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Everything posted by Audible Nectar
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Please post pictures of these tubes if you can, and list any acid etched codes that may be present near the base of the tubes. There are a number of "VOM" labeled tubes from a host of different sources, so that fact in and of itself isn't sufficient to tell us just what tube it is. There are Mullard, Amperex, and other brands (I'm thinking maybe GE on the 6L6GC) out there with VOM labels. The original manufacturer, vintage, and relative life left would determine whether or not I'm interested in the 12AU7 and 6L6GC :-)
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I was referring more in regard to the big PC vendors, mostly. And not that it's all bad - but it can certainly be hit or miss (I hear a lot of this from people locally), and I don't like miss, especially if I pay for it. I have oft thought of an Apple for my wife in particular, and if we had an actual Apple store here I might have bought one already. As it is we can get thier product through other big box type vendors and that's the weak link in the chain AFAIC. Might travel to a nearest store if we end up leaning this way (and more and more we think we'll have two comps of some sort - hers and mine). I'm currently on the lookout for a local builder/tech/vendor that knows his/her stuff that I can get some help/do biz with...someone who can do the build and get the components "talking to each other" and run with it from there. I have an older Dell comp with a dual 800MHZ xeon and 512MB memory....I wonder if that could be a candidate for a Linux box...and if it (which will not load the OS due to malware issues) can be brought back to life.... It IS nice that I am basically "starting over" re computers, in a manner of speaking, and am therefore not "married" to any one method/system in particular - other than getting the results I want.
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Thanks a BUNCH for the discussion here. When I posted this thread, I was under the assumption that Linux was for the "tech geek", and I have had an opinion of myself that if I had to earn a living in IT I would probably starve. IOW, probably not a good Linux candidate. In reading further here in this thread as well as on a couple other forums (including AVS) it seems Linux IS changing into an OS that more typical users can run. This seems a new development within the last couple of years. Ubuntu really sounds like it has possibilities and seems the leader in "most accessibility to less geeky users"....AND seems to run a LOT of hardware and applications. This is a surprising development here, and has me thinking seriously about it. The lack of "customer service" does worry me some....but then again I'm not convinced that it's necessarily very good through "the major vendors", at least on a consistent basis. There does seem a NUMBER of resources to assist with Linux, and in fact are of a spirit to help (much like here). Regarding Linux OS, is it inherently secure? I keep reading of it's "bulletproof" nature, what is it about such a "simple", streamlined OS that makes it so? Is it just because none of the hacker crowd writes malware for Linux or is it the security built into Linux? And since Linux is supposedly "open source" isn't that counterintuitive to being "bulletproof" (at least it seems so to this computer "operator" as opposed to one with any tech skill)? I assume no antivirus...what of the need for firewall etc or is that not necessary? At any rate....Linux sounds like an option when it certainly didn't when I made this post. I'm thinking about it.....
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This is where things get interesting. Mac and Windows are planning on getting regular money contributions from you over the life of the computer. I KNOOOOOOOOOOW[6] I have stated for a number of years now that computers are like boats: holes you throw money into. You think vacuum tube systems are bad in this regard? At least the tubes hold/appreciate in value while the comp turns worthless. I can also assume that those who complain about the maintenance of tube gear don't own Microsoft computers....hehehe.... So in response to Thebes' question, I have a 450mhz PIII built in 1998 (and yes, before XP), which has been a slowly diminishing machine re: functionality for a number of years now. Items on the machine have failed over time, some in hardware, some in software, some which I could bring back, most I could not - diminishing to a point where currently all I do is read and post occasionally on forums, even shutting down/cutting off any methods of online payments and such from here because I don't trust the security of the network or system. So my comp has been reduced to lower functionality than an internet phone, and I have GOT to do........something. My biggest issue with stepping away from Microsoft is functionality. There are some things that want MS comps out there.....like Ticketmaster, which uses loads of flash and other devices that work best on MS comps. When 5000 people are slamming that server incompatibilities are not acceptable!! So I might consider fiddling with something like Linux later on a "side" machine, but in the meantime I need to get into something I can use sooner. I did find AVS forums last night and read through some of the HTPC stuff (after waiting 5 minutes for all those images and loooooong threads to load) and it looks like there are a LOT of DIY options out there. Assembling/building a PC might not be so difficult (and isn't so much the worry)....getting those components to talk to each other, however, might be. Jason - PM coming your way......
