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1: Speaker Asylum, RE: Duelund Speaker Cables for High Efficiency Speakers (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2021-02-05, 12:04:22 (73.106.165.75)
I've used them for many years with my modified Tannoy Canterburys (96 dB). With the Canterbury, I preferred the overall tone of the 12 ga. to the 16ga. Until the 12 ga. finally came out, I was complet .......
2: Speaker Asylum, RE: Fyne Audio F502SP - an early Review (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2021-02-04, 13:29:29 (73.106.165.75)
"I know Jim Smith (Get Good Sound) just worked with a pair of 702s and updated changes in sound over 1000 hours of use stating they changed back and forth over time before settling in so I will not .......
3: Cable Asylum, RE: Sonic effect of speaker cable under the house in cold weather (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-11-24, 11:46:20 (73.106.165.75)
Wow! The self-seal pipe insulation looks too good not to try. Thanks! .......
4: Cable Asylum, Thanks to everyone! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-11-23, 07:56:21 (73.106.165.75)
I was unsure of the consequences, and you helped me to make up my mind - go for it! Thanks! .......
5: Cable Asylum, Sonic effect of speaker cable under the house in cold weather (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-11-22, 03:05:33 (73.106.165.75)
Due to my room layout, I have an option to run speaker cables (12 ga Duelund unshielded) in my dedicated room directly to the speakers from the amp with quite a savings in length if I run the cable do .......
6: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Your HELP Is Needed (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-08-19, 10:11:39 (73.106.165.75)
Mike is AudioShark.org and Suncoast Audio. He is the most helpful dealer of which I am aware. Plus, he knows computer audio inside & out. .......
7: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Your HELP Is Needed (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-08-19, 08:38:25 (73.106.165.75)
Tom, Have you checked with Mike Bovaird? .......
8: Speaker Asylum, RE: The resistors would be absorbing half the amplifier power (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-08-07, 12:17:24 (73.106.165.75)
THANKS!!! .......
9: Speaker Asylum, RE: 4 Ohm - 8 Ohm? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-08-07, 10:00:13 (73.106.165.75)
Seems as if someone could offer super-high quality resistors (or some kind of add-on kit) for getting the speakers to produce a higher impedance load... .......
10: Cable Asylum, RE: Is 16 gauge speaker wite ok to use with my Merlin TSMBME (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-06-23, 04:15:23 (73.106.165.75)
For several years, I preferred the 16 GA with my Tannoy Canterburys. When the 12 GA became available, I tried it and preferred it overall. The pricing is per cable, per meter. IMO, this is most likely .......
11: General Asylum, RE: Art Dudley RIP (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-04-15, 12:04:38 (73.106.165.75)
I posted this on Facebook yesterday: Oh my.... I first met Art at Bob Visintainer's shop back in 2001, when I was the distributor for Avantgarde Acoustic. What a class act. After he stopped producing .......
12: Cable Asylum, RE: Biwire cable layout (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-03-12, 12:23:19 (73.106.165.173)
Thanks! GetBetterSound.com is my website and I did write the Get Better Sound book and produce the DVDs - almost 12 years ago... .......
13: Cable Asylum, RE: Biwire cable layout (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-03-12, 09:34:30 (73.106.165.173)
Hopefully, to be more clear, I do not mean combining left & right channel cables. Only the bass & treble cables within each channel. .......
14: Cable Asylum, Biwire cable layout (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2020-03-12, 09:31:20 (73.106.165.173)
I have two pairs of unshielded Duelund cables for bi-wiring my speakers. Assuming the 16 ga. treble pair & the 12 ga. bass pair are both lightly twisted in one direction, what to with the 2 pair in ea .......
15: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Lightning has just jumped an air gap of a mile... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-09-09, 03:01:11 (73.106.165.173)
Thanks! I tend to agree. I thought it was too easy to be true, but some self-styled local 'experts' thought it'd be fine. .......
16: Tweakers' Asylum, Component electrical safety in a violent thunderstorm (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-09-08, 12:14:06 (73.106.165.173)
Is it possible for a strong lightning strike to jump across a main panel circuit breaker switch that has been thrown to the 'off' position? .......
17: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Early Avantgarde Unos and Duos - Ditching the Scaffolding (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-06-04, 09:10:51 (67.191.254.142)
I Like!!! .......
18: General Asylum, I have a problem with retirement... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-03-05, 13:03:06 (76.20.233.40)
I work in my hobby... ;) .......
19: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: CJ polarity? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-03-04, 13:12:56 (76.20.233.40)
"A friend who knows much more about electronics than I do suggested it has to do with the number of gain stages. If that is an odd number polarity will be reversed. Does this make sense?" AFAIK, yes. .......
20: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Speaking of CJ.....I don't get it. Why so much gain in their preamps? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-03-04, 10:06:10 (76.20.233.40)
For me, with their highest-end preamps (ART & GAT), it's not so much about the gain, it's the reversed absolute polarity. When that is compensated for, they are wonderful. IMO, of course... ::: TOPIC: .......
21: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Which discs? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2019-03-03, 11:40:45 (76.20.233.40)
AYRE IBE .......
22: General Asylum, 2000-02-23 n/t (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-12-04, 10:23:30 (76.20.233.40)
n/t .......
23: General Asylum, RE: California Audio Show Next Weekend In Oakland (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-07-21, 09:31:49 (174.49.82.245)
Jack, interested to see your evaluation of the Pure Audio Project speakers. I've not heard them but they look interesting, especially at the price. .......
24: Cable Asylum, RE: Norm Luttbeg (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-06-06, 09:17:28 (174.49.82.245)
Thanks Mike, Wasn't actually looking for him, just wondering what happened to his usual posts here, on Audiogon, etc... .......
25: Cable Asylum, Norm Luttbeg (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-06-03, 08:07:13 (174.49.82.245)
Has anyone heard from Norm? .......
26: General Asylum, RE: My tribute to Dave Wilson (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-05-30, 09:11:41 (174.49.82.245)
John, I thought it was a great tribute, and liked all of it. Thank you! .......
27: General Asylum, RE: Using floor (temporary) for hooking up audio components. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-05-23, 08:57:49 (174.49.82.245)
I could say that I listened to the sound quality of various cable obscuring plants, but I won't... :) .......
28: General Asylum, RE: Using floor (temporary) for hooking up audio components. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-05-22, 07:46:37 (174.49.82.245)
Works for me... .......
29: Critic's Corner, RE: Thank you for clearing this up (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-04-09, 09:31:59 (174.49.82.245)
A big +1 !!! .......
30: Critic's Corner, RE: Bob Baird is not just a reviewer, but the Music Editor.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-04-08, 10:36:20 (174.49.82.245)
+1! .......
31: Critic's Corner, RE: All quite reasonable but... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-04-07, 08:15:02 (174.49.82.245)
I saw this on Facebook, written by a well-connected & knowledgeable man I trust not to say/post things that are untruths - Bill Leebens. It was confirmed by others in the thread, but it's still rumor .......
32: Critic's Corner, Stereophile - that didn't take long... :( (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2018-04-06, 10:21:45 (174.49.82.245)
If the rumors are true, several valuable members of the Stereophile staff have already been released by the new owners... .......
33: Critic's Corner, RE: Is there a more awful looking speaker? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-12-23, 09:03:05 (174.49.82.245)
I recently voiced a pair to a client's room. Interestingly, the more you listen to them, the more the looks grow on you... .......
34: Speaker Asylum, RE: Indeed (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-11-16, 13:30:43 (174.49.82.245)
IME, room thirds work better if, instead of thirds, you use 29% from front & rear walls for speakers & listening. .......
35: Speaker Asylum, RE: which speaker? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-11-16, 12:27:15 (174.49.82.245)
FYI - If you sit in the middle, you will be sitting in a bass suck-out zone. .......
36: General Asylum, Hobby, Lifestyle, & Work (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-07-09, 09:30:45 (174.49.82.245)
Always worked in my hobby. Not sure what retirement looks like... .......
37: General Asylum, June 2000 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-03-30, 08:49:02 (174.49.82.35)
n/t .......
38: Critic's Corner, RE: Audio critics should publish their hearing tests (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-03-22, 09:36:14 (174.49.82.35)
I am older than most. Yet, when I sit with younger people, including audiophiles - who certainly have far better hearing from a measurement standpoint - I will consistently point out things in the sou .......
39: General Asylum, RE: Help, who is the best reasonable shipping service from USA to Singapore? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-03-05, 11:13:38 (73.207.68.81)
+1 .......
40: Critic's Corner, RE: Hi Jim (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-02-18, 09:06:04 (73.207.68.81)
:) My work has been covered by Stereophile, TAS, HiFi+, 6moons, Positive Feedback, Computer Audiophile, Tone Audio, Enjoy the Music, TNT, Jeff Day's blog, and many others. My Facebook page has more in .......
41: Critic's Corner, RE: Jim has been around for a long time (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-02-18, 08:59:38 (73.207.68.81)
Hi Sue, I was Avantgarde's North American distributor from 1999-2005. .......
42: Critic's Corner, RE: John Atkinson/ High Prices (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-02-13, 08:57:01 (73.207.68.81)
I've never heard a pair of Aerials that didn't sound great. They have relatively low penetration into the high-end arena, but - IMO - they ought to be acknowledged much more. .......
43: Speaker Asylum, RE: Crating & Shipping Speakers from Boca Raton to NYC? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-02-13, 08:52:45 (73.207.68.81)
+1 .......
44: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Lyric Audio / looks good to me! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-01-25, 13:30:46 (73.207.68.81)
Wonder what Mike Kay would have thought... .......
45: General Asylum, RE: Request Help for Audio Equipment Set Up (Non Pro User) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2017-01-13, 09:12:58 (73.207.68.81)
Rey, What will be the primary intended use of the room? Agreed that it looks over complicated for the systems that we typically think of on this board. Do you have further expectations? .......
46: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Beamy? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-12-17, 08:57:03 (73.207.68.81)
Since the tweeter will aim all frequencies straight ahead whose wavelength is smaller than the tweeter's diameter, I have wondered why you wouldn't have to aim any supertweeter directly (horizontally .......
47: General Asylum, RE: Depends... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-11-25, 07:49:35 (73.207.68.81)
+1! .......
48: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Pre and Power amps (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-11-21, 08:49:12 (73.207.68.81)
I would leave the pre on constantly. If you must turn both on & off, simply remember the amp should be on the least amount of time (last on, first off). .......
49: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Aren't those spkrs. pretty sensitive? Surprised you feel all that power is necessary or beneficial. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-11-18, 11:16:35 (73.207.68.81)
Rick, For a couple of years, I had been using the best 300B amps I had ever heard. But the ASR - at any volume - was better than anything - ss or tube - in my experience. I did do a few tweaks, howeve .......
50: Speaker Asylum, RE: Any differences or preferences regarding Rel vs rythmik sealed subwoofers (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-11-17, 13:10:31 (73.207.68.81)
Thanks! When I called Rythmic to ask about it, he (can't remember who, had a Hispanic name) said they only have the 50 & 80... .......
51: Speaker Asylum, RE: Any differences or preferences regarding Rel vs rythmik sealed subwoofers (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-11-17, 12:18:09 (73.207.68.81)
Is non-adjustable Rythmic xover at 50 Hz OK? .......
52: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Mine at ove3r 320 Lbs... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-11-17, 12:09:21 (73.207.68.81)
Sorry for typo in Subject Line My ASR Emitter II Exclusive integrated amplifier - over 320 lbs. - behind Schiit DAC. ASR power supplies behind speakers. Battery power supply for line stage behind i .......
53: Speaker Asylum, RE: Yes, and Prestige are the only Tannoys worth having (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-10-10, 11:20:24 (73.207.68.81)
Agreed! .......
54: General Asylum, Almost correct... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-09-12, 11:26:46 (73.207.68.81)
Almost correct. In early 1977, I had only been at ARC a few months when our third child was born 13 weeks premature. We (my wife and me) did not have insurance for childbirth at ARC, let alone the cos .......
55: General Asylum, RE: If you think my post is BS! Truth is stranger than fiction! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-09-12, 11:24:15 (73.207.68.81)
The story was mostly true. I posted twice apparently. See the actual story about Bill Johnson & ARC in my post below. .......
56: Speaker Asylum, RE: Do those plants help the sound? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-31, 11:33:17 (73.207.68.81)
Cover up the cabling. :) Even my dedicated room is subject to WAF! .......
57: Speaker Asylum, RE: how about posting a pic of your system? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-29, 09:01:51 (73.207.68.81)
My listening room. .......
58: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: LANRover goes Beta and I'm in!!! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-22, 08:33:14 (73.207.68.81)
Hi Jeff, Nice to hear from you again! Re your question about a linear power supply, mine is 9V and cannot be changed. so I suspect it's too high, though I have not inquired of PS yet. .......
59: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: LANRover goes Beta and I'm in!!! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-21, 11:47:25 (73.207.68.81)
I'm in as well. Will be comparing it to my USB REGEN/linear power supply. .......
60: Cable Asylum, RE: Inexpensive cables, better sound (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-21, 11:42:56 (73.207.68.81)
Agreed 100%! My bi-wired rig plus ICs cost me $270! .......
61: Cable Asylum, RE: what would you spend on cables (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-13, 10:25:56 (73.207.68.81)
Agreed! My system is bi-wired with an external xover, and even running the WE wires in the xover and then to the speakers, my WE/Belden rig was $270 TOTAL. .......
62: General Asylum, RE: It has nice photos... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-07-09, 11:13:47 (73.207.68.81)
Back in my days at ARC & Magnepan, it was known as a quid-pro-quo mag. That was long ago, hopefully changed since then. It was gorgeous then and appears to be unchanged in that respect. .......
63: General Asylum, RE: care to share pic of your main system? here's mine (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-04-24, 11:28:53 (98.251.3.178)
In this room, I'm the cleaning lady. Our cleaning service are nice ladies, but my quasi-affectionate nickname for them is The Wrecking Crew. Hence, they have never actually been in the room... ::: .......
64: General Asylum, RE: care to share pic of your main system? here's mine (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-04-22, 10:09:15 (98.251.3.178)
Mine - .......
65: Cable Asylum, RE: Speaker Cable Suggestion (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-03-15, 11:45:34 (98.251.3.178)
I have a possible suggestion, but it needs to be via e-mail. If interested, contact me at jim@getbettersound.com. .......
66: Amp/Preamp Asylum, None better (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-03-12, 11:56:03 (98.251.3.178)
IMO .......
67: General Asylum, RE: Yep. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-02-27, 10:07:06 (98.251.3.178)
Agreed. Since some folks will remember the on/off sequence backwards, I always advise then to remember that the amp is on the least amount of time. .......
