RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 37476 times.

planet10

  • Industry Participant
  • Posts: 1915
  • Frugal-phile (tm)
    • planet10-hifi
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #60 on: 16 Oct 2012, 06:51 pm »
A really stupid thing is a big & hot 10V x 10A, 833 tube inside a tube of glass to dont cooling the valve  :duh:

The tube of glass is a cooling chimney, and they work really well at keeping the tube at a constant/stable temperature.

dave

wisnon

Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #61 on: 16 Oct 2012, 07:15 pm »
Great, thanks! The only question is to buy now or wait 'til they figure out their USB implementation... if it is upgradeable fully with firmware that that would be great, but not sure if that'll be the case...

They have had about 4 firmware upgrades since Feb this year and have solved many issues. When it was released, Toslink was only at 24/48. When I spoke with the lead designer, he told me that 24/192 was not the most urgent priority, but they would get around to it. He warned me that sound quality will not be increased (due to everything being upsampled to 6.1mhz anyway) , but I reminded him that some of us have 24/192 that we want to input natively in the digital domain, and kept digital until the DAC conversion stage.

The key to the device is their proprietary algorithm which seems to best all the competitors. They also do NOT price outrageously.

I really do expect them to have asynch. USB at 24/192 by year say Jan 2013 latest.
« Last Edit: 17 Oct 2012, 12:35 pm by wisnon »

DaveC113

  • Industry Contributor
  • Posts: 4341
  • ZenWaveAudio.com
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #62 on: 16 Oct 2012, 08:16 pm »
They have had about 4 firmware upgrades since Feb this year and have solved many issues. When it was released, Toslink was only at 24/48. When I spoke with the lead designer, he told me that 24/192 was not the most urgent priority, but they get around to it. He warned me that sound quality will not increased, but I reminded him that some of us have 24/192 that we want to run natively in the digital domain until the DAC conversion stage.

The key to the device is their proprietary algorithm which seems to best all the competitors. They also do NOT price outrageously.

I really do expect them to have asynch. USB at 24/192 by year say Jan 2013 latest.

That's not very far away, I need to start saving my pennies!

nickd

Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #63 on: 16 Oct 2012, 09:36 pm »
Doublej,
"not exactly my sound" is just in reference to my system and personal tastes. I am a little sensitive to horn loaded tweeters. Not that the HSU's were bright or shouty, (they were not) but I prefer line source and MTM designs. In my room, I like a wide image to wrap around the sides of the room. With horns and wave guides, I always feel like I'm listening to a speaker and do not usually get the "you are there" at a live performance feeling. Some are bettter than others, but if you move a little ususlly the image changes.

As I walk around the shows, I'm always amazed with the different preceptions we all have on "good sound" some prefer bright some prefer dull, some prefer a mid range "suck out", boomy bass, light quick bass, pants flapping sub bass. everyone has there "want list"

I just thought the HSU stuff was amazing for the money. By far the best value I heard at RMAF and worth a mention. My systems have ranged in price over the years from below $3k to well over $100k in value. If I'm impressed for $300 bucks, they put in some effort or magic. Maybe a little of both. The nice clean sub bass didn't hurt either. :)

FullRangeMan

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 19854
  • To whom more was given more will be required.
    • Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a straycat or dog. On the street they live only two years average.
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #64 on: 16 Oct 2012, 09:48 pm »

I totally forgot about this system, I think it was good.


It is a pair of FM Acoustics amps hand made in swiss, super expensive stuff.
The power amp FM111-RS monos(115W) were retail at 17K euros pair at the test at Revue du Son. Gulp!

FullRangeMan

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 19854
  • To whom more was given more will be required.
    • Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a straycat or dog. On the street they live only two years average.
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #65 on: 16 Oct 2012, 09:53 pm »
The tube of glass is a cooling chimney, and they work really well at keeping the tube at a constant/stable temperature.

dave
It dont provide freash air, the tube will be get too hot in short time.
It looks a good cosmetics/safe solution when the amp is powered off.

woofersus

  • Industry Participant
  • Posts: 342
  • Authorized Dealer: Melody & Angel City Audio
    • East Street Audio
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #66 on: 16 Oct 2012, 10:55 pm »
It dont provide freash air, the tube will be get too hot in short time.
It looks a good cosmetics/safe solution when the amp is powered off.

It's entirely possible a bottom vent feeds cool air into the cylinder as the heat rises.  I don't know for sure that's what is going on, but it would be a logical solution.

