would you store it? Do you set up a NAS with firewire or just a double bay hard drive in RAID 1?
Also please share models that you use and love. I can't wait to Steve's DAC up and running in my system, I could use the built in super drive but have been told that a remote usb drive is best as you can buy a much better quality one. Plexor was the name Steve game me, but when I went to their site, they seem to only be for window's systems.
Matt we had this talk last week about servers/DACS and where they are headed. I totally agree with you. |
Matt, will you please text me your number again. I'm in FL as my dad is dying, but I wanted to touch base when I get the chance as you are I are on the same page and I wanted to speak with you about it, but I'll go off on a tangent on the board, lol. Thanks. |
Thanks guys. Got to spend about 2hrs with just my dad and two siblings yesterday. I don't think he'll be there in a few hours when we go back. Family flying in from CT today and daughter in from Univ of New Hamp also. Purple heart from WW2 and just a stand up guy. Started in audio when we went to a local dealer at age 9. All Pioneer gear when it was decent. I just tuned up that TT for my brother and it still works, lol.
Matt, thanks, I'll call when I can. I want in on this server deal, but like we said, until more companies get involved the costs will stay very high. That's why I went the mac mini route properly done. I went to a few dealers and they too are kind of waiting on better servers at lower costs. I think we cold see the choices double or more over the next year. My concern is that many of these units will still be the all in one deals. That's going to be great for folks who's systems don't need dedicated servers. I wan to hear what Linn has done as I know they have a few and I'd also love to hear what Naim has done as I haven't heard Naim gear in over 20 years. |
Guys the Music Vault servers are also outstanding. He is willing to do custom builds in them for various inputs and outputs. He even offers an A/D converter to get a digital rip of your analog. I've heard it and it should be part of this list. PJ at Antipodes is really trying to get his units into stores. |
Thanks to all for your advice on drives etc....Steve has gone above and beyond helping me out. I finally got the server up and working today with the DAC. I don't have the short block yet as Steve has to make it. I still have to burn everything in, but I will say after a few hours of listening for fun, I'm really excited. I can already see that it has the bones to become e SPECIAL system. I have Vandy Treos' (about to trade in for the CT version I believe) and an Ayre AX7. The server is the 2009 mac mini with the Hynes power supply and all of Steve's cables.. |
Steve, thanks, I'm going to look for it right now and going to get that DVI cable today so that I can get the server up and running. I'll call when I'm all set and in front of things.
Also need to buy a HD unit today too so that I may start to rip everything. With all the responses on HD's and burners, I'm still at a bit of a loss. This is one reason the all in one, like Antipodes makes sense if you can afford to go that route, but I'm saving money and getting great sound to boot, so I'll just sit out the new servers for a bit and see how and where the dust settles.
Off to figure out a Raid 1 HD solution and figure out if I can just use the internal drive or if I need to get an external one. Oh the questions. |
Mitch, did you use a remote app to run your mac mojo? Did you use Amarra or another? Thanks. |
GUys, I speced out a MV server, however based on what Steve said, I went the less expensive route with the mac mini, 2009 and Hyenes power supply. I gets here in a few hours and I can't wait to finally hear my new/used OSDE with server. It will be a steep learning curve for me I think, but I'm hoping not. I will need a new HD to store my own CD;s in a Raid 1. Do you guys think that I should buy a dedicated ripper like we've discussed or just use the integrated super drive built in?
Steve mentioned an iremote program, but I can't find it for some reason. Steve, is bluetooth or wifi left on in the mac? I assume you are using one or the other to use the remote iPad with the Amarra. I've never used any of these programs, so that's why the steep learning curve.
Thanks all.
If I had the money, I'd go with the Antipodes DX. I like PJ who distributes them and think he reps good products and supports them. I have heard a few servers and noticed big differences in each. So far, I have liked the Baetis with Berkley or the Trinity. That said, I heard them with top of the line Naim and Rockport speakers so it's hard to make judgements, lol. I heard the NAD stuff as well as their Blue sound (or whatever it's called) on Wilson Sasha's and Ayre AX5 (not the Twenty). They were just streaming from their HD files kept in Flac I was told. I didn't like either that much. The servers we are looking at are in a different league, however the Mac mini set up is 2500 or less depending on your build out, so if it's even 80% of a 7k Antipodes, that should be considered also.
