[Carlman]

Yes, I think you need a degree in 'subanomics' to get a sub to integrate well... and I do not have such a degree.

I decided if I move to a bigger room later, I'll get bigger speakers.

[zybar]

Well, the latest part of the saga continues and it's looking more and more like the combo I will keep is all TacT gear.  This may be no surprise but I stayed objective as I compared the TacT 2150, Butler 2-channel, and Nuforce Ref 9 amps this weekend.  

The Butler is such a nice sounding amp but not quite punchy enough for me.  The TacT sounds more like the AKSA where it just seems effortless and with gobs in reserve for dynamics.  The TacT excels in PRAT, detail and impact.  The Butler had a little swee ...

Welcome to the TacT owners club.

Check out the various yahoo groups around TacT gear.  It is informational and entertaining.

You'll know what I mean when you start reading the posts...

George

[zybar]

Yes, I think you need a degree in 'subanomics' to get a sub to integrate well... and I do not have such a degree.

I decided if I move to a bigger room later, I'll get bigger speakers.

With the TacT you just need a degree in "TacTilly"!  

Once you understand how the TacT works and do a manual correction for a bug in the software, it actualy isn't too hard to belnd the subs perfectly.

I used to have people come over and swear that the Larger subs weren't on and that all the sound was coming from the RM 40's.

George

[Carlman]

Just a quick update.... I made a couple of tweaks and re-did my measurements again... and got the system really 'dialed-in' this morning.  It's one of those "OK, now don't touch ANYthing" moments... I'm hearing deep into the music with no fatigue, a LOT of emotional impact, and musical enjoyment.

It's like I've found the 'magic combo' that is yielding a truly world class sound.  
Here's the magical combo:

Audio PC, filled with FLAC files on a Seagate hard drive;
-EAC to rip to .flac
-Foobar for playback with 'soft clipping' being the only DSP piece selected
-44.1k digital output from M-Audio Delta DIO soundcard

TacT 2.0S (fed by Audio PC soundcard)
-Preamp and DAC
-Digitally outputting 192k (important)

TacT 2150S (fed by TacT 2.0S at 192k on digital input)
-Set at full volume, 0db of gain (6db sounds good too)

Gregg Straley's speaker cables
Digital IC's are Dan Banquier's recipe for IC's using Belden 8422, which *don't* sound as good to me as Analysis Plus' digital cable.
(*=edited due to later, more careful comparison)

Power:
- Porter Port AC receptacle on dedicated line:
- Power strip with 2 Audience 'hot-to-neutral .47uF 600V in parallel caps using all Belden 83802 wire, feeding the 2.0s preamp.  
- The 2150s is plugged directly into the Porter Port/dedicated line and uses a Volex cable. *will change to 83802 when I get some time.

- Non-dedicated outlet on separate circuit feeding Audio PC via Belden 83802 power cord with 2 Auricaps plugged into it.

Usher X-718's modified by Response Audio w/ oil impregnated caps

Room setup
- Measured and re-measured to ensure speakers and listening position were centered (they had gotten WAY off over the past few months).
- Adjusted tow-in for maximum soundstage depth with good tone and imaging all balanced.
- Moved 2 panels to rear corners, making semi-bass-trap type things.
Added curtains (light chenille, not very sound absorptive)
- Ensured 2 panels were at primary reflection points
*Soon to come: French doors for the sound room!  I'll likely hang some dense fiberglass panels on the inside and treat the opposite wall with the same.  ahhhh... that'll be so nice.  


If you add all these parts, they add up to RESOLUTION.  If you want impact from a high E string on a guitar and be able to pick out minute details and figure out what they really are, this is it.  What's more is the wonderful soundstage, distinct instrument separation, and natural/real-sounding-ness of it all.... I'm just stunned.

[lonewolfny42]

Well Carl, looks like your done for now...I'm happy it worked out for you !! So...get those dance'in shoes on....

In a month or so, I hope to have the AKSA back....how about a return to it's birthplace for a listen ? I know its been awhile. [/list:u]
Chris[/list:u]

[Carlman]

Thanks for the invite Mr. Wolf!!!

I doubt I could make it up this year... maybe after Christmas, though... I love New England in the winter... I know I'm probably the only one..  

BTW, I need to retract a statement I made about digital IC's not mattering much... They do.  Some of the delicacy and refinement is lost with my cheap-o's..  I went back and re-compared with all things being equal... and it's just not as good.  I hate it when things that don't make sense turn out to be true.

So, now I'll be trying some various digital IC's... when will it end?

-C

[AKSA]

Guys,

It's sounding to me like the AKSA is really something to beat, even against the modern PWM amps like the TaCT.  Maybe it grows on you, like a good friend, I'm pleased about that......

But why did you sell your AKSA, Carl?  This always bemused me?  Wolfy, would you ever sell yours?

Cheers,

Hugh

[zybar]

Wolfy, would you ever sell yours?

Cheers,

Hugh

Chris doesn't sell gear, he just buys more and lends it out to AC members.  

George

[lonewolfny42]

Wolfy, would you ever sell yours?

Cheers,

Hugh

Chris doesn't sell gear, he just buys more and lends it out to AC members.  

George

....can't fool George...

I enjoy the AKSA 100N+...a very good all around amp Hugh...and no, I would never sell it !! It's been out on "loan" since my Rave in May, but I hope to go and get it soon. The year has gone by so fast, and I've been so busy....I can't believe its almost December. The AKSA is one of my favorite amps...and again I have Carl to thank for building it for me...    [/list:u]
Chris[/list:u]

[Carlman]

Hey Hugh... In my quest for a compact and simple system, I made a mistake.  If I knew then what I know now, I would've kept the AKSA and just bought the TacT preamp.

I would've bought another AKSA recently if I had the time to build it.  I don't think I've ever directly compared the AKSA to the TacT amp but I'd be interested to hear it sometime if it could work out that way.

I'd say the AKSA is as good as it gets less than 4,k USD.  I haven't heard a lot of 4,k+ amps so, that's where I have to end my comparisons.  It's surprisingly bottomless for a 100w amp, is smooth yet lively, detailed, and sounds like music.

What I've found through this hobby is I'm always learning.  Things are so 'trial and error' with hifi.  That's a bit frustrating.  I'm happy where I am now, though... and will likely keep things the same for a while.

-C

[ctviggen]

Carlman,

Are you open for questions regarding the Aksa?  I'm contemplating building one next year for my second system.  I might have an SB2 (which I'd get modded) directly to the Aksa.  It'd be a simple, but versatile system.  Alternatively, I could keep my Creek integrated and use it as a preamp (which would allow me to focus improvements on the preamp section).  That's probably the route I'd take, as it'd allow me to add things like TV, radio, etc. to the upstairs.

[Carlman]

Bob,
I don't know the output impedance of the Squeezebox and I'm not particularly versed in what works/doesn't work in a non-preamp'd system.  So, while I'm open for questions, I likely don't know the answers.

However, I think it might be a good idea to invite yourself to a NY Rave where Chris/Lonewolf and his AKSA will be around to hear/experiment with the Squeezebox directly connected.  That way you can hear the whole thing and make some real determinations.

-C

[ctviggen]

I just meant for building the AKSA.  You know, questions like, "where did you get your case?"  As for the NY rave, I haven't been able to get to those for a while.  My list of things to do is long right now -- I'm trying to winterize my house, and the weather has been helping me.