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1: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, It's a single room apartment on the top floor. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2023-06-21, 13:41:48 (107.123.37.8)
Sorry, I could not resist .......
2: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: You are overlooking the most critical diffracting surfaces (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2022-08-19, 05:42:00 (72.184.213.233)
Felt might help, but, based on your photos, I think you need more absorbent material and closer to the paths of direct sound radiation. Now that I am back home, here are some links on the mods that I .......
3: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, You are overlooking the most critical diffracting surfaces (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2022-08-18, 10:26:43 (45.3.229.114)
You have done nothing to address edge diffraction on your mid and HF horns. Almost all horns have edge diffraction at the mouth. You can greatly reduce that by the "towel mod," which also reduces the .......
4: General Asylum, RE: "Analog-izing" Digital Recordings....... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2022-03-10, 07:34:11 (72.184.213.233)
As one who grew up in the analog era (I'm 60 years old), I will gladly take digital any day over analog. I would sooner gouge my ear out with a red hot poker, than listen to my admittedly low- to mid- .......
5: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Cheaper Danley alternatives (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2021-05-20, 19:09:19 (72.184.213.233)
I've heard some of his stuff briefly, in the warehouse. Hardly a good listening test. If I were buying from scratch, I would seriously consider a pair of SH-50, or a bit cheaper, the SM-60M with subwo .......
6: General Asylum, How many Blondes to change a vacuum tube? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2021-05-08, 13:54:09 (45.3.229.114)
A: Like, that is so sexist. Fer sure, totally, how dumb do you think I am? I know that a tube is open on one or both ends. Like, no way can it hold a vacuum. I did take science in high school, you kno .......
7: General Asylum, Reporting is a double-edged sword... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2021-05-02, 10:49:10 (45.3.229.114)
The authorities get their cut, but they also get cut, so to speak. While the businessman or consumer may resent the additional paperwork and/or surveillance, consider it from the libertarian's point o .......
8: General Asylum, I'd put most $$$ into speakers such as.... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2021-04-20, 17:35:26 (72.184.213.233)
If you can "compromise" on the source and perhaps the amplification, consider the following: If you only listen to streaming, digital media that can be played by a PC, you can get very high quality ev .......
9: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, (Pro audio?) Yorkville Unity U15 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2021-03-20, 07:37:41 (72.184.213.233)
For five years I've been very pleased with a pair of Yorkville U15 bought used. Slightly modified and run active, they are easily the finest sounding (if not looking) pair I've ever owned, and I've ow .......
10: General Asylum, Worse: An old Windows laptop AND old DAC... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2021-03-20, 07:26:33 (72.184.213.233)
My current "backup" system is a wheezing old Dell Latitude 2120 (~ 10 years old by BIOS date), bought years ago for I second what you say, or perhaps I'm putting words in your mouth: a lot of the cla .......
11: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Haven't heard Radians, but... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-11-17, 14:29:37 (72.184.213.233)
I have owned Magnepaen 1.6 QR on two separate occasions. In fact "separate" is their weakness -- the wire delaimination issue. I "converted" to Pro speakers about five years ago. I wanted to try horns .......
12: General Asylum, Favorite by name only: hifipig.com (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-10-24, 06:44:45 (72.184.213.233)
Let's be honest here: 99% of high end audio is utter bullshit. The only "high" you get is from whatever recreational drugs (alcohol is a drug) you've ingested. Virtually all you read here, or more so .......
13: General Asylum, Let's just say my moniker is not entirely a joke (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-09-23, 17:13:53 (107.77.161.11)
I've dabbled in DIY audio since when I was a pre-teen, if you count the Radio Shack 100-in-1 project kit or whatever it was called. I have some training but little talent and less patience. I've had b .......
14: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: synergy horn (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-06-14, 20:02:56 (70.127.84.23)
I've been a fan of Danley speakers for years, even visited the factory to briefly hear some. Based on recent stock market poor choices, I should have just bought a pair of SH50s :) I own a trashed old .......
15: General Asylum, If you're feeling morbid... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-03-27, 18:00:52 (70.127.84.23)
The opening scene from the TV movie "The Stand", a music video of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper". .......
16: General Asylum, Yes, they magically remove the crud from the rest of the regular wiring! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-03-27, 17:48:36 (70.127.84.23)
[meant in jest of course] .......
17: General Asylum, I do, but many performances are cancelled! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2020-03-27, 17:47:06 (70.127.84.23)
Sadly, due to the virus outbreak, all the Jazz shows I usually attend in Tampa are cancelled for the Spring. I'm sure this is (or "should be" !!!) the case elsewhere. .......
18: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: port placement (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2019-10-31, 18:06:17 (70.127.84.23)
Just like in the famous song "If I Only Had a Brain," in which the Scarecrow hopes he'll learn why the ocean's near the shore, may I suggest that near a major navigable body of water is an excellent p .......
19: Computer Audio Asylum, Danley Studio One? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2019-06-21, 06:29:41 (70.127.84.23)
If you have more money than sense, which describes many here [grin], perhaps the new Danley speakers? I've not heard them, they probably cost a few thousand dollars, but they probably sound really goo .......
20: Computer Audio Asylum, What else is new? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2019-06-21, 06:25:03 (70.127.84.23)
While the latest technology is new, the spy game goes back decades. And why is there an uproar only when foreign intelligence is snooping? The NSA has a long, if somewhat shadowy, history of inserting .......
21: General Asylum, Around here that's like bragging... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2019-06-09, 16:33:41 (70.127.84.23)
in a conservative Baptist congregation that you plan to go out drinking and whoring that night :) .......
22: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Maybe the old phase inverted signal at x-over? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2019-03-13, 17:04:45 (72.184.202.80)
I have used REW many times, including to (try to) time align my speakers. Hello Tom Danley, good to know you are still on a forum! I've had the pleasure to listen to some Synergies, at the factory, al .......
23: General Asylum, Humorous results reveal our biases... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-12-31, 08:28:15 (72.184.202.80)
I've read more about cognitive errors (not specfic to audio) and the human brain is a wonderland of shortcuts and fallacies. It's a wonder that civilization exists at all [grin] Just like the good adv .......
24: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, Easily addressed issue... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-11-05, 13:35:55 (70.127.84.195)
I should say "easily diagnosed" if you are willing to experiment, especially if you don't need to answer to a wife or snooty audiophile friends :) As the other poster notes, the honk sound is likely d .......
25: General Asylum, ...and I did buy the t-shirt (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-11-05, 13:20:22 (70.127.84.195)
Old enough that I had a Walkman (when they got cheap!)but too old ("cheap") to buy or need the Ipod. .......
26: Tweakers' Asylum, "Cat paradise" indeed! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-07-05, 17:41:38 (70.126.99.26)
I think the installations are very artistic. However, just like a fresh bouquet of flowers, any self-respecting cat would demolish it in fairly short order [grin] .......
27: General Asylum, RE: eBay for parts (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-07-05, 05:12:57 (70.126.99.26)
+1 Ebay. I've sold several items starting at $0.01 that went for -- a penny. Other times, people will bid it up to a reasonable final price. I've not yet mastered covering my shipping and seller fee c .......
28: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, HOMs maybe, mouth reflections almost surely... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-05-01, 17:36:36 (70.126.99.26)
I consider myself an "expert" inasmuch as I've read through most of the epic horn vs. waveguide threads on DIYaudio and elsewhere. I even own a pair of waveguide speakers. I much respect Dr. Geddes an .......
29: General Asylum, Risky but often ok: warm water and detergent soak (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-03-07, 04:39:14 (70.126.99.26)
Obviously either as a last resort or if the item is not of high value (e.g. Behringer (smirk) ): I have had quite good success rates with vacuuming off the loose dirt, then placing in kitchen sink and .......
30: High Efficiency Speaker Asylum, RE: Damp Horny tweeters meet Plasma Ion tweeters. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2018-02-05, 11:23:04 (70.126.99.26)
"Pure Subjectivity does not exist." Sure it does, and it means whatever I want it to :) As to damping, why is it so often the horn/waveguide that receives all the attention? If there is a waveguide in .......
31: Speaker Asylum, If a horn or waveguide -- (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2017-12-25, 18:52:35 (70.126.99.26)
The "towel trick" to reduce standing wave (?) in the horn; Stuff the horn with either the Earl Geddes patented 30 ppi reticulated foam (expensive) or the budget version -- polyfill or similar batting. .......
32: General Asylum, RE: High Resolution - Fact or Fiction? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2014-04-09, 13:53:01 (206.113.113.26)
I'm glad to see a few skeptics here. The answer of course is "yes" (or "no") -- depending upon your point of view. Ultimately it SHOULD be whether the sound will please you. Of course, admit it or not .......
33: Speaker Asylum, Yes it should work fine and... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2014-02-05, 18:18:50 (74.179.118.36)
Nobody started a "Bose sucks!" pissing contest? What has happened to this forum? [smirk] But seriously, I am the happy owner and user of Bose 901 for several years, although I think the "original" (se .......
34: General Asylum, Yes, and many buyers are idiots too... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-08-04, 08:47:23 (173.170.113.91)
I am an occasional seller, and yes the Ebay shipping calculator is close to useless. Even when presented with perfect dimensions and weights, it is often a few dollars off. I will sometimes "eat" a sm .......
35: Music Lane, The re-mastering anaconda strikes again (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-31, 06:51:49 (173.170.113.91)
This is hardly news to anyone, but today I had the most vivid (negative) experience of the excesses of the "loudness war." Much of my music listening is mp3's from, er, "alternative sources." I was li .......
36: Computer Audio Asylum, Good point... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-21, 22:30:13 (173.170.113.91)
There's a thread in General about cassettes being in demand. Lately, I googled "tape simulator" and find a wealth of equipments...both software and expensive analog studio rack stuff. I have yet to fi .......
37: Tape Trail, I'm looking for a "tape hiss" plug-in (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-21, 22:17:21 (173.170.113.91)
I just posted on PC asylum about looking for a plug-in (say for Winamp) to simulate tape hiss and perhaps drop-outs. I know that vinyl effects are available for DAW but not sure about Winamp. Searchin .......
38: Computer Audio Asylum, Tape hiss simulator for PC or WinAmp? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-21, 18:08:38 (24.173.131.250)
This is probably insane, but what isn't in our hobby? First a little background. You may know that there are all kinds of plug-ins or simulators used (mostly) in creating pop music nowadays. Tube sim, .......
39: General Asylum, So this is where groups name "Godsmack" is from? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-21, 17:55:41 (24.173.131.250)
I know little of the group, except I like their song "Voodoo." My English is not so good, isn't "gob" = "mouth"? .......
40: Digital Drive, Peachtree DAC*IT (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-17, 13:31:18 (97.78.87.31)
I want analog volume control on the outputs. .......
41: Digital Drive, Help the ijit: select an OK DAC (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-17, 12:24:10 (97.78.87.31)
My requirements are fairly simple: I don't need super high-end. The DAC will be feeding a Behringer NU6000 amp and some Bose 901s. Clearly not high-end. I am looking for a replacement for my prior DAC .......
42: Digital Drive, A great unit and I've had one for years... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-16, 20:36:58 (173.170.113.91)
First, some praise of the DEQ2496. I probably first learned about it here at AA, although I've found better info about it elsewhere. Message me and I'll share my links if you like. Any piece of audio .......
43: Digital Drive, Everything works, at least right now. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-16, 20:07:31 (173.170.113.91)
My laptop is a Compaq F762NR (about 4 years old) running XP SP3. My hardware is a Musiland Monitor 01 USD (USB -> SPDIF, I use toslink) feeds the DEQ2496 and curently the Muse DAC. For source, I gener .......
44: Digital Drive, One problem solved, found a 2nd... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-16, 15:33:32 (173.170.113.91)
Among my "mad scientist" experiments is a "Muse MINI TDA1543 DAC" with aftermarket (e.g. ridiculously expensive) output caps from about three years ago. Substituting this for the Xiang-Sheng DAC-01A, .......
45: Digital Drive, Thanks for suggestions so far ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-16, 10:41:02 (173.170.113.91)
I have tried a 2nd USB port: still the same problem. I do have some other things I can try: I will listen to the CD on a completely different system, through headphones. I can try a different DAC -- a .......
46: Digital Drive, Help the ijit: artifacts in playback on budget system. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-15, 23:55:21 (173.170.113.91)
I am king of the cheap system (see my system if you dare!) I am usually the one to claim "I can't hear a difference." But here is a repeatable case where I can hear a defect that is most likely in my .......
47: General Asylum, The skeptic speaks... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-05-05, 15:36:50 (173.170.110.242)
Caveat emptor ("Buyer beware!"). First, an automotive analogy. Consider this (for argument, I have no idea if it's true): A cheap car, say a Nissan Versa, and an expensive one, say a BMW 7xx series, w .......
48: Computer Audio Asylum, None so blind as will not see... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-02-14, 13:36:52 (173.170.110.242)
Carcass, you are every snake oil salesman's dream come true! Yet I will give you credit: in an earlier post you did mention that you would choose a quality DAC, not just based on price. "Quality" of c .......
49: Computer Audio Asylum, Beppe, your goals are similar to mine. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-02-14, 11:48:59 (24.173.131.250)
You describe my basic system already. I go from old Compaq laptop -> USB/TOSLINK box (Musiland xxx) -> a DAC (currently a Muse TDA1543 DAC) -> preamp. While I have rarely done the intensive listening .......
50: Computer Audio Asylum, Inexpensive can = good enough or .... ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2013-02-13, 17:26:36 (131.247.226.59)
The original poster posed a simple (and incendiary) question. The central question comes down to "Can I hear a difference?" Often, I assert, the answer is "hell no!" Taking all the above graphs and sp .......
51: General Asylum, Kinks "Father Christmas" (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-12-19, 17:03:58 (99.109.182.218)
Here is a link, many others too. .......
52: General Asylum, Tesla & Edison both have obscure physical units... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-12-09, 22:01:14 (173.169.20.36)
named after them (pretty sure). Also thanks to Tesla we can get (in theory) free electricity off the grid if we can build a big enough 60 Hz resonant antenna close to the power grid :) .......
53: General Asylum, Ti[zzy] the season to... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-12-06, 18:29:57 (24.173.131.250)
be eating dinner in a greasy spoon in Tampa. I am forced to listen to the dreadful "Santa Claus is coming to town" by the rasping voice of a young Michael and the Jackson Five. Did anyone ever really .......
54: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Finally, something really wrong with it!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-11-18, 21:00:27 (173.169.20.36)
I own two of the same unit. I have found that one of them has a channel imbalance of about 2 or 3 db (left/right). Have not tried disassembling, cleaning yet. 2nd unit has near perfect match. So they .......
55: General Asylum, Eh? Speak up! My tinnitus is whistling again. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-08-21, 06:58:27 (69.23.131.209)
NT .......
56: General Asylum, Active EQ ... taste the Dark Side of audio... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-08-21, 06:56:08 (69.23.131.209)
Dare I suggest that a system might benefit from active EQ (for room, source and --yes it happens -- speaker) deficiency? I have never owned a McIntosh anything, but the idea of a loudness contour butt .......
57: General Asylum, Ipod have a digital out? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-08-06, 15:57:58 (74.168.186.201)
Can one get a digital out from an Ipod? Toslink? Usb? If so, that would make feeding the DAC of one's choice easier. OP seems to have some decent gear, far too nice for the headphone out (but WTF, giv .......
58: General Asylum, ...not until there's no knob on your side of the door! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-08-05, 17:48:52 (64.134.182.69)
By audio asylum standards, you have gotten some remarkably temperate responses here. This is a very subjective hobby, listening to music, and if you enjoy what you hear, then you are not crazy. All el .......
59: Computer Audio Asylum, Are you running OS X Maine Racoon-Tailed Cat? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-08-02, 20:09:27 (173.169.20.36)
...ok just a snide remark from a non-Mac owner. .......
60: General Asylum, He could buy Bose and have... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-08-01, 19:18:03 (173.169.20.36)
"stereo everywhere." So the ad-man would have you beieve. I like my 901s but I would never have paid for them new what they cost now or (especially) when they were in the 60s and 70s. .......
61: General Asylum, Even the loathsome Bose 901s... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-29, 19:56:16 (173.169.20.36)
Of four pairs that have passed through my hands, three (either series I or II) were completely original as far as I could tell. They would be 30 to 35 years old at the least. When they were new they .......
62: General Asylum, Modern listener integrity demands that... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-23, 21:41:25 (173.169.20.36)
we make an honest effort to appreciate the artist's creations, and actually listen to all the music we have downloaded. Something like that. .......
63: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Yes, "discontinued" ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-22, 11:00:11 (173.169.20.36)
I found it last night. I know Behringer makes, or until recently, several amplifier classes (AB, D, and ?). I do like my "fanless" NU3000. I think it is amazing that so much power can come out of a un .......
64: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Exactly which Europower ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-22, 00:05:45 (173.169.20.36)
I could not find a "1500" listed. there are several Europower models. I think the iNuke are a newer series. Attached is a link to a tutorial (Word doc) that I did for my fanless mod. Call me cheap (I .......
65: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: Behringer europower 1500 driving Vandy's Ce? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-21, 23:52:00 (173.169.20.36)
I have no experience with the Europower or the speakers. However, I have ended up with a pair of Behringer iNuke NU3000 (only one in use however). I didn't like the noisy fan. So I removed it! (also: .......
66: Speaker Asylum, Rubber room needed! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-08, 22:45:03 (173.169.20.36)
NT .......
