Just ordered a mini

[musical1]

Nov 18, 2013 8:48:53 GMT -5 jmasterj said:

musical1,

Keep us posted. I'm personally particularly interested in your opinion about the ultimate fuses. If you do actually get some.

I would'nt hold your breath, in waiting for findings on the 'ultimate fuses.'     I'm more curious about the power cord, 1st, in the so-called upgrades to the mini X. I was wondering about the posting of the mini X owner who did the diy power cord w/ *bleep*uyama(?) .... wire!? I wished he would elaborate as to what he did (ie. Sourcing the correct socket & subsequent wiring/ plug used? Finally, reporting his listening impressions after use/break in. Did he experience an improvement sonically or not? [Hint, hint ... wink, wink!] This inquiring mind would be very interested to know!!

[KeithL]

I'm sorry, but there's rabbit holes, and Rabbit Holes........

Considering that "tweaks" like premium power cables, and especially fancy fuses, have no basis whatsoever in engineering fact (although hearing benefits you expect to hear because you expect to hear them does have a solid basis in psychology), I wouldn't even consider any such silliness unless two conditions were met:

1) You can do a double blind test - and so avoid your expectations influencing what you hear
2) You have a money-back guarantee so you can return them when (OK, if) you fail to hear an improvement

Whenever I even consider such things, I just remind myself of the test someone did where they had several "wine connoisseurs" compare the taste of a $10 bottle of wine to that of a premium $100 bottle.....
About 3/4 definitely preferred the expensive bottle, but the other quarter actually preferred the cheaper bottle.....
And, as if you couldn't guess, both bottles actually had the same wine in them - all that was different was the bottle.

Now you can ask yourself: Did the folks who paid $100, but enjoyed that bottle more, get cheated or not?
Personally, I think they did.

Now, many audio tweaks do indeed have at least some basis in fact (sorry, but fancy fuses ain't on that list).... and a power cable that is too thin really can make an amp sound worse (which is why you really shouldn't swap the excellent commercial $15 power cable that came with your XPA amp with a $3 one from Wal-mart). But this in no way implies that using one that exceeds the technical requirements will make anything sound better. (For that matter, my Nissan Versa would run pretty badly if I put really crappy gas in it, but it isn't going to do zero to 150 in eight seconds, or pull a ten ton trailer uphill, no matter how much I spend on fancy gas for it, or what additive I use.....)

And, in case you were wondering, our fancy power cables are much more fun to use; they look cool, feel nice in your hand, don't tangle that easily, and have that nice slick tech-flex coating so they're easier to pull - and harder to damage - but no, they don't sound better... sorry...

Nov 14, 2013 5:54:28 GMT -5 musical1 said:

Jmasterj,

Appreciate your reply ... ahem! As you, I've had alot of gear over the years. I have found when I wanted to tweak or upgrade something, I generally had the positive experience of hearing a sonic difference in the positive, justifying the added expense of the upgrade. It is just the nature of the game to some extent to try and see if, in the instance of trying the ultimate fuse bit, if there will be sonic gains. It is something to do, to perhaps enhance the playback experience. Due to emotiva not making an upgraded power cord, doesn't nullify the possibility that sonic gains can be had. My belief and experience leads me to believe, if such a power cord exists, it will very well do something positive. Just my experience/opinion.

For the purpose of aesthetics and [minor] space concerns and my predilection of liking small [footprint, ergo, mini] audio components (had the 47labs gear years ago) the desire for a matching footprint cd player is an option I'd like to look into, if available. Buying the older cd players is/was an option,I considered, but based on the question I posed to one of the principals at the 2012 show/booth, and that time has passed, my thinking is perhaps the option of a smaller emotiva 'mini X' cd player would have come to fruition by now. It appears that by the response of others, that it may be in the pipeline ... so optimistically, I shall wait and see. My choosing to go budget is MAINLY predicated on the fact that the gear sounds really, really nice and musical, that in my view it is in a "hair's breath" of alot of more dollar intensive gear out there I've heard. Been down the high end gear rabbit hole ... my exploring the opposite tact, and in my view, getting 90% of the sonics, I find a philosophically enriching experieince, so why not as an 'exercise' pursue it!? I see the acquistion of my so called dream system a far ways off and not really in my "cross hairs," due to the current results and listening enjoyment I'm getting. I was hoping that perhaps, someone who has gone down that pathway of tweaking exploration, may have had the experience of tweaking the amp ... not that it REALLY ... needs it. Just audio'foolery' at work :-)

[jmasterj]

I'm in agreement with you Keith.

