@Audiolab, I let my subscriptions lapse several years ago. I have no intention of re-subscribing, as it just fans the flames of this disease by constantly making you believe that what you have now is inferior, and the newest version X.3.5 is the best by a wide margin now. LOL!!
It's all a scam!!! I find much more realistic information here on these threads with REAL audiophiles, then by reading professional reviews by reviewers whose bias' are very transparent to me now. |
@c jmcgrogan2 , I whole heartly agree with your statment of todays reviewers!, In the old days, they held nothing back, good or bad!, I have read alot of todays reviews, Thats how I bought the cary cd-500 player, LOL!, I wont do that shitt again!, The reviewers now days is only a basis to want to listen to a product!, I believe they are paid to say what the product maker wants them to say!, I was considering a new subscription to see all whats out there nowdays and gleam at all the new brands and pics, LOL!, cheers! |
Ouch!! I never knew you bought a Cary CDP.....my sympathies. I listened to a couple of their CDP's several years ago, I think it was their 306 and 308 models, they were unbelievably bad sounding units. I never read a review on them, I didn't need to.
Yes, reviewers say what they are told to say. Sometimes you can almost see them quoting directly from the sales literature. LOL!! |
Jmcgrogan2, I know of several reviewers who I think would take exception to your statement that, "reviewers say what they are told to say." There is little question that manufacturers have favorite reviewers and that advertising is the basis of success in free emagazines and in print magazines also. Some manufacturers do feel some obligation to support independent magazines by giving advertising to them.
Quoting from the manufacturers literature is entirely appropriate if it captures what they say underlies, credibly the product's innovation or strength. Often reviewers lack the expertise to really dismiss the sale pitch among the useful statements.
It often is impossible for consumers in our modern economy to hear competing components at all much less under the same circumstances. Frankly, like other reviewers, it is also difficult to really have the opportunity to do an a/b comparison of the top products. |
Of course you know I No longer have the cary cd-player!, Ayon all the way now baby! |
Tbg, I'm sure several politicians would take exception to my opinion that "politicians are all crooks" too. I have my own opinions, I don't pull any punches, and quite frankly, I don't care if any reviewers get their panties in a bunch over my statement.
If what I say offends you, I apologize. I stand by my opinion of professional reviewers though. :) |
|
Jmcgrogan2, and you, of course, would understand that I think you paint both reviewers and politicians with too broad a brush. But I do also think largely free or actually free publication are under too much advertiser pressure. I much preferred the advertising free Stereophile and TAS, when subscription alone paid for the magazine. |
05-02-13: Tbg
Jmcgrogan2, and you, of course, would understand that I think you paint both reviewers and politicians with too broad a brush. But I do also think largely free or actually free publication are under too much advertiser pressure. I much preferred the advertising free Stereophile and TAS, when subscription alone paid for the magazine. I understand what you are saying, there is a possibility that all are not on the take. Just like the old Pretty woman story, looking for a hooker with a heart of gold. There are exceptions to every rule. I also agree that Stereophile and TAS were much better reads years ago, before they sold their souls to the advertisers. |
That was the days I had my subscriptions, when the subscription alone paid for the magazine!, Believe it or not, back in the mid to late 90s, I use to think of those mags, sterophile and absolute sound as the holy bible of Audio!, I have not looked at one in years!, they are not that exspensive to subscribe now?, like john said, could fuel desires of more or new equipment, who cares, right?,, we all are going to do that eanyway!, So, I should get a heads-up with desires thru the mags,LOL!,, cheers! |
There is a reason that subscriptions are so inexpensive now Audiolab, because the magazine's main income is advertising, which diminishes anything the magazine has to say. So yes, they cost less, but their value is less also.