My personal view based on my research says that we are looking at the tip of the iceberg IRT servers. I think the costs have to come down and or the quality MUST get much better. Matt, I"ll call when I can to talk about this, but I think we will see servers start to give us everything we want within the next year or so and we will see a ton of new companies in this field. Many will be start up guys who are true computer folks and some will be companies like Ayre, Boulder, etc.. The need/demand is there for all levels and the integration, ease of use and SQ all are important and will be addressed. I do think keeping your music on your own separate HD will be built into all of them, however I do think most will have their own expandable hard drives with a large SSD to cache what you are actually listening to. You should be able to rip and listen at the same time and eventually ripping will be very fast I think as that's why most of us want, especially in the beginning. That's why I want to know what you folks feel is best for ripping right now as I"m at ground zero. I can use the integrated drive or get a top drive. I need to know your thoughts on type/brand etc.. of HD you'd start with. Once I figure that out, I'll just back up with a portable 2T HD both at my house and one at my wife's office so that I won't lose my music, lol. I an also just change servers when I feel like it.
Thanks |
Thanks for sharing. I think my problem with any company is that they need to ship their products with the best fuses, or power cords etc...that they can find. I don't like having to tweek things anymore. I was never a big tweeker to begin with. If they want to, they can just ship without a power cord and let you buy one on your own. I'm probably the only on in this thread who feels this way, but I really do.
That said, it's nice to see that the Antipodes DX sounds as good as it does. I assumed it would since it costs much much more. Hopefully servers will become more competitive going forward. I'm still not convinced that we won't just have hi rez streaming for nearly all our music within the next 5 years. |
1k for a cap? WOW have things changed. I had NO CLUE. Thanks for sharing guys, learning an ton here. Keep it going. |
Steve walked me through set up last week on mine and using Ayre gear you can tell if something isn't quiet. I have the volume control on, but I don't use it and I hear NOTHING from the tweeter when I'm not playing anything. Not sure if that's what you guys are talking about, but the noise floor is very very low and it helps with the overall sound. I accidentally let the system on last night and went up this morning to turn it off. I put on a few cuts and DAMN did it sound sweet. I can tell it's starting to burn in as the stage is bigger. Instruments are no where near the speaker (the sound is wall to wall). The bass is tightening up and so tuneful. I didn't expect this and it's not fully burned in yet. The Vandy's have never sounded so nice to me. Me needs to upgrade now, lol.... |
That will be an interesting piece. I think that streaming is the wave of the future personally. I think that we will all have nice streaming devices in hi rez and a great DAC.
Guys, I've tried to find the firewire Maxtor server grade hard drives, but can't figure out which one to get. I understand that Seagate now owns them, but there are multiple types on their site. Which one is server grade? Also, aren't they the ones with a great disc drive? Can't see that one either. I am ready today to get the disk drive (Steve said it has to have the sampling deal from the internet built into it) and the hard drive to start ripping my CD's...thanks all. |
Ok, do I look for an all in one desktop or just the internal disk and then buy a holder (whatever you call it). I guess I'll look for the same for the external drive. |
Matt, sounds awesome. I'm sick of the snow. Just a pain, lol. I'll call you later if I have some time as I've upgraded a ton and I think I'm about to do it again. lol....it's YOUR fault Matt ;) |
Interesting thread turn, but worth it for sure. Yes we all need to do our part. The sad thing is that greed from big oil as well as the car manufacturers not named Tesla are giving us what they tell us we want. They just block the infrastructure to build out charging superstations for all electric cars. There could be a standard and it would benefit all. They are close to having the ability to have a 90% charge in only ten minutes or less. They can do a 3 minute full batter pack change if there were standards. I'm a retired Navy Commander. I drove ships around the world in the 80/90's and knew many of the weather guesser's as well as many NASA guys. They all complained back then about these problems. My buddy Al predicted this problem in the 21st century and he was correct. Yes, if everyone started to do their part and each person got ONE other to do the same, it would start to make a difference within a few years. Too bad the word 'GREEN' is misused and hidden behind by so many. |
It may be better, however I run an integrated so I can't go without the preamp. |
Cool. thanks for sharing Matt. |
Funny Matt, as I've been thinking about changing my outlet since the builders outlet is not working properly...surprise surprise!
