“l prefer to brag about knowledge…”
”Bragging about his system is most of the times bragging about his bank account”
It’s always easy to beat an ignorant person with your 🧠 rather than with your 🤜 ‘s
How competitive are you with your system?
Do you try to rank your system with others’?
Or are you content with enjoying your rig for what it is?
275 responses Add your response
This sounds expensive, smooth, and musical. Very nice! Slightly dry sound presentation due to silver cables but silver makes the sound more detailed. Never boring. Great sound system! Alex/WTA
|
Agree. @ronboco system sounds really nice on both videos. |
I am not competitive because it will be ridiculous... Learning how to set right a system/room is enough... I can do it with any system/room then why being competitive for a specific chosen one ? Mine is low cost anyway... Bragging about his system is most of the times bragging about his bank account ... I prefer to brag about knowledge ...
|
Ok here are the videos ! Hope you like them. Would love to hear from others too! Happy listening! |
Some old friends dropped by to play. You really hear the "noise" of the digital transfer on this CD. I should have engaged the "tube simulator". As always, this is on an Oppo-95 through a Yamaha RX-Z9 RECEIVER in "Pure Direct" mode and no eq or room correction, either electronic of physical is being used. No special wires are used and the speaker wire is 14 gauge "speaker wire." I did rewire the entire house/system to a 20 amp breaker with 8 gauge wire and no splices at all. The room is ~5,000 cu ft. |
If there are no pics/sound..., it didn't happen: This is the spectrum for the Heil without the reflector in place.
Here we add the reflector with the 1MM spacer. Knowing that the woofer has a very steep slope at ~3,500 Hz, what would you rather listen too?
Now we change out the 1MM spacers to 0.6MM. The problem with working with media this thin, you don't get a smooth edge. But, note how the frequency balance has shifted down just a hair. The real gains occur when you get <0.2MM, but this looks pretty darn good to me.
So, what kind of $$$ are we talking for such a shift, which is probably more than you would get from swapping cables? Maybe a couple cents.
|
OK, here’s a thought for all those people who complain about the YT quality due to their compression and what not. Make a good video of your system and download it so that you can play it back as is. Then send it off to YT. Put both on your system and using near-field monitoring, listen back and forth and describe any differences you hear, and how bad is it..., really. |
From A’pax videos below, I see what t-lock sounds like. It seems much reverberation/resonance is removed. The soundstage seems shallow (no depth). Just my impression. Alex/WTA |
I used to think about the competitive nature of my audio journey when I was young. At 71 I couldn’t care less. I enjoy what I have and do not think I need anything else except an upgraded streamer set up. Everyone who listens to my system walks always stunned which means only that I am on the right path but each ear is different. My system suits my ears perfectly. I enjoy many other systems I listen to. Less refined and less expensive to those that cost wise way out pace mine. That being said at the end of the day all that matters is do you enjoy what you have and does. It leave you feel fulfilled musically. |
| Post removed |
This sounds really good. Very nice! Agree. In PC, only one video can play at the time. In YT, 2 or 3 videos can open simultaneously that comparison is more accurate. Alex/WTA
|
1MM spacers. As I noted, takes out upper midrange and adds to the high end..., maybe a bit too much. As I said, everything is a compromise. I’ll probably try 0.6MM. A nice thing about YouTube is that you can go back and compare other versions of what you’ve been working on as a point of reference. I did this one last year, probably when I put the Mundorfs on the Heils. But other mods since (in the newer recording) seem to have helped with clarity and intonation a bit. There also seems to be a bit more "attack" on the piano. I think that I got the 3D printer and did the Heil waveguides, changed to the Spragues on the 18s, and changed some values around just a bit, for the current recording. And of course, added the spacers. Sure one can do this on their own computer without YT, but where’s the fun in that? Prior version: |
@mihorn Sorry, but I do not hear depth or really image precision on your videos. Probably caused by the playback through my desktop system. |
@toddalin Agree. Tweaking and experimenting with what you have around to improve sound is a fun part of the hobby. I like building systems and I usually start with an idea in my head and then challenge myself to make it happen. The new systems concepts usually involve doing things smarter, against the grain, and counter the mainstream high end audio culture. When I started in this hobby in the 1980’s the audio scene was more like the DIY Audio Community and I find it hard to relate to what it has become, so many clueless participants with more money than brains who think they can achieve great sound by just paying for it. These days I feel more at home at DIYAudio and with custom built one-off and one-of a-kind components and systems than commercial offerings. I better stop ranting. |
Money??? We don't need no stinkin' money. For a couple cents worth of filament, I can 3D print spacers to go between the Heil reflectors and the bodies that will create a greater difference in sound than $$$ cables. As it is, I just push the reflectors in tight and if you try to pull them back out a hair (and I do mean a hair) you don't necessarily get the spacing consistent top to bottom and between the left and right speaker. This will take care of that. And if I don't like what the spacing does, it's only a couple cents more to try it again at a bit different distance. For me, this is what makes it a hobby as well as a source of relaxation. |
