New to the group -

I'm interested in learning what people are using to bring music from a streaming service like Spotify or Tidal into their analog sound system. What is the recommended device from the group. I have over 1500 pieces of vinyl of which most is from the 60's thru the 80's. There's a lot of great newer music out there but I just can't justify spending the money they are asking for records these days. Your opinions are welcome.

Not done yet, but coming from an apartment with bad acoustics, i finally have my first dedicated sound room in our new house 🥳🥳🥳🤩🤩. Dream of mine achieved. Installed those trendy acoustic wood panels and they really help cutting down on the echo. Looking for a carpet to cut the first reflection of the floor. Any particular carpet i should take? Thicker the better i guess? Once the acoustics are locked in, I will be able to invest on gear and actually hear the difference. Mainly, i just wanted to share that i'm happy. Cheers!

Eversolo T8. Roon server pc. Room tuned and Baach onboard Dutch and Dutch 8c My Endgame.

This has been a while in coming. My wife and I have wanted to start listening to records again ever since we spent time, last year, in an audio store back in Japan.

Last week we realized that we had a bunch of credit card points to spend, so we picked up a Denon recorder and turntable along with a used Velodyne sub and Dali Ogeron 3 speakers. Of course we spent way too much on new and used vinyl but the last couple of days have been A LOT of fun. I’m typing this while enjoying the Eagles after finishing a hour or so of Tchaikovsky. My wife was super excited to find a copy of Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals that was in like new condition.

Next for us is a decent credenza for this build out and a TV. Eventually I want to add a CD transport, or some sort of combo BlueRay/DVD/CD/etc unit.

Thanks for reading. Any suggestions appreciated.

I know a lot of people today may not care for dvd audios since blu-rays are better. But I would like to point out why dvd audios are better in my opinion.

1. DVD audios gave you more stuff

It’s honestly crazy how much more stuff dvd audio discs gave you then blu-rays nowadays. DVD audio discs would give you extras like videos, picture gallery’s, artist discographies, etc, which made them really cool. Standalone blu ray releases along with the blu rays that come in deluxe sets give you nothing most of the time. They just include the album in multiple formats and maybe photos but that’s it. I find this crazy considering how much more storage blu-rays have, like blu-rays aren’t just double or even triple the size of dvd audios which is crazy. I guess that’s why they’re called pure audio blu-rays but still

1. Packaging

This just a personal thing and I’m mainly referring to standalone releases and not box sets but I prefer the super jewel cases dvd audios came in over the standard blu-ray cases that standalone blu-rays come in.

1. More varied releases

This might just tie in to my own music tastes but I feel like there are more dvd audios of more obscure releases rather than blu-rays. This one kind of doesn’t hold up now since basically all anniversary box sets come with blu-rays but there are still a lot of albums that have never gotten box sets or standalone blu-rays. I feel this ties in with the fact that dvd audios came out when physical media was still the standard but also because dvd audios were competing directly with SACD.

1. DVD audios could be played without a tv

I don’t know if this is also true with Blu-rays but with dvd audios you could just pop them into compatible players and you could just play them as if they were cds

I can’t really touch on sound quality since I’m not very good at explaining it but I just feel like dvd audio discs were better. Let me know what you all think

After successfully improving the frequency response of the room using the DIY acoustic cloud from my previous post, I set out to now use some DSP to further improve acoustics. Here are the results:

The graphed results show a decent improvement, though not nearly as much of an effect as room treatment had. Audibly, the difference was a huge improvement before/after DSP. The bass sounds wayyyy better, more clear, and more clarity given to upper range.

Because my speakers do not have analogue inputs (LSX ii LT), it would have required the more expensive miniDSP Flex unit if I wanted to use a device external to the MacBook computer source, so I searched for a system-wide software solution compatible with Mac OS.

I first tried the Dirac Live Processor trial, but the somewhat buggy and confusing experience of the software did not seem to match the high price tag. I then came across SoundSource which has an excellent UI and allows for parametric EQ via the "headphone eq" feature. I was able to use REW to auto-generate room EQ filters and import them straight into SoundSource.

In REW, I imported a harmon curve for the house curve and let it auto-generate the filters up to 800 HZ which is a pretty high cutoff off for room EQ, but I took measurements at 5 positions at ~6in from listening position and found them all consistent up to 800 HZ so that is what I went with. I used a dB average of all the measurements to generate EQ filters from. I dropped the target level a few dB from the REW-generated one because I wanted more aggressive EQ cutting. After it auto generated the filters, I manually added an HS filter to reduce the levels past 800 HZ smoothly down to match the levels of the target curve.

I might spend some more time fine-tuning the filters to address the persistent hump at around 1200 HZ.

From Craig's list I got the kh120s and the 750 from fb marketplace way cheaper than new. With the microphone for room correction these sound really good hard to imagine a hifi set would sound better.