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I have been looking for a new computer, and my eyes get fuzzier the more I look....so I'm hoping there's someone here who can help focus the lens here some....running an old comp that has GOT to go.... Needs/uses: 1. The obvious basics: web surfing, email, and so forth. But then some maybe not so obvious needs, like full compatibility with ticketing sites (like Ticketmaster) which MUST be fully functional/compatible (don't know if Apple is an issue on this). 2. No gaming, but expect to be working with photo, audio, and video in the future (what about Blue Ray/HiDef, or possibly HTPC?) I am CLUELESS about how to approach this, particularly with regards to manufacturer: I spent some time on Dell's site, for example, and it seems there are some attractive packages out there: AMD or Intel Quad Core processor, 6GB RAM, 21" monitor for about $800....as well as "performance machines" with the "i" series of Intel processors and Blu-Ray for about $1.5 -2K. Am I a fool for thinking these might be a good deal, or are there some other manufacturers I should be considering? I wouldn't have a clue about building one, so I'm not sure how to make comparisons between DIY and ready built (ready built seems far cheaper than I could do).... Any particular computer manufacturers/methods offer better customer service? Where is the "sweet spot" right now on cost vs. performance re: processors? I THINK I want to stay in PC, but might be persuadeable on Mac (and might even get a small Mac for the wife later)....but suspect I want full compatibility with the entirety of the web world and think in my minimally informed mind that I need a PC. At any rate, I'm hoping someone can make some informed recommendations. Bueller??
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Psst...pix to get your heart pumping.
Audible Nectar replied to Mallette's topic in 2-Channel Home Audio
I see MANY Thorens TD-124 in these pics. I see MANY Thorens TD-124 in just that ONE pic. Which begs the question: If I have a few "cool ones" would those TD-124s multiply sufficiently to bring down the market price? Could I do the same with the GEC tubes? Seeing that table in sooo many systems makes me wonder why I don't have one, or if I should have one. It is a most curious curiosity[8-|] -
Klipsch Monogrammed/Embroidered Shirts
Audible Nectar replied to dtel's wife's topic in General Klipsch Info
This is the best Klipsch designed shirt I've ever seen. You should see the back :-) -
This is a very good amplifier for the money. Lots of muscle and a darker character that serves the horns well. Voiced much like Harman/Kardon but with LOTS of testicles, will not run outta steam on horns. If I had it to do over again I might opt for a more liquid/grainfree sounding amp, but that's a step up in class, like McIntosh, Classe etc....and I'm not really dissatisfied with the sound enough to replace it (and that's a good sign on Heritage). I have several vintage Mc 250s I can roll in too, but those are going to be reconditioned and likely rolled back into the system later. But for under $300, your 750 is a STEAL. Wayyyyyy toooo much amp and too good of an amp for less than $300. Mine has had a home in my HT for years....
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That amp is a BEAST. I must say that the BAT setups are a curiosity - wouldn't mind hearing them on some horns sometime. Of course I'm well set up on a 2 channel front end with Peach/VRDs, but wouldn't mind hearing the BAT stuff do a few laps.
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Craig NOSValves...Does it again...
