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maxg

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Everything posted by maxg

  1. I am not sure the bass management issue is relevent for the best reproduction of music. According to the instructions with the Telarc 1812 overture (multi-channel SACD) the best results are obtained using the sub connected to the front channel speaker outs, thereby bypassing all bass management. As I do not have a surround sound amplifier (2 stereo amps) I am setup in this way. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for. For me I want music to be played continuously through the sub, but for the sub to integrate as seemlessly as possible with my mains. This is the effect I have achieved and I can tell you that surround sound SACD's (I have 17 of them now) produce a sound that is massively better than anything else I have heard. I think that the SACD / DVDa war may well end before the end of this year. One of the 2 consortia will back out and one will be left. My money is on SACD to survive - as you can tell - but who knows? I am working on the philosophy that if I can get to an SACD population of 100 disks (at 53 as I write) that will be critical mass for me and I could survive SACD withdrawal from the market after that. Right now those 53 disks are all I listen to. Any offers on 750 CD's and 200 DVD's??? ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  2. Tbren - wow, good summary...is it yours or did you copy it from somewhere. AS for me supporting Quantum Theory, it is my view that at some point in the past Physics changed from being a concise attempt to explain what is going on around us to this new system where easily explainable things are made unintelligible by their explanation. And I still believe cables make a difference!! ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  3. Thankfully Mobile answered my question on my new tubes before you lunatics hit the 5 page mark. And now for the Quantum approach (meet Schroedinger's cat time folks!!) Direct observation has an effect on the system being observed (dont take my word for it - Schroedinger's full theory Therefore the only valid test is to hear the cables indirectly (use of a stereo system with source and amp at one end and speakers at the other is ideal). Obviously you cannot use measuring devices (thanks to that cat) so you will just have to listen, casually, and not observe the improvement in sound. Is that clear? Good ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  4. He says both new and matched - it is a risk but it is just so much easier to get things shipped here from the UK than from the US. If they are not good they are going to start my tube collection of ornamental adornments to my backside that my wife is planning!! Still - they do look good... ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  5. I have just order from ebay (UK) a matched quad set of JJ (Tesla) KT88 tubes for the sum total of £65 (about $100). These are to replace my Sovtek 6550WE tubes I mentioned were on my amp when I bought it. I worked on the theory that at this price I can hardly go wrong. Did I do well? They sure look good.... ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  6. Kain, True, the European version does not have progressive scan, but it is a lot less expensive than the US version. The question is, do you need progressive scan? Remember it only works with NTSC (region 1) DVD's and as far as I understand, only really makes a difference on large screens. Certainly the NS900 (European Version) produces the best picture I have seen to date on my 32 inch Sony TV. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  7. I would limit yourself to one of 2 of the ones you have listed. The RSW is not getting very good reviews and the Sunfire is probably not in the same class as the SVS and the Rel. SVS has many fans on this site and seems to be very highly regarded indeed. As for the Rel - check out Consumer review asides from my own recommendation. People seem to love the Rel and there are several people there who claim to have switched to it from some fairly serious subs indeed - eg. Velodynes et al. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  8. I think that the 9000 is an older model and will be replaced soon. My read is that it is not worth the extra although it may have more "audiophile" components in it than the 900. I am fairly sure that the 900 has a more advanced video DAC than the 9000 (54 Mhz as opposed to 27). Unless you get a serious discount on the 9000 I would avoid it. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  9. Rob - if you want to look for a sub for the Heresy's I can recommend the Rel Strata 3 very highly. It is a sealed unit (similar sound to the Heresy) and with its 10 inch driver juwst as fast as the Heresy's bass. You can set it up so that the Heresy's simply appear to play all the way down to 20 Hz - certainly seemlessly enough for me not to be able to tell where the cross-over is. alternatively you can jack up the volume, lower the cross over to about 40 Hz and blow yourself up with movies (saving private ryan - opening 30 minutes is positively frightening!!) ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  10. It is not the ideal position according to either the THX standard, nor the Sony surround sound music standard. Usually if you are going to mount surround speakers above your head they would be bipolar and even then slightly behind you. Is there any way to try it out before permanently placing them? ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  11. I have Heresy 2's running with 2 amps (tube and a solid state amp). I think you are going to love them, however, you may want to consider a sub to get the most out of them. They are a little bass shy but for staging, clarity, vocals, volume and sheer presence they are right up there with the others in the Heritage range - especially with the aforementioned sub. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  12. In theory you can place a sub anywhere as bass is non-directional. In practise, however, you may find that is is too strong or too weak in certain room positions. Most people suggest corner placement for subs. It is difficult to know how the sub will sound in your room in the place you have identified without testing it. If you really want to play with sub placement one way is to put the sub at your usual listening position (switched on and playing). Then walk around the room and see where you get the best bass. Wherever that place is - that is where your sub should go. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  13. maxg

    Sacd...wow!