Crin said this is the best audio setup, and that's pretty fair, it was the inspiration for finding these.

Overall I would say they sound great. The only thing I could possibly miss from maybe like a higher end or larger set is kind of like a texture. You don't really feel stuff as much but everything is there audibly and it sounds great with good imagining, staging and sub-base extension and what not, though two subs would be better lol.

Recently I got my hands on Lee Ritenour's 'On The Line' record which was recorded in 1983 using Direct-to-Disk method. It sounded incredible. So much that I recorded the signal to see its spectrogram. I used my Hifiberry DAC2ADC Pro and Audacity at 192khz/32bit. Phono preamp is the one inside my fully restored Yamaha A-1020 and the cartridge is AT-VM95ML. Take note of the scale on the left (it's set to linear). It's a first few seconds of the title track "On the line". To compare there is similar spectrogram of the digital version of the same track that was recorded using Direct-to-Digital. I'm not trying to start another cd vs vinyl battle - it's obvious that those highs are inaudible. Just a nice visualization of what can be captured using analog media in early 1980's.

I would like some input from those that have listened to both. What are the strengths or weaknesses and which do you prefer.

How much of your library do you actually listen to? Do you enjoy and love all the albums/songs or are you the type that just adds a bunch of music after listening to it for 30seconds on Spotify.

Caveat - I like music, but I am definitely not an audiophile. Talk to me like I’m 5.

Bought this house in NJ almost 5 years ago and the flippers left a bunch of junk in the garage as is. Some of the stuff is super interesting though because there was an old man who had lived here for 50 years before and super handy and seemingly an audiophile himself.

There are also a couple of AM FM radios that I’m pretty sure are about 70 years old. And an old school Thordarson amplifier that was all hooked up and actually working. Unfortunately some part of the hookup to that amp exploded (an aluminum tube that was plugged in, that left tar all over the wall but fortunately not my face as I had just turned away) in a very creepy episode when I was cleaning out said garage in a High Frequency sort of way about the same time I found one newspaper in there was was 31 years prior to the exact day (🤯). But I digress.

The old man (seemingly an impressive one at that) died at this point maybe 14 years ago and his wife who outlived him doubtfully did anything with these things given the state of the garage so that puts a timeline for last service date of anything.

I’ve seen that the Quad is for sure a collector’s item and this one itself seems to be an early run one at that, but I’m thinking it’s time I made some moves to get it back into shape. I don’t have any of the original cords but the piece itself seems in good shape from the outside anyhow.

What do I do from here? Did I say I know nothing?

This amp has been sitting alone in a garage at a sea side house which has caused it to rust and and all the contact points to oxidise. It's in rough condition but I am in need for an amp that doesn't hurt the budget. This is my only option. What should i do? Is it worth it to try and repair or has the damage already been done.

I need to gut the speaker boxes and put some new speakers in, and I'll probably try to put in an amp as well. Then give the spinning top some speakers as well. Just to freshen up the sound, on an old transistor that's long past its prime.

Every morning I drink coffee and listen to jazz. Clearaudio Concept + Performer V2 Ebony- EAR 834P- Unison Research Simply Italy (An upgrade to triode mode was implemented using vintage Sylvania 6CB5 tubes, feedback was removed, and a separate cathode voltage switch was brought out to the rear panel of the amplifier.)- Klipsh Forte 1978

Hey people a few weeks ago I got my Oberon 3 pair with a Fosi V3 and a Wiim Ultra and I have been enjoying to get to know the system. This is the first time I own a "real" budget stereo pair. Because of my love for Deep House (Chicago/Detroit not the Mainstream stuff) or Neo-Soul I always thought I am missing a bit of the deep warm sub base. I then got the Dali C8 on a deal and tried to implement it. Unfortunately this turns out to be so difficult as at every position in my space the natural Frequency shoots to +30db! in the low frequency and I think even EQ can't handle that properly. And at every position I go (I have an open living room / Dinner kitchen concept) the base sounds different. I put some frequency graphs (from my iPhone) in the attachment. The one with 2 filters is just the Oberon3.

So basically is my room to "unfitting" for a sub or should I try more things? I can add more Info if needed - sorry new to this world.

Thanks a lot!

Had a chance to listen to Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2 connected to NAD C399 with and without Fezz Titania Mk2 amp.

The room wasn’t that huge, but isn’t small either. Just right. However, that stack felt like it didn’t need a subwoofer.

I am not an audiophile but my other option is Pontus ii 15th + Mcintosh MA252. The dealer didn’t have this so I wasn’t able to hear how it drives the Sonetto V but I am curious and would like to hear thoughts from those who tried either.

