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Post by jimbo on Aug 10, 2020 5:24:02 GMT
Oh Jim!!! Don't you worry squire. I have 3 sets of large, room filling speakers we can bung in and see what happens. Cheers Oli!  |
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Post by macca on Aug 10, 2020 6:50:48 GMT
I watch with interest. Not least because we are looking to move next spring. We like the thought of having more room/open plan malarkey! Of course my little Harbeths simply wont be big enough for a large room, would they ? I also would be very tempted to invest in some Townsend Podiums or bars given enough room. I’ve heard them at Angus’s place and very impressed. Not cheap, but then what is in life? Not enough room where we are now ... but definitely where you are now😉 I need some 10-15 inch woofers! You need some transmission lines! And just so happens I have some lying around... |
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Post by firebottle on Aug 10, 2020 6:55:40 GMT
Great stuff James.
10. isn't a contradiction at all, you'll have some fun evaluating kit I'm sure.
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Post by jimbo on Aug 10, 2020 8:36:19 GMT
Great stuff James. 10. isn't a contradiction at all, you'll have some fun evaluating kit I'm sure. It will be fun and could get expensive......? |
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Post by jimbo on Aug 11, 2020 11:51:23 GMT
So I have now repaired the Spendor Sp2 speakers and they are back in action.
O my what a transformation!! We sat drop jawed last night listening to a few very well know albums and Helen said the M55e sounded more detailed and dynamic than the 2M Black! Yes it was all there and to such an extent we stopped up later listening to album after album.There was literally masses of more detail from the very fine leading edge string transients to vocals that were way beyond what i had heard before from my system. It was literally like listening to a different recording of material you thought you knew so well! And this is from a humble Lenco GL75.
What have I unleashed. This is going to be a very interesting journey.
I have one piece of music I have been listening too for years which is a live recording by Michael Hedges and the track is called Breakfast in the Field. The dynamics, harmonics and sheer top to bottom information on this track are utterly awesome. This tells me all I need to know about any part of my system and how ell it is hanging together. I played it last night and I was totally blown away!
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Post by firebottle on Aug 11, 2020 12:14:54 GMT
That is exceedingly good news James. The 'humble Lenco GL75' is a gem of a TT, I guess what you are hearing is the 'drive' that an idler TT can give.
Fabulous, I'm certainly not parting with mine.
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Post by jimbo on Aug 11, 2020 12:24:28 GMT
I was amazed at how the M55e performed. I have not heard the 2M Black in the system yet but the M55e was astonishingly good!
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Post by rexton on Aug 11, 2020 17:57:59 GMT
I need some 10-15 inch woofers!
Just buy a pair of Tannoy 15" MG, job done!
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Post by mikeyb on Aug 11, 2020 18:15:03 GMT
I need some 10-15 inch woofers!
Just buy a pair of Tannoy 15" MG, job done!
Deffo |
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Post by rexton on Aug 11, 2020 18:17:36 GMT
You need some transmission lines! And just so happens I have some lying around...
I've been after a pair for years, they are on my bucket list.
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Post by macca on Aug 12, 2020 8:11:31 GMT
I'm your man. IMF TLS 50 - £300 - cash on collection |
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Post by jimbo on Aug 12, 2020 20:27:18 GMT
Getting to know the room a bit better and evaluating speaker placement. I have read a lot of interesting articles on the subject but the chap who put me in the right direction was Art Dudley who unfortunately died earlier this year. One of the best music / audio journalists I know and a guy who would be right at home with the type of gear I enjoy. He had a music room almost exactly the same size as mine so I used his precise measurements for speaker placement. Ok they were for monster Spendor Sp100R2 but I have found they work equally as well for the modest SP2.
Listening to some critical recordings has confirmed his recommendations and bought about a lot more control of the sound. I am getting some fabulous performance out of the humble Lenco / Croft system which certainly hits the spot.
But.......
What will the VPI / 2M Black bring to the party and I could still do with bigger speakers!?
Oh and more power....  |
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Post by gninnam on Aug 16, 2020 8:42:54 GMT
Great write up Jim.
It is great when you can recreate a create memory and it sounds like you have finally arrived at nirvana.
Enjoy and pleased for you.
