the Interceptor's general AUDIO thread - Page 2

Hidden_Hunter · November 3rd, 2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTMracer

I'm a big Cambridge Audio fan.

BigPicturePeople at knox (and some other places) are expensive but have some good stuff

DTMracer · November 3rd, 2008, 11:06 PM

Audio gear in Australia in general is way too overpriced. When the Aussie dollar was stronger, I ordered heaps of gear from the US, and even with the shipping costs factored in it was still much cheaper.

Hidden_Hunter · November 4th, 2008, 8:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTMracer

Audio gear in Australia in general is way too overpriced. When the Aussie dollar was stronger, I ordered heaps of gear from the US, and even with the shipping costs factored in it was still much cheaper.

Everything in Australia is overpriced, my old man works in Texas so I have an easy way of getting stuff here images/smilies/biggrin.gif

My2ndProject · November 14th, 2008, 11:14 AM

Interceptor:

I am interested in purchasing a new theater system in the next few months. It will need to fill a 30'x20' with nice full sound and be able to operate with my PS3/DVR Dish box/PCH/Computer. I can honestly say that I have no idea where to start as I know next to nothing about home audio. If you could point me in some sort of direction that would be great.

Jmiller · November 16th, 2008, 8:04 PM

As far as DIY I built some nice stuff this summer.

A Mini3 Headphone amp

http://liquidretro.net/blog/Images/Mini3/_MG_5492.jpg

http://liquidretro.net/blog/Images/Mini3/_MG_5482-2.jpg

http://liquidretro.net/blog/Images/Mini3/_MG_5475.jpg

And a AlienDAC (Its also in a matching Hammond Case like the Amp above)

http://liquidretro.net/jon/misc/dac/DSCF0808.png

http://liquidretro.net/jon/misc/dac/DSCF0809.png

http://liquidretro.net/jon/misc/dac/DSCF0810.png

the Interceptor · November 16th, 2008, 9:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My2ndProject

Interceptor:

I am interested in purchasing a new theater system in the next few months. It will need to fill a 30'x20' with nice full sound and be able to operate with my PS3/DVR Dish box/PCH/Computer. I can honestly say that I have no idea where to start as I know next to nothing about home audio. If you could point me in some sort of direction that would be great.

Okay...

What you want is a proper brand 5.1 (or 7.1) receiver and a proper brand full speaker system. Avoid "all-in-one" systems at all costs. Some are alright, but serious home cinema starts with serious components. Check out receivers like these:

http://www.harmankardon.com/category...S&Language=ENG

and speakers like these:

http://www.klipsch.com/products/deta...er-system.aspx

These are just examples, but basically, that's what you're looking for.

Nabster · November 17th, 2008, 6:44 AM

Got recommendations for a good but budget tube amp? My Luxman turntable and 8-track player could use a proper boost.

the Interceptor · November 26th, 2008, 7:55 PM

Sorry it took me so long to reply, was pretty busy lately.

See if you can get your hands on a Dynavox VR70E-2. It's a good EL34-based tube amp, works on most speakers and is plenty powerful at 2 x 50 watts.

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/11/29/dynavox.jpg

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/11/29/dynavox_det2.jpg

cdbob · November 30th, 2008, 10:37 PM

This December I am looking for an audio box to go with my speakers. I am considering holding off though, due to USB 3.0.

the Interceptor · November 30th, 2008, 10:39 PM

Audio box?

Nabster · December 1st, 2008, 9:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Interceptor

Sorry it took me so long to reply, was pretty busy lately.

See if you can get your hands on a Dynavox VR70E-2. It's a good EL34-based tube amp, works on most speakers and is plenty powerful at 2 x 50 watts.