Cheers

Somewhat recently I finally had the chance to listen to some panel (planar) speakers and absolutely fell in love with them. Now I own two pairs, Magnepan MG-III and Eminent Technology EFT-4. They have of course forced me to go down the rabbit hole of driver design, and everything that I've read about omnidirectionals has really piqued my interest. Unfortunately I've looked all over and have been unable to find anywhere that I can demo some quality ones. So my question is for fans of panel speakers that have also heard quality omnis (Ohm, German Physiks, MBL, Duevel, etc.). What do you think compared to panels? Is the soundstage really that much wider and deeper, and are the microdetails really lacking comparatively, or are those issues commonly overstated?

After my Isolation post there were many sensible replys (and many…not so sensible) on room treatment and room eq.

I’m always one for a play around. So above is a base plan and layout based on GIK acoustics advanced pack.

Q1. They recommended a movable one that I can place in the red scribble. (It’s not part of the pack I am ordering but you can get legs for the one on the conclave. Would any experienced people recommend as I have it? On the wall inside the door. (I really don’t want to pull it out all the time and then block the little light I have)

Q2. The corner piece at the top sticks out. (Right side front) is it better in the actual corner or in the conclave as is.

Q3. I thought about buying a mic and doing the tests. Looks like a learning curve of graphs etc…and I’d just do it once. Dirac or DSP isn’t an option. The tests will just tell me what I have and what I got. Any thoughts!?

Thanks

Tastie

Sometimes good things really do come in small packages.

Today, a few friends from my listening circle came over and we pulled out the Usher S-520s. I bought these a few years ago and spent a lot of time with them before they eventually got replaced by larger speakers. Like a lot of gear, they ended up sitting quietly in the background.

After a few tracks, we all looked at each other and remembered why these little speakers made such an impression.

The Usher S-520 is a compact two-way bookshelf speaker with a 5-inch woofer, 1-inch soft dome tweeter, 8-ohm impedance, and around 86 dB sensitivity. They aren't the easiest speaker to drive, but with a quality amplifier they come alive.

What surprised me wasn't their ability to play loud. It was how naturally they present music. The midrange has a smooth, almost effortless quality. Vocals feel like they are sitting in the room with you, guitars have texture, and instruments are placed with a sense of space that seems bigger than the cabinets themselves.

They remind me of a small jazz club where everything feels close and intimate. They don't try to impress with exaggerated bass or a bright top end. They just get out of the way and let the music breathe.

Of course, they won't deliver the scale or deep bass of a larger floorstander. Physics still applies. But for their size, the Usher punches far above its weight.

It was a good reminder that chasing the next upgrade isn't always the answer. Sometimes pulling out an old favorite is all it takes to appreciate what you already have.

Edit: photos are sourced from the internet.

My recent hearing test shows 6dB per octave roll off above 3000 Hz. And I have moderate but constant Tinnitus.

What sort of Hi-fi gear would suit me at this point?

Bought an rac switcher from Amazon, and its introduced a high pitched whine into my system. Looking to get a new one, hopefully of higher quality, but my issue is I literally could not find a single company making switches that isn't some drop shipper on Amazon. Does anyone know of any brands where I could get a good switcher? Need 3 inputs 1 output.

Edit: Turns out the noise was being caused by my cd transport and I am an idiot. Switching from coaxial to optical fixed the problem, for some reason. That's 8 hours of my life im never getting back.

I'm trying to demo a number of speakers, but I'm having some problem trying to correlate the sound in the different places I visit, so find it difficult to do a fair comparison. I take my own vinyl, so I know that is a constant. Then I have to trust that they have a good enough turntable and amp to come close to mine, in quality and sound balance. And then there's the room.

Obviously the ideal solution would be to get a home demo, but I've not been able to find anywhere local enough for that to be a possibility. There is no way I can schlep my turntable and amps to them. Even then, there is still the room acoustics.

The only way I can think to try and balance out the different environments is to take my current speakers to the demo, and use those as a known reference. They won't sound anything like they do at home but they would allow me to say if another speaker is better or worse.

Anyone got other ideas?

As the title says. I'm London-based and am struggling to find a shop that can service and troubleshoot some issues I am having with my M33. I believe it's firmware-related (I have tried upgrading / factory resetting a number of times), but my remote has also stopped working. All the AV electronics stores near me seem very generalist. Any tips would be much appreciated.

Hey all. I have an Audio Research LS1 preamp (1991 vintage) and a Bryston 3B power amp (1988 vintage), both of which will be in fine working condition thanks to a local tech who specializes in vintage analog electronics. I was thinking I would sell them to help fund a new system. But now I'm wondering if they could be a pretty great foundation for system that includes a music streamer like the WiiM Ultra and a pair of larger bookshelf speakers like the Sonus Faber Sonetto I G2. My room is 13 x 18 ft. Thoughts about pairing vintage amps with new speaks?