However, musical1 says that when he has done tweaking of gear in the past he "generally had the positive experience of hearing a sonic difference in the positive, justifying the added expense of the upgrade". I have to accept what he says as true for him. He actually hears a positive sonic difference. It's just as he put it so eloquently " Just audio "foolery" at work"

musical1,

If you really want to get in touch with the person who made the DIY power cord his user name is: d1sturb3d you can always try sending him a personal message. I'm sure he will respond. good luck j.

[d1sturb3d]

well here is the cable I used..I know it's not the prettiest of the colors lo..just used what I can find, someday I'll change it to black lol




I only used the bundled cable when I tested it for power..maybe I can give it blind test once I am finished with room treatment..

[musical1]

"""I'm sorry, but there's rabbit holes, and Rabbit Holes........

Considering that "tweaks" like premium power cables, and especially fancy fuses, have no basis whatsoever in engineering fact (although hearing benefits you expect to hear because you expect to hear them does have a solid basis in psychology), I wouldn't even consider any such silliness unless two conditions were met:

1) You can do a double blind test - and so avoid your expectations influencing what you hear
2) You have a money-back guarantee so you can return them when (OK, if) you fail to hear an improvement

Whenever I even consider such things, I just remind myself of the test someone did where they had several "wine connoisseurs" compare the taste of a $10 bottle of wine to that of a premium $100 bottle.....
About 3/4 definitely preferred the expensive bottle, but the other quarter actually preferred the cheaper bottle.....
And, as if you couldn't guess, both bottles actually had the same wine in them - all that was different was the bottle.

Now you can ask yourself: Did the folks who paid $100, but enjoyed that bottle more, get cheated or not?
Personally, I think they did.

Now, many audio tweaks do indeed have at least some basis in fact (sorry, but fancy fuses ain't on that list).... and a power cable that is too thin really can make an amp sound worse (which is why you really shouldn't swap the excellent commercial $15 power cable that came with your XPA amp with a $3 one from Wal-mart). But this in no way implies that using one that exceeds the technical requirements will make anything sound better. (For that matter, my Nissan Versa would run pretty badly if I put really crappy gas in it, but it isn't going to do zero to 150 in eight seconds, or pull a ten ton trailer uphill, no matter how much I spend on fancy gas for it, or what additive I use.....)

And, in case you were wondering, our fancy power cables are much more fun to use; they look cool, feel nice in your hand, don't tangle that easily, and have that nice slick tech-flex coating so they're easier to pull - and harder to damage - but no, they don't sound better... sorry..."""

...Wow! Admin, weighed in! ... yada, yada. ;-) I admit this is a 'rarebit hole' ... audio (tom) foolery!? The manufacturers that present this tweak stuff, seem to present some interesting & compelling 'facts' for justification of buying their wares. Having done 1st hand, the power cord tweak some years ago and having heard a positive sonic difference & in being a participant in other such 'tests' for the FUN of it, was the modus operandi. I don't believe I was overcome/duped with 'mind games' and the like, in hearing a difference. All of us, were NOT deluded (nor did we have any expectation other than, the possibility of hearing a sonic difference) that we all heard positive differences sonically and felt justified in buying the expensive cable! (Albeit for a substantial discount - our cost: $300+ Last century. Early to mid '90's) ...
O.A.N.: Perhaps; I'm missing something? ... Does emotiva have an upgraded power cord that fits the mini X? If so, I have no problem or buying it, with the "expectation:" of better performance at some level? :-) Isn't that the reason, they in general are sold!? At any rate, the 'ultimate fuse' is definitely a crap shoot! Admitted. That is why I inquired. If I didn't hear a sonic difference, (when I get around to it) I'd have an overpriced fuse(s) in the amp at any rate. I'd be out of $100??? maybe? Bad ROI, but ... I'D know it is/was a farce ... Yes, jmasterj, maybe send a private email, for more info is in order. I'd think that if he had experiences that were positive, wouldn't it possibly be of benefit (if one buys into this) to the 'other' mini X owner who may be inclined to exploration of upgraded performance of his amp/system!? I don't mind so much the color, either! Still wondered, if his sonic experience was positive or not! This dialog sort of reminds me of Julian Hirsh (may he RIP); that he use to state categorically that any & all components sound the same! IF ... there were ANY differences, they may have been due to some slight electrical or impedence abnomality ... it was his 'informed opinion.' I, as well as thousands (tens of ...?) others aurally disagreed with that position. So it goes ... Isn't this stuff supposed to be 'fun?'