Erm... I type that model into Google and all I get is German pages. Nothing under the shopping tab, and not a result through ebay either. Got a recommendation of a product that exists? images/smilies/think.gif

the Interceptor · December 1st, 2008, 9:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nabster

Erm... I type that model into Google and all I get is German pages. Nothing under the shopping tab, and not a result through ebay either. Got a recommendation of a product that exists? images/smilies/think.gif

Try this one: Yaqin MC-10L

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/12/01/TIA05-photo_03.jpg

Nabster · December 2nd, 2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Interceptor

Try this one: Yaqin MC-10L

Yeah, OK, that's definitely amazing looking. And the price is more than reasonable. Good number of inputs as well.

images/smilies/love.gif

DTMracer · December 2nd, 2008, 4:20 AM

Jmiller, was the mini3 easy to build? Those look like SMD chips on the PCB.

the Interceptor · December 2nd, 2008, 9:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nabster

Yeah, OK, that's definitely amazing looking. And the price is more than reasonable. Good number of inputs as well.

images/smilies/love.gif

You have to be aware though that this is made in China, so the build quality may not be perfect in some details.

The out-of-the-box sound is very good - very tube-ish and dynamic, if a bit "loose". You can introduce a bit more control with swapping tubes for other makes, but that's something for the future.

hansvonaxion · December 2nd, 2008, 10:25 AM

The old man has a pair of these...

http://www.fsinet.or.jp/%7Eash-k/ALTEC/MODEL19-4.jpg

Specs

And pre/power amp combo like this...

http://www.wired4sound.net.au/amplifiers/hafler/hafler_front.jpg

My brother bought him a Chinese made valve CD player for his birthday...

http://www.realhi-fi.com/images/shanling_cdt80l.gif

Sounds nice.
images/smilies/smile.gif

Nabster · December 2nd, 2008, 9:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Interceptor

You have to be aware though that this is made in China, so the build quality may not be perfect in some details.

The out-of-the-box sound is very good - very tube-ish and dynamic, if a bit "loose". You can introduce a bit more control with swapping tubes for other makes, but that's something for the future.

I'm well aware how it works. I've done research in the past and done a little more recently, those Yaqins are imported and rebranded to Grant Fidelity after a bit of tube work. Bit of a better reputation with that name, but it's the same hardware.

Anyway though, the setup I have now is fine as it is, if I add a tube amp down the line there's no point splurging because really the only equipment I'm running now that wouldn't be overshot is my Luxman (which I'd prefer to switch over all the rest of my components to eventually anyway) stuff. That, and my audio table is a bit overcrowded now.

smib · December 12th, 2008, 8:58 PM

Next customer!
I have been commissioned to help look for pc speakers for my girlfriend's dad. Now I don't know his listening preferences or what his setup is, or basically anything other than the fact that he wants something good. I guess the budget is like 100-150 USD, which I think really limits things, but then again I know very little about speaker shopping.

smib · December 12th, 2008, 9:43 PM

Well, I've done some looking and I've come up with the Logitech Z-2300s

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/12/12/30993080-2-440-overview-1.gif

and the Altec-Lansing FX4021s.

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/12/12/41pKbJfgOOL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

I found a few reviews on both(not including amazon, that's just where I found them for sale) and they seem to be quite good. I personally am leaning more toward the Logitechs, but as I said I'm more or less clueless.

the Interceptor · December 12th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Before I make recommendations, here are some general thigs about speakers for PC's:

- you should look for as much diaphragm area as you can get - meaning that you want to move air. To move air, you need diaphragms. Funny little speakers with tiny silver diaphragms may look good, but technically, they are crap. So what you want is a properly-sized 2-way-speaker (tweeter and mid-woofer) or a sub-sat-system (tweeter & midrange plus subwoofer)

- forget surround sound for normal applications. It'll only make soft- and hardware setup more complicated, increase costs and screw up the sound. For music, you want a good set of stereo speakers, probably accompanied by a small subwoofer

- forget fancy marketing phrases such as "500 watts", "THX-certified" and the likes. Almost every speaker you buy for your PC will have enough power, and everything beyond 50 Watts is a lie anyway. THX once meant something, but it has been broken down to many different forms to make you buy the THX-licensed speaker. But the one next to it may be just as good, maybe better. A THX-speaker can still be good, but that logo is no guarantee

So here's my recommendation: for a good allround PC speaker system, I'd get the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

http://pic.phyrefile.com/a/an/anonymous/2008/12/12/pm21-1.jpg

It's a proper subwoofer-satellite-system that fulfils all needs, definitely one of the best 2.1 systems you can get for your PC. I had a bit of trouble finding new ones on the market, so you may have to look around a bit. I found some dealers selling fully tested display models or returns for around $100. That's a fair deal I think.