67: Speaker Asylum, Some things I have really done to 901's (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-07-08, 22:41:45 (173.169.20.36)
I seem to be one of the few here who actually has listened to and likes 901s. They are hi-fi's "go-to" whipping boy, so I guess people either love or hate them. In any case, they are easily had used a .......
68: Amp/Preamp Asylum, RE: REVIEW: YaQin MC-10L Amplifier (Tube) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-06-03, 20:21:00 (108.70.28.122)
Thank you for the review. Don't forget to add perhaps $170 (USD) for shipping. I'm glad to see that someone else is bold enough to try expensive things from afar. I am not in tube/vave land lately but .......
69: General Asylum, Affordable Audio (webzine) returns (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-05-29, 17:07:11 (108.70.31.135)
This is news ... to me at least. This webzine has returned after about a two year hiatus. .......
70: General Asylum, Corollary: Loudspeakers selected (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-05-24, 19:13:25 (99.118.207.30)
Don't forget that the speakers are perhaps the biggest variable in a given system. The best speakers in the world (that's a separate argument!) will sound like crap in a crappy room. In the same way, .......
71: Amp/Preamp Asylum, ...other ideas... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-05-17, 15:06:44 (108.87.0.75)
First, if you are "nubile" you must be an attractive young woman. Whether or now, I will assume "newbie." You've already gotten some good advice here that I would aggree with such as: Klipsch older sp .......
72: Amp/Preamp Asylum, ...or a listener who can't tell a difference between amps. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-05-17, 14:49:27 (108.87.0.75)
I am, increasingly, on the skeptic side, when it comes to this hobby. On the one hand, let me first state that it is POSSIBLE for a difference to exist between A and B, and in some cases there may be .......
73: General Asylum, It all comes down to personal choice ("delusion"?) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-05-08, 06:47:29 (72.184.244.113)
Love them or hate them, Bose makes $2 Billion a year selling their product. In their favor, I think they offer a 30-day return privelege on their items. I did so with their "noise canceling" headphone .......
74: General Asylum, Is there any consensus on Room EQ standard? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-14, 15:13:17 (72.184.244.113)
Like many of us, I am ever tweaking my system for the best (or at least different) sound. To that end, various types of EQ are of course a common tool. I have extensive experience with most things aud .......
75: Vinyl Asylum, "If my aunt had a dick, she'd be my uncle..." (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-10, 23:01:32 (72.184.244.113)
so said my "audio guru" back in the Army (1980s) ... and it applies here! I did some experiments in Sony Sound Forge: lacking a turntable, I made test tracks (mono), so I had two "dirty tracks" A, B w .......
76: Vinyl Asylum, but what if ...? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-08, 21:39:45 (72.184.244.113)
[Grasping at straws mode ON] In theory, the correlated signal (the music) could cancel out completely, leaving just "surface noise"? Could the isolatd "surface noise" be subtracted from the composite .......
77: Vinyl Asylum, It may yet be doable... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-08, 18:41:21 (72.184.244.113)
There is a software called Audio diffmaker for doing "null test." Here is a link (in link area) -- more about audio skepticism, but noise reduction might be one possible use. I argree that random spee .......
78: Computer Audio Asylum, Some would recommend 00 buckshot (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-08, 18:03:19 (72.184.244.113)
.......
79: Vinyl Asylum, It would seem so simple... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-08, 17:14:37 (72.184.244.113)
I googled Lirpa Labs, cute 1776 Freedom speaker. April Fools indeed! No, my idea is on the level. I am like the maggots in Hemgingway's buried corpse after he blew his brains out, in dead Ernest. Qui .......
80: General Asylum, We're not all backward here... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-08, 17:07:39 (72.184.244.113)
I, for one, learend the Metric system in high school, where "grams" came in very handy for the trade in certain Latin American dry goods. Also, what's with the UK being officially metric but their cur .......
81: Vinyl Asylum, Has anyone heard of this for noise reduction? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-08, 15:26:04 (72.184.244.113)
Just an idle question. I don't even own any LPs for years. Has anyone ever heard of this method for noise reduction for LPs? Take two pressings of the same source. Make two separate digital transfers. .......
82: Computer Audio Asylum, Another option would be... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-07, 21:03:11 (72.184.244.113)
to find a laptop that was quiet enough. My soldermizing skills are not likely to work on diminutive hardware (in other words I am highly likely to make a mess of things. Still, i could stick a toothpi .......
83: Computer Audio Asylum, I'm not cheap, I'm economical...! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-07, 16:29:21 (64.134.144.250)
No offense taken with "cheap." Heck, I am glad there are those of you who buy quality new stuff and when you tire of it, the Brahmin sell it on the used market to us, the nightsoil-porters [grin]. I .......
84: Computer Audio Asylum, Obsession for "cheap" and quiet, therefore, remove! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-07, 12:00:49 (72.184.244.113)
As others have correctly noted, the PowerSpec V102 is a Micro Center inexpensive product. Also my Behringer NU3000 amp. It is reasonable to think that both these items used stock, noisy fans. Perhaps .......
85: Computer Audio Asylum, cheap or DIY silent (or nearly so) PC (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-04-06, 21:40:01 (72.184.244.113)
First, let me say that I have much experience as a tech geek although my hardware skills are not great (hence the moniker). I am familiar with SPCR. I've had a "soldermized" desktop for about ten mont .......
86: General Asylum, Mostly good experiences, some problems (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-03-27, 21:37:54 (72.184.244.113)
In over ten years, I've had 100+ transactions. Very few problems. As a seller, I have only had one deadbeat (feedback 0) but other than that, my only problem has been buyers being slow or not leaving .......
87: General Asylum, why not a parallel listing on here and (say)Ebay ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-03-17, 15:41:14 (72.184.244.113)
...that is exactly what I did a few weeks ago. I promised, and sure enough, an AA inmate bought my junk and I donated $10 to AA (I have never contributed before.) I propose such a system, it would be .......
88: General Asylum, I've bought two of these for friends... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-03-17, 15:32:37 (72.184.244.113)
The Sherwood Newcaste R-772. On clearance around $200. It is a HT receiver so you will have 7 more channels than needed for stereo [grin] but it does an honest (?) 100 watts RMS/channel (8 ohm). It su .......
89: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Yes there is some EMI... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-03-02, 12:18:46 (72.184.244.113)
I have an old portable radio that I used. To make it a fair test I turned off the rest of the electronics. Yes, there is noticeable EMI with the "Bare-inger" (Behringer NU3000 w/o lid) especially AM, .......
90: General Asylum, RE: Audio stores in Tampa/St. Pete? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-03-02, 10:03:18 (72.184.244.113)
Audio Visions South 3655 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 871-2989 Even me, the Behringer whore, once bought a set of Magnepans there, so it is "high end." Safe? Probably "ok" -- Tampa /St. P .......
91: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Can't make a sow's ear out of a silk purse. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-03-01, 14:15:26 (131.247.116.93)
Oh very well ... we are entitled to our differences. Apparently I am sliding down the quality scale. You guys enjoy your audio nirvana, I will wallow in my sonic mud puddle, oinking with happiness. .......
92: Amp/Preamp Asylum, ...and afraid to put our fears to the test, apparently. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-02-29, 22:29:55 (72.184.244.113)
"Piece of shit?" Possibly. "Good used equipment?" Been there, done that. The "blind test" suggestion (always fighting words around these parts) merely suggests that a skeptic put some things to the te .......
93: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Try the hydro... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-02-25, 20:53:31 (72.184.244.113)
Its been a long time, but 30 years ago the best was Hawaiian or Thai. Nowadays I think "hydro" is the go-to stuff. Spend a week in Amsterdam and you'll find what's the latest tech. Cannibis...putting .......
94: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Hmmmm... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-02-25, 20:51:19 (72.184.244.113)
works for me. try www.behringer.com and then search "NU3000". Amp still working well. No sparks yet :) .......
95: Amp/Preamp Asylum, REVIEW: Behringer NU3000 Amplifier (SS) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-02-24, 21:02:07 (72.184.244.113)
Model: NU3000 Category: Amplifier (SS) Suggested Retail Price: $300 Description: appallingly inexpensive powerful class D 2-channel amplifier Manufacturer URL: Behringer Model Picture: V .......
96: Amp/Preamp Asylum, cheap is small and not to steep but best of all cheap is cheap (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-01-20, 12:08:08 (99.188.104.188)
I lack the resources to do a truly objective review. Mine would include objective tests as well as the dreaded a/b (blind, double bind) testing against a unit already blessed by the High Priests of Au .......
97: Amp/Preamp Asylum, REVIEW: Xiang Sheng DAC-01A Preamplifier (Tube) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-01-20, 09:59:55 (99.188.104.188)
Model: DAC-01A Category: Preamplifier (Tube) Suggested Retail Price: $178 Description: hybride (1-tube) USB DAC and preamp Manufacturer URL: Xiang Sheng Review by soldermizer on Januar .......
98: Computer Audio Asylum, ...thanks for clarifying... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-01-15, 16:35:35 (99.188.104.188)
Too complex for me right now. I'll just stick with my DEQ2496 and miniDSP 2x4. Thanks for explaining some of the hardware and software behind this "convoluted" subject. Interesting stuff, but not now .......
99: Computer Audio Asylum, miniDSP's OpenDRC -- new toy does what ??? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2012-01-05, 19:48:45 (99.188.119.40)
I'm a fan of miniDSP: I have one of their "2x4" boxes, that is an electronic x-over and many other things I haven't tried yet. Now comes yet another box, the OpenDRC which is a convolution engine. I o .......
100: General Asylum, Agree with much: (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-19, 21:18:10 (72.184.244.113)
To be fair, such a comparison must b comparable in purchasing power. I think that $2000 (1976) ~= $8000 today's funny money. So 2 large should have bought quite a system in the Bicentennial year. This .......
101: Amp/Preamp Asylum, troubleshoot amp hum? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-15, 21:15:13 (72.184.244.113)
I was using as my main amp a Sunfire "300x2" that has worked fine for years. In my current set-up, there is a low hum that is audible clear across the room. To save time, to prove it is the amp, I hav .......
102: Amp/Preamp Asylum, May require travel (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-15, 20:42:10 (72.184.244.113)
nt .......
103: Amp/Preamp Asylum, And now a world from the Dark Side! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-15, 20:36:03 (72.184.244.113)
If he doesn't mind used, a person skilled in seeking out stuff on sites like Ebay might find a system such as: (pair) Bose 901 (series I or II, don't bother with anything later) $300 EQ for the above .......
104: General Asylum, I was voluntarily committed and ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-15, 20:13:23 (72.184.244.113)
my successes have been varied. Like many in this hobby, I think that part of it is the [fleeting] satisfaction of getting new stuff, playng with it, and (perhaps) selling it when we lose interest. I a .......
105: Tube DIY Asylum, The PC is possessed too... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-09, 16:03:14 (72.184.244.113)
Here is the whole sordid story. In brief, I made a fanless PSU but the downside is I must have both the "internal" PSU open to the air and one side panel of the case off for adequate cooling. Probably .......
106: Tube DIY Asylum, Ijit's gremlins move about... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-08, 19:35:19 (72.184.244.113)
First, can someone please explain what this means: RE: Aid the Ijit: new buzz symptom ... weird. - Chris O 05:06:31 12/06/11 (0) In Reply to: RE: Aid the Ijit: new buzz symptom ... weird. posted by .......
107: Tube DIY Asylum, Aid the Ijit: new buzz symptom ... weird. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-05, 18:59:38 (72.184.244.113)
First, a status report: the Pre is much better, operating with the outboard (and cardboard!) B+ supply. Currently filament is 12 VDC car battery. Good point: the hum when even in "Passive" is gone, 10 .......
108: Tube DIY Asylum, I also need to know how to mount inside (breadboard?) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-04, 19:43:03 (72.184.244.113)
Thanks for the box suggestions. Even if I get one, I still need to have a way to mount the stuff (breadboard)? Also how to mount jacks and such. Pain in the ass if you have no tools. The most sophisti .......
109: Tube DIY Asylum, PC's power supply 12V not a quiet DC source.... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-04, 11:41:51 (72.184.244.113)
...I'm running the filaments on 12 V (the battery out of a UPS right now). I tried the ATX 12 V lead but a bit much noise, just like I hear on the "SRPP" (as yet undiagnosed interference from PC.) Now .......
110: Tube DIY Asylum, Help the Ijit: proper box for PSU (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-04, 06:34:28 (72.184.244.113)
Hello long-suffering fellow inmates! I have reached the stage where I have proved that remoting the PSU of my tube pre reduced the hum issues. My current "chassis" (a file folder "circuit board" insid .......
111: Tube DIY Asylum, The cardboard box is a prototype... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-04, 05:50:47 (72.184.244.113)
...plus I have no suitable metal box. Now that I know that moving the power supply(s) off the chassis is a good idea, I can look for a less precarious solution. On the other hand, I can just fill the .......
112: Tube DIY Asylum, Ijit: partial hum victory! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-03, 23:11:39 (72.184.244.113)
I have finally moved the B+ part of the PSU to a separate box (not metal as recommended, but an actual cardboard box.) The ac cord and the "umbilical" are a re-purposed old extension cord, so old it d .......
113: Tube DIY Asylum, Suggest easy test layouts for a PSU? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-12-02, 10:19:56 (72.184.244.113)
Hello, this is the Ijit again! I want to attack my Mapletree hum issue again, and propose to build a separate PSU with the existing components. Aside from common sense [grin] I also lack tools beyond .......
114: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Ijit inquiry: is AC volts on B+ a valid ripple measure? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-25, 16:52:13 (72.184.244.113)
I measured it at the part of the PSU where it is spec'ed to be 196VDC (with the usual loafds). I don't know if my meter does AC+DC. If Neff is right, then I am rather high at 0.22 VAC: this is the PSU .......
115: General Asylum, American walnut made in USA! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-25, 16:47:38 (72.184.244.113)
...good to see our country still produces something for export ... .......
116: Tube DIY Asylum, Ijit inquiry: is AC volts on B+ a valid ripple measure? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-24, 17:03:07 (72.184.244.113)
Hi, I am still dicking with the PSU hum issue. During my last troubleshooting attempt, I measured the voltage on the B+ and it is very close to the spec of 196 V. I set the meter to AC and measure abo .......
117: Tube DIY Asylum, Ijit itches to illustrate induction & ionization! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-17, 14:35:32 (131.247.235.72)
Ok, thanks to all who have educated me on choke input PSU recently. Parts are on order. I recently learned what "inductive kickback" is, and found a good video on the web. Don't try this at home, but .......
118: General Asylum, ...now a word from the cheap skate ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-16, 20:51:57 (131.247.235.72)
First, understand that I am the Devil's advocate here. Therefore, I am going to say some things that may offend people. Good! As long as it makes you think, something that is rarely done in our world .......
119: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: Amityville Amplifier (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-08, 13:39:33 (131.247.33.168)
Isn't this the one that, even when powered down, whispers "Get out!" when you turn it on? No wait that is the Amityville amplifier. The real horror is my sense of humor. .......
120: Tube DIY Asylum, Technically I have probably used an o-scope... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-08, 13:36:45 (131.247.33.168)
in the military when I worked on [censored]. Between [censored] and [redacted] I worked on [censored.] Ok, well it wasn't that hush-hush. We called it a data scope. Anything from 5-level baudot (yes, .......
121: Tube DIY Asylum, A lot I don't know about VOMs (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-07, 11:48:44 (68.17.105.183)
I didn't know you could use a VOM to check for "little" AC currents on a line that has several hundred DC volts. I'm afraid! Soldermizer, who has not grounded himself since an unfortunate incident whe .......
122: Tube DIY Asylum, Educate the ijit: oscilloscope to look @ ripple? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-06, 15:13:21 (72.184.244.113)
I don't own one, but the thought has occurred to me to smuggle my ailing Mapletree preamp with the mystery hum, to university and see if I can borrow an oscilloscope to check the B+ (and 12 V) supplie .......
123: Tube DIY Asylum, Would just adding an inductor/choke help ripple? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-03, 21:00:38 (72.184.244.113)
Assuming that is the problem... Would adding an inductor to B+ and 12 V supply cure ripple or noise? BTW I am running the pre with 12 V (UPS battery) for the filament and there is still the "hum" pret .......
124: Tube DIY Asylum, built as shown (except later removed the C1a(b) caps (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-03, 20:05:07 (72.184.244.113)
I is confused :) I did originally build the unit per the instructions. .......
125: Tube DIY Asylum, RE: I hink you have a heater to cathode voltage issue rather than inductive coupling. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-03, 17:27:54 (72.184.244.113)
I don't understand that. It is possible, as I long ago removed the C1a/b to reduce the gain of the CF topology. Might this be the cause of a problem? If not, can you clarify what the voltage issue mig .......
126: Tube DIY Asylum, Will probably try the separate box method (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-03, 08:31:50 (72.184.244.113)
I am pretty sure the problem is not inductive coupling. First, the power transformers are in a "stock" metal box. Also, I covered the tubes with a metal saucepan and there was no change. The hum is a .......
127: Tube DIY Asylum, Help the Ijit ... build his 1st power supply! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-02, 17:44:43 (131.247.35.185)
I would like to collect info on how to build what I hope would be an outboard power supply for my Mapletree Tragic 5 pre-amplifier and hum generator [grin.] See recent thread about my failed attempts .......
128: Tube DIY Asylum, Consider the PAIA Tube Man (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-11-01, 09:00:35 (72.184.244.113)
I was turned on to this kit several years ago that got me started in this accursed hobby [grin]. Essy to build,lets you add zero to lots of tube distortion. Can be sold on Ebay when you are bored with .......
