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System down: Audiophile urgency
Re: System down: Audiophile urgency
On Thu, 8 May 2008 17:05:28 -0700, Arny Krueger wrote
(in article <g004g80meg@news3.newsguy,com >):
> "Sonnova" <sonnova@audiosanatorium,com > wrote in message
> news:fvr4v70kg1@news5.newsguy,com ...
>
>> On Tue, 6 May 2008 15:59:41 -0700, Rob Tweed wrote
>> (in article <fvqnst01nd3@news3.newsguy,com >):
>
>>> Ah the EMU! Glad you're still liking it Codifus, cos I seem to
>>> remember I was originally responsible for you checking it out in the
>>> first place. However I started to get worried when you said it was to
>>> blame! For those who haven't checked it out, it's definitely worth a
>>> look: http :// www .emu,com /products/product.asp?product=15185
>
> I was wondering about the changes in the price/performance of converter
> chips that have led to equipment like the EMu 0404 - > 110 dB dynamic range
> for < $200. I did a little research and found that converter chips this
> good now cost less than $3 each in small quantities. The really
> high-performance chips which have dynamic range just under 130 dB are now
> about $10.
>
>>> When I'm not using mine for live recording, it acts as a "digital
>>> pre-amp" connected to a Behringer A500 amp.
>
>> How do you like your A500?
>
> Mine has been flawless after about a year of intermittant use.
>
>> I think its a remarkable achievement to have an
>> amp that powerful, be that inexpensive.
>
> At just over 100 wpc into 8 ohms, the A500's price/performance pales in
> comparison to some 100 wpc stereo receivers selling for under $100.
>
Actually, it's about 165 watts/channel into 8 ohms.
On Thu, 8 May 2008 17:05:28 -0700, Arny Krueger wrote
(in article <g004g80meg@news3.newsguy,com >):
> "Sonnova" <sonnova@audiosanatorium,com > wrote in message
> news:fvr4v70kg1@news5.newsguy,com ...
>
>> On Tue, 6 May 2008 15:59:41 -0700, Rob Tweed wrote
>> (in article <fvqnst01nd3@news3.newsguy,com >):
>
>>> Ah the EMU! Glad you're still liking it Codifus, cos I seem to
>>> remember I was originally responsible for you checking it out in the
>>> first place. However I started to get worried when you said it was to
>>> blame! For those who haven't checked it out, it's definitely worth a
>>> look: http :// www .emu,com /products/product.asp?product=15185
>
> I was wondering about the changes in the price/performance of converter
> chips that have led to equipment like the EMu 0404 - > 110 dB dynamic range
> for < $200. I did a little research and found that converter chips this
> good now cost less than $3 each in small quantities. The really
> high-performance chips which have dynamic range just under 130 dB are now
> about $10.
>
>>> When I'm not using mine for live recording, it acts as a "digital
>>> pre-amp" connected to a Behringer A500 amp.
>
>> How do you like your A500?
>
> Mine has been flawless after about a year of intermittant use.
>
>> I think its a remarkable achievement to have an
>> amp that powerful, be that inexpensive.
>
> At just over 100 wpc into 8 ohms, the A500's price/performance pales in
> comparison to some 100 wpc stereo receivers selling for under $100.
>
Actually, it's about 165 watts/channel into 8 ohms.
Re: System down: Audiophile urgency
"Sonnova" <sonnova@audiosanatorium,com > wrote in message
news:g039cd01sr6@news4.newsguy,com
> On Thu, 8 May 2008 17:05:28 -0700, Arny Krueger wrote
> (in article <g004g80meg@news3.newsguy,com >):
>> At just over 100 wpc into 8 ohms, the A500's
>> price/performance pales in comparison to some 100 wpc
>> stereo receivers selling for under $100.
> Actually, it's about 165 watts/channel into 8 ohms.
Rated power is 160 wpc into 8 ohms, but there is no corresponding distortion
specification or frequency range.
