The All Purpose Advice Thread

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by purr1n, Sep 26, 2015.

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  1. Johnny Opps

    Johnny Opps Facebook Friend

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    You could go with a Freya+ and either use the tubes or not. (The tubes add gain so it’s not volume matched when you take tubes out or add them in). And some people don’t like that it “clicks” as the volume changes, because it’s a resistor ladder. But I like all elements of that - I prefer tubes, with solid state option, and I like knowing that volume control is not through a pot. But others have very different opinions.
     
  2. zonto

    zonto Friend

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    Calling folks in Colorado (@Elnrik, @zerodeefex, @MisterRogers, @jexby, @bixby, @scblock, @Hands, @Brad Tombaugh).

    Do any of you have any recommendations for quality home theater installers in or near Denver or that could otherwise do a job in Timnath, CO? I have a buddy that moved there and is in the early stages of finishing his basement and planning on doing a dedicated home theater (Atmos and the like) with projector. Preferably someone reputable that's not only apprised of current updates in technology / HDMI standards, but also with a knowledge of acoustics and speaker placement as well. Any leads would be appreciated! Thanks.
     
  3. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    @zonto if his walls are still open, tell him to stuff roxul into the interior wall cavities and also the ceiling/between floor joists. It'll make a big difference, not just to the listening room but also the rest of the house.
     
  4. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    no idea but I have a crap load of stuff I should probably sell for this kind of thing like RSL ceiling speakers for atmos channels.
     
  5. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    sorry @zonto , don't know of HT experts personally. other than a big box company, ListenUp still exists in Boulder, CO- might be worth a call.
     
  6. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    Wow... actually lets you choose resistor brand? Aside from cost, I wonder how differently they sound...

    FreyaS is already on my list... not sure I want to pay for tubes that I don't plan to use
     
  7. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    @dasman66

    I have one with Amtrans AMRG carbon resistors & one with the Takman Rey resistors. I can't hear a difference and although some might disagree I'd very surprised if anyone could identify different resistors by sound alone. By build quaility of the unit yes, by resistor brand not so much.

    BTW, as has been discussed in the Passive Volume Controls thread the Hattor guy also makes slightly downscale versions with fewer options at https://khozmo.com/index.html
     
  8. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    Need to start researching each... one last quick question on hattor - I assume they will take a balanced input and convert to SE out? (and the other way around?). It looked like the input/output options were customizable, but just wanted to understand how your's works before I dive in.
     
  9. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    Yes, converts & Im happy with its performance compared to the ISO-MAX, converter cables, etc. If you purchase new you can specify the number and types of inputs and outputs, if you buy used you get what you get. One of mine has 4 x XLR + 1 x RCA inputs, 3 x XLR + 1 x RCA out for instance. The other has more RCAs.

    The only 'gotcha' with these is that all outputs are live all the time. This is usually fine, only place its an issue is powered monitors. I solved for that by putting a goldpoint in line after the Hattor.

    I've seen both the "Big" and the 'Mini' appear used for $700 - $1000 asking, they come up every couple of months in the US.
     
  10. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Hey @zonto - was going to suggest you contact ListenUp too; they're the only such that I know of.
     
  11. jlucas

    jlucas Acquaintance

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    Have you heard a Freya with tubes before? I almost never use the non tube setting on mine.
     
  12. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    I haven't, but my reason for wanting to avoid tubes is based on usability. If they (wife/kids) have to walk in the room, toss one switch (Studio B) and can play music... then I will get no complaints. If I add more switches to turn on, various options that need selected, etc... then I will get complaints.

    My goal is to leave everything but the amp on 24/7. The remote volume control is for my convenience (because I'm a lazy ass and don't want to get up and walk across the room) the wife and kids will probably just adjust the volume in roon.
     
  13. jlucas

    jlucas Acquaintance

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    New freyas turn off the tubes when they are not selected right? Just leave it on solid state except when you are actively listening.
     
  14. dericchan1

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    Hello, just a quick question. Say if I have a couple of linear power supplies, is there issue to stack one on top of the other? (They both aluminum or metal case)

    thanks

    Deric
     
  15. Armaegis

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    In general, if your components don't run hot then it shouldn't be much of a problem. There's maaaybe some chance of electrical interference if they have big transformers or unshielded components. If you're really worried about it, go get a bucket of practice pucks from Canadian Tire and use those as spacers on your equipment which solves both the heat and electrical issue. The Canucks here will understand.
     
  16. dericchan1

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    Thanks, I don’t think any of the devices run hot. One lps has dual 5v output to power a raspberry pi4 and my dac. The other one is single output of 8v to power my usb reclocker. But now that I think about it, it looks really weird to stack them up as they are different sizes and one lps with dual output have the dc outs in the front and power cord at the back!!!

    Deric
     
  17. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    There's an ADCOM GFA 5503 for sale locally for $550, not a terrible price. I'd use this as a 2 channel for music if I bought it.

    Any experience with or thoughts on this amp?
     
  18. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    What other tube amps should I be looking at if Bottlehead Crack is my preference over something like a SW51+? The BHC is just a bit large for my small desk.
     
  19. roninxd

    roninxd New

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    Whats the best DAC and Amp I can get for about $200 total for both? I have a Topping DX3Pro (and Cavalli Tube Hybrid I use sometimes) and want a bit of an upgrade. I was initially looking at the Topping L30 but am now considering a Schiit magni 3 as I'm seeing more positive comments about it here
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2022
  20. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I’ve never heard this specific model, but it’s a later era Adcom which can be harder to work on than the GFA-5x5 variants. Do you need 200 watts? I still stand by the GFA-535mk2 (60w) being the best sounding Adcom amp I ever heard other than maybe the GFA-565 monos or GFA-585, but the 565 almost always will need a power supply upgrade since the caps were know to leak. Hoppesbrain.com has PS mods for the 5x5 amps but not the newer stuff.
     
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