klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 12, 2016 21:54:49 GMT -5
So, for those who may recall, I figured out how to wire up the XMC-1 to be able to run the XMC-1 in reference stereo yet have a sub playing. For those wanting details on that, see this link YES, YOU...THIS LINK!As a short recap for the link-challenged...when I run my DAC, I wanted to use a sub BUT not have the XMC-1 do A/D conversion and then then A/D again. So, when wired as shown on the sketch of my solution 5 posts down on page 2, I just set the XMC-1 for the XMC's Balanced analog in (which is set up for reference stereo in my inputs), set the RCA Input selector to "input 1", and the XMC-1 sends reference stereo to my nCores and a signal to my sub that my sub x-over's limit to the right frequencies/volume setting/etc. Adding in the Tube amp WHILE KEEPING the nCores presents 3 new challenges: 1) How to also have the tube amp play in reference stereo through the XMC-1 with a sub? 2) How to have the tube amp also be able to be played direct to the speakers w/o the XMC-1 involved and w/o a sub? (purest possible...) 3) How to easily switch between the tube amp and the nCores w/o changing speaker wires around? This is all fairly easy, and it is shown below. I am waiting to hear the warranty answer on the Prima Luna to know if I am buying it for sure, but I figured this out... Any thoughts?See diagram below, but in terms of use: 1) If I want to play the Prima Luna directly, I set the speaker switch box to take the PL amp outputs and steer signal to the Maggies. Then, I power up the PL - which defaults to the "CD" input (which takes the RCA outputs from the Geek Pulse X Infinity DAC). In this mode, the PL only see the R/L DAC analog outs, the PL amp's volume control is in control, but there is no sub and no XMC-1 in the path. 2) If I want to play the PL with a sub, I set the speaker switch box to take the PL amp outputs and steer them to the Maggies. Then, I power up the PL - which defaults to the "CD" input but I switch to the HT Input (which takes an incoming RCA signal and plays it at unity gain, with volume controlled by what feeds it). I set the RCA Input selector to "input 1", power up the XMC-1 and select the balanced analog input (which is set for reference stereo). The XMC-1 outputs reference stereo to the PL and a signal to my sub. In this mode, the XMC's volume control is in control, but there is a sub playing. 3) If I want to play the nCores, I just power off the tube amp, set the speaker switch box to take the nCore amp outputs and steer signal to the Maggies. If I want 2-channel via nCores + sub, I set the XMC-1 to the Balanced Analog Inputs & RCA selector switch to "input 1" (or "input 2" to skip the sub). If I want multichannel, I set the RCA selector switch to "input 2" and set the XMC-1 to whichever multichannel input I want (TV or BluRay are the 2 I have). Make sense? Any watchouts? Here's the wiring layout...note that the XMC's L/R RCA outputs are split to enable using the tube amp w/sub. Mark
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Post by boomzilla on Dec 13, 2016 6:50:44 GMT -5
Hi Mark -
The only caveat I can think of is that some tube amps do NOT like to have input signal with no output load hooked up. With the speakers disconnected, then the amp is trying to amplify into an "infinite load." So if your amp has this issue (most tube amps do), then make SURE that the amp is OFF when the speakers are disconnected. Damage may be feasible otherwise.
From reading your previous post, it seems that you may already be aware of this, but just to mention...
Cheers - Boom
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 13, 2016 6:59:40 GMT -5
Hi Mark - The only caveat I can think of is that some tube amps do NOT like to have input signal with no output load hooked up. With the speakers disconnected, then the amp is trying to amplify into an "infinite load." So if your amp has this issue (most tube amps do), then make SURE that the amp is OFF when the speakers are disconnected. Damage may be feasible otherwise. From reading your previous post, it seems that you may already be aware of this, but just to mention... Cheers - Boom Yep...that is why in my described use, I mention when I power on the tube amps...after the speakers switched! (And must turn off prior to switching amps to Hypex! Mark
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Post by bitsandbytes on Dec 14, 2016 4:03:15 GMT -5
Excellent thinking, Mark, on using your sub in this manner with your Maggies. Like how you explained this simply and clearly and illustrated this with your diagrams.
Am very interested in your opinion on how your Prima Luna amp sounds with your sub - as opposed to just using it without the sub.
Walt
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 14, 2016 6:38:13 GMT -5
Excellent thinking, Mark, on using your sub in this manner with your Maggies. Like how you explained this simply and clearly and illustrated this with your diagrams. Am very interested in your opinion on how your Prima Luna amp sounds with your sub - as opposed to just using it without the sub. Walt Thanks... I must admit the drawing was originally for me so I could think through it and make sure it made sense to me. Then it helps for sharing also. I also look forward to hearing the PL with a sub. I am not sure I really need it. The PL makes the low end of the Maggies sing, esp. with the KT-88's! Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 14, 2016 11:30:07 GMT -5
Well, it's official...I am keeping the Prima Luna! The dealer just told me that even though the warranty from PL is over due to its age and use as a demo, the dealer will cover me for 90 days for any issues unrelated to abuse or damage by me. So, I'm keeping it. And, since the remote had "walked away" from their showroom, they will get a new one on order for me. The EL34's came with it and are less than a month old, and he just gave me a price on the KT88's of $120 for the 4 of them. They have indeed seen some use I can tell, but still sound great...but at that price I can buy brand new ones (even a set of matched ones for $130). So, unless he comes down a lot on that, I'll just buy new.