P.S.: Yes, I know these are THX-certified, but they are good speakers anyway. images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

November 14th, 2008, 11:14 AM	#24
My2ndProject Joined: Jul 9th, 2008 Last Online: November 9th, 2009 Location: Chicago/IL Posts: 135 Car: B5 Audi S4 Rep Power: 8	Interceptor: I am interested in purchasing a new theater system in the next few months. It will need to fill a 30'x20' with nice full sound and be able to operate with my PS3/DVR Dish box/PCH/Computer. I can honestly say that I have no idea where to start as I know next to nothing about home audio. If you could point me in some sort of direction that would be great. __________________

November 16th, 2008, 8:04 PM	#25
Jmiller Joined: Mar 26th, 2005 Last Online: November 15th, 2009 Location: Nebraska USA Posts: 391 Car: 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5 Rep Power: 24	As far as DIY I built some nice stuff this summer. A Mini3 Headphone amp And a AlienDAC (Its also in a matching Hammond Case like the Amp above) __________________

November 17th, 2008, 6:44 AM	#27
Nabster Joined: Oct 15th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Laramie, Wyoming Age: 21 Posts: 1,743 Car: 1969 Mustang Coupe - 01 Grand Prix GTP Rep Power: 86	Got recommendations for a good but budget tube amp? My Luxman turntable and 8-track player could use a proper boost. __________________ ███████My car is greener than your car. █████████LegendZ live forever.

November 26th, 2008, 7:55 PM	#28
the Interceptor I LUV MY PRIUS!!! Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Posts: 3,518 Car: BMW E36 323i ultraleggera (-143 kg) Rep Power: 108	Sorry it took me so long to reply, was pretty busy lately. See if you can get your hands on a Dynavox VR70E-2. It's a good EL34-based tube amp, works on most speakers and is plenty powerful at 2 x 50 watts. __________________ "We have to laugh at the Germans, because they're so riddled with guilt about their history, they can't laugh at themselves." - Jeremy Clarkson Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread. Last edited by the Interceptor; November 29th, 2008 at 6:23 PM.

November 30th, 2008, 10:37 PM	#29
cdbob Joined: Dec 1st, 2006 Last Online: November 19th, 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 1,648 Car: 1987 Volvo 245 DL Rep Power: 30	This December I am looking for an audio box to go with my speakers. I am considering holding off though, due to USB 3.0. __________________ Thanks to everyone who has made sigs for me

November 3rd, 2008, 11:06 PM	#22
DTMracer Joined: Oct 6th, 2007 Last Online: May 9th, 2009 Posts: 1,490 Car: 1988 Mini Cooper, 1998 MB E55 AMG Rep Power: 13	Audio gear in Australia in general is way too overpriced. When the Aussie dollar was stronger, I ordered heaps of gear from the US, and even with the shipping costs factored in it was still much cheaper.

November 30th, 2008, 10:39 PM	#30
the Interceptor I LUV MY PRIUS!!! Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Posts: 3,518 Car: BMW E36 323i ultraleggera (-143 kg) Rep Power: 108	Audio box? __________________ "We have to laugh at the Germans, because they're so riddled with guilt about their history, they can't laugh at themselves." - Jeremy Clarkson Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread.

December 2nd, 2008, 4:20 AM	#34
DTMracer Joined: Oct 6th, 2007 Last Online: May 9th, 2009 Posts: 1,490 Car: 1988 Mini Cooper, 1998 MB E55 AMG Rep Power: 13	Jmiller, was the mini3 easy to build? Those look like SMD chips on the PCB.

