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1: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: lm6172 class a bias is it worth it? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-09-03, 05:45:07 (165.21.154.9)
Since my biasing method was the simplest resistor pulldown method, the effort was not great. I perceive a slight improvement in warmth, but in so many cases with the LM6172 it's the attention to power .......
2: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: One last question. Has anyone heard the Audio Zone AMP1? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-08-26, 19:31:35 (165.21.154.11)
I listened to the Amp1 and some other amps at the same room: - Amp1, Ampzillas and AKSA 55N (DIY) driving VMPS speakers (626R if I recall, otherwise RM2) - Amp1, Ampzilla driving Meadowlark Kestrel To .......
3: General Asylum, Gale GS401A (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-07-16, 18:41:45 (220.255.126.13)
- large standmount with stunning chrome caps (industrial design by designer of the Jensen Intercepter it seems) - 2*8" bass, 4" mid, Celestion HF2000 tweeter, top drives in their day - somewhat let do .......
4: General Asylum, The grass is always greener... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-07-12, 18:31:35 (220.255.111.244)
This must hold true for hi-end audio browsing too. I spent a few days in London and had a chance to visit Walrus Systems and KJ West One. At KJ I made it clear I was just visiting from Singapore and r .......
5: Digital Drive, No need to convert... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-06-22, 09:06:51 (165.21.154.17)
The DEQ2494 will happily accept S/PDIF. The user manual has instructions for the cable fabrication, and there is a menu option to select S/PDIF instead of AES/EBU level signals. .......
6: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Amp Suggestion/Opinions Please (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-06-21, 19:47:05 (165.21.154.14)
I've built the AKSA 55 Nirvana, and would not hesitate to recommend it. However, given that you already own the DH-200, the Musical Concepts mod kit seems most sensible. I'd guess that this upgrade wo .......
7: Digital Drive, Re: Channel Island Audio VDA-1 DAC? Still a good choice? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-06-17, 19:15:04 (165.21.154.13)
I've owned my VDA-1 for well over a year, and since then I've put in some upgrades (selected capacitors, diodes, etc), but the sound is still fundamentally that of the CI-A VDA-1. It's a great little .......
8: Speaker Asylum, I enjoy chamber music too... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-05-25, 04:22:34 (165.21.154.12)
... and even for string quartets, the bass extension is important. One Haydn string quartet cd (Orlando Quartet / Philips / Haydn Sunrise) has some really low bass ( Seriously though, good bass extens .......
9: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: using a CMOY or Meta42 as a preamp (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-05-02, 15:53:19 (165.21.154.13)
Since no one's responding, I will. Same as what I posted on audiocircle... Yes, the meta42 or cmoy will will fine, esp. if they're battery powered. Better still would be to use the 50k attenuator foll .......
10: Vintage Asylum, Re: Info request - Gale 401 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-29, 18:27:24 (165.21.154.14)
Thanks AVM! I spoke to "DW" of DW Labs, and he was very pleased that I found this pair. It's an A, with the chrome bits still fairly clean; only one shallow dent. He said that it would help me if the .......
11: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Equalizers - For And Against (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-27, 17:46:41 (165.21.154.9)
Rather, I'm using it to control bass modes. If my system was using a subwoofer, it would probably be described as 'subwoofer eq'. One very bad mode at 57-58Hz, another at 36 Hz. All higher freqeucies .......
12: Vintage Asylum, Re: Info request - Gale 401 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-27, 17:36:49 (165.21.154.12)
Thanks. Picked them up last night -- 1st owner(!), fully functional, wear and tear on the chrome tops, but excellent for a 25+ year unit. Sound-wise, it's not at all dated. Not the fastest or cleanest .......
13: Vintage Asylum, Re: Info from 1975 Hi Fi Yearbook (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-27, 05:38:59 (165.21.154.15)
Thanks. First time I've seen a photo of a 401 for a long time! .......
14: Vintage Asylum, Info request - Gale 401 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-27, 01:14:28 (165.21.154.9)
I'm about to pick up a pair of Gale 401 speakers, the ones with the chrome caps and the notorious amp-killer reputation. They seem to be very scarce. Seller claims that his pair is in 'tip-top' condit .......
15: Digital Drive, Re: Musical Preference and Desired Improvement (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-24, 18:17:18 (165.21.154.17)
I have a couple of LSO Live! recordings, and they're all very good to excellent. As the name implies, they're live recordings, with minimal edits from alternate nights. That makes a difference to me - .......
16: Digital Drive, Re: Musical Preference and Desired Improvement (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-23, 18:05:10 (165.21.154.13)
That's a very testing set of pieces for ANY player, regardless of cost. Geting the warm, full-bodied sound in addition to the transients and ability to handle massed strings is a great challenge. I fo .......
