A fun day at Jay’s

**Mike** · August 27, 2023, 10:31 AM

Audio 1 and I spent the day yesterday at Jay’s hearing a variety of gear. After we fixed the setup of his Wilson’s - it went from far far too forward, bright with a tweeter on top of you to something much much better.

Audio 1 and I will be available on weekends (for a fee of course) to tweak your speakers.

The different preamps we heard were all awesome. We had a blast doing the preamp shootout. The Mc pre was excellent. I’ve always been a mc fan! We also spun some great vinyl I brought and listened to some great tunes on digital.

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**MichaelsMinute** · August 27, 2023, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Audio 1 and I spent the day yesterday at Jay’s hearing a variety of gear. After we fixed the setup of his Wilson’s - it went from far far too forward, bright with a tweeter on top of you to something much much better.

Audio 1 and I will be available on weekends (for a fee of course) to tweak your speakers.

The different preamps we heard were all awesome. We had a blast doing the preamp shootout. The Mc pre was excellent. I’ve always been a mc fan! We also spun some great vinyl I brought and listened to some great tunes on digital.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That sounds like a blast! Thanks for sharing pics.

**Audio 1** · August 27, 2023, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Audio 1 and I spent the day yesterday at Jay’s hearing a variety of gear. After we fixed the setup of his Wilson’s - it went from far far too forward, bright with a tweeter on top of you to something much much better.

Audio 1 and I will be available on weekends (for a fee of course) to tweak your speakers.

The different preamps we heard were all awesome. We had a blast doing the preamp shootout. The Mc pre excellent. I’ve always been a mc fan! We also spun some great vinyl I brought and listened to some great tunes on digital.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

It really was a lot of fun and such a great experience!
I always have so much fun spending time with Mike and his knowledge and experience impresses me constantly.
Jay is relentless in his mission and has so much energy to bring everything he does to all of us. Plus he is an amazing host!
Beyond all of that I am very happy to have the friendship and comaradery which is what makes all of this special.

**audio.bill** · August 27, 2023, 03:24 PM

Interesting, since Jay claimed to have his speakers completely dialed in and perfectly time aligned before your visit.

**Mike** · August 27, 2023, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by audio.bill

Interesting, since Jay claimed to have his speakers completely dialed in and perfectly time aligned before your visit.

Well NOW they are! The difference was drastic.

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**Alrainbow** · August 27, 2023, 04:56 PM

It’s nice to have a real pro show a you tube sensation how it really is done lol. Very kind of
Mike to take his time to help
Now we need jay to redo all of his past posts on his misguided conclusions
Wow what a long list to fix. Jay get going man we need the corrected info fast.

**nicoff** · August 27, 2023, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Audio 1 and I spent the day yesterday at Jay’s hearing a variety of gear. After we fixed the setup of his Wilson’s - it went from far far too forward, bright with a tweeter on top of you to something much much better.
.....

Fixed his set up? What exactly did you guys do?
Like, did you moved the speakers around? Or connected cables properly (like switched Right/lefts)? Took measurements and adjusted accordingly? Added digital correction to the system? All of the above?
Wondering if he will actually admit that his equipment was not set up properly and needed fixing.

**Mike** · August 27, 2023, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

Fixed his set up? What exactly did you guys do?
Like, did you moved the speakers around? Or connected cables properly (like switched Right/lefts)? Took measurements and adjusted accordingly? Added digital correction to the system? All of the above?
Wondering if he will actually admit that his equipment was not set up properly and needed fixing.

The speakers. He took a video where we discuss it. No big deal, that’s what friends are for! We help each other.

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**Mike** · August 27, 2023, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by Alrainbow

It’s nice to have a real pro show a you tube sensation how it really is done lol. Very kind of
Mike to take his time to help
Now we need jay to redo all of his past posts on his misguided conclusions
Wow what a long list to fix. Jay get going man we need the corrected info fast.

That’s really not fair. Jay knows what he’s doing and he has a good ear. Sometimes we just need the clarity of focus of someone fresh to come in and lend an ear and make some suggestions. With all kinds of gear swapping, it can easily happen.

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**Audio 1** · August 27, 2023, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

Fixed his set up? What exactly did you guys do?
Like, did you moved the speakers around? Or connected cables properly (like switched Right/lefts)? Took measurements and adjusted accordingly? Added digital correction to the system? All of the above?
Wondering if he will actually admit that his equipment was not set up properly and needed fixing.

It is a complex system with many variables. Having the help and perspective from others with experience is always a bonus. Jay is very open to input and loves to share his journey with friends.

**a.wayne** · August 27, 2023, 07:10 PM

Glad you guys got it done , yes Jay is very open minded to playing around and easy to get lost with a lot of gear swapping and room mods all at once ..!

Regards

**hkval** · August 27, 2023, 09:17 PM

Boys and their Toys and so willing to share, teach and learn. SO VERY COOL!!!!