I don't subscribe anymore, but once in a blue moon I'll look at a copy in a Barnes & Noble. I call them "audio porn" magazines. I just look at the pictures. LOL!! |
@ jmcgogan2,, LOL!!, Thats exactly why I would want to have some of the mags!!! Ha,Ha!, Audio porn!!!, very good description!, cheers! |
@ waxwaves, man, are you working that hard?, If you are, good!, john said, the one who dies with the most toys wins!, work, work!, getter done waxwaves!, cheers! |
Thanks for the nice comments. Dad used to say the same thing, John! Well, it takes one to know one John. Ain't that right Keith?! You all seem to be gentlemen as well as deans list audio scholars!
Like you, I let my stereophile subscription lapse. The forums are a much better source for me. It's like I have my very own commitee to consult with! That's you guys!!!
Working hard, yes! Long hours too. Springtime remodeling is underway here! The good news is that a fellow in Raliegh has a SMcAudio Gold edition DNA-1 Deluxe that I am drooling over! Trying hard to put together the funds! |
@Waxwaves, I probably went to school with your Dad. LOL!!
I always thought McCormack amps were great bang for the buck amps. I've never had the opportunity to listen to one of his pimped up units though. I'll bet he can really design a mean amp when the purse strings are loosened!!
Good luck, I hope it falls in your lap!! |
Lol you may have! Yes I really enjoy the DNA .5 Deluxe, it is a nice sounding amp imo. Which McCormack amps have you had expererience with? Thanks John, also...check out New Orleans Jazz Fest live on AXS TV and streaming on the net! |
LOL!, John, You went to school with Adam's dad!, you not that old!, Adam, you will get your up-grade!,I feel you are going to go for it!, may take some time, you will get there!, congrats!,Adam, Thanks for your comments as well!, cool!I lived in the Raliegh area for a while a few years back, I was working at a nuclear power plant!, I love that town and state!, I was single, I stayed laxxx!, you know what I am saying,LOL!, The wemen there are like fricken 7 to 1 ratio!, here where I live, It sucks! its 5 men to every woman!, Terrible!, good to here from you waxwaves!, cheers! |
@ grey9hound, what are you doing?,, I will likly listen to that cd you want me to hear monday or tuesday, I'm getting to it, I was still playing my refferance cds to hear what this cd player and ic are doing, I am done now!, turns out to be a stunning sound!,, cheers! |
@ Grey9hound, I listened to the cd,I do not know what kind of music you call that?, very strange music, Its not new age music, I have some of that, any way, Thankyou, Cheers! |
@ waxwaves, what are you going to do with your old amp when you get another amp?,, sell it?, If so, you may praposition grey9hound a good deal?, cheers! |
@Audiolabyrinth 05-06-13: Audiolabyrinth
@ Grey9hound, I listened to the cd,I do not know what kind of music you call that?, very strange music, Its not new age music, I have some of that, any way, Thankyou, Cheers!
Well, sorry . It doesn't sound like you liked it too well . It is just way different , Has very COOl sounds , IF you let it ALL play and don't just skim through it. plus it has very DEEP BASS. Jusyt wondered how your speakers did on that bass . Mine sound like Subs are playing on this cd For Everyone else , The CD is "THe K & D sessions disc #1 by Kruder and Dorfmeister. Its prettty much a Classic in that type of music Tchno/Retro/New Age /Dance. If you play it in its entirety and more than once, you will appreciate what i am saying .CHEERS |
@ Grey9hound,, oh no, I did'nt say I don't like it, I never heard anything like it!, Regardless, Thankyou for all the music!,, cheers! |
@ grey9hound, Are you enjoying the tara air 1 speaker cables?, post us a review!, cheers! |
Hello Gents, I see we are talking about different kinds of music now. That sounds like my cup o tea! Grey9hound, K&D is alright man, how old are you? I am a Thievery Corporation kinda guy myself. "The Outernational Sound" is my fav. Did you try Little Dragon?
