AudioCircle
Community => Regional Audiophiles => Gateway Audio Society => Topic started by: Scott F. on 2 Jul 2015, 03:28 pm
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Hey Guys,
Well, it’s been a long and fruitful ride. But as it goes in life, all good things come to an end. My New Adventures in High Efficiency have officially come to an end.
As most are aware, since I’ve stopped writing, I’ve pretty well stopped any critical listening. In turn, I’ve torn apart and boxed up my Lowther/Welborne/Altec system. In turn, my recent system has been a very simple Jolida 1502 hybrid integrated and a pair of Aperion 633T floorstanders. I’m still streaming music through my various DACs and spinning vinyl on occasion. I really like the convenience of having a remote and not having to feed hundreds of dollars of tubes to my SETs and pre’s every year. This system is simple and sounds OKish.
Over the past few months I’ve been jonesing over something completely different, an old path in audio that I gave up on years ago when I discovered the magic of SETs and Lowthers. So this past week, with the help of a few truly committed to emptying my checking account (literally), my delusions (maybe nightmare is better word) are being fulfilled.
I’m going McIntosh and B&W……GASP!!!
Yep, that’s right. I went for a McIntosh C220 tubed pre complete with remote controls AND bass and treble knobs! It also has a phono stage. It will be driving a McIntosh MC452 stereo amp rated at 450wpc. All of that will be feeding a pair of B&W 800 Diamonds in cherry finish.
Ever since I heard the 800Ds at Tim’s place on Lindbergh (the old Best Sound), I was smitten. Super smooth with a tweeter that doesn’t rip your face off at high volume. The transition to the tweeter from the big B&W Kevlar midrange was seamless. The older I get, the less I like audiophile tweeters, and this was one of the smoothest I’ve heard.
The 800Ds are pigs when it comes to power. After talking to several others, they said of all the Mac line, the 352, 402 and the 452 are the pick of the litter. Unlike the earlier amps which can sound harsh on the big B&Ws, these are smooth as silk. Add the tubed C220 in front of it and it should be an ‘audio hot tub’ (to coin Mike D’s phrase).
I’ll lament about my journey in this fashion using a car analogy, my other passion; I liken the FleaPowered system to an F-1 racecar. Ultra-light, they now use a 1.6L (98cu in) motor coupled with the Energy Recovery system that can produce over 750 horsepower. They are unbelievably fast, nimble and stick to corners like crazy.
The McInB&W will be more like a new Bentley Continental. Stately, refined, yet has the all the horsepower you could ever want when you play carpet masher behind the wheel. Sure, it may have some body roll on the corners and will be quite forgiving on bumpy roads. You won’t have a great ‘feel’ for the road but the overall ride should be exquisite.
Black face panels trimmed by chrome, illuminated green lettering and big blue meters are in my audio future.
So…(nearly) Everything MUST Go to finance is audio escapade.
That’s right, I’m cleaning house. Gone (or soon to be gone) will be all my;
SET Amps
Welborne DRDs - $1800 firm! Simply put, this is the cleanest, best sounding SET I've ever heard and I've had several dozen through the house over the years. !!!-STILL AVAILABLE-!!!
MidWest Audio 2A3, Black Gates in the Power Supply and cathode to ground, other premium parts - $1,200 firm!You won't find a better sounding 2A3 anywhere. SOLD!
My beloved Lowther PM2As, SOLD!
Altec 416s in cabinets
Altec 416s SOLD!
The cabinets are going to get used for the Tannoys.
Hot-rodded Tannoys in vintage cabinets,
So, these are the 12" HPM Gold Tannoys. I've built a custom crossover with absolute premium parts. Copper foil coils, VCap OIMPs bypassed by Sprague Vitamin Qs, Clarity Caps and Jantzen Superior Z caps on the woofs. The driver and crossover are going to get mounted in a pair of vintage and highly sought after, Ricardo Linn speaker cabinets. These are Teak...and they are huge (30tx20dx22w). They are 7.5cf cabinets. The are well braced (by me), have a bout 2.5 pounds of stuffing and a layer of 1 1/2" OC-702 on the back panel as dampening. they are tuned to 40Hz. These are big and heavy and will be expensive to ship...not to mention, buy. Hold on to your wallet. I'm thinking $2500 as a starting point. These will have to be crated and palletized. That will be around $400. Shipping has to go common carrier and will vary from $250 to $500 depending on your zip code. !!!-STILL AVAILABLE-!!!