**Randy Myers** · August 27, 2023, 10:38 PM

Very cool. Sounds like a lot of fun!

You be liking on some McIntosh... love it!

**XRS** · August 27, 2023, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

The speakers. He took a video where we discuss it. No big deal, that’s what friends are for! We help each other.

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Yeahbutt that is a big deal. Jay (i've only watched so far 4-5 vids, no idea really who he is but I respect him more now) opened his room for another set of ears to scope his setup. That kinda takes guts. Lot's of people myself included wouldn't want to incur a potentially contrarian opinion too much...thank you very much. haha

quick flashback I had a drum set and tuned it but then hired the local master drum tech, tuner (you'd know all the albums, Soundgarden etc) I could tune the kit to 90% (lol giving myself credit there) but then WOW what a master tuner can do.

It's such a smart and fortunate thing to have access to. A little-itty-witty-bitty thing goes a long way when you're chasing the dragon. Slay on!

**Alrainbow** · August 28, 2023, 01:27 PM

In truth high end audio is very difficult for a many reasons
how many of us really know how music should sound.
be it studio or live if you don’t know how various instruments really
Should sound me as an example . You tune things for inaccuracy. While feeling this is better.
It’s really trying to fix last weeks mistakes
Those who do know like mike as an example it’s obvious
when I actually got mine close to right I had to relearn what it should be.
When it’s correct most all music we play is done very well. When not this is when we blame the music.
jays stuff is a minefield of complexity and he has owned and heard many world class systems
If we allow ourselves to learn we make for a better experience and it seems Jay has that ability
wish mike lived near me in my lol.
I’m
Happy for him next can anyone help him on you tube now 😂😘 just kidding

**Jay's Audio Lab** · August 28, 2023, 04:49 PM

Thanks Mike for coming by. It was great to have you and Buddy.
I enjoy sharing my system with those that I know. it's not fun to do this alone and I already do plenty of lonely listening sessions. It feels great to let others enjoy my system and yes, critique it.
As far as what we did to the Chronosonic Xvx, we simply took the tweeter back 2 clicks on the time alignment mechanism by spinning the wheel back. This is something that ONLY the Chronosonic XVX allows you to do with such ease. We didn't move the speaker, or toed them in or out or anything like that. It was a simple thing that was done that Mike and Buddy felt sounded better for them - there are no absolutes in this hobby so I am not here to tell anyone that what they like is wrong or right. It should be a hobby to be shared and discussed without harming anyone.
As far as the c11000 preamp, Mike and Buddy loved it and rightfully so. It is quite engaging and smooth with good resolution. I can't say I disagree with their findings. That said, I had another group of people come over that day to listen and they heard the McIntosh Preamplifier and my other solid state preamp and they preferred the solid state Preamplifier grip and dynamics.
Again, it's all a matter of preferences and there is no wrong or right. Some people want to ride a car that is fast, snappy with stiff suspension in order to connect to the road better and others like a better behaved vehicle that is fast although not was immediate in exchange for more comfort.
I'm happy I can set up my system to do all of those scenarios on the fly because I have so many components on hand at all times.

Jay

**u-sound** · August 28, 2023, 05:31 PM

What a great party ! Thx for sharing pics and comments.
thats what our hobby is about, be it on a smaller or larges scale.

**Alrainbow** · August 28, 2023, 08:07 PM

I agree in part on pre amp or amp choices but there is a right and wrong to a fault also.
I agree it’s still what you or anyone likes 100% of this.
but to make it right is still paramount for if it’s wrong it’s far lessor a product
when you go to shows or others systems to hear very few are right.
Your system is a very complex setup and the fact the a turn of a wheel matters so much is proof of this. I agree it’s a choice but when you spend this much money I think hobby does not apply.
I went to an event in Jersey for genesis speakers not the large ones but the single tower ones
now weather you like the sound or not I get
but at one point Gary turned 1/2 revolution of the front two footers
I’m sitting back about 12 feet and the large change it made was very noticeable and difficult for me to comprehend even though I could hear it. now what you have is infinitely more complex
now maybe mike only turned it a little but to know that made a change both of you agreed on was perhaps better , Is the point lol. too many knobs in this hobby leads to too many choices In a game of shooting darts in the dark.
I truly give you street credit to allow and try alone or with others
Your right this hobby is too alone for the most part
your more into this then I ever was or will be but I still admire you for all
Of what you do.