The distortion specification that is given is not given with a power level
or a frquency range.
This is not a consumer product, so FTC rules don't apply.
Published reports put the 20-20 KHz power output for low distortion in the
125 wpc range.
http :// theaudiocritic,com /blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=20&blogId
"The minimum distortion never goes below -72 dB (0.025%), even in the best
case, and the clipping levels are approximately 120 watts and 180 watts
(generously!) at 8? and 4?."
The published reports make a comparison with the QSC USA 400 inviting, since
both are pro-grade 120 wpc/8 ohm amplifiers if high-fi levels of distortion
are desired.
The QSC USA 400 is considerably larger, heavier, and has a far larger power
transformer and heat sinks.
"Sonnova" <sonnova@audiosanatorium,com > wrote in message
news:g039cd01sr6@news4.newsguy,com
> On Thu, 8 May 2008 17:05:28 -0700, Arny Krueger wrote
> (in article <g004g80meg@news3.newsguy,com >):
>> At just over 100 wpc into 8 ohms, the A500's
>> price/performance pales in comparison to some 100 wpc
>> stereo receivers selling for under $100.
> Actually, it's about 165 watts/channel into 8 ohms.
Rated power is 160 wpc into 8 ohms, but there is no corresponding distortion
specification or frequency range.
The distortion specification that is given is not given with a power level
or a frquency range.
This is not a consumer product, so FTC rules don't apply.
Published reports put the 20-20 KHz power output for low distortion in the
125 wpc range.
http :// theaudiocritic,com /blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=20&blogId
"The minimum distortion never goes below -72 dB (0.025%), even in the best
case, and the clipping levels are approximately 120 watts and 180 watts
(generously!) at 8? and 4?."
The published reports make a comparison with the QSC USA 400 inviting, since
both are pro-grade 120 wpc/8 ohm amplifiers if high-fi levels of distortion
are desired.
The QSC USA 400 is considerably larger, heavier, and has a far larger power
transformer and heat sinks.
Re: System down: Audiophile urgency
On May 8, 8:05 pm, "Arny Krueger" <ar...@hotpop,com > wrote:
.......
> I was wondering about the changes in the price/performance of converter
> chips that have led to equipment like the EMu 0404 - > 110 dB dynamic range
> for < $200. I did a little research and found that converter chips this
> good now cost less than $3 each in small quantities. The really
> high-performance chips which have dynamic range just under 130 dB are now
> about $10.
......
After owning my EMU 0404 for some time I looked into why it was so
good. The 0404's DAC is based on the AKM AK 4396 chip. That chip is
also found inside Slim Devices Transporter (what the Squeezebox wants
to be when it grows up:)) and the Behringer DEQ-24/96. Both are well
regarded audio devices, the Behringer being a
bit more in the DIY camp. It's a great bargain that needs a few mods
in the opamps area to make it really sing.
That little 0404 is in good company.
CD
On May 8, 8:05 pm, "Arny Krueger" <ar...@hotpop,com > wrote:
.......
> I was wondering about the changes in the price/performance of converter
> chips that have led to equipment like the EMu 0404 - > 110 dB dynamic range
> for < $200. I did a little research and found that converter chips this
> good now cost less than $3 each in small quantities. The really
> high-performance chips which have dynamic range just under 130 dB are now
> about $10.
......
After owning my EMU 0404 for some time I looked into why it was so
good. The 0404's DAC is based on the AKM AK 4396 chip. That chip is
also found inside Slim Devices Transporter (what the Squeezebox wants
to be when it grows up:)) and the Behringer DEQ-24/96. Both are well
regarded audio devices, the Behringer being a
bit more in the DIY camp. It's a great bargain that needs a few mods
in the opamps area to make it really sing.
That little 0404 is in good company.