68: Hi-Rez Highway, RE: Christian McBride Trio (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2016-02-19, 19:10:27 (98.251.3.178)
I heard his trio a few months ago at an intimate (small) jazz club. Not only was McBride fabulous, but his pianist and drummer were amazing. Having heard some of the "greatest names" in jazz over the .......
69: General Asylum, RE: Confessions of a bass-a-holic.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-12-08, 14:39:52 (98.251.3.178)
The most important aspect is to determine where in your room the bass is smoothest. Once you sit there, your bass-aholic urges should be satisfied unless you want to make electronic changes - which w .......
70: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I was thinking about that too.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-12-02, 06:52:26 (98.251.3.178)
"It might help the discussion were we to see a picture of a modified Regen board showing the battery connected and your recommended charging setup in place." Agreed on seeing the mod in detail. ::: T .......
71: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: D'Agostino Integrated With Two REL Subs (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-11-20, 11:30:41 (98.251.3.178)
I have had a lot of experience with different REL configurations. I often felt that the printed (and online forums) info was too scattered. When I called REL and asked for technical help re the best h .......
72: General Asylum, RE: Veterans Day! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-11-12, 08:31:53 (98.251.3.178)
I served from '66 though '69. Thanks for the thanks! .......
73: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Thanks for the reply (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-29, 14:28:00 (98.251.3.178)
I asked that question, but got no definitive answer. .......
74: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Thanks for the reply (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-29, 13:38:47 (98.251.3.178)
I don't know if it competes with every DAC at that price, but it does play with the units in that price category that I have heard. I do wonder if the Diamond output stage is part of the reason, but d .......
75: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Thanks for the reply (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-29, 09:35:14 (70.193.133.59)
I travel with so much gear on RoomPlay voicing sessions that I decided to see if the smaller & lighter CODEX might be a possibility if it didn't lose too much performance. Needless to say that I am b .......
76: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: You have a QB-9, right? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-29, 08:04:10 (98.251.3.178)
I have a QB-9 DSD. I primarily value Dynamics, Presence, & Tone. Not sure the CODEX isn't the equal of the QB-9 in these areas(!). I hadn't heard a DAC for less than about 10K that I thought was comp .......
77: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Ayre Codex and Chord Mojo- anyone? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-28, 13:00:14 (98.251.3.178)
I have been trying a Codex out and find it to be surprisingly good, punching way over where I thought it was positioned. I have been using it in my demo system, not with headphones. Pleasantly surpri .......
78: Speaker Asylum, RE: Crown ES-212 Electrostatic Speakers, Another Interesting Vintage Speaker (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-21, 12:50:22 (98.251.3.178)
I used to have them in the store I managed in the early 70s. IRC, the tweeters were RTR, and in this application, were unreliable. Most of us actually preferred a pair of original large Advents, as th .......
79: General Asylum, RE: Thanks; there's a thread in Critics (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-20, 11:46:47 (98.251.3.178)
Very best wishes, John. Your posts, articles and reviews have always been informative. Looking forward to your blog. .......
80: Critic's Corner, HP & Acoustat X (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-10-01, 10:00:59 (71.56.43.45)
I think it was late 1976, early 1977 when Wendell Diller and I visited HP. We were working for ARC. Our next stop was to see JGH of Sterophile, but that story can be told some other time, in a galaxy .......
81: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: " USB REGEN " by UpTone Audio ... any opinions ? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-05-21, 05:45:09 (76.97.169.103)
Mine is on order, but won't be shipped until June.... :( .......
82: General Asylum, Rives Audio (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2015-01-03, 09:59:08 (76.97.169.103)
FWIW - I've voiced 15-20 systems where Rives Audio had supplied their design help. All ended up to be especially nice. It saddens me that the market wasn't large enough to support their efforts. Richa .......
83: General Asylum, Thirded (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-12-24, 09:26:55 (76.97.169.103)
Can't imagine running any of my Macs w/o Cocktail. .......
84: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Polarity Reversal with some computer audio players (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-09-05, 09:00:05 (76.97.169.103)
For those that use Audirvana+ or Pure Music, polarity inversion is automatic when INVERTPOLARITY is entered for that selection in the iTunes comments file (and the option is chosen within the player s .......
85: Speaker Asylum, Agree on the 17s (nt) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-08-04, 10:43:50 (76.97.169.103)
nt .......
86: Speaker Asylum, RE: KLH 23's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-07-29, 14:41:18 (76.97.169.103)
Right or wrong, we used to think of them as KLH 5s without the midrange driver. .......
87: General Asylum, RE: Wow! Are you paying extra... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-07-09, 05:27:14 (76.97.169.103)
Nope - still $39.95 with Comcast. .......
88: General Asylum, RE: Wow! Are you paying extra... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-07-06, 11:26:02 (76.97.169.103)
Standard Comcast - no extra charge - 9 months ago it was 27 down, then went to 57 down. I am in Cumming, GA, about 25 miles north of Atlanta. Three weeks ago it went to 121 down - no notice - no extra .......
89: General Asylum, 121 down, 23 up (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-07-03, 10:51:14 (76.97.169.103)
Comcast in Atl, GA area. .......
90: Critic's Corner, RE: JA, will this affect Stereophile? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-05-31, 09:44:09 (76.97.169.103)
Great news! .......
91: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Great Customer Service (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-05-28, 05:27:25 (76.97.169.103)
Agreed, 100% .......
92: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Auralic Vega or Ayre QB-9 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-04-27, 04:40:33 (76.97.169.103)
I don't remember the time frame - it was essentially from the initial announcement to sometime in the winter. Sorry - we moved during that time and I must have lost track of the timing. I had no inter .......
93: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Auralic Vega or Ayre QB-9 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-04-26, 07:21:53 (76.97.169.103)
Lance, You probably don't need to hear from folks who haven't made that comparison, but I'll post anyway. The upgrade in the Ayre is substantial. I thought it was worth the expense & wait. Sorry - I .......
94: General Asylum, RE: I Read Jim Smiths "Get Better Sound" (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2014-01-09, 06:33:08 (76.97.169.103)
Thanks for the comments. Don't forget to ask if the person who gifted you included your e-mail address so that you will receive the Quarter Notes newsletters which are included with the purchase. Many .......
95: Speaker Asylum, Did you mean... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-29, 11:16:01 (76.97.169.103)
...the components or the spare panels under the bed? :) .......
96: Speaker Asylum, I owned them in 1972 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-29, 11:05:51 (76.97.169.103)
Maybe the greatest love/hate audio ownership I ever experienced. Back then, I used them with an ARC SP-3 preamp, ARC D-75 amp on the mid-panels, and a D-51 on the treble panels. TD-125 TT, Decca Intl. .......
97: General Asylum, You have just begun... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-28, 15:23:33 (76.97.169.103)
Now that your system flawlessly reproduces all of the audiophile sound effects, it's time to get it to be musically involving, which is another thing entirely... .......
98: Speaker Asylum, RE: Servo- woofers (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-28, 15:19:08 (76.97.169.103)
"woofers of today now have close to the speed of 'stats and other planars" If they were that fast, wouldn't they be tweeters? :) Jes' askin'... .......
99: General Asylum, RE: No E-book? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-06, 13:41:09 (76.97.154.212)
Not yet. Hey, it's only been a little over 5 years. :) I'll probably offer it with the upcoming website re-do. .......
100: General Asylum, RE: Thank you Jim Smith (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-06, 07:19:42 (76.97.154.212)
Hey Lee, Thanks for your comments and for your support! .......
101: General Asylum, RE: Thank you Jim Smith (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-12-06, 07:18:11 (76.97.154.212)
You are welcome, Jack. Have to confess that I'm always pleased when I hear from folks that these straightforward tips made a significant improvement in their musical enjoyment. Most folks call or writ .......
102: Speaker Asylum, RE: Tannoy WRSE Duelund Project (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-11-30, 09:41:32 (76.97.154.212)
Yep - that has been a fascinating story on Jeff's site, and now on PFO. It was instrumental in getting me to do a similar thing with my Tannoy Canterbury crossovers. Duelund parts have been here for .......
103: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: DAC sale at Audio Advisor (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-11-27, 10:27:38 (76.97.154.212)
Probably because there is a new Dragonfly at $149. .......
104: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I agree (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-11-27, 08:54:21 (76.97.154.212)
Upgraded. The improvements were greater in every area. I only use it for PCM. Additionally, the combo did benefit from the LH Lightspeed split cable - probably due to the upgraded Ayre's onboard USB .......
105: Computer Audio Asylum, Latest... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-11-27, 07:34:07 (76.97.154.212)
Ayre QB-9. .......
106: General Asylum, RE: Congrats on the GAT (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-11-06, 12:24:54 (76.97.154.212)
What a great line-stage! Fresh out of the box, it beats most of the competition when they are already fully broken-in. IMO, of course... In case it matters to you, remember that it inverts absolute si .......
107: Speaker Asylum, As Popeye said... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-10-07, 10:50:48 (76.97.154.212)
You sound like Jim Smith. I yam what I yam... I have always used stands with my 150 lb. Tannoys, but confess to never having considered hanging them. After all, it's a man-cave, not a bat-cave. : .......
108: Speaker Asylum, RE: Tannoy Prestige Yorkminster SE (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-03-27, 10:06:32 (76.97.141.196)
Are there rear ports on the Yorkminster? If so, it will load into the room a bit differently in the bass than a Turnberry, Kensington, or Canterbury. But they all have that musically engaging quality. .......
109: General Asylum, RE: Quick reply (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-02-02, 05:54:13 (76.97.141.196)
We always had good sales and we had a great staff. And I insisted on excellent sounding demos. However, I didn't manage the business side well enough. I was hardly ever there, out voicing systems and .......
110: General Asylum, Quick reply (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-02-01, 14:22:04 (76.97.141.196)
Gosh, I've received a lot of e-mail commenting on this post. First, I totally respect the poster's right to comment. If we all agreed, how boring would that be? You may - or may not - find this post .......
111: General Asylum, RE: Would you agree or disagree with this statement (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-02-01, 08:39:53 (76.97.141.196)
A lot of folks would be surprised at original Quads, Tannoys, Concert Grands, T-1Ds, even an SP-3A-1! .......
112: General Asylum, RE: I have no issue with him asking for money. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-02-01, 08:30:03 (76.97.141.196)
Thanks everyone. Of course, it's not just a book. Through the Sound Barrier also includes a very expensive CD (expensive to make because it is fully licensed and I'm just a little guy, not a record c .......
113: General Asylum, RE: no (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-01-14, 11:24:34 (76.97.141.196)
If it has been changed, why are they still so obnoxiously loud? Or maybe I just notice the offenders who haven't yet complied... .......
114: General Asylum, Technically... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-01-14, 10:58:15 (76.97.141.196)
Peak levels are the same. It's just that the ads are severely compressed, significantly bringing up the average level. For about the same reasons that our music is being so badly manipulated (compress .......
115: Speaker Asylum, In the beginning... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-01-02, 09:39:48 (76.97.141.196)
IIRC, Jon used a SP-3 and D-75 to voice them. .......
116: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Does female choral music sound good on stock Maggies? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2013-01-01, 05:31:41 (76.97.141.196)
Should be very nice .......
117: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Those Tannoys must be something indeed... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-10-05, 06:11:41 (76.97.141.196)
Hi Jim, I do think the Canterburys are something special. Hey, I remember our listening session! I thoroughly enjoyed your visit. .......
118: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Questions re speaker support stands (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-10-05, 06:08:59 (76.97.141.196)
My listening seats (as you can see in the images gallery) are slightly tall. I wanted to get the drivers at about ear level, especially since the Canterburys are toed off-axis between 14 & 15 degrees .......
119: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, My retreat... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-10-04, 09:48:41 (76.97.141.196)
as seen from the entrance. .......
120: Critic's Corner, RE: As you might guess (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-09-29, 07:47:21 (76.97.141.196)
Didn't he casually refer to doing something at a show where he spoke? It wasn't direct, IIRC, but it implied something might happen. .......
121: Critic's Corner, A little more here - unless... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-09-29, 06:44:55 (76.97.141.196)
They may not have expected it to be found, in which case they could take it down until the site goes live. Scroll down to the lowest entry: http://www.archon-it.com/wordpress/?page_id=12 One more page .......
122: Computer Audio Asylum, Very Cool! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-07-27, 10:08:00 (76.97.141.196)
Looking forward to many interesting and thought provoking articles. .......
123: General Asylum, RE: Buy 'em cheap and sell 'em high (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-06-07, 15:23:18 (76.97.141.196)
Jump on the 17s. Ignore the 23s. .......
124: Speaker Asylum, RE: Poll - What *type* of speaker ended your search? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-31, 18:41:29 (76.97.141.196)
Tannoy Canterbury 15"DC on custom stands with REL B1s, cut in from 23 Hz, down to 12Hz. Everyone who has ever heard it said it was the best they ever heard at any price. .......
125: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: What is a LARS? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-25, 09:47:48 (76.97.141.196)
A lot of this info is out of date now. That's because the owners went through some incredibly unfortunate personal health-related issues in the past 16 months, and the updates haven't been posted. The .......
126: General Asylum, Even so... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-21, 11:34:29 (76.97.141.196)
I agree 100% with your premise. Still, I wonder if there were a truly high performance dynamic range expander (not to try to get a giant increase, but maybe 20-30% or so), if that wouldn't be cool thi .......
127: Planar Speaker Asylum, If you've checked the basics... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-21, 11:20:40 (76.97.141.196)
If they were mine, I'd send them back to their creators - the pros at Magnepan. Their pricing is reasonable and you get a like-new pair of speakers. .......
128: Tweakers' Asylum, Diffusion confusion (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-21, 09:12:03 (76.97.141.196)
I often use diffusion. But IMO, it can be tricky. If the sound we are diffusing is high enough in amplitude, or worse, the result of very uneven frequency response from a speaker's off-axis refections .......
129: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Imaging, which speaker or speakers are the best? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-21, 09:02:04 (76.97.141.196)
May I respectfully inquire if when you are asking this, is it the most important aspect to the sound for you? And may I ask if you could describe your room's dimensions and overall acoustic characteri .......
130: General Asylum, Oldie, but could it be a goodie? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-21, 08:53:08 (76.97.141.196)
Back in the 70s, we had a product or two from DBX which increased dynamic range, and it was adjustable to your taste. It was the DBX unit. I never took it seriously at the time, but now I wonder if a .......
131: Amp/Preamp Asylum, More than just stand-up guy (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-20, 14:13:44 (76.97.141.196)
Hey Ozzie, Thanks so much for your note. I really appreciate it. After I went to Church, all I could think of was what an over-sensitive wuss I am. And it's not exactly like we're worrying about world .......
132: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tell Me About The MG 2A's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-20, 11:29:30 (76.97.141.196)
No experience with the 2.6 that I could talk about with any credibility. .......