129: Tube DIY Asylum, Beyond doubt, the pre is the source... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-10-30, 08:33:17 (72.184.244.113)
The objectionable hum is always there even when: 1. The inputs are shorted with shorting plugs; 1.2 The volume does not change if balance or volume are changed; 1.3 The hum is the same on all three to .......
130: Tube DIY Asylum, Help the ijit: separate PSU for a tube pre ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-10-29, 17:32:11 (72.184.244.113)
Hi all, I am again playing with my Mapletree Magic 5 SE preamp. I am again attacking the hum problem. See URL for a similar bitch about 1 1/2 years ago. To be honest, I can't say for sure if the unit .......
131: General Asylum, too much booze? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-10-14, 14:34:55 (72.184.244.113)
Sorry, I'm an ass. I'm a fan of Tom Waits ... his song "The Piano Has Been Drinking" is a gem. .......
132: Vintage Asylum, Now it works, go figure... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-26, 15:32:01 (72.184.244.113)
I tried it again, it having been unplugged for nearly 24 hours. Appears to be working fine. I had some other odd stuff...possibly bad grounding, with my Behringer DEQ2496. As of right now, eerything .......
133: Vintage Asylum, Thanks but ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-26, 12:26:04 (68.17.105.183)
I got a response from dbxpro; there are 3 "vintage" service centers. I spoke to the one in MO and a friendly man told me that they only have one service manual and "it is unreadable", that their succe .......
134: Vintage Asylum, repair options for dbx 5bx ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-25, 12:04:02 (72.184.244.113)
After nearly a year of use, my beloved dbx 5bx is inoperative. I opened it up and pretty sure that 1 to 3 of the power supply caps is leaky. Based on the value of this unit (about $800 working); also .......
135: Computer Audio Asylum, Budget challenge: $150 for PC amp/2 speakers (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-22, 20:43:44 (72.184.244.113)
I am looking to replace the audio portion of a PC for an office in which I volunteer. Thus this question is about "PC audio" but specifically, I would like to challenge people to suggest "desktop" spe .......
136: General Asylum, what is the music, the Devil's orchestra ?? [grin] (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-13, 22:13:12 (72.184.244.113)
NT .......
137: Speaker Asylum, Aw, crap (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-12, 10:21:12 (68.17.105.183)
... now what am I going to do with the can of Watco Teak oil ??? .......
138: Speaker Asylum, Are you sure they were Series II ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-12, 10:20:13 (68.17.105.183)
...I've owned three pair of the Series I, II and had no problems with the drivers (audible) -- I haven't taken all the grills off the current crop of Series II and probably won't anytime soon, but the .......
139: Speaker Asylum, RE: There is a place for Bose speakers in the universe... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-11, 14:04:26 (72.184.244.113)
I too am a Bose fan. I've either listened to or owned much of the vintage stuff. For what they do, I especially like the original 301,501 and the 901 (I, II). Perhaps overpriced when new, but these se .......
140: Speaker Asylum, Help identify the Bose 901 model (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-11, 12:00:24 (72.184.244.113)
My name is Soldermizer and I am a ... Bose whore. I recently purchased a set of 4 Bose 901 series II and -- well, I am asking to find out more specific model info if anyone can help me. If you check t .......
141: Computer Audio Asylum, Can you really hear a difference? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-09-10, 15:42:45 (72.184.244.113)
None of my DAC stuff is "high end." In one case I was able to hear a difference: the line out from a cheap net book has unacceptable noise. I got acceptable quality with a very cheap USB DAC. On a che .......
142: General Asylum, RE: Are you buying quality or status ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-18, 11:39:42 (72.184.244.113)
Agree absolutely Sebrof, it all boils down to opinion of the listener. I re-iterate my point that ideally the buyer should be informed and have relied on objective measures to get equipment that is at .......
143: Planar Speaker Asylum, 10-12 years to de-bond? Hah! More like 2-3 years. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-17, 17:35:35 (97.78.96.197)
This above post is an interesting datum. My 1.6 QR's unfortunately date exactly from then (I think I took delivery about January 2005). So mine were bonded with library paste maybe? Good speakers, Ma .......
144: General Asylum, Agree, invest in speakers only for now ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-17, 17:02:14 (97.78.96.197)
I semi-wrongly replied to the post above this one, you can see that diatribe here as much of it is relevant to your case: http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/59/599425.html I have actual .......
145: General Asylum, Are you buying quality or status ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-17, 11:46:38 (131.247.244.20)
I got confused by exactly what gear the user has or will have, but I would like to offer some advice. (1) Beware of the psychological bullshit that is so much of this hobby. Yes, you can buy more "pre .......
146: Planar Speaker Asylum, Does new Magnepan 1.7 have "delam" issue? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-13, 19:09:33 (72.184.244.113)
Perhaps too soon to tell, but I was interested in whether the new 1.7 series does (or perhaps is likely to) suffer the delamination or loose buzzy wire syndrome so common to the Magnepan line. I have .......
147: Speaker Asylum, Actual quality stuff at a yard sale! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-13, 19:03:44 (72.184.244.113)
In the first place, consider the following: (1) I live in a part of Florida that has about 20% unemployment. Not the most affluent area in the world. (2) Most yard sale stuff is crap, and this one was .......
148: Planar Speaker Asylum, Cheap to experiment if you want ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-11, 15:30:29 (72.184.244.113)
Look for threads about MiniDSP here. I am playing with one to active a pair of old 1.6 QR. Better or worse? I don't know. I am not a critical listener. With the MiniDSP 2x4, after choosing reasonable .......
149: Speaker Asylum, I'm a 901 fan myself but ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-05, 13:53:05 (68.17.105.183)
seems to me that powering 901's with a tiny tube amp is sort of like pissing into the wind! Hey, but if you like it ... go for it. Soldermizer, token tube owner and glutton for 70s and 80s tech... ::: .......
150: Amp/Preamp Asylum, There are real factors, and there are make-believe ones... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-05, 13:41:03 (68.17.105.183)
Of course there are many objective (and measurable) factors in selecting a component -- watts per channel, frequency response, etc. Also there are those elusive hard to quantify factors (possibly real .......
151: General Asylum, RE: Internet bottlenecks will slow adoption of an (only download) delivery system for at least the next decade or (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-05, 09:00:19 (72.184.244.113)
"It's easy to predict the future; the hard part is being right." Good points all, and some more ideas: perhaps delivery of physical media ("Netflix or Blockbuster DVDs by mail") will be a solution to .......
152: Amp/Preamp Asylum, I would be suprised if it drew 600 watts from outlet (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-02, 20:55:44 (72.184.244.113)
...yes, too good to be true ... But the cited "amp" is the biggest whopper I have seen since [over-] investigating this for my money-challenged friend. I browsed some of the reputable "Class D" sites .......
153: Amp/Preamp Asylum, Deceptive watt/ch on some amps? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-08-02, 04:03:07 (72.184.244.113)
I've been bottom fishing for a cheap Class D amp for DIY experimentation. It seems that much advertising is deceptive. Nothing new there, but I thought that the FTC had standardized amplifier power cl .......
154: Planar Speaker Asylum, Other (politicaly incorrect) important points! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-31, 12:35:48 (173.102.213.168)
Agree with BigguyinATL. I add the following: 1. This hobby is ("should be"?) a combination of the objective (Can it be measured? Often not.) and the subjective ("what does it sound like"?) There is a .......
155: Headphone Heights, Welcome to HH and Stax owners! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-30, 09:35:07 (72.184.244.113)
I'm a long-timer here at AA (both kinds actually ...er...) and for past few months a Stax enthusiast (albeit with decades-old Lambda Pro and the SRM-1 Mk. II amp) Very cool stuff. I look forward to se .......
156: Planar Speaker Asylum, Experimentation with the active crossover (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-20, 19:16:30 (64.134.180.235)
A tool like the miniDSP offers much opportunity for mischief :) Is there another board here, or a source of information (opinion) on best slopes, filter types, etc. My previous browsing on AA shows m .......
157: Planar Speaker Asylum, Yes, miniDSP 2x4 online a couple days now... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-20, 19:04:12 (64.134.180.235)
Yes! This is exactly the thread I was looking for. I just bought a miniDSP 2x4 and am experimenting with actively bi-amping my 1.6 QR -- something I had not done in many years of owning them. Thank yo .......
158: Computer Audio Asylum, I'm been out-cheaped! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-10, 20:40:33 (72.184.244.113)
good point ... but strictly speaking, not USB! I usually have gotten acceptable performance from the audio out of a desktop mobo audio and/or a Soundblaster (e.g. Audigy 2) but good luck with a netbo .......
159: Computer Audio Asylum, Can anyone really hear a difference? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-10, 18:31:46 (72.184.244.113)
Hmmm...the unanswered question here seems to be "Can you hear the difference between 16 bit/48 KHz and higher resolutions?" Just because we have better (on paper) tech today doesn't mean the man on t .......
160: Computer Audio Asylum, How cheap? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-10, 16:17:30 (72.184.244.113)
I know cheap! You can get very cheap external usb dac's -- under $50 on Ebay and no doubt elsewhere. For a little better quality (I think!) my "good" system is a Musiland Monitor 01 USD (a usb to spd .......
161: Planar Speaker Asylum, Just 2nd hand info but .. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-08, 17:11:44 (72.184.244.113)
Many Europeans [used to] come to the USA to do their shopping for high cost items. A pair of upper scale Maggies surely applies. In some cases, it may be possible to "import" something as your persona .......
162: General Asylum, I miss the second hand stores (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-06, 06:27:22 (72.184.244.113)
When I first got into this hobby ("obsession"?) back in the early 1980s, it was of course long before Ebay, AudioGone, and such. Unless you count such mythical new audio things as the U.S. Military's .......
163: General Asylum, Avast ye scurvy RIAA ! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-07-06, 06:12:43 (72.184.244.113)
I have dabbled in live recording using the humble Sony ICD-SX750. I made a pair of condenser mikes for "stealth" recording (found plans somewhere on the net). Considering the mic is hidden under a shi .......
164: Tweakers' Asylum, DIY no-sew leather pads for headphones (Stax) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-06-25, 14:50:51 (72.184.244.113)
Here is a link to making DIY leather ear pads for headphones. It is a ZIP (about 14 MB); unzip & view with your browser. My project was specifically covering existing ear pads of a Stax Lambda with le .......
165: Digital Drive, Briefly, yes... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-05-20, 12:45:47 (68.17.105.183)
I bought one so that I could f##k with it ("mods"): http://www.hifizine.com/2010/12/doing-your-own-dac-mods-a-primer/ .......
166: Computer Audio Asylum, Be cheap like me! Use a cheap PC. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-05-17, 19:26:59 (72.184.244.113)
Unless you're a complete computer phobe (why on this board then?), it is probably hard to beat, costwise, a cheap PC (netbook 40 hours/month. With Winamp or a similar streaming software, you have a ch .......
167: Computer Audio Asylum, Looks promising but costs money... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-05-16, 11:05:53 (72.184.244.113)
Thanks for what looks like a good software solution. However, did I mention I am cheap? I can buy a used Behringer DSP8024 for $103-190 (Ebay is weird!) or even a brand new DEQ2496 for upper $200s. I .......
168: Computer Audio Asylum, Easy good EQ for all XP audio out ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-05-15, 10:35:47 (72.184.244.113)
I am looking for a reasonably good preferably Parametric EQ that would work on all the audio out of a XP set-up. Last night my trusty old Behringer DEQ2496 expired and no longer functions as what it .......
169: Computer Audio Asylum, Not menitoned, but processing may remove the emotional cues... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-22, 12:16:56 (68.17.105.183)
One of the most common "whipping boys" of the evil mastering process, over-compression, would logically rob some of the expressive power of a complex sound like a piano. On the other hand, in theory t .......
170: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Extending the range of a WiFi Network ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-22, 11:39:11 (68.17.105.183)
You can easily (?) make a wi-fi repeater with any PC and one (or two) antennas. I saw free s/w that supposedly can do it with just a regular notebook, but don't have the link. It is possible to do th .......
171: Computer Audio Asylum, Yes, too overwhelming for me... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-22, 11:33:20 (68.17.105.183)
Thanks for good advice Tim. There is a steep learning curve it seems, and would require far too much time, even if I knew what I was doing. Izotope confirms that no, you can't automate the "EQ matchin .......
172: Computer Audio Asylum, I see trial versions of Izotope & SoundForge are available (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-21, 12:27:49 (131.247.32.232)
so I am trying them. It looks like a lot of fun can be had, but perhaps a lot of time to waste too? If I had been smart I would wait until after I'm done with school (about two more weeks) but what t .......
173: Computer Audio Asylum, Another Izotope product... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-20, 14:50:06 (72.184.244.113)
is called RX. To say that Ozone's feature would do what I want appears correct, but it is called "Eq matching" IIRC. The RX product has a batch mode, which is something I'm wanting. I have an email in .......
174: Computer Audio Asylum, per-song EQ/FX settings in some player? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-19, 12:19:19 (131.247.32.132)
I'm sure this is not an original idea, so I thought to poll the brain trust before wasting a lot of my time on solo research (something I excel at!) It is well known that different recordings are (mis .......
175: Tube DIY Asylum, Enjoy! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-04-10, 22:01:04 (97.106.80.62)
...And they can help heat the home in the cooler months :) .......
176: Computer Audio Asylum, Musiland 01 USD is only one I'm sure of... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-27, 20:22:15 (97.106.80.62)
The Musiland 01 USD -> external DAC is on one of three systems. The desktop (when it's not crashing -- perhaps time for a new PC?) puts out spdif/44.1 KHZ so it may be working (DTS not yet verified.) .......
177: Computer Audio Asylum, Getting 44.1 Khz out of XP (yet again!) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-25, 12:32:12 (68.17.105.183)
OK, with the help of many posts here, purchase of obscure Chinese hardware, and much grief, I have been able to get real* 44.1 Khz digital out of two XP PC's. I use (or want to use) external DAC's th .......
178: Tube DIY Asylum, ok, so I will check for no dc on my sources and... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-24, 14:36:10 (131.247.244.178)
My amp (Sunfire 300x2) has the gimmick "Lab direct" inputs which just bypasses the input caps AFAIK. Just to be sure, I made sure there is (almost) no dc voltage Entering it. I'm not sure what 600 vo .......
179: Tube DIY Asylum, My sources are... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-24, 14:30:49 (131.247.244.178)
almost entirely my DAC (Behringer DEQ2496) fed by a PC (mostly mp3 sound and the occasional audio CD). .......
180: Tube DIY Asylum, I checked, no input caps on the Magic 5 SE pre (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-24, 06:09:08 (97.106.80.62)
... I am now going to try "rolling" the output caps on the aforesaid preamp. I have read good things about Mundorf silver, oil ... the stock Magic 5 has generic (?) russian PIO on one stage, so that i .......
181: Tube DIY Asylum, On a tube pre, is input coupling cap needed? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-23, 20:39:26 (97.106.80.62)
I am at the the "capacitors are evil" stage: at least eyeing output caps with suspicion. My preamp is a tube (Mapletree Magic 5)...I am not sure whether it in fact has input caps, but some research h .......
182: Critic's Corner, New tweak! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-21, 18:48:38 (24.173.131.250)
I've found a new accessory that makes the music seem more real. No matter what your equipment, you will get deeper into the tunes, hearing things that you never knew were there. Or hell, you can even .......
183: Tweakers' Asylum, Where do i buy caps to tweak a DAC? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-20, 17:59:02 (97.106.80.62)
I have just ordered a MUSE DAC similar to the one shown in the article linked below. I will probably want to try some of the easier tweaks, such as replacing the caps. Where does one buy the better .......
184: Computer Audio Asylum, audible distortions in PC audio playback (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-16, 21:40:34 (97.106.80.62)
Forewarned; most of my listening is definitely not top-end equipment. On the other hand, I am hearing this distortion both on the cheap laptop with old phones, and through a better DAC and better mid- .......
185: General Asylum, My opinion... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-12, 08:27:18 (97.106.80.62)
...Is uh, let the free market sort it out [grin.] as for me, i have never been impressed by any audio store, high-end or mainstream, except for the U.S. Military's "audio-photo club" at the PX in Fran .......
186: General Asylum, Good history as both buyer and seller (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-12, 08:17:30 (97.106.80.62)
I have been a satisfied paypal user (with ebay) for years. I have never had a bad experience. As a seller, however, I find the 3% fee a bother -- but one I know about up-front. The only complaint I .......
187: Tubes Asylum, REVIEW: Bravo Audio hybrid headphone amp Preamplifier (Tube) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-02, 14:09:49 (131.247.34.169)
Model: hybrid headphone amp Category: Preamplifier (Tube) Suggested Retail Price: $50 Description: 12AU7 & transistor hybrid headphone amp Manufacturer URL: Bravo Audio Review by solder .......
188: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: 44.1KHZ at last !!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-03-02, 13:49:27 (131.247.34.169)
I could go straight to DEQ2496 as : DAC -> EQ (or any of other other processing that is avaiable) -> dbx 5BX, however my prior learning is that the expander should get the unprocessed signal straight .......
189: Computer Audio Asylum, 44.1KHZ at last !!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-28, 22:06:17 (97.106.81.199)
A victory ... finally for the first time, I have gotten a honest 44.1 KHZ out of a XP based PC into my DAC (Behringer DEQ2496). The solution was to buy a SPDIF (I am using Toslink) adapter that conne .......
