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01-09-08
What are the main speakers? Sdatch
01-09-08: Chadeffect
My main speakers are some rebuilt and pimped up Apogees Duetta signatures with external cross overs and Audio physic subs. Subs are active and have 600watts/side. Apogees driven with 1000watts a side monos
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-09-08
Welcome to the apogee club :-) enjoy flo Florianw
01-10-08
Yo chadeffect, i bet your system does sound spectacular. i ... Muralman1
01-10-08: Chadeffect
Hi Muralman1,
the duettas ribbons were made by Graz in Austrailia. They are built to much higher standards and use the latest developments in glues and laser cutting. They are lighter and stronger than the originals. Then the surrounds are made from a new material which dampens the panel much more effectively and will not rot in ultra violet light. The ribbons were then fitted by John Oakey. The cross over, which is now external, is my work with lots of help from many sources including all the original Apogee sources. The subs are the icing on the cake. These are just the ticket and add some foundation.
Oh 42". Love your Scintillas by the way. I have heard the Synergy which is an improved Scintilla with 98db sensitivity!
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-14-08
Chadeffect: nice system, wow, you got some decent collection ... Gallant_diva
01-14-08: Chadeffect
Hi Gallant diva,
Audio research is one of my favorite amps. Very musical, and have soul. But in comparison to the Halcro and the Bel canto its bass is not as lightening quick or defined in the lowest registers. Then there is the noise floor! Nothing can compete with these digital switching amps for low noise and power delivery especially the Halcro. They are mind bendingly good! My Bel canto has had quite a lot of work done to it and out performs the standard one by quite a bit, but either way the Ref1000 is a bargin. Most manufacturers should be ashamed when they hear what it is capable of. What I would say though is if you dont want to really hear your source as it is, stay away from the BC and the Halcro.
The Halcro is the finest amp I have ever heard bar none.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-15-08
And nad av has to be the most unreliable piece of gear in hi ... Esotheric
01-16-08: Chadeffect
Esotheric my man,
if i had to be buried I think 2 DM88s laid end to end may not quite do it. Unfortunately i would need 3! You might get a deal on it as there need not be any electronics inside, The question is weather I need the wooden feet too?
Its funny to mention NAD in these pages. Although judging some of the guys on here they might be better of using NAD...oh the midrange is so life like and suddenly my ESL63 hits 120db
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-16-08
Yeah man ,seen the guy .he might have good sound ,but no way ... Esotheric
01-17-08: Chadeffect
Hi Esotheric,
haha banjo! The soundlabs or the new martin logan cls may be the only options for a modern electrostatic speaker. I havent heard the innersound but it uses subs. The quad is more of a headphone!
I am still very confused by these flat earth valve amp lovers. We all know their virtues, but most decent amps are capable of all of that now, plus low noise, bass control, better highs & short signal path. I said to someone on the gon valve technology is over 100 years old. What other technology would you want that is that old or is still relevant in the 21 century?
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-18-08
"what other technology would you want that is that old ... Florianw
01-18-08: Chadeffect
Hi Florianw,
I take your point with drivers, but they too have come a long way with modern glues and more powerful magnets computer controlled laser cutting etc.
Valve amps...
I have seen your wonderful set up and promise you that the levels of distortion your speakers are capable of showing are incredible if given the chance. I was shocked when I moved away from big powerful valve amps like audio research/audio valve/Lamm etc at how much grain or lack of speed and control I had got used to. Especially when driving low sensitivety speakers like apogee or magnepan. Let alone the huge amounts of electricity (global warming!)
Valve amps tend to cover up problems in the system in a very nice musical way especially the older ones, but at the same time cover other gems hidden in the recording.
Come over and have a listen. Class D amps do have their problems and some are better than others of course, but with a good one... heaven.
I can only dream of your grands with Halcro monos!
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-18-08
Hi chadeffect, i am on your side. there was a recent review ... Muralman1
01-18-08: Chadeffect
Muralman1,
you got it right there. This is the problem. Do you want to hear what IS there or not? Many dont know the difference and they are chasing an "idea" of what the recording is, but in fact dont know what it really is. They know what sounds good to them at the time but thats it.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-19-08
Hi chad, its nice that you are repeating a lot of what graz ... Florianw
01-19-08: Chadeffect
Hi florian.
The tollerances you speak of are everything. The thickness of the glue dictates the weight of the ribbon etc. I know the original Apogees were not the best made speakers in the world, and that each one was slightly different. The Inductors while using thick wire were kind of hopeless. Loosely turned. These are all things that can be easily addressed now.
Look reality check. No recording studio worth its salt would ever use valve power amps for any monitoring. They use valve mic preamps because of their colourations which they use to create a nice fat sound. But for monitoring? Never. Well maybe in the 1950s 60s or 70s.
You questioned my resolution. You are the one with huge amounts of grainy Sprague Caps and magnan cables with your amps arent you?.
Wow what fun we are having. Best to you florian.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-20-08
Chadeffect. you are finding there are some very upset luddit ... Muralman1
01-20-08: Chadeffect
Hi Muralman1,
we are all a little that way. Some people dont want change.
