Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 19, 2021 15:02:01 GMT
I've been thinking about this, and have mentioned it a few times on forums, but no one has taken the bait, tried it and reported back.  There isn't much on the internet, but what there is seems good, and it does look good value. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171972995093 and there's different lengths available. They did a cable with UP-OCC-A. "PCOCC-A is an annealed version of PCOCC (mono crystalline high purity OFC) that was designed by Dr. Atsumi Ohno, - a Professors of Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan." This stuff also had Tourmaline in the jacket, which is whats contained in a lot of those Entreq Grounding boxes. It had a shield offering 100% coverage and i can tell you now, i have NEVER seen it for sale ANYWHERE. Or i would have bout 6m of it in a heartbeat. The only issue i have with your linked cable is that it's 1.8mm2 conductor cross section. I like a minimum of 2.5mm2. If you buy it, i'll try it. Other than that, we'll never know! lol |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 19, 2021 21:24:33 GMT
Fitted the spikes to the speakers today and it's quite obviously added a little sharpness to the soundstage. We haven't ventured into a negative there by the way, just another little bonus.
Spent 20mins leveling the left speaker with the bubble and imaging seems a bit clearer and more precise. I'll attack the right one tomorrow.
Think I have placement pretty much nailed on and I have managed to get the tweeters 135cm apart. I'll be able to get about 180-200cms once the Piano is out and I shift the rack and guitars.
That should still allow about 40cms from the rear and side walls.
Some acoustic panels placed strategically should limit any reflections in the alcove next to the right speaker and a bit by the left speaker should take that 1st reflection point too.
Plans for some heavier duty soft furnishings (curtains) between the glass doors and the rear of the speakers should help further.
I may just rockwool the entire wall 🤣
Might be pushing my luck.
Anyway, all simple and affordable steps to give the speakers a better environment to perform in and that's a huge positive.
Listening to "The sound of the Three blind mice" tonight and it's fantastic. They haven't sounded this good before.
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Post by antonio on May 19, 2021 22:43:36 GMT
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171972995093Looks the same as the old one but have checked and it works.  I didn't realise your speakers were quite a close until you quoted the measurements, moving the piano is really going to make a difference, and I also think curtains and a few acoustic panels may also help, with these things, you never know until you try. Have thought about some acoustic panels for my brother's room, but never got round to trying them, his system does however sound very good, but could it be better?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 19, 2021 23:24:26 GMT
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171972995093Looks the same as the old one but have checked and it works. I didn't realise your speakers were quite a close until you quoted the measurements, moving the piano is really going to make a difference, and I also think curtains and a few acoustic panels may also help, with these things, you never know until you try. Have thought about some acoustic panels for my brother's room, but never got round to trying them, his system does however sound very good, but could it be better? Yeah, i am in a really small space, so having a piano inhere is very limiting. There will be a big change once it is out and the guitars and the system are shuffled about a bit. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 15:14:17 GMT
"The 50 hours mark" review now added to the original post on page 1
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Post by macca on May 20, 2021 16:00:15 GMT
I keep looking into this thread with trepidation hoping not to see some crashing disappointment, good to see that's not happened.
I've had set ups where I've played say 20 albums and been happy then you get to album 21 and it's 'On no this is all wrong!'
seems like you've gone through enough material now that that's not going to happen.
Ultimately best to forget all the minutiae like bass and treble soundstage and all that and use the ultimate test - the subconscious test.
Are you being drawn to the system like a moth to a flame, listening to music even when you have other things that you really should be getting on with instead (including but not limited to eating and sleeping)?
That's when you really know you've cracked it. Does sound like you might be there.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2021 16:23:35 GMT
Give it a few weeks Macca....
I hope it does not happen, but it is still early days yet.
