What's surprised you gear or cable wise?

[Alkyogre]

Demonstratie: Wandcontactdoos van de elektrische installatie - outlet electrical wiring - YouTube

This vid declares why a separate group in the fuse box helps. Sorry it is in Dutch and it is not an audiophilic vid, but it is a nice experiment how voltage to your gear can change by other electrical items.

Point is that other stuff hooked on that same group causes a voltage drop and variability’s in the power line

Separate your gear at the fuse box will result in a much cleaner and more stable power input

 

[Mike Lavigne]

back in 2012-2013 i had purchased a few Lp's with female vocals where i heard distortion in some vocal spots very noticeable. in 2 cases i returned the pressings as defective, were sent another, they had the issue too. i was very confused. but then moved on......

in 2012 i had upgraded my Evolution Acoustics MM3 speakers to twin tower MM7 speakers. the bass towers were -3db at 7hz and -6db at 3hz. they sounded great.

in early 2013 i decided to buy a Herzan TS-140 active isolation device for under my Wave Kinetics NVS turntable.

eventually i happened to play one of these female vocal tracks and i was very surprised that the distortion was gone. i had not previously connected the events, but my MM7 bass towers 6 feet from my NVS turntable had added enough bass energy to change the equation for proper isolation for it. the standard 'shaker' isolation platform for the NVS was not capable enough for my 'extreme' situation.

i was maybe the first guy (or one of the first) using an active device, now it's much more common. and my -5- current Taiko 'Tana Systems' are quite more advanced than the naked Herzan units were/are.

so if you notice an upper bass distortion in the grooves, careful where you point the finger.

 

[JCS123]

Fuses did nothing.
Software in digital playback really matters.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That's SO true about software, Mike. When I come across a product that just flat-out works as advertised - software and hardware working together like a well-oiled machine, I am a very happy camper. I can think of no finer example in my experience than the LUMIN D2 and T2 that I own. I'm so happy with the sound from these units that I have no desire to invest considerable money in Roon or any other software solution.

Saving up for what I hope LUMIN decides to make at some point - an integrated amp - something like the P1 and AMP in the same enclosure. I have no reason to doubt that the engineers at LUMIN can pull it off. Who knows if they're even working on such a product, but one can dream...

 

[Puma Cat]

That's SO true about software, Mike. When I come across a product that just flat-out works as advertised - software and hardware working together like a well-oiled machine, I am a very happy camper. I can think of no finer example in my experience than the LUMIN D2 and T2 that I own. I'm so happy with the sound from these units that I have no desire to invest considerable money in Roon or any other software solution.

Saving up for what I hope LUMIN decides to make at some point - an integrated amp - something like the P1 and AMP in the same enclosure. I have no reason to doubt that the engineers at LUMIN can pull it off. Who knows if they're even working on such a product, but one can dream...

Another really happy Lumin customer here, too. And like you, I'm so happy with the sound from my P1 I have no desire to invest other software solutions, as well.

And, I agree, an integrated amp like the P1 and AMP would be very cool, indeed.

 

[stereogeek]

My biggest audio surprise in the last 10 years or so? How good this ridiculous Carver Black Magic 25 wpc amp sounds with my Volti's. I have been looking (kinda) for a "higher end" amp to replace this thing, but I just can't do it as sounds excellent. Second place goes to my Ayon preamp, it blew away my previous preamp so bad there were small groups of people gathering in my front yard holding candles....

 

[mulveling]

1. Tannoy speakers with Dual Concentric drivers.
Early 2000s I was transitioning from headphones to dipping my toes into speaker waters, and most of the speakers I'd heard to that point had very poor "coherence" (for lack of a better term), where I found it hard to enjoy music. When I first heard these, it was like everything snapped into focus. I wanted to throw my new Polk LSi15 in the trash lol. I still run Tannoys today. Probably always will. I like both tulip and pepperpot driver variants - each has its pros and cons!

2. Koetsu cartridges.
Circa 2007, I first noticed these in the MusicDirect catalog at insane prices. They were pretty little boxes, but the prices were too ludicrous to be true. No WAY that price is justified, I thought. Then I got a chance to borrow a crusty old Onyx (vintage 80s/90s model) - why not? It completely blew away my new Ortofon Windfeld MC. I was gobsmacked. Pure, unfiltered music magic. It was like the Tannoy speaker thing all over again - like I was hearing all my music again for the first time. I was hooked. Now my little Koetsu collection is like family, and will not be sold. RIP Fumihiko Sugano.

3. Stax Headphones w/ T2 amplifier
After various sessions with SRM-007 left me unimpressed, I first heard SRM-009 with a DIY T2 amp (quite a beast) circa 2014, and it was quite clearly the pinnacle of headphone achievement. It still is IMO, though others have closed the gap and now compete as alternative flavors. The DIY T2 amp absolutely clobbers the (to be sure, excellent) Blue Hawaii SE in direct comparison.