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Post by jimbo on Aug 16, 2020 8:54:58 GMT
Great write up Jim. It is great when you can recreate a create memory and it sounds like you have finally arrived at nirvana. Enjoy and pleased for you. Thanks Andy, it has been a long journey and it is the fulfillment of my original intentions. Only took 34 years to get there! |
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Post by brian2957 on Aug 16, 2020 8:58:24 GMT
Now that's quite an 'essay ' James . Very interesting to read where you came from with regards to the speakers . However , the last few paragraphs quite simply describe the euphoria of finding oneself nearing the end of a journey which has taken a lifetime to achieve . I don't think even you thought you would get the results you have . There's always an element of luck in achieving this kind of synergy , picking the right ( quality ) gear in the first place does play a large part in this process . I heard your system a few years ago , in a much smaller room , and came away mightily impressed with it . It just shows the ( major ) part the room plays in this process . Excellent result mate . Enjoy your system . I know you will do just that |
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Post by jimbo on Aug 16, 2020 9:12:05 GMT
Now that's quite an 'essay ' James . Very interesting to read where you came from with regards to the speakers . However , the last few paragraphs quite simply describe the euphoria if finding oneself nearing the end of a journey which has taken a lifetime to achieve . I don't think even you thought you would get the result you have . There's always an element of luck in achieving this kind of synergy , picking the right ( quality ) gear in the first place does play a large part in this process . I heard your system a few years ago , in a much smaller room , and came away mightily impressed with it . It just shows the ( major ) part the room plays in this process . Excellent result mate . Enjoy your system . I know you will do just that Thanks Brian. As you know you can set out with the best intentions with audio equipment but you never know quite how its going to turn out! Much is down to luck as much as judgement but I have always gone with my ear and with a bit of luck and meeting some great helpful people along the way it has got me to this point in my audio journey.
The last piece of the jigsaw was very important allowing my system to sound the way it does. I built my system around my speakers as they will simply step up with every improvement you make in a system.
The sound you heard in my room back in Stourbridge has returned but much more so. Helen commented last nigh how it sounded like a hologram, vocals in particular have that beguiling resonance in the room, liquid, transparent and uncannily real.
Yes the room is all important as I have learnt over the years from my friend Steve. But its a bloody expensive upgrade to make in your system! |
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Aug 16, 2020 9:34:26 GMT
Excellent result Jim and I’m glad you’ve finally got to grips with the new layout of things .
I have to agree on your thoughts about the Harbeths compared to the spendor, it’s still the same 30 odd years on . I have the new shl5+ here at the moment on temporary swapsies with my sp2/3r2 ,and although mine don’t quite dig as deep or full in the low frequencies as the Harbeths they just sound so much more ‘right’ than the shl5 . The sp2 are quite simply as me of the most well rounded speakers I’ve ever heard and I’d pick them over the shl5 any day in my system. I picked them over the compact 7 too. Even though I’ve gained a smidge more information , My system just hasn’t quite sounded right since I had them. Don’t get me wrong they are fabulous speakers but they don’t do what the Spendor does .
Now all you need is to buy my 3R2 off me for the latest SP2 experience. 😜
I’ve just nabbed a set of Dynaudio contour 30 floorstanders . I will then add a 686 and like yourself be well and truly done .
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Post by firebottle on Aug 16, 2020 9:55:52 GMT
This needed sorting....  What needs sorting James, can I be of any help? Fantastic that you are in the end of journey phase and the full potential is being realised. Can't wait to get round to hear it. |
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bigbird
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Post by bigbird on Aug 16, 2020 9:59:21 GMT
Excellent result Jim and I’m glad you’ve finally got to grips with the new layout of things . I have to agree on your thoughts about the Harbeths compared to the spendor, it’s still the same 30 odd years on . I have the new shl5+ here at the moment on temporary swapsies with my sp2/3r2 ,and although mine don’t quite dig as deep or full in the low frequencies as the Harbeths they just sound so much more ‘right’ than the shl5 . The sp2 are quite simply as me of the most well rounded speakers I’ve ever heard and I’d pick them over the shl5 any day in my system. I picked them over the compact 7 too. Even though I’ve gained a smidge more information , My system just hasn’t quite sounded right since I had them. Don’t get me wrong they are fabulous speakers but they don’t do what the Spendor does . Now all you need is to buy my 3R2 off me for the latest SP2 experience. 😜 I’ve just nabbed a set of Dynaudio contour 30 floorstanders . I will then add a 686 and like yourself be well and truly done . Your spot on Karl and I am sure that is why you have held onto the SP2s for so long.
The Dynaudios will be superb. I was going to buy some C4s but they got sold so I will happily stay with the Sp2s.
I don’t know if a year and a half is classed as long mate, but they’ve certainly been in my setup longer than any other component has managed so far so that tells you something . They are a speaker I could live with long term . It’s one of those rare Hifi product that ticks all the boxes. In fact I best keep my mouth closed otherwise I will talk myself out of selling them 🤣 |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Aug 16, 2020 11:56:50 GMT
jimboYou and i have conversed frequently over the last few months about where your system could end up, and even though there is a smidge of dissapointment that the planned exploration of gear has been vianquished by the recreation of memories from 86' I am absolutely delighted that you have managed to recreate the aural momory that sparked a 30 year HifI obsession. What strikes me is that there seems to be steady wave of 'Forumites' that are downing tools on this hobby, from an equipment trialing perspective. It's going to be a quiet Jimblog i feel, as you delve into buying vinyl to play on that lovely system of yours. I remember it vividly, in your Stourbridge abode. It had a profound effect on what i thought was achievable from a system. You may not have the highest of High frequencies, the lowest of bass octaves or even the most detail, but that system of yours was magic in how it created a living image and it's ability to disappear from the sound really struck me. I genuinely can't wait to get over and have another session. Well done, Jim. Enjoy it!