It sounds like they are really doing the job. If they don’t, does anybody know what headphones you can use with a 686?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 16:24:52 GMT
I keep looking into this thread with trepidation hoping not to see some crashing disappointment, good to see that's not happened. I've had set ups where I've played say 20 albums and been happy then you get to album 21 and it's 'On no this is all wrong!' seems like you've gone through enough material now that that's not going to happen. Ultimately best to forget all the minutiae like bass and treble soundstage and all that and use the ultimate test - the subconscious test. Are you being drawn to the system like a moth to a flame, listening to music even when you have other things that you really should be getting on with instead (including but not limited to eating and sleeping)? That's when you really know you've cracked it. Does sound like you might be there. I've got 16 BB3's to build and i have done NOTHING for the last 3 days lol (not quite true) I was awake at 06;00 thinking about what i was going to play next, and i didn't switch off the system until 22:30 last night. I plan on having another late session today and possibly an hour in the morning before doing something with a phonostage lol. Sorry Dan. I'd say i've cracked it lol Honestlty mate, even you would appreciate these speakers and i know you had severe reservations about them. We'll have to get you down for a listen. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 16:26:40 GMT
Give it a few weeks Macca.... I hope it does not happen, but it is still early days yet. It sounds like they are really doing the job. If they don’t, does anybody know what headphones you can use with a 686? Kevin, they are keepers. 100%. I promise you. Just like when the 686 landed and i hit it with everything that has tripped up all the amps that came before it. I knew how good it was straight off the bat. These Q's are of the same type of WOW moment. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2021 16:29:57 GMT
What is next then?
I guess the dedicated listening room?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 16:38:55 GMT
What is next then? I guess the dedicated listening room? Yes, that has to be the next piece of the puzzle. I have a system here that would only improve in a dedicated space, rather than crumble in it. I've been relentless in the pursuit of this and i always knew it would get to the point where it would outgrow the house. Only one item MAY tempt me to spend money, and that would be an Ortofon Vienna or Winfeld for the right price. Alan and i still have the BB Ultimate to get over the line too, so i am far from done, but major spending will now definitly be put on the backburner. |
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2021 16:50:33 GMT
"Ortofon Vienna or Winfeld" and "but major spending will now definitely be put on the backburner" in the the same post....
I await the review of the new cartridge in a few months....
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Post by macca on May 20, 2021 16:57:25 GMT
I keep looking into this thread with trepidation hoping not to see some crashing disappointment, good to see that's not happened. I've had set ups where I've played say 20 albums and been happy then you get to album 21 and it's 'On no this is all wrong!' seems like you've gone through enough material now that that's not going to happen. Ultimately best to forget all the minutiae like bass and treble soundstage and all that and use the ultimate test - the subconscious test. Are you being drawn to the system like a moth to a flame, listening to music even when you have other things that you really should be getting on with instead (including but not limited to eating and sleeping)? That's when you really know you've cracked it. Does sound like you might be there. I've got 16 BB3's to build and i have done NOTHING for the last 3 days lol (not quite true) I was awake at 06;00 thinking about what i was going to play next, and i didn't switch off the system until 22:30 last night. I plan on having another late session today and possibly an hour in the morning before doing something with a phonostage lol. Sorry Dan. I'd say i've cracked it lol Honestlty mate, even you would appreciate these speakers and i know you had severe reservations about them. We'll have to get you down for a listen. I didn't have serious reservations - I mean they measure very well and the cabs are properly built and damped. The only reservation I had is that they are not a three-way design. But I appreciate you had to get something which doesn't have a bass driver near to the floor, which rules out pretty much all floor standing three-ways. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 17:02:00 GMT
I've got 16 BB3's to build and i have done NOTHING for the last 3 days lol (not quite true) I was awake at 06;00 thinking about what i was going to play next, and i didn't switch off the system until 22:30 last night. I plan on having another late session today and possibly an hour in the morning before doing something with a phonostage lol. Sorry Dan. I'd say i've cracked it lol Honestlty mate, even you would appreciate these speakers and i know you had severe reservations about them. We'll have to get you down for a listen. I didn't have serious reservations - I mean they measure very well and the cabs are properly built and damped. The only reservation I had is that they are not a three-way design. But I appreciate you had to get something which doesn't have a bass driver near to the floor, which rules out pretty much all floor standing three-ways. Not to mention the D'apollito design. Yeah, sacrifices have (for once) paid off. |