133: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: I disagree (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-20, 05:21:02 (76.97.141.196)
I have not seen or sold one of these amps in production-ready status, as they have been undergoing metalwork issues. Nor have I been promoting them here. As such, they didn't enter my mind when postin .......
134: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Thunderbolt cables (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 14:17:35 (76.97.141.196)
Yep, I've been kinda worrying about this one as well. .......
135: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Sound absortion panels? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 14:14:44 (76.97.141.196)
Good Idea. :) .......
136: General Asylum, No Dale Carnegie here.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 14:12:02 (76.97.141.196)
I guess my answer isn't gonna win friends and influence people. IMO, worrying about how electrons flow through circuits and wires is infinitesimal compared to addressing the acoustic wave-launch into .......
137: Speaker Asylum, RE: Stereo subs - same manufacturer, same size woofers, different models - is this okay? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 13:36:25 (76.97.141.196)
Surely the owner can send some pics, especially of the drivers and the backplates. Disparate models from the same manufacturers sound like they might be easy to compensate for differences, but I've no .......
138: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tell Me About The MG 2A's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 13:22:29 (76.97.141.196)
He could have never played them at all and simply left them in front of a window and the damage is done. Time can be a problem, but sun-rot is a killer. If Magnepan will refurbish them as they have do .......
139: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Similar to something like this: (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 06:46:15 (76.97.141.196)
Since I never tried that set=up with those speakers, I am not qualified to comment. .......
140: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tell Me About The MG 2A's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-19, 06:41:44 (76.97.141.196)
They are voiced nicely. If they err at all, they might be slightly soft compared to today's speakers. You should brace them if you can and correct the slight backward tilt. If it hasn't already been d .......
141: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Cohesiveness (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-18, 07:34:06 (76.97.141.196)
Tim, First, be sure you don't fall into the trap of using two lesser amps. I always recommend one superior amp to two lesser ones. Try to get the best amp that you can, and then get another one exactl .......
142: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: People who come round to hear my system have *never* said "it's not cohesive"! :-)) ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-18, 01:08:47 (76.97.141.196)
I know EXACTLY what you mean. "Wow", "Spectacular", etc, were the common reactions. And the systems deserved those comments from a technical aspect. But playing master tapes I knew, it was only after .......
143: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Bass Panel - where to position? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-17, 23:50:39 (76.97.141.196)
I'm a bit dense. I've done this with some success in the past, but it'd help if you could post a couple of images. .......
144: Amp/Preamp Asylum, My 2 cents (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-17, 23:45:57 (76.97.141.196)
Over the years, I've tried this at various times, sometimes with great success, sometimes not. My first effort was in the early 70s, using a Phase Linear 400 on the mid-range screens of my Infinity Se .......
145: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Mye 2 cents (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-17, 14:07:15 (76.97.141.196)
It's maybe as much art as science to fill it in, But it can be done. Don't assume which way the sub should face. It could face in any direction in a 360 degree circle. Realize that adjusting level aff .......
146: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Mye 2 cents (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-16, 12:59:57 (76.97.141.196)
I'd wait until I could get matching units. .......
147: Speaker Asylum, RE: Listening with the sub-woofer off. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-16, 12:54:09 (76.97.141.196)
With music, if I had just one woofer, I'd likely never turn it on. With film, probably so. .......
148: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: looking at the ad (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-14, 06:03:38 (24.30.66.198)
Wendell is no dummy. He didn't pick Martin-Logan CLXs, or big Wilsons or Vandy 7s, or even Quad 2905s, etc. Or for that matter, not even the big SoundLabs. Instead he chose a speaker with some perform .......
149: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Mye 2 cents (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-14, 05:46:43 (24.30.66.198)
I have used one sub for many years and had very musical results. I'm sure you have. But you would have had significantly more musical involvement from two, at least with any acoustic recordings, from .......
150: General Asylum, RE: How's this for a listening room? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-13, 14:36:59 (24.30.66.198)
At minimum, I'd want 12' of width, with up to 15 or 16 if possible. 17 feet or more of depth, if possible. No equal dimensions (such as 16 x 16 x 9 - or worse, equally divisible - 16 x 16 x 8). No slo .......
151: General Asylum, RE: Jim thank you for responding, one more question please. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-13, 14:33:00 (24.30.66.198)
No rattling problems at all. But there could have been some construction feature of which I was not aware. Incidentally, they were about three feet behind a pair of REL G-2 subs!!! .......
152: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Mye 2 cents (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-13, 12:33:19 (24.30.66.198)
Having only voiced 300-400 systems in small rooms, I defer to the master. :) And I agree with your premise, except two subs are required for music - not necessarily for better bass, but for a far more .......
153: General Asylum, RE: Do any of you have plantation shutters in your listening room? If so . . . (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-13, 12:20:42 (24.30.66.198)
Actually, I just voiced a system in MN, that had plantation shutters. This is the second system I've done with plantation shutters at or behind the speakers. The first had them intalled vertically, al .......
154: Tubes Asylum, Tube testing not enough? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-12, 11:19:08 (24.30.66.198)
I always recommend keeping a back up set of tubes on hand. Not just for replacement in the event of failure, but to pop in after every six months or so. I've found that a tube can still measure OK, th .......
155: Planar Speaker Asylum, Mye 2 cents (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-12, 11:01:46 (24.30.66.198)
MMG with Mye stands .......
156: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: looking at the ad (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-12, 10:59:12 (24.30.66.198)
Classic Wendell!!! :) .......
157: General Asylum, RE: How's this for a listening room? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-12, 10:52:29 (24.30.66.198)
Too narrow, and the sloping ceiling means you cannot predict the bass response linearity, as it will change dramatically with every few inches you move. Although it may be the best you've seen, I'd su .......
158: General Asylum, RE: What is measured and what is heard? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-12, 10:44:41 (24.30.66.198)
What are the most important aspects of getting your sound reproduction right for your system, and what aspects of playback do you listen for do you think are not addressed by measurements that are re .......
159: Planar Speaker Asylum, SUBs & Tympanis (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-11, 08:47:40 (24.30.66.198)
Actually, I believe that great subs, properly integrated with any speaker at any price, no matter how fabulous the bass is claimed to be, can enhance the overall listening experience. Mainly because i .......
160: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: My review of Tympani 1D (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-11, 03:58:58 (24.30.66.198)
The 1D should be relatively flat to below 40 HZ, and with a well broken-in pair in the right room, good to 30-33 Hz, with some useful info below that. I'd say bringing in the sub at 40 HZ might work, .......
161: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Yes, you can - but I suggest it would be a big step up in SQ with active bi-amping. nt (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-07, 10:25:01 (199.106.166.192)
Sometimes in a room of that size and geometry, you can get most of the benefits of the 1Ds fabulous bass and get a bit more spacious sound if you fold in the outer bass panel so that it is (generally) .......
162: General Asylum, RE: It happened to me also .. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-03, 09:04:13 (24.30.66.198)
I use Firefox - no changes of which I'm aware. .......
163: General Asylum, RE: It happened to me also .. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-03, 06:34:20 (24.30.66.198)
Same here - smart845 .......
164: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Josh Im considering Tympani 1D's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-05-02, 07:17:49 (24.30.66.198)
Nope, I'm not Josh, but I do have considerable experience with the 1Ds. IMO, that room is simply too small, for at least three critical reasons: (1) Too narrow for 1Ds. (2) You can't get far enough aw .......
165: Speaker Asylum, RE: Leaning toward DC8 monitors for a second system (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-24, 09:02:30 (24.30.66.198)
Got it! Thanks. .......
166: Speaker Asylum, RE: Review of Tannoy Definition DC8T (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-24, 07:35:38 (24.30.66.198)
I have never heard the DC8Ts - they look interesting. May I ask why you chose the DC8Ts over something like the Kensingtons? .......
167: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Placement question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-16, 13:24:52 (24.30.66.198)
No benefit to music enjoyment at all. You may like the sound effects, however. .......
168: Planar Speaker Asylum, That's Wendell! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-15, 10:43:32 (24.30.66.198)
The master of deflection... ☺ .......
169: Planar Speaker Asylum, So what did Wendell say when you asked him ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-14, 11:24:24 (24.30.66.198)
... about the plane trip with WZJ? ☺ .......
170: Planar Speaker Asylum, Ask Wendell (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-10, 07:13:57 (24.30.66.198)
Ask him if remembers flying down to Midway for CES '76 in Bill's plane. I think we always flew commercial after that... :) .......
171: General Asylum, RE: the 405 has landed! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-10, 07:07:47 (24.30.66.198)
Nice!!! I love the way Peter Walker voiced this amp. Just a heads-up... Don't know about the Jolida, but I do know the 405 inverts absolute polarity. The standard (unmodified) gain of this amp is pre .......
172: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The Real Problem with Quicksilver (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-03, 07:47:38 (24.30.66.198)
Mike's amps are way better than you'd expect. I can easily compare my Mid-Monos with KT-77s to amps that cost ten times as much. And the Quickies often win that comparison. But there's no glamor with .......
173: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Tannoy (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-04-02, 14:17:16 (24.30.66.198)
Prestige Series .......
174: Cable Asylum, RE: REL sub power cord (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-27, 07:00:27 (24.30.66.198)
Hi Kenster, Those Synergistic cables have interested me. However, since I am crossing over at 26 Hz to my B-1s, and the cable runs are very short, I've thought I'd be wasting my money. Where are you c .......
175: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Quicksilver Mid Mono VS Latino stereo 70 0r St 120 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-22, 14:09:45 (24.30.66.198)
I'm running Mid-Monos with Genelux KT-77s, driving my Tannoy Canterburys. Not sure I've heard any amp close to their price that I've liked as much. In fact, not sure I've heard many amps at any price .......
176: Tubes Asylum, RE: KT77 for EL34 amp? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-16, 11:12:53 (24.30.66.198)
Although they are expensive, the Genelex Gold Lion KT-77s are a great replacement for the EL-34s. I had to increase the bias adjustment of my amps a bit to get it right. Don't know if they are a direc .......
177: General Asylum, RE: Thanks, Jim. ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-13, 10:06:44 (24.30.66.198)
In the interest of not confusing you further, I'll not venture any more opinions beyond the following one that I always offer when I speak at seminars: Out of many hundreds, maybe over a thousand deta .......
178: General Asylum, RE: Now you've confused me, Jim. ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-13, 01:34:39 (24.30.66.198)
No, I'm not saying that a long wall set-up is no good. I am saying that with maggies, I have found the set-up that sounds the most musically involving and portrays the sound most correctly - IMO - is .......
179: General Asylum, RE: "Back against the wall" seating - I'd appreciate your opinions? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-12, 15:26:00 (24.30.66.198)
An absorbent panel, vertically centered behind your ears, can probably be 24" high. For instance, my RPG panels are only 24" high, when placed horizontally. .......
180: General Asylum, RE: As you say - no consensus here. :-)) But ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-12, 15:22:10 (24.30.66.198)
Actually, I was referring to a short wall set-up with the maggies into the room 6-7 feet, depending on how far you are away from the rear wall. As you say, no consensus, except I've probably successfu .......
181: General Asylum, RE: Unfortunately, the room is currently being dimensioned - ie. it ain't built yet!! :-)) nt (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-10, 19:44:39 (24.30.66.198)
I've written on several occasions about the performance of a dedicated room that is 19' x 14' x 10'. AFAIK, it has the fewest adjacent resonances in the critical boundary-dependent region of any room .......
182: General Asylum, RE: "Back against the wall" seating - I'd appreciate your opinions? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-10, 19:35:42 (24.30.66.198)
I have zero problems with rear reflections. If my wife finds out that I posted this image from a toe-in calibration, THEN I will have problems... Behind my wife, on the wall, 34"away from her ears, .......
183: General Asylum, RE: "In this case, I'm about three feet from the rear wall."??? ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-10, 19:23:49 (24.30.66.198)
Closest I ever tried it with any success was with Avantgardes at 22" out (from ear to wall). But it took more absorption. Actually worked pretty well. Closer than that, bass was too heavy, never too l .......
184: General Asylum, RE: "Back against the wall" seating - I'd appreciate your opinions? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-10, 15:04:43 (24.30.66.198)
I've often found it to be the best choice for the smoothest overall bass. But not always. Everyone who has been to my listening room has pronounced the bass anywhere from excellent to the best they .......
185: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Spectral DMA 260 Amp vs. BAT VK 600 SE (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-10, 05:41:12 (24.30.66.198)
Which is better may have a different answer for different people. If you like the sound of the BAT, the Spectral may sound too lean. If you like the Spectral, the BAT will probably be too warm. Of cou .......
186: Tubes Asylum, RE: Quicksilver Mono Amp Legacy (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-07, 09:00:12 (24.30.66.198)
I have a pair of Mid-Monos with El-34s that I love. They are driving my Tannoy Canterburys even now. They compare favorably to amps that cost orders of magnitude more. IMO - Mike prices his amps more .......
187: Planar Speaker Asylum, Maybe things have changed (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-03-01, 14:43:27 (24.30.66.198)
When I worked there, a pair of speakers were matched fairly closely. Each resonant section was close to the same as its mate in the other channel. If not the same, they were only a few cycles apart. I .......
188: Speaker Asylum, Yes, but... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-23, 06:00:06 (24.30.66.198)
Actually, that's a very nice size room for Sophias. The only question is how far you can get them from the front wall before losing bass because they are rear ported. It'd be great to try them with th .......
189: Tweakers' Asylum, Actually it was multiples of 57" (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-17, 14:41:37 (24.30.66.198)
I knew Bob Fulton. I do not recall ever hearing him suggest 40' cable. But he did think 57" multiples were magic - for his ICs and speaker cables (Fulton Gold and Fulton Brown). He did offer a 28' pai .......
190: General Asylum, RE: Boxing and shipping advice (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-15, 06:25:20 (24.30.66.198)
The only way that I've found to be safe with heavier items is to box them and ship them securely attached to a pallet. I use Pilot Freight or Old Dominion Freight. Never had a hint of damage. It does .......
191: General Asylum, RE: Shops in San Diego (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-13, 08:52:50 (24.30.66.198)
Blackbird Audio-Gallery Santee, CA (619) 449-2787 Dan Muzquiz is a great guy who is also involved with the music community. .......
192: Speaker Asylum, RE: Umm, (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-08, 09:32:16 (24.30.66.198)
I mean the natural sound of instruments and voices with their harmonic structures maintained. If you are more off-axis of one speaker than another, not only is their a measurable difference in respons .......
193: Speaker Asylum, RE: Umm, (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-08, 06:08:50 (24.30.66.198)
Do you believe the idea to be without validity? The idea is based on a hopefully better outcome, so in that area, it's valid. But when you use different toe-in, you mess with timbre and time arrival .......