[jmasterj]

musical1,

Hi good to hear from you again. You asked "Isn't this stuff supposed to be fun?... Yes! So I'll ask. Aren't we having fun? I know I am. I find this very amusing.

Intellectually, I'm a bit slow, so if I ask a question that seems strange you should take that into account. I'm just trying to see if I missed something from your post. All I really got from it was that you and countless others disagree with the late, great Julian Hirsh. I remember him from the many, many issues of Stereo Review I use to read many years ago. Anyway, was that it or did I miss something else?

Now I have a question: When are you going to quit with the foreplay and really get down?

I see that d1sturb3d has responded, and is available with info about the DIY power cord he made. So what now? Are you waiting for him to post about how great the Mini-X sounds with his upgraded power cord after he does a double blind listening test?

Keep in mind that how his mini-X sounds to him, in his home, with his set-up, may be different from how your mini-X will sound to you in your home with your set-up. The only way for you to really know is to try it for yourself. You've already stated that you have experienced positive results from this kind of tweak in the past. So what are you waiting for? Just Do It! Or are you getting cold feet so to speak? You have already given up on tweaking the fuses. I'd hate to think you're wavering on the power cord too.

Especially now that you have me all excited anxiously awaiting your review of your Mini-X with the upgraded power cord. Please don't let what I say, or what Keith said discourage you. We are just posting our opinions. What's most important is that you're satisfied with your choices.

We all have our own ideas of what we want our systems to be. Something that works for me might not work for you, and visa-versa. That's all a part of the fun isn't it?

[musical1]

Nov 30, 2013 13:07:06 GMT -5 jmasterj said:

musical1,

Hi good to hear from you again. You asked "Isn't this stuff supposed to be fun?... Yes! So I'll ask. Aren't we having fun? I know I am. I find this very amusing.

Intellectually, I'm a bit slow, so if I ask a question that seems strange you should take that into account. I'm just trying to see if I missed something from your post. All I really got from it was that you and countless others disagree with the late, great Julian Hirsh. I remember him from the many, many issues of Stereo Review I use to read many years ago. Anyway, was that it or did I miss something else?

Now I have a question: When are you going to quit with the foreplay and really get down?

I see that d1sturb3d has responded, and is available with info about the DIY power cord he made. So what now? Are you waiting for him to post about how great the Mini-X sounds with his upgraded power cord after he does a double blind listening test?

Keep in mind that how his mini-X sounds to him, in his home, with his set-up, may be different from how your mini-X will sound to you in your home with your set-up. The only way for you to really know is to try it for yourself. You've already stated that you have experienced positive results from this kind of tweak in the past. So what are you waiting for? Just Do It! Or are you getting cold feet so to speak? You have already given up on tweaking the fuses. I'd hate to think you're wavering on the power cord too.

Especially now that you have me all excited anxiously awaiting your review of your Mini-X with the upgraded power cord. Please don't let what I say, or what Keith said discourage you. We are just posting our opinions. What's most important is that you're satisfied with your choices.

We all have our own ideas of what we want our systems to be. Something that works for me might not work for you, and visa-versa. That's all a part of the fun isn't it?