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Post by mikeyb on May 20, 2021 17:03:29 GMT
16 and a 1/2 😉 😂😂😂
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 17:05:46 GMT
"Ortofon Vienna or Winfeld" and "but major spending will now definitely be put on the backburner" in the the same post.... I await the review of the new cartridge in a few months.... Hahaha, look, If a Vienna came up at any moment in time, i would buy it. Regardless. The wife knows this, the bank knows this, and that fund is already ringfenced for that to happen. Seeing as i have waited for 3 years in hope of one surfacing and there has not been a single glimmer of hope, i recently added in the Winfeld. But that would have to be nearly new and close enough for me to go and view etc. I'm not looking for one, just saying if one came up...i'd buy it. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 17:06:36 GMT
oh Sh#t  Right, i'd better put you on the list too lol |
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dt79
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Post by dt79 on May 20, 2021 17:13:12 GMT
I keep looking into this thread with trepidation hoping not to see some crashing disappointment, good to see that's not happened. I've had set ups where I've played say 20 albums and been happy then you get to album 21 and it's 'On no this is all wrong!' seems like you've gone through enough material now that that's not going to happen. Ultimately best to forget all the minutiae like bass and treble soundstage and all that and use the ultimate test - the subconscious test. Are you being drawn to the system like a moth to a flame, listening to music even when you have other things that you really should be getting on with instead (including but not limited to eating and sleeping)? That's when you really know you've cracked it. Does sound like you might be there. I've got 16 BB3's to build and i have done NOTHING for the last 3 days lol (not quite true) I was awake at 06;00 thinking about what i was going to play next, and i didn't switch off the system until 22:30 last night. I plan on having another late session today and possibly an hour in the morning before doing something with a phonostage lol. Sorry Dan. I'd say i've cracked it lol Honestlty mate, even you would appreciate these speakers and i know you had severe reservations about them. We'll have to get you down for a listen. Ha ha, no worries. You’re obviously enjoying yourself so I can’t begrudge you a little time off  Glad the ‘500s are working out for you. I’ve always been interested to hear them, but I showed a photo of them to the boss and was given an unequivocal ‘no’, so that’s that! |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 17:15:32 GMT
I've got 16 BB3's to build and i have done NOTHING for the last 3 days lol (not quite true) I was awake at 06;00 thinking about what i was going to play next, and i didn't switch off the system until 22:30 last night. I plan on having another late session today and possibly an hour in the morning before doing something with a phonostage lol. Sorry Dan. I'd say i've cracked it lol Honestlty mate, even you would appreciate these speakers and i know you had severe reservations about them. We'll have to get you down for a listen. Ha ha, no worries. You’re obviously enjoying yourself so I can’t begrudge you a little time off Glad the ‘500s are working out for you. I’ve always been interested to hear them, but I showed a photo of them to the boss and was given an unequivocal ‘no’, so that’s that! You are welcome to come and have a listen and then return home to lobby the gaffer with a renewd enthusiasm! Don't worry anyway, i took your front panel to the machine shop today for the logo. I am hoping to have your phonostage done next week. all being well. |
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Post by mikeyb on May 20, 2021 21:16:03 GMT
oh Sh#t Right, i'd better put you on the list too lol 😂 You know there's no rush, |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 20, 2021 21:51:32 GMT
oh Sh#t Right, i'd better put you on the list too lol 😂 You know there's no rush, Good job 🤣🤣 |
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Post by jandl100 on May 21, 2021 4:24:35 GMT
Congrats on your new speakers, Oli, sounds like they are a great match for your listening space.
Rhodium plated contacts don't work sonically for me, either. There's an initially impressive but long term wearing 'edge' to the sound imo.
I'm quite surprised to read that you are spiking the Qs. Spikes are another initially impressive but false item to my ears. Better to raise the speakers an inch or 3 off the floor by other means imo. I'm seriously into the wobbly speaker support ethos these days. Auralex speaker pads and some wobbly American rubbery footers that I forget the name of suit me well without busting the budget.
