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On evaluating speakers?

After reading an article in a stereo magazine on the digital recorder by Korg, I thought that it could be used as an excellent tool to audition speakers. Since it is portable and as per the article has excellent reproduction capabilities, why not use it as a familiar source in different showrooms. Any ideas?
pedrillo

Showing 2 responses by dcstep

dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I've got the Korg. It's an incredible consumer-level recorder, with 130dB of dynamic range. I've recorded my own D2D recordings with it and can't tell the Korg from the vinyl. In fact, thanks to the lack of sensitivity to feedback, you can play the Korg way, way louder with no concern.

I've compared interconnects easily with the Korg. It'd also be a valid way to compare turntables and cartridges and other front end equipment. However, for comparing speakers it'll be useless, because even the very best mic technique cannot easily be replicated for two different speaker systems.

There is a problem with the Korg. The input and output stages are low quality and add noise. When there's program material the noise level is low enough that it's not a problem. I'm waiting to archive my D2D collection until after I have the input and output stages modded by Ric Schultz and some shielding added. But for this weakness, it's an amazing unit.

Dave
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Onhwy61, I've got a great vinyl setup and plenty of good D2D recordings and hi rez vinyl, but I think that DVD-A and SACD is as good, when well done.

Pedrillo,

Maybe I misunderstood your proposed use of the Korg. If you mean that you'd record a great D2D recording and then carry the Korg around to various stores to use as a source to compare different speakers in different stores, then yes, I's fantastic for that. I recorded some great big band, organ and other high dynamic recording and took it to a dealer to hear the Vienna Acoustic Mahler speakers flap my pants leg to great effect.

My dealer had a great TT, but you didn't have to worry about that with the Korg. You simply plug it into a line pre-amp and push Play.

I thought you were talking about recording speakers. I don't think that'd work because of the difficulties of recording different speakers in different venues.

You'll be able to use LPs that you're very familiar with. OTOH, you might get a few really good SACDs (Chesky has several and then familiarize yourself at home. An Oppo universal SACD is only 20% the cost of the Kore). Any good dealer will be able to play SACD.

Dave
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