Don_S

Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #67 on: 16 Oct 2012, 11:47 pm »
I am not familiar with the system so I don't know if the outer tube acts like a chimney.  I do know the outer tube will conduct heat. It is not an insulator.  It is like a detached heat sink. The point was made earlier that it keeps the power tube at a more constant temperature. That makes sense since the detached outer tube would be a buffer for the power tube.

gld

  • Industry Participant
  • Posts: 358
    • http://doddaudio@live.net
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #68 on: 17 Oct 2012, 12:20 am »
I would guess that those chimneys are directing the forced air to stay around the tubes.
Those tubes almost in all cases have the to be forced air cooled.
Gary

FullRangeMan

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 19854
  • To whom more was given more will be required.
    • Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a straycat or dog. On the street they live only two years average.
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #69 on: 17 Oct 2012, 01:35 am »
This is a 833A from Wavac amp on the PFO test, the plate is clearly red(over load).
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue21/wavac.htm
This tube is not child toy, it is a 10 ampere/100W just in the heating, B+ may surpass 2000Volts.



FullRangeMan

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 19854
  • To whom more was given more will be required.
    • Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a straycat or dog. On the street they live only two years average.
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #70 on: 17 Oct 2012, 01:43 am »
This 833 amp also is in a Glass tube an the output tube plates are absurdly red from overload.
A shame ...

HAL

  • Industry Contributor
  • Posts: 5180
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #71 on: 17 Oct 2012, 01:47 am »
When I saw those amps at Axpona, the side slots let air into the fans below the tubes for the forced air cooling. 

Not saying they are not overbiased, just that they do have forced air cooling.

satfrat

  • Restricted
  • Posts: 10855
  • Boston Red Sox!! 2004 / 2007 / 2013
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #72 on: 17 Oct 2012, 02:47 am »
Quote from: DaveC113 on Yesterday at 11:59:21 am
Quote
OK, possibly too brutal. I don't like most speakers, maybe one in ten or so....


I see that.:roll:


Dave, you need to take some lessons from the Dispenser of Truth Pez, he doesn't often feel the need to soften up his opinion for anyone who gets their feelings hurt cuz they can't handle anyone opposing their fanboy opinion.  :thumb:

Cheers,
Robin

Nuance

Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #73 on: 17 Oct 2012, 08:45 pm »
Quote from: DaveC113 on Yesterday at 11:59:21 am


Dave, you need to take some lessons from the Dispenser of Truth Pez, he doesn't often feel the need to soften up his opinion for anyone who gets their feelings hurt cuz they can't handle anyone opposing their fanboy opinion.  :thumb:

Cheers,
Robin
You're a funny guy. ;)  It just so happens Stereophile and Sound And Vision very much liked the Fried Tower's, with the latter magazine giving them a Best of Show nomination.  The Absolute Sound also really like them.  To each their own. ;)

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/photogallery/gallery-best-speakers-2012-rocky-mountain-audio-fest

How are your cryogenic frozen tubes (or whatever) sounding Robin?  :o :lol:

satfrat

  • Restricted
  • Posts: 10855
  • Boston Red Sox!! 2004 / 2007 / 2013
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #74 on: 17 Oct 2012, 09:55 pm »
You're a funny guy. ;)  It just so happens Stereophile and Sound And Vision very much liked the Fried Tower's, with the latter magazine giving them a Best of Show nomination.  The Absolute Sound also really like them.  To each their own. ;)

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/photogallery/gallery-best-speakers-2012-rocky-mountain-audio-fest

How are your cryogenic frozen tubes (or whatever) sounding Robin?  :o :lol:

 :violin: Let's all sing along with Nuance to his sour grapes song.  :singing:

Maybe you should stay in your Salk Circle were everyone thinks like you and you can be their Salk Idol cuz your rolling eyes whine ain't needed here in a neutral Circle, well at least not with me. :roll: Maybe Dave feels otherwise.  :thumb:

Cheers,
Robin

Nuance

Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #75 on: 17 Oct 2012, 10:10 pm »
:violin: Let's all sing along with Nuance to his sour grapes song.  :singing:

Maybe you should stay in your Salk Circle were everyone thinks like you and you can be their Salk Idol cuz your rolling eyes whine ain't needed here in a neutral Circle, well at least not with me. :roll: Maybe Dave feels otherwise.  :thumb:

