The One and Only Big D Thread

Funny you mention Dayton Audio. My best Rock system was with a Heathkit self-built speaker, and Dayton Audio speakers on top. That is something that will have to wait. But it was a system that was extremely exciting to listen to. Hopefully someday I will get a chance to tell about it. Freakin Rock and Roll at it's best.

HSU is top tier for dynamic speakers, yes. Not so much with planars. To me it is not a match. I beg to differ. I wanted to buy their flagship model about 5 years ago to go with a design that I had in my mind. I miss my explosive Car Stereo cars. They have been lyiing dormant. My ears needed a rest. But there is something to be said for powerful dynamic speakers that pump out Rock in a way that planars can't.

 

I hear Rhythmik goes well recommended as well.

 

REL is like a disappointment, at first. You are supposed to adjust to hear the bass. Then back off just a bit till you can't hear it. That is where you keep the setting. They add to the sound. Not so much put it in your face. If you get it right, it is freakin' amazing. You can turn up the bass on it, sure. But you are missing what the speed of the crossover and the driver does for the sound. It's enhances the whole Midrange and the music itself. My Martin Logan sub went in the trash in the first 5 minutes of owning one REL sub. Owing 2 now and in stereo separated condition, I am floored. Subs are not REL.

@Grahad2
I took a quick look at Rhythmic. I'm going to say that they are very reasonably priced. The only competition IMO over REL and the supposedly great Martin Logan Balanced 'Force for audiophile speakers is JL Audio http://www.jlaudio.com/home-audio-powered-subwoofers-fathom-v2 I know people that own these in pairs. They have systems approaching $100k. It seems to me that pairs with subs in the go. I tried to go with one. Both times it was a disappointment. 2 subs are better than one.

 

Here is the REL G-1 drop test at 25ft. This is to show how well the cabinet is built. That is the first thing I noticed when my REL S3 turned on. I went WTF.

 

The biggest thing I have learned in the last couple of years IS the lack of bass in the best models (Subwoofers). They are so much like a solid rock in construction. They are disappointing compared to the others. But when extended listening is involved, you realize that the tracks are so much more realistic. Now Rock is so much a different story. I cannot put this any other way. Robert Plant and the whole fusion of Rock is made of not just instruments. It is a force. So there are different rules involved in it's reproduction. JBL, Altec are mainstays of the Rock revolution and their best speaker systems have shown great sound no matter quality of recording. I listen to stuff in my livingroom that is soft and separated. Planar speakers blow away the JBLs and others that try. Pick you fight wisely.

 

@ultrabike
Going away for a week. See ya soon, as per your advice.

 

My thead name has changed again. Sad now. I should be less vocal. Damn it. I was so happy that it was back to what it was.

I must admit. It is fun to talk to you freakin' guys. I'm beaming.

 

Agree with this. Love my Rythmik F12s.

The RELs that I've heard (admittedly several years ago) were kind of, meh, seriously overpriced for what they did. Used to own a Hsu designed Outlaw Audio sub that was actually pretty good, ended up giving it to my brother. SVS...well, I've only heard one and I'd have to say, they're the best marketed subs around.

Integrating a sub(s) into a system can be arduous with having to deal with proper location, choosing the right crossover and getting phase alignment with the main speakers correct. The amplifiers on most of the Rythmiks have extensive controls for getting things correct. If you're using an AVR (oh the blasphemy) like me that has sub management (e.g. SubEQ HT) things are easier. Tools like Omnimic or REW can be invaluable as long as you don't get obsessive about obtaining pretty graphs at the expense of just listening and enjoying.

imo.

 

Really, li'l d, do go easy on Reply and hard on Edit... It's getting unnerving that you can't understand this very little about what is expected of you when you participate on this forum.

 

I was not kind to my mother's 1985 Maxima SE (5 speed). I loved that thing, but it was a bit like giving crack to a 16 year old addict. Sorry, mom.

I still like cars. I've owned far too many. I'm partial to RWD, and have had a few of the cars mentioned in this thread. S2000CR was wicked fun but that chassis liked to bite. An expert's RWD chassis.

Had the first year of the Mustang GT with the Coyote. Not my standard choice but was a fun diversion. In contrast to the S2000CR it was a beginners RWD chassis, a doddle to drift.

I followed the 86 closely since I am fond of Toyota (my first car was a MKI MR2), so I tried the BRZ for awhile. It was good fun on back roads, but I don't get to those very often here in central Ohio. Without the ability to exercise its chassis, it ended up being raspy and unengaging.

The 981 Boxster I got as a replacement was more fun all around, but obviously not as easy on the pocketbook.

If you're drifting at 100mph please do it on a track.

 

@loplop
Nice write up on your adventures. I have the '12 Rousch Stage 3 Mustang with the just under 700hp supercharged motor. It's nice. But it does the "garage queen" duty most of the time. When I want that adrenaline to pump, I take it out. The thing handles great with the Rousch suspension, but it's a big car. My 86 is my Daily Driver and it is fun to drive it like I stole it. The damn tires I use Direzzas are so sticky it is hard to drift in dry weather. Mostly drift when wet. There are places by me that I can get to in about an hour or less that it is safe to test the limits of the 86 and not kill myself. I trust the handling with my life at turns that are mind bending for a street car. The 86 handles that good to me. I would like to get a Boxster, like a 2016 Spyder or GTS manual trans in the future when I sell my Rousch at auction. Cheers

 

I want to introduce you to Mark. (Mark Levinson No.331 Amplifier). From now on the amp is just Mark.
Rolled box up from garage and opened....


112lbs. Heavy


Adjusted Stand Legs outward to 12". Hooked up wiring to Mark.....


Mark has been warming up for 75 minutes. Going in for a Redbook CD listen.

 

You'all will have to wait for initial impressions. Think Mark has been sitting for quite a while and needs a good warming up. Keeping it on all day. Later I will give some thoughts. It's going to be hard to beat the Krell KST-100. We shall see.

 

If anyone is interested in what I have done to my '92 Maxima (I mentioned heavily modified), let me know. That is the car that I feel safest above triple digit speeds.

 

I have to take the time to give the dolls better placement. Not a big fan of them, but I will show them respect.

 

I'm still interested in the 92 Maxima's story.

 

Tamed the wiring with some Velcro. Moved middle blue led tube on top of Mark. Not sure if the blue led should stay there or not. This is my listening atmosphere.


Overhead lights are on to get the shot. Overhead lights are out for listening.