CD
Re: System down: Audiophile urgency
On May 6, 6:59 pm, Rob Tweed <rtw...@mgateway,com > wrote:
> Ah the EMU! Glad you're still liking it Codifus, cos I seem to
> remember I was originally responsible for you checking it out in the
> first place. However I started to get worried when you said it was to
> blame! For those who haven't checked it out, it's definitely worth a
> look: http :// www .emu,com /products/product.asp?product185
>
> When I'm not using mine for live recording, it acts as a "digital
> pre-amp" connected to a Behringer A500 amp.
>
> Just don't blame me if you wear out the rest of your gear as a result
> of this little box! :-)
>
> On 13 Apr 2008 14:00:19 GMT, Codifus <codi...@optonline,net > wrote:
>
>
>
> >Hello all,
>
> >my beloved and economic audiophile system has experienced another
> >breakdown. This is the 2nd one in 4 months.
>
> >Who is the culprit? The EMU 0404 USB. Do I blame it? No. Not at all.
>
> >Why? I've been enjoying music so much now with the 0404 USB that there
> >have been periods that I would listen for several hours on end, at or
> >near rated amplifier power, no doubt stressing all components of my
> >system. I was never able to do this before, and I love the way the way
> >the 0404 USB improved the system.
>
> >My system:
>
> >Itunes based music server feeding an Apple Airport Express.
> >The Airport Express optically feeds the EMU 0404 USB a 44/16 signal. The
> >0404USB then feeds its line level output to a Yamaha AX-596 amplifier
> >rated at 100 watts/channel with a healthy abilitty to drive 4 ohms.
>
> >Speakers? Cambridge Soundworks Tower IIs. Power rating? I'm not sure.
> >Cambridge Soundworks has been very careful to keep the speaker power
> >handling spec, but from obscure data picked up here and there on the
> >web, I gather that they are rated in the 100 to 250 watt/channel range.
> >Anyhow, I have much respect for the late Henry Kloss, founder of
> >Cambridge Soundworks because I can see that he strived to produce very
> >good, audiophile type speakers at an economical cost. I've been an avid
> >fan for quite some time, starting off wiht his ensemble speakers.
>
> >Weaknesses of the Tower II? Something tells me that when Mr. Kloss built
> >the Tower II speakers, to keep his costs low, he chose a dome tweeter
> >which does have a "hotspot." There are frequencies in which it tends to
> >respond to a little to strongly. A slight annoyance, but not enough to
> >take away the enjoyment of the music. Also, the midrange is not quite
> >flat. There are probably undulations in frequency response here and
> >there. Despite its weaknesses, though, these speakers do not fail to
> >convey the life of the music.
>
> >Still, for a pair of speakers that relay the beauty of music, the
> >ability to reproduce a frequency range from 30 Hz to 20 Khz in a
> >respectable manner, all for the cost of about $500.00, I am totally in
> >their camp. Mr. Kloss kept his eye on the true prize: presenting music
> >in a natural, realistic manner. Even with the foibles metiontioned
> >previously, these tower IIs can really sing. There would be
> >times I have my amp pumping at rated power and the music just takes me.
> > With the recent addition of the EMU 0404 USB, the music would take me
> >for hours on end. I would just keep going. Songs that come to mind are:
>
> >"Rememberances" from the Schindler's List Soundtrack
> >"Arise, Clay", from the Gods and Monsters Soundtrack
> >"Die Another Day" - Pop star Madonna's theme to the James Bond Movie
> >"Shawshanck Redemption - End title, So was Red" Shawshank redemption
> >movie soundtrack
>
> >Oh, and by the way, my Yamaha feeds the tower IIs in a bi-wire setup. A
> >single point of contact on the amp goes to 2 separate connections on the
> >speaker. One pair of wires for the midrange/tweeter and the other pair
> >for the dual woofers.
>
> >Another thing: my amp's tone controls are always set to bypass; the
> >audio signal goes straight from the source to the amp, thru the volume
> >control, onto the speakers. That's it.
>
> >Problem: I cooked my Xovers. This is the 2nd time this has happened in a
> >5 month period. My woofers work fine for both melt downs but the mids
> >and tweeter are SOL.