194: Speaker Asylum, Umm, (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-02-07, 19:09:40 (24.30.66.198)
Never. .......
195: General Asylum, Bill Leebens is... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-31, 14:16:23 (24.30.66.198)
Bill Leebens is one of the classiest people I know in audio. How he could come under your radar is a complete mystery. .......
196: Digital Drive, Polarity made easier - kinda (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-28, 12:15:37 (24.30.66.198)
This is one of the features that attracts me to Pure Music. First, PM has a macro switch in the drop down box that you can select to invert the total system polarity. But then, and what makes it speci .......
197: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: SSD & RAM (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-18, 09:24:21 (24.30.66.198)
Thanks Gordon, Great info. With the cost of RAM so affordable, I was planning to use 16GB. If I use a separate Thunderbolt drive for the music library, and all the RAM that I can stuff into the MBP, d .......
198: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: SSD & RAM (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-16, 12:30:34 (24.30.66.198)
I bet it is. There are many applications running in the background besides Pure Music while that file is playing. That's another one of my questions. When I look into Activity Monitor, on any screen .......
199: Computer Audio Asylum, SSD & RAM (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-16, 09:21:12 (24.30.66.198)
I think this has been discussed before, but I do not remember a verdict or consensus that definitely leaned one way or the other. I currently have a 2010 MBP, 8GB ram, 256GB SSD. I use it with the lat .......
200: Tweakers' Asylum, Exactly! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-15, 17:29:38 (24.30.66.198)
I couldn't see struggling with a heavy material that still need damping to make it work. Maybe it was shortsighted, I don't know. .......
201: Tweakers' Asylum, That's why... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-15, 17:02:49 (24.30.66.198)
That's why I originally asked about using them. I wasn't gonna opine further, but since you mentioned it as well, I've never heard a granite base/shelf when it did not introduce the coloration from ri .......
202: Computer Audio Asylum, Mercman... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-12, 19:35:45 (24.30.66.198)
Hey Steve, Could you send me a direct e-mail so that I could reply to you with a brief note? I have a couple of questions re 2011 MBP, ram, ssd, etc, and I suspect you have the answers. :) Thanks! jim .......
203: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Inexpensive granite slabs (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2012-01-11, 14:26:58 (24.30.66.198)
What would you use them for? .......
204: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Amplifier placement on a rack (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-31, 13:32:59 (24.30.66.247)
Some racks, such as those from Grand Prix Audio, actually offer increasingly more isolation as you go to the higher shelves. I don't recall if that is true for others, but it could be. .......
205: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Pure Music 1.83 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-18, 12:55:30 (24.30.66.247)
Steve, I've been a bit leery of Lion. I still use SL. Of course, I use the PM upsampling from 44.1 to 176.4, so Integer - were it available to me with Lion - wouldn't be an option anyway. And as I ha .......
206: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Pure Music 1.83 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-18, 11:15:43 (24.30.66.247)
I thought it sounded slightly more alive, slightly more open. But it wasn't a huge difference in my system. Differences in power line feed could be the reason, for all I know. I did not think it soun .......
207: General Asylum, Reflections re Bill Johnson (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-17, 07:06:40 (24.30.66.247)
I was surprised to see the news of his passing receive only 17 replies. Having been a client in the early 70s, then a dealer, then an employee, then an interested observer of all things ARC, I have lo .......
208: General Asylum, Oh my... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-14, 08:32:13 (24.30.66.247)
This is sad news indeed. I knew Bill from the early 70s. Worked for him part of that time. A fine man, with an unrelenting vision to improve audio as he saw and heard it. He also did a number of extra .......
209: Speaker Asylum, RE: KLH 23 question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-12, 15:28:19 (24.30.66.247)
Sheez, no good deed goes unpunished... I never said the tweeters weren't the same. Indeed I commented that the 23 appeared to use the same tweeter and woofer from the 5, but with no mid-range driver ( .......
210: Speaker Asylum, RE: KLH 23 question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-12, 07:45:48 (24.30.66.247)
I did not say the 23 was not a true 2-way. As I think about it, I don't know what an untrue 2-way would be. :) I think I was referring to a purpose-built model like the 6 or 17, each of which enjoyed .......
211: Speaker Asylum, RE: KLH 23 question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-12, 05:54:50 (24.30.66.247)
Not sure I can help on mods or updates to the 23, but I do recall them re the 6 and Larger Advent, the two models that you mentioned. IIRC, the drivers from the 2-way Model 23 were pretty much the sam .......
212: Vinyl Asylum, Umm, are you sure about that? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-12-04, 14:51:14 (24.30.66.247)
I was working at Magnepan 1n 1977-79, and the guy I saw working on it every day was some guy - let me see if I remember his name - Jim something-or-other. Oh, well, even if I can't remember it, I do s .......
213: SET Asylum, Emmision Labs - nt (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-29, 09:15:23 (24.30.66.247)
EML .......
214: Speaker Asylum, RE: REL gain setting (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-27, 12:40:57 (24.30.66.247)
Happens with most everyone - until you get it nailed. So although I don't agree that it cannot be done, I do agree that it can be exceedingly tricky. And of course, you can never use the sound of bass .......
215: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tympani 1-D Amp Suggestions ( $1,000... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-27, 05:04:36 (24.30.66.247)
If you liked the sound of the 23.5, perhaps a used Bryston would be a good choice - they are voiced somewhat similarly. Although the 1Ds are 4 ohms, I've never heard them sound better than with a grea .......
216: Speaker Asylum, RE: REL gain setting (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-27, 04:51:33 (24.30.66.247)
IME, it's common to have an itch to get up and readjust the levels. But once you do get it right (which of course includes placement and directional adjustments, as well as x-over frequency adjustment .......
217: Speaker Asylum, RE: Rel owners (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-12, 09:48:22 (24.30.66.247)
I have B1s. Used with the speak-on connections, in my case crossing over at 25 Hz, I couldn't tell any difference. Maybe if the crossover was higher it might be more noticeable. I did put each of mine .......
218: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Active Crossover setup for 1-D's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-12, 05:46:37 (24.30.66.247)
In my time at ARC & Magnepan, I don't ever remember hearing a bi-amplified set-up - at any price - that was as as coherent and as musically satisfying as the simple passive onboard x-over that Jim dev .......
219: Cable Asylum, RE: Clarity Cable Organic Speaker Cables (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-11-06, 06:12:19 (24.30.66.247)
Hi Doug, What are the price points? .......
220: Planar Speaker Asylum, Hmm... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-24, 14:00:02 (24.30.66.247)
Guess he lost interest... .......
221: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Now listening to Tympani 1D and have questions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-22, 07:34:45 (24.30.66.247)
You can't run the T-1D bass panels in parallel with the Beveridges. You need to cross them over electronically and use a separate amp for them. .......
222: Planar Speaker Asylum, How do you have them set up? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-21, 09:11:02 (24.30.66.247)
Tweeter in or out? Folded, straight, or nearly straight? Do you have the original set-up drawings that came in the owner's manual? FWIW - On several installations, I have used the T-1Ds as bass panels .......
223: General Asylum, Not so fast!!! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-20, 14:31:32 (24.30.66.247)
I have the same brand & size of army blankets to place over the speakers as yours, but mine have been cryoed and are only $999 if preorder is paid in full. Shipping & handling not included. ::: TOPIC: .......
224: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Yep... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-11, 13:27:34 (174.49.87.252)
Me too... .......
225: General Asylum, RE: HQD System (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-04, 12:18:04 (174.49.87.252)
when Harry Pearson reviewed his self-invented hybrid speaker system, which was composed of Magneplanar Tympani bass panels and Infinity mid/tweeter towers which he called called the QRS-1D and he did .......
226: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Removing Tuning Pegs (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-04, 06:49:13 (174.49.87.252)
It would dramatically lower the resonant frequency of the 1.6 panel. But I don't think the panel is big enough to get the resonant frequency low enough to get out of the way of the music. More than li .......
227: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Question-answer (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-03, 05:41:22 (174.49.87.252)
No problem, fmak. Next we'll be commenting on the sound of various tubes when used with our SS amplifier. .......
228: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-03, 05:39:27 (174.49.87.252)
Your question about why asynch seems to show up differences in USB cables is a good one, and it's the one that is at the foundation of the issue you raised. That's why I mentioned asynch vs adaptive. .......
229: Computer Audio Asylum, Question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-02, 19:59:26 (174.49.87.252)
For better or worse, the topic about the different sound of USB cables has centered on Asynch USB DACs. How can you comment on the sound of different USB cables for Asynch USB by using an adaptive USB .......
230: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: No I have not found a dac that takes USB and FW. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-01, 20:05:12 (174.49.87.252)
Do you know of a dac taking both FW and USB? Nope. That's why I asked. From your comments, I inferred that perhaps you were able to directly compare USB Async. apples & Fire Wire apples. I have not .......
231: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I think many competitors for Metric Halo use a chipset from Wavefront licensed from TC Tech. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-10-01, 13:47:10 (174.49.87.252)
Norm, How do you know it's the Fire Wire implementation and not the Weiss DAC's overall sound that you prefer? Have you found a way to compare the same units with USB Asynch & Firewire? That would be .......
232: Computer Audio Asylum, Never happens with mine (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-24, 12:43:03 (174.49.87.252)
Here's a different outlook - which may or may not be useful: I use mine here at home and on voicing trips around North America. Thousands of hours of use, and in dozens of different venues. Never happ .......
233: Digital Drive, RE: Sub-$1600 D/A shootout? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-24, 06:33:07 (174.49.87.252)
I do have the Ayre QB-9. I like it very much. I haven't had a chance to directly compare it and the Grace in a system. My impression of the Grace 903 is that it is very good. When you consider some of .......
234: Digital Drive, RE: Sub-$1600 D/A shootout? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-23, 14:42:54 (174.49.87.252)
Grace 903 .......
235: Critic's Corner, Which is it? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-19, 12:14:04 (174.49.87.252)
We aren't allowed to voice opinions gleaned from years of experience, because you know better than anyone from the lower 'trade' class. or We can't be right because we are in the 'trade', and theref .......
236: Critic's Corner, Canare - not that good? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-19, 08:46:41 (174.49.87.252)
FYI - Canare star quad cables are used extensively in the recording biz, especially as location mic cables. They may be not that good in your eyes, but a large number of your recordings were produced .......
237: General Asylum, RE: You forgot the musical. :-) (nt) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-12, 18:38:15 (174.49.87.252)
Dang! Now the secret is out. ☺ .......
238: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: FSB speed (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-07, 13:30:16 (174.49.87.252)
I always thought the battery would sound better on my 2010 MPB with SSD DRIVE & 8 GBS ram, using PM. About six months ago, I accidentally left the power supply connected and powered up. I was shocked .......
239: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Alternatives to horns (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-09-07, 05:28:09 (174.49.87.252)
For a non-DIY solution, I went to Tannoy, in my case the Canterbury SE with the 15" dual concentric driver. Claimed 96 dB sensitivity. Out of curiosity, after getting them dialed in, I measured the Ca .......
240: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Any sources to suggest? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-08-31, 14:34:01 (174.49.87.252)
You don't see many people taking this view, so I have no idea where other sources might be found. From a book that I'm familiar with: Tip #13: Should you accept the “non-parallel walls are best” theo .......
241: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Respectfully, but emphatically - (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-08-31, 14:01:20 (174.49.87.252)
Well, having been involved in the design & execution of dozens of such rooms, I could not disagree more strongly. This one of those areas that I call "Audiophile Common Knowledge". Enough people have .......
242: Planar Speaker Asylum, Respectfully, but emphatically - (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-08-31, 09:32:35 (174.49.87.252)
Disagree on non-parallel walls. Wildly unpredictable results. What standing waves do you expect to address with this technique? .......
243: Computer Audio Asylum, Keep on... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-08-30, 09:22:33 (174.49.87.252)
Keeping on. IMO, we need someone who is willing to forge ahead. We don't always have to agree either. But we do benefit from your pioneering efforts. Thanks! .......
244: Computer Audio Asylum, One or the other... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-08-19, 06:17:00 (174.49.87.252)
When specifically asked about this issue, Rob told me that in this version of PM, you can have Integer - if your DAC supports it - or upsampling. But not both. Apparently a later version may offer ups .......
245: Speaker Asylum, Can they be used? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-08-19, 06:00:20 (174.49.87.252)
If so, in increasing expense and performance: Linn Kan Linn Sara Linn DMS .......
246: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: OSX Lion and Pure Music (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-07-30, 12:04:27 (174.49.87.252)
Steve, since you aren't using Integer, have you tried upsampling from Pure Music? 44.1 sounds best to me when upsampled (in PM) to 176.4. This is probably system (and maybe even DAC) dependent, but at .......
247: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Fabric replacement for Quad ESL57 grilles (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-07-27, 07:53:01 (174.49.87.252)
I wouldn't think that any sock would be as transparent acoustically as the original metal grilles. But that's only a hunch. .......
248: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Benefits of stacking Quad ESL57s (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-07-27, 05:02:45 (174.49.87.252)
I've heard those comments. Don't agree with them. In general, I've preferred stacked quads in the areas of concern that you mentioned. They are more fussy in set-up, such as needing to be inverted and .......
249: General Asylum, RE: Help with Skype audio (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-07-27, 04:57:19 (174.49.87.252)
Not sure what tests you mean. I use Skype to talk/video with Sweden, France, U.K., Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Usually with no problems, but once in a while a lost connection happens. It's f .......
250: Speaker Asylum, OK, I'll bite... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-30, 14:47:13 (174.49.87.252)
What is this best speaker in the world of which you speak? .......
251: Speaker Asylum, RE: Transmission line speaker placement (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-29, 15:24:27 (174.49.87.252)
As with every speaker, the first question is not speaker placement, it's not room treatments, it's where you sit. All else follows, once you are working with the room, rather than against it. ::: TOPI .......
252: Speaker Asylum, RE: Tannoy 15" HPD 385 vs Spendor BC3 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-20, 10:29:34 (174.49.87.252)
Yes, I heard them at Joe's house. This was probably in 2006-2007 or so. .......
253: Computer Audio Asylum, Landfill... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-19, 15:13:06 (174.49.87.252)
Regor, you may be right. But I'm not so sure. If my MBP/Pure Music 1.8a/Transparent USB cable/Asyncronous USB Ayre QB-9 outperforms every CDP I've ever heard, at any price, why is it destined for the .......
254: Speaker Asylum, RE: Tannoy 15" HPD 385 vs Spendor BC3 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-17, 19:08:02 (174.49.87.252)
I've been there and heard it, though I don't remember the Jensen enclosures. At the time, I think it was a custom enclosure and crossover, designed by Nelson. Even so, it was a mesmerizing experience. .......
