[TheChairGuy]

Great points AEA....the differnce with and without my BPT in the picture is HUGE.

Jay, the JVC really is that good....but won't beat everything out there.  Already, LonewolfNY has given up the efforts and found other products more to his liking.  All more money of course, but noted.

Me, I'll either get some of the mods mentioned, or wait until JVC comes thru with another upmarket effort for, umm maybe, $500 US. 

Yum. 

[AphileEarlyAdopter]

ChairGuy,
These Balanced Power Conditioners are pretty good.I think they are based on solid science, than those boutique 'power conditioners' with all kinds of 'magic powders or stones in them.

Jay S,
I got inspired to buying the Music Ring from you. I also like your setup with Tube Pre + Digital Amp+those slinky link wires.  Somehow, the Panasonic seems to be a good combination with my speakers. So no more messing with the setup for now (until the XR70 or newer digital amp models arrive, with better connections etc).

[brj]

Hi ChairGuy!

Great points AEA....the differnce with and without my BPT in the picture is HUGE.

Just for the sake of absolute clarity, I assume this statements means that you get a huge improvement when you plug the JVC into your BPT?

Actaully, that brings up an interesting point... most people claim that plugging amps into the wall and plugging other components (CD/pre-amp/etc.) into the power conditioner produces the best sound.  Usually, however, this recommendation reflects the use of amps with large toroids (that can typically withstand a power surge on their own).  ChairGuy's comment seems to indicate that this recommendation might not be universal when dealing with digital amps.  Has anyone investigated this a bit?

[tubeytubeamp]

It is now paired with a 2 way, 87db efficient Lineaum Tower speakers (rather than the normal 90 db efficient Vandy 1c's)

Chairguy,

Give us more info on the Linaeum towers you picked up off ebay. How are they in comparision to the Vandy's? Which model are they. How do they sound compared to your modded lx-8's?

Dennis

[TheChairGuy]

Yep, brj, I get no compression that I can hear from the BPT-2 (with a few upgrades)...and gobs more silence, separation and everything else filtered thru the BPT, rather than the wall.

Thru the wall, directly, the JVC was no great shakes - I wouldn't be crowing about it at all I think if I had only a wall socket to power it.

The difference is much more dramatic than my other (SS) amps connected in such a fashion vs. wall outlets.  So, I  don't know if this is a universal truth, but may be close to it.

Digi amps and receivers, cheap ones at least, don't have the few dollars budgeted into them from the get-go for RFI-EMI rejection.  That costs a precious few dollars.... that these babies would then miss their price points at the majority of non-audiophile dealers that sell them.  I think the JVC's, Pannys - selling for under $300 - would and do benefit greatly.  I don't know if the Kenwood or Sony ES gear, that sell for more, have better EMI-RFI rejection built in.

[TheChairGuy]

Chairguy,

Give us more info on the Linaeum towers you picked up off ebay. How are they in comparision to the Vandy's? Which model are they. How do they sound compared to your modded lx-8's?

Dennis

Hey Tubey/Dennis,

I adore the Linaeum tweeter....for those that are not aware, the Gallo CDT tweeter is something of an updated (more expensive too, as Radio Shack had them made by the hundreds of thousands in Malaysia so tooling costs were better covered) version of it.  It is simply compressionless, very extended past 20 kHz, eliminates most 'sweet' spots for imaging and requires the simplest of crossovers to integrate into a 2 way designs (the only thing Radio Shack or Linaeum ever offered with the Lineaum tweeter).  I just love them.

They don't work great with heavy metal, but are really addictive with most other music.  I'm 41, not much Judas Priest hits my front end anymore - ya' know?

I have been really pleased with the Optimus LX-8's, but they were compromised by Radio Shack budget constraints (poor cabinetry, crossover and wiring).  I beefed the cabinets and woofers frame) with about 8 lbs. of Plast-i-Clay inside (and out - looks lousy, but audible result was great) and a 7 lbs sandbag on the bottom...and changed out the wire to something beefier.  Taught, tight and very detailed (the tweeter, mostly) but as a floorstander it is lacking in extension.