Audiolabyrinth, my man, hope you are enjoying Dennis' favorite tunes played on your jaw dropping setup and havn some cold ones buddy! Give us some of you favs dude, and I hope it's not gonna be any of that "new rock" trash brother. That is almost as bad as this "pop country" crap that is all over the radio here. I want the classics! And some hip new artists like Neko Case, M. Ward, Jason Collett, Dr. Dog, Blitzen Trapper, Nick Waterhouse, Jenny Lewis, & Ryan Adams. |
I think i did post a review. 04-29-13: Grey9hound
Well.
Since they are not brand new , i would not think it would take 200 hours . They are already sounding really good .
Compared to the Q10s they are quieter. The sound is fuller and more fleshy on the bass and mid -bass. the top end is still really good with not a hint of glare or brightness.
I noticed myself listening to a lot of Cds that i would not listen to much with the Q10s.
Also, because of the lack of Glare and how quiet they are , I found myself turning up the volume more.
Rock music is especially good with these cables. Whereas with the Q10s , depending on the recording it could sound a little harsh. Not with theses Air 1s !!!
Everything sounds good with these speaker cables .
I AM IMPRESSED!!!
Grey9hound (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread) They are not as overly full sounding , now. They seem to have better detail , But the Bass with the Q10s on the Bottom is very articulate and DEEP. I am not sure if its just the Q10s on the bottom or the Taras on the mids-bass. But i really like what i am getting with this combo and setup . @ Waxwaves . If you get into knoxville give me a yell and come and critique my system for me . i think that is darn good for the money and equipment that i have . I had better leave it alone for a while . If i change something again, i could mess up things. |
05-10-13: Grey9hound
i think that is darn good for the money and equipment that i have . I had better leave it alone for a while . If i change something again, i could mess up things. It sounds like you better leave it as it is. Too many times I have been happy with the sound, only to get bored, make a change, and then have to make several other changes to get it back sounding the way I want it again. When will I learn just to leave things alone!! LOL!!! |
@ grey9hound, I did not know that was your conclusion review?,I did tell you they would settle down when you are running them in, I bet if you put those speaker cables on the bottom post for 3 or 4 days to settle in, they would blow the q- 10s out of the water with bass!, and more articulate! cheers! |
05-10-13: Audiolabyrinth
@ grey9hound, I did not know that was your conclusion review?,I did tell you they would settle down when you are running them in, I bet if you put those speaker cables on the bottom post for 3 or 4 days to settle in, they would blow the q- 10s out of the water with bass!, and more articulate! cheers!
I find it very hard to beleive the Taras would blow away the Q10s in the Bass Dept. I have found nothing better for Deep Articulate Bass. I am not saying there isn't anything better , but if there is ,I am not aware of it . STOP IT with the bottom post thing , already !!! |
I am 51. You will have to come by and listen when you can come to Knoxville. we can trade some music maybe.
Let me know
See Ya ,
Dennis |
C'mon Dennis, just switch the Air 1's with the Q10's for an hour or so, to appease Keith. Heck, I even went out and bought another pair of Tara Labs interconnects just to try an all Tara Labs system, mostly due to his enthusiasm. Sure, it didn't work out for me, but now we both know the deal.
I had to spend some money for that experiment, switching the Air 1's to the bass and the Q10's to the mid/high's would be a free, and provide some entertainment for everyone. Cheers! |
I could Indeed . It just seems quite a waste to use the air 1s on just bass modules ?
