Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4247 Registered: Feb-07 | I know that feeling Gavin. I was stunned how loud my 10 watt SET amp could go! |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3325 Registered: Oct-04 | With the departure of my HK3485 & DVD37, the Marantz SR5400 & DV7600 have moved back into the living room to pair-up with the Infinity Primus P362 & PS210 for the time being. So I just picked up a MUSE AUDIO M20 EX2 Tripath TA-2020 "T-Amp" (w/power supply) for $54 delivered to temporarily power the Wharfedale EVO2-10, along with a H/K DVD48 and/or Sony XDR-F1HD Radio (I think I have a source selector hanging around here somewhere?). I might even swap out the EVO2-10 for my Tekton 4.5 for a while I had a TRENDS AUDIO TA-10.1 which I sold a while back for $100, but I realized I like having one of these T-Amps lying around for just such an occasion, or for auditioning speakers on the go. http://stores.ebay.com/Quality-Gadgets/_i.html?_nkw=tripath&_sid=838976272 Pics to follow... |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4254 Registered: Feb-07 | Kinda wish I had a Trends T-amp kicking around too. I've owned two of them, I think. |
Gold Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 3199 Registered: Jun-07 | I am going to pick one up. Chris, can't wait to hear your thoughts on the MUSE, especially if it holds up in quality/sound to the Trendz unit. David- I would love to hear your thoughts on them. How does a 200 dollar Trendz hold up compared to a multi-thousand dollar amp? |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4265 Registered: Feb-07 | Nick, the T-Amp sounds amazining good for a 200 dollar amp. I was actually using one to drive my 4 outdoor speakers on my back deck at one point in time. It sounded really good and actually played loud enough to be heard outside over friends talking and drinking beer, lol. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3327 Registered: Oct-04 | David, which T-Amp did you have? Where did you buy it? $200 sounds pretty steep? |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4266 Registered: Feb-07 | It was the Trends TA 10.1. Back when I bought mine they were going for around 150. The newer version (10.2) sells in these parts for around 200. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3328 Registered: Oct-04 | I'm not sure how they've jazzed up the TA 10.2, but the MUSE M20 EX2 is a upgraded model too, and I suspect these amps might be rolling out of the same Chinese factory. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4267 Registered: Feb-07 | I'm sure you're probably right. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3330 Registered: Oct-04 | Who's ever heard of MAVERICK AUDIO? Cute stuff, priced right... http://mav-audio.com/store/ |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4269 Registered: Feb-07 | Never heard of it before Chris! Where is it made? Any more info? Looks interesting. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3331 Registered: Oct-04 | http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61250 http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=3367693 |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4270 Registered: Feb-07 | I'm actually thinking after looking at the insides of the DAC that the OEM is the same as the Grant Fidelity DAC (http://grantfidelity.com/site/Grant_Fidelity_Tube_DAC-09). It uses the same tube, and they look quite similar, and they're around the same price. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3332 Registered: Oct-04 | GREAT CATCH!...The guts are identical! |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4271 Registered: Feb-07 | Nuck, George and I all have experience with that DAC. |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15391 Registered: Dec-04 | Its the same unit. The factory applies a half dozen names to it. |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15392 Registered: Dec-04 | Not so much to look at, but check it out. 2 X 4T memorey drives in a raid 1 configuration. The 2T from the SAV media center has been loaded, now the MC is empty and can start being loaded with new stuff. New albums will be scrubbed, tagged, and tossed into the "library of Congress" memory haha The power supply weighs about 4lbs and is rated at 8AMPS! |
Silver Member Username: EzntnGreeneville, TN Post Number: 196 Registered: Apr-09 | So Nuck .. what are the call letters going to be? |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15401 Registered: Dec-04 | WNUK |
