[mkrawcz]

Just tried this set up for the first time on these speakers. Fosi ZA3 in mono mode powered by a pair of Flyinsky linear power supplies. These power supplies really take any of these class D amps to a new level. These speakers reveal it all.

[Tyson]

Yes, really good planar drivers have 2 qualities rarely heard together - an absolute microscope in terms of resolution.  And inherently musical sound.  So you hear everything.  But it never tips over into unpleasantness.

[mkrawcz]

So I settled in Duelund JDM tinned copper bypass caps on the tweeter circuit. The current electronics setup is: Holo Audio Red streamer->Flyinsky R2R AD1816 NOS Tube DAC (Using NOS National 7DJ8 output tube)->Benchmark DAC3L(just using it as a preamp)->VTV Purifi monoblocks w/Staccato OSH-DHa opamps. The Holo Red and tube DAC combo sounds amazing.

[mkrawcz]

Yes, really good planar drivers have 2 qualities rarely heard together - an absolute microscope in terms of resolution.  And inherently musical sound.  So you hear everything.  But it never tips over into unpleasantness.

It remains absolutely coherent and natural sounding while being the most revealing speakers I have ever heard. There is no edgeness to them, they stay smooth. Can't wait to get the stands down to Danny. Will probably make a pilgrimage to Iowa Park personally for this one. The addition of the M165 stand will require a whole new crossover and that one will be ALL Duelund.

[mkrawcz]

Yup, PSAudio BHK300s win over everything with these speakers.

[goggle1824]

Hahaha, yikes! $$$

Overall Champ is different than the best Bang for the Buck champ though (right?), and by roughly how much? 🤔😅👏🏼

[mkrawcz]

Hahaha, yikes! $$$

Overall Champ is different than the best Bang for the Buck champ though (right?), and by roughly how much? 🤔😅👏🏼

I could be happy with the Zenductors, but those won’t work for every speaker.

[goggle1824]

That is really good news for those who may have “interest” in such things (😎😇😅).

What are the primary differences you are hearing and how big are those differences?
Because the price differences are pretty significant.

And not at all saying that those differences are or are not “worth it,” but rather, I’ve just learned at this point in this hobby to always try to have some relevant context. 🤔👍🏼

[mkrawcz]

That is really good news for those who may have “interest” in such things (😎😇😅).

What are the primary differences you are hearing and how big are those differences?
Because the price differences are pretty significant.

And not at all saying that those differences are or are not “worth it,” but rather, I’ve just learned at this point in this hobby to always try to have some relevant context. 🤔👍🏼

The BHKs offer slightly more soundstage depth, better center image, and more dynamics. But it's really the synergy between the amp and preamp. Something about that matching PS Audio combo just works. Everyone's opinions are different though. We all listen for different things which is why demoing before buying is important. The price difference is very subjective, and everyone is going to hear the difference and have a different opinion on whether the price is worth it. I've owned the PS Audios for over 6 years and that was before I got into DIY. There is a lot of enjoyment to be had from DIY electronics and many of them match or beat very expensive gear. Most of the Nelson Pass DIY offerings are right up there at the top for me.

[goggle1824]

Thank you for your thoughts on this. I very much appreciate people willing to share their experiences and insights on all of this, there is so much to account for and so many variables that can have impact.

After 15 yrs of being fairly “into” this hobby, my approach has evolved into essentially;  read, watch and listen to others who have been here longer and have more experience than me, and try to learn from their (i.e. - your) experiences and apply those to my choices to see what I align with and “adds” to what I’m currently chasing.

I have found that in almost ALL cases (99.98%) the folks I have reached out to have been VERY generous and helpful with their willingness to share info, experiences and their earned knowledge.

It has become a very enjoyable part of my participation in the hobby.

[mkrawcz]

Here is my reference setup for the Superminis. PS Audio Powerplant 15 > Holo Audio Red streamer > ANK 2.1 signature (Duelund caps) > PS Audio PMG Signature preamp > PS Audio BHK 300 monoblocks. Having a good time right now.

[mkrawcz]

Just got the M165 stands finally. Initial dry fit. Will glue these up today and get some drivers in them tomorrow to begin measuring and active crossover tweaking.

[Tyson]

Oh, drivers on the side.  Interesting.  Both sides or only one?

[mkrawcz]

Oh, drivers on the side.  Interesting.  Both sides or only one?

Both sides. 4 M165 drivers each speaker. Like the NX Oticas except in wedge formation.

[Tyson]

Wow.  I own the NX-Oticas (for my HT setup downstairs) and the bass on them is pretty incredible.  That bass section combined with a planar midrange?  Oh that's going to be special. 

[mkrawcz]

Oh that's going to be special.

Yes sir. Since I already have a dspNexus and a base config from Hal, I’m trying it out active. Using a Buckeye Hypex NCx252mp 6ch amp to power the drivers. If I ever get it to Danny for a passive crossover, it’ll be a road trip from NY to TX.

[mkrawcz]

Time to start playing. 

[mkrawcz]

Got everything up and running. Looks like these stands get about 70-80hz usable in my room. So subs are a must. Overall, very good speed and detail.

[nlitworld]

Sounds like a good fit underneath the super mini. What are those rolling off at in your room?

[mkrawcz]

I now have all drivers and both servo subs going through the dspNexus. Subs are perfectly blended. Sounding world class.