Listening Impression - Shanti's System

[captrajesh]

I am sure all this reads like snake oil to your ears;
However, there is a difference in sound.

Definitely not. I don't know which part of my post made you feel that way. In fact, having heard differences, initially with speaker cables then with interconnects and later with power chords and finally even with digital cables in my own set ups which I kept on upgrading over a period of 3 odd years, I'm a strong proponent of "CABLES MAKE DIFFERENCE" theory. As a result, I've acquired a couple of cables that are quite exotic.

In fact, I have turned a few skeptics into die hard believers after demonstrating the unmistakable differences that cables make. It is a different matter that a few of them continue using their cables, reasons for which could be myriad ranging from budget to lack of inclination and patience to go on a wild goose chase etc.

For me, I was really curious to know what is the difference. I think Arj has shown us a few pointers.

All this is very difficult to write & explain - that is why I never became a 'reviewer' - I cannot express myself in words.

I can understand. However, I admire and respect the knowledge that you have acquired owing to your exposure to exotic set ups and also your perseverance in the quest for better sound.

It has to be lived to be understood.

Fully agree:thumbsup:

The cling film seems like a great way to keep the cable finish pristine

Yes, I found it to be a brilliant idea and hence was intrigued as to what could be the difference. I guess, I need to try out in my own set up to experience it.

 

[Staxxx]

I would like to second the truth that at one point of refinement "it has to be lived to be understood". The differences and improvements (if one can call it that) are very difficult to put into words as they refer to timbre and tonality distinctions and sometimes just the "ease" of presentation that can be very subtle.

The mention of Rockports etc. in your explanation Shanti makes me nostalgic. My dealer used to keep two or three models of the higher end Rockports in his shop and it was one of the best speakers that I have ever heard. My personal turning point came 18 years ago when I heard some beautiful Eggleston speakers weave its magic. I felt I could walk among the musicians of the orchestra. I have had Metronome gear at two different times in my audiophile life - they have a knack of getting instruments just right and like a few great French companies (like Audio Aero) really get digital right IMHO. Some question their build quality, hence I sold the last CD combo I had and eventually got the more robust Esoteric to bring back to India. I was rather surprised at the "difference" in the sound and presentation even among such high-end components.

I noticed in CaptRajesh's post he mentions the various cables that he has found impacting his system. I surprisingly found digital cables (in a SPDIF based system) to have the most obvious impact on my system before speaker cables and interconnects (which I found to be next). Often we do not get the opportunity to try out various digital cables of high quality in an optimized system here (or anywhere), unfortunately, but I definitely recommend some experimentation on that front from personal experience.

As a small matter of interest, the speaker cables I use currently actually have the least amount of shielding of those that I have had before (basically an inert net) and the design seems to work. These particular cables are highly transparent and convey micro-dynamics very well. This appears to be a fairly different concept from the cables I have had in the mid 80s and 90s when shielding was seriously massive and exotic. I still have a Shunyata Anaconda VX cord which is as thick as its name!

 

[arj]

I would like to second the truth that at one point of refinement "it has to be lived to be understood". The differences and improvements (if one can call it that) are very difficult to put into words as they refer to timbre and tonality distinctions and sometimes just the "ease" of presentation that can be very subtle.

The mention of Rockports etc. in your explanation Shanti makes me nostalgic. My dealer used to keep two or three models of the higher end Rockports in his shop and it was one of the best speakers that I have ever heard. My personal turning point came 18 years ago when I heard some beautiful Eggleston speakers weave its magic. I felt I could walk among the musicians of the orchestra. I have had Metronome gear at two different times in my audiophile life - they have a knack of getting instruments just right and like a few great French companies (like Audio Aero) really get digital right IMHO. Some question their build quality, hence I sold the last CD combo I had and eventually got the more robust Esoteric to bring back to India. I was rather surprised at the "difference" in the sound and presentation even among such high-end components.

I noticed in CaptRajesh's post he mentions the various cables that he has found impacting his system. I surprisingly found digital cables (in a SPDIF based system) to have the most obvious impact on my system before speaker cables and interconnects (which I found to be next). Often we do not get the opportunity to try out various digital cables of high quality in an optimized system here (or anywhere), unfortunately, but I definitely recommend some experimentation on that front from personal experience.

As a small matter of interest, the speaker cables I use currently actually have the least amount of shielding of those that I have had before (basically an inert net) and the design seems to work. These particular cables are highly transparent and convey micro-dynamics very well. This appears to be a fairly different concept from the cables I have had in the mid 80s and 90s when shielding was seriously massive and exotic. I still have a Shunyata Anaconda VX cord which is as thick as its name!

Staxxx, i too have found Digital cables to make the maximum impact followed by power cables -especially on digital equipment. ICs and speaker cables follow in that order. shielding is something i do not prefer these days but some cables which carry very low signals like phono cables need it just to keep the noise out.