Gold Member Username: GavdawgAlbany, New York Post Number: 1583 Registered: Nov-06 | My first set of NOS tubes came in. I can hear an obvious difference. I am still waiting to post comments until I have both sets. FWIW, I love this thing. Wish (like the tekton) that I looked at it a while ago.The two of them together (with my SA8001) have a smoldering warm sound that I have been looking for. The tekton do not need the grip that the marantz provide, and IMHO sound more free and relaxed. I am not having to deal with the room boom (knock on wood). I realize now that it may have been a function of not only my room, but of my amp and how lower frequencies were handled. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3361 Registered: Oct-04 | Well I received my new Muse Audio M20 EX2 "T-Amp" yesterday, but unfortunately they shipped it to me with the wrong power cord (I think I got an Australian one?), anywho, I contacted them & a new one is on the way (or I might just pick one up @ Radio Shack). It is cute, and physically, seems the superior to my old Trends Audio TA10.1. Pics to follow... |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13219 Registered: Feb-05 | Looking forward to the pics, Chris. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3365 Registered: Oct-04 | Wasn't sure where to post this... https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/forum/home-audio/654342.html |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3376 Registered: Oct-04 | I received the proper power cord for the Muse M20 EX2, plugged it in, turned it on...nothing, checked the connections around...nothing, tried a different outlet...nothing; it was DOA, so back to Hong Kong it goes for a refund...I hope? Drats! |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4291 Registered: Feb-07 | Damn! That sucks. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3377 Registered: Oct-04 | Here are some pics of my dead T-Amp... |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4292 Registered: Feb-07 | Looks nice, won't ask you how it sounds ;-) Did you contact the dealer? |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3378 Registered: Oct-04 | What time is it in Hong Kong? |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4293 Registered: Feb-07 | Did you order it direct from Hong Kong or from a NA importer? If I buy Chi-fi stuff I like to deal with domestic dealers. When something inevitably goes wrong, its a lot less of a hassle. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3379 Registered: Oct-04 | It was a eBay "Buy it Now" item, it shipped from HK. They seemed very responsive to my first problem (the missing power cord), but so far I haven't heard back from them yet. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4294 Registered: Feb-07 | How long has it been since you informed them about it being DOA? I stopped using eBay a few years ago, too many scammers on there and too much BA. Not saying these guys are, though. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3380 Registered: Oct-04 | I contacted them this morning after I tested the unit. I've bought a ton of stuff on eBay, but only from those with excellent feedback, these guys have 4140 transactions with a 99.8% Positive rating, so I'm hoping they will do the right thing. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3381 Registered: Oct-04 | The seller just emailed me and I'm cautiously optimistic this will resolved shortly. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4295 Registered: Feb-07 | Good luck Chris. |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15418 Registered: Dec-04 | Nice pics, CM. Should it have its little hands crossed across the belly? Sorry bud, that sucks. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3385 Registered: Oct-04 | I might have someone check it out before sending it back... |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3393 Registered: Oct-04 | I was in coffee shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and almost mistook this baby for a trash-bin... |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4305 Registered: Feb-07 | Neat. |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13271 Registered: Feb-05 | Don't dis the LaScala...lol! |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3394 Registered: Oct-04 | This is the joint...