So, I bought the Lineaum Tower (that is the name of it, made about 1997) for $149.99.  Better cabinet build, way better crossover, looks to be the same Lineaum tweeter as the Shack (but may be a little different from quick lookover).  About 3 lbs. of Plast-i-Clay went in it over the weekend, a sandbag, some bottom spikes...it sounds fabulous.  I'm selling my Vandy 1c's because of it. Simply great music from teeny little 28" tall speakers. 

I bought a couple Tekna-Sonic Acoustic couplers for $80 yesterday...they'll be in the end of the week.  That wil help further with cabinet resonances.  And, of course, another 10 lbs of Plast-i-Clay is on order.  teehee.

Really, the Lineaum stuff is great value...tho modded only with these simple, if time consuming, tweeks.  Out of the box all you get is an amazing tweeter....the rest is so colored you will look elsewhere. I need to hear the Gallo Due and Reference to compare, but I think I am enjoying some of the same great music due to that great tweeter. 

The JVC is absolutely delicious with it - even on FM Radio.

[lonewolfny42]

 Already, LonewolfNY has given up the efforts and found other products more to his liking.  All more money of course, but noted.

Given up ?....I've not given up....just spreading the word !

I enjoy trying lots of things...one was the JVC. It was a good experience. Now on to more listening and more equipement. I'm helping out the economy....being more of a consumer.... [/list:u]
The JVC is the first piece I ever sold...I'm running out of room in my small audio room, so to make way for more equipement , things have to go.[/list:u]
I'd say the JVC goes down as a "best buy" at its price. Now it will move to Chicago , and others will get to hear it and report. And there's no waiting for break in....it's done already. [/list:u]

[tubeytubeamp]

Really, the Lineaum stuff is great value

Chairguy,

Have you heard any of the monopole designs like the Linaeum extreme or some of the recent models from Aurasound?

Dennis

[Jay S]

AEA, thanks!  I think tube pre + digital amp does take advantage of the best of both technologies... though the digital amp designer does view tubes as a source of distortion.  

My digital amp has a torroidal transformer, a built-in power filter at the inletand a decent size capacitor bank.  In spite of that, the improvement to soundstaging in particular was huge when I plugged it into my Blue Circle balanced power supply.  The other guys from the HK audio mafia were around when I tried it (at the end of a long listening session) and we wish we had done it sooner.

[AphileEarlyAdopter]

AEA, thanks!  I think tube pre + digital amp does take advantage of the best of both technologies... though the digital amp designer does view tubes as a source of distortion.  

My digital amp has a torroidal transformer, a built-in power filter at the inletand a decent size capacitor bank.  In spite of that, the improvement to soundstaging in particular was huge when I plugged it into my Blue Circle balanced power supply.  The other guys from the HK audio mafia were around when I tried it (at the end of a long listening session) and we wish we had done it sooner.

Jay,
I am the one who should thank you for inspiring me on the Music Ring. It is a pretty good conditioner. Thank you.
Like ChairGuy says, the soundstage is improved to a very good degree by balanced power conditioners.
BTW, all the warnings about power conditioners and amplifiers does not apply to balanced power conditioners. Unlike other conditioners which can restrict current Balanced Power conditioners only improve the current supply.
The initial impression of my Panasonic was all detail/dynamics but very 2D ('like a cardboard cutout'). But after the power cord and the conditioner it is like a good audiophile amplifier - the soundstage had arrived.

[TheChairGuy]

LoanWolfy, Who's the lucky winner in Chitown?
===============
Tubey Dennis, I'm not at all enthralled with the monopoles I've heard.      Also, I think the latest Lineaums use polypropelene, rether than mylar (or the other way around).  Either way, the new ones don't sound as good as the old ones.

I have not heard any Aurasound stuff, but Green Mountain Audio has a new $2000 speaker that uses a AuraSound 6" underhung woofer.  It's a custom made woof tho...I have not found raw mid-bass drivers available from them to team up the old Linaeum tweeter with the new (great technology - spec at least) AuraSound midbass units.  

They seem to only sell 1,2,3" full range drivers and super heavy duty subwoofers in the US.  All others are OEM only.

A Linaeum tweeter and an Aurasound 6" driver in a inert cabinet with the simplest of crossovers could be potent stuff indeed.  I'm dreaming a bit....  The JVC would indeed be sweet with that pairing I'd think......

[Zero]

Aphile,

Thanks for the informative post.  At some point I may hook this unit up to a decent power conditioner, though it may be awhile..  But it is certainly something to remember!