190: Tube DIY Asylum, Hydro is good ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-26, 16:44:18 (97.106.81.199)
I don't smoke it any more, but back in the 80s, Columbian Gold was pretty good. The best stuff today, say doper friends, is called hydro for I think, hydroponic. Personally, I recommend you avoid po .......
191: General Asylum, web sites that share amateur live recordings? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-26, 16:39:38 (97.106.81.199)
I am doing some research for a friend, who shall remain unnamed, who has some live recordings he'd like to share with a wider audience. Problem: while these are by community musicians, the music play .......
192: Computer Audio Asylum, Beware the MoBo audio? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-17, 18:20:57 (97.106.81.199)
Well on this current board, the analog out is actually pretty clean. Of course I have not yet tried the onboard SPDIF. also, the vintage SB16 4.1 spdif (48KHz) actually sounds pretty good. I'm sure .......
193: Computer Audio Asylum, One more option... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-16, 20:11:16 (97.106.81.199)
Thanks for the likely confirmation ... that my (perhaps all?) SB cards must output at 48K (and some perhaps also 96K). This fits my experience with the Soundblaster 16 4.1 card. I found that my MoBo d .......
194: Computer Audio Asylum, The quest for real 44.1KHZ digital output... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-16, 12:47:26 (24.173.131.250)
I have attacked and researched this problem a few times before and have never found a solution. What I'd like to do is to be able to get real 44.1Khz, 16-bit output from the digital outs of my PC. Av .......
195: Computer Audio Asylum, cheap XLR mic amp -) PC (for freq sweeps)? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-09, 14:34:50 (131.247.244.195)
Forgive me if this is the wrong forum... I would like to do some testing using some PC based software. I currently have a Behringer ECM8000 mic (used with a DEQ2496). The mic is an XLR and needs powe .......
196: Planar Speaker Asylum, Fiberglass batts for Maggie rear absorption? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-06, 10:48:29 (97.106.81.199)
Hi folks, I am a long-time (>10 years) owner of Maggie 1.6 QR's and they're great. I am more on the "low budget" end, and like most of us, likes to f**k with (er, that is "tinker") with the set-up fro .......
197: Tubes Asylum, The $48 (hybrid) tube pre (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-02-05, 09:25:49 (97.106.81.199)
Here is my candidate for the world's cheapest ($48 or even less) headphone amp. It has one tube and probably, transistors (not sure what kind) for 2nd stage. Yes, after a couple years off, I am again .......
198: Tubes Asylum, silvering on tube = much use ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-26, 09:58:23 (97.106.81.199)
Welcome to another episode of Help the Ijit, where you try to explain stuff to the ignorant :) I recently bought some "new" tubes for my Mapletree (pre, not a tree). They work fine, but I was wonderin .......
199: Tubes Asylum, 12SX7 base not same as 12SN7? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-22, 10:51:36 (97.106.81.199)
I am doing some minor tube rolling for my five year old (& its tubes) Mapletree Magic 5 SE preamp. The old ones are fine...but time to get an extra set. I've purchased a set of (alleged NOS) on Ebay .......
200: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Any High-End Streaming Jazz Stations in the Country?........ (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-20, 07:11:48 (97.106.81.199)
"in the country" is kind of a silly concept on the internet. It all depends if you can get a reliable stream. There are several jazz stations, many from Europe, at 128/192 mp3 rates. I usually use S .......
201: General Asylum, RE: The $1000 challenge (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-09, 18:57:54 (97.106.81.199)
Wait, repairing stuff is cheating (or is it?). My strategy depends highly on buying stuff used. On my experience, nearly everything PURELY electronic I've bought off ebay had few, if any, issues. Neve .......
202: General Asylum, The $1000 challenge (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-09, 17:44:11 (97.106.81.199)
Every once in a while ... let us come down from our ivory towers and megabuck audio systems and consider this hypothetical (?) question: What is the best system you could assemble for yourself if the .......
203: General Asylum, RE: REVIEW: DBX 3bx III Other (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-09, 17:05:41 (97.106.81.199)
Well, more bands is supposed to be better. I briefly had one of the ancient [Made in USA !!!] dbx single-band units. More recently, I sometimes use the expander feature on a Behringer DEQ2496 (thresho .......
204: General Asylum, RE: I Once Thought These Products Were Useless......... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-09, 17:01:41 (97.106.81.199)
The "consumer" dbx expanders which I have used only let the user adjust the exapnsion ratio. Attack/decay are program-dependent. There is no way to be sure of how much expansion to use ... just whate .......
205: General Asylum, REVIEW: DBX 5bx-DS Other (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-08, 16:06:27 (97.106.81.199)
Model: 5bx-DS Category: Other Suggested Retail Price: $1200 Description: 5-band dynamic expander with impact restoration Manufacturer URL: Not Available Review by soldermizer on Januar .......
206: General Asylum, REVIEW: DBX 3bx III Other (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-08, 15:56:29 (97.106.81.199)
Model: 3bx III Category: Other Suggested Retail Price: $300 Description: 3-band dynamic range expander with impact restoral Manufacturer URL: Not Available Review by soldermizer on Jan .......
207: Computer Audio Asylum, You're off to a good start ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-08, 11:41:47 (97.106.81.199)
My first advice is beware the "golden hardware" syndrome. If you're posting on AA you're probably hooked on high-end (and matching price!) gear already, but I like to say: 50% of this hobby is pure eg .......
208: General Asylum, Concur: Do the free stuff first! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2011-01-01, 08:00:45 (97.106.81.199)
I agree with those who recommend that you experiment with (perhaps in order): speaker and listening placement, room treatments (rugs, wall hangings). My latest "treatments" are two quilts on the rear .......
209: Tweakers' Asylum, Upon closer inspection (-) confidence evaporates (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-12-31, 10:44:04 (97.106.81.199)
The unit in question is a dbx 5bx, just received. It appears to be in perfect working order and due to its value and the fact it seems to be in perfect* condition, I have muted my tweaking instincts. .......
210: Tweakers' Asylum, How to borrow or rent audio test gear? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-12-30, 09:15:32 (97.106.81.199)
I am soon to be in possession of a "new to me" dbx expander. I already have copies of user and service manuals. I would like to test and align the unit to factory spec. However, I lack equipment more .......
211: Computer Audio Asylum, realtime PC signal processing ? Suggestions? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-12-13, 12:20:25 (68.17.105.183)
My name is soldermizer and I am an audioholic ... I have been eyeing the "holy grail" of dynamic processors, the dbx 5BX-DS (an upgrade from my paltry 3BX-III). But at $800 or so... what are the optio .......
212: General Asylum, REVIEW: Bose QC15 Headphones (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-11-05, 11:26:49 (68.17.105.183)
Model: QC15 Category: Headphones Suggested Retail Price: $300 Description: Noise canceling headphones Manufacturer URL: Bose Review by soldermizer on November 05, 2010 at 11:26:49 IP A .......
213: Computer Audio Asylum, Cause of "pop" on toslink input from USB DAC? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-08-02, 14:48:38 (97.106.81.199)
I am troubleshooting the problem of an intermittent "pop" or "click" noise that appears every several seconds on a toslink out from a USB DAC. It also occurs when there is no audio playing on the PC. .......
214: Computer Audio Asylum, Cheap & high power stereo amp? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-06-04, 13:45:10 (68.17.105.183)
I am looking for a stereo system that would be used in a small office. So technically the PC is the "source." I am looking for an upgrade to the typical speakers that come with a PC. I have, on hand, .......
215: Computer Audio Asylum, Yes, works well... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-05-14, 13:41:46 (68.17.105.183)
My "living room" system (the better stuff is in my "man cave") is a similar set-up: Asus/EEE PC ("900HD") USB->toslink box (cheapo off Ebay), to Behringer DEQ2496 for DAC and EQ -> Carver pre -> (2) .......
216: General Asylum, Happy user these past few years ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-05-07, 18:21:37 (97.106.81.199)
I've had one (two actually) for about three years. I bought the standard Behringer mic to do RTA. See URL for the review that convinced me I must have this in my system! "Endless tweaking" as the re .......
217: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: voice changing programs (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-04-28, 06:21:18 (97.106.81.199)
Define "free" ! I believe that Sound Blaster Audigy 2 software included such effects. I hardly use(d) them. .......
218: Computer Audio Asylum, subharmonic bass for winamp (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-04-27, 21:30:26 (97.106.81.199)
I could not find any related old posts, so here goes ... I am a happy WinAmp user. Remember the old DBX bass synths? They still sell these for "pro" use. But why not use a plug-in (free)? Sure enoug .......
219: General Asylum, RE: Re-mastering DIY. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-03-28, 17:44:14 (97.106.81.199)
I am very familiar with "Heaven and Hell", one of my favo[u]rite Sabbath/Dio albums (I think I like "Mob Rules" best). Would you share with us the specifics, or a reasonable summation, of your adjustm .......
220: Digital Drive, Help the ijit: too much loss thru Toslink router? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-03-22, 15:40:14 (97.106.81.199)
I bought a toslink switcher off ebay (the cheapest of course) and it works .. sort of. I didn't expect a lot for $17. Swapped out stuff and the cables (3) supplied work; the switcher doesn't very wel .......
221: Tube DIY Asylum, Help the ijit: Is some pre-amp hum inevitable? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-02-02, 14:40:15 (131.247.244.177)
I'm an on-again, off-again user of a Mapletree Magic 5 SE pre that I built about 2005 (& Dr. Lloyd repaired a year or so later...). Everything works fine, but in the current set-up there is noticeabl .......
222: General Asylum, RE: amazing microphone (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-01-28, 15:49:50 (97.106.81.199)
Binaural is fun ... I dabbled in it with a stereo cassette recorder in the early 90s and electret mics in my real ears. The results were amazingly real, with just some sample "sound effects" (room noi .......
223: Tweakers' Asylum, Thank you (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-01-23, 22:03:33 (97.106.81.199)
Thank you .......
224: Tweakers' Asylum, Correct fuse for a Carver C-2 ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-01-23, 10:32:48 (97.106.81.199)
I bought a Carver C-2 pre off E*** and it arrived working but needing some clean-up. I was somewhat amused to see that the old fuse had been "repaired" by soldering a strand of copper wire across the .......
225: Computer Audio Asylum, CD-ROM (CDDA) -) wireless -) pc with DAC ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-01-04, 09:07:18 (97.106.81.199)
I want to network my desktop CD-ROM drive so that I can read (and play) audio CD from my "music" netbook which lacks a CD drive. Reading data from the network drive works fine; but WinAmp doesn't see .......
226: General Asylum, second the Behringer DEQ2496 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2010-01-03, 16:32:44 (97.106.81.199)
I learned about the Behringer DEQ2496 here a few years ago and now have two, one for each of my two systems. After two years, I still haven't gotten tired of tweaking it! Also have degenerated into .......
227: Tweakers' Asylum, Suggest speaker tweaker sites? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-12-14, 11:14:50 (97.106.81.199)
I have been restoring and tweaking various Bose 901 speakers. Not to start a flame war here, you either love them or hate them! (Hate them, if you are a worthy audiophile, of course!) I am interested .......
228: Computer Audio Asylum, RE: Does Speed and Quality Matter? - How to Slow Down a CD-Drive? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-12-11, 21:30:14 (97.106.81.199)
They did in the early days ... 1990s. As applied to cd-rom: some early multi-speed readers had problems because a 1x disc might have a wobble at highest speeds. Also, old wisdom for writing cd-r's wa .......
229: Rocky Road, Details of re-mastering? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-09-09, 21:42:11 (97.106.81.199)
I have not yet bought the remasters, mainly because it's sold out :) I'm curious: what in general, is a remaster? Is this a new mix down from the master tapes (if available), or (as I think, based on .......
230: Computer Audio Asylum, Apparently I only get 48 KHz spdif out on my DAC SW (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-08-31, 19:20:01 (97.106.81.199)
Yes, I checked the ASIO4ALL setting. I think my limitation is the brand x DAC, the windows driver has the usual mixer, effects etc. The "spdif" box has a selection of 48 K and ... nothing else. So 4 .......
231: Computer Audio Asylum, Ijit gives up: the elusive 44.1 KHZ from USB DAC (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-08-30, 20:51:39 (97.106.81.199)
I finally got "ASIO4ALL" working w/ WinAmp. My budget USB still stubbornly puts out 48 KHz. The package claims "supports 48/44.1 KHz sampling rate for both playback and recording." But I guess it m .......
232: Computer Audio Asylum, ASIO tutorial suggestions? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-08-29, 10:48:58 (97.106.81.199)
I posted back in May about getting 44.1 KHZ to a spdif output. http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/t.mpl?f=pcaudio&m=51237 Recently my goals have changed somewhat. On a different PC (notebook), I just bou .......
233: Digital Drive, RE: How to connect CD player to DAC? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-08-16, 14:31:30 (69.81.17.126)
Using "RCA" (hard wire) also often gives a problem with ground hum ... at least with my Ebay bargain hunting finds. No such problem with the used $20 CD player with Toslink (optical) outs. :) ::: TOP .......
234: Computer Audio Asylum, Hard to go wrong for $180-300 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-07-21, 20:37:20 (64.126.118.44)
I own two. Have been playing with them for past year and a half. Seems to work as advertised. Pretty long learning curve. Works great as a EQ (duh!). i got the $50 ECM8000 microphone so to do auto .......
235: Planar Speaker Asylum, Maggie buzz resonance fix: tape or plastic patch (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-07-01, 17:58:20 (68.200.158.200)
I've dicked around with my 1.6 QR's a long time, trying to fix one buzz or another. Yes, many of them were from the common problem of loose wires. But sometimes my soldermizing ™ repairs did not seem .......
236: Speaker Asylum, Help the Ijit: subwoofer damping (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-07-01, 09:11:46 (68.200.158.200)
I have a Sunfire Mark IV sub that sometimes makes what I'll call vibration noise. Stock, the sub wanders around the floor (tile/slab) and also makes its noises. I've tried: Rubber pad (mouse pad, ge .......
237: Speaker Asylum, works well, but only one I've had ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-07-01, 09:02:15 (68.200.158.200)
Unless you count a ridicoulous DAK $200 'sub' from 1988 or so ... Mine is a Sunfire True Mark IV vintage 1997 (I think); bought in 2008 off Ebay. It worked, but broke on me and needed a $400 repair. .......
238: Computer Audio Asylum, Upsample in software ? (non-real-time) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-05-15, 09:08:21 (69.140.156.252)
Sort of a theoretical question here. In my case, my PC card is a Soundblaster Audigy 2 Platinum, which only does 48/96 KHz (internally). Since I want to listen to the cd via the DVD-RW drive, there i .......
239: Digital Drive, thanks (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-05-13, 15:11:12 (69.140.156.252)
As I thought. I will hunt for a "cd only" player. Appears that many of the dvd players resample and put out only a 48 Khz signal, as does my recalitrant Audigy 2 sound card. At least I am ready to l .......
240: Digital Drive, Optical out on cd player = 44.1 KHz rate ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-05-13, 11:19:29 (69.140.156.252)
My question here is: is the optical out of a cd likely (guaranteed?) to be 16 bit, 44.1 Khz? I am checking out some used and did I mention CHEAP ones on ebay. I have browsed the newer DVD players th .......
241: Computer Audio Asylum, Netbook as a memory player? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-05-10, 09:31:47 (71.178.188.44)
I'm still quite new at PC audio, but the cheapest of the new netbooks can be had for $250-300. You get Win XP Home, 1 GB of RAM, and for you anti-noise fanatics, a 16-GB "solid state drive". I'm being .......
242: Computer Audio Asylum, Help the Ijit: 44.1 KHz out of a Win-XP pc? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-05-05, 12:11:27 (70.155.176.20)
I have some older PC (windows XP) hardware, including Sound Blaster 16 PCI that can do SPDIF (coax) out, and slightly newer Audigy 2 Platinum that can do more, including optical in/out. Apparently, m .......
243: Radio Road, screw it, I'm keeping it... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-04-10, 08:15:11 (63.135.231.26)
The seller offered me a partial or full refund, which was nice of him. I did some more listening and reading about not-so-HD here on the AA and elsewhere, and I think that the bugs I am hearing are d .......
244: Radio Road, NS-HDTUNE generally good reviews but... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-04-09, 10:11:15 (131.247.244.190)
Checking the product after purchasing it (sadly, a common pastime for me).. most reviews sound pretty favorable. I did a google with "clipping" in the search, and got at least one review indicating t .......
245: Radio Road, Did I buy a dud HD tuner? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-04-08, 11:42:22 (131.247.244.185)
Hi folks, being a cheap skate by nature, I bought a used "Insignia HD" tuner on Ebay (~$60). This is, I think, the in house Best Buy brand. Warning sign #1 ? They are blowing these out on Ebay, as lo .......
246: Computer Audio Asylum, quality audio out of a notebook -- tips needed (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-04-04, 20:12:38 (68.200.153.5)
I'm considering using my Compaq PC for audio out for my 'wireless' system. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01430212&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN The sound from the hea .......
247: Computer Audio Asylum, software for audio over wireless in house? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-04-01, 18:23:51 (68.200.153.5)
hi, i hope this is the right forum for such a question. I have an existing home wireless (802.11) network (Windows based) and i would like to be able to stream high quality from my stereo in one room, .......
248: Speaker Asylum, DIY recone of a bose 901 driver? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-03-15, 19:21:37 (68.200.153.5)
Hi, it's time to help the ijit again! My 2nd pair of frankenstein restored 901 V are kinda-sorta ok after some drive swapping, soldermizing, and the recommended sine wave while curing method. I have .......