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/dining/03coffee.html http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/locations/berry-st-brooklyn/ |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4306 Registered: Feb-07 | Were they actually functional? If so, how did they sound? |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15429 Registered: Dec-04 | 12 hours later, you have coffee. Huh? |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3395 Registered: Oct-04 | I've had that 12-hour "extraction" ice-coffee, and it's pretty good. They brew each cup of coffee, one at a time, using a hot water and an individual cone-drip filter, so that leaves about 4-5 minutes for you to hang around & do nothing, well nothing other than enjoy the music lofting through the huge store/factory. I was enjoying the music, but couldn't nail down the source till I spotted the La Scalas. The Barista told me people routinely try to shove trash in the horn. There was a visceral sensation when listening to like horn-loaded speakers like these, one I rather enjoyed, but I can't say I did any critical listening, they were floor mounted, I was listening from a standing position, but I can easily say they were the best sounding speakers I've ever heard in a coffee shop |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13272 Registered: Feb-05 | The coffee shop accross the street from my work has CV's...not so good. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4307 Registered: Feb-07 | That's to make you buy your coffee and get the hell out! lol... I remember reading something about about that regarding fast food restaurants, that they purposely pump in music that they know is going to subconsciously annoy people and keep them from lingering. I've actually never heard La Scalas. I've always been intrigued just by their sheer size and retro look. Probably good with a tube amp, huh? |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3396 Registered: Oct-04 | I suggest the best way to enjoy The Beatles Mono Remasters might be on vinyl, through a single Klipschorn & some tubes. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3397 Registered: Oct-04 | A T-Amp update: My repair guy has determined that the power supply was DOA, he's going to se if can build me a beefed-up linear power supply. Stay tuned... |
Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4030 Registered: May-05 | 7-11 used to (maybe still does?) play Muzak outside to kids people from loitering. Reportedly it was very effective. The Muzak people weren't happy when they were told. |
Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithCanada Post Number: 2239 Registered: Feb-04 | I've always loved the look of the La Scala. The angled wood-work of the bass bin and the big mid-horn makes the thing look like furniture. Could you imagine how boring a plain speaker that size would be with just a grill on the the front? |
Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithCanada Post Number: 2240 Registered: Feb-04 | But uploading works... Anyway, I like the look. |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13276 Registered: Feb-05 | Very nice Peter! |
Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithCanada Post Number: 2241 Registered: Feb-04 | Thanks Art. Should be finished by the holidays (floor boards and suspended ceiling to go), as well as a DIY sub I am working on one evening per week. |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13277 Registered: Feb-05 | Takin' your time and gettin' it right, good job! |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3398 Registered: Oct-04 | Are those Ikea chairs? If so, they are amazingly comfortable! |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4311 Registered: Feb-07 | What are you doing for the ceiling PG? Just curious since I am currently finishing off my custom listening room in the basement. Are you doing drywall or drop ceiling? |
Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithCanada Post Number: 2243 Registered: Feb-04 | One very old Ikea chair and two cheap clones for now. I'd put 6 Poang chairs in there, in leather, and be done with it; Comfortable and don't overwhelm the room. But my wife wants a couch so we snuggle with a movie. So we are looking at other options now. As for the ceiling, it will be a suspended drop ceiling. There's too much stuff up there that would be against code to hide. There were no walls in this space before I started. They are finished now and you can bet I would have done the ceiling drywall and plaster work at the same time if that is what went up there! ;-) Having virgin space meant I could build insets for various things: for the TV screen (there's a 50-inch there now, but a 65-inch fits), one within that for the La Scala center (the bump into the adjoining room is in a closet), another for one of the Heresy II surrounds, another for the equipment rack (with rear access from a utility room). Plus, I rearranged the access to the water heater space, moving its door to another room and sealing off a room corner for the right-hand Klipschorn. I made the corner extra strong with a layer of plywood on either side because the drywall. Built using 2x3" studs instead of 2x4", the extra inch of plywood builds up the wall to a standard thickness for the door. A lot of work is going into that room! |
Gold Member Username: Mike3Wylie, Tx USA Post Number: 2420 Registered: May-06 | Moving from a single recliner to a full size couch in my media room produced unexpected positive results in terms of quieting the room and better SQ. Nice work Peter. |