255: Speaker Asylum, RE: IMO... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-13, 14:30:49 (174.49.87.252)
I bought my first Absolute Sound and paid the money into Mr. McGraths hand at his audio store (what was it called?) on US 1 in Kendall (or was it Clorox Gables?) ca. 1983. Do I win a cookie? Sound C .......
256: Speaker Asylum, IMO... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-06-12, 14:19:51 (174.49.87.252)
Having known and worked with Peter McGrath occasionally since 1976, I'm not at all surprised that the "house sound" at Wilson has evolved. Indeed, I would be shocked if it hadn't. Not saying that he i .......
257: Critic's Corner, Me, too. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-25, 19:19:52 (24.98.147.58)
I have the Stereophiles and the TAS issues all the way back to the beginning for both Don't know why I keep them in my warehouse, but I do. Haven't actually looked at them in years. Guess it reminds m .......
258: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Magnepan 1.7 too bright (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-25, 15:29:16 (24.98.147.58)
Since it appears that you don't understand, I'll let you have the last word. No need to comment further. .......
259: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Magnepan 1.7 too bright (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-25, 15:04:22 (24.98.147.58)
It may be worthwhile performing that test before one begins the endless journey with tweaking the room acoustics, speaker placement, and seating position. It's not an endless journey. It is however, .......
260: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Magnepan 1.7 too bright (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-25, 14:48:46 (24.98.147.58)
In my entire career, voicing hundreds of maggie systems, I've never encountered one pair that was set up as well as possible. So I assumed that more set-up work - which costs sweat, but no cash - coul .......
261: Digital Drive, RE: Low levels - bad? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-24, 21:30:02 (24.98.147.58)
Hey Eric, If the master is deficient I have no idea how to improve upon it. I can ignore it, but I can't improve it. .......
262: Digital Drive, Low levels - bad? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-23, 21:05:22 (24.98.147.58)
As a rule, a lower average level is a sure sign of less compression - 9 times out of 10. Turning it up should yield a more musically involving sound. And it should sound less thin (unless there is an .......
263: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: Magnepan 1.7 too bright (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-22, 11:46:07 (24.98.147.58)
Agree with gme109. Before I spent any more money, I'd spend time addressing the room, placement of speakers, and most definitely the seating position. Everything else that has been suggested may indee .......
264: General Asylum, RE: Equipment Foto Outdoors (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-22, 11:33:43 (24.98.147.58)
I do it for more even lighting in some situations, especially if a flash renders the exposure uneven on reflective surfaces. Never occurred to me that an outdoor shot would be seen as perhaps having s .......
265: Speaker Asylum, RE: Anyone own Vaughn speakers? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-05-05, 12:22:01 (24.98.147.58)
I've listened with Jim Jordan. He can hear and he has good taste. Knowing Jim, I'd bet these sound very good. .......
266: General Asylum, RE: Phase issues (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-04-27, 10:41:13 (24.98.147.58)
Also true. Which is why I say there is no such thing as a "wide sweet spot" with stereo. It's physically imposssible, regardless of the dispersion pattern, and umm, optimistic claims made by some part .......
267: General Asylum, RE: Anyone who still likes mono set up.......... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-04-26, 10:10:55 (24.98.147.58)
Different tastes I guess. The phase issues introduce severe frequency response anomalies where various notes and/or their harmonics arrive partially or completely out of phase with those arriving fro .......
268: General Asylum, RE: Anyone who still likes mono set up.......... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-04-26, 07:43:19 (24.98.147.58)
Listening to mono with more than one speaker will introduce all sorts of phase issues. Very audible and easily measurable. Unless all path lengths from the speakers to the listener's head are exactly .......
269: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: why are you hung up on using the remote app? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-04-23, 06:10:53 (24.98.147.58)
So how can the iPad as a computer be connected by wire to his Imac or my MBP? .......
270: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: iPad remote functionality without wifi? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-04-22, 11:34:08 (24.98.147.58)
This is exactly what I've been looking for to control my MBP from across the room on some voicing sessions where the equipment is not near the seat. I want to replicate the screen, and I don't want t .......
271: Digital Drive, Will see Chad K this weekend (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-04-14, 09:36:40 (24.98.147.58)
Chad Kassem is the owner of Acoustic Sounds. I'm supposed to see him this weekend at AXPONA. AFAIK, his companies are doing very well. .......
272: Planar Speaker Asylum, Agreed... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-26, 16:43:53 (24.98.147.58)
I still haven't heard a speaker that equals the Tympanis in the midbass and lower midrange. Agreed. Unless it's those pesky rose-colored glasses again. .......
273: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Ah... the Decca Mark V - a love hate relationship! (nt) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-26, 14:59:25 (24.98.147.58)
I worked at a high end audio shop. All the Decca 5s were pretty good. Some (maybe 1 out of 10) were spectacular. Being able to pick & choose from the inventory, guess which one I had? ☺ But I ne .......
274: Planar Speaker Asylum, Double 9s vs T-1Bs, vs Infinity SS-1s day... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-26, 13:33:34 (24.98.147.58)
Your post reminds me of the day we did an all day shoot out with Double KLH 9s vs. Maggie T-1Bs, vs. Infinity SS-1s at my place. Must have been early 1974. All ARC electronics driving them (mine and a .......
275: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Do you prefer upsampling to 192? nt (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-25, 19:52:56 (24.98.147.58)
I have to confess that once I saw that CPU usage spike up crazily, I never even listened to it. I probably should have, but I didn't. .......
276: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: 2011 MacBook Pro Battery Power (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-25, 13:58:07 (24.98.147.58)
Playing music with Pure Music appears to be using less than 2% of the CPU. I don't upsample, but obviously the CPU would rise. Upsampling PM evenly with my late 2010 MBP gets me to about 3%. Going t .......
277: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: OT: Setting up Time Machine wirelessly (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-20, 20:48:01 (24.98.147.58)
Abe, I haven't tried any of the things you inquire about. Mine was a simple answer to the OP, from direct experience. For certain, I'm NOT the guy to ask about computer tech stuff. I do know what soun .......
278: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: OT: Setting up Time Machine wirelessly (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-19, 08:27:24 (24.98.147.58)
Apple's Time Capsule is a wireless router and back-up, using Time Machine. Works silently in the background. Set-up is a snap. Password protected - if selected. .......
279: General Asylum, RE: I'd keep the Amp and get Kef 205 or 207 Speakers! What (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-18, 14:54:09 (24.98.147.58)
I have been told that amps that double @4ohms are better with the Maggies. You probably know this, but the even if the Levinson has a pure power transfer curve, (twice the power at half the impedanc .......
280: General Asylum, RE: Living in Illinois! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-18, 09:31:34 (24.98.147.58)
Hey, if dead people can vote, they can pay taxes!!! .......
281: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Pure Music settings (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-11, 15:18:37 (24.98.147.58)
Depends on your DAC, your system, how it's voiced, and your taste, so it's hard to give a blanket recommendation. Rob Robinson of Pure Music is extraordinarily responsive to questions. You can reach h .......
282: Critic's Corner, acres verde - there's more to this story... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-11, 15:13:15 (24.98.147.58)
E-mail me if you want to discuss it. It's not appropriate to post it here. .......
283: General Asylum, Although I never met him (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-03-05, 09:40:31 (24.98.147.58)
It was clear that he was one classy guy. He loved to share what he knew and he did it freely, with respect for his fellow inmates. He'll be missed here. Condolences to his family. .......
284: Computer Audio Asylum, Umm... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-02-22, 14:08:10 (76.97.143.57)
Aren't you the Norm? ☺ .......
285: Computer Audio Asylum, Thanks! nt (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-02-10, 14:14:33 (76.97.143.57)
nt .......
286: Computer Audio Asylum, For mercman... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-02-10, 10:47:54 (76.97.143.57)
Steve, I need to ask you a brief question re setup. Could you e-mail me your address at jim at getbettersound dot com? .......
287: General Asylum, Agreed (nt) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2011-01-25, 13:15:42 (76.97.143.57)
nt .......
288: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: I know that Magnepans are made to a price point but why not have one all-out new Tympani model (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-12-30, 12:54:45 (76.97.143.57)
Great idea, IMO, but that's just not Jim Winey's or for that matter, Wendell Diller's style. .......
289: General Asylum, RE: Weird question....does any one listen.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-12-30, 03:19:08 (76.97.143.57)
My main concern, aside from the different listening height that David mentioned (and the associated different time arrival), is the fact that our hearing has a different frequency response when our he .......
290: General Asylum, RE: The local CD stores around here... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-12-23, 17:52:04 (76.97.143.57)
I offered a CD rental service - same as DVD rental - in my high-end shop in the 80s and the RIAA came down HARD on me. .......
291: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: I'm adding a computer to my system (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-12-10, 06:24:43 (76.97.143.57)
I'd ask Gordon Rankin for his suggestions. He is aware of the iMac's noise issues. .......
292: General Asylum, RE: Superb post, truly superb (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-29, 07:24:14 (76.97.143.57)
Thanks. I just copied 'n pasted one of the tips from my book. .......
293: General Asylum, If you’re past 50, can you really hear well enough to care about your sound quality? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-28, 17:55:51 (76.97.143.57)
I’ll never forget these intertwined events. It was in the early 1980s and I was recording the Alabama Symphony for the National Public Radio affiliate. Several leading union musicians (from the Sympho .......
294: Speaker Asylum, Umm, if I can remember them, does that make me (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-23, 05:01:27 (209.226.201.249)
a vintage audiophile? I'm afraid that I know the answer ... :( .......
295: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tympani 1C differences!? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-21, 05:12:07 (76.97.143.57)
The numbers are the resonant frequency of that section at manufacturing. They generally dropped about 10 Hz or so after use (and time). .......
296: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tympani 1C differences!? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-20, 19:34:24 (76.97.143.57)
Are both channels the same? Originally, we used the middle panel with the greatest (least-tied-down) radiating area, because it would have the lowest resonant frequency. By placing it between the oute .......
297: Digital Drive, Always quiet & reliable (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-17, 13:00:25 (76.97.143.57)
Sounds great too. C5-xe-mp. Had it since not long after it came out. Although lately I use the Ayre QB-9/MacBook Pro a lot more. .......
298: Critic's Corner, RE: Art already reviewed those amps...... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-09, 13:11:50 (76.97.143.57)
To be clear, Stereophile has not reviewed the model you're now distributing, correct. And If I understand their process, a full review will not be forthcoming until you have developed a network of at .......
299: Critic's Corner, RE: Art already reviewed those amps...... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-09, 09:18:09 (76.97.143.57)
Yes, he reviewed the original LARS amps. The new one is the LARS 2. Everything has been changed, including the price (downward a lot) ... :) .......
300: Critic's Corner, RE: LOL! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-06, 11:35:48 (76.97.143.57)
Interesting how MGH went back and edited his questions after they'd received a reply , so as to make himself look better. And he's worrying about deception? LOL! .......
301: Critic's Corner, RE: Can some of you help me out? Stereophile and advertising. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-06, 10:16:47 (76.97.143.57)
I thought I was clear. I wanted to know if there a bias. From what I've seen so far, you have way more bias than Stereophile does. IMO, of course. .......
302: Critic's Corner, RE: Can some of you help me out? Stereophile and advertising. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-11-06, 09:56:42 (76.97.143.57)
I would like this thread to be civil, as personal attacks (which I am also guilty of in the past) only detracts from true intent of the thread. Sorry, I am unclear. What might the true intent of thi .......
303: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Avantgarde Duo question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-23, 09:25:15 (76.97.143.57)
The drivers are in matched pairs, so if you chose to replace one from a set, you'd need to replace the other. That's why getting one from Avantgarde that is shipped as a "match" might be simpler. Havi .......
304: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Avantgarde Duo question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-22, 19:03:28 (76.97.143.57)
Hi Steve, When we talked today, I mentioned that your best course was to contact Armin Kraus at Avantgarde Acoustic. As I mentioned then, if you'll send me an e-mail, I'll send you his e-mail address. .......
305: Planar Speaker Asylum, Umm... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-20, 10:38:34 (76.97.143.57)
He's not John Atkinson. .......
306: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Pro Horns - For Home ? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-15, 06:17:41 (12.187.213.130)
I have heard Danleys in homes that sounded very good indeed. .......
307: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Pure Music New Features Coming Soon (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-09, 16:21:01 (76.97.143.57)
All of it sounds interesting! Frankly, a slight eq in a couple of places to overcome room issues (in the boundary-dependent region) could be a promising step that hasn't been available previously at t .......
308: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Amarra 2.1 coming out.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-07, 20:19:37 (76.97.143.57)
What a great idea, if it works. I'll never forget what I went through to get my QB-9/MBP/PM system working to its fullest extent. Big learning curve (at least for me). Of course, some options require .......
309: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Amarra 2.1 coming out.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-07, 14:42:54 (76.97.143.57)
Alan, Does it have the polarity inversion feature like PM where you can just type in a string in the iTunes comments column and it automatically inverts polarity for any cut you want? .......
310: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Wendell Diller coming to town.. with mystery maggie (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-07, 11:43:46 (76.97.143.57)
Maybe "their people" couldn't hear a difference... Did he say that HE couldn't hear a difference? I've never known him to lie in the 38 years I've been around him. .......
311: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Wendell Diller coming to town.. with mystery maggie (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-07, 07:19:35 (76.97.143.57)
As an employee of the manufacturer, I don't think he COULD approve of bypassing a fuse. .......
312: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Wendell Diller coming to town.. with mystery maggie (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-10-07, 04:00:38 (76.97.143.57)
Wendell is an inventor. He and Jim Winey share a common interest in doing things in a new and better way. Although he is in charge of marketing, I'd say his mind turns to original solution-oriented t .......
313: General Asylum, RE: RMAF (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-30, 09:14:19 (76.97.143.57)
Chris Connaker of Computer Audiophile is doing at least two seminars. With the info at Ayre, along with that from Computer Audiophile, and with Pure Music, I bumbled along until I got it working great .......
314: Computer Audio Asylum, Agree as well (nt) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-23, 06:39:54 (76.97.143.57)
nt .......
315: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: DIY Grand Prix rack: hollow carbon shelf support? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-11, 18:51:52 (76.97.143.57)
Agree with David, 100%. .......
316: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I would be very interested in your experiences. I will probably buy a Mini soon. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-10, 08:07:17 (76.97.143.57)
I'm thinking that going to SSD when I already am using Memory Play will be less noticeable. .......
317: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I agree with you but for SSD... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-10, 06:32:50 (76.97.143.57)
Well, this may be part of the question I had. However, this unit is only used for music playback in my listening room, and on trips, voicing readers' systems. Are you saying that the deterioration beg .......