@daveyf Depth and width of soundstage is a function of the playback speakers as well as the system’s audio recording so yes that is one of the things, along with imaging, that is hard to assess from these system videos as you cannot 100% attribute it to the audio recording, but “air” is well communicated and discerned from system’s audio recordings shot from the listening position. The key is to be consistent with the speakers that you are listening to any two system videos on. |
YT video can p-up air and depth fine to me. I made 2 videos. One at 9pm (noisy power) and one at 1am (clean power). Therefore, I always records after midnight. 1am - My Favorite Picture of You 9pm - My Favorite Picture of You Alex/Wavetouch audio
|
@isellgoodgear Ok good information. I have way to many systems and equipment to detail and list them all, but they are chronicled and described only. Just use goggle and you will find the details on my “OKTAN6”, “WAAR”, “Pinnacle”, and other of my systems. |
@carlos269 I only offered the two old videos as example of what I feel is the reason why video over the web is not a good way to judge a system. In my examples, what cannot be heard, particularly in the Miles Davis track is the ability of the system to portray depth and also air. While my current system is far superior in all ways to the older versions, I know that the increase in depth portrayal, resolution ( which I greatly worked on) and soundstage definition would not be able to be picked up on a video, since it was not before. |
My system is based round the unique and astonishing Audiopax amp with timbre lock. The latter the most amazing but utterly baffling but also utter revolutionary design of the sadly departed genius Eduardo de Lima. Having mastered how to set it properly that allows me to be confident in the sound in my pretty small listening room. I also use an optical cart on my TT and for digital it’s the aforementioned EMM Labs. I recently added a 2 track 2 c reel to reel. What’s yours Carlos? |
Same person recorded Robert Harley’s absolute sound Reviewing Room. His mic is horrible. Usually, I don’t complain about a mic but this mic is too bad. He should listen his videos.RH’s sounds better than I expected but I like your sounds better all day. Hey Strange--- Toddalin Alex/Wavetouch audio
|
@isellgoodgear Out of curiosity, what is your system? Can you post a picture of it? Describe it? Now those things will tell us nothing of how it sounds but you speak so highly of it that I’m now curious to see what type of system you have. The audio records do tell you a lot. We have already seen it on this thread how audio recordings of his system helped a member in here make adjustments to refine the sound quality of his system. To me audio recordings of my systems are a very important tool in the system development process. |
@isellgoodgear I agree, enough of the back and forth. You speak very confidently about the sound of your system and all I’m asking for is to make a quick audio recording of it playing one of the tracks that I share of my OKTAN6 system and share it with us. It only takes a few minutes to make the audio recording and to uploaded to YouTube. It will give me a a bit of glimpse of the quality of sound you got going on there and will let know if it is worth the visit next time I’m in the UK. I agree that talk is cheap and that is why I share audio recordings of my systems and you should do the same. |
@daveyf You audio recording of your system playing Miles Davis sounds very nice. It has that classic sound Janis was known for, nice smooth musical presentation. I really enjoyed that and can hear why you received so many complements. I would offer that recording of your old system as a good example of what a good system sounds like. Does your new system not sound as nice on audio recordings? By the way, the second audio recording I didn’t really care for as it sounded a bit stringent while at the same time lacking resolution. Thanks for sharing that. Would love to hear an audio recording of your current system playing the same Miles Davis track. |
As I have said in my earlier post, often what happens to audiophiles and their precious audio systems is the child analogy, “my kid is smarter than your kid”. You can see that evolve here quite clearly. If you enjoy your equipment and system is all the comparison (noise and distortion) really necessary. From my point of view, it looks childish. If competition is good? Then why all the fighting back and forth? |
I have nothing of any great value to add, as I do not own much as an audio equipment that is able to understood unless having the Direct Experience of it in use. My TT is a SP10 MkII mounted in a Panzerholz Pinth but has had a overhaul of the Platter Bearing Assembly and has had a Bespoke Speed Control added. An additional SP10 MkII is also in use but is a Variant of a Kaneta Design and is also using a Panzerholz Plinth/Chassis. The Tonearm is a Bespoke Design The Cartridge is a rebuilt Ortofon using Upper Echelon Ortofon Parts and Parts from other Producers not selected by Ortofon. All Phonostages in SS - SS/Valve Hybrid - Valve Input Output are Bespoke Designs, with Vintage Selected Valves from the 1960’s era. The DAC is a one of a Kind Bespoke Build adorned with 1960’s era Valves. The Pre Amp’ to be commission built is under design. It is unique and will be Bespoke as a Model, it will most likely be adorned with 1940’s / 50’s era Valves already purchased . The Power Amps are commission Built Bespoke Designs of which the Monoblocks were built solely for myself and the most recent purchase is a commission build done for another. A selection of Driver Valves are from the 1950’s era. The selection of Speakers kept for use are in keeping with the above. It becomes difficult to describe what is being created as an End Sound within the Space used for the system, experiencing is the only real way to share the systems attraction. Spending Energy to try and convince an individual of the attraction that is on offer, is going to be an uphill trudge, if met with other energies as a response, suggesting the assessment being shared is a subjective inaccuracy. Defending ones place when experience is the only key to fully comprehend is wasteful of energy and sapping up valuable time.