So this 200 doohickey does the job huh? lol...I'd really have to hear it to believe it. Not saying it doesn't though... |
Very interesting info you guys share. Thanks. I now have Steve's OSDE that was fully upgraded and I use his USB cable and the short block with the cable. I also use the mac mini server with Steve's big linear power supply. Are you saying this device will help the sound? Sorry, but I am still learning digital. Thanks. |
Wow has this thread evolved. Thanks to all for what you are sharing. I would never have the Empiracal in my system if it wasn't for me seeing this thread and I love how it sounds. Matt, we need to talk again, lol. I can't wait to hear your take on the Regen device. Thanks. |
I agree on USB cables....I also agree on ALL cables. There are too many great sounding cables on the market that are 'cost effective' I guess you would say. I never understood spending as much for cables as you do for the component. At that point I've never heard a cable sound better than taking that same amount of money and upgrading your component. I love the cable that I purchased from Steve with his Empirical DAC, but I've heard the TotalDac cable now and it too sounds great on two DAC's I heard it with. Had to pay more than 500 or so on a USB cable when there are a few out there that sound great. JMHO |
Matt, I agree. One reason I stay with Audioquest is because that's what Richard Vandersteen uses with his speakers and it's what my dealer demo's them with. When we've changed cables or even cords, I've heard a huge drop off and that includes that 5K power cord I mentioned earlier. Dealers and manufacturers know what sounds best with their products most of the time, however I'm sure they show their gear with whatever company wants to work with them. I could be wrong, but I know a few who show with companies that they don't personally own themselves as it makes for good business. |
Great challenge Matt....lol |
So right. No more Absolute top their DAC thread, lol. Full system search. |
Matt, just sent you a message. |
Jeff and Matt, it will be fun to hear your thoughts on the M1. I've heard it and was mightily impressed. |
Matt, as you know I have liked the Hansen's when I've heard them in the past. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on the Marten's. I have heard their little brother as they were on my short list when I got my Vandy Treo;s as I found a used pair that I could have extended for and put off other purchases. I need to get down to NJ to visit and hear your Perfect 8's. I have never heard them before and like everyone else, I like to keep up and know what's out there. Those 12k Vapors are also on my wanting to hear list. |
Matt, that was a blast meeting up. I do wish you were there in the later part of the day. You'll hear what they really can do when when Johnny has time to get them up and running with your gear and warmed up. Hopefully we can get Richfield up there too. Great grinder/pizza shop down the street too, lol. This should be an interesting search that is transpiring. |
Guys, this goes for any great speaker and not just Vandy's. I don't see how you can get a good read from a show. Music is about the emotion and evolvement. The contestants who win those tV shows have the big dynamic voices (mostly). The TV's in a show room are on BRIGHT. The speakers that catch your ear in a showroom or show are the ones who are tipped up on both ends of the spectrum much of the time. I was at a demo of Vandy 7's and the 5's were playing in the other room and folks just gravitated to the other room. Granted they were smoking in there. They were the best I've ever heard 5 sound. I stayed in the vinyl room with ref AR/Vandersteen amps and the 7's....I heard things that I've never heard before and I was VERY familiar with the cuts as well as the gear and the room. I went up to Richard and the owner and told them both I was in shock as how incredible the 7's sounded. They had the emotion, the speed, the timbre.....the stage, the placement of sound and everything else you hear at a live event. It wasn't 'hifi' and I got one other audiophile to go back in the room with me to give them a real listen while everyone else was around the 5's. This person listened for a few tracks and said that he too heard and felt what I did. It was like being at a live event. I know that Richfield will probably say the same thing. It isn't the speaker that will jump out at you and 'impress' you, but over time it's the one that does nearly everything right. It even plays big if you want that. I've spent a lot of time recently with some of the speakers on Matt's list and am impressed by many. The thing is I can't live with many of them as they are missing something and often it's because they are tipped up 1 to even 2 db on the top and that's to grab folks attention. That's why you get so fatigued and blame it on other components or your room. We've all gone this route in the past and will continue to.