> >To verify, I dis-connected the tweeter and tested it individualy to find
> >that it was ok, so I concluded that the problem was the xovers. Anyhow,
> >this is the 2nd time around, so I know:)
>
> >For this 2nd go round, just 1 of my speakers cooked the xovers. The
> >other one is fine. But who knows for how long the other one will last
> >given the history.
>
> >So now I'm at the point that I have to upgrade the speakers. Here's what
> >I'm looking for:
>
> >Audiophile quality speakers with these specifications:
>
> >3 dimensional soundstage, or least speakers with some depth.
>
> >Able to produce down to 30 Hz, to reach "down below," so to speak. I
> >look at 40 Hz as the breaking point. 40 Hz and higher is the fake bass,
> >whereas anything below is bass you can feel, rock your foundations.
> >These tower IIs introduced me to 30 Hz bass and I never want to go back:)
>
> >Economical price tag, in the $1000 to $2000 price range.
>
> >I've had my eye on the B&W range of speakers but would appreaciate if
> >anyone could point me to other options.
>
> >Thanks in advance.
>
> >I am truly hurting, here. How would you feel if 1 of your speakers lost
> >its xover, 5 months after being replaced?
>
> >Please recommend replacement speakers that will hopefully fill the
> >criteria I mentioned above.
>
> >Thanks
>
> >CD
>
> ---
>
> Rob Tweed
> Company: M/Gateway Developments Ltd
> Registered in England: No 3220901
> Registered Office: 58 Francis Road,Ashford, Kent TN23 7UR
>
> Web-site: http :// www .mgateway,com
>
> SlipstreamUSA: April 2, Renaissance Hotel, Orlando http :// www .OutOfTheSlipstream,com
OK, then it's all your fault;)
No worries, I am loving that 0404 USB even if it makes me wind up
cooking my xovers. So long as my system is singing beautifully.
CD
On May 6, 6:59 pm, Rob Tweed <rtw...@mgateway,com > wrote:
> Ah the EMU! Glad you're still liking it Codifus, cos I seem to
> remember I was originally responsible for you checking it out in the
> first place. However I started to get worried when you said it was to
> blame! For those who haven't checked it out, it's definitely worth a
> look: http :// www .emu,com /products/product.asp?product185
>
> When I'm not using mine for live recording, it acts as a "digital
> pre-amp" connected to a Behringer A500 amp.
>
> Just don't blame me if you wear out the rest of your gear as a result
> of this little box! :-)
>
> On 13 Apr 2008 14:00:19 GMT, Codifus <codi...@optonline,net > wrote:
>
>
>
> >Hello all,
>
> >my beloved and economic audiophile system has experienced another
> >breakdown. This is the 2nd one in 4 months.
>
> >Who is the culprit? The EMU 0404 USB. Do I blame it? No. Not at all.
>
> >Why? I've been enjoying music so much now with the 0404 USB that there
> >have been periods that I would listen for several hours on end, at or
> >near rated amplifier power, no doubt stressing all components of my
> >system. I was never able to do this before, and I love the way the way
> >the 0404 USB improved the system.
>
> >My system:
>
> >Itunes based music server feeding an Apple Airport Express.
> >The Airport Express optically feeds the EMU 0404 USB a 44/16 signal. The
> >0404USB then feeds its line level output to a Yamaha AX-596 amplifier
> >rated at 100 watts/channel with a healthy abilitty to drive 4 ohms.
>
> >Speakers? Cambridge Soundworks Tower IIs. Power rating? I'm not sure.
> >Cambridge Soundworks has been very careful to keep the speaker power
> >handling spec, but from obscure data picked up here and there on the
> >web, I gather that they are rated in the 100 to 250 watt/channel range.
> >Anyhow, I have much respect for the late Henry Kloss, founder of
> >Cambridge Soundworks because I can see that he strived to produce very
> >good, audiophile type speakers at an economical cost. I've been an avid
> >fan for quite some time, starting off wiht his ensemble speakers.