318: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I would be very interested in your experiences. I will probably buy a Mini soon. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-09, 21:10:08 (76.97.143.57)
I use PM Memory Play (8GB Ram) and HOG. I'm not entirely sure that there is any benefit from going to SSD with memory play and 8 GB RAM. Might have thrown $630 away for the Vertex 2 SSD. I never saw .......
319: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Someone Please Answer Me This....Long (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-09, 20:58:38 (76.97.143.57)
While I don't presume to speak for Wendell or Jim, I have worked with them for many years. The general feeling is that a CES demo for a medium-to-large room full of dealers cannot be carried off prope .......
320: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: The access port of the new Mini looks pretty limiting. Did you get a SSD in it? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-09, 11:48:33 (76.97.143.57)
I wondered about this enough to purchase a Vertex 2 256GB SSD, to replace my 500GB hard drive, even thought I have 8GB of ram in my 2010 MacBook Pro. Hope to install it soon. .......
321: General Asylum, RE: KLH 5's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-07, 07:43:14 (76.97.143.57)
Best sounding, and IMO, nicest looking. Large Walnut Advents - depending on the time frame - were about $116. The three way 5's back then were about $175, well below the price of AR3As at about $250. .......
322: General Asylum, I've been amazed at this one (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-02, 18:30:59 (76.97.143.57)
My book is on sale direct from the GBS website at $33.37. Amazon lists it: 2 new from $98.50 6 used from $98.49 This has been going on for over a year. I've never sold it for resale to Amazon, nor to .......
323: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Who had a chance to hear Spectral DMC-5 first preamp? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-09-02, 07:08:46 (76.97.143.57)
It definitely had the Spectral house sound as we knew it at the time. Of course, that has evolved, perhaps because of Keith Johnson, I'm not sure. .......
324: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I've seen it but have not tried it. It is harder to use than that on the Dac202. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-31, 20:14:28 (76.97.143.57)
What I like about it is that you can go through your playlist and enter "invertpolarity" in the iTunes comment column, and it'll automatically invert that cut for you in the future. I was just voicing .......
325: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: I don't want to seem like am ducking the question but the following is true (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-31, 19:46:40 (76.97.143.57)
Norm, Have you tried the Pure Music invert function? .......
326: General Asylum, Norfolk in the 60s (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-31, 09:26:05 (76.97.143.57)
Cool! I was there from 1963-76. Lived in Portsmouth before that. .......
327: General Asylum, Contact him here: (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-22, 18:29:42 (71.36.247.89)
Jeff's blog: http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/ .......
328: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Well, I got it to work. It is definitely better. Another question. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-20, 05:59:07 (76.97.143.57)
It's working with my Ayre QB-9 USB DAC. .......
329: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Perhaps I am a dunderhead for not trying Pure Music in the memory mode until tonight, but wow! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-19, 10:50:31 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed on Memory Play and HOG. Re ram, I installed 8 GB of it on my new MacBook Pro, and I'm glad I did. Gets a little warmer with the extra ram though (I know because I originally started with 4 GB). .......
330: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: 2.1 system design advice (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-19, 10:31:12 (76.97.143.57)
Horizontal is the main issue. It will cause beaming of most frequencies. Curving them causes disparate time arrival (unless you mean curving inward and you have done the necessary calculations, but t .......
331: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: 2.1 system design advice (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-18, 19:39:58 (76.97.143.57)
A curved array with 4 or 5 drivers on an arched baffle, in a horizontal fashion would make a killer center channel in an all-audience HT setup...... It would be "killer" alright, with the audible (a .......
332: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Don't you dare attenuate! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-18, 19:34:54 (76.97.143.57)
Are you serious? I certainly hope that you don't want to spray the unwanted reflected rear waves around. .......
333: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Acoustics & back reflection? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-15, 13:48:14 (76.97.143.57)
Generally, I'd absorb when you are that close. Comb-filtering is not your friend. Even diffusion won't help much with quickly arriving rear reflections, which will smear the sound. Plus, depending o .......
334: General Asylum, Answer (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-14, 05:46:43 (76.97.143.57)
Yes. .......
335: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Anyone know about Audio Research PC1-C crossover for maggie's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-08-08, 14:34:53 (76.97.143.57)
Original passive crossover for Tympanis. 6 dB slopes. Absolutely required the correct load impedance. Even then, it robbed dynamics. Significantly outperformed by the EC 2, 3, & 4 active electronic cr .......
336: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Unequivocally agree (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-21, 10:31:54 (76.97.143.57)
That's been the standard forever, including pro sound circles. Amp on last, off first. One way to remember it is that the amp is on the shortest amount of time. .......
337: General Asylum, Parabolic reflector (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 16:34:16 (76.97.143.57)
We had one of the early Advent units. Did you ever notice how the sound that someone made in the room - depending on where they - and you - were located, could be picked up and reflected at you, as if .......
338: General Asylum, RE: I remember Tasso. Who could forget him? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 13:18:32 (76.97.143.57)
Talk about getting old! I had forgotten Opus's pioneering work with the Videobeam. IMO, Henry Kloss never really got enough credit for his vision (no pun intended) for the future in this area. ::: TO .......
339: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Moving the speakers all over the room... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 10:37:59 (76.97.143.57)
Moving the speakers all around is important, AFTER you have positively, unequivocally located the best listening position in the room for smoothest bass & midbass. .......
340: General Asylum, Great thread! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 10:27:14 (76.97.143.57)
All the stuff we forgot, and here it is again. It's fun to revisit the "good old days". Thanks mkuller! .......
341: General Asylum, RE: Walking into the old Opus One audio store in downtown Pittsburgh. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 10:20:57 (76.97.143.57)
Man, you are an old dude! Not sure what that makes me, of course... Do you remember Tasos Spanos? And Doug Smith? Bought an ARC amp from them in the early 70s. .......
342: General Asylum, RE: No, they were his own assemblage (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 10:16:17 (76.97.143.57)
The J Mod was nothing more than stacked boxes. The 80s were sitting on a large woofer enclosure. Can't recall what drivers were used. But it was a big box. The RTR tweeters sat on top of the 80s. I li .......
343: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Jim, looking at that second graph, the problem is not the peak @ 100Hz ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-18, 03:44:11 (76.97.143.57)
DOH!!! I think you're right. The fact is, I hadn't looked at this graph, and only assumed a consistent 100 Hz problem is the room. Now I know what they mean about assume . :) But it is still room rela .......
344: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Yes, the second graph is my current measurement (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-17, 20:15:19 (76.97.143.57)
Where is your listening seat? Are you able to try a diagonal set-up? The 100 Hz issue you mentioned in an earlier post is not inherent in the Maggies, nor is it in most speakers. The region from about .......
345: General Asylum, RE: Ramon Noya's insane tri-amplified system (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-17, 20:02:42 (76.97.143.57)
Sounds like he had the Fulton J Mods. Back then, on the Js, most everyone used ARC amps or the Bravura amp (which I'd long ago forgotten until this thread)... .......
346: General Asylum, RE: What are your fondest audiophile memories? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-17, 13:03:09 (76.97.143.57)
In the early 70s, I had a bunch of audiophile buddies and a few dealers over. We had an all-day shoot-out between Double KLH 9s, Tympani 1Bs, and Infinity Servo-Statik 1s, each of which was among the .......
347: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Please don't kick me 1.2 and 1.7 Maggie fans (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-10, 13:51:52 (76.97.143.57)
Had to be a bad set-up. Even sounds as if maybe they were out of phase. Over the years, I can't tell you how many gifted - and sometimes famous - musicians heard the Maggies and fell in love with them .......
348: General Asylum, RE: What is the cheapest audiophile system you have enjoyed? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-10, 13:38:43 (76.97.143.57)
It was 1971: Large Advent speakers Dynaco preamp, power amp, and tuner, each of which I built from kits. AR-XA turntable, Ortofon cartridge. ReVox A77 half-track 15/7.5 i.p.s. reel-to-reel tape deck. .......
349: General Asylum, RE: Ironically, their first model the LNP-2 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-08, 14:04:05 (76.97.143.57)
I used the LNP-2 (designed by Dick Burwen) for many years as a mic preamp for my Levinson location recording system. Although it wasn't the last word in sound, its flexibility was outstanding. Both th .......
350: General Asylum, It was the mid-70s (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-07-07, 19:26:52 (76.97.143.57)
I was working at ARC. Our SP-3A-1 preamp had tone controls. We were the big dog in high-end audio then. We could not believe that the preamp from that upstart Mark Levinson didn't have 'em. No way wou .......
351: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Audio Research crossovers: on ebay (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-17, 19:02:26 (76.97.143.57)
These were meant for the early Tympanis. They were passive electronic crossovers. You don't see a lot of these passive electronic crossovers because: (1) the impedance of the amplifier was critical (2 .......
352: Digital Drive, RE: C-5xe Remote Sucks (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-11, 05:43:39 (76.97.143.57)
I like mine. .......
353: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Planar speakers; room placement and positioning, long vs short wall, inside vs outside. Some thoughts (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-10, 19:41:18 (76.97.143.57)
I generally agree with your Apogee findings. I was the third Apogee dealer that Jason Bloom selected in the early 1980s. Sold and installed quite a few of the original Full Range Ribbon model (my favo .......
354: Speaker Asylum, RE: If I like Quad ESL63s.... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-10, 19:31:24 (76.97.143.57)
In rooms of that size, I've often had great results setting the system up diagonally. Smooths out the bass and opens up the sound. This worked with Quads, Apogees, & Maggies, as well as with more "con .......
355: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tweeters Inside or Outside?? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-09, 13:08:44 (76.97.143.57)
Well, I think the owner's manual is a great starting point. But I've not seen any "hard and fast" rules that were actually all that "hard and fast". I've known some pretty serious listeners to prefer .......
356: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tweeters Inside or Outside?? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-09, 06:26:37 (76.97.143.57)
Even with the same tweeter separation, the real difference is the difference in path lengths from mid to treble sections. This introduces an uneven response through the crossover region. This differen .......
357: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Margaret has retired (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-03, 09:09:35 (76.97.143.57)
When I left there in 1979, she was already indispensable. Can't imagine who - or how many - it will take to replace her. Enjoy your rest, Margaret. To say "You've earned it" would be the understatemen .......
358: General Asylum, RE: chicken or the egg question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-06-01, 06:56:53 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed on Musicophilia, which I'm reading right now. .......
359: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: pass labs amp for 3.6's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-25, 21:00:24 (76.97.143.57)
250.5 and Maggies is very good. I don't know if it's the best, but it's up there at the top. IMO... :) .......
360: Speaker Asylum, RE: I know there was a thread on super tweeters some time ago. A weekend experience. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-24, 13:24:22 (76.97.143.57)
I would have thought they would beam like a laser and that they would have to be pointed directly at you for any ultra-high frequencies to have any impact. But if several people noticed the effect in .......
361: Digital Drive, RE: MacBook Pro (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-22, 17:09:30 (76.97.143.57)
One option to consider would be Asynchronous USB 2.0 from your MacBook Pro to a USB DAC like the Ayre QB-9 or one of Gordon Rankin's Wavelength models. Quite exceptional sound, the best way that I kno .......
362: Critic's Corner, RE: Wall behind the speakers? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-15, 08:18:40 (76.97.143.57)
Hi Scott, When you get a chance, send your note via e-mail and we can converse off-line. jim at getbettersound dot com .......
363: Tweakers' Asylum, As Robert Harley has said... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-06, 14:16:28 (76.97.143.57)
It's NOT the last six feet. To the component, it's the FIRST six feet. .......
364: Critic's Corner, Wall behind the speakers? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-04, 14:05:21 (76.97.143.57)
Can you share as to why there is a need for a wall behind the speakers? Thanks! .......
365: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: What Sub-Woofer With Your Magnap/Planar Speaker? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-02, 16:19:12 (76.97.143.57)
It's not about the size of your room, or "overload" (which is impossible in your room, if you install and voice the subs correctly). It's about dramatically better sound, and not just in the bass... .......
366: General Asylum, RE: Adding Warmth to my Stereo (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-02, 16:15:09 (76.97.143.57)
Before I spent another dime on components, I'd address the way the system "plays the room." For a little more warmth, try bringing your speakers slightly closer together. Often a couple of inched is a .......
367: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: What Sub-Woofer With Your Magnap/Planar Speaker? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-02, 13:51:24 (76.97.143.57)
Speaking from experience, with the Maggies, I'd use two subs or none until I could afford two. Never one. .......
368: Speaker Asylum, Was I too direct? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-02, 13:46:04 (76.97.143.57)
OK, my feelings aren't hurt, but what in my post caused you not to reply to me, but you thanked everyone else? My reply came from actual experience, not only as an audiophile owner, not only as a deal .......
369: Speaker Asylum, RE: MAGNAPAN'S MG-II SPEAKERS (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-05-01, 08:03:27 (76.97.143.57)
While I can sense (all-be-it) slightly, that 32Hz tone is being reproduced, it is not pronounced and gut-felt at all. It's great to know my MG-2's just might have the capability to probe these low .......
370: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Hmmm (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-04-28, 05:55:03 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed. In general, when I have to reach for the volume control to turn a CD's listening level up these days, I take it as a good thing. AFAIK, no one is under-recording. They all reach the max level. .......
371: Critic's Corner, RE: Where do TAS guys hang? The Stereophile guys are around AA, but where are TAS dudes? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-04-26, 13:16:59 (76.97.143.57)
Alan Sircom of TAS sister publication HiFi+ posts on AA, in the Critics' forum. I'm not aware of any others. .......
372: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Why not ask Mike Sanders? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-04-23, 09:14:02 (76.97.143.57)
Why not ask Mike Sanders? He's one of the straightest shooters in the industry. .......
373: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Quad 405 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-04-16, 07:16:34 (76.97.143.57)
If I remember correctly from the 80s when I used/sold it, the 405-2 was a polarity-inverting amp. Of course it had flat frequency response in the human-hearing range, but I don't remember it being par .......
374: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Increased bass by putting a couch between the plane of the panels??? ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-04-01, 14:40:48 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed about extended baffle providing bass reinforcement. Also agree about it messing with the sound stage. However, the lower the couch, the lesser the problem. There may be a point that the bass im .......
375: General Asylum, RE: Price update (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-25, 12:43:24 (76.97.143.57)
Sorry, I'm not exactly sure what your search was about in relation to GBS . GBS is not meant to be a textbook on acoustics. If that is what you seek, it'd be tough to do better than F. Alton Everest' .......
376: General Asylum, RE: Price update (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-24, 17:00:06 (76.97.143.57)
Hey Eric, Yeah, but this deal isn't permanent. But I get your drift... :) .......
377: General Asylum, RE: Can't hear audio panned to center! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-24, 16:02:13 (76.97.143.57)
Sounds like something might be out of phase in your set up. Just in case, I'd check all of my cable terminations carefully... .......
