• Please note that Audiokarma will be offline briefly for updates early on Monday morning, September 28th.

Going Digital!

Bro....to get us back on point, lets start with some great news!:banana:

MusicDirect said my iUSB3.0 is shipping today....and seeing im down the road from Chi-Town, 3 miles outside of St. Louis, across the river, I should have it tomorrow if they ship early enough!

Little Brotha,

That's excellent news, as I was looking there for them yesterday, and only found one other shop that had them in stock, so I for one will certainly be looking forward to your report once you've had a chance to compare it to the older version, the offer to send you the Regen still stands once it arrives hopefully next week?. But as mentioned earlier..............., I'll getting one of my own anyways as I'm still looking forward to getting their Micro Pro DAC in the new year.

As I've told you system wise, I'm more then content, yet am seriously thinking about adding those Boenicke W5s Mini-Monitors to the stable, as an alternative to the Totem Acoustic The One, as I don't see ever letting these get away, but I do like what I've heard with the W5s enough to know they're worth me having in home, as we both know............., life's to short to continue settling, I'd much rather invest wisely these days and be done with it, instead of constantly racking my brain on pursuing the next greatest fad of the month type approach to hardware and pursue items to which I know will be staying long term, as I've if nothing else over the course of the last 7 years gained more and more insight into how to build a system where the components in question form a more synergistic relationship with the others around them.............., and in hindsight synergy has always been the key in having a system which is balanced correctly in allowing the end user to enjoy a unlimited and quite diverse collection of music and should play any genre of music thrown at it equally as well as the last record.

I'm done.

But you know that I'll continue riding you on those speaker stands and isolation devices|platforms until you've followed up there..........., so don't think for one nanosecond that you're getting off the hook that easy! ' cause it's not going to happen.

Later Blood.
:no:_oh
 
I merely wanted to add a follow up on two more USB cables that arrived yesterday, that should be included in that group that don't cost an arm and a leg, yet play well above their prices and give the $500 and $700 ones a definite run for their money performance wise.

(1)

Aqvox USB cable ( $169|1m ) silver plated copper from Germany, it has a very detailed signature, yet not the type that's thrown into the listeners face and offers a nice sense of spacing around instruments as well as great separation of notes and offers the uncanny ability as mentioned earlier on with a few others of drawing one more into what I hear as a solid pitched background, it's better suited to systems or DACs that could use a more neutral sound as a means of balancing out a somewhat smoother sound at the extreme top.

(2)

Furutech GT-2 Pro ( $213|1.2m ) as with most USB cables it seems this one to is constructed of silver plated copper, and has a more refined and delicate presentation as compared to all the ones I've heard in-house with the exceptions of both the Black Cat Silverstar and CRL OCC Copper ( prototype ) USB cable, in that is doesn't come across as etched or forced throughout its entire sonic spectrum, yet the detailing is presented in its full glory in a more subtle manner that sneaks up on you, I'd say this would be a better cable or presentation for systems or DACs leaning more towards to more neutral to slightly analytical side, as we all should know it's the flavoring of ones cables that either makes or breaks the systems overall performance, and should be addressed according to ones needs|ears as to which direction one needs to carry their sound?, when in doubt............, the best way to judge is merely allow the tweeter ( top end ) and midrange drivers of your speakers to tell you what's needed.............., if musical detail is to rolled out in the highs?, chances are some form of silver or silver plated copper is desired to add that sense of snap - attack and resolution that's gloss over, on the other hand is one needs to flesh out the mids and have a added sense of refinement and weight?, then a purer form of copper of at least 5N and higher should serve one well in this vital area.

I know while some might think me somewhat obsessed with this whole cabling think ( and I am ) it's merely because once again in my mind that's no absolute - and if one isn't willing to do the research into said options of cabling which is once again vital in voicing ones system at a far lesser cost then replacing a new component because it doesn't sound right..........., but have failed to realize that just maybe those cables that worked well with your last components don't function as well with thus one.........., so in said sense finding the correct balance via different flavors of cabling goes a very very very long ways in finding that common ground where it all just comes together.

And once again, I can only speak on matters as I hear them ( which doesn't mean anything other then I'm willing to explore said issues and report them in said light ) and hope that in some ways I can alert others in what's out there worthy of their attention, as many are uncertain of the musical traits that certain cables bring, and don't realize it's never the cost of the cabling in question, as an expensive cable might cause your system to emphasize its weaker points to obviously, whereas a cheaper one might be better at actually playing in a more balanced manner with the proper amount of detailing and resolution to make it more along the lines of what was needed.