Audio Research EC-3 tubed crossover (hot-rodded) $1k
Has a rebuilt power supply. Coupling caps were replaced with VCap OIMPs for the mids and other cool caps for the woofs and highs (I'll have to check as I forget what got installed) !!! - STILL AVAILABLE - !!!
Pioneer SF-850 crossover, SOLD!
Both of my beloved Kortato tubed pre’s (both severely hot-rodded),
KVP 20 - SOLD!
KVP-10, twin chassis, phono stage, tube rectified, ALL VCap Teflon coupling Caps. This is the Mack Daddy of tubed preamps! $2,000 !!!-STILL AVAILABLE-!!!
Radii EL-34 monoblocks,
Loaded with VCap teflon coupling caps. 8 total. Just because of the Teflons, I have to get $1500 for the pair. I'll be happy to pull the teflons and install something else that you provide. Cost for the Radii's without the teflons and you supplying the caps that I install, $800. Oh, I've had a soldering iron in my hands since I was 12 or 13 so no fear. !!!-STILL AVAILABLE-!!!
Jolida 1704 (three channel plus sub output) hybrid amp - $400
Nice little 3.1 channel amp for someone in an apartment that wants the hybrid tube sound for a 3.1 channel (L,C,R,Sub) rig in a family room. The amp has a separate connections for a subwoofer output (un-amplified) and gain control via a volume knob on the face or through the remote. Really nice sounding piece of kit. 75wpc. $400 I think I'm going to hang on to this piece.
Numerous pairs of Triodes (45s, 2A3s, 300Bs, 211s)
Only 1 pair of Sylvania 2A3s left! $150 SOLD!
1 pair of KILLER Amperex brass base 211s. As I'm told, these date to 1934. These UBER rare. Test as new. Hold on to your wallet if you want these. We'll start at $900. !!!-STILL AVAILABLE-!!!
1 pair of NOS (unused) JAN GE 211s, matching date codes in original boxes (Jun 1942) $350 !!!-STILL AVAILABLE-!!!
I've got pics, just no time to upload them. If you are interested, I'll make time and send them to you.
…and just about anything else that isn’t nailed down (need a Tremec T5 transmission for your race car?).
Collect uber-rare and expensive records? I’ll have a bunch of those too.
Oh, I’m keeping all my tables and DACs for the time being. Once I get my Octo-table built, that may well change and the Opera (less the arm) and Francis’ old Merrill may hit the market. It will be a few months on those though. The DACs are staying.
I have to say this up front, these won’t be fire sale prices since I’m using the proceeds to fund the McInB&W venture. For the local guys, I’ll do about 80% of used retail (or so) since I don’t have to ship. Still, a good deal on some great gear.
In the days to follow, watch these pages as I’ll post pics and prices. I’ll need a number of days since there are so many pieces. Once posted, I’ll give it a couple weeks for you local guys and other AC members to pic through then it all goes up on AGone, eBay and US Audiomart.
MerRev, I know you’ve always wanted a pair of PM2As. If you are interested, I’ll hold then for you. I think Bryan (Pape) wants the Pioneer SF-850 so it’s already on hold. SOLD!
Once I get the McInB&W system dialed in, if your curiosity overcomes you, plan a trip out. I’d love to catch back up with all our old friends. Maybe I’ll plan something for later this year.
Oh, listening seat is gone. In its place is my desk for when I work out of the house which is fairly often. Still plenty of off axis seating in the main room and around the bar to visit and listen.
…stay tuned to this channel
UPDATED with sold items, prices and brief descriptions 8-21-16
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Damn, Scott! What's next? Bose?
Anyway, PM sent. :thumb:
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Good luck on the sale Scott. I'd love to hear the Mac and B&W' when you get them fine tuned.
Heck...I haven't even see you 'new' basement!
Of everything you're selling, I'm most shocked at the Lowthers. I thought they'd be a permanent fixture at your house.
Bob
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....I thought they'd be a permanent fixture at your house.
Bob
The only permanent thing in Scott's life is Laura…..
:thumb:
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You said "life", I said, "house". :wink:
But yes, you are very correct, as it should be. :thumb:
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The only permanent thing in Scott's life is Laura…..
:thumb:
Amen to that. 34 years and still going strong :thumb: In fact we are headed out on a double date Friday night with Francis (Baumli) and his lovely bride Abby in the TBird :D
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Yeah, Scotty married well ABOVE his station in life.
Must have been all that audio gear in the basement. Yeah, that's the ticket! :inlove:
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Scott,
What are bass and treble knobs?