I'll try it one day. Not Today though |
@ grey9hound, Already?, I was only proposing a switch of your speaker cables for temporary fun!, It does not matter to me how you choose to run your cables,thats your system!, It will take more than an hour to settle in, a couple days playing the switcher -Roo never hurt any thing!, cheers! |
@ jmcgrogan2, The Tara the 2 was a bad choice for your experiment!, should have done another, the one i/c or the 0.8Ex !!,, Taras cable loom works best if you have all the same model like I do and waxwaves does!, my recent experiment with cables post revealed those findings!, remember, I switched the cables around for temporary fun!,, cheers! |
05-11-13: Audiolabyrinth
@ jmcgrogan2, The Tara the 2 was a bad choice for your experiment!, should have done another, the one i/c or the 0.8Ex !!,, Taras cable loom works best if you have all the same model like I do and waxwaves does!, my recent experiment with cables post revealed those findings!, remember, I switched the cables around for temporary fun!,, cheers! Your post makes no sense whatsoever Keith. First of all, from what I have read, neither you, Pops or Waxwaves are using Tara Labs cables all from the 'same model'. Pops does not have the 0.8EX throughout, you do not have the Zero Gold throughout, and Waxwaves does not have the Air 1 throughout. Secondly, buying one 0.8EX or The One would not give me 0.8Ex or The One throughout either. I still have Air 1 speaker cables, remember? Second of all, I had a low degree of confidence in this experiment to begin with, from many decades of trail and error. If The Two had even a hint of possible success, I may have entertained the thought of dumping more money into a more expensive model. Unlike Pops though, I prefer to dip my toes in the water before taking the Nestea plunge. :) If you bought a CDP that you didn't care for the sound of, would your first instinct be that you must buy a more expensive model in the same line? Probably not. Most likely you would want to try a CDP from a different line. I know you love your Tara Labs cables, and believe they are the best thing since sliced bread, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, ease off the throttle dude, you have to learn to understand in this hobby that what floats your boat does not work for others no matter how bad you want it to. There are too many variables in synergy and tastes to harass others to see things your way. After all, I'm not telling you that you are wasting money fixing the Krell up, that you would be much better off buying a VAC tube amp that will sound much better than your Krell. It would probably get on your nerves if I told you every other day to dump the Krell and get a VAC amp so that you can hear what you expensive cables are capable of. I'm not a high pressure salesman like that though. I allow you to enjoy your Krell and Ayon and JBL speakers, I would simply ask that you respect my rights to choose the gear that suits my tastes best. I have discovered through the years that people must find gear that suits there own personal tastes. You can't just force-feed people what you want them to 'like'. It doesn't make for good relationships, trust me. Now I am sure that it will please you to know that I have sold the Auditorium 23 speaker cables, and I am back using the Air 1 speaker cables, they work well with The One interconnect between preamp and amp. Tara Labs is made by humans though, not by gods, so I was not surprised to find out the 'full loom' did not work for me, no cable manufacturer has done that yet, and believe it or not, many of them are on a similar performance level as Tara Labs. Now maybe you are right, maybe if I sold The One interconnect and replaced it with an Air 1 interconnect, the Tara Labs cable matching 'loom' or whatever would work better. Maybe one day I'll know, but not today....or tomorrow. Cheers! |
@ jmcgrogan2, what do you mean I do not have the zero thru out, I do!, the omega gold speaker cables are the matching cables for the zero gold I/C, I'm done!, I only use one i/c and 1 pair of speaker cables, thats the beauty of it all!, yes, I do not have the matching a/c power cord yet, which is the Tara cabolt a/c power cord, I assure you it is coming home!, other than that, this is a full loom!,, ok john, thanks for being up-front with me, you are right!, you like what you like, I am sorry,you know me by now! I always get excited!, I use all my experience to help people the best I can!, you are correct!, that seems to not always work I see!, I have tried so many cables out there and listened to a ton of them!, I will say that Taralabs is most defiantly one of a hand full of brands out there that is the best available!, you would have to prove to me other wise!, so many have tried!, with no success!,, cheers! |
I thought you were using a The One, but I guess that's in another system. So you do have all the same brand, but Pops, Waxwaves and I didn't. I think you just claimed The Two was a bad choice because it didn't work for me. You have to admit that The Two SHOULD have been better than the Air 1.