17: Digital Drive, Re: Manual setup EQ for room correction (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-23, 05:37:10 (165.21.154.14)
This sounds like setting up eq purely for feedback minimization. I don't see how it would help in room eq (ie. eq'ing for a sonically pleasing room response -- controlling room modes, and perhaps some .......
18: Digital Drive, Further thoughts on EQ... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-23, 05:33:57 (165.21.154.17)
My first reaction to what you're contemplating -- don't. Eq'ing to address sibilance just doesn't strike me as addressing the root problem(s). This is in spite of my having great success taming a coup .......
19: General Asylum, Re: Experience in using DEQ 2496 in room correction (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-22, 18:07:47 (165.21.154.8)
Art, you should check out articles at the Harman Kardon and Meridian websites. Tag MacLaren had a great paper, but the website seems to have gone. All point to using high resolution measurement, and n .......
20: Digital Drive, Re: NAD C521i guts! (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-04-17, 02:31:52 (165.21.154.17)
What are the sonic results of your mods? I'm very interested as I've modded two 521s (521i and 521BEE) and the results are dramatic. My mods have been pretty drastic too -- major upgrades on power cap .......
21: Digital Drive, Experience on a 521i (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-03-25, 17:35:56 (203.125.7.150)
Ok, they're not the same beast, but brothers(?), so my recent experience might or might not be of benefit: - the opamp's an NE5532, as with the 542, I upgraded to opa2134, and there's some benefit (NO .......
22: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: battery power for dackit DAC? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-03-25, 15:00:36 (165.21.154.15)
I demo'd my battery DACkit among some friends who brought along various permutations of non-OS dacs (hardwired, tubed, parallel 1541, parallel 1543). As always, there was no clear "winner", but I cert .......
23: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Ferrite Chokes-BEWARE (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-03-04, 04:01:33 (165.21.154.11)
In my fairly limited use of ferrite chokes (largish ones that clamp over cables), I've had one occasion when it seemed to limit dynamics. On other occasions they have helped improve smoothness on the .......
24: Speaker Asylum, Would I buy speakers from US? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-03-03, 23:25:27 (165.21.154.10)
Living in Singapore, I might ask the inverse. In fact I have purchased from US, and was very pleased with the result (ACI Sapphires). Seriously, transactions with a (genuine) seller from Singapore sho .......
25: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: NAD 320BEE vs. D.I.Y (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-02-10, 04:47:23 (220.255.176.124)
The permutations of which DIY amp and preamp you could choose are limitless, so advise will also be very open-ended... I happen to have taken this path -- I biamp with AKSA on treble, and a modded Rot .......
26: Tech Square, Re: Static Problem with Power filter - Help Required (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-02-10, 04:28:41 (220.255.176.124)
HH, What filter are you using? Where did you purcahse it from? Does it use the UK 3-pin socket, or a US socket? There is something incorrect about your filter, and this should be diagnosed & corrected .......
27: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Behringer Ultracurve 2496 modification help (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-01-22, 17:54:53 (165.21.154.10)
I think you are some way off the trail... The analog section is loaded with many, many opamps, NJM4580 if I recall. All smds and a real pain to remove/replace. Given the smps, fairly basic regulation .......
28: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Behringer Ultracurve 2496 modification help (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-01-22, 17:54:53 (165.21.154.10)
I think you are some way off the trail... The analog section is loaded with many, many opamps, NJM4580 if I recall. All smds and a real pain to remove/replace. Given the smps, fairly basic regulation .......
29: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: rotel RA971mk11 & RA1060 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-01-14, 17:23:37 (165.21.154.10)
I have a 971 Mk I, and I'm pretty sure it's also very similar. You got yourself a good deal! I'm not sure how biasing the drivers will help, but beefed up the line section with better caps (slightly l .......
30: Speaker Asylum, Auditioning?? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-01-12, 22:21:03 (165.21.154.10)
I've never used the word "auditioning" in relation to listening to someone's system, or inviting people over to listen, except in the context of a showroom demo, or specific A/B comparison. That word .......
31: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Tweaking a Behringer Ultracurve 2496 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-01-07, 16:52:23 (165.21.154.10)
You can check my review of the DEQ2496. If you plan to continue using the DIO, then imho, tweaking is mainly required on the DIO, as the DEQ is basically going to be a digital-only eq. I listened brie .......
32: Tweakers' Asylum, Great suggestion! (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2004-01-07, 16:42:43 (165.21.154.9)
All troubleshooting tips should be as systematic and logical as John's. .......
33: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: offset voltage JRC 2114 vs. OPA2604 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-12-16, 01:55:58 (165.21.154.15)
AFAIK, the offset voltage spec'd for the chip is assuming zero differential at the input, without effect of input bias current. With a jfet input, input bias current is lower, and thus output offset v .......