Audible Nectar replied to SilverSport's topic in 2-Channel Home Audio
Craig's expertise is a big reason for my system successes, and has helped me condense much of the forum information into real world solutions that work for ME. It took me a while to become convinced that he was telling me what I needed to know. On a forum with SO MUCH information, it's hard to pick out who is giving the best information for ME. But over time, through various audio meetings, forum commentary, and finally a visit to his basement I became a believer. Results say a LOT. The "one that blew me away" was with regard to my MC-30s, which were the culmination of a year or more process of listening to various builds....lovingly done by another MC30 fan here on the forum. An absolute work of art for a build, in fact - using Sonicap Platinum caps and a beauuuutiful layout. Those caps took a long time to break in - over 500 hours, and once they did, I got a high frequency ringing and etching that seemed "way off". Craig diagnosed that by my post on the forum, and had it fixed on his bench in 15 minutes. This on a set of amps that he didn't even rebuild.....a job I had him do to avoid the risk of shipping pristine MC30's back to AZ, for what was believed to be a simple fix. So I drove those amps the seven hours to his place to avoid that risk of shipping, as he gladly solved my problem and validated the excellent work done on those amps to that point. So of course it's reasonable to assume that I also own a pair of his "flagship product", the VRD monoblock amplifers, which are well known in these parts, of course. I've helped sell a few of those to various people, being the easiest item for me to sell, as I absolutely believe in the product, and know I won't get any grief for doing so. It takes a bit of an "assumption of responsibility" to recommend to someone spending $3000 on such an item: They had better be good or I'm gonna get a little grief. They are good enough that I don't worry much about it, as best as I know I've gotten nothing but thank you's for that advice. I'm also adept at keeping them off Craig's line, as I've taken to being a bit of a "advsor" for my little clatch of VRD owners. All commission free, of course - happy people are all the payback I ever expect, and it's what I would do for any friend....or even a kind acquaintence. And in the current economy, people like Craig matter MORE, because mistakes (which lead to gear swapping) are minimized. Doing it right the first time wih less upgrading saves $$$. Ask anyone who owns VRDs: those amps tend to stay put, which means happy ears....which means that money spent yielded VALUE. I've been around the audio biz a long time. There's a lot of [bs] in this biz, so it's refreshing to be able to work with people who cut through such [bs]. Craig is one of those people who have provided exceptional clarity and direction in achieving my audio goals, and finding such a resource makes me want to SHARE. If you don't like a piece of gear Craig built or rebuilt, you don't like that gear - PERIOD. I can assure you it wasn't Craig's fault, because he gets more out of gear than anyone else I've seen. And on uber revealing Klipsch, that's DEMANDING. The collective benefits to various forum members in terms of audio improvements is hard to measure, but that collective impact says more about Craig's work than I can. -
I used 16 gauge Monster XP, crimp-attaching hardware store U-Clips (in the electrical section) to the four wire ends of each cable. I don't recall exactly what size U-clips I used, except I took one of the screws out of the Mac amp with me to the hardware store and bought several dozen clips of the right size. Simple, primitive, and ideal for those terminal strip connections. I soaked the U Clips in DeOxit, crimped them on the stripped wire ends and attached them to speakers (as my Klipsch are 60's and 70's vintages with terminal stip connections) and Mac amps. They fit perfectly and are low cost.
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No need to get too spendy or extreme here....Blue Jean Cable, Monster, or any good shielded IC should be fine. I started out with the almost identical setup and didn't notice too much difference in the cable changes until I got MC30 power amps and a recapping all throughout the audio path. I DO recommend avoiding Radio Shack cabling, as the connectors they use fit quite tight. Nothing wrong with the cable but their connectors are hard on the RCA jacks.
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Agree on the VRDs. I heard them once on a JM Blueberry/LaScalas and just about s#.. myself. I set my friend up with Peach/VRDs sight unseen for his Cornwalls and he's been thanking me pretty much ever since. In time I ended up with a pair also. The Jubilees don't scare me. They just aren't realistic in my rooms - like using an atom bomb as a flyswatter. I wouldn't mind a listen on passive networks and some juicy tube gear though. Now Greg's refinishes of Belles and KHorns with Fastrac (?) are the ones that scare me. Those ARE agreeable in my rooms (especially Belles) and I got a feeling that hearing them would make me want them. Those big midrange drivers make me drool[8-|] That's where the real energy is, although I do enjoy the K55 alnicos a great deal, especially for the price..... I have similar problems with the big league JBL (especially vintage alnico stuff). They make me want....
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Curves don't tell the whole story, though. They do tell you that they are "good/in the neighborhood" but will not tell you about all the aspects and details of the sonics. Very much akin to tube rolling. You CAN get added "edge gleam", rasp, or "wooliness" that isn't so evident by looking at the plot, but is audible when listening. I wasn't totally happy until I spent $600 on the V-Cap builds - and I listened to about 5 different networks before I quit. I typically advise one who rolls caps to be prepared to roll 'em again because not all the changes are desireable in every case.
