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  1. #1

    Jim Smith Shoutout

    Greetings!

    I wanted to take a moment and provide a shoutout and large thanks to Jim Smith. I have a modest system and really have been trying to dial things in with my room (pics below). I did a ton of reading and experimenting. Every time I made a change to my system, I saw improvement, but still yearned for better. I knew my system was capable of more, but just couldn’t quite get it right. Enter Jim.

    I cant remember which forum or thread I read about Jim (think it was here), but I figured I would try out his 30 minute StraightTalk session. After looking at pics of my room, he was able to immediately pinpoint my problems and in 30 minutes, I am quite thrilled with the results. (Hint, it’s all about where you sit).

    Thanks to Jim, I feel like I’m close to actually listening to the music instead of the equipment. Highly recommend you read his book and/or meet with him. I know I’m gushing, but he is a great resource.

  2. #2
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Excellent. So did you just move the seating position?
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  3. #3

    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    I actually moved the seating back, the equipment next to seating position and the speakers further out into the room.

  4. #4
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Looks great. Great to hear the positive result.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  5. #5
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Congratulations. I hired Jim for his RoomPlay visit. He improved the sound of my room and system and I learned a lot. Yes, he is a great resource.
    Link to my system thread: https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threa...l-sound.32867/
    Analog: Micro Seiki SX 8000 II, 2 NOS SME 3012R tonearms, 2 vdH Colibri Grand Cru, Colibri XPP
    Electronics: Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe, Lamm LL1.1 Signature, Lamm ML2
    Speakers: Vitavox CN-191 corner horns
    Cables: Stock SME phono cables, DIY ICs and speaker cables, Ching Cheng power cords, custom rack and amp stands

  6. #6
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    I notice your A3's are toed in quit a bit. Mine have about 5 degree toe in. and about 24" from the side walls.

    I came up with these to move the A3's
    IMG_0262.jpg
    Speakers: Magico S3 (23')
    Integrated:Gryphon Diablo 300 plus DAC
    Streamer: HiFi Rose RS150b
    CD/DVD: Oppo 205
    Cables: Cardas-Shunyata-AudioQuest-Supra
    Roon Core: sonicTransporter i7 powered with HDPlex 200w linear PS, running AudioLinux for Roon--Tidal and Qobuz with iPad Pro

    Time is just a tool humans created to measure movement and record events

  7. #7
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    His image is the one from which we started...
    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  8. #8
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Perhaps it's time to update the picture.
    Speakers: Magico S3 (23')
    Integrated:Gryphon Diablo 300 plus DAC
    Streamer: HiFi Rose RS150b
    CD/DVD: Oppo 205
    Cables: Cardas-Shunyata-AudioQuest-Supra
    Roon Core: sonicTransporter i7 powered with HDPlex 200w linear PS, running AudioLinux for Roon--Tidal and Qobuz with iPad Pro

    Time is just a tool humans created to measure movement and record events

  9. #9

    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Correct. I will post an updated pic tomorrow. (Going to see Bob Weir and the wolf brothers tonight in St Paul). Yes, still a deadhead.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  10. #10

    Jim Smith Shoutout

    Quote Originally Posted by Rubytuesday View Post
    Correct. I will post an updated pic tomorrow.

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Thank you! A before and after picture would be great. Jim Smith Shoutout

  11. #11

    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Here are current pics. Speakers are about 7 feet from front wall and 15” from the side walls. Toe in is a bit more than I’d usually go but my room is 11.5feet wide. Toe in necessary in this case. I’ll experiment though with less toe in. Chair is 3 feet from back wall. Smoothest spot I could find in the room.



  12. #12

    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Oh and for anyone wondering, I have two Hue Bloom (the blue) lights that are controlled via the Hue app (or Apple HomeKit) and a Hue motion detector. I have it set so it turns on when I walk in and off when I leave after 5 minutes.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  13. #13
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim this morning during a RoomPlay Reference session. He was a gracious host and I found the session very valuable. Jim has reinforced for me that system setup is of paramount importance. He is making incredible sound in his listening room and is excited to help others do the same. I definitely recommend Jim’s services. After I finish my setup, I’ll post pictures of my room. Stay tuned!

  14. #14
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  15. #15
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Quote Originally Posted by MPW View Post
    I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim this morning during a RoomPlay Reference session. He was a gracious host and I found the session very valuable. Jim has reinforced for me that system setup is of paramount importance. He is making incredible sound in his listening room and is excited to help others do the same. I definitely recommend Jim’s services. After I finish my setup, I’ll post pictures of my room. Stay tuned!
    Looking forward to the pics and welcome to AS.
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  16. #16
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Hi MPW,

    It was great spending time with you yesterday. I didn't know you were gonna post about our visit, but thanks!!!

    Caution - shameless self promotion follows:

    As (I hope) you saw, the info received from a RPR session is worth far more - than say - four (or even five) figures wasted when spent on electronics, cables - as well as speakers - if you don't get nearly what you paid for due to less than optimum set-up...

    So doesn't that make $370.00 for a RPR session a high-end audio best buy (in my not-so-humble opinion)?

    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  17. #17
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Smith View Post
    Hi MPW,

    It was great spending time with you yesterday. I didn't know you were gonna post about our visit, but thanks!!!