249: Speaker Asylum, sine wave signal seems to help (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-03-02, 19:01:24 (68.200.153.5)
Thanks to the guy who suggested the sine wave. Wonderful, the things a Pc can do nowadays :) While I am quite new at re-edging, I am hoping that i can undo my earlier (likely, off-center) mistakes. mo .......
250: Speaker Asylum, RE: Bad voice coil in Bose 901 ? hep the ijit (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-03-02, 11:10:35 (68.17.105.183)
Thanks for a non-incendiary response. No, I did not use shims or a sine wave. Ah well, I now have 4 re-edged speakers to play with. I'm not sure how much can be undone, but hey, it's a learning curve .......
251: Speaker Asylum, Bad voice coil in Bose 901 ? hep the ijit (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-03-01, 15:23:00 (68.200.153.5)
Ok, all the Bose haters take a deep breath. I got the DIY bug and have bought 2 sets of old 901 V. I have re-edged both with varying degrees of mess and success. There is noticeable "buzz" or distor .......
252: Planar Speaker Asylum, Possible cause of ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-01-01, 22:18:19 (68.200.158.136)
I can't prove it, but I think I may have caused my tears as follows: I was experimenting with damping the rear of the panels. I have a lot of blankets and pillows behind the panel, and there was notic .......
253: Planar Speaker Asylum, Magnepan 1.6 tear repair (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2009-01-01, 20:57:41 (68.200.158.136)
This time the buzz is due to small rips (not wire loose), 1" to 2" each, that are parallel to "woofer" wires, close to center bottom of left panel. I'm familiar with how to repair loose wires (done th .......
254: General Asylum, Free LEGAL music (ISO, WAV) sources? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-11-27, 08:37:58 (68.200.153.62)
I'd like to try some minimalist recorded most likely instrumental music, jazz or classical. I would like to get high quality (wav, cd, or iso) quality and FREE and LEGAL (getting both of those last t .......
255: Shady Lane, cut them some slack ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-10-31, 18:57:50 (72.187.192.82)
Ebay sent me (by their mistake they claim) a 10% off coupon, which I innocently used to buy a $900+ gold bullion (1 oz). Checkout wouldn't accept the coupon. Several calls and it was claimed that som .......
256: Tubes Asylum, keeping cats off the gear (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-10-28, 15:19:15 (131.247.244.190)
I recently have had a plague of my cats trying to sit atop my stereo gear, including a Mapletree Magic 5 pre-amp (which, amazingly, one cats seems to be able to do). It probably coincides with the re .......
257: General Asylum, RE: the elusive hum (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-10-14, 08:45:45 (68.200.158.68)
While trying other things...I tried hooking up via the "high level" (speaker cable) inputs....disaster! Now I get a constant 60 Hz hum. Opened up the unit, no obvious damage, all fuses ok. Time to s .......
258: General Asylum, the elusive hum (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-10-13, 06:22:18 (68.200.158.68)
Here is more about my difficult to pinpoint hum problem: Background: no problems until I bought a used Sunfire True Subwoofer II. Since then, there is a intermittent hum problem. What's odd with this .......
259: Speaker Asylum, RE: odd noise issue (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-10-02, 17:05:43 (70.155.176.20)
thanks for the (conflicting) suggestions! Right now the buzz is absent, and if and when it returns I will play around some more with the connections. .......
260: Speaker Asylum, odd noise issue (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-09-30, 18:31:16 (68.200.158.68)
I am troubleshooting an odd noise problem. I recently added a (used) Sunfire True Subwoofer II to my system and everything generally works fine. But lately, I am getting occasional faint noise throug .......
261: General Asylum, Good question ...? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-09-30, 18:16:32 (68.200.158.68)
I'm a long time carver fan (now "upgraded" to Sunfire stuff -- but used ... I'm cheap!!!) I too recently did web searches for Carver web site ... no "official" site found. I think as a Brand they are .......
262: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: 1.6QR Room Placement Question (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-09-11, 18:22:23 (68.200.158.68)
Just my opinion, but you may want to wait until you can find a placement position that will be ok for the Maggies ... they are more fussy than the usual "box" as to where they sound good. That said, .......
263: Planar Speaker Asylum, 1.6 QR 50 Hz buzz still (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-08-30, 12:03:09 (68.200.158.68)
I've gotten the sock (mostly) off the left speaker, and have found -- nothing -- yet. [revision ... maybe a delam issue after all...] I was at first convinced there is not a delaminate issue with the .......
264: Planar Speaker Asylum, 1.6QR bass buzz -- help me (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-08-29, 07:00:12 (68.200.158.68)
I have degenerated down to the level of doing surgery on my beloved Maggies. I did a minor (and apparently) successful repair on the wire delamination problem a month or so ago (an area of about 50 sq .......
265: Planar Speaker Asylum, Sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-08-01, 09:40:22 (68.200.158.68)
OK, 2nd attempt I discovered: 1. Nail polish remover doesn't seem to remove nail polish! It IS acetone (with water and coloring too.) I tried the bowl + rag and wipe method, also a few tries with the .......
266: Planar Speaker Asylum, Take my hand, we're off to Never Never land! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-08-01, 06:02:54 (68.200.158.68)
Being a stubborn SOB (German ancestry, I guess), I cleaned the first "fix" with nail polish remover and tried again with Revlon 771 clear nail "enamel". Despite the name, I thought I'd try nail polis .......
267: Planar Speaker Asylum, RE: DIY Magnepan panel repairs (wire loose) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-07-31, 18:37:21 (68.200.158.68)
Thanks Mark. For right now, I can confirm that my problem, at least part of it, is my wires are loose on the panel. Also curious: on my left speaker, I don't get any buzzing until around 298 Hz, and a .......
268: Planar Speaker Asylum, DIY Magnepan panel repairs (wire loose) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-07-31, 10:21:45 (68.200.158.68)
I'm the owner of a pair of Maggie 1.6 QR, just out of warranty of course (about 3 1/2 years old), that have developed the buzzing problem. It is only occasionally noticed with music, but quite appare .......
269: Vintage Asylum, Carver C4000 mute galoot (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2008-03-19, 17:50:18 (70.155.176.20)
I am quite the Carver junkie. I still use a C-4000 pre-amp bought used around 1994. It's worked for much of that time. A few months ago I was getting scratchy pots and took it apart, cleaned, and lube .......
270: Computer Audio Asylum, Thanks for the lead (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-08-25, 20:19:31 (4.235.198.88)
.......
271: Computer Audio Asylum, Software effects processor for PC? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-08-22, 20:43:38 (4.235.194.122)
Here's what I want to do: I am looking for software for a PC that would let me do simple signal processing. Preferably freeware. I have some familiarity with sound cards, and I dabble in electronic m .......
272: Tubes Asylum, I did same to my CAV-50 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-28, 08:28:30 (4.235.197.27)
I did the triode mod and at recommendation of someone here (ok, I'll admit, more like "Monkey See, Monkey Do") and also as recent guy in this thread said (since no longer pentode/tetrode, I guess?) I .......
273: Vintage Asylum, You sound to be on a good track... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-23, 13:58:03 (4.235.197.186)
You certainly have my approval because you are (1) experimenting with what you have; (2) are considering CHEAP (used) alternatives. If you don't like the Bose, fine. But it sounds as though you have n .......
274: Vintage Asylum, What type of system do you want? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-22, 20:11:35 (4.254.136.157)
I re-read your post and offer another line of advice: I am unclear on your priorities? Do you want a surround sound system? Perhaps a home theater in a box might be all you need. I bought an under $10 .......
275: Vintage Asylum, RE: Budget Buying - Please Help! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-22, 19:54:00 (4.254.136.157)
With all due respect to both the vendors who sponsor here, and the self-proclaimed audiophiles who post, I would advise: "Trust your own ears first." 1. Bose = Garbage. Mostly, this is just elitist B .......
276: Vintage Asylum, Partially repaired, but same issues remain... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-19, 14:26:30 (4.235.195.11)
I blew out the filter cap by leaving the radio on for too long. Today, I was not able to find a replacement at the local Radio Shack. I attacked my only source of spare parts: old PC's power supply. .......
277: Vintage Asylum, Arvin radio: sell it while I'm ahead? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-18, 22:10:37 (4.254.137.112)
Back home after buying the Arvin (model # unknown) "Stereophonic" table radio. I've done all I "reasonably" can, somewhat as recommended: I used Radio Shack tuner/contact cleaner, not the Deoxit reco .......
278: Vintage Asylum, Thanks...will experiment once home (I'm on a trip) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-16, 20:38:26 (68.33.71.92)
Thank you ... I will check back to the messages for the type of De-Oxit needed (where does one buy this stuff? Not Radio Shack, probably.) Yes, the radio needs a good cleaning inside. Would tuner cle .......
279: Vintage Asylum, Bought an Arvin tube table radio...now what? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-15, 19:34:26 (68.33.71.92)
Hi folks. My first posting in this "ward." I just bought an old table radio, an Arvin "Stereophonic." I've been unable to find a model # (there is likely a label on the bottom that is missing -- evid .......
280: Tube DIY Asylum, To not modify it... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-15, 17:42:28 (68.33.71.92)
Thanks for the web site suggestions. I will try to heed the advice to not modify it as its value would probably be diminished. Today (Sunday) I plugged it in, outside, away from combustibles (grin) a .......
281: Tube DIY Asylum, Clean chassis of old tube table radio (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-07-14, 20:34:42 (68.33.71.92)
Visiting relatives in MD, and visited an estate sale. No Mac MC-240 for ten bucks or similar coup. However, there was an Arvin "Stereophonic" table radio with tubes ... it was already plugged in. Tur .......
282: Tube DIY Asylum, You have a good point (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-06-29, 14:45:58 (4.235.199.222)
Yes, I hadn't considered that. It makes sense that quality parts make a quality amp. And the "iron" is the most expensive part usually...? The original product appealed because it sounded like a "ho .......
283: Tube DIY Asylum, Interesting Ebay find -- DIY info (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-06-27, 19:40:50 (4.235.197.145)
Hello fellow audiots! Even though I have been twice burned buying crap Chinese (CHEAP) tube amps off Ebay (against the advice of many here at AA, for that matter), I still browse the goods every so o .......
284: Tubes Asylum, RE: Any suggestions on chinese pre-amps? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-06-20, 21:48:06 (4.254.142.215)
Ebay or Audiogon for used pres -- I am partial to Conrad-Johnson. Have bought and sold two older (1980s?) units in the $400-550 range. .......
285: Tube DIY Asylum, Need for a cathode bypass capacitor? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-06-11, 00:39:53 (4.254.137.17)
I am wondering about the need for a cathode bypass cap. Specifically, I am looking at my Mapletree 5 SE's "cathode follower" circuit. The 1st tube (a 12SN7) has "self bias" and a cap across the resist .......
286: Radio Road, Tuning Locked went away (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-06-07, 20:39:56 (4.235.194.208)
Hi folks. I'm hoping you can help me. I am the owner of the coveted (at least by me in a prior life) Carver TX-11b. I've had this unit for about 2 years and it still works fine ... except one weird p .......
287: Tubes Asylum, Tube Snake Boogie (ZZ Top) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-04-06, 15:41:30 (64.136.26.225)
Off on a stream of consciousenss tangent again.... Having little to do with tubes, but was probably recorded using them, is the humorous song on the 1980 or so ZZ Top album "El Loco." Miss ZZ Top, but .......
288: Tubes Asylum, Tried both, and I can't really tell! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-04-06, 15:37:50 (64.136.26.225)
I'm a CAV-50 owner for nearly 2 years. During this time, I've tried a mix of EL34 tubes in the unit. The only new tubes I bought (and received yet) were a quad of E-H 6CA7 which worked good for weeks .......
289: Tweakers' Asylum, I've found that empty liquor nips work best... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-03-03, 20:16:50 (64.136.49.228)
Just install them as you finish each one, and the sound will be much mellower (as will you!). Just kidding. .......
290: Tubes Asylum, Try groovetubes.com (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-02-26, 22:18:13 (64.136.26.225)
Is your valve amp a guitar amp or a "hi-fi" amp? Different rules can apply. I don't have any recommendations beyond checking groovetubs.com; they specialize in instrument tubes & gear. They also rat .......
291: Speaker Asylum, Re: Eq for Bose 901 (original): Bose box or graphic EQ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-02-19, 08:58:42 (64.136.26.225)
Well he lives in a condo with cardboard walls, so real high power is not required. Not the best place to put 901's through their paces. .......
292: Speaker Asylum, Eq for Bose 901 (original): Bose box or graphic EQ? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-02-17, 16:17:17 (64.136.26.225)
I didn't see this addressed in a quick nut house search, so posed it here again. First, let me say that I would never stoop so low as to buy Bose [grin.] Actually, I did buy an original pair of 901's .......
293: Tubes Asylum, To further muddy... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-02-10, 12:09:07 (64.136.26.225)
Some "integrated amps" such as my Conrad-Johnson CAV-50, have what is called a "passive pre-amp" (attenuator) when used separately. In the days when the main, even the only, signal input was a phono, .......
294: Tubes Asylum, What if: replace 6SN7 with a 12SN7 (drop in) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-31, 15:10:18 (64.136.26.225)
Yeah, Soldermizer is at it again... Today's question is just a what-if. Taking as true prior claims that a 12SN7 is identical to a 6SN7 except for the heater voltage, an idle tinkerer like me wonders .......
295: Tube DIY Asylum, Oy vay! April 1st is still a way off... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-30, 15:53:55 (64.136.26.225)
.......
296: Tubes Asylum, Buy a good used hi-fi amp (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-30, 06:50:57 (64.136.26.225)
If you can avoid falling for the too-good-to-be-true Chinese tube amps you'll find on Ebay and the like, you can find some good deals on used gear that at least had the reputation of working well. If .......
297: Tubes Asylum, Overdrive the amp or a blown woofer...? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-30, 06:45:38 (64.136.26.225)
My first suspicion would be a blown woofer. It's possible you're overdriving the amp, but that seems unlikely. I'm not familiar with the Klipsch model, but they have a reputation for very high sensit .......
298: Tubes Asylum, When you lose one of a quad of output tubes...? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-28, 19:12:15 (64.136.26.225)
I've been running my Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 with a fairly young quad of Electro Harmonix 6CA7. Everything worked good for a while (don't know exact hours, probably a few hundred) until one decided to .......
299: Computer Audio Asylum, Mystery solved, perhaps... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-22, 21:26:05 (64.136.26.225)
More fiddling, and I find out that "CD Digital" input (in Mixer) works after I've disabled the digital out under Device Manager (AND in Media Souce Player, probably) as per last message. Now I get CD .......
300: Computer Audio Asylum, It gets weirder... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-22, 19:25:15 (64.136.26.225)
I did not read the web address you specified (I can't load it...I am stuck with dial-up S L O W). OK: to remind you, the CD-RW is hooked up to IDE to MoBo and the 2-pin "digital out" Molex to the Audi .......
301: Computer Audio Asylum, The same reason a dog licks his balls... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-22, 18:40:53 (64.136.26.225)
Because he can! Seriously, I became aware of this "digital out" feature of my newer CD-RW unit, and that the Audigy 2 supports it. I'm quite sure that I disconnected the "analog out" (4 conductor) wh .......
302: Tweakers' Asylum, That 90% of what people believe is bulls##t (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-21, 13:34:05 (64.136.26.225)
First, let me allow that there are perceptible differences (and audio is all about perception -- listening to music.) Of course, some things measure different. And some things sound different. Even .......
303: Tweakers' Asylum, No help but... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-21, 13:22:56 (64.136.26.225)
I'll watch replies with interest. I was considering the same a year or two back, to try and listen for differences between amps. I'm a klutz (my Monicker is well deserved). I am 'book smart' enough t .......
304: Computer Audio Asylum, Yes, enable is checked. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-21, 13:18:48 (64.136.26.225)
My question had to do with the two apparent types of "digital out" that my CD-RW offers: via the EIDE cable, and the 2 conductor digital audio out that connects straight to the Audigy card. The quest .......
305: Computer Audio Asylum, Confused about "digital" outs from CD-ROM (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-20, 15:50:37 (64.136.26.225)
Hi, time to help the imbecile! I was rummaging around inside my "Frankenputer", recovering from an oddly botched disk to disk copy of a XP partition (even the computer store tech was stumped; Norton G .......
306: Radio Road, Re: My Solution to Over-Compression of FM Radio (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-07, 19:03:10 (64.136.26.225)
While I don't listen to much FM (but foolishly sold a Carver Tx-2 and bought the coveted TX-11b two years ago anyway)... I had a 3BX back in the 80s. It worked ok, but my main complaint was the pumpin .......
307: Tubes Asylum, XM better with tubes (observation). (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2007-01-02, 07:53:23 (64.136.26.225)
I got out the "spare" amp, a Carver M400t ... to try out with the repaired Mapletree pre and also my Conrad-Johnson PV-8. Both sound fine. My usual source is a cheap Delphi Sky-Fi (XM radio) head unit .......
308: Tubes Asylum, I've had a CAV-50 for about 1 1/2 years and... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-29, 18:55:20 (64.136.26.225)
I've rolled tubes a bit. As far as I know, the "preamp" tubes (not EL34) are stock. I've run the old EL34's (Electroharmonix) & they still sounded ok. I bought a fresh set of E.H. 6CA7 (equivalent fo .......