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Maybe Bob Crites might make a replacement crossover WITHOUT those Sonicaps, and fitted with the OEM Type of capacitors. Just like Decaf Coffee, or regular Coffee, prospective buyers can now have a CHOICE of the correct replacement crossover with OEM Type capacitors, or one with Bright sounding low ESR Caps ? Of course, there is not as much Ca$h Money in selling crossovers with OEM Caps "Flag on the play"[:@] The insinuation that Bob uses white Sonicaps for profit purposes is without merit. Bob used nearly identical can capacitors (I know, as I have a set for Belle Klipsch right here) until he could no longer get those cans, then switched to white Sonicaps as it seemed a reasonable alternative. Many, many happy customers - although I'll agree many would prefer to do some cap tweaking.... Those "refurbished to new" networks with fresh oil type can caps are NOTHING SPECIAL. They do have a nice presentation at modest volume, but put any watts on them whatsoever and they get mushy in a HURRY. And the detail is just - mehhhh. They are OK - they are what got me interested in Klipsch, but I am not one who thinks you have to go 100% original to be valid. Alongside those recapped to new oil capped Belle networks are the identical high quality parted network with V-Cap OIMP (these are NOT the usual V-Cap teflon) which are quite possibly the best combination of clarity, detail, and just enough wetness to avoid that beaminess - unless it's your gear, of course. Some of these SET amps are built with parts that accuntuate the high frequencies (especially in the upper mids) which almost make oil caps in the crossovers a requirement. On the other hand, I have rolled a number of solid state AND tube gears on the V-Cap Belles and they pretty much show you what the gear sounds like. Which given my spread of vintage Mac tube and SS as well as modern tube gears they all sound pretty good, and some fabulous! There is some merit in many of your observations but I see a bit too much "absolutism" in your opinion that Klipsch cannot be altered beyond the stock cap formula on the networks. You are correct with the opinion that cap changes DO alter the sound and that's something we are well aware of, and might not always be a good idea for everyone, or every speaker. There are, however, numerous forum members using a variety of different cap types and brands here, as well as network formulae, and they ALL have some purpose/validity. I kept my stock rebuilds for my speakers in any case, but I have found preferable (for me) aftermarket solutions in EVERY case. As long as one keeps thier originals they can always go back, and feel free to experiment on thier own. I find the "if it's modded it's not Klipsch" to be [bs]. If I'm not selling them to you, it's not much of a specific concern to you, although the discussion of how the changes will alter a given set of speakers is warranted. This is, in fact a major reason we are here. But the dogma has soooooooooo gotta go.....
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Is this where it all started going wrong?
Audible Nectar replied to seti's topic in 2-Channel Home Audio
[6]GUANTANAMO[6] - and NO sleeping pills[:@] -
Will my Khorns EVER be dead "quiet" with tube gear?
Audible Nectar replied to Dylanl's topic in 2-Channel Home Audio
My two systems (see profile) exhibit a small amount of tube hiss in the totality of thier respective installations, but it's small - only audible by straining to hear it from the listening position, and usually that's in the near 100% absence of any other ambient sounds. I usually have to walk up to the speakers to hear it. This did require paying attention to ground loop (in one case), and having quiet tubes in the preamp position of these gears, but the smidge of tube hiss I do get is totally acceptable given the spectacular musicality and midrange present in these systems. My primary "tough customer" is my JuicyMusic preamp, due to the "no negative feedback" design, but it's a small maintenance to put up with given the superb sonics I'm getting otherwise. Not a complaint, mind you - in fact, I think so much of that preamp I'm gonna get another one. I wouldn't go back to solid state to get rid of that small amount of "hiss" or "rush" - or for any other reason[8-|] -
"McIntosh Tube Separates! ( A Mystic Revelation!) High End Tube Separates! (Gawd, where has this stuff been hiding?)" I knooooooooooooooooow[H] But they are anything but evil, costs to the wallet aside. Tubes are BEEEEEEEEEEUUUUUUUUTIFUL, and I quite frankly cannot understand the characterization of "the dark side". Tubes are the sunny side of the street as far as I'm concerned[8-|] Or to quote Howard Beale: It's not a religious feeling at all. It's a shocking eruption of great electrical energy. I feel vivid and flashing, as if suddenly I'd been plugged into some great electromagnetic field. I feel connected to all living things. To flowers, birds, all the animals of the world. And even to some great, unseen, living force. What I think the Hindus call prana.......It is a shattering and beautiful sensation. It is the exalted flow of the space-time continuum, save that it is spaceless and timeless and......of such loveliness. [A]
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I find it takes a bit for me to settle in on a preferred tube setup when rolling. I prefer to roll one tube at a time and leave that for a half dozen sessions or so - it seems to take a number of hours to FULLY understand the ramifications of a roll. I like to listen to a breadth of material, in order to fully realize the effects over a variety of recordings. Not every aspect of a tube roll will be realized in a few hour session. Unless it's a complete sonic failure, I'll leave them a while. That said, I'm glad you have a combo you like - and a Tele/Amperex combo has to be in the neighborhood in any case. Gilbert: That sounds like it IS a Mullard. If it is the longplate with square getter, that's a Mullard (and it likely will have a "B" in the manufacturer's position of the Philips code on the glass). The Amperex label isn't the "tell all" as to which tube you have (as Amperex did label some of the early Mullard tubes with Bugle Boy labels) - the codes on the glass ARE the "tell all". And for what it's worth, I agree with you regarding Mullard 12AX7/AU7 tubes - only the earliest (with square getter) are desireable for hi-fi audio use. The later short plate circle getter Mullards are a bit too "creamy" for my taste.....the guitar players really like them, however, and that's where the value exists in the later Mullards. Once you get into the shortplate Philips tubes (about 1959), the Heerlen, Holland varieties (which most associate with "Amperex") are much better than the Blackburn tubes of similar vintage (IMO).