    Caution - shameless self promotion follows:

    As (I hope) you saw, the info received from a RPR session is worth far more - than say - four (or even five) figures wasted when spent on electronics, cables - as well as speakers - if you don't get nearly what you paid for due to less than optimum set-up...

    So doesn't that make $370.00 for a RPR session a high-end audio best buy (in my not-so-humble opinion)?

    Jim. Any chance to visit Toronto sometime ?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  18. #18
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Or MPLS / St Paul?

    Actually I had a 30min phone session 1-2yrs ago when I moved in to my new home and was pretty enlightening , would love a room play.
    Main:
    Room: Dedicated 25 x 14 x 8 treated room | Computers (headless in utility room): Wkst #1 Ubuntu running lifetime ROON server. High end wkst #2 High end wkst running HQE image | Network rack (in utility room): Managed Fiber Switch, QNAP NAS | Endpoint: Fiber to SONORE OpticalRendu w/ LPS, Sbooster USB vbus2 |DAC: Lampi Lite7, Holo Audio S3 KTE, Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic | Pre: Atma-Sphere MP-3 Mk3.3 Pre | Amps: Pass XA100.5 Mono's | Speakers: Revel Ultima Studio2 (Townshend seismic posiums) with Dual PSA X15 sealed subs | Isolation: Components on custom roller bearings + compression springs | Cables: Wireworld Platinum USB / Analysis Plus PC / Gotham 4/4 XLR / AQ spkr / Revelation audiolabs I2s | Server Streamer: Aqua LinQ using HQP modules > I2s to Aqua La Scala


    Office: Win10 wkst with Spotify or ROON controller > VDAC-II > VLINK 192 > Yamaha RX integrated > Polk audio signature Monitors >12" sub

  19. #19
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Hi Paul,

    I learned a long time ago that it was unfair to anyone to come to their place after I had just voiced a system to a room for a nearby client. The process - at least for me - is completely debilitating - physically, mentally, & emotionally. So I couldn’t perform at my very best right after going though a previous session.

    Thanks for inquiring, but I always want to make sure that each client receives the maxmum value for their investment.

    Best,

    Jim
    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  20. #20
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Hi Mr. Jim Smith,

    If someone (me) was to ask you your personal preference between analog and digital music reproduction and listening?

    ...Your brief take in just few lines, or even easier than that: If dropped by a plane on a deserted island; with a turntable or a CD player? ...As the source to go with the rest of the audio gear, of course, and solar panels powered. You could build a room made of drifting and dead wood; some tools are supplied to you for that with the air drop-off, of course.

    Thank you, and best,
    Bob
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

  21. #21
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Quote Originally Posted by NorthStar View Post
    Hi Mr. Jim Smith,

    If someone (me) was to ask you your personal preference between analog and digital music reproduction and listening?

    ...Your brief take in just few lines, or even easier than that: If dropped by a plane on a deserted island; with a turntable or a CD player? ...As the source to go with the rest of the audio gear, of course, and solar panels powered. You could build a room made of drifting and dead wood; some tools are supplied to you for that with the air drop-off, of course.

    Thank you, and best,
    Bob
    Since I have not encountered a turntable - including ANY of those set up by "experts" - that was properly set-up in dozens of years, I would recommend the best (and affordable) digital for most - if not all - audiophiles.

    That being said, it's only fair to also say that I have not listened to any tts that Mike has set-up.

    Those that come here for a RoomPlay Reference session forget all about whether it's digital or vinyl, because it's about falling into the performance, experiencing the music's immersive and engaging qualities.

    So I would prefer digital on the desert island - if no other reason than I wouldn't be able to get a replacement cartridge or even a stylus - eventually the music would suffer until it no longer was listenable. IMO, of course.
    DPT4ME - Dynamics, Presence & Tone for Musical Engagement; MBP (3) - stripped down for music only; Shunyata Omega & Sigma USBs; ISO REGEN w/short Curious USB links; Berkeley Alpha USB; Aqua La Scala II Optologic DAC; Schiit Yggdrasil - fully updated; Ayre Codex dac - updated; Pass Labs INT-60 integrated amp; Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE-2 preamp, Quicksilver Mono 120 amps w/Tung-Sol KT150s; Quicksilver Mid Mono amps w/Gold Lion KT77s; Fyne Audio 703s; Symposium Svelte Plus & Ultra Platforms; REL S-812 subwoofers; Duelund DCA12GA speaker cables; AV Room Service EVPs, Stein Music Harmonizers, Duelund DCA16GA & 20GA ICs; Shunyata Denali 6000S/V2; Tripp Lite PCs; Wyred 4 Sound power cords; AudioDharma cable cooker; dedicated custom room; various GIK & ASC room treatments; etc.

    www.getbettersound.com

  22. #22
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    Re: Jim Smith Shoutout

    Your answer is very smart; a TT is much harder to set up properly than a CD Player, or a digital music server, and same for an analog open-reel-tape deck.

    Also, like you said...stylus and cartridge replacements.

    My question was for all general audio forums of the Internet. I believe Mike is much more into digital (music servers) than turntables.

    I agree with you that no matter the music source analog and digital are coexistant together in the soul of audiophiles.

    Thank you very much Mr. Smith.
    _____

    * P.S. A friend just shared this link to me:
    https://www.psaudio.com/article/vinyl-vivid-or-veiled/
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

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Jim Smith Shoutout

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