December 2nd, 2008, 10:25 AM	#36
hansvonaxion Joined: Apr 8th, 2005 Last Online: 2:40 AM Location: Tokyo Posts: 1,773 Car: CB400SF Hyper VTEC Rep Power: 59	The old man has a pair of these... Specs And pre/power amp combo like this... My brother bought him a Chinese made valve CD player for his birthday... Sounds nice. __________________

December 12th, 2008, 8:58 PM	#38
smib Joined: Aug 31st, 2007 Last Online: 2:19 AM Location: Bristol, Connecticut Age: 22 Posts: 2,201 Car: 2008 Scion tC LFS Status: Rep Power: 84	Next customer! I have been commissioned to help look for pc speakers for my girlfriend's dad. Now I don't know his listening preferences or what his setup is, or basically anything other than the fact that he wants something good. I guess the budget is like 100-150 USD, which I think really limits things, but then again I know very little about speaker shopping. __________________ PunisherBass: ANYONE with an IQ higher than a jar of mayo wouldn't be able to get through the scientology mumbojumbo without laughing their ass off. Clegg: PunisherBass, quit insulting mayo. "Sorry for the short replies, I can't use my left hand. In fact the whole left side of my body feels like it got hit by a planet. The right side is better, it only got hit by a truck." -Blind_Io I am an audiosurf elite champion, motherfucker. I support Koenigseggggggsegggegggegigioabbavikingsaab. Do you?

December 12th, 2008, 9:43 PM	#39
smib Joined: Aug 31st, 2007 Last Online: 2:19 AM Location: Bristol, Connecticut Age: 22 Posts: 2,201 Car: 2008 Scion tC LFS Status: Rep Power: 84	Well, I've done some looking and I've come up with the Logitech Z-2300s and the Altec-Lansing FX4021s. I found a few reviews on both(not including amazon, that's just where I found them for sale) and they seem to be quite good. I personally am leaning more toward the Logitechs, but as I said I'm more or less clueless. __________________ PunisherBass: ANYONE with an IQ higher than a jar of mayo wouldn't be able to get through the scientology mumbojumbo without laughing their ass off. Clegg: PunisherBass, quit insulting mayo. "Sorry for the short replies, I can't use my left hand. In fact the whole left side of my body feels like it got hit by a planet. The right side is better, it only got hit by a truck." -Blind_Io I am an audiosurf elite champion, motherfucker. I support Koenigseggggggsegggegggegigioabbavikingsaab. Do you? Last edited by smib; December 12th, 2008 at 10:34 PM. Reason: Images added for your pleasure. Enjoy.

December 12th, 2008, 10:07 PM	#40
the Interceptor I LUV MY PRIUS!!! Joined: Feb 22nd, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Germany Posts: 3,518 Car: BMW E36 323i ultraleggera (-143 kg) Rep Power: 108	Before I make recommendations, here are some general thigs about speakers for PC's: - you should look for as much diaphragm area as you can get - meaning that you want to move air. To move air, you need diaphragms. Funny little speakers with tiny silver diaphragms may look good, but technically, they are crap. So what you want is a properly-sized 2-way-speaker (tweeter and mid-woofer) or a sub-sat-system (tweeter & midrange plus subwoofer) - forget surround sound for normal applications. It'll only make soft- and hardware setup more complicated, increase costs and screw up the sound. For music, you want a good set of stereo speakers, probably accompanied by a small subwoofer - forget fancy marketing phrases such as "500 watts", "THX-certified" and the likes. Almost every speaker you buy for your PC will have enough power, and everything beyond 50 Watts is a lie anyway. THX once meant something, but it has been broken down to many different forms to make you buy the THX-licensed speaker. But the one next to it may be just as good, maybe better. A THX-speaker can still be good, but that logo is no guarantee So here's my recommendation: for a good allround PC speaker system, I'd get the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 It's a proper subwoofer-satellite-system that fulfils all needs, definitely one of the best 2.1 systems you can get for your PC. I had a bit of trouble finding new ones on the market, so you may have to look around a bit. I found some dealers selling fully tested display models or returns for around $100. That's a fair deal I think. P.S.: Yes, I know these are THX-certified, but they are good speakers anyway. __________________ "We have to laugh at the Germans, because they're so riddled with guilt about their history, they can't laugh at themselves." - Jeremy Clarkson Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread.

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