I love the fact this technology and performance is becoming cheap and competing with extremely exotic equipment from the past. (Not that Halcro is cheap!) It will force the market to change and maybe we will get more value for money.
You know I have some very good valve simulators on my computer? Saves a whole bunch of hassle! I dont think these guys will go for it though!
Your cables sound like fun, but right now I will have to pass, but will take you up on it soon.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-20-08
Chad, i dont question your resolution. i know what resoluti ... Florianw
01-20-08
And flo, just what do you think chad is going to find invest ... Muralman1
01-20-08
Chad, i am sure you would agree class d demands out of the b ... Muralman1
01-20-08: Chadeffect
Hi Florian,
Resolution? I have seen your CD player man. By todays standards its like an ipod . The players we were discussing on email are in a totally different league.
You need valves I understand why now. Its cool.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-20-08: Chadeffect
Hi Muralman1
To be honest the amps we were speaking about are not really class D but switching amps. Ah well...
On Oversampling etc I cannot really say. Its all about how it is done.
DCS works well upsampling to DSD but the firewire connection is meant to be a weak point. I use it upsampling to DSD with no filters in for Red book or DSD(obviously for dsd).
That Reimyo CDP777 is beautiful too. Its an XRCD player using the K2 chip set.
I think the Levinson now shows its age. But was one of the first upsamplers I believe. Lovely at the time. The later players seem to be more dynamic with more detail and better tracking of phrase and dynamic. Freer sounding with less grain.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-20-08
I saw bel canto and so thought......... :) no matter. i ha ... Muralman1
01-23-08: Chadeffect
Hi Muralman1,
It has been a while since I last heard a non oversampling machine.
I have found you have to work hard to get CD players to sound at their best.
Apart from the usual burn in and leaving it powered up, cables, internal fuses and unclean connectors can make surprising differences. Deoxit is the best cleaner I have found in that it sounds good straight away.
I used to use studio contact cleaners in the past and found it made my system sound bright then would ease back to a more natural presentation after a while.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-23-08
Hi chad, our system are world apart. i would love to hear y ... Muralman1
01-24-08: Chadeffect
Hi Muralman1,
I am quite happy with my sound. You are welcome to have a listen.
The hifi has very little signature itself. No noise. And thanks to the clean mains and its own spur and filtering there is no hash or smudging if you know what I mean? I worked hard on all that. 2x 60 amper feeds @ 240v too.
I agree with you. The less stuff in the way the better. I wont get us started on the ways of the valve again. I am worn out!
I will probably be shot by the speaker police but...have you heard the Avantgarde horns? They have the kind of impact I believe you are searching for and like. Its like listening on steroids and using probably 20 watts if that!
I know you are like me an Apogee lover. But you have to work quite hard to get a large ribbon to do impact in that kind of way. I use very fast and powerful amps to do it. But to get the integration and seemless presentation of an Apogee from a horn is another whole other journey. I dont know of any speakers that can do it with such grace like an Apogee.
Does the zanden use no oversampling/upsampling? I seem to remember its purist like that. I would love to hear one in my set up as I have only heard it on Avalons with their own Zanden valve amps( 300B i think). Dont get me started now
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-24-08
You have to have a huge room in order to utilize the big hor ... Muralman1
01-24-08: Chadeffect
Ha ha Muralman1,
I think we have the right speakers! I dont think it is just a question of hairs on the back of the neck. The Avantegardes would probably take the hair off the top of your head too!
Which CD players do you rate?
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
01-24-08
I am attempting to get a bigger box an dac. when i do, my am ... Muralman1
01-24-08: Chadeffect
I have to say I wouldnt say no to a pair of Scintillas. Although the last thing I need is more stuff!
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-10-08: Chadeffect
System edited: The slow but sure arrival of the DCS Scarlatti digital system. Unbelievable sound. Puts an end to any discussion about digital vs analogue etc. The most natural, real, "reach out and touch" sound... and thats just with the clock added! The DAC arrives next week. Cant wait. Lives in a different universe to any cd player I have ever heard.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-15-08
" puts an end to any discussion about digital vs analog ... Number95
02-15-08: Chadeffect
System edited: Arrival of Scarlatti system. Yes the DAC has now arrived!
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-15-08: Chadeffect
Hi number 95.
I would say the Scarlatti is even more detailed than the Elgar plus and Verdi Verona etc. The difference is that it is less cool sounding. Just the new clock seems to stop it from being analytical. In fact it is quite warm and very "real sounding" player. I am a detail junky when comes to audio. I work a lot in recording studios so I am used to hearing things as they are.
I dont believe in hiding detail behind noise and distortion, although I have had very nice results with hifi that does just that. I find if you have the detail at source then you can look for the presentation you like. I have found filtering on the mains can work wonders here. If its on the disk I want to hear it!
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-15-08: Chadeffect
Number 95,
that Audio Research Ref 3 is my favorite Valve preamp of all time. The 610Ts are very nice too of course. A lot of power for tubes. What speakers do you use?