For me I'd audition the newest Rockport, Kharma, Avalon (haven't heard them in years but used to like them), Wilson and Tidal. I've spent a fair amount of time with all the above except the Kharma and Avalon. I think I have liked the Tidal best behind the Vandy's. I heard them with all Tidal gear and they were set up perfectly in the dealer's home. I just couldn't' fully get into the layers of texture of the songs like I do with the 7's. We all have different likes and dislikes, that's for sure.
Matt, please let me know if you head over to Johnny's for a listen and I'll try to get down to meet you in person. Richfield, that goes for you too! |
And it looks ike I'm heading down to Audio connection tomorrow. Would love to meet any of you who are in the area. |
Wow what a thread, lol. So much disinformation being put out at times based on what some top designers have said. Some do get it though. No design is the be all end all, however those of us who listen to a speaker with these parameters will usually enjoy all the ones who do it well (i.e. make/design their own speakers and use TOP grade components in the overlapping xovers etc..). No it's not easy and it's expensive to do. I think that's why many designers don't go this route. For some of us, we don't care what others say about a component. We may listen and go hear something based on what is said or reviewed, however if you trust your own hearing, you will be fine no matter what you decide to get. I know Matt enough to know he does know what he's listening to, but like everyone, the more we hear the more we appreciate the difference between good and great. Ton's of good out there, but not a lot of great I don't think. |
Matt, call me tomorrow if you can. I just spoke with Johnny and he wants to come over and help you get the room right before you start buying any other gear and that includes speakers. He feels badly for you and he won't ever bad mouth another company. He just won't do that, but I too feel you weren't taken care of. I have a lot more to share with you. hang in there and this will get corrected soon and it shouldn't have to cost you that much more. NO PROCESSORS! lol.....I know some folks loves these, however there are many reasons they aren't good for most speakers/systems. |
What are your thoughts on speakers who integrate powered subs below 100hz so you can dial in the bass after you set the speakers up to sound their best for the mids on up? Personally, I've never heard separate subs integrate fully with monitors and I have always LOVED monitors. I personally have liked some of the speakers that integrate them and voice the amps to take on the sound of the main amps someone is using in their system. |
No. If I were to do subs, I'd do the matching Vandy subs as they are set up to work properly with the Treo's. I hate to say it, but I've never heard a sub integrate properly. I know so many swear by their usage and I'm sure that there are plenty of you who have them set up perfectly. I've just yet to hear it. I also feel that the majority of dealers really don't know HOW to set up a room. I know that even the top dealers will often have problems setting up their rooms because folks come in all the time and touch stuff and actually move things. I've seen customers in a very high end boutique start to tip speakers to see their spikes or something. They don't realize that will throw off everything. Winson, please share more about the subs. |
Guys, I've been at a couple of high end stores and we listened to the same music on a couple of the ref digital products along side TT/cart combos under 5k (the digital stuff started around 15000 just for the DAC. It wasn't even close. Digital does some amazing things if you can spend enough. You just used the word ease ....that's exactly what it is. Same with live music, You just ease into it. Even listening to live rock that is usually processed and played way too loud, it's still fairly easy to listen to.
I have the OSDE/SE and hope to hear the SX when Steve comes out with it, but it's hard to think digital will beat analog anytime soon. JMHO |
I have lot's of high rez stuff and yes it gets closer, but I am more relaxed when listening to vinyl and my rig isn't what most of you have I"m sure. I was ready to sell it all and go pure digital when I started my quest, but I listened to my dealer who knows his stuff and am happy I did. I do about 30% vinyl. It's not difficult to change an album, lol. Digital is easier and I like using both. That's just me though. |
Wow, Matt, you nailed it. This hobby has those who chase the products and are true audiophiles. That is most of the folks who are into it. Others love listening to music and trying to always 'seriously' listen. Then there are those who loves the toys as well as the music.