    The red album is a greatest hits recent release. It is not bad but not as I remember the songs - who knows - maybe it my aging memory. As for the sub I am afraid I cannot help you. I do not use the sub out but have connected the sub to the speaker out of the mains and therefore bypass this function. (I seem to remember reading in my Sony manual that the sub out channel is not driven on my unit for CD playback - but I am not sure about this.) Interestingly both the sub manufacturer (REL in my case) and Telarc recommend the sub connection via the main speaker out. This is at odds with what I thought was considered best till now. On of the things I like about SACD disks is that they seem to come with mini manuals in the booklet. The Telarc recording of the 1812 overture contains an excellent booklet which is very enlightening. It explains the difference in surround sound setup that is ideal for movies as against music and goes to some length the explain the sub connection. you might want to play with your own setup to see if the sub connection works better in this way (via speaker output). Also, If I have understood the booklet correctly, the Telarc recording uses the .1 output (sub channel) for the height speakers that are an optional add on to increase the surround sound experience. I think that this means it wont drive the sub directly. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  14. A friend of mine called me excitedly last night from a local audio supplier. They have offered him the Sony XA-777 SACD player at 2020 euros (about $1700 I think). This seems to be significanly below the normal asking price (around $3000) so we think it is an error. Anyway they have 2 in stock at other locations so we have ordered them both. Supposedly we will get them on Friday. Wish me luck people. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  15. "and I wouldn't be too suprised that you might listen less and less to your Accuphase amp once your search has ended " Hi Dubai, nice to see(!) you again. FWIW - My Accuphase is now almost permanently consigned to running my rear channel. I found that the match of SACD and tubes was intoxicating - maybe it is the absence of the 20Khz limit - I dont know - but the sound is wonderful beyond belief (except for the slight hiss which is not yet noticable from my listening position). Mobile: Since my last post I have got confirmation that I can run KT88 tubes. Any recommendations on those?? Thanks in advance (and in arrears for the help received so far). ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  16. Aristidis - thanks, Had a quick look and will investigate further. Looks like their pricing is a little high (18,000 GRD Vs $18) for the 6550's but I may pay it for the convenience. THanks again ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  17. Seems that Heritage prices are on the up. I have discovered that Heresy 2 speakers are now changing hands hre in Greece for more than I paid for mine brand new, only 10 months ago. The longer we go on without Heritage production the more this will continue. Klipsch Heritage speakers have constant demand (duh - that is why they kept making them so long). No production means the returns should start getting pretty tempting for me - in about 1,000 years that is! Oh - and if you are interested - Heresy 2's change hands here for $1,400, used. We cant by Cornwalls for anything below $2,500 and KHorns for $10,000. Hold on to your hats folks - it will be like that in the US soon... ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  18. Cross-over settings as discussed in the FAQ probably refer to use with a receiver which is limited to 2 settings - small and large for the crossover. How have you connected the sub? I imagine that your setup is not using a separate sub-out and that you have connected via the speaker outs. The ideal crossover position will vary as much according to the room you are in as to the speakers you are using (well - almost). I would suggest a bit of trial and error. Usually the best crossover point is around 80 Hz for speakers like yours in a normal room but this may vary tremendously. Setting the sub up by ear is not usually a problem. Just play with the settings until you get to a level you like. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  19. maxg

    Ksw 10

    Firstly - count yourself lucky. If you are happy with your sound never let anyone talk you into something else - you are going to save a fortune. I had a very similar system to you about 2 years ago - since then I have parted with about $20,000!!! Just out of interest what was the £1 million system you heard? ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  20. maxg

    Sacd...wow!

    I have that one too - the Beatles / King Singers. It is good and certainly well recorded but I think that they slow the music down just a little too much at times. Do you have the original's in any format to compare. I am working from memory as, other than the Red album on CD all my Beatles stuff is on vinyl and I no longer have a turntable. Does anyone else think that the Red album sucks royaly? Just not what I remember the sound being. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  21. Depends what you want from the sub. I have bought the REL Strata 3 sub to go with my Heresy's. The main advantage of this sub is that it is a sealed unit (10 inch woofer) that makes an excellent match for the Heresy's tight bass. MY aim was to produce bass that seemlessly integrated to the bottom end of the Heresy. In effect my Heresy's now go down to 20 Hz with no boom. This is exactly what I wanted. Good luck hunting! ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  22. So this is the new promedia surround sound system. Its larger than I remembered - LOL. Very nice but I recon you need a bigger screen to go with that sound. You could put a ceiling mounted, drop down screen where your TV is now and a similarly mounted projector, but then again - you could also charge entrance. Pass the popcorn!! ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  23. maxg

    Sacd...wow!

    ABSO-BLOODY-LUTELY WOW!!!!! I have 47 SACDs so far (not bad in 2 months) 15 of them are surround sound: I am putting together a full review of my experiences to date. Suffice to say the best disk of all in MC is Roger Waters Live and in the Flesh - a double album!! (Album - my god - that dates me!). And if you like what it does to guitars go get Stevie Ray Vaughan's Texas Flood. Of course you have to hear what SACD does for piano too - Rachmaninoff's 3rd piano, and Female vocals - Celine Dion (10 years of crap - but the voice - OMG) and Jacintha. Then there's - stop me someone - I'll post the lot when I am ready (real soon - promise). ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  24. Hey Mobile (for when you wake up) "The GE and Tungsol are preferred here. I have heard the GE 6550 and liked it for that type. He seems to prefer the Tungsol the best (I just dont have as much experience with the 6550/KT-88). " I checked out the Tungsol - they are a fair bit more expensive - like $350 for a matched quad vs. approx $80 for my Sovteks. He doesnt mention the Sowteks at all. Where did you get the info on them? How sure are you that they are worth the extra? ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
  25. Wow - thanks Mobile - will look into all that. No I didnt make these units myself - I bought them locally (about £900 for 2 monoblocks and a preamp - not a bad price here). Unfortunately I dont know enough (anything?) about tube amps to answer your other questions. Will try to find out by reading the manual. As it is in Greek it may take me a while to get back to you!! Thanks again. ------------------ 2 * Heresy 2 (mains) 2 * Homemade horn speakers (rears) 1 * REL Strata 3 sub Accuphase E211 amp. Tube monoblocks with separate pre-amp (solid state). Marantz CD6000 player Sony NS900 SACD/DVD player Stax Headphones Humax 5400 digital satellite receiver Sharp Video 32" Sony flat screen 16:9 TV Mogami interconnects Silver Synergistic speaker cable
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