Well Nsgarch, I suppose that putting a high-quality EQ in the tape loop makes more sense than some of the lengths audiophiles go to to achieve the sound they're looking for... Thanks for the suggestion. :)
Anyone Tried Cable Rolling?
Here's a switch for you:
Since installing some more revealing cables and amplification in my system, my CD playback sounds generally fantastic. In contrast, my vinyl playback sounds more dynamic, faster, and very detailed and immediate. But it actually lets me hear more of the recording and record-wear issues than I'm accustomed to hearing, making some recordings sound harsher than I'd like.
I thought about installing a tube preamp, but didn't want to soften the bass or add other colorations now that I've achieved this level of resolution (tube lovers will disagree -- fine, whatever!).
I was trying to decide whether using a tube phono stage or tube linestage would produce the desires effect, and then thought about putting something in the tape loop so I could switch it in or out at the touch of a button.
Then it hit me. Over the years I've been amazed at the differences in resolution and presentation I've witnessed by simply changing out interconnects. And wha-da-ya-know, I just happend to have a stock of "vintage" personal favorites lying around in a box or three.
So hooking one of my past favorites up (2-ft pr. of Petersen Emeralds) I was amazed to hear the exact sonic signature of that cable when I switched it in. The mids got real pretty, highs rolled slightly and the bass was good, but not quite as articulate and impactful as with them switched out. Heck, it was almost as though I had added an active tube stage (close, anyway).
I really like this option, and I still have a few other cables to try that may yield even better results. So now, if I want to hear every wart of record playback, I can run it direct; then for worn records or poor recordings I can punch in my choice of "buffer" cables to tone it down a bit. I like it. I like it alot. Not to mention that this idea has saved me from the expense (and possible tribulations) of buying some more tube gear -- at least for now!
Has anyone else tried this?
Since installing some more revealing cables and amplification in my system, my CD playback sounds generally fantastic. In contrast, my vinyl playback sounds more dynamic, faster, and very detailed and immediate. But it actually lets me hear more of the recording and record-wear issues than I'm accustomed to hearing, making some recordings sound harsher than I'd like.
I thought about installing a tube preamp, but didn't want to soften the bass or add other colorations now that I've achieved this level of resolution (tube lovers will disagree -- fine, whatever!).
I was trying to decide whether using a tube phono stage or tube linestage would produce the desires effect, and then thought about putting something in the tape loop so I could switch it in or out at the touch of a button.
Then it hit me. Over the years I've been amazed at the differences in resolution and presentation I've witnessed by simply changing out interconnects. And wha-da-ya-know, I just happend to have a stock of "vintage" personal favorites lying around in a box or three.
So hooking one of my past favorites up (2-ft pr. of Petersen Emeralds) I was amazed to hear the exact sonic signature of that cable when I switched it in. The mids got real pretty, highs rolled slightly and the bass was good, but not quite as articulate and impactful as with them switched out. Heck, it was almost as though I had added an active tube stage (close, anyway).
I really like this option, and I still have a few other cables to try that may yield even better results. So now, if I want to hear every wart of record playback, I can run it direct; then for worn records or poor recordings I can punch in my choice of "buffer" cables to tone it down a bit. I like it. I like it alot. Not to mention that this idea has saved me from the expense (and possible tribulations) of buying some more tube gear -- at least for now!
Has anyone else tried this?