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Post by jimbo on Aug 16, 2020 12:12:52 GMT
That is very generous of you Oli but is does not mean I will not be trialing new gear in my system as this is the fun and interesting part of this hobby. And who knows.......?
What you heard back in Stourbridge has been recreated but even more so. You nailed my system attributes in your description of what it did and did not achieve but as we have found over the years it is difficult to have a system perform absolutely on every level. Compromises have to be made somewhere but I have found that overall your system needs to tick that very illusive box which is that it needs to play music in a way that satisfies and excites at the same time. You need to have that buzz that makes you keep reaching for the next bit of vinyl. My system always did that for me and now even more so.
I look forward to more adventures in hifi over the coming years and it will be interesting to hear new gear here regardless.
You are more than welcome to pop over and listen.
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Post by jimbo on Aug 16, 2020 12:14:36 GMT
Your spot on Karl and I am sure that is why you have held onto the SP2s for so long.
The Dynaudios will be superb. I was going to buy some C4s but they got sold so I will happily stay with the Sp2s.
I don’t know if a year and a half is classed as long mate, but they’ve certainly been in my setup longer than any other component has managed so far so that tells you something . They are a speaker I could live with long term . It’s one of those rare Hifi product that ticks all the boxes. In fact I best keep my mouth closed otherwise I will talk myself out of selling them 🤣 Maybe hang onto them until your are sure the Dynaudios can replace them? |
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Post by stevew on Aug 16, 2020 12:42:08 GMT
Fantastic journey.
Gotta love a happy ending.
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Post by jimbo on Aug 16, 2020 16:34:02 GMT
Fantastic journey. Gotta love a happy ending. As you know Steve, its never guaranteed with audio. I have had plenty of dead ends and low points along the way... 
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Post by stevew on Aug 16, 2020 17:04:08 GMT
Don’t talk to me about low points. I’m the man who had an Aktiv Linn system.
I’ll never get that time back.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Aug 16, 2020 17:55:53 GMT
You could get another 6" each side with a bit of shuffling? |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Aug 19, 2020 7:34:09 GMT
I'm enjoying reading about the system Jim.
It's long been said by those before us, who have done all the box swapping etc, that the room is the biggest limiting factor on the sound we can get from HiFi gear.
Such a great thing to have almost your whole house search criteria based on what the listening room will be capable of.
I am anticipating I'll enjoying your system very much...when I get a chance to pop over
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Post by stevew on Aug 19, 2020 8:00:10 GMT
I’m really enjoying reading about your system as well Jim.
Particularly pertinent to me as we work slowly towards a house move.
I’m especially impressed that your speakers are effectively free standing and backed by glass ( so much for needing a solid wall for base reinforcement). On top of which a dedicated equipment stand seems to be overshadowed by benefits of the room acoustics.
Reminds me of hearing the system/ placement that Angus has. That sounded awesome too.
Happy days.
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Post by jimbo on Aug 19, 2020 8:28:58 GMT
I'm enjoying reading about the system Jim. It's long been said by those before us, who have done all the box swapping etc, that the room is the biggest limiting factor on the sound we can get from HiFi gear. Such a great thing to have almost your whole house search criteria based on what the listening room will be capable of. I am anticipating I'll enjoying your system very much...when I get a chance to pop over SO many years spent in Steves room convinced me that this had a massive effect on what and how you hear. 80-90% of what you hear is reflected and obviously the speakers work different when in free space.
I think you maybe suprised when you come to listen as it has the same signature sound you heard but much more open and revealing. It will be interesting if you bring some vinyl you know well so you can maybe hear the diferences?
Looking forward to it  |
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Post by jimbo on Aug 19, 2020 8:38:11 GMT
I’m really enjoying reading about your system as well Jim. Particularly pertinent to me as we work slowly towards a house move. I’m especially impressed that your speakers are effectively free standing and backed by glass ( so much for needing a solid wall for base reinforcement). On top of which a dedicated equipment stand seems to be overshadowed by benefits of the room acoustics. Reminds me of hearing the system/ placement that Angus has. That sounded awesome too. Happy days. It is a real eye or should I say ear opener. The benefits are huge Steve and it opens up so many more possibilities. The bigger the room the less limited you are in speaker choice etc.
But I would say now I am getting a handle on the changed acoustic enviroment that the biggest change is the revealing of so much more detail and the presenation of that detail. The layering of harmonics from acoustic instruments, the recorded ambience ( real or studi engineered), the full range of vocal articulation you never knew was there, the list goes on.
As I wrote earlier this morning the amount of information you never knew you had in those grooves is astonishing. It really is like listening to a different recording.
I do have the curtains shut at night and there will be more furniture in the room eventually which will change the acoustic again but so far it is very promising and way more than I was expecting.
Hope you get a nice sized room in your next house! |
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