34: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: offset voltage JRC 2114 vs. OPA2604 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-12-16, 01:55:58 (165.21.154.15)
AFAIK, the offset voltage spec'd for the chip is assuming zero differential at the input, without effect of input bias current. With a jfet input, input bias current is lower, and thus output offset v .......
35: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: underpowered in what way? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-10-21, 02:02:53 (165.21.154.15)
The grip on the bass was not very good. Bear in mind that I had a 55W AKSA, single-wired to the S800. Apart from that, sound was good. There was a Classe (350W) used with the S800, and to my ears it w .......
36: Amp/Preamp Asylum, The AKSA options... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-10-19, 17:59:16 (165.21.154.8)
I've actually tried my AKSA55 on Signature 800s for a short while. As expected, they were not the ideal match (underpowered). However, I think that an AKSA100 for bass, and 55W for treble would do ver .......
37: Speaker Asylum, Finland? Try the Gradient Revolutions! (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-25, 18:12:08 (165.21.154.13)
You're in Finland?? Do give the Gradient Revolutions a shot. My Revolutions replaced a well-loved pair of Apogee Calipers, and I've never really looked back. These are speakers that measure very well .......
38: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Ferrite Cores on Negative-Leg of Speakercables (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-22, 05:46:54 (165.21.154.12)
Owen's given a pretty plausible answer, i think. Now that you've ascertained that the cores can help in your setup, perhaps the next step is to move the cores to various points in your system to ident .......
39: Speaker Asylum, Re: speakers (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-11, 06:45:51 (165.21.154.8)
I recall that GamuT is often paired up with Gradient Revolutions to much acclaim at trade shows. I use the Revolutions, bi-amped (AKSA DIY on top, modded Rotel on bass). Definitely worth looking into, .......
40: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Hexfreds for Rotel RA-971 integrated amp? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-05, 06:27:27 (165.21.154.12)
?? Haven't opened up my RA971 for a while, but as I recall, there were 4 diodes arranged in a square, close to the main caps. If you use a meter to trace the connections, two ends of one orientation w .......
41: Digital Drive, Re: setting the limiter to 0dB (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-02, 16:37:36 (165.21.154.12)
Thanks. I've already reduced overall level via the Utility menu, so 99.9% of the time I'm below clipping. However, even with the small amounts of boost on certain frequencies, there is the theoretical .......
42: Digital Drive, setting the limiter to 0dB (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-02, 02:53:45 (165.21.154.11)
Hi Guy, That's an interesting suggestion. Just heard something today which indicated that either my bass amp (bi-amped system) was clipping or there was digital signal clipping. How is 0dB limiting di .......
43: General Asylum, You could try digital-only EQ... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-09-01, 18:02:04 (165.21.154.13)
It's not clear what sort of EQ you're referring to. If you're looking at something like a Behringer DEQ2496, have a serious look at only using the EQ in digital domain: CD transport --> DEQ --> DAC -- .......
44: General Asylum, Check with the local hifi forum.. (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-31, 16:31:59 (165.21.154.16)
.. at echoloft.com. You will get lots of useful input! http://www.echoloft.com/cgi-bin/YaBB/YaBB.cgi .......
45: Digital Drive, Re: Behringer DEQ2496-Clipping (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-29, 19:41:48 (165.21.154.12)
> 2. What can be done about it? I can change the overall gain of the modules through the gain offset in the Utility menu, but I assume that this will also decrease digital resolution. I have not tried .......
46: Digital Drive, Re: behringer deq2496 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-29, 19:31:49 (165.21.154.8)
In my experience, using the deq2496 as digital-only eq does not degrade the signal in a major way, and it's well worth checking out. I use a CI-Audio from the digital out of the deq. The CI does have .......
47: Digital Drive, Re: Behringer DSP8024 vs DEQ2496 for sub (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-13, 17:11:13 (165.21.154.16)
I have the DEQ2496. Right off, I'm using 5-6 filters on the ParEQ, mostly notch filters to manage a series of room modes. If the 8024 has 3 filters per channel, then I'd say the 2496 is the way to go. .......
48: Digital Drive, Re: M-Audio Duo (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-07, 23:30:47 (165.21.154.15)
(Semi) conclusive test: 1) Record spdif from a cdp onto your computer 2) Record spdif from Duo onto computer a) Noise on both == suspect your soundcard or PC b) Noise on (2) only == suspect noise brea .......
49: Digital Drive, Re: M-Audio Duo (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-06, 22:26:32 (165.21.154.11)
I don't use the SP/DIF. I'm not sure I understand 100%, but here goes... You're using the Duo as a mic (or line) preamp / A-D, then recording off the SPDIF onto the computer? The computer card has an .......
