audio_guy_uofw

Responses from audio_guy_uofw

Are streamers digitally enhanced?
I agree with your studio guy. If there is a difference in sound with a well engineered streamer, it is being deliberately introduced. From Chat GPT If the streamer outputs bit-perfect data and doesn't introduce jitter beyond the DAC's rejection ... 
Looking for recommendations for outdoor speakers
+1 @vintageadict  I also have the PSB CS1000 driven by a Sonos Amp, and really enjoy them. They do have pretty good bass, and I even used them for dancing at an outdoor wedding reception with good results...until the neighbours asked us to turn it... 
Solutions for converting vinyl to 256 DSD?
+1 @yoyoyaya I think the RME Pro Audio units are worth considering. They have very high stability clocks and very linear ADC performance.  
Magnapan 35r and Hegel C55 Amp
At 86 dB sensitivity and 4 ohms 300W should provide dynamic peaks to 110 dB - sounds pretty adequate. And FWIW I believe the mfg specs power to 250W.  
Sound Pressure Meter for Android
I use Dexibel X pro, and like it. But note that with Android, unlike Apple products, different manufacturers have different microphone sensitivities. So this means that the sound level meter apps need to be calibrated to be accurate. I do this wit... 
There is no substitute for cubic inch or in this case surface area
Interesting. I would have thought soundstage was more related to the mid and higher frequencies, since our localization of low frequencies is very poor. If the 12" drivers were operating up into the midrange, their higher directivity at those freq... 
gain staging and attenuation
Hmmm. Probably not what you would like to do, but I would just use the preamp...it has appropriate switching & gain options. If you don't like the sound, look for a preamp you do like the sound of. This is exactly what they were made for.  
Looking to upgrade from Emotiva XPA-1 monoblocks
Have you tried playing with speaker orientation/toe in? Stereophile review of these speakers suggested that the high frequency response is quite sensitive to toe in...perhaps that can tame the edginess.   
I'm curious. What is your "normal" listening volume?
Typically 70-80 dBC fast @9’ from speakers. Occasionally boost up to 85-90 dBC, but not often.  
Comparing speakers at home questions
+1 @soix . Our long term auditory memory is quite bad, actually. Differences show up much better with quicker A/B testing. Preferences and fatigue, however, can take more time to evaluate. A combination of both short and longer term comparisons wo... 
I’m considering upgrading my speakers internal wiring
+1  @tomcarr   
Movie/film suggestions.
A Complete Unknown. Just saw the movie, and Timothée Chalamet does an amazing job with both guitar and singing. If you like Dylan this movie really provides an immersive view of the times (1961-1965) and a powerful representation of Dylan's respon... 
Does anyone listen to the radio anymore?
In my car I listen to KNKX (Jazz Blues and NPR News) and at home stream Jazz 24 in the kitchen and dining room.  
DIY Spekon Cable For Rel
+1 ted_b with low output impedance of amp, high signal levels, and high input impedance of sub no need for shielding or heavy guage.  
Tone Arm Lifter
I use Little Fwend on my Thorens TD 160. It was a bit finicky to setup, as it was a tight fit between platter and tonearm, but once tweaked into position it works well.