Now, I need to start buying the parts for my switchbox and a couple extra sets of speaker cables. I've been looking at options on parts, including a way to have the inputs/outputs and switch positions labeled nicely. I found a place that does everything from name tags to trophies that is fairly cheap. I will have to call them to see how long they would take. They even have their own brushed aluminum plates in about the size I was thinking of they can either engrave or print and do so to the customer's design. Conveniently, I am on vacation the next couple weeks, so I'll be doing a little building project for my switchbox! Even if I don't have the faceplate and back plate done yet, I can get everything else done.
Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 14, 2016 22:08:03 GMT -5
I just added some KT-88's to my Amazon wish list in case anyone wants to get me anything for Christmas!
Mark
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Post by creimes on Dec 14, 2016 22:12:35 GMT -5
Crap dude, I just spent my last dollar on some new shoes
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Post by hooked on Dec 16, 2016 20:54:45 GMT -5
Quick question on why your not using pl in theatre duty, I'm guessing convienece of warm up time? I spoke to Kevin at upscale today about adding some mono block amps to my system so I can move my upa 1s to atmos duty and would be counting on these to handle all tasks does any one see any problems with tubes as main speaker power in dual use system?
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Dec 16, 2016 21:35:54 GMT -5
If you let it warm up, say, for a year straight - how does it sound? Does it sound warmer? Or smoother? Or? I'll keep toasting it up and let you know! Mark What? When did you get your Emotiva toaster? It toasts tubes? 😲 😮 OMG What a great isea!! Why didn't I get a pre-order form in the mail! Whom did you bribe!!! I have ways of making people talk you know!!!
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Post by simpleman68 on Dec 16, 2016 21:49:40 GMT -5
I'll keep toasting it up and let you know! Mark What? When did you get your Emotiva toaster? It toasts tubes? 😲 😮 OMG What a great isea!! Why didn't I get a pre-order form in the mail! Whom did you bribe!!! I have ways of making people talk you know!!! Told you it was going to be a hit. Scott
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 16, 2016 22:17:50 GMT -5
Quick question on why your not using pl in theatre duty, I'm guessing convienece of warm up time? I spoke to Kevin at upscale today about adding some mono block amps to my system so I can move my upa 1s to atmos duty and would be counting on these to handle all tasks does any one see any problems with tubes as main speaker power in dual use system? The main reason is that tubes have a shorter life, even with the slow turn on feature mine have and other aspects of the design intended to prolong tube life, than my class D nCore Hypex. In addition, I found I like my Hypex better on some music than others. So, I am keeping them anyway. Another everyday issue is that the theater is used by my whole family. I can hardly get them to turn off lights when they leave the house. Having to manually turn on and off a tube amp is such a major chore for them...and I just don't want to go there. I will, for sure, try the tube amps on multichannel myself. But, it won't be the default setup. Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 16, 2016 22:22:48 GMT -5
What? When did you get your Emotiva toaster? It toasts tubes? 😲 😮 OMG What a great isea!! Why didn't I get a pre-order form in the mail! Whom did you bribe!!! I have ways of making people talk you know!!! You didn't get yours yet? Heck, I've had mine for 3 months. After all, Big Dan is my brother-in-law, twice removed. It works great, as Scott knows (he is Lonnie's twin brother from a different mother). Mark
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Post by creimes on Dec 16, 2016 23:53:40 GMT -5
What? When did you get your Emotiva toaster? It toasts tubes? 😲 😮 OMG What a great isea!! Why didn't I get a pre-order form in the mail! Whom did you bribe!!! I have ways of making people talk you know!!! Told you it was going to be a hit. Scott Whats the gain browning level on that toaster
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Post by monkumonku on Dec 16, 2016 23:58:47 GMT -5
Told you it was going to be a hit. Scott Whats the gain browning level on that toaster Even better with an aftermarket power cord. Comes out more organic.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Dec 17, 2016 0:01:14 GMT -5
Whats the gain browning level on that toaster Even better with an aftermarket power cord. Comes out more organic. I see that its a duel mono, can it be bi-wired as well?
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Post by creimes on Dec 17, 2016 0:02:37 GMT -5
Whats the gain browning level on that toaster Even better with an aftermarket power cord. Comes out more organic. Hopefully the power cable isn't as big as the 20amp one on my 7-350 or it'll be burnt up dust mmmmmmmmm
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 18, 2016 17:00:38 GMT -5
Working on a switch box so I can toggle between my nCores and my Prima Luna. Its going to be larger than I planned...partly because I decided I wanted it wide so I could stack it with other gear, and then I decided to use some binding posts assemblies from Parts Express that are kind of tall but look nice.
Pix to follow once I get the nail holes filled and a coat of polyurethane on it...maybe tomorrow...
Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 20, 2016 16:21:24 GMT -5
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 20, 2016 16:23:04 GMT -5
And the back...Upper left and right are inputs for one amp. Lowers are other amp. Center is outputs. Attachment DeletedMark
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