Congrats on your ephiphany! You have more to get rid of than most of us ever owned. :lol:
I love those speakers too. Smooth as butta. Next you need to go all way back to the beginning and get some Maggie 20.7's. :thumb:
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Scott,
What are bass and treble knobs?
...it's those thingies on the left :lol:
:dance: :dance: :dance:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=124087&size=large)
I love those speakers too. Smooth as butta. Next you need to go all way back to the beginning and get some Maggie 20.7's. :thumb:
I was joking about that the other day with somebody. With all this horsepower, I could even drive Thiels....almost :lol:
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Dibs on one of the xovers.
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Say it ain't so.... :cry:
Hey my friend,
Have fun on/during the transition. I'll PM you on some tubes and a few other items.
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WHAT! :scratch:
Let me look outside, is it snowing in July? I'm at a loss for words....
Scott, pm me your mobile number I need to get my hands on something your letting go I'm sure.
Mark
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Dibs on one of the xovers.
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The sky is falling, the sky is falling. BREAKING NEWS!!! Hell reports 17" of snow and no end in sight.
Good luck on your new adventure.
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Curious Scott, could you elaborate on what has caused this tidal shift in your audio wants? Did you tire of the hair shirt/boy racer lifestyle versus having a degree of mature comfort or a return to past joys?
You mention using a simpler system of late. How did that come about? Beyond the convenience and savings of tube replacement, what drew you to the Jolida/Aperion setup?
All this could be a bit disconcerting for those of us on the older side of middle age. :? :wink:
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I'm at a lost for words. McIntosh?
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Curious Scott, could you elaborate on what has caused this tidal shift in your audio wants?
I certainly won't take the liberty of speaking for Scott, but I would say that he has gasoline running through his veins, that should give you a little bit of insight.
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What's wrong with McIntosh? ( asks the guy who has been using the same McIntosh amp since 1975?)
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Curious Scott, could you elaborate on what has caused this tidal shift in your audio wants? Did you tire of the hair shirt/boy racer lifestyle versus having a degree of mature comfort or a return to past joys?
You mention using a simpler system of late. How did that come about? Beyond the convenience and savings of tube replacement, what drew you to the Jolida/Aperion setup?
All this could be a bit disconcerting for those of us on the older side of middle age. :? ;)
JLM,
Honestly, I just lost interest in high end audio. I reached what I considered the 'pinnacle' of resolution and involvement with my old system.
My work schedule has become very demanding plus we've gotten back into classic cars and hot rods after a 25 year respite. The car enthusiast crowd out there simply dwarfs the audiophile community. Every time we take one of the vehicles out, we end up making new friends. It's a love that both my wife and I share where on the flip side of that coin, she could care less about audio.
You'll admit, audio is a largely singular hobby. Sure you get together with audio friends and listen but it is probably infrequent. And your wife may like music but (many) only listen passively. They aren't in awe of the sweet spot and all the nuances of high end audio. They just like to hear tunes and most could care less how its reproduced.
I've started leaning (heavily) towards that latter statement. My caveat is that I want a system that still holds much of the audiophile qualities but I'm far less interested in that last 10% so many audiophiles are searching for. I want something that sounds really good and maybe [moreso] looks cool. Sort of a shallow statement but I think we'll all admit that looks play a big part in audio. I can forgive a lot of warts if a piece is drop dead sexy...and the this McIntosh B&W system is a stunner (IMO).
To seal my fate and have my audiophile card revoked, the Mac pre has tone controls....and I WANT them. I'm tired of the stupidity of no tone controls on high end gear. If I have to make the excuse that the system sounds like sh*t because its a crappy recording, I'll toss the towel in completely and go buy Bose. I want the ability to level out the sound on a crappy recording by twisting a bass or treble control. Sure, it may not be perfect but remember, I don't care anymore. The lack of tone controls [alone] excludes a very large segment of the music I listen to, regularly. I spend about half my time listening to Country music, a genre soundly rejected by 'audiophiles' along with techno/electronic/chill/trance and the occasional (and select) pop/hip hop. I listen to everything, not just audiophile music. If I have to listen to another audiophile piece of music, I may slit my wrists.
Anymore, I could care less about depth of stage, placement across the soundstage, extension or any of the other audiophile obsessions. I get more pleasure listening to country music over the (nearly) 50 year old, full range speaker in our '66 Thunderbird than I do a high end stereo.
Now that I've outed myself as a reformed-audiophile, I have to say I still enjoy some of the audiophile trappings...and want to retain them on some level, hence this system. I'm just not going to let those obsessions get in the way of my musical enjoyment because they really are nothing more than a distraction in my enjoyment of music.
