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Post by leonski on Jan 9, 2022 17:33:40 GMT -5
New La Scala are what.......13 Large? For about 40% of that ask? You could get about 90% at the Forte IV level. Lastest revised drivers AND crossover. Very high sensitivity of a real 95 or96db. While I suspect being somewhat easier to place..... As for amp? Wanna build a PAIR of VTA kits... Either the ST120 or the M125 monoblock....at about +3db output. I need to go LISTEN before I commit.....
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 10, 2022 7:38:02 GMT -5
New La Scala are what.......13 Large? For about 40% of that ask? You could get about 90% at the Forte IV level. Lastest revised drivers AND crossover. Very high sensitivity of a real 95 or96db. While I suspect being somewhat easier to place..... As for amp? Wanna build a PAIR of VTA kits... Either the ST120 or the M125 monoblock....at about +3db output. I need to go LISTEN before I commit..... I've heard Fortes; I've heard La Scalas. The horn-loaded bass of the La Scalas makes a big difference to my ears. That said, the difference in price between the used first-generation La Scalas (roughly $1,500 / pair if found locally) and the $13,000 second generation ones isn't worth the difference to me. If I'm bothering to build an amp, I'd like to try a SET model. My only complaints about La Scalas have to do with their horn sound and their missing low bass. The first is tamable with DSP, the second with a subwoofer. But yes, the do take room...
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Post by leonski on Jan 10, 2022 16:40:38 GMT -5
For a SINGLE ENDED pure 'A' amp? DIY audio will sell you the Amp Camp Amp KIT for mid-300s$ somewhere...... This is a PASS design and all Solid State. To keep it 'simple'? You also get a wall-wart Swicher of I think 24v / 5 amps......Or close. You can get a PAIR of kits, higher power AND also balanced inputs. check link for the various Options in this regard. diyaudiostore.com/products/amp-camp-amp-kit?variant=39430093439049Stereophile review of the FORTE indicates substantial improvements with the Mk IV version over the Mk III. Several non-trivial changes. And yes, for the lowest octave.....20hz to 40hz? A powerful sub is indicated with you ending up with a 4-way system.... The LAST horn speakers I heard? Featured Field Coil drivers.....NO Permenanet Magnets!
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Post by audiobill on Jan 10, 2022 18:35:13 GMT -5
Boom, look at AudioNote Kits for very nice properly tubed SET kits.
Speakers too!
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Post by brubacca on Jan 10, 2022 19:47:12 GMT -5
I've had my eyes on those Amp Camp Amps for some time. Wish I had soldered anything in the last 30 years. I used to be good at it around 1990.
By the time you buy (2) Amp Camp Amps to make monoblocks I'd consider a Schiit Aegir at a little more.
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Post by leonski on Jan 10, 2022 22:53:06 GMT -5
The COOL side is that you do NOT need a 'pair' of 'em. High sensitivity speakers will work fine within the power limits of the ACA piece...... Read some more....There ARE some DisAdvantages to these little amps. Not the lowest distortion. Minimal power. You can even find some ways to spend your 300+$ which will provide more fun. If I were building a Kit Amp? VTA provides 3 levels of power about 3 db apart each. The highest of which will be enough for my Panels which are called power hungry for a good reason. they ARE. But for some VERY high sensitivity speakers? Or even just above average? You'd have trouble doing better, learing more OR have the ability to tube-roll and keep the house warmer in winter. This is a very tempting way to go.......1900$ ADD about 480 for 2x complete Tube Sets. I suspect another small fee IF you want to 'select' your tubes. I'd skip the 6550s and get KT88, for example..... www.tubes4hifi.com/M125.htm
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 11, 2022 11:03:05 GMT -5
Amp building is out of the question until after we've sold our current house & moved. But thanks for the info.
La Scalas (or Fortes) are also out of the question for now for the same reason.
Nevertheless, it's fun to speculate!
Our future house (yet to be imagined) may or may not have a large (or even a dedicated) listening room. Should we choose to build, we'll have significantly more flexibility than if we buy an existing house. My proclivity would be to build - that way I could incorporate a plenitude of things that I'd like including:
Reinforced structure for high wind resistance (metal roof clips, etc.) Significantly more insulation for exterior walls (quieter and higher energy efficiency) Full house lightning protection Wind resistant roof design with slopes on all sides Snow resistant roof design with sufficient slope to prevent buildup Geothermal heat pump for greater efficiency Solar / Wind backup system for situations where grid power is lost Gas or diesel generator to augment power backup system Security for both house and yard (high windows too small for intruders & driveway gate with security camera system on yard) Landscaping to provide wind-break for house etc.
Some of these would be retrofittable to an existing house, but to get them all, I'm sure it would have to be new construction.
And there's yet to be a decision on WHERE to go. Preferences:
Not in proximity to hurricanes Not in tornado alley Not in earthquake prone areas Not at low elevations Proximate to groceries & health care Low taxes on property & income Low crime area
Of course, that mythical Shangra-La is yet to be discovered...