4. VAC Master 300 Monoblocks
I didn't expect these to be a significant upgrade over my VAC 200iQ monos. My speakers are 96dB efficient! But I agreed to give them a listen at home - because that would cost me nothing, right (lol)? They were a freaking HUGE upgrade. Several months later and I STILL can't believe what I'm hearing. Absolutely transformative effects. Single most significant component upgrade in my history. The only amp I've heard so far that does EVERYTHING right and NOTHING wrong (other than price haha)

 

[Michaels HiFi]

1. Tannoy speakers with Dual Concentric drivers.
Early 2000s I was transitioning from headphones to dipping my toes into speaker waters, and most of the speakers I'd heard to that point had very poor "coherence" (for lack of a better term), where I found it hard to enjoy music. When I first heard these, it was like everything snapped into focus. I wanted to throw my new Polk LSi15 in the trash lol. I still run Tannoys today. Probably always will. I like both tulip and pepperpot driver variants - each has its pros and cons!

2. Koetsu cartridges.
Circa 2007, I first noticed these in the MusicDirect catalog at insane prices. They were pretty little boxes, but the prices were too ludicrous to be true. No WAY that price is justified, I thought. Then I got a chance to borrow a crusty old Onyx (vintage 80s/90s model) - why not? It completely blew away my new Ortofon Windfeld MC. I was gobsmacked. Pure, unfiltered music magic. It was like the Tannoy speaker thing all over again - like I was hearing all my music again for the first time. I was hooked. Now my little Koetsu collection is like family, and will not be sold. RIP Fumihiko Sugano.

3. Stax Headphones w/ T2 amplifier
After various sessions with SRM-007 left me unimpressed, I first heard SRM-009 with a DIY T2 amp (quite a beast) circa 2014, and it was quite clearly the pinnacle of headphone achievement. It still is IMO, though others have closed the gap and now compete as alternative flavors. The DIY T2 amp absolutely clobbers the (to be sure, excellent) Blue Hawaii SE in direct comparison.

4. VAC Master 300 Monoblocks
I didn't expect these to be a significant upgrade over my VAC 200iQ monos. My speakers are 96dB efficient! But I agreed to give them a listen at home - because that would cost me nothing, right (lol)? They were a freaking HUGE upgrade. Several months later and I STILL can't believe what I'm hearing. Absolutely transformative effects. Single most significant component upgrade in my history. The only amp I've heard so far that does EVERYTHING right and NOTHING wrong (other than price haha)

I've always wondered how their larger models would compare against my Klipsh La Scala's in terms of being able to 1) sound effortless at loud volume and have no compression and 2) daily fill up a very larger room like I have.

 

[Shadowfax]

I've always wondered how their larger models would compare against my Klipsh La Scala's in terms of being able to 1) sound effortless at loud volume and have no compression and 2) daily fill up a very larger room like I have.

The new Fyne Vintage 15s should do it

 

[mxk116]

OK guys - in your experience in this hobby, what's one of the biggest surprises you've had about a piece of gear or cable you've listened to - either good or bad?

Two surprises for me, both very good;

Westminster Labs Rei monoblock amps caused me to rethink my preconceived notions that Class A amps had to be enormous and run hot to sound exceptional.

And the PSI Audio AVAA active bass traps really work without dominating the landscape.

 

[mulveling]

I've always wondered how their larger models would compare against my Klipsh La Scala's in terms of being able to 1) sound effortless at loud volume and have no compression and 2) daily fill up a very larger room like I have.

If you want to compete with 105dB efficiency of LaScalas, then I imagine you've got to fight horns with horns. That would mean the Tannoy Westminster model, which is the only horn loaded Tannoy (at least until you go way back in time). LaScalas still win efficiency at 105 dB vs 99, but Westminsters kill LaScalas in bass extension (18 Hz !!). Not sure if you're using a sub in your setup? But that's the classic tradeoff - bass extension versus efficiency.

I have 15" Canterbury GR - same driver as Westminster, but in a more traditional / simple vented box. They're VERY effortless, dynamic, and room filling for a traditional box speaker - but I image it will still be a different feel than what you're used to with horns. Same deal with the Fyne Vintage 15, which is structured like Canterbury with some minor differences in porting and driver materials.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

If you want to compete with 105dB efficiency of LaScalas, then I imagine you've got to fight horns with horns. That would mean the Tannoy Westminster model, which is the only horn loaded Tannoy (at least until you go way back in time). LaScalas still win efficiency at 105 dB vs 99, but Westminsters kill LaScalas in bass extension (18 Hz !!). Not sure if you're using a sub in your setup? But that's the classic tradeoff - bass extension versus efficiency.

I have 15" Canterbury GR - same driver as Westminster, but in a more traditional / simple vented box. They're VERY effortless, dynamic, and room filling for a traditional box speaker - but I image it will still be a different feel than what you're used to with horns. Same deal with the Fyne Vintage 15, which is structured like Canterbury with some minor differences in porting and driver materials.