Guys,

I heard there is a way to bi amp (all channels driven?) with this piece.  Does anyone know how to? These Lsi-7's are bi-wireable.

Cheers,

Sean

[ooheadsoo]

There is an all channel stereo mode.  Enter the DVD mode, hit Suround on the remote until it goes to All Channel Stereo.  It's the last setting before it goes back to Stereo.

[Jay S]

BPT has a wide range of balanced power supplies, but the smaller/cheaper ones are best for source components.  

Transcendent Sound has an 800 or 1000 watt balanced power supply for $399.  It only has 1 outlet but you can hook up an audiophool-approved extension cord to it.  

Of course I like Blue Circle.  The MR1200 seems like the best buy to me, but they also have 800, 1800 and 2400 watt models.  

A good budget solution may be to pick up a used OneAC isolation transformer from eBay.  You won't get balanced power but an isolation transformer will certainly help to filter out junk in the power line.  You will probably spend $50 for a real big transformer!

[ooheadsoo]

Anyone tried the jvc on a furman power conditioner?  I'm curious as to how the furmans compare to the OneAC units.

[Zero]

OoHeadSoo,

edit: Ooops, I had the surrounds disabled.  stupid me!  I've been blonde for the past few weeks, you will have to forgive me!

Thanks!

Sean

edit #2:  Wow!!!!!! What a difference bi-amping makes ! !

[geofstro]

Would an automatic voltage regulator work?

I ask because I have some high quality ones I bought when I lived in Hong Kong. They also act as step down transformers and take 220-240 volts in and provide 220 volt and 110 volt taps. I have 3 models. A 350 watt, a 750 watt and a 1000 watt. The power is halved to the 220 taps, if the 110 tap is used.

I'm figuring the JVC sucks so little juice that the smallest one would be far more than ample.

These same regulators were used by all the high-end dealers in Hong Kong, because you couldn't always rely on getting a full 220 volt over there. I measured only 180 one night after realising my TT was running to slow.

Any benefit for the JVC?

Thanks

geoff

[Jay S]

Geoff,

Could you let me know the brand of voltage regulators you are referring to and how much they cost?  I live in HK and am considering getting a 110v digital receiver from the US.  

Monaco.. cool... I hope you enjoyed the F1 race!

[geofstro]

Jay,

From memory I believe they're the ones made by Matsunaga of Japan. It was back in the late 80's early 90's when I bought them and I'm afraid I can't remember how much they were. Also, I'm sure the models have changed quite a bit since then.

There used to be a great electrical shop in central HK island, not far from the Landmark. It sold these as well as a big selection of tubes. I got mine there.

Some years we watch the F1, other times we go away for that week, since it really takes over the entire town.

They're thinking of having one in London as well. Heh, HK could be a great place for F1. They could race all around the island. I'd love to see that. Does HK still have the best firework display in the world, during Chinese New Year?

Hope it helped.

geoff

[Jay S]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for your reply.  I wonder if you are referring to Wi Wi Tubes, which I believe is on a building on Queens Road Central.  I haven't been there but a friend got some rare Sylvania Gold Brand 5751s there.  There is another tube shop on Bonham Strand, a small street towards the end of Queens Road Central, which I have been to.  They are on the 2nd floor and have tubes on floor to ceiling glass display cases.

In any case, I'll check them out for quality stepdown transformer if/when I get any 110v gear.  I have a balanced power supply and, who knows, the stepdown transformer may provide an extra level of isolation from power line noise... provided the power cord from the stepdown transformer is of good quality and is shielded.  Ideally, it would have an IEC but that may be a lot to ask!

Yes, I can imagine that Monaco totally shuts down during F1 weekend.  HK island is a fun place to drive around when there isn't traffic.  I especially like Cotton Tree Drive, Kennedy Road, Repulse Bay Road, the road from Magazine Gap Road up to the Peak, the road from Repulse Bay to Shek-o...  I had a very fun sports car when I first got to HK.  I rarely got past 2nd gear and spent as much time at high rpm / high G's as possible but, sadly, after 15 months I only managed to drive 800 km and so I sold the car... I've been carless for almost 3 years now... I still go through withdrawal...

Thanks,

- Jay