Apple and Oranges some might say..........., well being the odd man out, I much prefer Cherries, and by saying odd, it's because I enjoy finding those little things others have overlooked be it cabling, isolation devices, tubes, room treatment devices, as it all works together to form a systematic whole.

Be well Brotha B | Fellas.

Happy Listening.
 
Let me try to go about this in a more calm manner, lest you think me to be one of those boyz from the hood?.

You like what you like as far as ESLs correct?, yet I'd prefer a nice pair of original ESL 57s or Apogee Full Ranges or the original M-L CLS, I love tubes from companies like Valvo - Lorenz - CSF-Thompson - NEC - TEN Kobe - Tungsram - Telam|Polam as opposed to anything from the likes of Amperex - Mullard or Telefunken, I love the sound of turntables from companies like WTL and Kuzma, does that make me biased?, not at all..........., it merely means that I've taken the time to weigh through the BS and know what's what as far as how each rendered music to my ears.

I'd also much prefer vintage tube gear from the likes of companies like Beard - Radford - Leak - Pye - Luxman - Eico - H.H. Scott compared to Macintosh, but once again that's how I hear things, not saying others should, but feel they owe it to themselves to know, as opposed to going through life blind.

And while we're at it..............., I tend to love gear made in Germany as well as Japan, as both have proven mindsets when it comes to pride of workmanship as advanced means of exposing said technology more so then domestically, can you say " Tidal Loidspeakers " have a sound that puts many to shame?, or have you even heard them?.

I've always ventured to shops as a means of knowing, hearing it for myself, as simply reading about components doesn't offer one the same insight as listening, or does it?, and lastly............., of course I like what I like, who doesn't?, but I don't try to push it upon others, but try to make them aware of their options, is this a kinder approach that won't cause me to be banned for being outspoken or just being myself I wonder?, only time shall tell.

:smoke: ( now that's what's up ).

Portraying oneself as the fount of all wisdom and knowledge is what prompted me to post. Regardless of what you think there are others here and elsewhere who not only do not agree with you, they know how to say so without coming off as a "know it all". Apparently you've read my signature. It's there for the world to see. However, the choices I've made are never posted as if they are the word from the oracle. They are simply gear choices I've made.

After 50+ years in this hobby I learned many things, one of them being tolerance for the opinions of others. TBH, a lot of the speakers that are popular with some sound truly awful to me. However, I'd never tell anyone they made a poor choice.

Incidentally, you're not the only one who has worked as an audio salesman. I've done that and worked as a musician, union card and all. There are a number of other posters here who've also worked as audio salesman.

I am one of the "boyz" from the hood. I moved back to the hood a couple of years before I retired.

BTW: Apogees are not ESL's. Although they are called ribbon speakers the only true ribbons in Apogees are the tweeters. The other panels are single ended planar magnetic.
 
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Ok, Joe as well as anyone else. This was such a great thread. Lets now get back to keeping this a great thread.

slippers-
 
Ok, Joe as well as anyone else. This was such a great thread. Lets now get back to keeping this a great thread.

slippers-

A know it all, I'm not little Brotha.

But I know enough, and know that Apogees aren't ESLs, but what I like sound wise just like older designs from Quad - InnerSound and Sound Labs, but let's get back on point shall we?.

Later. :D
 
IUSB in the House and.....

....as soon as I put it in, and hit play, right off the bat, up two notches! More to come got to let her get some hours!

And for those who don't know what I'M talking about...it's the iFI Audio iUSB3.0 PSU.
 
Update

About 75 minutes and this thing has improved! The background...I mean there is absolutely no noise! Dead silent . I can hear more detail than before. Cymbal taps hanging. Mids just hanging out...sound stage perfectly balanced...and its huge and wide. The bass is tight and very much noticeable but not out of place....the sound stage is excellent and wide and huge....It's given my system a new rhythm and pace. Yeah...the sound quality is outstanding! Texture and tone coming through tube amps have water coming to my eyes.....it's that good. Classical music is perfectly balanced as before it wasn't, and the texture of strings are so beautiful! And I can say the pairing of the IUSB and JB is excellent! I hate to get up from the listening chair, but I must. It's like I purchased a new amp or speakers or something. It's worth the money! I'd say go for it!
 