Gold Member Username: Mike3Wylie, Tx USA Post Number: 2421 Registered: May-06 | Apparently if one does not post for a while you stop receiving email notifications from eCoustics. I had not had a posting email for about two weeks now then I post the above message and the email showed up again. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4340 Registered: Feb-07 | I've found that too Mike. |
Silver Member Username: EzntnGreeneville, TN Post Number: 199 Registered: Apr-09 | I must really be on their bad side. Ain't seen an email from eC in ages. knock .. knock .. is this thing on? I remember listening to those speakers at a friend's house decades ago. Awesome sounding, even in smaller environments. In a properly sized room, they have to bring a smile to your ears. |
Gold Member Username: StryvnWisconsin Post Number: 1237 Registered: Dec-06 | Any pics of the new setup yet, Stu? |
Platinum Member Username: PlymouthCanada Post Number: 15303 Registered: Jan-08 | P Galbraith To post a link use the right beside button of emoticone and delete the already "http://" in the window then copy you link! |
Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4056 Registered: May-05 | Stryvn, Been real busy lately... Busiest time of the year at work, plugging along with going back to school, and so on. Gotta get a hold of that camera. That's all minor stuff compared to what's due on Thanksgiving day... 3-D Ultrasound taken a few weeks ago. |
Silver Member Username: BoulderdashcciCanton, Massachusetts USA Post Number: 190 Registered: Apr-07 | Congrats! |
Silver Member Username: KevincorrFairbanks, Alaska Usa Post Number: 735 Registered: Jul-07 | Congradulations Stu! |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4373 Registered: Feb-07 | Wow! Congrats Stu. That's awesome man. Amazing ultra-sound too. |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3473 Registered: Oct-04 | All the Best! |
Gold Member Username: StryvnWisconsin Post Number: 1239 Registered: Dec-06 | ultrasound is a bit more advanced these days. huh. That picture is incredible. Congrat's Stuie! A new music lover in the oven. Out of NY, a new home, back to school, working full time and a bundle of joy on the way...you have been busy. Get your rest now. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4375 Registered: Feb-07 | This is your first one, correct Stu? Good advice Stryvn. Get your rest now, cause soon there will be none! |
Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4058 Registered: May-05 | Thanks guys. She's our first. I try to sleep as much as I can, but that just doesn't work out the way I want it to. Never has. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4376 Registered: Feb-07 | So it looks like you already have a name picked out... Hopefully she's a good sleeper for you. Both of my kids for some reason hated sleeping. |
Gold Member Username: Nickelbut10Canada Post Number: 3254 Registered: Jun-07 | wow, congrats Stu. Sleep here is fine, but learn to listen to the system at low levels.lol. Well worth the joy though. She will have your heart at *wahhhHHhhhh* Its a blast. |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13371 Registered: Feb-05 | Congrats Mr Stu...much life experience lies ahead! |
Gold Member Username: SoundgamePickering, Ontario Canada Post Number: 1200 Registered: Jun-08 | A big congrats to you Stu. I've got 2 and 6 yr old daughters and there's no looking back. All the best. |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15528 Registered: Dec-04 | My congratulations, J.R. I hold my prayers close for a successful arrival. |
Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4064 Registered: May-05 | Thanks again guys. We just finished getting the room together. Mrs. Stu has impeccible taste. I'd post a pic, but that's kinda weird. |
Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4065 Registered: May-05 | Any suggestions for an inexpensive yet decent made iPod docking stereo for her? The B&W Zeppelin Mini looks pretty interesting, but I'm thinking a little less expensive. Got her an iPod to load up with some of those Rockabye Baby albums. I downloaded Tool's, and will probably get Metallica and Led Zeppelin. No idea what to get a girl for music. My wife is better at that stuff. |
Gold Member Username: Nickelbut10Canada Post Number: 3273 Registered: Jun-07 | Babies seem to love classical music Stu. Mozart and such. Puts them right to sleep. Every swing or bouncy thing we have plays classical music too. |
Gold Member Username: Stu_pittStamford, Connecticut USA Post Number: 4067 Registered: May-05 | The Rockabye Baby stuff is lullaby, instrumental stuff. If you've got iTunes, sample some of it. It's 'baby music.' I'm going to set it up to play some tunes while she's sleeping, or at least while we're trying too! |