Cheers,
Robin

I'm doing just fine here, and wherever else I want to visit.  Feel free to leave if you don't like it, though.  Now who's whining?  :lol: :roll:

By the way, my comment to Dave had nothing to do with Fried or Salk (he liked the latter); I was simply agreeing with what he said, which was he doesn't like most speakers.  He's right about that, which is evident based on his comments in this thread.  Nonetheless, I'm grateful for his posts and especially the pictures.  I love me some good speaker porn. :)

satfrat

  • Restricted
  • Posts: 10855
  • Boston Red Sox!! 2004 / 2007 / 2013
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #76 on: 17 Oct 2012, 10:20 pm »
I'm doing just fine here, and wherever else I want to visit.  Feel free to leave if you don't like it, though.  Now who's whining?  :lol: :roll:

By the way, my comment to Dave had nothing to do with Fried or Salk (he liked the latter); I was simply agreeing with what he said, which was he doesn't like most speakers.  He's right about that, which is evident based on his comments in this thread.   

 :dance:   :thumb:

GT Audio Works

Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #77 on: 17 Oct 2012, 10:53 pm »
Hi Dave,
 Regarding your experience of an exhibitor not playing your demo CD, maybe if you had vinyl he would have played it,,who knows...But some manufacturers like to follow a formatted demo of hand picked music for a reason..its safe.  I am a small speaker manufacturer and  just wanted to share an experience I had at Capital audio fest. I was showing my speaker and had quite a good traffic thru my room. Over the weekend I constantly offered to play music brought in by folks and if they didn't bring any (and most didn't) I directed them to the 250 plus CD's I brought with me to choose something. The vibe in the room was very good.. I mixed it up as much as possible..people enjoyed hearing a variety of music and most left with a smile on their face.. My poor CD player really got a workout.  The downside to this was there were a few really bad recordings..so I gritted my teeth and waited till the song was over and thanked them for coming. Music is a very personal thing , to them that selection had some meaning and that's why they brought it. Regardless of what I thought of it does not matter. What matters is that they walk away happy.  Some exhibitors do not want to risk a bad recording because he feels it will reflect poorly on his component or worse someone in the press should be in the room at the time it was playing. This is what happened to me !!        I was waiting for this particular poor sounding demo track to finish when I turn around and see this reviewer sitting in the back of my room..The disc finishes and I scramble for one of my trusty tracks only to see said reviewer walking out of my room. Timing is everything...and the timing could not have been worse.  This is the danger of swimming past the lifeguards into open waters..so be it.  People saw I had enough confidence in my product to put it out there no strings attached.. and the upside was , I got turned on to some great tunes ! Maybe the next time you get refused a demo..ask if they supply a list of authorized tunes to go with their speakers!     Greg    GT Audio Works

mgsboedmisodpc2

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 357
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #78 on: 17 Oct 2012, 11:43 pm »
GT audio works I once in a TAD room attempted to have "santana woodstock soul sacrifice woodstock 1969" played and as soon as the exhibitor heard it he took it out giving it back to me. Yes it is a poor recording but a  great  performance I think.

DaveC113

  • Industry Contributor
  • Posts: 4341
  • ZenWaveAudio.com
Re: RMAF 2012 Pics and Sporadic Brutally Honest Commentary
« Reply #79 on: 18 Oct 2012, 12:44 am »
Hi DaveC113,

Thank you for your report / listening impressions on this thread (and in that other Feastrex thread).  It is really appreciated.

I think our tastes are very similar.  My Omegas shipped yesterday and I have a huge assortment of other single-driver designs.  For louder SPL's, just personally, I was never satisfied on orchestral or full dynamics with anytning less than a compression-driven horn system.  There are a whole bunch, from hot-rodded vintage Klipsch to Pi Speakers 4pi and indeed the Econowave can be great (depending on the compression driver of course).

Anyway, thank you for this.  It does sound like we're on parallel paths, which is a good excuse to have two systems :)

Cool, which Omegas did you go with? I keep on running into recommendations for horns, but I'm not sure I'm going to go there, I don't have a large enough space... and I've heard both good and bad horns, and the good ones are never cheap.  If I could get another 6-9 dB over what my Omega 3 XRS will produce I think I'd be happy. I need to see if the 6" Omegas can play louder too, but the sensitivity is borderline low for my current amp.... I wish I could have spent more time with the dc audio Britons at 102 dB sensitivity and 50W power handling, they were really nice and not super expensive. Then there's the also the possibility of multi-driver Omegas...