50: Digital Drive, Re: M-Audio Duo (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-08-06, 05:40:53 (165.21.154.8)
I'm a Duo user. I'm even in the same town as you. Go ahead - shoot! .......
51: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Tweaking an REL Strata (the original) (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-29, 06:35:22 (165.21.154.15)
I've taken a good look at the amp on my REL Q100E, and there seem to be quite a few ways you can try to improve it: 1) there's input protection via a pair of diodes clamping the input (presumably to + .......
52: General Asylum, Please excuse the question, but... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-24, 18:56:53 (165.21.154.17)
Are your measurements of the sub alone, or sub + other speakers? If with other speakers, have you tried reversing polarity? I was pretty positive I had my REL sub's polarity correct until I measured w .......
53: Digital Drive, DEQ2496 - one month on.. (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-19, 19:52:47 (165.21.154.12)
A few comments on the DEQ2496, one month after the purchase: - it would be hard to imagine taking it out of my system. It really does manage the couple of room modes that are otherwise so difficult to .......
54: Digital Drive, 7 cdps and 3 dacs later... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-17, 18:37:14 (165.21.154.11)
Imho, there is still a valid place for dacs in many setups. Over the years, I've used many Philips players (including near top-end models), Pioneer DVD players (incl. DVD-A/SACD universal player) and .......
55: Speaker Asylum, Re: Harbeth or B & W ? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-17, 00:33:38 (165.21.154.14)
How about this for an extreme response? I've heard the Harbeth Monitor 30 and Compact 7 in two different setups (former at a home, latter at a showroom). I've also had the chance to tune / tweak two s .......
56: Digital Drive, Re: CREATIVE AUDIGY PLATINUM - A RIP OFF??? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-16, 15:56:19 (165.21.154.15)
Too bad... you just missed a thread on Audigy and M-Audio there! Sinamex does midiman pro-audio stuff. Not sure if they're the sole distributor. I think so. .......
57: Digital Drive, Re: CREATIVE AUDIGY PLATINUM - A RIP OFF??? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-16, 05:33:48 (165.21.154.12)
kiamyong, Try posting this on echoloft.com. At least one person there has done mods on an Audigy (or is it an Extigy?) that improves the sound significantly. There are certainly better cards available .......
58: Digital Drive, Output is 7V p-p ... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-13, 01:32:53 (165.21.154.15)
If you're using a unit direct to preamp or integrated, remember that the Art pumps out up to 7V, compared to the typical 2V most cd players / dacs generate. That can make some preamps or integrateds u .......
59: Digital Drive, Re: New cd player or Channel Island VDA-1/VAC-1 with Modwright mods? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-08, 04:33:35 (165.21.154.15)
For me, there's little to decide. Unless you're going for a $1,500 or better cdp, I would recommend the VDA-1. I have a modded VDA-1 that has been compared against several cdps and other dacs: Sony XA .......
60: General Asylum, The DBX is... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-08, 00:24:26 (165.21.154.10)
... analog in/out. The Behringer has both analog and digital in/out. That makes a huge difference for me: 1) no additional A-D/D-A cycle in the chain, 2) potential to retain the sonic qualities of my .......
61: General Asylum, Behringer 2496 - no noise... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-07, 18:21:55 (165.21.154.8)
There's have been a couple of references to noise on the Behringer DEQs, but others have quite clearly indicated that their units are dead quiet. Mine is in the latter group. No problem whatsoever reg .......
62: Digital Drive, Mine's completely noise-free too (NT) (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-06, 07:14:50 (165.21.154.16)
. .......
63: Digital Drive, AES <-> 75 ohm cables (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-01, 20:15:18 (165.21.154.17)
An adapter cable is required. Thorsten's collection of articles in the "Ultracurve" section include on with the cable adapter details. If you use the analog in/out, and have single-ended equipment, si .......
64: Digital Drive, REVIEW: Behringer Ultracurve Pro 2496 DAC Processors (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-07-01, 18:26:42 (165.21.154.11)
Model: Ultracurve Pro 2496 Category: DAC Processors Suggested Retail Price: $379.99 Description: 24/94 digital EQ, A-D/D-A Manufacturer URL: Behringer Model Picture: View Review by .......
65: Digital Drive, Ultracurve - "digital only" findings (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-24, 01:54:14 (165.21.154.15)
Ok, big caveat: my DEQ2496 has only been in use for a couple of hours. I decided to get it to manage a pretty monstrous room mode -- 56Hz, very sharp, only gets energised by a couple of CDs, but nasty .......
66: Digital Drive, Re: DEQ2496 -- what about external DAC? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-17, 19:18:00 (165.21.154.9)
FYI, I've not done measurements, but the resonance points were checked vs a tone gen, so I roughly know frequency of those notes... Floor-ceiling: 10' = 57Hz + harmonics Width:13'10" = 42 or so (from .......