Yes, fun, fun, fun. After the sort of [in jest?] off handed naysaying about tweaks and fuses, MY posting was about finding if anyone else was having 'fun,' in tweaking etc. So in that context, I was "tongue planted squarely in cheek" saying that my premise was having some active audio "phool' fun in tweaking the "inexpensive, cost effective" amp, to elicit better performance out of it, with tweaks. Although, the lesson in engineering didn't go unfounded, I get the premise behind Kieth's posts. ...

Yes! to your question about Julian Hirsh. The 'tens of thousands' I refer to, which I include myself among, was that the alternative audio press of the day, (TAS, Stereophile, etc, etc, etc) patently disagreed with Mr. Hirsh and other so-called sonic luddites' premise, that electronics had no inherent sonic differences. Those that claimed to hear sonic differences, were in effect hallucinating!!! This was postulated in the narrow scientific analysis/view of the day. (The whole audio 'thing'  is just once's personal preference, that's basically it! To a large extent, it is one's personal audio reality. Whatever makes you tick musically, sonically, IMHO) To reiterate, No, I haven't been discouraged by Keith's posts one tiny lil bit!? He stated his feelings and I respect the "slap in the face to HIS 'reality' of what I was TRYING to say ... it's all good! .... 

Hold your raging hormones! ... kimosabbee!    "I have 'ALL' of "us" excited!?" ...  All of who??? ...  Don't lump this in my lap! Oh, no. I haven't even gotten to getting the power cord in question together, to be able to make a determination! Per your suggestion, I did correspond 'privately' with my MINI X brother, about the power cord, per your most gracious suggestion! Thanks for that. When he gets around to doing his listening and formulating his experiences/opinion, he has graciously posited, he will communicate them to me. So I have to wait until .... next year?

Lastly, yes our systems are different. We listen for different things, etc, etc. I'm looking at the 'big picture.' If there is some improvement in the sonics, with the power cord/ or the fuses (in my case) I'd like to explore the possibility of it doing the same thing 'in general' for my set up and needs, etc. That to me, is the 'fun' of it, the sharing, the exploration, the 'lunacy' of it ... My being on here is just something I come back to on occasion and respond. It was only because of my purchasing the MINI X ... 'the gem of an amp;' that I was here and asked what I did. Provacateering! Maybe ... So far, not much was said, from anyone else regarding this ... so, we "all?" will have to wait and see ... in the meantime, I'm enjoying the amp as is. In fact, I hooked them up to a pair of fullrange drivers, I've had for YEE ars! Japnese Pioneer PE 16m, 25th anniversay edition drivers. ( a copy of the Diatone full driver) I'm able to hear SOOO much more information in the mid range and high end with these speakers, the resolution, soundstaging is unbelievable! Just don't have the deep bass foundation I prefer in listening 'through' these speakers, but it tells me that this 'mini marvel' of an amp is amazing in it's playback!!!! And; for so little money!!!!! When I throw some 'better' [re: more expensive]  spkr cable, power cord, etc in the mix, I shudder to think how much better the playback will get!!!! In my dream of dreams, if I'm able to get to within a 'stones throw' of my dream reference system, sonically (it's all in my 'mind' right) ... I'd be a really happy camper!! Talking about rethinking high end audio, indeed!!  Well so much for my twaddle ... Good listening to all ... Peas.

[jmasterj]

Aw Man,

So what you're telling me is that I have to hold on to the rest of my [in jest?] off handed naysaying about tweaks and fuses until next year. Damn ! Damn ! Damn ! You sure know how to kill joy. I'll be waiting.

[m - 1]

What's stopping you from playing in the "sandbox"jmas! If I get some feedback from d1sturb3 and/or put together a power cord in a reasonable time frame, I'll report back or get prelim findings. It is what it is, is it not? Chill ... put on some music & enjoy your mini X ... relax. M-1








PS: Funny that you were in the 'peaNUT' gallery, throwing "stones" and now you're impatiently [are we there yet!!!, are we there yet!!!] clammering for information/results!!! lol! Fun nay ... !!

[jmasterj]

I'm not sure who I'm responding to, but I'll bite.