Those who love the music, love to critically listen or like you, are enveloped by the music. I'd love to see how folks view themselves. None are wrong as it's a journey and fun. I dislike most components and set ups I have listened to in my life as most just don't pull me in like I need to be. This is becoming a true Hall of Fame thread. |
My son has Aspergers (on the autism scale) as well as the sensory processing dysfunction piece. He has never liked listening to my music system, but he loves music. All kinds, always has. He listens with some Sennheiser cans I gave him years ago. He now enjoys listening when I can get him over as I only play him vinyl when he's here. He is able to listen to the Overdrive DAC, but it's the first time he has heard digital at my house and appreciated it. He has said in the past that the sound hurt his ears, but not now after I did all my system upgrades (all new system, lol).
I asked about the phones and he said that he likes the ones I gave him, but not the ones at his friends house. Very interesting stuff and I would love to read more studies on it. |
LOL....he'd want nothing to do with that, lol. Yes he hears the highs better than any woman I've listened with.
He has hated every speaker he's heard IRT the highs. He has fallen in love with my new Vandersteens though. That's one reason I know that Richard has nailed the highs. Matthew says that he can be part of the music. I think that's his way to saying he feels the emotions. He does have more emotion as we've worked on his feelings since he was a baby as we ID's it all early.
He also can tell me when my speakers aren't set up properly, lol. He doesn't like to come visit that often, but it's fun when he does as we enjoy music together. Sorry to go off topic. |
I've heard the HRS stuff in action in SOOOO many stores. YEs, vibration control is HUGE in a high rez system. It's crazy what it can do, especially for vinyl, however too many get carried away. Sometimes the MOST costly and best vibration control ISN'T the best. Just be careful all, lol. I have put some Belles feet (cheap as heck) under my Overdrive and it's helped a bit. Not huge, but more focused a bit. |
Guys, there are some very real DAC's that will hit the market in the next year or so. I think that folks may want to hold off a bit on upper end DACs/Servers as things may just blow up in the next year. I can't share the companies right now as I was asked not to, but we all know Steve is also coming out with his new upper end DAC too. there are only a handful of DACs that I personally enjoy as I still love vinyl, but I have been enjoying Steve's OSDE/SE a whole lot for the same reasons Matt has his. We've spoken a bit about it. I think Steve just gets the digital and analog filtering correct. I have liked Berkley's newest DAC, but I really need to hear the mk II vs the Overdrive and I hope to do that in the next couple of weeks when I head back to NJ to listen at my dealer there. |
I'm really looking forward to hearing the new Ayre headphone amp/DAC for only 1500. They are one of the companies who will have a new DAC next year and if they finally allow more than just one USB input, then I will have to give it a real listen. Richfield, I told you how much I liked that Bricasti ;)....it was fed from the Aurender. |
Matt, we can figure out a good time to get together. I know that Johnny has the new Rom sig on order and once in, he'll run it straight to break it in for you to hear. He knows that already. I loved the Bricasti when I heard it in an all Tidal system in Philly. Ridge has that and I believe he feels the same way I do about it. I also know that everyone who owns the Berkley seems very very happy with it, but as I and others have posted, there are too many new models coming out within the next 12 months that will blow us away I believe. The more they get us into high rez, the better redbook is sounding. |
I have and love the OSDE/SE. I run them on the Treo's and Ayre AX 5 Twenty. I get all emotion when it's there, but it's not even close to vinyl. I've heard most of these DACS in my system except for the Lamp...I personally have heard them a few times and they don't do it for me. It's a personal thing and I'm not attacking any of you who have and love them. I also am not a PS Audio guy, but plenty love them too.
I like the Totaldac gear a lot and I like Bricasti a ton too. I've heard and love the full DCS stack, but it's still not good vinyl yet. It just isn't as relaxed as vinyl. I would bet that Matt is making much of his decisions on vinyl since I know how much he loves and listens to vinyl. |
Matt, thanks for sharing that. I think most of us listen to a lot of digital and that's why we loved your thread to begin with. As you have said trying different speakers in your own home is different from smaller electronics, lol....I like how you think when looking at these components in that some have hidden costs (i.e. needing more electronics etc) that have to be taken into consideration. Too many great choices without having to go that route I would think too. |