67: Digital Drive, DEQ2496 -- what about external DAC? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-17, 06:31:55 (165.21.154.9)
I've been putting off the move to get room EQ, until a very nicely mastered CD revealed a real nasty floor-ceiling mode @ 57Hz in my room (10" ceiling). Using some realtime editing tools on my laptop .......
68: Digital Drive, Re: Behringer DEQ2496 -- Wow... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-14, 19:25:37 (165.21.154.15)
I use a Krell CD250/II, which was subsequently replaced by the model you're using. Your post gives me a very good baseline idea of the DEQ's performance. Thanks! On testing some DACs with my Krell, I .......
69: Digital Drive, Re: Opinions about Channel Island VDA-1 DAC (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-14, 19:17:19 (165.21.154.10)
Funny you should enquire... Just had a listening session with a very accomplished DIYer, who is also very objective and open in his listening. Note that my VDA has the additional power supply, and som .......
70: Tweakers' Asylum, UF does not automatically mean soft recovery (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-12, 04:46:13 (165.21.154.15)
I believe it's the soft recovery behaviour of some ultrafast diodes that provides the reported improvement in sound vs. standard diodes or bridges. Similarly the lack of stored charge / reverse voltag .......
71: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: thanx my man .... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-06-09, 19:11:01 (165.21.154.10)
Yes, the man knows what he's doing... the man also has doubts as to whether a zener-based regulated supply for the line / tone control section is really up to feeding the AD8xx opamps. In the end, I b .......
72: Digital Drive, Re: anyone using a pioneer 656a dvd player as transport? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-05-30, 15:06:11 (165.21.154.15)
Yes, I'm using a 655a (equivalent to 656a for some non-NTSC countries) as a transport to a CI-Audio VDA-1 and a classic Proceed dac (their very first model). The CI-Audio works perfectly with it. The .......
73: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Schematic & Parts List? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-05-27, 01:34:07 (165.21.154.8)
I've used buffer datasheets and some publicly available schematics as the bases for my design. My implementations are simply: source ---> attenuator (10-30k ohms) ---> buffer ---> power amp * no buffe .......
74: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: Passive pre application question (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-05-25, 17:30:00 (165.21.154.12)
OTOH, the 4.7kOhm input impedance is much lower than ideal for a passive preamp. Imho, I think it will be a severe compromise. My approach has been to use a DIY battery-powered buffered attenuator. $/ .......
75: Digital Drive, Re: AD746JN Vs BB OPA2134 for CI VDA-1 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-05-22, 20:15:51 (165.21.154.14)
Some care is in order. The VDA-1 has very high class-A biasing on the OPA-2134 (7.5mA by calculations). I understand that the AD opamps may have different (+ve) internal biasing from the OPA series (- .......
76: Digital Drive, Re: Follow-up (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-05-13, 18:00:39 (165.21.154.11)
International Rectifier 31DQ10, 3·30A/100V. Should do fine, but please verify beforehand that it meets your needs. I'm across the Pacific, so I can't verify if Digikey or Mouser have it. I've never ra .......
77: Digital Drive, Oops (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-05-13, 05:44:35 (165.21.154.8)
Oops. I didn't realise that you're referring to a CDP. I'd still go with 100V schottkys, but 3A should be plenty. I was recently lazy and used 1.1A/50V schottkys in a DAC upgrade because they were wha .......
78: Digital Drive, Potential M-Audio upgrades (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-02-03, 22:10:14 (202.166.126.227)
FWIW, I've looked into the innards of my M-Audio Duo (USB 24/96 ADC and mic preamp). Some of the components are pretty high quality, like the instrumentation amp they use for mic preamp. Other are sto .......
79: Tweakers' Asylum, By NOT SHOUTING and checking this out... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-02-02, 17:28:08 (202.166.126.231)
http://www.micro-surface.com/ I've not tried their CD scratch removal kit, but it should work well. I have used their starter kit for CD restoration and violin polishing (yes, it's recommended by luth .......
80: General Asylum, Great post! Gradient - anything new? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-29, 14:39:57 (202.166.126.227)
Thanks for a great post! > 10. Gradient Revolution. Open, dynamic. My favourites. Better be, 'cos for now they're my reference speakers at home. Any developments on the Gradient end? Is the Revolution .......
81: Digital Drive, Re: Ahfart Audio 6021 Pencil Tube DAC (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-27, 22:36:56 (202.166.126.234)
I visited AHF for some parts, and had a pretty good look at the PCB. It's well made, and designed by an experienced engineer here. It's a large, high quality board, which has the room for various outp .......
82: Digital Drive, Re: Thank you! CIA VDA-1 & VAC arrived yesterday - WOW (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-24, 15:57:11 (202.166.126.231)
Congratulations! If I had some $$ to spend further upgrading my CD source, I would spend it in this order of priority: 1) modding the VDA-1 myself (cheapest!!), as described in posts below 2) assuming .......