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BMS 4592ND-MID versus the B&C DCM50 Update
Audible Nectar replied to greg928gts's topic in Technical/Restorations
My local tube tech has been telling me to check out field coil speakers for a while now. "If you're a horn guy, you MUST hear them", he says. I am quite frankly afraid to given his descriptions, as I have a great deal of satisfaction in my current setups (which have been compared to some much more expensive stuff, yet my satisfaction of my setups haven't been ruined by that experience). I'm told that field coils might well be capable of that, and the only thing that would keep me seated was the price. They are definitely a curiosity, to be sure. -
"A good preamp shouldn't have any sonic signature of its own" EVERYTHING has a sonic signature that is in the audio path. There is no such thing as a component with no signature. Don't care how expensive, how high quality, how many Tibetan monks have blessed the caps - I do most guarantee there is a signature. Some less noticeable than others....sure. But LACK of signature? I'm not buying it.
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I am one who is very happy with the stock Klipsch configurations, save for rebuilding the networks with high quality parts. I tend to be more modest with the volume - low 90's db meter readings at the listening position is about as loud as I ever listen, and usually a little below that. At those volumes, the Klipsch sound is not only OK, it's preferable, because the simple networks with high quality parts and gear give a closeness, purity, and immediacy that is missing with the more complex networks. If I were the type to listen at louder volumes, then I can see the aftermarket upgrades having merit, but that's not how I use my speakers. MUCH of these preferences (or lack thereof) regarding the aftermarket horns/drivers is dependent on the habits of the listener.
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"These have to be the ultimate for Heritage HT teamed up with the Peach..." Uh huh. That's exactly how I use mine - to drive the main speakers in my combo HT/2 channel system. You WILL be more satisfied later. VRDs are one of those rare components that reinforce over time why you bought them in the first place. There are those toys that you like when you first get them, but grow tired of them....VRDs are NOT such an item[8-|] They perform far beyond their cost, and you'll understand more about just how good they are over repeated listening. The truly good stuff is like that....
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The Valve Art KT100 is actually a KT88 that the factory put a little more into (primarily metallurgy). Visually, it is a spitting image of a Valve Art KT88 with 3 hole plate and side getter (or KT88-98) but acts much more stable in an amp. These tubes were very stable right out of the box (in contrast to the KT88-98 and KT88 top getter only types), and exhibited NO blue glow (nice tight vacuum). The only other Shug KT88 that acts like this one is the Penta, again very stable out of the box, no gassy glow, and a really good sounding tube. Definitely similar to other Shuguang KT88 (it has the family sound) but has a smoother top to my ears and as Gary mentioned a bit more authoritative bass. The KT90 I'm familiar with (haven't used it, though) would be the EI with the more slender straight sided bottle, and the VA KT100 bears no resemblance to that particular KT90. But the tube companies/resellers toss around these numbers as if to insinuate that a KT100 is "better", so there are several KT90/100 and similar "higher numbered" nomenclatured tubes that are really more like KT88 out there that can make this a bit confusing, then a KT90 that is a different tube from a KT88 but compatible/similar (such as the EI). Haven't seen the Penta KT90...wonder what that tube's all about....