Tara Labs IS one of a hand full of the best brands available, but just like the rest, they have their plusses and minuses. There is no perfect cable, speaker, amp, preamp, cartridge, turntable, CDP....well you get the idea. It's all about the synergy dude. The fact that Tara Labs didn't work full bloom in my system is not an insult to Tara Labs....they are simply human, like all other cable manufacturers. Don't take it so personally. :) |
@ jmcgrogan2, I agree with you totally, There is no best cable, I do think there is a small group of particular brands that is the best to me!, purist audio is in that group too!I do not take Taralabs full loom not satiesfying you personal john, and yes, we all know that all cables,models, are all about synergy,,, some people find a great synergy!, I did'nt realize how blessed those people may be!,, It does seem dificult to get ones sound to be outstanding for all that hears it,LOL!,, especially for yourself!, that might be the o.c.d. that resides in all of us!, my biggest caveat is that this hobby cost so damn much!,you may have more since than me john!, I live and breath high end audio!, atleast you have family balance of your sons, you know, the graduation and all,, your hobby does not suck all your money like mine does, I know its my own fault!, and my decision!, Its the only way I can build a world class system!, then when I am done, I will take a break!, and just enjoy the music for a while!,,,, Happy listening! |
@Audiolab, It took me a long time, and personal issues to help me get my priorities in order. I spent many years doing what you are doing now, chasing the absolute sound. How do you think I wound up with a system costing well over $100K??
Health problems and job loss helped me to put this hobby in it's proper perspective in the grand scheme of life, as a fun hobby, not an absolute purpose in life. Funny thing is, if it wasn't for those hurdles in life that I tripped over, I would probably still be chasing the ever elusive absolute sound. Attaining true happiness is all a state of mind. You will always have those thoughts of "if I can just get to this place, I will stop and be happy". Funny thing is, when you finally get there, you always see something else that you feel will make you even happier. It never ends...the merry-go-round never stops. LOL!! |
Jmcgrogan2, I'm sympathetic with you but think it is over the top to reach your conclusion. This last weekend a friend and I spent about five hours with three Acoustic Energizers and four StillPoints Ultra Fives seeking the benefits of these when strategically placed. Last evening we sat down and thoroughly enjoyed the realism we had achieved.
The quest continues with much enjoyment as the merry-go-round does stop and we will have to get off. |
@ TbG,, Wow!, you spoke wise words here, The still points, and the model ultra ss is exactly whats on my speakers!, $2,000.00 for 8 of them puppys!,, and I see you believe in tunning as I do!, Bravo TbG!, I always have stated you have my respect!,, I feel, If you achieve an unbelievable sound, and the sound is shockingly good to all that hears the system, why keep chassing the holy grail of audio when you have it!, may not be the best!, If it makes you extreamly happy, why indulge yourself and mess the sound up!,, cheers! |
@ jmcgrogan2, We all know we love this hobby, I do not believe I will spend thousands of dollars all my life on one audio system!, LOL!,mmm, maybe a little on a purposely cheaper system 2, or system 3,LOL!, a system 2 is good enough!, I was into smartphones not long ago, I had to have the best always, recently, I looked at my phone and said,still works very fast!, great pics,internet works fine,does more than I need!, I'm done!, so at the end of the day, I realized I do not need to keep up-gading consistently!, cheers! |
I'm a bit late to the party, but this weekend I just compared 4 interconnects. By far the interconnect that had best dynamics and bass slam was CRL-FIM interconnect. The bass had great articulation and realism. As someone else mentioned OCC copper is the way to go for what you are looking for. |
Wow Davea33, Where the heck did you come from??? Hehehe. Glad you could join in! Keep going guys I think you're onto something??? |
@ Davea33, Hi, What is a crl-fim interconnect?, Thanks! |
@Davea33 Well , you are gonna have to tell us the other 3 05-13-13: Davea33
I'm a bit late to the party, but this weekend I just compared 4 interconnects. By far the interconnect that had best dynamics and bass slam was CRL-FIM interconnect. The bass had great articulation and realism. As someone else mentioned OCC copper is the way to go for what you are looking for.