83: Digital Drive, Re: DI/O - who can send one to Oz? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-24, 01:26:36 (202.166.126.229)
you have google don't you?? :) www.fullcompass.com .......
84: Digital Drive, Re: DI/O - who can send one to Oz? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-23, 22:24:39 (202.166.126.227)
There was an order to Full Compass from Singapore that was fulfilled very recently. Even came with the correct 230V wallwart... You might want to contact Luis Acosta of Full Compass. Don't see why the .......
85: Digital Drive, VDA.1 boogie... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-23, 16:19:52 (202.166.126.234)
Yes, I think I've used the terms refinement and politeness, and it did seem to get congested and confused with larger scale music. NOT so after you change the power supply electrolytic caps (main, aft .......
86: Digital Drive, Higher output on DIO (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-19, 23:37:47 (202.166.126.232)
Good point. Yes, we were very aware of this. The preamp used had unity gain, and so there was plenty of range to bring down the slightly hot signal from the DIO. We adjusted volume by ear only. Howeve .......
87: Digital Drive, Modded DIO and lightly modded CI VDA-1: coming... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-19, 16:13:32 (202.166.126.226)
Totally agreed, but waiting for both to be modded and run in would have been a frustration. Now I know how each of the following sound: 1) Brand new VDA-1 (very good, little light in sound) 2) VDA-1 w .......
88: Amp/Preamp Asylum, D155 driving Gallo Dues? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-19, 07:24:50 (202.166.126.226)
The one component that stands out on this list are the Gallo Dues, which seem to be in a totally different league from all the others, especially for large scale orchestral music. My guess is that the .......
89: Digital Drive, digital cable and transport (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-19, 05:44:43 (202.166.126.231)
Could not be more basic: Belden DIY digital cable (75 ohm, one of the better Beldens, can't recall the number) + Canare 75 ohm RCAs Old Philips CD750 as transport! .......
90: Digital Drive, Re: May I ask which digital cable and power cord did you use with CI DAC/PS? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-18, 15:17:24 (202.166.126.228)
I use a simple power cord -- DIY Belden, has 14ga conductors, shielding and drain wire. Please be assured, we tried several cords yesterday, and nobody noticed. When we swapped the DACs, people asked, .......
91: Digital Drive, Listening session - stock DIO and lightly modded CI VDA-1 (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-18, 01:50:25 (202.166.126.226)
A bunch of DIYers here in Singapore spend 1/2 a day listening to some of our wares, and it included an opportunity to compare a stock ART DIO and a lightly modded Channel Islands VDA-1. Components: AK .......
92: General Asylum, AKSA 55 Nirvana (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-16, 04:29:16 (202.166.126.227)
I would strongly endorse the AKSA 55 with the Nirvana upgrade, IF you're into DIY, of course. There's little reason I can think of to reduce the voltage rails to make it 25W. The Sugden A21 is one of .......
93: Digital Drive, Yes, it will make an improvement (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-16, 04:19:38 (202.166.126.231)
There've been a number of posts recently. Have a read thru' and you should have a very good idea of how it will fit your needs. If the rest of your chain is fairly high-res, you will definitely hear t .......
94: Digital Drive, Local 24/96 DIY kit (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-14, 21:48:46 (202.166.126.227)
Hi Ken, I happened to view AHF Art Audio's DIY DAC at People's Park Complex. The PCB is very well built, and has all the functionality of Scott's DAC, and is available locally with local support. It's .......
95: Digital Drive, Re: Channel Island Audio VDA-1 upgrades (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-12, 17:08:09 (202.166.126.226)
Deadkat has requested via email for some detailed mod instructions: ..assuming that you have the basics required to do a SAFE mod -- soldering, reading a schematic, identifying caps, +ve, -ve, etc, th .......
96: Digital Drive, Latest: VDA-1 review (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-11, 23:07:25 (202.166.126.226)
A very positive review. Combine the comments with those from Todd's review, and you have a very good picture of the capabilities of the VDA-1. My modded VDA-1 sits next to a Krell CD250/II, and I almo .......
97: Digital Drive, Re: Channel Island Audio VDA-1 upgrades (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-11, 22:54:37 (202.166.126.234)
Hi Todd, I presume you mean de-emphasis ENabled rather than DISabled? FYI, all the caps in my VDA-1 have been upgraded (I think...) to better quality Panasonc FC, Rubycon ZL or Black Gate (one pair, n .......
98: Digital Drive, Re: CI VDA-1 digital de-emphasis is now working! (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-07, 04:00:53 (202.166.126.228)
I put in "Growing Up in Hollywood Town", and the emphasis LED lit up on my old Proceed DAC. Yes, it has pre-emphasis. I'd be surprised that there's a new version with de-emphasis enabled -- Dusty real .......