I guess that was a long way of saying, I don't care about the audiophile trappings anymore but I still want something cool looking that sounds decent.
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BREAKING NEWS:
.....the audiophile community was rocked today as Scott F, "exits stage left", and claims to have tone control knobs and is proud to use them.
Rock on Brother. 8)
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BREAKING NEWS:
.....the audiophile community was rocked today as Scott F, "exits stage left", and claims to have tone control knobs and is proud to use them.
Rock on Brother. 8)
...ummm, yup :thumb:
I sorta just dropped my pants in front of a whole buncha people didn't I? :wave: :lol:
Kinda liberating actually :dance: :banana piano:
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The "breeze" feels pleasant, doesn't it. :rotflmao:
Ya know....I've been using tone controls the entire time. Granted, my room always had a lean towards home theater, where it's more "excusable", but all the audio get-togethers I've hosted, had tone controls involved.
But yea, the never ending search for a higher brass ring wore on me pretty quickly and I threw in the towel a couple years ago. I learned to be happy with what I have, and moved my financial expenditures on to other hobbies.
So my hat's off to you Sir.
Honestly, I never thought this day would come. You always had the rooms to drool over.
Bob
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I'm at a lost for words. McIntosh?
Yup.... and you get to work on it when it breaks (and it will) :lol: :lol: :lol:
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It is usually love of music that drives so many of us to invest in systems.
Often it is that same love of music that lasts longer than the pursuit of exquisite replay.
I have been through different pursuits over the years myself.
Happy with what I own at the moment. I went on a journey of buying up stuff I figured would last me because I know it is good, and that's good enough for my ears too.
In the 69 T Bird all i hear is wind noise and the motor. I don't use the AM mono radio setup at all. The burble of a big block is all I need out there!
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"What's wrong with McIntosh? ( asks the guy who has been using the same McIntosh amp since 1975?)"
Nothing, I'm just a Classe' Audio/Audio Research kind of guy.
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JLM,
Honestly, I just lost interest in high end audio. I reached what I considered the 'pinnacle' of resolution and involvement with my old system.
My work schedule has become very demanding plus we've gotten back into classic cars and hot rods after a 25 year respite. The car enthusiast crowd out there simply dwarfs the audiophile community. Every time we take one of the vehicles out, we end up making new friends. It's a love that both my wife and I share where on the flip side of that coin, she could care less about audio.
You'll admit, audio is a largely singular hobby. Sure you get together with audio friends and listen but it is probably infrequent. And your wife may like music but (many) only listen passively. They aren't in awe of the sweet spot and all the nuances of high end audio. They just like to hear tunes and most could care less how its reproduced.
I've started leaning (heavily) towards that latter statement. My caveat is that I want a system that still holds much of the audiophile qualities but I'm far less interested in that last 10% so many audiophiles are searching for. I want something that sounds really good and maybe [moreso] looks cool. Sort of a shallow statement but I think we'll all admit that looks play a big part in audio. I can forgive a lot of warts if a piece is drop dead sexy...and the this McIntosh B&W system is a stunner (IMO).
To seal my fate and have my audiophile card revoked, the Mac pre has tone controls....and I WANT them. I'm tired of the stupidity of no tone controls on high end gear. If I have to make the excuse that the system sounds like sh*t because its a crappy recording, I'll toss the towel in completely and go buy Bose. I want the ability to level out the sound on a crappy recording by twisting a bass or treble control. Sure, it may not be perfect but remember, I don't care anymore. The lack of tone controls [alone] excludes a very large segment of the music I listen to, regularly. I spend about half my time listening to Country music, a genre soundly rejected by 'audiophiles' along with techno/electronic/chill/trance and the occasional (and select) pop/hip hop. I listen to everything, not just audiophile music. If I have to listen to another audiophile piece of music, I may slit my wrists.
Anymore, I could care less about depth of stage, placement across the soundstage, extension or any of the other audiophile obsessions. I get more pleasure listening to country music over the (nearly) 50 year old, full range speaker in our '66 Thunderbird than I do a high end stereo.
Now that I've outed myself as a reformed-audiophile, I have to say I still enjoy some of the audiophile trappings...and want to retain them on some level, hence this system. I'm just not going to let those obsessions get in the way of my musical enjoyment because they really are nothing more than a distraction in my enjoyment of music.
I guess that was a long way of saying, I don't care about the audiophile trappings anymore but I still want something cool looking that sounds decent.