Which interconnect is it from them ? I se that CRL stands for Cable Rsearch Lab , but what is FIM? First Impression Music ? This is what the company was called before . Now they have settled om the name CRL, right ? here is a link that might help http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/cable-research-lab-silver-speaker-cable-and-interconnect/ |
@Tbg, I must have misunderstood your response. Are you saying that audio system should be above family in life's priorities? That putting my family ahead of my audio system was an over the top reaction?
You have to read the exchanges between myself and Audiolab and put them in their proper context. Audiolab keeps saying he is going to make a couple more tweaks to his system, and then ride off into the sunset, happily ever after at 46 years of age. I am simply telling him that is not so easy to do, and in fact I would probably not have throttled back on my insane spending on audio gear had it not been for a couple of life's hurdles. When you are running blindly, throwing away tens of thousands of dollars at a time at audio gear, money that many of us cannot afford to spend, you have to sit back and question your sanity.
Yes, some of this is fun, when your spending is under control. However, there are many OCD folks in this hobby too, that spend waaaaaay more than they should. At one point my system's value was about half the price of my home. And no, I didn't have secondary homes, boats, planes or big money tied up in other interests either. For many, this hobby does become a pissing contest.
It's wonderful that you still have the enthusiasm and resources to play with this hobby at your age. I highly doubt that you are struggling to make ends meet though. |
@ jmcgrogan2, whats uppppp!, I just sold my 1973 pioneer cs-901 vintage horn speakers!, thats ok, I have a pair of infinity RS-1 book shelf speakers that sound impressive for what they are!, very solid build and the timberal accuracy is uncanny for such a micro pair of speakers!, cheers! |
Jmcgrogan2, I can understand why you had to order your priorities. I too had to do that when my wife was quite ill, but even then I got relief from listening to music. But I see absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the quest for realism. I don't run off willy-nilly and buy the "latest and greatest" but if I hear something great, I can usually afford it.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with your accommodation to life, nor with mine. If that's all there is, I'll just keep dancing. |
I believe Winston Ma and Paul Weitzel, both well known recording engineers, teamed up to combine their knowledge of creating cables into CRL-FIM (or is it FIM-CRL). Since that time the company has seemed to split/transition several times. The current CRL company is not the same as CRL-FIM, but is related in its ancestery I believe. In any case the cords are not the same.
I happened to invest in a Dude preamp which is also made by Paul Weitzel. Paul of course recommended finding some of his cables. Recently I did find them on Audiogon by someone who use to be a dealer. I bought one pair and the difference in my system was significant. Much more than what I expected. In speaking with the sellar he confirmed they were the most dynamic interconnects he had heard as he has heard many of the top brands. Based on this all of this I actually bought 2 more pair from him.
I have a bit of an unusual system where I have an active x-over that has a channel for the tweeter, midrange and woofer. So when I try out an interconnect I can isolate it to a frequency range. As what many people have stated all cords have there own presentation with there own strengths/weaknesses depending on how sensitve your hearing is and how revealing your system is.
I can say confidently that if you want great dynamics and bass slam with tonal accuracy, but without over emphasizing any frequency or having bass bloat, CRL-FIM fits the bill.
I hope this helps,
Dave
|
@ Audiolabyrinth 05-09-13: Waxwaves
Hello Gents, I see we are talking about different kinds of music now. That sounds like my cup o tea! Grey9hound, K&D is alright man, how old are you? I am a Thievery Corporation kinda guy myself. "The Outernational Sound" is my fav. Did you try Little Dragon?
Audiolabyrinth, my man, hope you are enjoying Dennis' favorite tunes played on your jaw dropping setup and havn some cold ones buddy! Give us some of you favs dude, and I hope it's not gonna be any of that "new rock" trash brother. That is almost as bad as this "pop country" crap that is all over the radio here. C'Mon Audiolabyrinth tell us some of those CDs that you like .I need to get some spun up for Waxwaves who needs to come to knoxville and Critique my little Budget system. I know i sent you a lot of Contemporary blues., which i would bet Waxwaves and even POps would like . |