Gold Member Username: HawkbillyNova Scotia Canada Post Number: 1082 Registered: Jul-07 | That's awesome Stu, congrats. It's been a while since our first, but I'll never forget that day. When I was in Cosco yesterday they had a neat little HK ipod dock/speaker system playing in the electronics section. About $229 if memory serves. Sounded pretty decent.....and it was relatively small, and not horribly ugly. |
Silver Member Username: KbearCanada Post Number: 807 Registered: Dec-06 | Congrats Stu - she'll have her own system at age 0, lol! Lucky kid! |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4407 Registered: Feb-07 | lol! I waited till my son was 8 before he got his first system.... Yamaha RX497 and Paradigm Titans. Actually sounds pretty darned good! |
Gold Member Username: Nickelbut10Canada Post Number: 3282 Registered: Jun-07 | Ava has a singing sheep in her crib. lol. |
Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithCanada Post Number: 2245 Registered: Feb-04 | Congrats Stu! Wow, what technology! I hadn't seen one of those! |
Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3480 Registered: Oct-04 | Amazing pic! |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15587 Registered: Dec-04 | I tidied up a bit. Missing from the pic is the Media Center, currently being updated, with a new case (in black) gratis from http://www.sourceavtech.com/ The Library of Congress server is the little box right of the stack. I have 12 dedicated circuits back there, on a separate ground, but no power treatment as of yet. I am actually moving next year (I think). The new room is 27X17X14 drop a ceiling for a nice measured room..... |
Silver Member Username: SuperjazzyjamesPost Number: 529 Registered: Oct-10 | That looks nice Nuck! Dan L., you don't like Guns n roses by any chance, do you? |
Silver Member Username: KbearCanada Post Number: 850 Registered: Dec-06 | Just a little. Looks awesome, Nuck! How much does that Mac amp on the floor weigh? It looks like a beast! |
Silver Member Username: SuperjazzyjamesPost Number: 532 Registered: Oct-10 | That's what I thought. I like Miles Davis just a little. I only have a little over 40 of his albums on my iPod. |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13581 Registered: Feb-05 | I like him too and that's why I have over 50 titles of his music in my library, which includes several box sets...just sayin'! Looks good, Nuck! Friday have a beer time for me...hmm...a good winter seasonal perhaps, yeah. |
Silver Member Username: SuperjazzyjamesPost Number: 534 Registered: Oct-10 | Yeah Art! Miles is awesome! You have a lot of Trane too? |
Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 13583 Registered: Feb-05 | A whole lot of Trane...yep. |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15591 Registered: Dec-04 | Thanks guys! Dan, the 402 weighs over 100 lbs, might list at 120 or so. All the weight is on the glass front, with he transformers ballast, haha! Looking at different options when I move next. |
Gold Member Username: HawkbillyNova Scotia Canada Post Number: 1131 Registered: Jul-07 | Serious firepower there Nuck. I'd expect nothing less. The matching guitar and amp are a nice touch. |
Silver Member Username: SuperjazzyjamesPost Number: 539 Registered: Oct-10 | 100+ lbs, that's Mac! Do you still play guitar Nuck? Art, I think I have about 20 albums with Trane as a leader. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4490 Registered: Feb-07 | Nuck uses it to workout. Good for deadlifts. |
Silver Member Username: SuperjazzyjamesPost Number: 543 Registered: Oct-10 | Lol David! I was close Art, 18 Trane titles. |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15594 Registered: Dec-04 | Can't play a note, SJ, bought it after signing the divorce papers, as a self gift, cause I needed the look, and to say I own a nice guitar. Scratch that from the bachelor bucket list, the sax is next, but in a much bigger room. Thanks Chris, it sounds like it looks. But much, much louder, if you wish. The door on the right side is the dealer. I can open it and get the mono bass reinforced by the space, but that introduces time constraints, and I lower the rolloff from the subamps when I do that. the cold-air return is in that room, so I sometimes need to open the door, as I have fully insulated the place last year. With the door closed, I use minimal sub, as much as flat as possible, like the rest of the kit. lemme try a pic of the room return... |
Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 15595 Registered: Dec-04 | I get a lot of return noise when I play a lively tune. |
Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 4491 Registered: Feb-07 | Nucks' MA6900 pulling HT duty at my house. |