Scott,
This is a great post I can relate to completely at this point in my life. I feel like I'm definitely on the verge of much of what you've described. I love cars too, but already have several other pursuits to fill the space of high end audio. Recently, adding Vinnie Rossi's new LIO Swiss Army knife in my system has really changed how I look at all things HE audio a lot. The LIO and an Auralic Aries puts as much music as I want at at my fingertips on an iPad. This is by no means a sonic compromise, quite the opposite actually, but does everything I need to just enjoy listening to music. A great set of speakers certainly does help as well :wink:
Have fun!
Tom
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Thanks for replying Scott.
Burn out happens. My audio is part of my private time, when I don't feel like being a socialite, but so glad to hear you've found a pastime you can enjoy with your wife. Do understand the Icarus effect (in reaching for ultimate resolution, the last 10%, you made most of your collection "unenjoyable"). After years of purist systems, don't feel the need for tone controls (let the performers/studio dictate how it should sound), but I certainly don't begrudge them.
Visual aesthetics is always in the eye of the beholder, but as I age won't give up remote control (and now computer sourcing). My current system consists of a DAC/pre and mono-blocks on a spiked shelf on the floor with single driver speakers. Sound is musical, lots of resolution, yet old time jazz is still highly listenable.
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In the 69 T Bird all i hear is wind noise and the motor. I don't use the AM mono radio setup at all. The burble of a big block is all I need out there!
I know what you mean about the sound of the big block FE motor. That blublublublublublub sound can be better than music.
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Cool Scott!
I completely understand, I just went through my own mid-life audio crisis. Sold all my tube amps... So now I am solid-state (except for my Wright phono stage)...Simple, easy...All good. Play 50% 50% vinyl and digital. Loving the music, as it should be...
Good luck with your new system! (Btw, I haven't forgotten that I contacted you. I'll be back in touch soon.)
Cheers,
Gary
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We who are about to buy all your crap, SALUTE YOU! :notworthy:
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Guys,
Just wanted to let you know I'm running WAY behind on getting pics and posting all the gear. just pulled in from my KC office and all of a sudden I'm booked for the best part of a week and then some.
I'll get everything posted as soon as I can.
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Perhaps Scott has evolved to a higher level of audiophile being. Audiophile 2.0 with DSD and HDCP2.2 with 4K resolution.
We should bow down to his new state of ascension. All hail the new supreme audiophile.
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I thought he was already there? :lol:
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Ah shucks Scott ........., now who am I gonna trade Triode stories with ?
I'm just finishing up another DHT amp. Well maybe when you finally retire, you'll rejoin the Burnt Solder crowd.
Testing : http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/set/messages/7/79752.html
Willie
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Maybe in a few years. I've still got a dual mono, tube rectified phonostage with eq settings covering all the years that I'm determined to build. It will also have at minimum 4 inputs and a gain stage for low output carts. I've got all the parts sitting in a box just waiting for some spare time.
Who knows, maybe once I perfect it I can build them and supplement my retirement :D
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Thought you guys might get a kick out of some quick cell phone pics of the new system now that it's installed....and well...I still haven't gotten my act together on pics and prices on all the gear for sale. Maybe today since it's raining :thumb:
Anyway, a big shout out to Bryan, Mark B and John for coming over to help wrestle all of this gear down the basement...and it WAS quite a chore. Those flippin speakers are just plain heavy at 225lbs each.
Here is a pic of the trailer with the gear strapped down on the back
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/394/19841531509_997cc077f4_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/wek33R)20150725_122359 (https://flic.kr/p/wek33R) by sfaller_99 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/12850396@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/281/20033450001_de6c1e83d4_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/wwhEJn)20150725_122328 (https://flic.kr/p/wwhEJn) by sfaller_99 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/12850396@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/434/19407190313_7d297b9cfa_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vyWVxx)20150726_100908 (https://flic.kr/p/vyWVxx) by sfaller_99 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/12850396@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/397/20033428471_d5cd14a3db_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/wwhyka)20150726_101034 (https://flic.kr/p/wwhyka) by sfaller_99 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/12850396@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/270/20033422101_2a39742efe_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/wwhwrk)20150726_101256_001 (https://flic.kr/p/wwhwrk) by sfaller_99 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/12850396@N06/), on Flickr
Sounds pretty darned good. Not hyper detailed yet retains plenty of detail....just what I was looking for :thumb:
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Tone-Loc? :scratch:
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..yup..old school :lol:
Like I said in a different post, I listen to everything. Heck, one of the first songs we used to test the new system was NIN Closer, then Head Like a Hole, some Alice in Chains, P.O.D. BOOM....nothing was off limits.