I would try the Scarlatti player direct into your power amps if I were you. I bet it would be an awesome sound. The DAC has 2v and 6v output.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-15-08
I understand your philosophy of listening to music and i res ... Number95
02-15-08
Chadeffect, scintillas is not, "stuff." :) they a ... Muralman1
02-16-08: Chadeffect
Number 95,
I really liked the Audio Aero. Very musical, but a bit soft, with a shade of cloudyness in comparison.
I had the M2 Capitole SE with lastest power supply, cryod tubes and cap upgrades etc. I heard the Prestige which was nice but still from the same kind of world as the capitole SE, but obviously better.
The DCS is in a different world as it should be. Leading edge, dynamics, speed and top to bottom consistency and noise floor are world class. Flow and placement of spacial cues and depth are finest I have heard from CD.
I dont have the Scarlatti transport, but my feeling is while the DAC is amazing the clock is a master piece.
I know the B&W 800s well as I work with them in the studio sometimes although with the diamond tweeters. I can see why you need the 610Ts. Tough to get fast dynamics out of them. In the studio they are tri amped with Classe 400w monos plus subs!
I think you would find the DCS would be a nice combo with the ARC. That kind of detail and leading edge through the ARC qualities would keep you up all night! It would really give you more pace too with tighter bass.
As to cables I use the Analysis plus gold which are very nice cables. but I have Virtual dynamics on order! I havent really played around with cabling on the DCS as it sounded so good with the AP gold. The fire wire cable is important an I use a FW cable from the studio. Its silver and shielded but the Siltech is meant to be the one.
Dont forget some power conditioning!
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-16-08: Chadeffect
Hi Muralman,
You are correct "not stuff"!
Yes I like the scintilla very much but I run into a world of problems with 1 or 2 ohm speakers. This is where my beloved ICE power would fall apart. Maybe the Halcro would drive them.
I did have my eye on the Synergy, which Graz builds under Apogee now. Its a 98db sensitive scintilla! It was very dynamic and beautifully finished. He has gone to town on the magnet array. A major achievement. It was something I wanted to do to mine, but the cost was very high and I would have been better off just buying the Synergy really.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-16-08
You are right about b&ws. i tried various amps, my old vt-20 ... Number95
02-16-08: Chadeffect
Number 95,
nice work going through all those amps. I put my hand above the 610T while driving some Wilsons. Much global warming there! I do remember some very hot afternoons listening in the summer.
Which type of 6550s do you use? I found the Svetlana 6550c were the nicest balance. The cryod versions were excellent but expensive.
Another amp to have tried would have been the VTL S400 monos, but I am sure you are in good shape for years to come.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-17-08
Mines are svetlana 6550c. they have a perfect balance from b ... Number95
02-18-08: Chadeffect
Number 95,
obviously the Scarlatti like most hi end gear needs to be burnt in then left on for a day or so to show its true performance. Although it was obvious straight out the box that it was special.
I would love to come and hear it through the 610Ts!
Do let me know how you get on.
Happy listening
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
02-26-08
Chad, did you have the dcs verona before getting the scarlat ... Gshelley
02-27-08: Chadeffect
Hi Gshelley,
yes I had the Verona clock in before. The Verona gives a little more dynamic contrast and a little more focus and speed to the DCS combo IMO.
I found with only the new Scarlatti clock added, the combo takes on a much more natural, solid, and warm presentation with detail beautifully presented. This makes for a very refined, rich sound, with a much less "cool or removed" presentation than before.
In fact the presentation is the finest I have heard and makes the Verona sound a little "hi-fi" or artificial by comparison.
In fact just adding the new clock completely changed my idea of what the DCS sound is or was. Then there is the Scarlatti DAC...
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
03-02-08
Hi chadeffect, can you describe me the differences between t ... Ace427
03-03-08: Chadeffect
Hi Ace427,
the Levinson is a fat and slightly dark sounding player compared to the DCS. It does not have the resolution, leading edge or low noise floor of the DCS elgar plus/verdi la Scala combo. The DCS combo kills it for dynamics, poise and control, leaving the ML sounding fuzzy.
Obviously the DCS Scarlatti is a whole other generation along and there is no comparison other than the scarlatti does sound fat but with mind bending resolution. The scaralatti makes the Levinson sound cloudy, distant, and grainy and just a bit old fashioned now IMO.
Like most electronics, the latest digital sources have come a long way and you probably wouldnt go back. I bet you could beat the Levinson 31.5/30.6 sonic performance with a modest CD player these days, although it would be tough to better the feeling of using such a monster. The ML is a classic.
I have to say I love the Levinson 31.5/30.6. The build quality is second to none, and it always works. It has no strange bugs etc. It is just a battle ship and you can always see the display and you have to love the silent motorized lid. You do feel special using it.
But you have to remember this Levinson came out quite a few years ago now. You probably wouldnt buy a computer from 2002. The ML for state of the art hifi now, is a too little tired. But it is a lovely toy no matter what.
Hope this helps.
Chadeffect (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
03-12-08
A very nice system you have there chadeffect, great componen ... Sogood51
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