99: Digital Drive, The mod adds de-emphasis capability... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-06, 15:08:04 (202.166.126.227)
.. so that CDs recorded with pre-emphasis sound correct. Otherwise they sound *very* bright. Few CDs ( Without correct de-emphasis, the sound will be around +3dB at 3kHz, +6 at 7kHz, and +9 at 10kHz ( .......
100: Digital Drive, Here's the mod - and it works (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-06, 04:11:52 (202.166.126.231)
Original: DIR1701 Emphasis Flag, EMFLG (Pin 17) -> N/C PCM1716 DM1, Gnd --> DM1 (Pin 27) (one of the emphasis pins, used when the DAC is in hardware mode) Mod: DIR1701 EMFLG -> PCM1716 DM1 When a CD h .......
101: Digital Drive, Re: CI VDA-1 digital de-emphasis is now working! (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-04, 22:48:35 (202.166.126.233)
Hi Todd, Sent you an email on this. I can't verify the mod longer-term because I've just broken a leg on the DAC chip(!!), and I'm back to no de-emphasis, and little chance of fixing this. Sigh... If .......
102: Digital Drive, CI VDA-1 digital de-emphasis is now working! (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2003-01-03, 18:57:44 (202.166.126.228)
The Channel Islands VDA-1 is a fine-sounding, musical DAC, especially with some modest mods like soft-recovery or Schottky recitifer diodes and better caps. However, it does NOT do de-emphasis of CDs .......
103: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: What is "neutral" or "transparent?" (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-22, 18:06:50 (202.166.126.234)
Not much I can do to tweak that part of my description :( True, we often can't objectively measure 'neutrality' on a response curve, but if a majority of experienced, impartial listeners in a reasonab .......
104: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: What is "neutral" or "transparent?" (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-21, 22:09:07 (202.166.126.229)
I'll take a stab at it: Neutral -- implying 'not taking any sides', usually with respect to tonal ranges; not adding to, or diminishing any particular frequency range. A component that's particularly .......
105: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: no backup battery in this tuner... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-21, 15:45:56 (202.166.126.228)
Hi Elso, Thanks. As mentioned, there is a 6.3V/1000uF cap, close to the main tuner IC (Toshiba TC9303AN, with a Denon marking). It's one of the caps I have not changed while tweaking the unit, so I wi .......
106: Tweakers' Asylum, no backup battery in this tuner... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-21, 01:58:18 (202.166.126.228)
Hi Joey, Thanks. I checked this the first time I opened up the tuner, and checked again (and again...). I'm 99.9% sure there isn't a battery. The board's very simple, and I have check quite thoroughly .......
107: Tweakers' Asylum, Tuner preset memory problem (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-20, 18:04:35 (202.166.126.230)
Hi there, Any assistance would be greatly appreciated: I have a Denon TU-260 tuner -- semi-classic, great performance for the money. Problem: if mains power is switched off for more than a short perio .......
108: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Great FM active aerial tweak (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-17, 04:33:48 (202.166.126.230)
Hi Timbo, Actually the guys in apartments generally have it good here -- they have common antennas, often including FM. The housing density here + tall buildings + lighting storms are some of the fact .......
109: Tweakers' Asylum, Great FM active aerial tweak (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-16, 01:32:36 (202.166.126.233)
I've been struggling with FM reception -- a simple unbalanced aerial doesn't quite give my tuner (mildly tweaked Denon TU260) the signal strength it needs, and an old active Terk FM aerial injected to .......
110: Digital Drive, Why not ART DIO? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-16, 01:21:44 (202.166.126.232)
Surely the ART DIO fits the bill? Most users on asylum focus on the D-A capabilities and mods, but it's also a tube A-D, and many of the tweaks should benefit the A-D quality too. .......
111: Tweakers' Asylum, thanks Ken! (n/t) (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-07, 05:57:28 (202.166.126.232)
n/t .......
112: Speaker Asylum, Thanks jonbee! (nt) (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-06, 15:42:44 (202.166.126.227)
nt .......
113: Speaker Asylum, VMPS RM2 sound compared to Sapphire LE, Apogee Caliper, Gradient Revolution (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-06, 00:15:50 (202.166.126.233)
I've been interested in the RM2 for sometime, but an audition is impossible. My current speakers are the Sapphire and Gradient. The Gradients replaced my beloved Calipers (non-Signature). It was quite .......
114: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: do you guys like your DAC? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-05, 15:12:07 (202.166.126.225)
In short... yes. Have not compared it against many players or DACs; it's really difficult to meaningfully unless all other components remain the same. My comments are very much in line with Todd Krieg .......