Dude, we ROCKED (and rappped, and jazzed) out :banana piano:
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Tone-Loc? :scratch:
All about the Funky Cold Medina.
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I'll have to admit....I own that CD. :oops:
Nice toys Scott. Would love to hear the new system when you've got it where you like it.
Looking good my friend. :thumb:
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Country garden audiophile! I love it!
Nice looking setup, I heard these at the Newport Show and thought they sounded pretty good. Not sure why B&W gets a bad wrap in certain circles. If I had to choose between the uber expensive Wilson's I also heard I would take these B&W's.
Congrats!
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Looking good Scotty! :wink:
Some folks look for the "best bang for the buck." Looks like you've gone for the "best pound for pound!" Massive :o I haven't heard your rig yet, but you did want "cool" factor, which it seems like you've got it in spades, including the vintage truck drawn trailer with the Kubota assist. BTW, I'd do the Funky Cold Medina with you just 'bout anytime... :thumb:
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Looks real nice! 8)
Can't wait for the listening session. :P
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I hate to tell ya, but your new system is still in the top 1% I'd guess. :icon_twisted: The new B&Ws are very impressive.
I never get tired of music but my interest in improving everything comes and goes, sometimes I'll take a break for a year or three. It's there playing music and waiting for me when I'm ready to make more changes or build a new piece of gear.
I used to own a welding and auto shop and the auto hobby is the biggest drain on the bank account I've ever witnessed. But I do miss my supercharged, stroked 454 big block Chevy with a custom built Holley double pumper. It's still the best engines I've ever experienced, although the Z06 Vette is up there too... One day I'd like to have a Z06 for a toy/track car, it's the most fun car I've ever drove.
Do you have either of the crossovers left? :D
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Thanks guys,
Country garden audiophile! I love it!
Yep, we've got a tiny commercial 'farm' where we (my wife actually) grows peppers for the local butcher's jerky. She also grows and sells loofa's to the local beauty shops.
Din, wasn't it Telling that talked about dollars per pound on audio? Lord knows my cost fit in his formula somewhere. Speakers at 250 pounds each, amp at 130 pounds, turntables at 175 pounds each (stands included of course).
Mike, at some point later this year, I'll have a people out. The system isn't nearly as accurate at the fleapowered system but it really seems to suit my current goals.
Dave, I know exactly what you mean about vintage cars. They take tons of attention and resources. Thankfully, with the truck and the TBird, we use both as drivers. They aren't put away, polished and only brought out for car shows. We use them, especially the truck, our workhorse. It's actually really reliable. Stick the key in, turn it and go. So is the TBird for that matter. Sure, we have the usual upkeep, but we've committed to doing things once. The truck and Bird for example. Both were a little squirrely going down the road and needed tie rod ends and the like. Rather than just doing the tie rod ends, we ripped the entire front end apart and replaced all the bushings on the controls arms and put all new parts in while they were down (steering boxes, ball joints, drag links, tie rod ends, etc.). They now drive like new (old) cars and I no longer have to worry about picking away at the next front end issue at some point down the road...it's all new. Sure, it cost a few bucks up front but saves tons of headaches and added expense later. Do it once, do it right and never look back. That's been my motto for some time now. Sorta like the new system. I picked around the edges trying to cheap out and my wife said, just do it and be done with it. Who am I to argue with that kind of logic? :scratch: :green:
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Sorry Scott , I can't get away from Small Triode amps, Large Hi-Eff. speakers
....and my Li'l 2010 Z06..
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=125557)
Have fun !
Willie
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NICE!!!!
I almost bought one myself. I ended up settling on a 2015 Mustang Ecoboost.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=111597&size=large)
I love this little thnig. They are pounding 310hp out of the 2.3L four cylinder and it's darned quick. With some mild mods, exhaust, cold air intake and a tune, you can get close to 400 hp and well over 425ft lbs of torque out of it...and STILL get 30mpg.
Fast cars are WAY too much fun.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=111597&size=large)
I love this little thnig. They are pounding 310hp out of the 2.3L four cylinder and it's darned quick. With some mild mods, exhaust, cold air intake and a tune, you can get close to 400 hp and well over 425ft lbs of torque out of it...and STILL get 30mpg.
Fast cars are WAY too much fun.
Ford must be on to something special with the eco boost. I've come across several people in the last year who have varying types of Ford vehicles with the eco boost and they absolutely love it.
Is there a catch to it? Is the maintenance any different or are there long term costs that may come in to play? Everybody that talks about them just makes them sound too good to be true...
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It's a marketing term for turbocharging.