|
I think your system sounds very close to the original music. The original music has thick veils already that your videos sound some veils too. In fact, both your systems sound more musical/romantic than original music. Nice! Alex/WTA Miles - Fred Freeloader --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlOhiTpZCek Noblesse - Gerry Mulli --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRNfxQRTduA |
@carlos269 this is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlOhiTpZCek And another even older vid..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRNfxQRTduA My old system sounded a lot better in real life than these videos portrayed.
|
@devinplombier That’s good to hear. Look forward to having intelligent conversations on all audio related things outside of the mainstream. |
@devinplombier Sorry wrong again. First of all there is no system remastering real-time transfer function adjustment implemented on my OKTANG6 system, whose recordings I shared here. Second of all the system remastering real-time transfer-function adjustment system that I developed and implemented on my WAAR system is 100% analog, it is all done in the analog domain so there is no DSP in the system. After developing and implementing the real-time transfer-function adjustment system on my WAAR reference system I challenged myself to develop a new system for my OKTAN6 where I could fine tune the resultant sound by making adjustment through the adjustable transformer based crossovers, again it is all analog with no DSP involved. What you hear in the audio recordings is the sound that the microphone captures at the listing chair position without any processing or adjustment. None is needed as the system really sounds phenomenal and that comes through even through the audio recordings embedded on videos and uploaded to YouTube. You are in fact mixing two different systems based on two different concepts that I conceptualized, design, and implemented all on my own. Sorry to disappoint you but most of my work is original and one-of-a-kind in nature. |
@toddalin This is a perfect example of how to use the audio recordings as a tool for making adjustments to improve the sound of one’s system. This is exactly how I use the audio recordings. Well done. |
That’s easy. It’s either one or both of the following: 1. Divine intervention, or 2. You captured the sound of your system with quality recording equipment then you DSP’d the crap out of it. If I cared to guess, I’d say the latter. I’m not a clairvoyant, I just read your words:
That’s the way I would explain the exceptional, great and outstanding sound quality of the audio recordings of your systems and those of others. See Occam’s razor. I kinda have to say I’m not a fan of the aggro approach. Happy Listening! |
@mihorn @carlos269 I decided that in fact the upper midrange was a bit brash. Rather than being in the upper end of the 10", it was in my tuning of the Heil. I have developed a method of tuning the Heil AMT quite unlike any other yielding a totally different response. I use a "reflector" behind the diaphragm that sends the rear wave forward meeting the front wave. The result is that, using mechanical means, I can produce a fairly flat response from ~3,500 up past audibility. The response drops like a rock below this, even if there were no crossover. This is why the system sounds so detailed and open. The distance of the reflector from the diaphragm controls how much signal is added from ~3,500Hz - >6KHz where the Heil would normally still be "coming in". As the reflector is moved closer, you pick up more in this area, the slope below to the woofer is increased, and the peak in the 10KHz area is reduced. We are talking on the order of >3 dB and the differences are easily notable. Anyway, is was simply a matter of moving the reflectors back a fraction of an inch to tame the upper midrange where it meets the woofer (~1.4 dB reduction) and consequently add a bit more in the 10kHz area. (Every compromise has a tradeoff.) Competition always brings out the best, even if its with oneself based on forum comments. Wanna see what I'm talking about??? https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/im-fixing-a-hole-heil.1025205/ |
@isellgoodgear Did I mentioned that I conceptualized, developed, designed, and implement a system to adjust the sound reproduction system’s transfer-function in real-time? Through the use of dynamic filtering in convolution decomposition I’m able to alter the sound signature of any system to match the owner’s sound quality attributes preferences. How do like them apples? Ever even thought of a concept like that? Check out the system remastering real-time transfer function adjustment system that I developed for and implemented on my Wisdom Audio Adrenaline Rush (WAAR) based system. Google “There is a smarter way” and “WAAR System”. |
@isellgoodgear Interesting that you bring up this point as I used to remaster every recording in real-time during playback. So I was able to master the source material to my liking and replay it back. Every time you modify the source you reset what it actually sounds like; therefore I do know what the source material is supposed to sound like. Go back to the drawing board and try again. |
That's probably true.
No thanks. Herds aren't my thing.
I have no issue with you posting your recordings. |
@cleeds You may have thousands of posts here on Agon but as they say, it’s about quality not quantity. It is obvious that our understanding of audio recording, playback, and CODEC technologies are on different planes and what I’m stating is either not registering or you are simply not comprehending it. At this point we are in a circular argument going over the same information and you don’t seem to absorb it. My advice to you is to head over to WBF and join the herd there as they are of like minds and thinking. I have always loved learning from others that know more than I do, but obviously not everyone feels the same way. What more is there to be said on this subject between you and I? I post my audio recordings and let them speak for themselves, what more can I do to drive my point home to you? I’m getting tired of explaining things to you. If you don’t want to be clueless you need to realize that there is always room to learn. |