378: Critic's Corner, RE: Spell check is your friend :) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-23, 19:47:39 (76.97.143.57)
I should be embarrassed for continuing to call you on usage/spelling issues. Sometimes we can go too far just to make a point, and I did. So I apologize. Let's just have fun with our hobby! ::: TOPIC: .......
379: Critic's Corner, RE: JA: Stereophile price clarification. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-23, 12:35:40 (76.97.143.57)
A quick visit to the Quicksilver site turned up the price schedule at the link below. .......
380: General Asylum, Price update (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-23, 08:23:34 (76.97.143.57)
There is a Spring Price Break promotion going on just now, with the GBS Manual's price temporarily at $29.70, instead of regularly at $44.50, as listed in the linked thread. Price still includes the Q .......
381: Critic's Corner, Spell check is your friend :) (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-22, 07:06:34 (76.97.143.57)
I salute you sir for an excellent example of 'tounge in cheek' Umm, how about tongue ? I know I said I'd try to restrain myself, but apparently, I've failed miserably. I need to try harder. Sorry. .......
382: Critic's Corner, RE: Communication is important. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-16, 20:19:31 (76.97.143.57)
"As long as you get the jist , there should be no problem." There'd be less of a problem if he had to get the gist . :) Sorry, but when you pontificate about usage while simultaneously engaging in .......
383: Critic's Corner, RE: The question: Is the use of correct English important? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-16, 20:09:49 (76.97.143.57)
It's no big deal. No need to apologize. I was only razzing you a bit. .......
384: Critic's Corner, RE: The question: Is the use of correct English important? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-16, 18:46:58 (76.97.143.57)
"In this case I believe it behoves the poster to not just fire off a missive and slam that enter key." Since you thought it important to make this point, I thought it might behoove you to see the .......
385: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: initial impressions: Emotiva XPA-2 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-11, 05:11:06 (76.97.143.57)
The last season championship I won was in 2006, here in the Atlanta area, running in the modified class against some seriously over-powered cars, such as 400+ hp M roadsters, etc. Of course, mine was .......
386: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: initial impressions: Emotiva XPA-2 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-10, 12:56:40 (76.97.143.57)
Nice to see you at AXPONA. Overall, that's a pretty positive initial report. Keep us posted. .......
387: Speaker Asylum, DKL (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-10, 12:52:01 (76.97.143.57)
Wow! I'd forgotten about Dean, Ken, & Lance. Great guys. Do you know what they are doing now (35 years later)? .......
388: Speaker Asylum, RE: Infinity Servostatic (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-09, 05:48:08 (76.97.143.57)
I doubt that any are operational today. I owned a pair in the early 70s. When they worked, they were fabulous. I used to keep spare replacement tweeter and mid esl panels under my bed, because they wo .......
389: General Asylum, RE: You likely have a integration issue with your speakers/sub (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-08, 09:17:12 (76.97.143.57)
Correcting for the missing bass in that region could be a simple matter of reversing the polarity of the mains vs. the sub. It's usually easy to do, and it should be immediately obvious as to which co .......
390: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Need Avantgarde Service in the SF Bay Area (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-08, 07:18:11 (76.97.143.57)
I would think that, in the likely absence of an authorized servicing facility in the Bay area, that you should contact the US distributor: Lawrence Blair: www.Avantgarde-NorthAmerica.com www.OctaveAud .......
391: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Actually (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-02, 18:44:06 (76.97.143.57)
Hello Joe, Send me an e-mail and we can discuss it. Just to be clear, I am NOT an official spokesman for Avantgarde Acoustic. It's an IMO thing... .......
392: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Actually (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-03-01, 19:49:03 (76.97.143.57)
The Westminsters have an uncanny sense of "rightness." The sound hangs together, top-to-bottom. Very coherent. Very lively. They do tone in a major way. I still like the Avantgardes, when set-up prope .......
393: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Attitude (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-28, 18:28:42 (76.97.143.57)
Jeff, Your attitude makes me sad. It's one thing to have Westminster SEs, a M-9 (sigh, my last one was a M-4), and all that other stuff. It's another thing to rub our noses in it!!! ... :( Please don .......
394: General Asylum, RE: unfortunately I still remember Celestial Sound (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-18, 14:15:11 (76.97.143.57)
"They still owe people on this board money." Yep. And not just consumers. :( .......
395: General Asylum, My first encounter (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-18, 10:09:33 (76.97.143.57)
It was the spring of '76. I had accepted the job at ARC. I was driving across the country from Norfolk, VA. They asked me to drop in on some of their dealers on the way - essentially unannounced and t .......
396: General Asylum, Paul Heath Audio - 2036 North Clark (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-17, 22:48:33 (76.97.143.57)
1976 - run by Jerry Bennett. ARC, Levinson, Magnepan, etc. And Viktor's Stereo (already mentioned) - Linn, Naim, etc. Pro Musica - big FMI dealers. .......
397: Speaker Asylum, RE: Thaughts On Re-Positioning Your Speakers : (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-13, 16:32:46 (76.97.143.57)
So in a 15' long room, you'd be 5' from the speakers. Is that correct? .......
398: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Why not (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-13, 11:28:53 (76.97.143.57)
OK, have to admit that I'm curious. What is the reason that you wouldn't first check with the designer , Mike Sanders at Quicksilver, rather than asking us? You're not alone. I see lots of folks take .......
399: Planar Speaker Asylum, Not clear enough (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-13, 10:25:57 (76.97.143.57)
Sorry, I don't think I was clear enough. Except for physical appearance, there is nothing about the original T-1U that was similar to or competitive with a T-IC, and certainly not with a T-1D. And fo .......
400: Planar Speaker Asylum, Almost right... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-12, 13:51:49 (76.97.143.57)
ARC was the original distributor of the T-1D. I wrote the T-1D manual in 1976, while at ARC. Up to that time, all ARC electronics had been vacuum tube. Previous Tympanis were 8 ohm, a nice match for t .......
401: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Seeing as you are a WBL alumni, Jim ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-11, 17:48:50 (76.97.143.57)
Wendell is an old friend. But I don't know how much clout I'd have with them for this request (after all, I left Magnepan in 1979 to open my shop). I'll ask, but I won't be holding my breath. I know .......
402: Critic's Corner, Mark Levinson & Cello (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-11, 11:26:08 (76.97.143.57)
I was a successful dealer for MLAS (Mark Levinson Audio Systems), before Mark was forced out. When Mark left, I didn't continue with Sandy Berlin & Co. Later on, when Mark started Cello, all the piece .......
403: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Don't agree (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-11, 11:03:05 (76.97.143.57)
Pretty cool that your wrote the manual for the 1-D . . . Just means I'm old... The progression of the six panel Tympanis, with approximate one year intervals - T-1(U) T-1A T-1B T-1C T-1D I had them .......
404: Planar Speaker Asylum, Don't agree (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-11, 08:17:05 (76.97.143.57)
I posted the reasons why below. Additionally, the T-1D was several orders of magnitude superior to the T-1U. As has been posted here before, I have a lot of practical, hands-on experience with these m .......
405: Planar Speaker Asylum, In my experience with them... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-11, 08:11:21 (76.97.143.57)
I worked with the original Tympanis when they came out. I think it was even earlier than 1973, but I might be wrong. All newer Maggies (MG series or Tympanis) would be more lively and extended, at lea .......
406: Planar Speaker Asylum, Comb filtering and beaming (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-10, 13:27:38 (76.97.143.57)
Since you didn't mention it, may we assume that the high frequency comb filtering and beaming (that results from a spaced pair of tweeters in the same channel) don't bother you with the ETs? It shoul .......
407: General Asylum, RE: Think about it ... cork does not have a hard. smooth surface. :-)) ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-09, 00:07:40 (76.97.143.57)
Hmmm... I thought about it. But have to admit that I'm confused, as well as curious. Which concert venues use cork floors? Which accaimed recording studios use cork floors? Which high-end speaker manu .......
408: General Asylum, RE: Wood. If you can, however, a far better choice is cork. nt (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-08, 12:17:54 (76.97.143.57)
Why is cork preferred over wood? .......
409: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Correct Biwire for my 3.6's - Need Some Help (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-08, 08:04:36 (76.97.143.57)
Hey H, !!! Congrats !!! Is this a new direction, or are you branching out? .......
410: Speaker Asylum, Never thought it the theory was a 'rule' (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-05, 12:35:41 (76.97.143.57)
I've heard of it, but never took the title 'rule' very seriously. Because it rarely seems to be a useful guide for most rooms and systems. IME, it almost never works, unless the room is large enough. .......
411: Speaker Asylum, RE: The rule of thirds or rule of fifths is a good starting point. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-05, 10:29:10 (76.97.143.57)
May I ask a few questions? A good starting point for what? Speaker positioning? Room layout? Seat location? Where have you seen these rules espoused? .......
412: Speaker Asylum, Yeah ... Go ahead ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-02, 18:58:58 (76.97.143.57)
Rub it in. Thanks a lot. :) .......
413: Critic's Corner, RE: Best and worse online audio forums ? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-02, 14:38:31 (76.97.143.57)
May I ask what is your primary objection to each of the three that you listed as worse? .......
414: Critic's Corner, RE: It's been a long time since I've seen him... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-02-01, 14:02:11 (76.97.143.57)
The interesting thing about the video is that toward the end, he hints he will be starting a new magazine, perhaps, and leaving his figurehead position as a columnist at TAS. I thought that was very .......
415: Planar Speaker Asylum, Beveridge Model 3 - Maggies (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-29, 10:21:54 (76.97.143.57)
In the early 80s, I used to sell and install Bev 3s with the Bev woofs disconnected and blocked off. Inserted Magnepan Tympani ID bass panels between the side walls and the backs of the Bev 3s. Resul .......
416: SET Asylum, RE: Interesting... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-26, 07:10:10 (76.97.143.57)
I remember seeing that now. Lost too many brain cells... Even so, in following years, we exhibited with the Hovland and BAT VK-51 SE tubed line stages, until the Model 5 arrived. .......
417: SET Asylum, Interesting... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-26, 05:50:52 (76.97.143.57)
In the years we worked together, I don't recall him voicing that opinion. However, it's possible he came to that conclusion after I resigned as distributor, and after the Model 5 was out for a while. .......
418: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Just checking (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-25, 16:05:55 (76.97.143.57)
Bob, I never recommend something that I have not tried. Dman or others would be a better source of factual recommendations re your question. .......
419: SET Asylum, RE: Solid state preamps with SET amps (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-25, 15:46:30 (76.97.143.57)
Actually, we always used tube preamps when we demo'd Model 88s until Eduardo came out with his ss Model 5 linestage. I NEVER heard Eduardo express a preference for ss preamps with his amps, until his .......
420: Planar Speaker Asylum, Just checking (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-25, 15:39:54 (76.97.143.57)
Hello Bob, One of the best mods we always did for these back when we sold them was to replace the heavy and thick stock grille cloth with a thinner and more acoustically transparent cloth, which yield .......
421: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Agree w/Dman, except maybe... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-25, 15:29:56 (76.97.143.57)
When I worked there in the 70s, for best sound, we liked 55ma on the low side and 60-65ma on the high side. However, there's no doubt the tubes won't last as long. I might suggest comparing 50ma & 60m .......
422: General Asylum, Split my pants on stage in front of hundreds (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-20, 14:28:13 (76.97.143.57)
It was 1984. I was doing a broadcast recording for a local NPR affiliate. I was backstage. The recording gear was warmed up. Levels were calibrated. The mics were set-up. It was 35 minutes until the c .......
423: Outside Asylum, Scott Brown for President in 2012!!! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-19, 20:45:24 (76.97.143.57)
He'll have as much experience as O did. 'Cept he also has common sense. And a truck. :) .......
424: Digital Drive, RE: Footfall Isolation? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-05, 08:08:37 (76.97.143.57)
When this has happened on some installations with turntables that I couldn't mount on a wall, I had pretty good luck fabricating some sort of bracket/brace system (often a simple 90 degree iron bracke .......
425: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Thanks! -nt- (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-03, 15:38:00 (76.97.143.57)
-nt- .......
426: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Quick question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-03, 15:36:40 (76.97.143.57)
Excellent! That's what I thought - and what I hoped. .......
427: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Quick question (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-03, 14:19:02 (76.97.143.57)
Jeff, I've never been able to see the back of an actual pair. And I cannot seem to locate an image of the rear of the speaker. Is the horn loaded bass reproduced only through the front lateral vents? .......
428: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Tannoy Westminster Royal SEs (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2010-01-01, 21:16:11 (76.97.143.57)
Wow!!! That speaker has been on my short list. Major congrats!!! .......
429: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Best 20hz - 400hz Bass Amp for Bi-Amping (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-30, 09:16:54 (76.97.143.57)
I know this goes somewhat against audiophile common knowledge , but if you want the sound to hang together cohesively from top-to-bottom, IMO, the amps should be the same model. .......
430: General Asylum, ??? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-29, 09:24:16 (76.97.143.57)
Not sure if you meant your reply to come to me. I don't have any products that he's selling. AFAIK, I've never had any contact with the person who is selling the equipment. From my standpoint, it's no .......
431: General Asylum, Do we have enough info? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-29, 08:46:27 (76.97.143.57)
Do we know what he paid? Do we know why he needs the money? Do we know if he needs it to make another similar purchase? Maybe he just enjoys sampling equipment for the sake of that alone. Do we have e .......
432: General Asylum, Just curious (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-29, 07:23:48 (76.97.143.57)
What do you know about him that persuades you to call him a sap on a public forum? .......
433: General Asylum, Almost certainly (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-29, 07:17:18 (76.97.143.57)
The primary culprit is almost certainly NOT the product, assuming any competence in the brand whatsoever. In fact, ANY decent brand would have these problems if the situation is as it appears to be. A .......
434: Planar Speaker Asylum, IMO, unfortunately yes... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-28, 09:59:36 (76.97.143.57)
Having visited hundreds - if not thousands - of audiophiles who owned "high-end" systems, in nearly every case I could've properly installed a mid-fi system and it would have been vastly better than t .......
435: Speaker Asylum, Hope someone replies... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-21, 06:49:23 (76.97.143.57)
... who has spent some time listening to them in a setting that they know. A few years ago, I listened with Jim Jordan here at my place, and the man can hear. I'd suspect that anything he does would .......
436: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Preamp match for Audiopax 88's? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-20, 12:47:26 (76.97.143.57)
David, The 88s have a nominal gain of 18 dB with AT-7 input tubes. This is about 8 dB lower than most amps, although some have gain as high as 31 dB. The power is 30watts/channel. AU-7s drop the gain .......
437: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: My system seems to be in mono? ? ? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-20, 08:49:54 (76.97.143.57)
I've learned to never say never, but in general, it'd be very unusual for a liquid to convert your LS10 to mono. It could convert it to no sound and/or no power, but not normally to mono. ARC products .......