309: Tube DIY Asylum, Neat-o. Many companies audio + unrelated... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-28, 13:50:12 (64.136.26.225)
Spectron...I first heard of with military electronics, now makes a digital amp. Bryston...started with medical electronics. Yamaha...maker of guitars, pianos, stereo equipment, and ....? Motorcycles! .......
310: Tubes Asylum, Unless it's a Cathode Follower? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-26, 20:41:08 (64.136.26.225)
I JUST READ here recently (sorry, too mnay novels, lately...) but probably from an old post, that rolling a tube if it's used as the cathode follower may not produce as much change as the (?) first am .......
311: Tubes Asylum, Er...that's 5965 & 5751 ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-25, 11:58:32 (4.235.196.9)
.......
312: Tubes Asylum, More bass from tube rolling? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-25, 11:50:34 (64.136.26.225)
Hi folks. I've been tube rolling my Conrad-Johnson CAV-50. I have a "spare" PV-8 not currently in use, and some months ago had tried the 5751 in place of the 12AX7 that are stock in the CAV-50. I cou .......
313: Tube DIY Asylum, Is this the Hammond that makes "our" Xfmrs? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-25, 06:29:41 (64.136.26.225)
HMDPF: This popped up in one of my stock screens. Is this the same Hammond that makes transformers that are in some of our toys? .......
314: Tubes Asylum, Reminds me of... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-20, 19:01:11 (199.232.228.186)
When I was about 32 (in 1994, when you could still find stores that bought & sold used audio gear): I was still a victim of Carver lust. I traded in a perfectly good C-J PV-5 for my dream toy (c. 1983 .......
315: Tubes Asylum, Sell or keep Conrad-Johnson PV-8? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-20, 06:58:07 (199.232.229.215)
Opinions pro or con, please. I've had a C-J PV-8 for about 1 1/2 years; used often during that time. Unlike a lot of you pack-rats out there, I'm trying to thin down my equipment collection some! Ba .......
316: Propeller Head Plaza, Your own blind tests (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-18, 12:39:17 (199.232.230.41)
Has anyone done DIY blind testing? To make it simple, let's narrow it down to two components (say, the ever-popular "magic interconnects"). Has anyone ever done any "intellectually honest" (e.g. some .......
317: Tube DIY Asylum, I prefer strawberry Ripple myself * HIC * (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-17, 14:06:33 (140.186.161.16)
.......
318: Propeller Head Plaza, Probably recommended... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-17, 09:10:46 (199.232.229.106)
Depends on your set-up. Tube amps are supposed to always have a load (speakers) on the outputs. I am not clear if you are speaking of switching via a switchbox or by changing wire pairs. Especially i .......
319: Tubes Asylum, Give it a try... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-13, 22:21:27 (199.232.229.18)
I've tried both ways with my Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 and ... can't really tell a difference. I can't do an A/B comparison, as there is not a switch as on the Stingray and other amps. That'd be nice. As .......
320: Tubes Asylum, In general yes... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-13, 22:17:09 (199.232.229.18)
The standard disclaimer: best to follow the recommendations of your equipment manufacturer; risk of damage or voiding the warranty. You can substitute 12AU7 for 12AX7 because the AU is a lower gain tu .......
321: Tube DIY Asylum, Buy more ST-70's via Ebay or Audiogone, or... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-11, 09:14:40 (199.232.230.161)
It would take the DIY fun out of it, but no law says you couldn't buy more vintage Stereo 70's off Ebay. And you might have the fun, if you want, of making them matched components, upgrading, etc. :: .......
322: Tubes Asylum, Beware the brand x equipment from Hong Kong (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-06, 19:50:43 (199.232.231.229)
...As sold on Ebay. Some stuff good, but not the two bargain basement amps I've bought in past 2 years. .... I'm guilty of two sins ... Ignoring sound advice on Audio ASylum ("Don't Do it!!!") Buyin .......
323: Tubes Asylum, I'm a two time loser... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-12-01, 22:47:38 (140.186.161.242)
I've bought 2 different tube amps from Ebay, and while both were as advertized, both also had very short life spans. AFAIK, both died from overheated power trannies, after just a few hours' use. Thes .......
324: Tubes Asylum, C-J CAV-50 (used) & Maggie MMG? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-08-22, 17:36:36 (199.232.231.178)
If your budget is $2000, this would fit, closely: (Used) Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 Integrated, ~ 40 watt/channel. Can be had for low $1000's on ebay (I paid about $1400 for mine.) New, I think they were a .......
325: Tubes Asylum, The thick cloth tweak (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-08-13, 20:57:18 (199.232.229.43)
Your caution is well advised. I'd like to add a bit of mechanical safety here. I try to wrap the tube in a thick cloth while gripping it. While the risk is small, I'd hate to break the glass while .......
326: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Ikea LACK furniture (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-07-16, 22:04:32 (199.232.230.77)
got a catalog? IKEA usually says the composition of their products. .......
327: Tube DIY Asylum, Amusing reply from ebay disaster amp seller to me... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-07-07, 13:09:34 (199.232.230.52)
After I told him my amp melted, I got these words of wisdom: "please replace a power transformer= about $30 please do not turn it on and burn tubes over 3 hours, after 2-3 hours, please turn it off" .......
328: Tubes Asylum, Anybody want Ebay disaster amp (free) Central FL area. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-07-06, 18:46:27 (199.232.230.24)
I've decided to cut my losses and junk the China KT88 headphone/ 12W alleged output amp. I think 2 experiences may have finally cured my obsession to buy cheap stuff. In the unlikely event that anyb .......
329: Tube DIY Asylum, More info about the beast... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-06-30, 21:48:50 (199.232.230.48)
The physical size of the xfmr itself is approx: 3x3x4 inches. The size of the cover is approx. : 3.5x4 x 4 high (inches) Tube complement is 2x 6J4P and 2x KT88 Xfmr is labelled (again) (top) 6.3v 0v .......
330: Tube DIY Asylum, replacement power transformer options? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-06-30, 15:13:38 (199.232.230.140)
Sheepishly... To no one's surprise probably, my 2nd el cheapo Hong Kong amp died after several hours of use. I'd had it apart and did a successful 24 hour burn in (more or less). The power transform .......
331: Tubes Asylum, For further checking then... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-06-29, 20:56:14 (199.232.231.134)
My new amp actually is still working after a 24 hour "burn in." Will I have such luck with the covers all in place? Will find out. Re the headphone jacks, I have not traced the circuitry, but have .......
332: Tubes Asylum, Headphone jack on budget amp -- speaker load needed? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-06-27, 21:58:25 (199.232.230.118)
Mad scientist experimentation has begun on the newest victim, a recently arrived "Brand X" (Hong Kong) tube amp. This particular one claims to be a single ended KT88, about 12 watt/channel. It is of .......
333: Tubes Asylum, I've had good luck with CAV-50 and maggie 1.6's... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-06-21, 23:27:46 (172.144.209.184)
But am something less than a golden eared audiophile I must admit. Currently the CAV-50 is strapped for triode so I'm only putting out about 22 watt/channel into the Maggies. They are hogs, but I can .......
334: Radio Road, XM surround ...kinda sorta (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-06-02, 23:46:40 (199.232.231.133)
While thumbing through audio mags today @ Books a Million, I came upon a nice read in the mag "Sound and Vision" (I'll try and give a URL). There was an article on how XM is broadcasting discrete surr .......
335: Tube DIY Asylum, Some clarifications (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-30, 20:10:33 (199.232.231.108)
John is mostly right, but wrong on a few details. 1. I have owned a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 for almost a year. It is my main amp most of that time. 2. My speakers are hardly junk, they are Magnepan MG1. .......
336: Tubes Asylum, Cheap is nice, but perhaps not too cheap... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-30, 19:48:47 (199.232.231.108)
Don't get me started on the "Brand X Chinese amps from ebay" ... you'll have to search for those threads yourself....but.... I'm a fool for a bargain, currently have an alleged SE Amp on order ($340 i .......
337: Tweakers' Asylum, My church prohibits conundrums, to assure best "Reproduction"... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-29, 19:36:01 (172.129.138.70)
sorry, I couldn't resist. .......
338: Tube DIY Asylum, China Amp as a guinea pig/learning tool (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-29, 19:31:25 (172.129.138.70)
Hi. I won't burden you with too much of my history. Very briefly, I have limited electronic skills (hence my monicker). Also, I am something of a bargain hunter on eBay, and have been known to buy a c .......
339: Tube DIY Asylum, Because there is a lot of Bulls##t in audio... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-27, 21:42:32 (172.131.151.111)
just like any other field of human endeavor, particularly one that has a profit motive, particularly when human perception is the end determiner of the overall quality. Note I did not claim that there .......
340: SET Asylum, CSEP (Chinese Single Ended Pentode) proposal (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-27, 00:55:20 (172.161.71.124)
My name is Soldermizer, and I am a cheap-a-holic.... I've fallen prey to the cheapskate urge again, and am now the soon-to-be owner of a $340 (incl. shipping) alleged single-ended KT88 amp. "Doubles a .......
341: SET Asylum, Re: suggestions for old amps to look for on ebay? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-27, 00:44:47 (172.161.71.124)
There's always the cheap Chinese new stuff that certain people (ahem) are prone to bid on. .......
342: Tube DIY Asylum, I've had a Mapletree Magic 5 SE for a year and... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-21, 22:28:28 (172.145.187.194)
It's worked well, despite my "skills" at assembly. I've had some intermittent trouble with impulse noise that I've not tracked down. Despite much use, I'm at a loss to hear the distinctions of the t .......
343: Tubes Asylum, Even a post on Shady asks author to move it to Shady! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-18, 18:57:55 (172.146.10.233)
a little amusing, perhaps someone's error... I agree that Shady Lane looks like a better place for when the "Dubious Amp of the Day" urge strikes. I promise that maybe perhaps possibly potentially I .......
344: Tubes Asylum, I have in fact been ripped off before... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-18, 18:50:10 (172.146.10.233)
I will investigate "shady lane." Perhaps my postings are not appropriate for Tubes. You are basically the only person who has objected (quite eloquently) in a year or more. I have in fact been ripped .......
345: OTL Asylum, For the cheap & the brave! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-15, 20:00:30 (172.131.88.157)
A pair of OTL for $800 (incl. shipping???) Catches: from China, ebay brand x seller. Been there done that (crummy Chinese stuff), not again (at least not now)!!! .......
346: Tubes Asylum, Belay that post... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-15, 19:57:28 (172.131.88.157)
Or slight edits perhaps: asking price is $700, not $800 as first posted. As a (scarred) ebay vet, some notes: the sellers are getting smart ... note they only accept "confirmed paypal addresses". I t .......
347: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious amp of the day (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-15, 19:50:23 (172.131.88.157)
A pair of OTL mono's for $800? (+$100 shipping?) Hmmmm... Naw, I'm still smarting (not yet "smart", many here might argue) from my foray of almost a year ago. .......
348: Tubes Asylum, Whuzzat? IGBT amp? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-05-05, 22:25:12 (172.128.32.3)
Unfortunately (for both of us) I have been skulking China Audio again on ebay. Here is a strange duck. Posting it to find out what the heck is a IGBT? Appears to be a single ended transistor of some .......
349: Tubes Asylum, Put amp back to spec before sale? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-04-28, 15:22:42 (172.128.189.176)
I'm considering selling my Conrad-Johnson CAV-50. Long suffering inmates here will know that I modified (that is, Soldermized™ ) it -- basically, to triode mode and removed the global feedback. My qu .......
350: Tubes Asylum, For April 1 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-30, 21:17:56 (172.153.234.37)
The Audiophool’s Lament Welcome to the asylum, young lover of sound, Spend some time, look ye around. There’s a ward to suit whatever your style Audio, video, and all the while. Truth you’ll learn, fr .......
351: Speaker Asylum, Soldermizing the Bose 901s ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-23, 18:29:30 (172.140.201.49)
Bose haters will probably love this! I've owned a beat-up pair of Bose 901 (Series I) for a bit over a week. A few days' trial as TV speakers got a thumbs down from the girlfriend (due to appearance i .......
352: Tubes Asylum, First Tube (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-17, 06:00:54 (172.156.13.229)
A bit off topic perhaps, but gearing up for April 1st in a few weeks... I was listening on XM's "Music Lab" channel and heard a lively tune by Phish called "First Tube." Phish, as you may know (or no .......
353: Speaker Asylum, Bose 901 Series I for dissection (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-15, 20:19:02 (172.163.186.147)
Hi folks. This is my first post here, at least about Bose. Now I know that Bose is a sore spot for audiophools and I don't want any pros or cons. I am a bona fide audiophile. I own a pair of Magnepan .......
354: Tubes Asylum, Shouldn't that be "Fischer" ??? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-15, 19:40:56 (172.163.186.147)
.......
355: Tweakers' Asylum, Re: Need help removing neg feedback from line stage. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-13, 19:04:02 (172.166.14.91)
I'm just an amateur (note my monicker). I understand that you want to remove some/all of the feedback in a line stage. Based on my VERY limited knowledge, this can be done, but can't say what the re .......
356: Tubes Asylum, Er...China only sale, perhaps legit. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-07, 18:29:22 (172.133.203.182)
Upon closer inspection, it says only for sale in China. Perhaps legit sale after all. .......
357: Tubes Asylum, Ebay "one born every minute" ad of the day. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-07, 18:21:17 (172.133.203.182)
This one really raises some red flags. I had half a mind ("Tell us something we don't know!" say the wiseacres here.) to report this to Ebay. New seller, zero feedback, expensive American Amp from C .......
358: Tubes Asylum, Ebay Frankentube of the Day (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-06, 21:12:10 (172.135.17.66)
No problem matching your speaker to tube amp with this unit! Can you get 8 watts out of little tubes like that? Price is good but I'm sure shipping would be a killer. .......
359: SET Asylum, Re: Dental Caries SE-1 (rotten ebay experience) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-04, 20:21:09 (172.151.235.247)
Hmmmm.....thanks, a lot of feedback. Put the tubes in wrong? Entirely possible. That would explain my bad luck. I thought most tubes have a key so are fairly idiot-proof, but an eager idiot in the m .......
360: SET Asylum, Dental Caries SE-1 (rotten ebay experience) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-03-02, 17:36:29 (172.128.253.114)
My first honest foray into Single Ended was documented here a few weeks ago. (I won a Cary SE-1 on 'flEaBay' and it was near-DOA upon arrival.) I returned it the next day and the seller, to his credit .......
361: Tubes Asylum, Re: buying tubes in China (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-24, 22:30:52 (172.138.236.59)
No specific advice to offer you. However, are you buying tubes or the amplifier? I like the idea of Chinese equipment (inexpensive, some is good quality?) but I had bad experience with the one amp I .......
362: Tweakers' Asylum, Yes, after the power runs out ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-22, 16:00:52 (172.165.150.71)
More seriously, I really don't know....I have part of my system hooked up to a computer type APC Back-UPS that doesn't seem to cause any problem. However, I am not a member of that rarefied "I can hea .......
363: SET Asylum, Ebay oddball: EL34 alleged SE w/ 4 output tubes (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-20, 22:51:43 (172.161.158.188)
Here's one that I would be suspicious of. Usually when there are 4 power tubes = push pull. But power output claim is more in line with that of a SET? .......
364: SET Asylum, Your troubleshooting is an inspiration and... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-19, 20:28:41 (172.129.0.27)
a dissuader to those of us (me!) for whom such troubleshooting would probably exceed my competence and/or patience. Blessed is the man who showeth wisdom and patience in all things, and dischargeth no .......
365: Tubes Asylum, Ebay odd ball of the day: tube amp in marble finish? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-17, 21:29:38 (172.148.176.218)
Here's a Chinese amp that might go well with your marble countertop or bathroom fixtures. .......
366: Tubes Asylum, Best-smelling stereo mag (review) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-16, 20:30:59 (172.139.108.14)
Only partly in jest... Today as I do a few times per week, I killed a few hours at the Books a Million "library" and today perused the snooty hi-end magazines. "Hi-Fi +" is apparently a British mag, s .......
367: SET Asylum, SM's amp stats (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-14, 23:03:31 (172.140.11.51)
Since you asked... In the past year, I've tried a total of 4 different tube amps. 2 of these were near-DOA so don't count as listened or modded ("soded" in my case I guess). I kept the ST-70 for about .......
368: SET Asylum, Ebay SET (sino electronic temptation) of the day (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-13, 21:19:35 (172.168.119.3)
Here is a strange duck. FU50 power tubes? The Chinese rigs use some odd tubes...not that I'm an expert, but ones the dealers in USA don't even list :) Also, a good example of "Chinglish" in the descr .......
369: SET Asylum, Never mind, it's going back to the seller... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-10, 08:15:30 (172.151.182.64)
Amp is defective. I spent part of Friday morning on the phone with Cary tech support (helpful). Went through about 3 more fuses while trying to check/set bias. It's blowing fuses within seconds of sw .......
370: SET Asylum, AES SE-1 newbie, please help the ijit (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-09, 23:41:06 (172.133.16.79)
Hi folks, this is the pest again :) I just got my new toy and sleepless at 2:00 AM (It's ok, I'm retired...) I hooked it into my stereo and well... Sound for a few seconds then blown power fuse. Prime .......
371: Tubes Asylum, From Bell Labs? Sorry, couldn't resist... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-08, 07:11:26 (172.172.235.40)
NT .......
372: SET Asylum, I'm not sure which model... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-03, 20:53:34 (172.131.186.39)
You'll have to hunt through my old posts for 2005 and see what I said. I checked this Ebay seller, and I don't think he sells the same model currently (guess why!) I recall the tubes were originally .......
