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Post by John on Jul 9, 2019 9:49:21 GMT
No active preamp as extra gain from preamp given me very little volume control so going from the DAC makes more sense
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Post by John on Jul 9, 2019 10:05:16 GMT
One of the biggest changes in sound is low level detail, even rock I can enjoy at lower volume levels
The next change I am hearing more is the difference in volume levels between different albums
Sound is more open with a bigger soundstage
My system has always been engaging but this is at a different level
Not the last word in deep bass. But I am not into electronic music so not sure I need to go any lower as does rock and Heavy metal really well. Also does the other stuff I enjoy well
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Post by John on Jul 13, 2019 6:33:09 GMT
A little bit more tweaking with the volume on the Inuke It used to be set at 12 now set at 3 if looking at volume as a clock face.
The bass is so much cleaner so can handle the extra volume. Before it would overpower the system if I turned it up.
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Post by John on Aug 7, 2019 5:22:23 GMT
I just had the PSU modified to 5v dc output.
It kind of like adding a Supercharger to the Lindermann Lime Tree Bridge.
Certainly picking up more detail and depth has also improved. It makes me reflect on how good the PRV drivers are, as they are still responding well to system improvements.
Some quite radical changes in the last few months but it has been worth it.
I guess I am eager for others to hear the system as it has changed so radically.
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Post by John on Aug 7, 2019 5:34:38 GMT
I thought I do a quick summary of what the changes have made
1 FurTech Passive Filter modified by Coherent Systems has allowed me to enjoy my system at all times of the day. I have a factory behind me and it used to cause major issues to the sound This has been an ongoing issue for years
2 Going Bafflesless inspired by both Vic and Martin. I knew with Vic having done this it would work and be a major upgrade. Reading then hearing what Martins Townsend Podiums where doing to his system I knew I could have similar results using a ladder frame. It meant I had to change the system layout and pay a lot of attention to cross-talk issues but been worth it
3 Supercap PSU to the Limetree and BT hub 6
3 I added the Topping D70 which is a great budget DAC that has a lot of potential for modifications
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Post by John on Aug 7, 2019 8:50:30 GMT
I also added a new Coherent Coax cable that outperforms the cable I am using
It made the PSU sound like it was fully burnt in I am quite surprised how much difference this has made I am not really a cable changer
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 7, 2019 8:58:18 GMT
Sounds great John
Lots of work there to get ot this stage
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Post by MartinT on Aug 7, 2019 9:32:06 GMT
I also added a new Coherent Coax cable that outperforms the cable I am using That's interesting, John. Tony loaned me a Blue Jeans HDMI cable to try and it was excellent, outperforming the Audioquest Cinnamon I was using. As a result, I bought a shorter one for my I 2S link. Proving that it's not always the most expensive cables that win. |
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 7, 2019 12:17:35 GMT
Excellent range of upgrades John - really looking forward to a listening session.  |
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Post by John on Aug 31, 2019 16:56:21 GMT
I had Martin over to hear the system I think the last time Martin heard my system it was with the Hawthornes so I thought a quick reflection on the changes since then
Even then my system had a lot of dynamics. What has changed is how the speakers disappear in the room.
The first big change was me selling the Hawthornes and getting the Selenium Neo's and the PRV drivers. This was a big opening up in soundstage. I think I was mostly using BugHead at the time
I got fed up with BugHead for a few reasons
1) The setup procedure required the patience of a saint
2) How long it took to play
3) I was not really discovering music
I changed DAC to the SEG and moved to the SOtM Ultra Neo and stayed with this for a while. This made it easy to use Spotify. But gradually became disillusioned with the SOtM as the lack of updates. The player is good as Roon endpoint but to be honest the rest of it can be improved on .
I had two main influences on moving to baffle-less speakers
1 My friend Vic had down this, but still was a big step to take and neither of were sure it would make a difference.
2 Hearing the difference the Podiums made to Martins system
That was a big change in depth and soundstage to the system but with extra resolution also means extra care is needed in order to get it to sound right.
The Topping and SOtM were not compactable and liked what the Topping D70 did. A very musical DAC so after much searching I added up with Limetree. This might seem like a costly player but its performance is staggering. Its only weak point is the app search function could be better
The depth is very deep it is now very hard to place where the speakers in the room, I think I should start calling them stealth speakers.
It is a shame more people have not heard the approach
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Post by Clive on Aug 31, 2019 19:51:00 GMT
John, Lindemann tell me the search function works better when files are stored on a NAS...but you're maybe talking about searching anything but files. I tried my music via PC as a NAS but search was no different. The app is still fairly young so hopefully it'll improve.
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Post by John on Aug 31, 2019 20:53:15 GMT
With files it is good However with Tidal or Qobuz it could do better
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Post by MartinT on Aug 31, 2019 21:27:26 GMT
Thanks, John, for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Yes, your system has come a long way since I last heard it. While the dynamics and speed are unchanged, the depth and soundstage are markedly improved. Your speakers do a complete disappearing act, which is impressive considering the small room. They throw a big and wide sound while retaining focus. When I arrived I thought the frequency tilt was a little too aggressive towards the treble and I believe that the PRV's midrange is very good while the treble tails off and you had understandably tried to compensate for that, as we had discussed. Just one notch down on the Philips amplifier was enough to control the sting and the balance was pretty much spot on after that. I believe a supertweeter with a simple first order capacitor may be what's required but you can experiment with different types.
The Limetree is very good indeed, and outstanding via bluetooth, although the software does need some work. It was worrying that bluetooth connection was playing up somewhat but I'm sure they'll iron it out in time.
Overall, you have a highly musical and communicative system. Well done for achieving it down a completely different path from many of us, and quite inexpensively, too.
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Post by John on Aug 31, 2019 21:53:31 GMT
Its true out of the box thinking
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Post by mattspl on Sept 1, 2019 10:16:57 GMT
Sounds like you’ve made some worthwhile changes John. Do you have any pictures of the current setup? I’m curious to know if open baffle or baffleless speakers would work in my room close to corners. Thanks
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Post by John on Sept 1, 2019 12:36:47 GMT
I add a photo later
Open baffle requires a bit more distance from the rear wall than Baffleless in my experience. How far can you put the speakers away from the rear wall.
My room is quite small it is just a loft conversion but out of all the speakers I had the Baffleless work best in the loft
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 1, 2019 19:20:00 GMT
Looking forward to catching up with your system changes John!
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Post by John on Sept 1, 2019 20:00:42 GMT
Should be fun Jules
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Post by John on Sept 10, 2019 18:04:41 GMT
I really dislike when I get cross talk between cables and equipment. Since moving to a baffleless approach my system has become more suspectable to this.
I have been thinking either I need to add either a super tweeter or get a new amplifier
So when I decreased the the input sensitivity by 1 click I got a cleaner treble but lost detail adjusting back to original setting and the sound has more live but also distorted.
I was pretty sure it was not the drivers but was wondering if I pushed the Black Tulip 380 to its limits
Today I tried to space the mains lead from the Black Tulip further away the limetree network bridge. Suddenly my treble is clear again I have all the detail and can relax into the music.
I am now thinking the Black Tulip is also sensitive to picking up noise
Anyway I am glad I resolved the issue.
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Post by MartinT on Sept 10, 2019 18:20:12 GMT
Good fix, John.
Ultimately, I do think you need a tweeter rolled in with a simple First order filter (capacitor). Have an experiment if you can with inexpensive tweeters. Can you borrow two from anyone to try?
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