Personally I've grown away from desiring a pin sharp audio image/sound. Once again "impressive" but imo real music in a real performing space doesn't actually sound like that.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 21, 2021 13:21:59 GMT
Congrats on your new speakers, Oli, sounds like they are a great match for your listening space. Rhodium plated contacts don't work sonically for me, either. There's an initially impressive but long term wearing 'edge' to the sound imo. I'm quite surprised to read that you are spiking the Qs. Spikes are another initially impressive but false item to my ears. Better to raise the speakers an inch or 3 off the floor by other means imo. I'm seriously into the wobbly speaker support ethos these days. Auralex speaker pads and some wobbly American rubbery footers that I forget the name of suit me well without busting the budget. Personally I've grown away from desiring a pin sharp audio image/sound. Once again "impressive" but imo real music in a real performing space doesn't actually sound like that. Thanks, Jerry. YES! Thats exactly what happens. Rhodium gives a hard fatiguing edge and we have seen the distortions it caused with our own eyes. Again, yes....i am 100% in the camp of decoupling the speakers BUT, one of the things to be aware of here, is that the speakers are very tall and very narrow. There is no way i would feel that they were secure in their position on Auralex pads. I may put them on some Townsehend Podiums IF i cam be 100% sure i can bolt the base plate to the speaker. If not, then they will be spiked for now. "Personally I've grown away from desiring a pin sharp audio image/sound. Once again "impressive" but imo real music in a real performing space doesn't actually sound like that. " Yes, i agree with you. That hard, razor sharp, scalpel cut and delivered on a forensically cleaned stainless steel tray type of thing is not what i am after. No way Jose! What i am talking about it resolution and focus. Removing the slightly blurred clean outlines that you get when you don't quite have toe-in right etc. Think of those Spotfire cables you bought. "focused" i think is how you described them. That is what i am after. It still has to remain human-like and natural. |
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Post by antonio on May 21, 2021 15:17:10 GMT
" I plan on having another late session today and possibly an hour in the morning before doing something with a phonostage lol. Sorry Dan." I can see nothing wrong in having a late session, and an hour in the morning, BUT, not with a phonostage you sad sod. I will keep my eyes open for some cheaper isolation suggestions for your speakers, I agree about not using spikes. |
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Post by antonio on May 23, 2021 3:11:55 GMT
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Post by macca on May 23, 2021 8:14:16 GMT
The internal vibration beads are made of natural Brazilian crystal, which is precise and flawless! Show the sweetness, moisture and incomparable vitality from natural crystal to the greatest extent! She is bright and bright, but not harsh, just like the morning sun spreading all over the room, both bright and comfortable!Nature is also wooden, which is closer to nature and has a higher degree of reductionLol Not actually seeing any kind of anti-vibration engineering principles at work there, it's just a wooden block with a little crystal ball inside. What the crystal is supposed to doing is anyone's guess.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2021 8:33:30 GMT
I bought some Isopucks, as they are actually based on research, and are a professional audio product.
The Gaia would look nicer, but the “bases” of my speakers don’t have threaded inserts, and being glass, won’t be easy to modify.
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Post by firebottle on May 23, 2021 11:46:09 GMT
WOW, just WOW.
Had a listen to the Q Concept 500 this morning. Everything you could wish for, balance, extension, CLARITY, timbre, image to die for.
They aren't cheap speakers nor are they mega expensive but by jimminy they are GOOD.
On the end of a system with first class pedigree they are all you need..
So pleased they have settled Oli's room problems too, they play very nicely.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on May 23, 2021 11:58:58 GMT
WOW, just WOW. Had a listen to the Q Concept 500 this morning. Everything you could wish for, balance, extension, CLARITY, timbre, image to die for. They aren't cheap speakers nor are they mega expensive but by jimminy they are GOOD. On the end of a system with first class pedigree they are all you need.. So pleased they have settled Oli's room problems too, they play very nicely. Not bad are they. 😉 |
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Post by iceman16 on May 23, 2021 13:03:37 GMT
Oli,
Have you experiment with their placement or room position? IME speaker positioning is very vital in achieving great sound. Pulling speakers them from the back wall even an inch will make a massive difference ime especially in a smaller room.
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There isn't much on the internet, but what there is seems good, and it does look good value.