Boom
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Post by audiobill on Jan 11, 2022 13:49:43 GMT -5
Look at bomb shelters!
Leonski, be aware that Boomzilla has written detailed reviews of the ST120 and M125 amps in Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, he is more than well aware of these.
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Post by leonski on Jan 11, 2022 17:26:07 GMT -5
Look at bomb shelters! Leonski, be aware that Boomzilla has written detailed reviews of the ST120 and M125 amps in Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, he is more than well aware of these. Had to bring it up. Very attractive solution, for me. But the OTHER kit suggested? Now THAT'S a neat idea, too. And with minimal point-to-point wiring, being 90% Plus on circuit boards. Only glitch? EL34 tubes, not one of the 'beefier' KT series. They say 40 watts but a more realistic 30 or so (at lower distortion) would be FINE for some higher sensitivity speakers.....
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 12, 2022 8:47:32 GMT -5
Currently reviewing the Vera Audio P400/1000 power amplifier - a HIGHLY unusual Class D design...
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Post by marcl on Feb 12, 2022 8:55:49 GMT -5
Currently reviewing the Vera Audio P400/1000 power amplifier - a HIGHLY unusual Class D design... Curious how this would compare to the Nord One (at half the price).
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Post by drtrey3 on Feb 12, 2022 9:13:24 GMT -5
WHERE to go? Easy. Nashville. Everyone else has. 8)
Trey
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 12, 2022 10:02:09 GMT -5
WHERE to go? Easy. Nashville. Everyone else has. 8) Trey Nashville?
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Post by leonski on Feb 12, 2022 14:17:32 GMT -5
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Post by Boomzilla on Feb 12, 2022 15:31:56 GMT -5
CONTEXT! LOL - I was expecting comments on the Vera Audio P400/1000 power amplifier. As to retirement locations, there has to be a balance between access to medical care/grocery shopping/entertainment/transportation and privacy/freedom from pollution/freedom from crime/etc. I can list a hundred places I don't want to live, but very few where I do. One of the biggest restraints, of course, is proximity to my only grandson (in the Boston area).
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Post by leonski on Feb 12, 2022 17:20:18 GMT -5
As to retirement locations, there has to be a balance between access to medical care/grocery shopping/entertainment/transportation and privacy/freedom from pollution/freedom from crime/etc.
VERY true.....and subject to much map-reading and internet searching. You might even end up looking at one of the local real estate brokers to find out about affordability.
As for the Very Audio amps? nCore NC500 based for your review amp. I'd expect ALL the good and bad points of a module built amp......And it's a given that the nCore is Good Stuff from the start.
Any circuit additions must be 'evaluated'.......I see reference to a stepped attenuator.......A good idea for gain matching.
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Post by Boomzilla on Mar 5, 2022 11:12:53 GMT -5
I've posted this on the Roon forums, but thought I might ask it here as well:
I’m running Roon on a Mac mini. My Roon Remote runs on an older iPad mini. Initially, an Orbi router handled wi-fi for both (good three signal bar strength on both the mini and the iPad). Yet on a random basis, the iPad would lose connection to the Roon on the Mac mini, and (although music would keep playing), I’d have to reopen Roon Remote on the iPad to reestablish the connection. All computer / iPad operating software and Roon updates are current.
I tried getting the Orbi router out of the wireless connection as follows:
* I connected the Mac mini to the router (and internet) via Ethernet hard-wired * I set up a new and different wireless network originating from the Mac mini * I connected the iPad Roon Remote to the new network and “forgot” the original wireless network
Still getting random disconnects.
What might be causing this, and what need I do to correct it?
Thanks - Boomzilla
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Post by audiobill on Mar 5, 2022 11:16:36 GMT -5
Router physical location good? Try changing its location, even if bars good.
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Post by Boomzilla on Mar 5, 2022 11:41:10 GMT -5
The Netgear Orbi router is at the opposite end of the house from the computer & iPad. I can change its location but slightly. Unless...
The living / listening room TV has a Cox cable connection. Were I to install a splitter at the TV, I could put the router in the room with the Mac mini and the iPad. This would somewhat complicate the wifi, though. Currently, the only two items connected via wifi are a laser printer and the (Roon controlling) iPad mini. If I moved the Orbi combo cable-modem / router to the living room, I'd have two choices:
Connect the Orbi to the computer room via Ethernet & put a switch in the computer room or Connect 2 computers, 2 printers, and 2 iPads to the Orbi wirelessly.
My main concern is that it's going to take a bunch of work to move the router. I'm going to be profoundly unhappy if (after spending that time) I get the same set of issues... But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Should I try moving the router, Bill?
Thanks - Glenn
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Post by audiobill on Mar 5, 2022 13:14:30 GMT -5
Maybe set up a separate network from your mac mini solely for the Roon ipad, and leave the rest alone. I think the ipad may want a stronger signal.....
Leave the mac mini connected to the router via ethernet in any case..
And, when making changes like this, turn everything off and reboot starting with the cable modem forward.
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