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Turbos have a big advantage with the newer direct injection systems, the static compression ratio can be much higher and combined with variable valve timing the fuel economy is similar to a non-turbo, but you have much more power on-tap. However, turbos run a richer a/f mix when on boost so when the turbo is engaged the motor sucks the gas down like there's no tomorrow. The ecoboost F150 can get horrible fuel economy when towing or hauling a lot... like single digits. My WRX can get 30 mpg if you're careful and 20 mpg if you're a leadfoot. OTOH, Chevy disengages a couple of cylinders during light loads, the new Vette has 455 hp and can get 30 mpg highway. Dodge has a new diesel 1/2 ton that gets 28 mpg avg. The big disadvantage with turbos is upfront cost, complexity and durability... boost will wear out the piston ring seal faster and the motor will start using oil before a conventional motor would.
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When it comes to mileage, on the highway, IF and only IF I keep my foot out of it and stay below 80, I get about 33mpg. The flip side of that is doing what I said not to, and I get between 29 and 30mpg. Leadfooting it on the twisties you'll take hit and mileage drops to about 25 or 26. Now there, I live above 4K rpm and bounce off redline regularly. Canyon carving in California doesn't hold a candle to the back roads here in Missouri. Just have to dodge tractors and deer.
In the 15k miles I've put on it so far, I'm averaging 28.6 mpg. I do 50/50 highway and city. Carve out 5-10% of that for me driving like my hair is on fire chasing (seldom leading) my buddy in his GT3.
When it comes to maintenance, it's pretty straightforward. The usual suspects though I choose to run Mobil 1 full synth, race oil in mine since I tend to go fast. I change oil at 7500 miles. One thing I need to do is install a catch can on the PCV system. If you don't, and this is pretty typical of turbos, you can get some oil mist that drifts up into the top of the motor. Where the PCV connects at the head, those two valves can start to carbon up because of the mist causing a maintenance issue later down the road. The catch can is a centrifugal design so it separates the mist from air, then you reach in and drain it once a month or so during average driving conditions.
Dave, I respectfully disagree with you on your disadvantages on the turbo. In the days of yore, absolutely, but turbo technology, the advancements in overall engine technology, fuel injection and variable valve timing have negated those old issues. Then again, VW and Merc have been running turbos on their diesels since the 70's. And crap, you can get 300,000 miles out of a Merc turbo diesel before even thinking about doing anything to the motor except injectors and glow plugs.
I could be wrong, with out a doubt but I believed enough in the Ford Ecoboost technology that I signed on. They've been doing it for the best part of a decade over in the EU and it appears the bugs are worked out....at least I hope they are. If not, that's why I bought the extended warranty :thumb:
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Yup. Turbos are great. It's almost like "free" energy. Supercharges are nice too.
Changing the oil regularly and not sludging up the oil feed lines to the turbo is the key to not finding out how much a turbo replacement is. :duh:
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Diesels have much heavier duty piston/ring assemblies that are designed for huge cylinder pressures. Barring a catastrophic failure excessive oil consumption/blow-by usually ends the life of a gas-powered turbo motor before anything else. Shoving double the amount of air/gas into the same volume simply results in more wear on the piston rings.
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How about twin turbos? :icon_twisted:
(https://d37nk263jfz2p8.cloudfront.net/image/1/568/0/uploads/posts/2015/08/fb_img_1437730471904-55bd04fd0d328.jpg)
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...When I got my Z06 new . that's 505 HP from the factory, I could get 31 MPG easy. That driving about 67 MPH . In the city and not
quick jumping every stoplight, I could get about 24 or 25 MPG.
Now since the engine work , I know its a lot less MPG's ........ but it feels sooo good !!
Willie
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I like all the talk about audio equipment. I never knew you could get turbo charged stereo gear that gets 30 miles to the gallon. :lol:
I drive a Focus wagon. I get 30 miles to the gallon on the highway, but my cruse control stopped working.
Now, I don't know. And I have a massive 4 banger, kicks ass as long as I'm not in the way of everyone else! :P
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Just a quick update.
I know I said I was going to post pics and prices for all my gear that is for sale...well that never happened. Life keeps getting in the way. So, what I did was take the initial post and added prices and brief descriptions of the gear. Here's the link. Still have lots of cool gear for sale.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=135683.msg1441782#msg1441782
OK, so enough with hawking my gear. Here's a couple pics of the continually evolving system;
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132211&size=huge)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132212&size=huge)
I broke down and picked up a BMC PureDAC from Ryan. I've heard it several times and was always impressed with the way it sounded. Last week I upgraded by computer the an all-in-one you see in the pic. It's a touch screen that I can remote into via TeamViewer or JRivers Gizmo. I've got 12TB (yes TB) of music hanging off the back of it. It feeds the BMC, the McPre and so on. I've gotta say, the BMC was one helluva upgrade over the DIY Cleo and the MHDT Stockholm. I've got a bit of cabling issues I need to work out but overall, this is damned fine sounding....and if it doesn't sound fine, I've got bass and treble twisty thingies to fix it!
