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Please take a moment to review the How to use the Readers' Corner manual - send then your enquiries to editor (at) tnt-audio.com or to the appropriate reviewer.
Tekton speakers
Read your review about Tekton Enzo speakers in TNT-Audio. I was wondering if you
felt Tektons monitors would be a good match for a NAD 3020 series 20 amp?
Thank you.
John - E-mail: jts7131962 (at) gmail.com
TB
Hi,
Thanks for your email. The NAD 3020 certainly is a classic design worthy
of a good speaker. I have not personally heard Mini Lore monitor but I
have heard the heard the Mini Lore tower and was favorably impressed.
Based on my that and the stats available for the monitor, I feel confident
it would be a GREAT match with the 3020, regardless of the type of music
you like. Let me know what you decide.
Todd Bromgard
LC
Dear Ahmet,
when it comes to speakers stands different and alternative approaches might be equally good. You can use stiff and light stands, which resonate at higher frequencies and let all the energy of the vibration pass through or use some heavily damped design, that resonates at lower frequencies and absorbs most of the energy it receives. The final result also depends on the weight of the speaker you are going to use. Mathematically, the problem is modelled by a simple application of the mass-spring model, the mass being the speaker and the spring being the stand.
You can even use a stiff stand and then couple it to the floor via soft rubber dampers. It's mostly a trial and error procedure, you have to judge by ear because there are too many variables involved...and one of these is your personal taste and the kind of tonal balance you wish to achieve. For example, if the sound is thin and sterile, some damping might add body to the whole sonic performance. On the other hand, if the sound is wooly and lifeless, some spike and rigid coupling might be beneficial.
We have a pair of DIY designs on our website, ideas you might want to analyse before entering unexplored territories :-)
And don't forget the monumental, nine-parts, series of articles by Mark Wheeler on vibration control devices!
Keep us updated!
Lucio Cadeddu
SKT In The Groove Record Cleaner
Hi Todd,
I read your review about the SKT In The Groove Record Cleaner. As I have
years of experience with this kind of record cleaner I should add that normal water is not quite suitable for cleaning the Cleaner surface
because it contains a more or less big amount of minerals which block the cleaning effect of the sticky surface after a while so that it loose its stickyness. That's why I recommend (double) distilled water and (after some weeks of use) a mixture of distilled water and isopropanol.
Best regards,
Dieter - E-mail: mueller (at) audio-ambiance.ch
TB
Thank you for your input. I noticed it was getting a little less
effective after several months. I will pass on your comments.
Cheers,
Todd Bromgard
LC
Dear Michel,
other HiFi Companies offer the same test before you buy formula but, as far as I know, it is hard to find someone who lets you test a complete stereo system at home! Some dealer might offer this possibility, eventually after an adequate cash deposit, especially if the sums involved are high. For budget systems it is much more difficult because dealers might have to do with paranoic timewasting audiophiles who just want to test everything and then buy nothing (or buy online where the price is lower).
Otherwise, testing HiFi before purchase is possible thanks to HiFi dealers who still have good listening rooms. Ok, it's not like testing at home, but it still gives an idea. Another way to test HiFi components - without being pressed to purchase - is to join some local audiophile club/forum and exchange components among club members. It works fine! Sometimes, even buying second-hand gear might help: in case you don't like your latest purchase you can resell it at the same price most of the times :-)
Regards,
Lucio Cadeddu
LC
Dear Makesh,
yes, in terms of 3D imaging, the rack behind the speakers is a big trouble, but even the TV and the center channel speaker have negative effects on sound quality. The center channel speaker resonates even if it's disconnected. Try moving it to another room. Moreover, the room seems mostly empty (i.e. acoustically reflecting!) and the carpet between the listening seat and the speakers is definitely too small. I'm curious to know your impressions on the speakers you are going to compare. I'm pretty sure you'll learn that room acoustics and correct speakers placement are of paramount importance: they can influence the sound of your system more, MUCH MORE, than the components you use.
Keep us updated!
Lucio Cadeddu
KingRex U-Craft(Y) USB cable and uPower battery power supply
Greetings Nick,
Found your review of the above gear.. Do you think the following will work?
Use the system as you describe, but instead of plugging the USB B into a DAC, use a USB B to Female A adaptor and then plug in my Meridian Explorer (ME) DAC/AMP into that adaptor. (the ME has a Male A from the computer, to a mini B into the ME).
Right now I am doing this, Iphone w IOS7 into cck via USB A to a usb hub. an external battery pack is also plugged into the hub, and then the Meridian Explorer is plugged into the hub. This way I can play flac files from my iphone into the ME. The ME gets its 5v from the external battery. I would consider using the KingRex y cable and their external battery pack to clean up this signal path.
This thread is the discussion on getting digital out of the ios7. Thanks...
Thoughts?
Cheers,
David - E-mail: dave (at) davidgratke.com
NW
Hi David,
I'm not sure exactly how a USB hub is wired but I guess the 5v from your battery pack must be getting through OK if the ME DAC works. If I understand your question correctly, you are asking if using the KingRex UArty lead will provide a significant improvement. If that is so then I would suggest first purchasing a USB 'Y' cable off Ebay that has the mini B plug. I've found one on Ebay for under three pounds. If that does make a difference, then a better cable may be better again (but not by much!).
If you have been a regular reader of TNT, you will also have seen my review of the less expensive (but equally good) iFi Gemini cable, and our DIY cable, the TNT 221 that is easy to make and could be made with a mini B plug. If you can't make one yourself, it shouldn't be difficult to find somebody who can.
Of course you can use an adaptor if you purchase a lead with a standard type B plug.
For what it's worth, I have consistently preferred a good mains power supply instead of a battery pack. I would certainly put my money into something like a Paul Hynes PSU rather than the price of a UArty cable. I'm currently assessing another USB power supply system using the Astin Trew 'Never Connected' system and that is worth looking at too although more expensive than the PH supply.
I hope this helps you. I'm also presuming that you are not playing MP3 files from your iPhone.
Regards,
Nick Whetstone
NW
Hi Massimo,
If your DAC does NOT have it's own internal power supply, it WILL take both data and 5v power from the host computer. That's when a Y-lead and separate 5v PSU will help. It looks as though your MSB DAC has its own internal power supply so a Y-lead is not required.
Regards,
Nick Whetstone
LC
Dear Andrey,
I suggest river sand instead of beach sand because the former is purer and does not contain salt, which might damage certain materials. The waterjet stuff you mention seems ideal, actually. In any case, even beach sand will work well, provided you wash and dry it accurately.
Keep us updated!
Lucio Cadeddu
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