What's stopping me from playing in the "sandbox"? (tweaking equipment)

The only tweaks I've ever done is rolling tubes. I upgraded the tubes in my Hybrid tube integrated amp, and I've also upgraded the tubes in my all tube integrated amp. That's it. Changing the tubes in your equipment can definitely affect the sound quality.

Now as far as buying a upgraded power cord, or more expensive fuses to try to improve the sound quality of a piece of equipment I haven't tried that approach. Because I personally don't believe it will improve the sound quality of the equipment.

To me the mini-X amp is as good as any other Emotiva amp quality wise. I believe it will perform to the standards that it was engineered and manufactured to. Those can be found in the specifications. You can connect twenty different power cords on it, or put expensive fuses in it and it will still only perform to those standards. I think that the only way you can improve on the sound quality is by going inside the amp and changing/upgrading the internal components.

That's what stopping me from playing in the "sandbox"

I would only be playing with myself, or fooling myself. If that's the way musical1 has his fun that's fine with me. I think it's futile, and I find it amusing. So I'm just fooling around with him all in good fun.

If I want to improve the sound quality of solid state equipment then I would just invest in better equipment. But that's me. To each his own.

[KeithL]

Way back (further back that I care to admit) I used to build speakers - and not very expertly. (Following the old style DIY credo of: "I got a great deal on these awesome drivers at the surplus store; now lets find something to do with them".) Not too surprisingly, every speaker that I spent weeks building, and tweaking, and adjusting, sounded pretty darned good - to me - at the time.... but, oddly, after they spent a few months in the closet, they didn't sound all that good, and some of my friends weren't as impressed as I was either. I'm pretty sure that it was a combination of expecting them to sound good, getting used to the way they did sound, listening to them and not much else, and just plain optimism. There's also a psychological trick that basically says "PARTICIPATION makes the heart grow fonder". (This basically says that anything you build, cook, or discover looks, sounds, or tastes better than if you bought the same thing in a store - amongst other things. This is part of the reason for many marketing surveys - because people tend to be more favorably inclined towards the product if they were "invited to participate" in the decisions - or believe they were. Another example is the "suggestion box" many companies have; the reality is that, people feel better because they were invited to participate - whether you use the suggestions or not.)

In this context, building anything yourself gives you a HUGE bias in favor of believing it to be better. Things like DIY power cords, and DIY interconnects and speaker cables, are great because they don't cost much - and you can certainly build ones as good as the goofy expensive ones you can buy for a LOT less (silver plated teflon interconnect wire is about a buck a foot surplus). However, if you really want to know how well you succeeded (outside your own mind), or you want to prove something - either way - then they are far and away the most in need of real double blind testing.

[d1sturb3d]

^ yes I agree that building something by yourself presents a huge bias..that is why I don't post any impressions since I haven't done any blind testing..my interconnects are DIY too..so a lot of tests needs to be done by me..sad to say nobody shares the same enthusiasm on this hobby from any of my close friends near my place..hopefully my gf will gladly help me carry out the blind tests on these DIY cables..

[M1 aka Musical1]

jmasj, keith(?);

This is musical1 here. AKA M1. It is interesting that these postings has at the very least garnered some feedback. Albeit, somewhat ... unsure how to characterize it? But, at least opinions have been expressed. I respect them, although, they to me feel like I've gone back in the 'wayback machine' to the 1970's reading Julian Hirsh's naysayings; in Stereo Review magazine. It really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things, IF you believe there may be improvements or not. If I derive more enjoyment listening or the reproduction, the 'it' sounds less, "fabricated" and more like a musical performance, the result is a positive one, I'm happy. The tweaking was a success. Delusional or not. Whatever ... the result, the original premise is/was not predicated on their being some amazing discovery or break thru that, will advance music reproduction for the masses, by the 'discovery.' It in turn, motivate others to do the same or more!? Not my premise and/or it is not high on my 'care meter.'  I just wanted to tweak the thing, to see if it will or not be an improvement. It is my method of fun, in pursuit of the 'hobby.'  Your suggestion of my buying a "better" solid state amp if I want "better" sound ... is? ... nah, I won't go there! Nor do I find it necessary sonically for me to do so! The Mini X is a fine musical instrument, @ $169!!! It doesn't make me pine for a  ... [insert your fav amp here].