Blackmore was over this morning. Maybe he'll chime in with some comments on the sound as he's heard with and without the BMC.
If things go as planned, I might have an open invite for some folks over the Christmas holidays. We'll have to break it up into a few groups if you are interested in hearing the system. I can't do the 40 to 50 people like we used to out here.
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Scott, that's the smallest home theater screen I've ever seen. :scratch:
But seriously, I'll rearrange life in order to hear the system, so count me in. Please. :thumb:
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Scott, System looks fantastic! Looking forward to hearing sometime....I am going to change out my computer system soon so would like to see what you have going on there.
Don
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Scott, System looks fantastic! Looking forward to hearing sometime....I am going to change out my computer system soon so would like to see what you have going on there.
Don
Thanks Don,
You'll have to make your way out sometime soon. It's quite a bit different than the Lowther system. Still dialing the system in, chasing a couple audio ghosts, but I'm pretty close to getting them exercised.
On the computer side of things, as you know, I was an early adopter. This combo works pretty darned well. I love the BMC PureDAC. It was well worth the investment. Although I didn't do an official 'audiophile' computer server, this all-in-on works pretty darned well, plus It's got a touch screen. I really like having the album art displayed on the screen while I'm listening.
Gimme a buzz sometime and we can catch up...
Scott
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Lookin fine Scott! You need to bring those TTs closer together so you can DJ. ;)
The front wall light color wood panelling is a nice touch. Is it acoustic-ish treatmental?
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Lookin fine Scott! You need to bring those TTs closer together so you can DJ. ;)
That's too funny :lol: I can just see it, me scratching away with a VdH Frog and and a Lyra :thumb:
Kinda funny story about the paneling. First, it's pure decorative. I did it because I thought it would look good.
So the paneling...my wife thinks the idea is nuts but that happens all the time. I go up to Home Depot and make my way to the lumber department. I find the stack of door skins which are nothing more than 1/8" Luan. I start sifting through the stack and I notice the consecutive pieces have a really close grain pattern. Makes sense, especially remembering how plywood is made after watching one too many episodes of How It's Made.
Now I'm on a mission. A mission to find four bookmatched door skins. The stack of Luan is on an end cap of a major isle. I'm digging through the stack of skins and next thing you know, I've got the ones I've picked laid out, flat on the floor making sure they match as close as possible. I'm busy digging and switching skins as these are taking up major isle space on a busy Saturday. Honestly, I'm not paying much attention as people are walking by me and grumbling. Then the store manager walks up and asks me, Sir, is there something we can help you with? I sorta don't pay much attention and say, Nope, I've just about got it, as I take another run at the stack of skins. I look up and notice it's the Manager I just blew off.
Needless to say, I had to stop and explain to him exactly what I was doing including the bookmatching of the grains. He was actually fine with it after I explained. He actually wanted me to send him a picture of it after I got it all installed, of which I've forgotten to do.
Here's a little wider pic of the head wall where you can see the grain match
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/434/19407190313_2626254822_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vyWVxx)20150726_100908 (https://flic.kr/p/vyWVxx) by sfaller_99 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/12850396@N06/), on Flickr
I didn't get it perfect but it's fairly close. Keep in mind, I got these from HD for like five bucks a skin or something. I like it, personally. Since the skins didn't fill the entire wall, I ended up installing a 1x8 pine 'picture frame' around the perimeter. That gave the wall the appearance of a bit more depth. I think it adds more character to the room. One of these days, I need to pull all the gear out from the wall and put several more coats of urethane on. That will really add more depth to the look...but like always, I got in a fat arsed hurry and said to myself, It's good!, lets fire up the stereo. :duh:
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Sidebar - not often I see big old B&W's (I think) with a TONE LOC record in the pic!
Funky cold medina indeed. :lol:
I like the look of the panels - then again I grew up in a home built in '68 so there was LOTS of wood paneling in the family room and finished side of the basement.
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That's amazing you got such good grain match. Looks real nice. Thanks for sharing the story!
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Updated the original post as another piece just left the building. Thanks Ron!!!
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=135683.msg1441782#msg1441782