Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 15:41:14 GMT
I'm hoping to move again this year and find room for Isobariks again. I'll likely use the Exposure pre/power with them, but I have a hankering for another KSA50. The Isobariks, Naim CDI and KSA50 are the things I've missed most after selling them. I'd include the Xerxes' I sold in that but I now have another one now in a nicer finish, so I'm happy with that outcome.
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Feb 2, 2015 17:10:44 GMT
Must have Isobariks !  |
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 2, 2015 17:13:19 GMT
Glad to hear you are having ''hifi'' fun, Andrew. The X along with the Petites makes a musical combo. I can only imagine how great the Petites will sound with the mighty rare XVI Mono's! Perhaps consider moving to Devon, and not too far from me S. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 18:32:36 GMT
It really has been fun today. I honestly didn't expect the X to dive Petites so well. I tried my first one one years ago with ES14s and I didn't think it was up to the job. I'd have expected Petites to be a tougher proposition but that's hifi for ya. Just when you think you know what to expect, it surprises you.
CDX arrives tomorrow but I have to go out in the morning so I hope they don't deliver whilst I'm out. I really want to get my Myst TMR set up but it needs a proper aerial and there's no point installing one here. The house will be up for sale soon.
A move way down South may indeed happen one day. My wife's favourite brother lives in Devon. I've not been there yet. Poole is the furthest I've been.
|
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 2, 2015 19:37:07 GMT
It really has been fun today. I honestly didn't expect the X to dive Petites so well. I tried my first one one years ago with ES14s and I didn't think it was up to the job. I'd have expected Petites to be a tougher proposition but that's hifi for ya. Just when you think you know what to expect, it surprises you. CDX arrives tomorrow but I have to go out in the morning so I hope they don't deliver whilst I'm out. I really want to get my Myst TMR set up but it needs a proper aerial and there's no point installing one here. The house will be up for sale soon. A move way down South may indeed happen one day. My wife's favourite brother lives in Devon. I've not been there yet. Poole is the furthest I've been. What speaker cable and interconnect are you currently using with the X/Petite combo? S. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 19:47:51 GMT
I'm using LS2 speaker cable and Klotz La Grange/Rega Couple interconnects. I don't have long enough lengths of K20 cable and the other cable I like (Tulsa Arrow) is being used in my 2nd system which also requires 7-8 metre lengths.
I've not experimented with interconnects in a long time. I normally just reach for the Klotz/Rega or NVA Soundcord out of habit. I sold lots of interconnects about a year ago, but I still have a few different ones. These days I'm just too lazy to be bothered trying them.
|
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 2, 2015 20:02:14 GMT
I'm currently using Klotz AC-110. I'm not really sure how to describe it! Perhaps a little more ''fatter'' sounding than the Soundcords.
S.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2015 20:13:54 GMT
Klotz AC110 is the modern name for LaGrange, I'm told. FWIW I agree. It's a bit thicker and stronger sounding but the SC seems a bit fresher and cleaner. Differences don't seem big enough for me to care which I use. I expect preferences would change along with partnering equipment if I could be bothered trying it.
|
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 2, 2015 20:34:20 GMT
I've just re-read one of your posts from earlier today.
You are indeed spot on with ''bolder presentation'' This is something my Sugden is lacking with my current speakers. I've yet to try my Q Acoustics with the Sugden though.
This is why I like all Exposure amps....Its that ''slam'', big boned bold signature!!
S.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2015 15:00:30 GMT
CDX arrived today. In fact it's playing now.
I'm still trying to work out what it's doing, but I can already say for certain that gentle it ain't. I think the easiest way to explain is to place it in context of the other Naim players I've had.
CDI was my all time favourite so far. It came closest to sounding like my Xerxes but could never quite cut it in direct comparison. It was always enjoyable and offered a bigger, stronger, more rhythmic sound than other players. When played alongside the Xexes it was just a bit soft and sweet. A bit like a very good tape copy.
Next was a CD5 which was reasonably capable but lacked some of the CDI the analogue character and was likeable rather than lovable.
I then bought a CD3.5 and ran the pair in comparison both with and without a PSU. I thought the 3.5 was a step closer to the CDI delivery I enjoyed but I knew inside that any direct comparison would only end with me buying another CDI.
So here today arrives the CDX: A player I've shied away from because a number of people have said that if you love the CDI you may hate the CDX. On first impression I don't think that's going to be the case with me. Memory is a fickle thing but I believe there are things this player does that a CDI doesn't.
Firstly, it's dynamic range is startling. It's far more "kickass" than any CD player I've heard so far. Tonally it is far less sweet and rolled off than the CDI. It has no digital edge or thinness though. Just a bit "full on" compared to what I'm used to.
At this early stage I think there is a good chance we are going to "get on". I wanted to write some early thoughts to look back on later, when I've tried a range of kit with it. If I had to sum it up at this early stage, I'd say it's less friendly than a CDI but more capable. It's a bit like ripping an RB300 and DL103r off a Xerxes and installing an Artemiz and Shiraz. I'm not sure if that will mean a lot to many people but the timing and presentation is more stop and start than bounce. It's also harder edged and more earthy. if someone had played this CD player to me blindfolded and asked me to guess the maker I'd have gone for Roksan rather than Naim, based solely on my experice of their vinyl replay and early amps.
I'm off now to have another hour or two's play. If anyone else has lived with one of these beasties, I'd be interested to hear how you got on.
|
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 3, 2015 15:16:36 GMT
Sounds interesting, Andrew.
Looks like the CDX is a more revealing CD Player then!
S.
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Feb 3, 2015 15:26:16 GMT
Upgraded from an Arcam Alpha to a CDX for a while (anyone would like one please PM me !)