Thanks for the thoughts and I agree with what you've said. Yes I am running a 16" sub as the La Scala's as you mentioned drop like a rock below 50-60hz.

I've had my eye on Tannoy, but wonder if there will be a change since they recently moved the top of the line speakers over to China vs Scotland. I'm guessing yours are made in Scotland?

I agree there is next to nothing that will touch the efficiency of the La Scala's, so I would consider anything in the mid-90's on up for efficiency as that would still be really efficient.

Thanks again.

 

[mulveling]

Thanks for the thoughts and I agree with what you've said. Yes I am running a 16" sub as the La Scala's as you mentioned drop like a rock below 50-60hz.

I've had my eye on Tannoy, but wonder if there will be a change since they recently moved the top of the line speakers over to China vs Scotland. I'm guessing yours are made in Scotland?

I agree there is next to nothing that will touch the efficiency of the La Scala's, so I would consider anything in the mid-90's on up for efficiency as that would still be really efficient.

Thanks again.

Yes, mine are from 2017 and presumably made in Scotland. We're still basically in the dark about where Tannoy Prestige is actually made today - probably a bit here, a bit there. In a Facebook Group, someone posted photos of Prestige driver parts in boxes marked from China (not 100% verifiable, of course). BUT to their credit, they looked like the normal high quality, using the usual: paper/pulp cone, treated textile surrounds, pepperpot phase plug, large alnico magnet. Fyne is made in Scotland but still avoids using such costly materials? I've been a fan of Tannoy for 20 years and communication with & from Tannoy has ALWAYS been exceedingly poor, sadly

 

[Hounddog]

Many things have been awesome, but surprises include the Chord Professional, the DSAudio Grandmaster EX, various grounding things (Chord LineAray, CAD, Nordost QKore (multiple) and the impact of upgrading the breaker box serving my room (separate ground field), moving to 20 amp dedicated lines, and the list goes on. Things that I was expecting to be great and were in fact, great, include my TAD R-1 MK IIs, DartZeel Monoblocks and pre and REL six pack. Basically, virtually all of it amazes me every day.

 

[stereogeek]

I have already posted about which components were very surprising to me. However, my biggest surprise in this crazy hobby was going from big amps and inefficient speakers to small amps and high efficiency speakers. It's a whole different type of sound and I like it. Cheers all.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

I have already posted about which components were very surprising to me. However, my biggest surprise in this crazy hobby was going from big amps and inefficient speakers to small amps and high efficiency speakers. It's a whole different type of sound and I like it. Cheers all.

I agree. My current speakers are about 105db and love it.

 

[stereogeek]

What's weird is you would think that the ability to get loud would be a high efficiency speaker's best feature, but it's not. The ability to use smaller (and quite frequently, better sounding) amplifiers and the smaller movements of the drivers which result in lower distortion is what I believe to be key advantages. Paul Klipsch said, "what this country needs is a good 5-watt amplifier" (or something like that).

 

[Michaels HiFi]

What's weird is you would think that the ability to get loud would be a high efficiency speaker's best feature, but it's not. The ability to use smaller (and quite frequently, better sounding) amplifiers and the smaller movements of the drivers which result in lower distortion is what I believe to be key advantages. Paul Klipsch said, "what this country needs is a good 5-watt amplifier" (or something like that).

Well said. Sometimes I listen at crazy high levels. And the absolute total lack of any distortion from my La Scala's, and how totally compression-free vocals sound make me want to hug the speakers sometimes.

My only issue is their slight lack of bass. I actually think the BEST sound I have gotten out of them to date was with a 20 watt Luxman tube amp. I miss that sound.

 

[W9TR]

Great listening experiences:
The first time I heard Ohm F's properly setup. Amazing. I still have a pair and think MBL 101E's would be my desert island speaker.
The first time I heard Klipschorns and McIntosh MC 30 tube amps. Didn't think they could sound as good as they did. Very dynamic.
The first time I heard Quad Electrostatics.

Surprises:
Speaker cables made a big difference in clarity and soundstage.
XLR interconnects didn't make any difference - couldn't identify $$$$ vs $ when a friend swapped them out randomly.
USB cables and isolators made a difference when I didn't think they should.
Fuses made zero difference.
An optical break prior to my streamer made a big difference in clarity. Changes upstream of that made zero difference.
Shunyata power cables made a big difference
My homemade grounding system made as much difference as the power cables.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

USB cables and isolators made a difference when I didn't think they should.
.

This is a big one. I was pretty shocked when I tested 15 different cheap switches (I did a series of videos on this) and found a significant sound difference between them.

Same with USB cables. If you believe the forum fools they say it's all 1's and 0's and can't make a difference. Glad I educated myself (with the help of Puma Cat) and decided to actually try listening with my own ears.

 

[Mr Peabody]

My friend has Tannoy, I forget the model. I was shocked at the bass response and it seems they do hold together very well at high volume. I think his are one of the high level 10 inch models.

Another speaker that was absolutely crystal clear at very high volume are Zu Audio. Also a speaker that requires a sub.