About 75 minutes and this thing has improved! The background...I mean there is absolutely no noise! Dead silent . I can hear more detail than before. Cymbal taps hanging. Mids just hanging out...sound stage perfectly balanced...and its huge and wide. The bass is tight and very much noticeable but not out of place....the sound stage is excellent and wide and huge....It's given my system a new rhythm and pace. Yeah...the sound quality is outstanding! Texture and tone coming through tube amps have water coming to my eyes.....it's that good. Classical music is perfectly balanced as before it wasn't, and the texture of strings are so beautiful! And I can say the pairing of the IUSB and JB is excellent! I hate to get up from the listening chair, but I must. It's like I purchased a new amp or speakers or something. It's worth the money! I'd say go for it!

Dude..........., I missed this one, but am happy to see that you're so moved by what you're capable of hearing in less then a day, that's shows great process.

And once again.........., I'll be following suit.

Once other thing that I've to get off my chest, and that's I was wrong to be so defensive and harsh towards Brotha Ed, as someone whom is my elder as well as served our nation proudly, I've to give my respect freely and ask for his forgiveness for once again being so mean spirited at times, so sir.............., from my heart as we are all we have, please forgive my rudeness, and I'll try to be a better person as a result of knowing cats like you and Byron exist, as your beliefs in the Creator do move me to become a more collective natured person.........., well at least I'm trying.

Back at you Brotha B.............., spit that ****.
 
About 75 minutes and this thing has improved! The background...I mean there is absolutely no noise! Dead silent . I can hear more detail than before. Cymbal taps hanging. Mids just hanging out...sound stage perfectly balanced...and its huge and wide. The bass is tight and very much noticeable but not out of place....the sound stage is excellent and wide and huge....It's given my system a new rhythm and pace. Yeah...the sound quality is outstanding! Texture and tone coming through tube amps have water coming to my eyes.....it's that good. Classical music is perfectly balanced as before it wasn't, and the texture of strings are so beautiful! And I can say the pairing of the IUSB and JB is excellent! I hate to get up from the listening chair, but I must. It's like I purchased a new amp or speakers or something. It's worth the money! I'd say go for it!

Yeah, but have you done any double blind or ABX testing?:D

I'm only kidding. I may have to try one myself.:thmbsp:
 
Dude..........., I missed this one, but am happy to see that you're so moved by what you're capable of hearing in less then a day, that's shows great process.

And once again.........., I'll be following suit.

Once other thing that I've to get off my chest, and that's I was wrong to be so defensive and harsh towards Brotha Ed, as someone whom is my elder as well as served our nation proudly, I've to give my respect freely and ask for his forgiveness for once again being so mean spirited at times, so sir.............., from my heart as we are all we have, please forgive my rudeness, and I'll try to be a better person as a result of knowing cats like you and Byron exist, as your beliefs in the Creator do move me to become a more collective natured person.........., well at least I'm trying.

Back at you Brotha B.............., spit that ****.


Bro...we are only human....ain't none of us perfect, if it wasn't for mercy relationships couldn't happened.

But to be back on point, the IUSB 3.0 is all the hype!
 
Yeah, but have you done any double blind or ABX testing?:D

I'm only kidding. I may have to try one myself.:thmbsp:

Hahahahaha! Wish I had something to do the DBT with!

But from what I'm hearing, this thing is great! One other thing to get, and I'm done with my Digital side of things..then it's time to work on the vinyl rig a bit, as the DSD 128 is kicking it's butt!:thmbsp:
 
Bro...we are only human....ain't none of us perfect, if it wasn't for mercy relationships couldn't happened.

But to be back on point, the IUSB 3.0 is all the hype!

Human we are, and as such do make mistakes.

Once again, you're doing us all a great service in being the first here to put the new iUSB 3.0 through its paces, and once again........., I'm grateful as I trust your ears.

In a minute.
 
Dude..........., I missed this one, but am happy to see that you're so moved by what you're capable of hearing in less then a day, that's shows great process.

And once again.........., I'll be following suit.

Once other thing that I've to get off my chest, and that's I was wrong to be so defensive and harsh towards Brotha Ed, as someone whom is my elder as well as served our nation proudly, I've to give my respect freely and ask for his forgiveness for once again being so mean spirited at times, so sir.............., from my heart as we are all we have, please forgive my rudeness, and I'll try to be a better person as a result of knowing cats like you and Byron exist, as your beliefs in the Creator do move me to become a more collective natured person.........., well at least I'm trying.

Back at you Brotha B.............., spit that ****.

My bad..........., I meant Brotha Joe.

Thanks for catching that Brotha B, I don't know where that name even came from.........., I guess I'll to have my med's increased.
 
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