Big jump from the Alpha. Great player.
Improved further by various Kimber mains leads (also for sale !), Marigo CD mat and further by the Marigo Sig
Always sat on Mana and better for it
A CDX2 came up at a good price so I grabbed it.
Worthwhile improvement in a similar sound area
(I should sell that too as a Rega Isis topped it and that's the current player)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2015 17:31:21 GMT
Aaaah the little Alpha: What a lovely thing that was. Yes, I know it was limited, but compared to other offerings of the day, it was gorgeous. The Isis must be quite something. I'd be scared to try it at home because it sounds like I might be skint for some time! The CDX has either warmed up and mellowed significantly or I've quickly become accustomed to its music making. This might be the first player I've owned that doesn't come a poor second to vinyl. It certainly does seem more revealing than any other I've had. I'm aware of many more instruments and melodies on tracks I thought I knew. It's all harmonious too. No cacophony: just musicians playing together and enjoying it. It's been a memorable day. Added to my pleasure with the CDX I have just bought my first ever DD turntable. Might be a disaster but at least I can know first hand if such things are for me. Lord knows when I will get time to listen to the thing. I'm too busy enjoying CD right now |
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 3, 2015 18:41:10 GMT
Yup, CD replay can be rewarding.
S.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2015 21:44:50 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 4, 2015 0:46:09 GMT
Just a little off topic...
Andrew,
Are there some ''passive'' Linn Isobariks that can just be single wired?
I understand they are best placed dead close to back walls. Do they require powerful amplification?
I've never experienced Isobariks, hence all the silly questions asked above!
Thanks.
S.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 8:02:52 GMT
Hi Shane.
All the passive Isobariks are single-wire although earlier ones use an XLR connector. They then took the crossover out of the speaker and put it in the stand to make active conversion easier. Finally, the crossover was placed in a small compartment in the bottom of the speaker. These versions had 4 sets of 4mm terminals. One for Passive and three for active although you had to modify the crossover wiring to go active IIRC. These were the ones I had.
They do work best close to a wall and they also tend to be pretty revealing of the amp you use. It doesn't have to be a powerhouse but it does make all the difference if the amp has decent current delivery and Rock solid bass. When I bought Isobariks, it followed on from one of my leaner periods. I was using a Linn Intek and Kans. I drove the Isobariks with the Intek for a couple of weeks and they were ok, but the bass is everything with Isobariks and you really don't hear them roar until you feed them properly. I quickly went through three Naim combos until they had a 250 driving them. I'd imagine a Dual 4 would be a peach, but I have also heard Isobariks sounding gorgeous with a Krell KSA 50 and a Linn LK1/LK2. The latter aren't everyone's taste but I have always liked them with the right speakers and they are a steal today.
Hearing Isobariks is something I would urge anyone to experience because there is nothing else like them. They represent one version of reality that I havent experienced with other speakers. They are just so solid and physical, that they make everything else sound like an illusion. There are lots of things they either don't do, or don't do very well, but they get some aspects so darn right that none of that seems to matter.
Mike has far more experience than I do with Isobariks and he may well have a different "take" on them than I do. I also have never heard them active, which is meant to be when they get really special, so I'm still a learner when it comes to Isobariks. I did once assemble an LK1 and 3 sets of LK280s (plus a spare LK2) in readiness for Isobariks but I didn't find a suitable pair before moving.
I can't stress enough that anyone contemplating Isobariks should hear them in a well sorted system before heading down that road. Some people think they are awful and they may well be so in terms of what those people seek from music. The only way to know if you have a liking for their strengths is to hear them, because its a bit like snow: hard to understand without experiencing it first.
|
|
|
|
Post by southall1998 on Feb 4, 2015 13:57:34 GMT
Yesterday I was toying with the idea of getting Isobariks later on in the year. In our house, is one room that has a fairly solid wall. But there is a radiator, placed on the the same wall in the middle. Which is unfortunately a little wide after visualising today. This will prevent me from placing the Isobariks properly close to the wall. But hey, I can always check out Kans The later ones with the ''Ku-stones'' inside I'd love to try someday!! Andrew, have you tried the Rega Planet with Isobariks/Kans?? S. |
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Feb 4, 2015 16:16:56 GMT
Indeed, once you get rid of that Fisher Price cart I reckon that should be a very good buy - I seem to remember Gromit from AOS running one with a Benz Micro and getting very good results. If it's anything like the Sony ES amps the build quality will be excellent. Also looks very good value too - I've only had two DD decks and think I paid a fair bit more than that for my old PL-71 which was also very good but seem to have become increasinly rare and expensive. Will be interested to hear how you get on with it and what you partner it with ... Have fun! |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 19:56:07 GMT
Fisher Price! brilliant Lord knows who buys them but they really are dire. I'm loathe to pull my OC9 off my Xerxes so I'm probably going to look out for another DL103R. I really have very limited knowledge of DDs and removable headshells etc. The headshell in the pics isn't the original one and I have no idea if its a gem of a bin job. I do like the look of the Sumiko headshells but I could really do with some advice on a cheap but good one if the one I am inheriting is a throw away job. As for Isobariks. I used them in a very small room and a friend used them in an even more compromised position. Both times they were surprisingly good. If you feel at all interestd in trying them, Shane, you could always post a pic of the space., as mike has 3 sets, he's probably better placed than I am about positioning. Kans can be very musical when set up right and fed with a good signal and amp. So can Saras although they are a very polarising speaker. I really only liked the very early Saras which were also the hardest to drive. I have used a Planet with Kans on a few occasions but not Isobariks I'm afraid. It made a nice noise with Kans as long as the amp had enough oomph. |
|