The double blind testing result, isn't my idea of fun to provide proof of a whether something is doing something positively different or not. (shades of Julian Hirsh) I also don't mind the "kind" ribbing going on. It's all in good 'fun.' When I do get around to it/ or hear back from our friend, D1sturb3 about his findings, we'll get a laugh out of it at the very least. Breathe a Sigh of relief or distress ... and get on with life ...  ...

[jmasterj]

Ok M1, I was wondering if that was really you.

Please let me say that all the comments I have made are intended with respect and fun. Even if it seems like I don't subscribe to your philosophy I truly believe in your right to explore different ways to maximize your listening enjoyment. I'm consistently amazed at the big impact that even the smallest adjustment can make to our equipment

Wednesday my friend "snacker" came by to listen to my system with the new Yaqin MC30-L tube amp in it. I think he was blown away by it, and that there is definitely going to be some tube gear in his future, but that's a thread for another time. We started the listening session with my Tekton Design M-Lores in the normal listening position all four spikes level. Then at some point during the listening I went and elevated the front of each speaker approximately 1 inch using some bottle caps. This is the kind of experimentation I do all the time. Was there a difference in the sound after the change? Absolutely. I do this kind of thing very often during listening sessions. I'll change the amp from Ultra linear to Triode mode as well. Each change has an effect on the sound.

We were listening to Diana Krall's Live in Paris CD when I made the adjustment. I asked snacker if he heard a change? His response was : " to him the sound stage grew in size, or it opened up more, and he said it made the speakers disappear more". I concur with his findings. However, it's nice to have someone else who can listen and give you a unbiased opinion.

This was not a double blind listening test. Snacker obviously saw me change the elevation of the front of the speakers. Was he expecting to hear a change I'd say yes probably. This thing is really subjective. Some people will place their speakers in a location and never move them from the original position. Some, like you, and I, at least we remain open to different possibilities.

So M1, even as I lol I embrace you, who's to say what you might discover. The bottom line is we've got to keep doing what we feel is necessary to make this hobby fun for us. I  applaud your efforts.j

[muse_1]

Your experience with the tweaking of the speaker height sounds like fun and you heard a difference to the positive! I bet it sounded (the system) really good!! I applaud you and your efforts! Playing in the sandbox!! Diane Krall ... ... ... yeah. Speakers disappearing? Yeeee AAAAH! That's the ticket!! That's what I'm talking about!!!

I've been googling "info" on fuses. I didn't realize that this area is oversaturated with fuses, fuses and more fuses!! Keith mentioned a rabbit hole and then Rabbit Holes!? ... chew on this at your own peril!!!

1.) www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?82496-Studies-On-Residential-Power-Line-Noise-Part-7-HiFi-Tuning-and-Isoclean-Fuses

2.) www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?44220-HiFi-Tuning-Fuses

Nice comments, thanks, & yes, got to keep moving forward to make it fun & hopefully getting better listening results.

[Mus 1]

Update: Just ordered from Audio Ad ... r, the pangea c7 (connector) 14 power cable. Looking to buy

The synergistic research fuse(s) as soon as I find the size. Also getting

(I think?) the Pioneer FS 52 spkrs, the Andrew Jones designed. Super fun

Beginning 2014!

Mucical1

[jmasterj]

musical1,

I see you found a power cord that fits the mini-x. Good for you. It will be interesting to hear your impressions about it. Did you ever hear back from d1sturb3d after he did the blind listening test on his DIY cord? Or did you decide to just buy the Pangea AC-14 c7 and see for yourself? I see that you decided which fuses to try, and to add a new pair of speakers as well in 2014. Hopefully these new additions will add to your listening enjoyment.

I changed from my Yaqin MC-30L tube integrated amp back to my BADA DC-222 hybrid amp for a while. I also made a slight adjustment to my speaker placement. The M-Lores are sounding better than they ever have. I'm actually planning to take the Yaqin over to snackers house when we get a chance, so we can see how it sounds with the pair of Klipsch La Scala speakers he just brought. That should be fun.