115: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: VDA-1 DAC upgrades... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-05, 06:16:30 (202.166.126.230)
i've not looked into the innards of the upgraded power supply, but i certainly have poked into the vda-1. imho, there is potential for a couple of judicious tweaks. not the op-amps, because i believe .......
116: Tweakers' Asylum, tweaks and tempo -- faster? slower? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-12-04, 15:50:02 (202.166.126.233)
I expect there will be no definitive answer, but I would like to understand more: In my moderate tweaking experience, I've found that significant tweaks - a new op-amp in a DAC, ps rectifier+caps - ca .......
117: Amp/Preamp Asylum, A/B tests on my systems (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-11-28, 15:45:36 (202.166.126.231)
I've been using passive 'preamps' since the 80s, and built Ben Duncan's famous Bourns cermet passive with law-faking Holco resistor. I tend to agree with Marc's comments, based on what I've heard on m .......
118: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Passive Preamp Question (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-11-06, 17:25:08 (202.166.126.233)
It would seem that you've bought a linear pot (resistance varies linearly), as opposed to one with audio (logarithmic) taper. By adding the resistor, you're approximating an audio taper. This is somet .......
119: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: an alternative kit amp to consider (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-11-04, 15:35:23 (202.166.126.229)
Hi Raj, I did look further into White Noise, and it does look like quality stuff. The reason I've suggested Aksa is that I've built one, compared it with *really* high end stuff, and it comes out very .......
120: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Re: an alternative kit amp to consider (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-11-04, 01:05:42 (202.166.126.229)
Hi Raj, I believe that for quite a bit less £, you can build an AKSA amp (55W or 100W). It's very, very good. There are many AKSA builders around the world who continue to be surprised by the quality .......
121: Tweakers' Asylum, Off-the-shelf ac filter vs. Risch filter (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-31, 04:40:38 (202.166.126.234)
Many thanks to Jon Risch for his design of the ac filter. I would like to build one, but can't get the suitable choke. Can anyone comment on the use of something like a Schaffner multi-stage high-perf .......
122: Tweakers' Asylum, Schottky and/or soft recovery diode upgrades (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-28, 16:31:36 (202.166.126.233)
Hi Julien, I can't recall any negatives on changing from standard to Schottky or soft recovery, although there have been exchanges on the relative merits of each. This upgrade has engineering basis (s .......
123: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Help!! I'm running out of Ideas! (long) (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-27, 23:50:44 (202.166.126.226)
Julien's tweaks: AQ RF Blockers on ICs Cut sorbathane sheet placed on chassis of PRE2, DIYurmas Lead shot in ZipLocks on Caspian Amps, on 10" inner tube. ZipLocks of sand on CDP on Barry's Hip Joints, .......
124: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Rechargeable 9V batteries are actually 7.2v (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-27, 02:26:18 (202.166.126.232)
I was in the mode of shopping for 9V rechargeables, and the shop owner told me about GP batteries which are 150mAh, and 8.4V nominal, instead of 7.2V. When charged, I measured their voltage to be arou .......
125: General Asylum, Re: Williamson Amplifier Kits (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-23, 04:30:58 (202.166.126.234)
If you look at the DIY section, and at Harmonic Discord, I think you'll find many positive references to the AKSA kit. It's quite a giant-killer for its price-point. Simple circuitry, but well-tuned f .......
126: Bottlehead Forum, Re: tweakability of Extigy? (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-16, 23:05:51 (202.166.126.228)
Any feelings on how an Extigy will respond to tweaks (eg. beefier power supply, FREDs, op-amps, caps)?? That would be interesting. The next DIO? .......
127: Digital Drive, Re: Channel Island & de-emphasis (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-10-16, 04:05:00 (202.166.126.230)
Some early CDs were mastered with pre-emphasis, where high frequencies were increased, and inversely filtered down during playback. In pre-digital days, this type of pre-emphasis provided some remedy .......
128: Digital Drive, Re: Okay, now you've got me confused... (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2002-08-20, 16:11:36 (202.166.126.227)
Hi Irongen, It's not new. In fact, because it's "old" stuff, it tends to be omitted these days. Basically the recording is EQ's hotter (emphasised in treble), so that when replayed, the inverse EQ wil .......
129: Digital Drive, Re: upgrade help (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2001-10-06, 06:07:50 (165.21.83.211)
It happens I have been using a Pioneer DV535, which I presume is closely related to your DV533. Sound was really quite "bleah" until it was worked on by a local upgrade maestro "Dr Jon". He re-worked .......
130: Digital Drive, Re: upgrade help (0.00)
Posted by MB on 2001-10-06, 05:57:46 (165.21.83.211)
Diddy, There is a dealer in Singapore - Lingtec. Their quoted price was a little under US$200, at current exchange rates. I'd be interested to hear about the results if you do decide to buy the DIO. m .......
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