logn time no see - still lovin' my Aksa 100N

tverry · « **on:** 19 Jul 2003, 05:08 pm »

Hi folks!!

Just thought I'd pop in and say hey.

I was out of work for 10 months and am now working for half of what I used to make (mcse level computer stuff, servers, networks, all levels of support etc).

But I also stopped hanging around and doing audio stuff because I just can't afford to wring any more performance out of my system. I just love it the way it is, how amazing is that?!

I'm still using my Aksa 100N integrated with TLP and Elma attenuator and source selection switch wich is rarely used. It is kind of just in "amp" mode with my ht reciever serving most preamp duties most of the time.

I'm still using these speakers, although I never bothered to make a grill cloth yet
http://www.htguide.com/CFBoards/index.cfm?fuseaction=Threads.viewthread&Tid=38144&Forum=6&StartRow=1&CFB=1

I'm still using my 1975 Pioneer sx-1010 reciever in the garage, but now I have ethernet out there and a PC for playing MP3. To be honest, 80% of my summertime listening is FM radio in the garage/backyard/patio (we have 5 sweet college/public radio stations in Cleveland). Still using the drivers and crossovers in crap diy boxes from when DeanSheen upgraded his Norh 6.1 to 6.9.

I never modded my Pioneer 525 dvd player, and my modded DI/O still has minor synch problems with the 525 so I still don't have a half-decent source. Most of the "listening" on my main system is movies and TV anyway.

Still watching my beloved tweaked Toshiba 55hx70. Still think widescreen TVs are inferior to 4:3 unless you watch mostly DVDs

I still have not bothered to try to find a center-channel speaker that matches or can even come close to the quality of the HiVi/xt25 speakers, and frankly I don't think a center would add much. I've definitely come to the camp of "proper stereo imaging obviates the need for a center channel."

But after all Hugh's amazing help and support I thought I would pop in and let everyone know that after, what, 2 years or so? I have heard a few systems here and there and so far nothing has even come close to making me want to change from the Aksa, or my speakers. I would seriously have to spend a fortune to try to get anything better... The acquisition and assembly of the Aksa is still my greatest, funnest, and best thing ever in my audio hobbyism.

Still using volex power cords, belden cross-connect speaker wire and belden interconnects. I'm certainly eyeing the GK1 with lust but it just ain't gonna happen on my budget, hopefully I can get DeanSheen to buy it!!

I haven't spent a PENNY on my system in well over a year.

How often does someone bother to post to say they have absolutely nothing to talk about?

Here's some pictures from my old account that is supposed to be gone already. Unfortunately all the "intel camera" pics were taken with a $70 camera. I got a very nice digital camera over the winter and have taken almost 2,000 pictures now. Quite an infectious hobby and damn near free after the initial investment.

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/hermanhesse@sbcglobal.net/rlst?.dir=/&.src=ph&.done=

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/hermanhesse@sbcglobal.net/lst?&.dir=/intel_camera/HiVi_speakers&.src=ph&.begin=9999&.view=t&.order=&.done=

And here's my new account that I should get all the Aksa and speaker construction pictures into soon, as well as the few "good" pictures I've taken of various things.

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/verry@sbcglobal.net/rlst?.dir=/&.src=ph&.done=

My youngest daughter is on the left in this one

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/verry@sbcglobal.net/vwp?.dir=/MJL-3bday&.src=ph&.dnm=mj3bday-10.jpg&.view=t&.done=

PSP · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Jul 2003, 03:41 pm »

Hi Tim,
Great to hear from you!!

Even with (especially with?) a tight budget, you can still tweak into the night.... see Malcolm's recent posts on Cat5 interconnects and speaker wire, no big bucks involved in that one. There has been a flurry of posts lately on upgrading the electrolytic caps in the AKSA amp to Black Gates. Last night I compared an AKSA 55N that I built with stock caps (except for the Nirvana parts) with an AKSA 55N that I built using Panasonic FC caps (except of course for the Nirvana parts)... very clear preference for the Panasonic FC caps (more speed, more clarity, perhaps better bass). Panasonic FCs will not break your bank, I'd bet.

Of course, if you're happy with what you are hearing, and have a life outside of audio, why mess with success???

See you around?

Peter

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Jul 2003, 05:03 pm »

Hi PSP
Where did you use the Panasonics in the AKSA 55?
Maybe post under Valhalla - AKSA 55 thread?

PSP · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Jul 2003, 10:20 pm »

Hi Mal.... done.

I haven't specified cap positions and values because I want to protect Hugh's intellectual property. Everyone should be able to get the point; those with AKSA amps (and Nirvana upgrades) will get it with great specificity, and those without Nirvana upgrades should also be able to figure it out.

Peter

AKSA · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 Jul 2003, 11:19 pm »

Thanks Peter,

Appreciate the sentiment. It's all a balancing act...

Tim, a delight to have you back. Your enthusiasm is something of a benchmark, don't leave us again, cobber......

I'm going to have to release a no holds barred upgrade, I can see that. No promises on when, but it will happen. A word of warning, however, to stock up on this exotica will cost heaps, and it's likely to cost muchos dollaros....... But the performance, OH THE PERFORMANCE (I'm reminded of that great wisecrack from that old movie where a lady observes a young woman behaving in a somewhat 'pleasured' way, and says blandly to the waiter, 'I'll have what she's having'

)

Cheers,

Hugh

andyr · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Jul 2003, 09:05 am »

Quote from: AKSA

dollaros....... But the performance, OH THE PERFORMANCE (I'm reminded of that great wisecrack from that old movie where a lady observes a young woman behaving in a somewhat 'pleasured' way, and says blandly to the waiter "I'll have what she's having" ..

That wouldn't be a Mae West movie, would it, Hugh??

Andy

AKSA · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Jul 2003, 10:39 am »

Hi Andy,

Ca va sans dire.......

Hugh

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Jul 2003, 09:48 pm »

Hi Andy
"I'll have what she's having" is a line used by Estelle Reiner as Older Woman Customer in "When Harry Met Sally".

Billy Crystal is arguing with Meg Ryan in a restaurant, that he could tell if a woman faked an orgasm.
Meg proceeds to fake an orgasm, very loudly.
A waiter asks another lady customer what she would like to eat.
She says "I'll have what shes having".

andyr · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 Jul 2003, 09:57 pm »

Thanks, Malcolm. It's just that I like Mae "Is that a gun in yore pocket or are you just happy to see me?" West ... whereas Meg (whiney) Ryan leaves me cold!

Regards,

Andy