438: General Asylum, RE: Listener (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-19, 16:03:33 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed. Listener was my favorite. Although I never received a bunny. .......
439: Planar Speaker Asylum, I wrote that note (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-12, 07:05:08 (76.97.143.57)
The MG-1s and MG-2s of that era (1977-78) not only sounded less smooth when reversed, they measured quite a bit worse. This wasn't even close to subtle. When reversed, they had noticeably uneven resp .......
440: SET Asylum, RE: Audiopax (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 20:00:43 (76.97.143.57)
Well said! .......
441: SET Asylum, RE: Audiopax (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 19:58:17 (76.97.143.57)
Audiopax has had issues with poor customer service. Hey Eric, Yes, they have had issues, some of which prompted my original post. This is part of stepping up to be a manufacturer, although some smal .......
442: SET Asylum, Audiopax service (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 19:24:13 (76.97.143.57)
So far, I've been able to get amps serviced for my personal retail clients. If you hear of someone who can't, they can e-mail me: jim @ get better sound . com. The spaces need to be filled in. Or get .......
443: SET Asylum, RE: Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that Audiopax is still in business... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 15:27:49 (76.97.143.57)
See reply to Mike B. above. .......
444: SET Asylum, RE: Audiopax (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 15:10:46 (76.97.143.57)
Actually this has been good. Turns out Eduardo was directed to look at this thread and he and I have been in contact today. Looks like the rumors of the death of Audiopax are VERY premature, and simpl .......
445: General Asylum, A quick Google search turned this up... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 10:02:59 (76.97.143.57)
Don't know if it's what you were looking for. .......
446: SET Asylum, Yes, thanks for the info (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 07:38:31 (76.97.143.57)
I don't think I ever heard one of his amps. Sounds really interesting. .......
447: SET Asylum, RE: Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that Audiopax is still in business... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 07:34:48 (76.97.143.57)
I thought his business had pretty much ceased, based on the lack of contact the latest US distributor had with him. I hope you are right and that I am mistaken. It'd be cool for Eduardo to reassert Au .......
448: SET Asylum, RE: Audiopax (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-11, 07:29:35 (76.97.143.57)
Kurt, About a year or so after I started distributing Avantgarde, some friends urged me to meet Eduardo de Lima (who turned out to be one of the most brilliant and musically sensitive designers I've e .......
449: SET Asylum, RE: That's funny, except (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-09, 20:14:48 (76.97.143.57)
I do remember it. I was sooo excited . And I really wanted everyone to be exposed to Eduardo's concepts. Problem was, we couldn't get nearly enough product for that plan to ever work. And you are rig .......
450: SET Asylum, That's funny, except (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-09, 16:42:39 (76.97.143.57)
It's not too far afield from some of the replies & e-mails I received. So you just about nailed it!!! .......
451: SET Asylum, One thing is consistent... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-09, 12:39:07 (76.97.143.57)
Everyone is absolutely convinced that the amp they recommend is the best choice, hands down. :) And in another consistent finding, nearly all have their own favorites, nearly all different. :) But tha .......
452: SET Asylum, RE: Jim, what was the name of the guy who used to show up at T.H.E... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-08, 19:30:29 (76.97.143.57)
Hey Mike! Nice to hear that all is well with you. In my case, I seem to have lost some brain cells! Say hello to Ray. .......
453: SET Asylum, RE: I get UNOS and Solo's mixed up at times... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-08, 19:26:56 (76.97.143.57)
The UNO already existed when I became the distributor. The SOLO was conceived as a center channel or surround speaker. Self powered, it was expected to be sold singly, hence SOLO. The TRIO name is eas .......
454: SET Asylum, I know they were UNOs... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-08, 16:52:35 (76.97.143.57)
I sold them to him. Can't believe I forgot Mike's name. :( Are they still in business? .......
455: SET Asylum, RE: Jim, what was the name of the guy who used to show up at T.H.E... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-08, 14:43:57 (76.97.143.57)
The guy sold a Carbon Fiber TT stand and had these Red Trash-Can Shaped 300B amps that he built that sounded GREAT on those German Horns. Even better than your room one year! Can't remember his name. .......
456: SET Asylum, Too many possibilities? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-07, 16:35:21 (76.97.143.57)
I have a long-time client who has an extraordinary system. It is very high efficiency. The problem is the amps. They are Audiopax Model 88 mono-blocks. I don't think I've heard better overall on his .......
457: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Looking for amp recommendations for Zu Definitions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-07, 16:14:52 (76.97.143.57)
The "Tennessee amp" is a prototype of something that may go into production. It's made in Tennessee, hence the name. I'm sure it WILL NOT be called that when it comes out. It uses vacuum tubes. IMO, i .......
458: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Looking for amp recommendations for Zu Definitions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-07, 06:13:15 (76.97.143.57)
I never heard even the slightest trace of an edge with the 30.5. I'm using it with the balanced inputs and it's being driven by a Pass pre with balanced outputs. Ron Williams has heard that combo here .......
459: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Looking for amp recommendations for Zu Definitions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-06, 20:27:38 (76.97.143.57)
I have a prototype pair of Essences here. Don't know your budget for amps. The only SS amps I've heard on the Essences are the Pass Aleph 30, various First Watt amps, and a Pass XA 30.5. Since I've .......
460: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Looking for amp recommendations for Zu Definitions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-12-06, 08:40:02 (76.97.143.57)
David, What did you think of the amp they brought in from Tennessee? .......
461: General Asylum, Craters and freighters (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-29, 13:39:36 (76.97.143.57)
Over the years, I've used them to ship various items, some of which required complex packaging solutions. Not cheap, but never a problem with the service. .......
462: Tweakers' Asylum, RE: It drives me crazy that there is no theory for most of the Acoustic Revive pieces (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-26, 10:44:34 (76.97.143.57)
Norm, When you interviewed them, did they say that they pretty much knew to check out these concepts, or did they more or less stumble upon them? .......
463: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Subwoofer with Lowther Alerions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-26, 10:40:47 (76.97.143.57)
Would agree with Jon, unless you have them offset far enough back that you may still need to check which polarity is best. .......
464: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: New Atlanta Maggie Dealer! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-26, 07:41:10 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed. Alan and his staff are first rate. .......
465: General Asylum, Should you have your own dedicated music listening room? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-25, 18:19:40 (76.97.143.57)
Even if you want and can afford a dedicated room, there’s something to consider if you don’t live alone… Going into your own dedicated room to listen to music is a fabulous experience. In addition to .......
466: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: SS amp for AG Duos (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-24, 13:41:09 (76.97.143.57)
Hey Paul, Are these the amps you were using on the Danleys that I heard at your place? .......
467: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: SS amp for AG Duos (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-24, 13:39:30 (76.97.143.57)
Agree with Pass XAs. XA-30.5 or 60.5. .......
468: General Asylum, RE: Hire a professional (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-24, 13:32:00 (76.97.143.57)
Agreed on Richard. I've worked with him and I've sent him a number of clients. All were more than pleased. The "very easy to work with" part is nice, too. :) .......
469: General Asylum, Why it really does sound better at night—especially after 9 p.m. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-11-21, 12:17:11 (76.97.143.57)
Most audiophiles have noticed this phenomenon. There are many conjectures. Here are mine: (1) The power line feed is more pure — there’s less machinery and fewer motors to corrupt the power lines. Rem .......
470: SET Asylum, RE: Thanks everyone for responding ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-10-28, 07:36:59 (76.97.143.57)
Hey Jeff! I can't wait to hear what your think of the Tannoys in your room! .......
471: Speaker Asylum, Actually... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-10-23, 09:45:05 (76.97.143.57)
Thanks! Honestly speaking, I never touched on tone arm/cartridge mass in the manual. Maybe in a future issue. This was such an obvious potential problem, assuming it's not exclusively happening on war .......
472: Speaker Asylum, If it's happening most of the time... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-10-23, 07:11:03 (76.97.143.57)
It's probably a strong low resonant frequency owing to your cartridge mass being a poor match for that of the tonearm. .......
473: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The SP-8... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-10-16, 14:27:13 (76.97.143.57)
Was good enough in its time that I asked ARC to make me a version I could use as a mic preamp (with reasonably high output mics) for my freelance NPR and other location recording gigs. They did and it .......
474: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Value and valuable (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-28, 16:57:34 (76.97.143.57)
It was scary. The value of our strong US dealer & international distributor network helped to pull us through. Actually that entire scenario proved to be a valuable lesson and helped to establish the .......
475: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Yes and No (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-28, 16:48:51 (76.97.143.57)
Of course you're right Charles. I should have said it more clearly - in that time frame, transistorized electronics ultimately went on the back burner. They never played the role that was originally .......
476: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Well... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-28, 10:07:36 (76.97.143.57)
We actually had visions of converting to SS. We had run out of SP-3-a-1s, D-76As, and D-150s, including even some parts. We thought the SP-4 and D-100 would render them obsolete. LOL (now, but not .......
477: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The prototype SP-4 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-28, 07:26:37 (76.97.143.57)
Sadly, the prototype SP-4 was quite stunning. Because we had to co-opt our listening room to build the Analog Modules, we never got to critically listen to the production models. We didn't actually k .......
478: General Asylum, Levinson ML-5 (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-24, 06:43:58 (76.97.143.57)
A wonderful tape machine. 30/15 I.P.S. Great sound. Studer transport. No problems. What was I thinking? :( .......
479: General Asylum, Tracking (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-16, 05:54:42 (76.97.143.57)
Thanks for the clarification. I was referring to the standard tracking link when shipping on PayPal's USPS page. It works for domestic, but not for international. .......
480: General Asylum, Experience from thousands of transactions (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-15, 13:41:19 (76.97.143.57)
In the past 11 months, I've shipped thousands of books overseas, via USPS International Priority mail. Never had any problems with delivery. IIRC, only lost one book, to an address in mainland China. .......
481: Amp/Preamp Asylum, or a bunny... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-14, 08:12:42 (76.97.143.57)
I always liked Art Dudley's bunnies... :) .......
482: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Oops... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-09, 14:59:01 (76.97.143.57)
Sorry for the less-than-clear post. I meant that you said you had already selected either the Mini-Mites or the Dyna and I was suggesting a different amp that was not among your possibles - in this ca .......
483: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Advice sought; Quicksilver Mini-Mites or upgraded Dyna 70? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-09, 12:59:08 (76.97.143.57)
I know you've selected the Mini-Mites. I've not heard them on efficient loudspeakers, but I HAVE heard the Horn Monos. Exceptionally good and virtually no noise (as you know, a consideration with high .......
484: Video Asylum, Try this... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-09, 09:31:26 (76.97.143.57)
AVS Forum has good info. .......
485: General Asylum, ARC Magneplanar Tympani 1s ... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-09-05, 12:37:03 (76.97.143.57)
ARC Magneplanar Tympani 1s, in 1972. Certainly not the best speaker I'd had, nor was it as good as future speakers I'd own. But they were great fun, nevertheless. Of course, everything seemed pretty .......
486: General Asylum, Hmm, it's relative... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-12, 15:06:46 (76.97.143.57)
They sure imaged better than the double KLH 9's I had been listening to. :) .......
487: General Asylum, RE: The value of predictability (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-12, 11:50:49 (76.97.143.57)
I've worked with lots of rooms with tray ceilings. They aren't so predictable either, but usually better than the vaulted types. I do love the spacious feeling higher ceilings (tray or vaulted) give. .......
488: General Asylum, The value of predictability (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-12, 09:31:42 (76.97.143.57)
One of the reasons that these sorts of rooms generally have trouble has to do with the fact that the floor-ceiling boundary-dependent resonant frequencies change whenever the floor-ceiling distance ch .......
489: General Asylum, RE: There is no dividing line. It is a continuum most correlated with the realism one hears. (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-12, 09:09:13 (76.97.143.57)
Norm, I'd forgotten that we apparently had the same system around that time. I'd be surprised if any 22K system of today could play with that one. Of course, my glasses might be rose-tinted... ::: TO .......
490: General Asylum, RE: Amazon used books (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-10, 14:12:44 (76.97.143.57)
You're right. Thanks for checking. Originally, Amazon had it as a new book, which was "out of stock, don't know when it will return" - or something to that effect. I didn't even check the listing this .......
491: General Asylum, LOL!!! (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-10, 13:41:18 (76.97.143.57)
As I've posted elsewhere, Amazon put that image up without my permission, and pretends they've sold the book. In point of fact, I've never remotely considered letting them sell it. Never even talked t .......
492: General Asylum, I'm not Charles... (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-10, 11:23:29 (76.97.143.57)
But I have heard (and worked long hours in) the sorts of rooms you've described, many times over. While it IS a generalization, I agree with Charles. If experience in dozens of such rooms is still a .......
493: General Asylum, RE: A few thoughts (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-10, 08:03:51 (76.97.143.57)
Hello ElDragon, Thanks for your clarification. Your medicine worked for me... :) .......
494: General Asylum, A few thoughts (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-10, 07:42:24 (76.97.143.57)
Unless is Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, nobody should pay $50 for the book on 'good audio.' May I respectfully suggest a few thoughts? IMO – Great music - played back on any audio syste .......
495: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: CARTOON TIME (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-08, 13:30:04 (76.97.143.57)
Right on the money! LOL!!! .......
496: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tympani 1D's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-04, 14:37:18 (76.97.143.57)
I would not use the MG-III crossover with the 1D because it's incompatible with the 1D's 2-way design. Mechanically, the 1D may be a 3-way design, but the electrical crossover network is 2-way. Agree .......
497: Speaker Asylum, RE: Does this sound like a "room" problem? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-04, 08:53:46 (76.97.143.57)
I'd agree that the TV is a problem even if you didn't have some image shift in the highs. Since you swapped speakers, and the outcome was the same, I'd wonder if you have an equal path length to each .......
498: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: ESL 63 on Steroids... more trivia (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-03, 13:42:26 (76.97.143.57)
The handles helped when doing location recordings and with schlepping a pair of 63s into the green room of a concert hall for monitoring. .......
499: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Book "Get Better Sound" Applicable to Maggies? (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-03, 13:26:02 (76.97.143.57)
The Amazon thing is apparently beyond my control. They have the book listed as if they used to sell it. I have NEVER sold Get Better Sound to those guys! They say it's out of stock and aren't sure w .......
500: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: Tympani 1D's (0.00)
Posted by Jim Smith on 2009-08-03, 13:15:34 (76.97.143.57)
Barry is correct. The crossover is internal. The wires between the tweeter panel (where the xover is located) and the mid/bass panels simply connect back to the xover in the tweeter panel. I know a li .......
Found total of 500 records, Query: , Author: Jim Smith in All Forums, Time: 2 sec.