373: SET Asylum, C'mon, Carver did that 20 years ago with his "t-mod"... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-02, 18:28:44 (172.169.52.104)
Or at least claimed to. His infamous "Carver challenge" may or may not have been valid, but he did sell a lot of [cough] consumer grade amps with a "t" at the end of the model number. Soldermizer, do .......
374: SET Asylum, PP amp w/o some output tubes is a SET? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-02, 18:25:02 (172.169.52.104)
I read this in an archived message somewhere in the Asylum (I don't have a link handy). Gist was that you take a normal PP tube amp, pull one of the (pair of) output tubes, or idle its bias or whatev .......
375: SET Asylum, Mine worked for about 2 hours :( (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-02, 18:19:01 (172.169.52.104)
Glad to hear you luck is better. In earlier months, I was very tempted to buy a China amp and tweak it. Someone here (you?) reported he'd had good results with that ... e.g. to upgrade an otherwise .......
376: SET Asylum, Finally bought a "real" SET!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-01, 21:55:48 (172.165.29.7)
OK I finally caved in. Instead of (again) buying some kind of unknown quality amp from the Far East for too cheap (and therefore, probably junky). I mean, they even call their boats a "junk", and wha .......
377: Tubes Asylum, Since you asked... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-02-01, 21:43:33 (172.165.29.7)
Yes, and if you have that nice a stereo system, I will break in for you! Just email me your schedule, address, and leave a key under the doormat, and I'll take it from there (so to speak!) *** just a .......
378: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious ad of the day (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-30, 19:02:58 (172.142.141.60)
Probably legit, but here's an interesting one.... Sino-merchant that accepts Paypal, but then says "1.PAYPAL(4-7day) Notice:We can't accept over 100USD paypal payment." Duh, kind of hard to do that wh .......
379: Tube DIY Asylum, Guess I'll leave things be ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-30, 18:48:41 (172.142.141.60)
for now anyway. Nearly everyone is BS on the idea, and I'd probably much things up even more. "Load resistors" ? I couldn't point them out on the schematic. Still, the schematic has 3 trimpots in th .......
380: Tube DIY Asylum, E-Z way to add 2nd harmonics in a PP amp??? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-29, 19:32:50 (172.162.178.163)
Hi folks, here is the the Soldermizer again. [Collective "sigh" is heaved....] I've been reading up on stuff in the Asylum, and I'd like to find out if the "desirable" (?) 2nd harmonic can be added by .......
381: Speaker Asylum, Pun or freudian slip? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-27, 07:30:55 (172.136.165.33)
I am an Ebay prowler, and this one was just too funny to pass up without sharing. Judging from other listings, Bose 901's like many speakers need to be reconed eventually. So this lister says: "These .......
382: Tubes Asylum, Did you report this suspicion to Ebay? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-22, 19:28:43 (172.173.48.31)
Please report a suspicious seller to the "authorities" -- Ebay in this case. Thank you. Soldermizer, Waiting for his magic penis enlarger promised from an email. .......
383: Tube DIY Asylum, If you crossed a Soldermizer with a DIY-er & ebay... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-20, 14:46:47 (172.149.185.148)
You might get something like this. As the resident Ebay shill here [grin], this one caught my eye. Actually, I would never claim to be able to assemble something like this (although a few kits have g .......
384: SET Asylum, Soldermizer guilty as charged (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-17, 16:30:45 (172.154.193.54)
Yes, someone took a swipe at me and I deserve it. I'll spare the details (search old posts if you must) but my one experience with a China amp cost me about $300 in shipping to & from. I still haunt .......
385: SET Asylum, Low-cost headphone amps -- is this SET? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-11, 18:59:00 (172.164.188.33)
Scouring ebay for the ever elusive deals, I again have found something that meets my two standards for purchasing: (1) cheap and (2) Chinese. There are several tube headphone amps on ebay, all seemin .......
386: Tubes Asylum, ..and here's one with 35 watts per channel ... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-11, 18:38:56 (172.164.188.33)
OK, upon further search, here is a similar unit with even more alleged power output. I sure would hate to hear 35 watts into a set of 'phones whilst I was wearing them. Eh? Say what sonny? ::: TOPI .......
387: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious amp of the day (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-11, 18:26:09 (172.164.188.33)
Yep, Soldermizer strikes again. Here's an amp that is (of course) (1) cheap; (2) Chinese !!! Perhaps this is not unreasonable...but sounds like a too-good price, even for Chinese stuff. $75+40 s&h = .......
388: Tubes Asylum, They should only glow dimly (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-09, 23:01:02 (172.128.125.180)
Good catch. Tough luck about the fire/flu/failures. While I've never melted a tube amp, I have had a tube go bad. Only on my 2nd amp, a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50. I had a marginal tube that was obviou .......
389: Tubes Asylum, Well it depends (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-08, 18:53:01 (172.150.224.213)
As a wise California philosopher once said: [sound effect of joint being sucked on] "F**k if I know, dude!" In other words, it depends! For several months, I've been running a pair of Magnepan 1.6 QR .......
390: SET Asylum, It's Ba-a-ck! (Ebay temptation redux) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-03, 20:16:52 (172.133.160.209)
Well, it looks like the elusive ad is back. Quick look and everything looks alike to me. I may bid this time (wise counsel to the contrary was offered here -- many times!!!), just so I have a legiti .......
391: SET Asylum, Auction cancelled = dubious after all? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-02, 20:53:08 (172.142.245.170)
As others have noted this (and similar) auctions for the seller have been ended. This is suspicious, and of course Ebay provides no information as to why. Just as well that this temptation has been re .......
392: SET Asylum, Ebay temptation of the year (ok well it's still 1/1) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-01, 15:16:35 (172.163.114.82)
Damn you Ebay!!! Damn this hobby!!! While I usually pollute the "Tube" lair with my "amp of the day" postings, this one is probably going to be too hard to resist. The seller appears legit, complete .......
393: Tube DIY Asylum, Oh Lord! Another incipient soldermizer!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-01, 14:54:04 (172.163.114.82)
Good luck with your DIY antics, and beware the lurking voltage :) "Don't whiz on the electric fence!" -- Ren & Stimpy .......
394: Tubes Asylum, Not only that, it's the wrong word to use too :) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2006-01-01, 14:50:12 (172.163.114.82)
OK just practising for April 1!!! Happy new year. .......
395: Tube DIY Asylum, Bugger-a-preamp or Soldermizer Project #2 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-31, 19:14:56 (172.140.170.32)
Recently in "Tubes" reb was responding to a question about how bias settings affect sound. He basically said that one can adjust the sound by changing (er...?) the voltages (with pots would be easies .......
396: Tubes Asylum, Your disdain for chinese amps fits my sole experience... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-31, 18:52:02 (172.140.170.32)
Of about 2 hours of life before failure. I sent it back, but am out about $350 for shipping and customs alone. Ouch. .......
397: Tubes Asylum, Cheap Chinese amps (drool) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-30, 22:16:55 (172.165.131.133)
Sorry about that. I was infatuated (some would say "obsessed") with chinese amps earlier this year. While there probably are some good deals, I think the consensus here is that you are best off deali .......
398: Tubes Asylum, YES, listening to live music would be best ejikashun... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-30, 22:06:05 (172.165.131.133)
And another excuse to attend university again (might as well use that trust fund {grin} ). Play my own? I would probably be a better "listener" or assistant (mixer, etc.). I have rekindled my intere .......
399: Tubes Asylum, Thanks Reb... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-30, 21:58:14 (172.165.131.133)
.......
400: Tubes Asylum, Now Soldermizer[tm] wants to play with bias (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-29, 18:36:32 (172.150.85.225)
OK, reb, now you done it. You said "can make my amp sound like any of 1000 ways by changing stuff" (paraphrased). How hard is this to do? I've taken a quick look at my preamp and I don't see much in .......
401: Tubes Asylum, How do I improve my listening ability? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-29, 18:19:53 (172.150.85.225)
Perhaps this question should go in "General", you can recommend that too... Here is the "problem" (or lack of one, depending on your point of view.) In many, if not most, cases I can't tell much if an .......
402: Tubes Asylum, 12/26 And we're up to $17,000+ (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-26, 19:58:34 (172.156.64.96)
Just in, now they're up to around USD $17,000 (from our dept of redundancy dept.) .......
403: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious ad of the day award (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-25, 20:50:04 (172.133.227.11)
...Goes to this one. I think the product is from "Affordable Valve" and I've seen it discussed here. High marks for their web site and advertising copy. However, I give them today's Dubious award f .......
404: SET Asylum, When the watts is diddely-squat (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-25, 13:41:22 (172.130.97.86)
I've been running the Maggies with a (approx). 22 Watt/Channel amp (Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 with "triode" mod) and it gets reasonably loud (relatively small room). I'm not a calculator carrying genius, .......
405: SET Asylum, May bid on it anyway... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-24, 11:07:23 (172.159.153.234)
No, my speakers are Massive drainer (Magneplanar, actually) 1.6QR's, 87 dB Sens. IIRC. May try the Dared anyway just to see what all this SET hullabaloo is all about! Under the theory I can always s .......
406: SET Asylum, Opinions on Dared (not Heckler & Koch) MP-7? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-23, 22:12:28 (172.156.172.205)
Hi folks. There's another MP-7 on ePay (link); one recently went for low $500s. Is this a nice SET? (Is it a "T" or just "SE"?) Heck if I know. I couldn't find much (quick search) here at the Nutho .......
407: Tubes Asylum, Re: Say it ain't so!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-22, 19:30:16 (172.157.47.201)
Hmmmm....maybe we should draft one of us toob boobs to update wikipedia's entries. Thinking back, that quote is probably wrong (2nd part) because, not teh least reason is that much of the "great" rock .......
408: Tubes Asylum, Say it ain't so!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-21, 21:00:41 (172.138.108.6)
Hi folks. I didn't find anything more absurd than a $50 preamp with $100+ shipping on Ebay tonight, and so, in a pathetic attempt to justify my existence, stumbled up on this new factoid. Reading up o .......
409: Tubes Asylum, Dubious Amp of the Day 12/20 : Cary paperweight (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-20, 15:19:38 (172.174.71.89)
Might be interesting for DIY'er. I will try and resist. Unless it was made in china made in china made in china. Nooooooooo. Help meeeeeeee... .......
410: SET Asylum, No parlemos portuges lo siento (de espanol) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-19, 23:43:58 (172.132.199.33)
Anyone speak Portugese ? [grin] .......
411: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious seller of the day award. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-19, 23:33:35 (172.132.199.33)
Legit? Maybe. Kind of new seller (2 months? hmmm....) At least this guy is smart enough to not take credit cards or Pay Pal. .......
412: Tubes Asylum, Re: What is it that makes tube amps sound so big and spacious? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-17, 16:14:30 (172.166.213.185)
Google around, lots of stuff there. Here you'll get mostly a batch of lunatics raving about their flavour of tube :) Here's a link to get you started. .......
413: Tubes Asylum, My colon after a Mexican dinner. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-16, 22:46:31 (172.144.8.98)
.......
414: SET Asylum, Re: Is that power rating correct? 8 Watts from ONE triode-wired 6L6 in class A? (NT) (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-16, 22:44:27 (172.144.8.98)
Don't know anything about this amp (except it's Chinese, and CHEAP. Must buy. Must buy....) Oops sorry, just flashbacking there. :) Not sure how long that auction is, but fact there's been no hits on .......
415: SET Asylum, mid-500s Dared on ebay (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-16, 22:12:01 (172.144.8.98)
Hmmmm I'll probably pass on this one, as 8 w/c is a losing proposition for my pig speakers (Magnepan 1.6 QR). However, if this is legit, seems like a good deal. .......
416: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious value (but real?) award of the day (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-12-03, 16:22:56 (172.165.21.139)
I've read a reviw of these elsewhere, and I think it's legit, but still a pricey novelty. For $500 we all could do pretty good in the used market, and buy most of a "budget" amp new! P.S. Even Solder .......
417: Tubes Asylum, $190 ? For real? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-23, 21:15:45 (172.151.80.167)
A shill at work? Who knows. $190 for a tube amp? Unreal. Even with international shipping, these should be selling well. .......
418: SET Asylum, Chickened out for now... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-19, 15:16:57 (172.169.89.218)
I'm backing off on buying a Chinese (or any) SET for the time being. As a compromise, I did the "triode" mod to my Conrad-Johnson CAV-50, which had mixed reviews here (other asylum, probably). It was .......
419: Tubes Asylum, If Wal*Mart sold a tube amp, what model would it be? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-13, 19:52:58 (172.209.203.17)
Too much time on my hands again, this one has been rattling around in my head (with a vacuum, perhaps?) Wal*Mart is well known to sell a lot of stuff made in China. Since I am a pimp for cheap amps, t .......
420: SET Asylum, What needs to have bias adjusted? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-13, 15:39:33 (172.170.62.213)
I've been eyeing a pair of MC845C's (earlier post). Question: in general, is it only the output tubes that need to have the bias set? I've owned two tube amps (Dynaco ST70 and Konrad-Johannsen [the r .......
421: Tubes Asylum, Tube Head preamp (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-13, 15:29:27 (172.170.62.213)
Forgot to plug the PAIA TubeHead preamp. For $118 you get a DIY kit that gives you what essentially is a signal processor that lets you add tube distortion to taste. I played with one of these for a .......
422: Tubes Asylum, Re: PC tube effect (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-12, 17:57:30 (172.151.120.82)
You have several options. At the risk of arousing anger from the tube heads here, just because you run a signal through a tube amp it may not necessarily sound better or worse. I personally have expe .......
423: SET Asylum, Bias (pun) against Meixing MingDa MC845C (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-10, 22:01:41 (172.162.195.91)
Yep, Soldermizer the bargain hunter is still salivating over buying a pair of MC845C. And from Ornec. Yeah, I know....risky.... It's not so much the "scam" risk I'm worried about -- they'll take Pay .......
424: Tube DIY Asylum, Big ass capacitor or a fake? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-01, 18:08:15 (201.154.16.11)
I'm down in Mexico on a trip, and among the amusing things I've seen is what claimed to be "1 Farad" capacitor. On sale in a small storefront that sold other electronic junk like car stereos, speaker .......
425: SET Asylum, Re: Scam... pretty sure...but there's alternatives.. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-01, 17:39:09 (201.154.16.11)
If they accept paypal, then you MIGHT have recourse to credit card co. chargeback. I know Paypal doesn't mention (or, probably, like) people doing this, but that is exactly what I did with my no-name .......
426: SET Asylum, Merits of specific tube types? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-11-01, 17:36:17 (201.154.16.11)
I realize this may be asking too much, after all we are in an "asylum," but is there any consensus of what benefits a certain tube type (805, 845, whatever ) will give to the SET sound? This would gi .......
427: SET Asylum, Scam or not....? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-10-31, 18:49:17 (201.160.33.74)
I priced the Meixing MC845C which ormec is listing at just under $800. Is this per pair? Hope so but it didnt specifically say so. ebay seller has been offering same for $1000. IIRC. The product de .......
428: SET Asylum, Re: Meixing (Ming Da) Amps (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-10-31, 18:40:37 (201.160.33.74)
Thanks for the post. Won´t you please write a review of your amp(s) and share them here? I have been eyeing some of the cheap China amps for a few months, even tried one back in the summer. It ran fo .......
429: Tubes Asylum, Re: interchangability of 12AX7 with 5751 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-09-29, 18:59:57 (172.145.62.209)
Read old postings ("debates" might be a better term) here and in the Tube DIY asylum. While I'm not so lucky as to own a MacIntosh unit, I have 2 Conrad-Johnson units that I'm fiddling with. Also ch .......
430: Tubes Asylum, Re: Newbie looking to dive into great tube pond (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-09-22, 15:23:44 (172.141.218.196)
My $0.02 a bit late perhaps? I peddle what I got, or at least have tried (recently). Even a minimal tube system at max $1500 will be a challenge, but this will get you a long way there: Speakers: Ma .......
431: Tubes Asylum, Soldermizer Chinese Amp Strikes Again! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-09-01, 22:42:44 (172.130.71.73)
Insult to injury... Today's joy arrived in the mail from "TNT", the shipper of the ill fated amp of about 1 month back... It's a "customs duty invoice"; apparently I owe someone (TNT?) $52.05 customs .......
432: Planar Speaker Asylum, Passive biamping question (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-28, 21:21:07 (172.133.190.136)
In response to a recent question i posted about biamping Maggie 1.6's, one of the questions I had (and the answer is apparently "yes", at least by one respondent), is whether the tube amp (45 w/ch) fe .......
433: Planar Speaker Asylum, Wrinkles around MG 1.6 dampers cause for concern? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-28, 19:15:56 (172.170.98.131)
Hi folks, I have what may be an unusual problem, or just normal wear and (so far no) tear...? This is the 2nd pair of 1.6's I've owned. Also had a pair of MMG for a year. I'm certain this is the 1st .......
434: Planar Speaker Asylum, Passive Biamp Maggie 1.6's -- questions (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-25, 20:48:55 (172.131.114.90)
OK, I have asked about this a few months ago, and finally got around to doing it tonight (had all the equipment, just never got around to hooking stuff up.) I "think" what I've done is called passive .......
435: Tubes Asylum, Perhaps errorneous manual is worse than none? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-24, 18:20:41 (172.150.139.246)
Don't act on my advice, but I think that IN GENERAL you SHOULD have a load (speakers) on the transformers. However, I think there are certain cases (biasing?) where the amp can be on w/o a load but WI .......
