|
|
Post by John on Mar 8, 2020 5:02:47 GMT
The SGS-1s is an impressive grounding box I was surprised by how much it changed the sound when used with the Mutec. The sound became more natural.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Mar 10, 2020 7:59:24 GMT
If we didn't know already, grounding boxes make a significant contribution to sound quality by sucking away noise and garbage from component ground planes. I have settled on the following arrangement as giving me the best sound quality yet: | Component | Model | Grounding Box | | Router | TP-Link MR-6400 | SGS-1 with one cable (to DC -ve) | | Streamer | Asus Tinker Board S | Black Ravioli Eflos USB | | Reclocker | Mutec MC-3 USB | SGS-1s with four cables | | DAC | LKS MH-DA004 | Black Ravioli Eflos phono (to S/PDIF input) |
Clearly, grounding the Mutec is very important but the effects of all the grounding boxes are additive. |
|
|
|
Post by petea on Mar 10, 2020 9:17:47 GMT
A useful summary, Martin. Thanks. I have a BR unit on the way and will start to rationalise my grounding with the 3 x CAD units as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Mar 21, 2020 2:09:13 GMT
Two things to note: I did say way back when that the SGS grounding boxes have a 'slow effect' and take a while to come on song? Secondly, I arrived on dedicating my SGS-1s Signature entirely to the Mutec reclocker, with four cables connected.
Both of these moves have turned out to be spot-on. Not a minor improvement, but a seriously large step towards delivering the live-like and large scale performance of Tony's system, but with the additional infra-bass octaves. It sounds all at once easier on the ear but with massive detail and shocking microdynamics. So this is how good streaming can sound? I'm very glad I went down this road and not files or CDs.
Very happy listening in my isolation, until the power fails I guess.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Mar 21, 2020 7:29:16 GMT
Do you keep the Mutec powered up or turn off when not in use Martin
Quite surprising the difference the grounding boxes make
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Mar 21, 2020 10:14:54 GMT
I leave all the source components powered up (via the P3), John.
The power amp (via the P10) I fire up 30 mins before listening.
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Mar 21, 2020 11:26:20 GMT
Very happy listening in my isolation, until the power fails I guess. You mean you didn't take the trouble to turn your listening room into a fully loaded nuclear bunker? Careless Martin, very careless ...  |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Mar 21, 2020 12:53:54 GMT
I'd rather croak listening to some Durufle than wait for all that post apocalyptic malarkey!
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 10, 2020 19:47:27 GMT
I noticed that the firmware in my TP-Link MR-6400 4G router was a year and two revisions out of date. The new version claims 'performance improvements' so I downloaded and installed it. I took the chance to put OpenDNS settings into it rather than use the default shitty BT DNS. I had already put these settings into Volumio.
For whatever reason, I swear things sound a tiny bit better now. Can't be bad and all in preparation for the EtherREGEN when it arrives.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2020 19:57:29 GMT
I noticed that the firmware in my TP-Link MR-6400 4G router was a year and two revisions out of date. The new version claims 'performance improvements' so I downloaded and installed it. I took the chance to put OpenDNS settings into it rather than use the default shitty BT DNS. I had already put these settings into Volumio. For whatever reason, I swear things sound a tiny bit better now. Can't be bad and all in preparation for the EtherREGEN when it arrives. I could see why you might hear an improvement from a firmware update and reconfiguration. |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 12, 2020 16:55:03 GMT
Rather than try and describe my ever more complex digital chain, I thought I'd draw a diagram. I have time on my hands... The EtherREGEN plus ancillaries, when they arrive, are drawn on a yellow background. The rest of the system is as of now.  |
|
|
|
Post by The Brookmeister on Apr 12, 2020 18:23:09 GMT
Rather than try and describe my ever more complex digital chain, I thought I'd draw a diagram. I have time on my hands... The EtherREGEN plus ancillaries, when they arrive, are drawn on a yellow background. The rest of the system is as of now. Bloody hell just buy a Lumin man! LOL |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 12, 2020 18:52:40 GMT
What would be the fun in that?  |
|
|
|
Post by The Brookmeister on Apr 12, 2020 19:12:24 GMT
What would be the fun in that? Well first of all it sounds stupendously good, 2nd it does not need up-grading apart from maybe a black ravioli black hole and above all partnered with a good DAC (not yours lol only mesing mate) there is nothing else needed apart from an ipad. I get the need to play, toys and boys etc etc but I just don't get the fannying around with something thats cheap to try and improve it, its cheap for a reason. All IMO of course.  |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 12, 2020 19:43:28 GMT
Nah, don't agree with you guv. Every link in my chain, although it seems complex, is highly optimised to do one job very well. None of it has much to do with the price.
It already sounds superb and better than anything I've heard at a hi-fi show. It'll soon sound even better.
As for the iPad, you can keep that, too!
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Apr 12, 2020 23:04:29 GMT
A very useful diagram Martin, but I can't help thinking the system would sound better with a pair of speakers! And while you are about it maybe you could send a template to John so I can finally get my head around his set-up. |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 13, 2020 8:05:44 GMT
I didn't include the speakers as I ran out of space, but take them as a given!
I see John has forged through with his own diagrams.
|
|
|
|
Post by edward on Apr 13, 2020 9:05:22 GMT
Great diagram! Raises some questions, so if I may?  Why do you have two PS power plants (P10 and P3)? Did you simply run out of outlets? When you implemented your 63a circuit was there a noticeable change in SQ? Maybe your room was a new install and you just went with what is best. You don't seem to have a preamp. Do you attenuate at the LKS DAC stage or elsewhere (e.g. software at the Tinker Board stage)? I see you have a sprinkling of Coherent stuff, having been at Tony's gaff a couple of times I understand why. E  |
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Apr 13, 2020 9:31:15 GMT
Where oh where could anyone buy this wonderful Lumin
Let me think........
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 13, 2020 9:38:11 GMT
Hi Edward, good questions.
1. I deliberately have two Power Plants. I started with a P10 which could easily run the entire system. However, reading about the new series with their lower noise and even tighter regulation, I upgraded the system with a P3 to run all the sensitive source components. It was a successful move, splitting duties in a way to get the best out of each.
2. I had the 63A circuit installed as I was preparing the room, so never heard it without. Since the electrical cupboard is off this room, it's a very clean circuit straight after the meter with its own breaker box. It feeds a Coherent unswitched double socket.
3. Correct, I decided to use the LKS digital volume control and replace my complex preamp with a very high quality buffer. Another big improvement in transparency.
Yes, I use a lot of Coherent accessories as Tony makes exceptional cables and power supplies and really knows his stuff. Hearing his system always sets the bar for what is achievable.
|
|
