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Post by julesd68 on May 7, 2021 14:35:16 GMT
Sounds interesting, thanks John!  |
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Post by julesd68 on May 8, 2021 16:59:09 GMT
A spot of decorating at home today.   |
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Post by julesd68 on May 14, 2021 12:59:24 GMT
I've been thinking that there is a little bit more to come from the preamp side of things, so I was keen to take up Jerry's kind offer of a play with his solid state buffer that was designed by Jez Arkless. Hooking it up to my Hifi Hangar passive and playing a selection of tracks that I regularly use for testing new gear, it didn't take me long to form an opinion - it works, very well. I was immediately aware of a feeling of increased body, depth, texture and overall musicality; more solidity in the soundstage. Nice.  |
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Post by MartinT on May 14, 2021 13:31:13 GMT
That tallies with my own findings that active output stages (full preamp or buffer) always outperform passive stages.
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Post by julesd68 on May 14, 2021 23:29:30 GMT
Crucially everything still sounds completely transparent as I hoped it would. I wasn't expecting to be won over quite so quickly after my previous short lived buffer experiment, but it's a great combo.
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digititis
May 15, 2021 9:01:10 GMT
via mobile
Post by realysm42 on May 15, 2021 9:01:10 GMT
Question: adding the active buffer to a passive effectively creates an active preamp?
Are there any benefits to this approach over just buying an active preamp to start with?
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Post by MartinT on May 15, 2021 9:10:47 GMT
Effectively yes, but it's still not quite as impedance optimised as a full preamp.
The benefit is that you get to choose the volume control and buffer separately.
Or, in my case, use the DAC for volume and buffer its output.
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Post by julesd68 on May 15, 2021 15:32:39 GMT
Couldn't resist picking up two pairs of shiny red QED interconnects at a most tempting price. I thought the construction looked interesting and they’re well reviewed. Have got a third pair on the way so I can use a full set with the buffer in the system. The locking plugs are excellent - I found them easier to use than WBT plugs. www.qed.co.uk/reference-audio-40.html#tab1  |
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Post by John on May 15, 2021 19:06:48 GMT
Some good shielding in the design
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Post by julesd68 on May 17, 2021 21:05:03 GMT
MartinT - I'm wondering if you have any more recommendations for European female vocal with a similar vibe to the Sofia Portanet I can't stop listening to? I also really liked the Fever Ray.
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digititis
May 17, 2021 21:11:34 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on May 17, 2021 21:11:34 GMT
Effectively yes, but it's still not quite as impedance optimised as a full preamp. The benefit is that you get to choose the volume control and buffer separately. Or, in my case, use the DAC for volume and buffer its output. There are several things I particularly like about this preamp combo. Firstly, it's still exceptionally transparent like a good passive should be. Second, it doesn't have any of the colourations or 'house sound' like I've experienced with some actives previously. Finally, it is off the scale in terms of the VFM-meter! |
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Post by MartinT on May 17, 2021 21:16:28 GMT
If you like Fever Ray, try all of The Knife albums (they're all her).
Charlotte Gainsbourgh.
Royksopp.
Charlotte OC.
Not European but I do like Brandi Carlile too.
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digititis
May 18, 2021 0:35:07 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on May 18, 2021 0:35:07 GMT
Thanks Martin. Charlotte Gainsbourg and
Royksopp I know but I'll check out the others.
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Post by julesd68 on May 31, 2021 0:31:38 GMT
Good grief. Just finished re-assembling my rack and gear after I spotted something that was bugging me a couple of hours ago.  |
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digititis
May 31, 2021 5:56:40 GMT
via mobile
Post by jandl100 on May 31, 2021 5:56:40 GMT
tli
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Post by MartinT on May 31, 2021 6:12:47 GMT
OCD - I get that!
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Post by jandl100 on May 31, 2021 9:22:13 GMT
I strongly suspect that most of you would be driven insane within 30 seconds of seeing my system - whatever the numerous faults I undoubtedly have, OCD is not among them! |
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Post by MikeMusic on May 31, 2021 9:23:57 GMT
I spot little things that need moving or doing while doing yoga, now it's daylight at 6am
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Post by julesd68 on May 31, 2021 12:52:21 GMT
When I spotted the issue I knew immediately that I couldn't go to bed.
Fortunately my son was still around to help with the power amp!
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Post by MikeMusic on May 31, 2021 14:47:12 GMT
I'm able to save them up then forget  |
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