[jedi35]

Hey guys,

I'm back in town from teaching at Interlochen. Actually, I've been back for a couple of weeks now, and I'm already driving to and from Rolla again. I haven't really had vacation as of yet, but I do plan to get down to see my family in Mississippi before too long. I'm waiting to see if a deal for another car will happen through a dealership down there. They made me an offer on something, but I'm waiting for a better deal. It's so great to be home after 6 weeks in a stripped down dorm room with very thin walls, and an audio system that consisted of my computer, a Walkman, my new Sprint Instinct cell phone, and some very small Radio Shack speakers. It was ok for background sound, but I was very happy to get back to my Monoliths. However, things didn't sound very good when I first got back. The sound was very dry, with the left channel cutting in an out. Even when I managed to get both channels to play, I felt that I was missing quite a bit of midrange, and the right channel still sounded stronger than the left. All sound sources were affected. I tried all the usual trouble shooting methods and at times I thought the problem was solved, but nothing lasted. I remembered that John Blaine told me that my/his Threshold preamp suffered from dirty knobs, and I did have then cleaned before, but maybe they were dirty again. Working the knobs back and forth didn't do any good, so I simply switched out the preamp for my retired Audible Illusions tube hybrid preamp that lay dormant in another room. I hadn't heard this piece with the Monoliths at all.

Not only did this solve the problem, but the AI piece brought a whole new level of tonality, image size, impact, and an incredible sense of ambiance. Front to back spacial cues are off the charts. I just didn't know what I was missing. I grew unhappy with this preamp's performance through my Quest speakers because of too much upper midrange glare, as well as the inconvenience of having to use 2 volume pots(dual mono design) with click stops that didn't allow subtle changes in volume. All of that seems to be magically gone. There is no remote control, but neither is there one for the Threshold. I am rather pleased.

I was hoping to meet the guy who sold me my Monoliths, since he lives in Traverse City, not too far away from Interlochen. However, some things got in the way and we never connected past talking on the phone. Oh well. I've moved the other preamp to my second theater room, and it appears to be doing quite well in that none critical environment. It's getting lots of use, since the main theater projector in the front room is down again. Yes, that happened shortly after the speaker problems started. I was looking forward to having free time at home with big speakers and a big picture. Not to worry, I'm still enjoying hd on a nice Pioneer 53" rear projection monitor, but what luck.

Topping of the list of things that are down is the big Threshold Model 4000 amp, but that was already down before I left. This amp goes down every 3 months or so. It's now at Zaw's shop for repair again. Who knows how long it will take or how much it will cost me this time. I'm just glad that I still have enough amps on hand to continue bi-amping. I'd love to host some small listening get togethers when the big amps are all back in place.

Sorry for the long post, I'm just glad to be back.

Regards,
Adrian

[electricbear]

Glad to hear you made it back safely Adrian.
While you were away I made some changes in my system, I'll need to have you over for a listen.

[steve k]

Welcome back Adrian. Sorry to hear of your foibles with the system. I'm sure the tube pre was a nice surprise though. Give me a call when your free, I'd like to hear your system and vice versa.
steve

[jedi35]

Thanks Tim and Steve,

Yes, I'd love to come over sometime soon. I'd also love some opinions about the Monoliths in my room. Weekends are generally good, since I pretty much don't have a life. Hah hah. I'll be in touch.

Adrian

[bpape]

Welcome back Adrian.  It's always good to get back home again. 

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Bryan

[jedi35]

Hi Bryan,

Thanks a lot. Sorry that I missed your big event. Maybe next time.

Adrian

[thunderbrick]

Adrian, if you are on the S&T campus (as I am), I'd like to talk to you.  I am new to AC.  I have mentored a few Miners re: high end audio, and after a number of years away from it I am back to it and might need some advice.
Thanks,
Bob

[jedi35]

Hey Bob,

Welcome to the club. Send me a PM with your info and I'll try to call when I'm in Rolla. Fair warning, my time is pretty tight for the couple of days a week that I'm there(Mondays and Tuesdays). We'll talk soon.

Adrian

[JLM]

Interlochen is a special place.  An isolated place 30 minutes from Traverse City (wonderful tourist destination), its close to where we camped for years.  Nearly solid, tall, cool forests; sleeping bear dunes; canoeing; wonderful freshwater beaches; and cherries.  Interlochen is a private year round school and summer retreat for musically gifted kids.  The talent there is mindblowing.

Took wifey there a few years back to see Willie Nelson.  The auditorium has open sides, so you can view the lake and the sunset.  The view and smell nearly overwhelmed Willie. 

[jedi35]

JLM,

Yep, Interlochen is beautiful. Actually, it's not just for musicians. There is art, drama, dance, film studies, creative writing, etc. You name it, it's there. That's one of the reasons why the place is so unique.

Adrian