**Big B** · August 29, 2023, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jay's Audio Lab

Thanks Mike for coming by. It was great to have you and Buddy.
I enjoy sharing my system with those that I know. it's not fun to do this alone and I already do plenty of lonely listening sessions. It feels great to let others enjoy my system and yes, critique it.
As far as what we did to the Chronosonic Xvx, we simply took the tweeter back 2 clicks on the time alignment mechanism by spinning the wheel back. This is something that ONLY the Chronosonic XVX allows you to do with such ease. We didn't move the speaker, or toed them in or out or anything like that. It was a simple thing that was done that Mike and Buddy felt sounded better for them - there are no absolutes in this hobby so I am not here to tell anyone that what they like is wrong or right. It should be a hobby to be shared and discussed without harming anyone.
As far as the c11000 preamp, Mike and Buddy loved it and rightfully so. It is quite engaging and smooth with good resolution. I can't say I disagree with their findings. That said, I had another group of people come over that day to listen and they heard the McIntosh Preamplifier and my other solid state preamp and they preferred the solid state Preamplifier grip and dynamics.
Again, it's all a matter of preferences and there is no wrong or right. Some people want to ride a car that is fast, snappy with stiff suspension in order to connect to the road better and others like a better behaved vehicle that is fast although not was immediate in exchange for more comfort.
I'm happy I can set up my system to do all of those scenarios on the fly because I have so many components on hand at all times.

Jay

I'm sure that was a ton of fun.Sharing your system is a good thing especially with really knowledgeable guys like Mike and Buddy. I have been doing what I do for 42 years by now I'm pretty good at it but I'm open to lesson anytime even from a 10yr old.
I agree with Jay I would probably have landed on the solid state preamp.

**MichaelsMinute** · August 29, 2023, 09:54 AM

I think talking and sharing with others is the best part of this hobby.

I know I've certainly learned a lot from people such as Mike and my good friend who is a recording engineer.

Thanks to them I've learned so much more than had I kept a closed mind and enjoy the music more because of that.

**Audio 1** · August 29, 2023, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

I think talking and sharing with others is the best part of this hobby.

I know I've certainly learned a lot from people such as Mike and my good friend who is a recording engineer.

Thanks to them I've learned so much more than had I kept a closed mind and enjoy the music more because of that.

Yes for me being involved with others that enjoy the hobby like we do is what makes it great!

**Mike** · August 29, 2023, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Audio 1

Yes for me being involved with others that enjoy this the hobby like we do is what makes it great!

Totally agreed! Me too.

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**Jay's Audio Lab** · August 29, 2023, 11:12 AM

Analog Versus Digital? Is Vinyl Maxed Out? - YouTube

**Jay's Audio Lab** · September 1, 2023, 10:37 AM

PART 2: How Good or BAD Was My System In Their Opinion? - YouTube

**Dman777dman777** · September 1, 2023, 11:45 AM

I am watching part 2, how were you able to tame the tweeters? Did you adjust the Wilson crossovers inside the speakers?

**Jay's Audio Lab** · September 1, 2023, 11:49 AM

No...we simply turned a wheel that only comes with the Chronosonic xvx and made the tweeter go back a couple of clicks. This particular mechanism is exclusive to the Chronosonic XVX.

**Mike** · September 1, 2023, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Dman777dman777

I am watching part 2, how were you able to tame the tweeters? Did you adjust the Wilson crossovers inside the speakers?

We can’t give away our secrets or we won’t have a new career as speaker whispers’!

All kidding aside, we moved the tweeter back one step at a time until it was too much the other way and then went back to the perfect spot. This of course opens up another can of worms (time alignment), but the way it was when we arrived was not to our liking. Was that the speakers? The DAC? The amp? Who knows. But we felt adjusting it was crucial.

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**Audio 1** · September 1, 2023, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

We can’t give away our secrets or we won’t have a new career as speaker whispers’!

All kidding aside, we moved the tweeter back one step at a time until it was too much the other way and then went back to the perfect spot. This of course opens up another can of worms (time alignment), but the way it was when we arrived was not to our liking. Was that the speakers? The DAC? The amp? Who knows. But we felt adjusting it was crucial.

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Fortunately it was a very easy adjustment that made a big and discernible difference!

**Mike** · September 1, 2023, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Audio 1

Fortunately it was a very easy adjustment that made a big and discernible difference!

True! My question is, how many people would have known to do that? How many would have spun their tails with new cables, trying a new DAC or something else? I remember when we were discussing it, changing DAC, cables, etc. was being discussed. After examining previous setup details, it was clear that this was the right decision and the simplest one - which ironically, is often the case.

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**Vintage_Tube** · September 2, 2023, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

We can’t give away our secrets or we won’t have a new career as speaker whispers’!

With all speakers, minute movements affect noticeable changes but IMO, with Wilson's there are so many that you have to really take your time (which you did).

Great job BTW. I wasn't aware "BP" at Wilson was having any off spring.

Best to all,

Bob

**a.wayne** · September 2, 2023, 11:25 AM

Would love to see New Mac compared to the vintage stuff , never seen the compare , many decades ago their amps were best of best level but Pre amps were Average , so to see the Pre amps are thought of being good today and amps thought of being avg is strange..!

Regards

**Jay's Audio Lab** · September 3, 2023, 08:29 AM

PART 3: Did They Prefer The McIntosh C1100 Preamp? Is This Hobby About Preferences? - YouTube

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