>
> >Weaknesses of the Tower II? Something tells me that when Mr. Kloss built
> >the Tower II speakers, to keep his costs low, he chose a dome tweeter
> >which does have a "hotspot." There are frequencies in which it tends to
> >respond to a little to strongly. A slight annoyance, but not enough to
> >take away the enjoyment of the music. Also, the midrange is not quite
> >flat. There are probably undulations in frequency response here and
> >there. Despite its weaknesses, though, these speakers do not fail to
> >convey the life of the music.
>
> >Still, for a pair of speakers that relay the beauty of music, the
> >ability to reproduce a frequency range from 30 Hz to 20 Khz in a
> >respectable manner, all for the cost of about $500.00, I am totally in
> >their camp. Mr. Kloss kept his eye on the true prize: presenting music
> >in a natural, realistic manner. Even with the foibles metiontioned
> >previously, these tower IIs can really sing. There would be
> >times I have my amp pumping at rated power and the music just takes me.
> > With the recent addition of the EMU 0404 USB, the music would take me
> >for hours on end. I would just keep going. Songs that come to mind are:
>
> >"Rememberances" from the Schindler's List Soundtrack
> >"Arise, Clay", from the Gods and Monsters Soundtrack
> >"Die Another Day" - Pop star Madonna's theme to the James Bond Movie
> >"Shawshanck Redemption - End title, So was Red" Shawshank redemption
> >movie soundtrack
>
> >Oh, and by the way, my Yamaha feeds the tower IIs in a bi-wire setup. A
> >single point of contact on the amp goes to 2 separate connections on the
> >speaker. One pair of wires for the midrange/tweeter and the other pair
> >for the dual woofers.
>
> >Another thing: my amp's tone controls are always set to bypass; the
> >audio signal goes straight from the source to the amp, thru the volume
> >control, onto the speakers. That's it.
>
> >Problem: I cooked my Xovers. This is the 2nd time this has happened in a
> >5 month period. My woofers work fine for both melt downs but the mids
> >and tweeter are SOL.
> >To verify, I dis-connected the tweeter and tested it individualy to find
> >that it was ok, so I concluded that the problem was the xovers. Anyhow,
> >this is the 2nd time around, so I know:)
>
> >For this 2nd go round, just 1 of my speakers cooked the xovers. The
> >other one is fine. But who knows for how long the other one will last
> >given the history.
>
> >So now I'm at the point that I have to upgrade the speakers. Here's what
> >I'm looking for:
>
> >Audiophile quality speakers with these specifications:
>
> >3 dimensional soundstage, or least speakers with some depth.
>
> >Able to produce down to 30 Hz, to reach "down below," so to speak. I
> >look at 40 Hz as the breaking point. 40 Hz and higher is the fake bass,
> >whereas anything below is bass you can feel, rock your foundations.
> >These tower IIs introduced me to 30 Hz bass and I never want to go back:)
>
> >Economical price tag, in the $1000 to $2000 price range.
>
> >I've had my eye on the B&W range of speakers but would appreaciate if
> >anyone could point me to other options.
>
> >Thanks in advance.
>
> >I am truly hurting, here. How would you feel if 1 of your speakers lost
> >its xover, 5 months after being replaced?
>
> >Please recommend replacement speakers that will hopefully fill the
> >criteria I mentioned above.
>
> >Thanks
>
> >CD
>
> ---
>
> Rob Tweed
> Company: M/Gateway Developments Ltd
> Registered in England: No 3220901
> Registered Office: 58 Francis Road,Ashford, Kent TN23 7UR
>
> Web-site: http :// www .mgateway,com
>
> SlipstreamUSA: April 2, Renaissance Hotel, Orlando http :// www .OutOfTheSlipstream,com
OK, then it's all your fault;)
No worries, I am loving that 0404 USB even if it makes me wind up
cooking my xovers. So long as my system is singing beautifully.
CD
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