I ordered a Xaing Sheng 728A tube preamp to go with the pair of XPA-100 mono block amps I purchased during the holiday sale. It's scheduled to arrive sometime between the 13th and the 23rd of the month. Then I'll finally be able to hear these Emo amps. I'm pretty excited about that. To be honest I really like the way my current set up sounds. I listen to it and I shake my head wondering why I even bothered to purchase more equipment. I find it hard to believe that I'll get much better sound, but we'll see.

I'm so glad that I'm almost finished buying equipment. I'm tired of being broke. Just one more pair of speakers, and maybe a ERC-3 in 2014 then I'm through.

Spoken like a true junkie huh? lol. I'll be in touch. j

[paintedklown]

All this talk about tweaking gear by buying expensive cables, fuses, etc. has me thinking.

IMO, you would probably be best served by buying different speakers, and doing room treatments if there is a "problem" you are trying to "correct". IMO, even if these types of tweaks do yeild audible results, the amount of money spent on them for the small net result, seems like throwing money in the wrong direction.

Perhaps focus on what the problems are, then see if you can figure out exactly what is the cause of said problems. If you already have high quality electronics, then I would imagine that new speakers would be your best investment, as they will have the largest impact on your overall sound.

Once you are fully satisfied with the sound, you can then do all the tweaks you like, as you are then at the point you aren't trying to compensate for any shortcomings in the sound. At that point, it's simply "milking your system for all it's worth". IMO YMMV

[monkumonku]

Jan 3, 2014 16:41:02 GMT -5 paintedklown said:

All this talk about tweaking gear by buying expensive cables, fuses, etc. has me thinking.

IMO, you would probably be best served by buying different speakers, and doing room treatments if there is a "problem" you are trying to "correct". IMO, even if these types of tweaks do yeild audible results, the amount of money spent on them for the small net result, seems like throwing money in the wrong direction.

Perhaps focus on what the problems are, then see if you can figure out exactly what is the cause of said problems. If you already have high quality electronics, then I would imagine that new speakers would be your best investment, as they will have the largest impact on your overall sound.

Once you are fully satisfied with the sound, you can then do all the tweaks you like, as you are then at the point you aren't trying to compensate for any shortcomings in the sound. At that point, it's simply "milking your system for all it's worth". IMO YMMV

Sorry, but you are totally wrong in your thinking. Buying different speakers or doing room treatments will result in a noticeable, marked change, albeit most likely for the better if done properly. People who like to tweak stuff don't want noticeable, marked improvements, they want minimal, barely discernable (to the point in which none really exists even though they hear it) improvements because hey, anyone can hear big improvements but it takes a refined, sophisticated sense of hearing to hear the miniscule stuff. If you have to resort to buying speakers or doing room treatments, then your system (and/or ears) must not be resolving enough.

[muse -1]

Ouch! Vip guys/postings. Who said anything about "expensive" anything!? ( other than
the fuses), the costs are in line w/ the cost of the A-100 mini. I have to agree w/ monku; pk: Buying different
Spkrs & room treatments wouldn't serve my present needs or desire; in line w/ & for tweaking the amp. Besides, everyone seems to have already come to a conclusion regarding my proposed tweaking, Before anything has been started!! Shocking; & Not very smart, imho. :-) This tweaker DOES want significant improvements! Whether it happens is another story to be seen!
And, yes; I believe my sense of hearing is refined enough, to hear minimal changes in playback, thank you very
much! ;-) Jmas; looks as though you are indeed "playing in the proverbial sandbox" w/ new gear on the way! No, I didn't
hear back from disterbd3. I just decided to go forward w/ acquiring the Pangea. Price was right, it had the correct
Socket ... made sense. Should arrive later today! I shall report back soon!
My initial listening session was very nice! The speakers need 30-50 hrs break in. But, inspite of not being robust in the midbass, I was transported (calgonized?) by the music. The speakers did a nice disappearing act!! No real problems to speak of or concern myself w/. (PK you listening?) It was a very nice session! Nice positive feedback regarding the sonics by my mom!! So, i'm on the right track on my way to 'audio nirvana' ... notwithstanding the "vip" gallery! (All in good fun!) Peas ...