Using XPA 200 and XDA-2 in HTS

[garbulky]

Dec 7, 2014 1:01:06 GMT -5 nags2014 said:

I spoke to local dealer for Harbeth speakers and got quote of $2500 for entry model!! so thinking of taking risk of importing from outside. went through tektondesign.com/r-loreoct.html, liked the specs of mid tower Lore reference range and holiday sale for $799 / pair is going on, need to send them mail request for details regarding shipment and final landing cost. Major drawback is i cant hear them before purchase, i dont think any one is having or heard of tekton design here in INDIA, have to purely relay on US friends feedback. Let me adventure and see how this works out.

Before this I have 2 very basic questions about listening volume settings / Volume level, not got clear answers after browsing so many audio forums
1. I am using foobar for PC connected to XDA2. I have set the volume to max on foobar and control XDA2 volume using remote, generally listen at -38 to -42 level (displayed over xda2). Is this correct? or should i do other way round ie set XDA2 remote volume to -18(? song recording reference level) and control foobar sound to my listening level?
1. what is the listening level in general( I know it is personal but just for my knowledge)?? I don't have SPL meter, but sound meter (android app) installed on mobile shows 60 db at my listening position, hope i am not listening at high level and damage my hearing!! Average listening time is about 1-2hrs /day

with warm regards
Nagaraj

1. You are doing it correctly.
2. Listening level is all over the ballpark. novisnick probably likes his sound nearing 90-95 db at listening position. @n8dogg probably goes at a constant 110 db ( ), I listen between 70-83 db, my friend B'zilla probably listens at 70 db or less. So it really depends on how loud YOU like it. There REALLY is no set way to listen to it. However there is a reference volume level - which usually is absolutely deafening.
having said that smartphones are notoriously innacurate with db levels especially when they get relatively quiet, so you may not be getting an accurate reading. 60 db is well within non-damaging listening levels.

That's unfortunately what I suspected. When a country doesn't have a huge audiophile base in it, the speaker prices get ridiculous. Off the wall ridiculous. There was a place I visited which was selling old nakamichi BOOKSHELF all in one speakers - I'm talking about an all in one lifestyle system for what was probably about $7000 dollars and that was nearly two decades ago! Seriously, I wouldn't spend more than a $1000 on that system. In fact, I wouldn't even touch that system. It sounded good at the time, but $7000 was RIDICULOUS.
And so I imagine taking the risk and doing overseas is not a bad idea.

I think Tekton is a REALLY good idea. Also their Lore-Seas design (different from Lore-reference which is also good) uses Seas drivers which are found in high end speakers. It's not unusualy to see speakers that retail between 5 and $15,000 with seas speakers.
I believe the Lore reference uses eminence drivers which are also considered good.
All tekton speakers have got some nice reviews. So I think it's a reasonable bet. lvdude has the tekton pendragon and he had a really nice setup before but he finds these just really uppped the level. I have yet to hear a bad or even mediocre review from an actual tekton owner. The worst I've heard is that sometimes there is a bit of a delay for the speakers to be built.

[wiskers]

I can tell you that the Tekton Lore speakers are amazing speakers for the price, also I'm trying a pair of Axiom M22's bookshelf speakers and paired with a good sub these sound great! Even my wife likes the sound of Axiom's and I didn't tell her I had set up new speakers to try.

[novisnick]

Just a small point of clarification my friends, my db preference depends on the music being played. Yes, hard rock should be played at around reference levels IMHO.
This doesn't mean the piano recitals and other delicate music should be played at the same levels.
Acoustic guitar is another music that should be played at a volume to clearly hear each pick or strum, at reference levels I don't think you can apriciate the music.
So, to tell you the truth, my favorite volume level depends on the music, style and the quality of ALL of the gear.

Having extremely powerful amps doesn't mean you need to turn the dial to 11, it just gives you the ability to control the drivers of your speakers like rag dolls!!!!!
Complete and dominating control will give you the best representation of the music recorded.

Just my opinion,,,,,,and I should know, it's a matter of MY preference,,,,,he,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,,

Now enjoy the tunes! 

[nags2014]

Is umc 200 processor is dis continued? I am not able to find over website, if so any new product of similar line expected? Or they keep only xmc1?