436: Tubes Asylum, Absolute phase (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-23, 18:10:05 (172.172.184.237)
A quick search of the Nuthouse archives ("absolute phase") reveals this is a divisive issue. Some folks claim almost impossible to hear a difference. Others claim they can easily hear a difference. Cu .......
437: Tube DIY Asylum, Hard to say... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-20, 20:20:03 (172.153.100.242)
Increased the gain? Not sure, since I never took before/after measurements. As for disconnecting it, I "think" I did (I do know enough basic elec. that putting a 1 Meg ohm in series is pretty close t .......
438: Tube DIY Asylum, Defeated the NFB in the CAV-50 & other folly (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-19, 18:16:40 (172.146.231.120)
Successfully (?) Soldermized® the CAV-50 ! “Oh God, here he goes again!” moan the vets here. Yes, I guess so. I’ll keep it short (to match your tempers). On my first try, I had given up with the NFB o .......
439: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious seller of the day award (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-15, 14:07:09 (172.147.98.43)
Unlike prior posts, this guy appears to be legit, but you need to read the description closely. I'm not an expert, but it appears the "125 watt" rating on this amp is its power consumption {grin}. :: .......
440: Tube DIY Asylum, I'm watching with interest... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-12, 21:09:36 (172.164.169.11)
I'd like to do similar but with a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 integrated. I'm no expert (far from it). I think it involves changing out resistors in the NFB loop. But calculating the values and (in my case) .......
441: Tube DIY Asylum, On the slow boat to China... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-03, 10:43:27 (172.163.230.192)
Well, I've boxed and mailed the dead amp back to Hong Kong. For me this is the best option, yes I'm out the shipping charges. There is still a potential dispute with the credit card co. ahead, if the .......
442: Tube DIY Asylum, Defective China Amp -- returning it (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 21:36:04 (172.138.86.75)
Boy, that last thread getting kind of messy. Here is the current scoop (as of Midnight Tuesday 8/2): Seller said (in response to my suggesting I return it): "but the shipping cost will not be refund. .......
443: Tube DIY Asylum, No thank you. I once fried an expensive PC doing that... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 21:07:18 (172.138.86.75)
Although the case could be made for experimentation ... there are no specs for this amp ... no manual, nothing. Even the fuse holder is a novel type for me (thanks to whomever pointed it out to me). .......
444: Tube DIY Asylum, Chiggy is very optimistic about my skills!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 21:02:17 (172.138.86.75)
NT .......
445: Tube DIY Asylum, Sorry I can't figure out how to post properly (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 07:50:41 (172.151.203.127)
I still can't figure out how to post things so that they remain in some logical order. Sorry. .......
446: Tube DIY Asylum, I'm going to try and return it/chargeback (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 07:49:07 (172.151.203.127)
Thanks for the tips. I did learn a few things (other than potential junk from overseas) 1. Sometimes there really IS a fuse, even if you can't find it. Thanks to whomever pointed this out. For the re .......
447: Tube DIY Asylum, Er, yes it is, and it's blown... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 06:52:27 (172.132.176.228)
Well color me stupid. I've never seen a fuse there, even on other stereo systems that have the (USA style?) round fuse holder. Here's another reason that user manuals are helpful !!! Anyway, said fus .......
448: Tube DIY Asylum, Return the amp... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 06:28:20 (172.141.212.251)
I think you may be right. I think that if I try to negotiate a return to the seller or just return it, I could then do a chargeback. Better out $148 than 4 times as much. .......
449: Tube DIY Asylum, I found a Zhuhai car stereo dealer... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-02, 06:24:10 (172.141.212.251)
I did some googling but the closest i got was a car stereo seller/dealer hailing from Zhuhai. .......
450: Tube DIY Asylum, At least I can keep the EL34s as spares for my C-J.. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 20:57:18 (172.169.152.12)
I guess it's not a total loss! .......
451: Tube DIY Asylum, Re: there ya go (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 20:55:46 (172.169.152.12)
A McCloud (Dennis Weaver show) fan??? I loved that show back in the 70s. This particular amp is tube rectified (I think). I did detect 2 black thingies which may be rectifiers (I'm really not sure). T .......
452: Tube DIY Asylum, Maybe I'm jumping the gun... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 20:52:43 (172.169.152.12)
Perhaps I am too much of a drama queen; putting a gun to my head when all I need is an aspirin for the headache. I am going to give it a few days here to seek and perhaps get repair advice. But, to u .......
453: Tube DIY Asylum, OK, you're got a pupil! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 20:32:56 (172.169.152.12)
NT .......
454: Tube DIY Asylum, Too daunting for me... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 20:31:04 (172.169.152.12)
I took another good, long look at the guts of the problem amp. I can't even figure out how they assembled the darn thing, much less how I could get at the parts. I check for the obvious: no fuse inte .......
455: Tube DIY Asylum, Perhaps I am... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 20:26:14 (172.169.152.12)
Being too easy on the seller. Now that I've left him less than glowing feedback.... hmmmm I could at least email him and see what he says. Why don't I???? Asking for a schematic is a good idea too. .......
456: Tube DIY Asylum, Repair options? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 18:54:29 (172.140.206.4)
I'm certainly no expert (why would i have bought this thing otherwise???). More about the symptoms: when the amp died, the sound had gotten distorted a few minutes prior, and then gradually faded awa .......
457: Tubes Asylum, ...and gets burned! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 18:47:42 (172.140.206.4)
Well, I was warned. I bought it. They sent it. It arrived in about 7 days. Hooked it up, it worked fine for about 1 1/2 hours, while i was leaving positive feedback to the seller...the amp died. It .......
458: Tube DIY Asylum, Here is the link to the ebay auction (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 18:42:16 (172.140.206.4)
Note! At the present time I am definitely recommending that you NOT buy one of these, so please don't accuse me of being a spammer :) It is a "integrated 6C33 Signle Ended Tube Amplifier" On the front .......
459: Tube DIY Asylum, China Amp: MTTF 2 hr. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-08-01, 16:30:48 (172.130.227.175)
Well, you guys were right...when buying stuff from China (e.g. by Ebay) "buyer beware" !!! The seller is a volume dealer; has good but not perfect feedback. He did, in fact, send me exactly what I ord .......
460: Tubes Asylum, Only power tubes need bias adjustment? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-31, 14:00:54 (172.162.221.33)
I'm quite new to being a tube boob, and not quite a EE like some of those here. Based on my limited experience (2 amps), and about 4 tube pre-amps, it seems to me that it is only power tubes that req .......
461: Tubes Asylum, 7/28 listing has the amp @ $580... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-28, 21:34:38 (172.144.81.125)
I didn't double check, but I did my daily search and I see the "occasional" amp is now $580, a bit more than the $50 or whatever he was selling them for yesterday. I'm not dumb enough to bid on this .......
462: Tubes Asylum, Ebay dubious seller of the day award winner (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-27, 20:48:22 (172.142.148.31)
Prices very good, too good perhaps. Look at his feedback. Interesting. .......
463: Tubes Asylum, ...and now there's a Mesa Baron on sale... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-27, 20:03:36 (172.142.148.31)
DAMN this hobby!!! I should put all my funds into an irrevocable trust that pays my food and shelter, while i still have some money left...! I did enough reading on the Baron that it too used "weird" .......
464: SET Asylum, It's a "Single Ended Tube" amp... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-27, 19:58:16 (172.142.148.31)
, per the ebay listing, so it doesn't claim to be a triode, but I'll pretend it is for time being. .......
465: SET Asylum, Out to be fun seeing what I end up with... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-27, 11:44:21 (172.137.239.154)
Tubes designed for a MIG aircraft radar or what-have-you? At least I won't be tempted to find the $1000 tube that was a NOS Mullard or whatever [grin] and tube rolling options might be limited. Aw he .......
466: Tubes Asylum, Is there any logic to ebay??? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-27, 11:26:07 (172.137.239.154)
Sour grapes dept: Less than 2 months ago, I purchased a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 (45 w/ch), on ebay, for just under $1400. It's a fine amp, and the best (so far) piece of tube gear I've owned. I think ne .......
467: SET Asylum, Newbie to SET (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-26, 15:55:17 (172.147.73.137)
Hi folks, I've been a pest in other tube forums for a few months and now I am going to delight you with my presence here (grin) For a change of flavor, I decided to try out the low end of SET. Having .......
468: Tubes Asylum, XM is not THAT bad (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-26, 15:34:09 (172.147.73.137)
Or maybe it is, depends on your opinion. It's been my main source, for almost 3 years, and through various (good to high quality) pre's, ampss and speakers. CD quality it ain't, but to my ears, most t .......
469: Tubes Asylum, Seduced by the ebay siren, Soddy finally gets a china amp (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-25, 22:46:14 (172.140.214.252)
Despite having a quite nice Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 to listen to, after weeks of agonizing over the mouth-watering selection on eBay, In retaliation for the CAV-50 being "soldermizer resistant" and also .......
470: Tubes Asylum, Re: MMmmmm cheap amps (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-24, 19:46:53 (172.134.190.47)
My problem is not budget strictly (I've bought a flurry of electronic gear in 2005 -- much of it I've turned around and re-sold, at a loss of course!). I've currently got a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 (cos .......
471: Tubes Asylum, MMmmmm cheap amps (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-24, 12:02:25 (172.155.9.63)
[lurk mode off] Oh no, not inexpensive chinese products again!!!! [lurk mode on] .......
472: Tube DIY Asylum, oh no not again! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-23, 20:53:06 (172.172.4.225)
Hmmmmm Chinese Amp Cheap Cheap Hmmmmmm Noooooooooooo!!!! Stop me!!! Time to call AAA (Asian Amps Anonymous)...where's that number???? Very tempting, I ended up getting a C-J CAV-50. If anyone cares, .......
473: Tubes Asylum, Score: feedback 1, soldermizer 0 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-18, 21:43:16 (172.174.171.221)
OK folks, I have been humbled. Finally getting my grubby mitts (actually, with solder burns on them) upon the proper schematic, I learned that, indeed, I was way off in thinking I'd disconnected the N .......
474: Tubes Asylum, I'd better get that schematic (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-16, 07:42:34 (172.151.136.21)
I'd best order the schematic, and perhaps a basic electronic theory book. Oh well. .......
475: Tube DIY Asylum, Re: Ferrite slugs (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-15, 21:38:44 (172.150.119.117)
Try regular table salt on them, just as you would for ordinary garden slugs :) .......
476: Tubes Asylum, Some strong opinions here. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-15, 21:36:24 (172.150.119.117)
Jeez, perhaps I should have confined this on the "DIY" or "Tweak" ward??? As good as Conrad-Johnson's designs may be, they are still, at best, a compromise (as are all designs). How the heck do they .......
477: Tubes Asylum, C-J tube amps have global loop NFB or not? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-14, 23:40:49 (172.128.64.79)
As an owner of just one Conrad-Johnson tube amp product (a CAV-50), I have researched this a couple times and think they do use loop/global NFB, but I can't find a reference to same on C-J's web site, .......
478: Tubes Asylum, Re: Removed NFB (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-09, 06:59:45 (172.175.12.108)
I can't honestly say that there is a difference between NFB and no NFB. I can't do a A/B comparison. I can say, having done this with both a Dynaco 70 and now the C-J CAV-50, that the pro-NFB claims .......
479: Tube DIY Asylum, I removed the NFB (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-08, 14:47:40 (172.150.93.153)
Thanks for response(s). See link for similar question in the "Tubes" ward. Did it increase the gain? Yes, I think it did, but not unreasonably. .......
480: Tubes Asylum, Removed NFB (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-08, 14:44:57 (172.150.93.153)
Well the urge to experiment got the best of me and I found out: 1. Educated guess of what the NFB leads are: to each "hot" (red) speaker terminal, is a black wire going back to the PCB. Snipped (and l .......
481: Tube DIY Asylum, Remove NFB on a C-J amp, help please (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-07, 19:07:30 (172.162.34.171)
I just bought a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50, which I'm told is similar to a MV-55. I want to try the simpler tweaks, and one of them is to remove the global negative feedback (NFB). I did this with a Dyna .......
482: Tubes Asylum, Remove feedback from Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-06, 20:24:38 (172.156.84.87)
Hi guys. As you may have guessed from the subject, I just got a Conrad-Johnson CAV-50 Integrated (masquerading as a MV-55 power amp, which I'm told it is internally). I would like to bypass the loop .......
483: Tubes Asylum, Re: CJ do factory tours?? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-06, 07:06:55 (172.140.10.39)
I called the gentleman there and was told that they don't mind tours with 1 or 2 day's notice. 703-698-8581. Probably shouldn't be a pilgrimage, but if you're ever through the DC area, consider it. : .......
484: Tubes Asylum, Now I'm officially a tube snob!!! (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-07-05, 23:57:04 (172.152.4.87)
Got home today from my vacation. High point of the vacation was probably touring the Conrad-Johnson factory (Fairfax, VA). I heard what's probably the best stereo system I've ever listened to (costs .......
485: Tubes Asylum, Soldermizer strikes [out] again. (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-25, 13:21:59 (4.249.156.114)
Darn eBay! Darn hobby! Just recently I got past the dubious Hong Kong tube amp fiasco (in brief: his user id was de-registered, no surprise there.* I'd just satisfied my tube amp lust by buying a Conr .......
486: Tweakers' Asylum, Use of AC conditioner? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-25, 12:49:05 (4.249.156.114)
Does anyone have experience with these? I was back in my old haunts (Worsenington, DC environs) and visited a local salon, which we'll call "Audio Absurdities." For just a couple grand, you can buy a .......
487: Tubes Asylum, Here is a link to this critter (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-12, 19:30:19 (172.173.14.192)
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488: Tubes Asylum, Z-Coupler (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-12, 19:23:09 (172.173.14.192)
Perhaps this is just the last gasp of the "Carver-phile" (my old handle). Back in the 1980s, Carver sold an accessory called the "Z-Coupler" which functioned, as I recall, a impedance-matching transfo .......
489: Tubes Asylum, Re: How many "tube" watts do I need?? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-10, 20:48:07 (172.148.38.23)
I second the person who said you basically have to try a given amp & speakers. Right now, for my first real tube amp, I am using a "classic" Dyanco Stereo 70 (35 w/ch, really about 25 w/ch) to drive .......
490: Tubes Asylum, Why [tube] amps sound different? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-08, 14:43:39 (172.136.5.182)
I'm a recent convert to tubes, and have been researching some of the tube lore on the Net. One particular item that I have "researched" (1 google shot) is the mid-1980s "Carver Challenge." I vaguely r .......
491: Tubes Asylum, ...Just like the "X-files" (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-08, 04:48:05 (172.142.254.146)
good point about avoiding commercial endorsements. I think my original point was that, since the Asylum is funded by some manufacturers, mentioning their product positively, if applicable, would be i .......
492: Planar Speaker Asylum, The Dynaco beats the Carver Cube (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-07, 16:05:09 (172.138.87.100)
I'm going to continue with the Dynaco for time being. It really sounds good. Not accurate, maybe. I can only hear clipping if I turn it up "loud" (not as loud as the Cube, but then I rarely played i .......
493: Tube DIY Asylum, That's East Buttplug (actually Brooksville)... (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-07, 15:50:13 (172.138.87.100)
which is the county "seat" of Hernando Co. Sure, why not a tubes anonymous meeting??? Soldermizer, still scheming how to become the "Chinese Tube amp king" for God-knows-what reasons. .......
494: Tubes Asylum, Re: PV-10A with Jolida 502B (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-07, 15:41:13 (172.138.87.100)
I'm sure you either will or won't. More seriously, please do share your results. I own 4 (!) pre-amps, including a Conrad-Johnson PV-8, and have had difficulty hearing a difference (at least with an .......
495: Tubes Asylum, Used is probably my best way (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-07, 11:14:48 (172.155.18.44)
I fully agree that quality, used is the best bang for the buck. Having foolishly once bought something new (a VTL 1.5 ?) that was ok, but not spectacular, and sold it a year later for 50% of what I pa .......
496: Tubes Asylum, 45 w/ch enough for Magnepans? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-07, 11:10:00 (172.155.18.44)
Well, I can't say for certain since I haven't bought the amp yet. However, a 35 w/ch (or 25 w/ch some claim) Dynaco Stereo 70 sounds quite good. Obviously it clips when played really loud, but at nor .......
497: Tubes Asylum, Will look at Audiogon (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-07, 11:07:09 (172.155.18.44)
As if I'm not blowing enough on ePay already..... :) .......
498: Tubes Asylum, Re: Any dirt on Conrad-Johnson CAV-50? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-06, 22:31:18 (172.171.143.91)
Thanx for replies ... I think I should probably try for this CAV-50....not the least of reasons is that I'm planning to visit my old haunt (DC area) and could pick up in person, saving shipping. (Prob .......
499: Tubes Asylum, Any dirt on Conrad-Johnson CAV-50? (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-06, 21:03:57 (172.171.143.91)
There are currently three, count 'em, 3, CAV-50 for auction on eBay. This seems suspicious, it's not like CJ amps are auctioned every day, even on eBay. Is this the lemon of CJ's otherwise reputable s .......
500: Tubes Asylum, Son of Chinese Tube Amp (0.00)
Posted by soldermizer on 2005-06-06, 20:48:55 (172.171.143.91)
Yes, still beating the bushes for that cheap amp, but with less enthusiasm now that I have the bramble scratches of reality to contend with. I gave up on the "new" Hong Kong ebayer: today I get an ema .......
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