There is something about french equipment..having lived a couple of years in Paris..had a chance to listen to some equipment and actually returned back with JMR speakers. most french equipment have a subtlety ,a nimbleness and a lot of romance and they get the tone just right. speakers like Muldine or Apertura etc are hardly heard of outside france (unlike cabasse/triangle/JM labs) but have a great local fan following as they differ a lot from the more striking american brands.
The problem with french electronics have always been their reliability though

 

[bhagwan]

Staxxx,
The problem with french electronics have always been their reliability though

100 % spot on.
Jadis is the perfect example...
I too have owned a few French products 7 they were not the most reliable...
Currently I want to buy the Total DAC from Vincent - but I am just not sure about how it is built & how it will last;;;

 

[captrajesh]

I surprisingly found digital cables (in a SPDIF based system) to have the most obvious impact on my system before speaker cables and interconnects (which I found to be next).

i too have found Digital cables to make the maximum impact followed by power cables -especially on digital equipment. ICs and speaker cables follow in that order.

My setups from the beginning to today:

1. Sony Walkman -> Sanyo Cassette Deck + Philips Full Range speakers placed over earthen pots ->

2. Sony Boom box -> Aiwa all in one with wooden speakers ->

3. Denon Integrated + Sony 5 CD Changer + Kenwood 3 way TS ->

4. Marantz CDP + Luxman SS Integrated + Acoustic Portrait 2 way BS ->

5. Marantz CDP + Acoustic Portrait Tube pre - SS Power combo + Cadence Arista TS. Added the Acoustic Portrait DAC in the chain a little later.

I'm now experimenting with tube amps. I had Cayin PP Integrated and now having the Dared PP Integrated. I've noticed the fact that speaker cables make difference in the Denon setup. Then came the discovery about the interconnects in the Luxman set up. About the time I bought the AP DAC, I was experimenting with the Power Chords and figured that they make difference as well. The net is so full of info that digital cables do not make a difference so didn't think of experimenting there. Meanwhile, one of the members was disposing off his exotic setup and I picked up Yamamura Power chord for me and Yamamura SPDIF connector for my friend. As luck would have it, I the SPDIF cable ended up with me as my friend backed out. I introduced it in the chain and was surprised to find that it makes a difference.

In addition to the above, bowing to the diktats of the DIYer in me, I have been experimenting with various DIY gear as well. I had bought a Class D Power amp kit, made a LM3886 chip based Power amp, Pass DIY B1 Buffer preamp, Super Simple Preamp etc. Found that the DIY equipment gives the best bang for the buck provided one knows what one is doing. Figured that not all DIY deals on the net are cost effective.

Thank you for reading my long rant; just wanted to mention about my discoveries in my audio journey.

 

[Staxxx]

Very interesting...rarely come across a Class D (presumably digital control) amp DIYer!!

 

[captrajesh]

rarely come across a Class D (presumably digital control) amp DIYer!!

It is hardly a DIY but for the activities of getting a cabinet made and fixing the fully populated power supply and amplifier boards into the cabinet, connecting the power supply board to the amp module and soldering the necessary wires from the Power switch to the PS board and amp to the RCA plugs and binding posts.

It has no digital control; has a conventional transformer based linear power supply and amplification is done by dual IRF chips using 'Pulse Width Modulation' topology.

This is that kit: http://classdaudio.com/amplifier-kits/cda-254s-kit.html

 

[arj]

The net is so full of info that digital cables do not make a difference so didn't think of experimenting there. Meanwhile, one of the members was disposing off his exotic setup and I picked up Yamamura Power chord for me and Yamamura SPDIF connector for my friend.

Captn, I love this cables too. still use the Limited edition for SPDIF duties and the power chord for my DAC. i do have the 5000 speaker cables too..but recently moved to another one so have this as a backup

BTW which is the Luxman integrated you have..since it is SS i assume it is from the older avatar. have you tried them with your cadence speakers ?

 

[captrajesh]

Captn, I love this cables too. still use the Limited edition for SPDIF duties and the power chord for my DAC. i do have the 5000 speaker cables too..but recently moved to another one so have this as a backup

Nice to know. In my setup, both the cables i.e. the Yamamura Millenium 5000 Power Chord and Yamamura Millenium 6000 Coaxial Cable have made quite a difference to the SQ.

BTW which is the Luxman integrated you have..since it is SS i assume it is from the older avatar. have you tried them with your cadence speakers ?

It was Luxman L80V. It was a great sounding amp but had reliability issues. I gave up on it after taking it to my trusted mechanic Mr. Sayeed for more than half a dozen times. Every time, it would conk off within a week. I didn't get to use it with the Cadence as I had given it away to someone who wanted to restore it. Last heard, he was not able to do much.

 

[Hari Iyer]

Had the opportunity of visiting FM Bhagwan's home and listen to his exotic setup with Tidal Bookshelf speakers last week-end.

But first of all I will thank Mazher for his hospitality provided at his home. He explained to me in detail about the setups including the power line, cables and other gears (DAC, Pre-Amp, Tube Amps etc) too. We had an interesting discussion about speakers, their designs and various aspects of high-end audio. The evening (around 3 hrs) was well spend listening to the Tidal Book shelves using 'Accuton' diamond tweeters and ceramic woofers. The room was a bit small and had serious placement challenges which were handled well by the expert. The Sound stage was too good and the experience was mind-blowing. The mids never over-powered the highs/lows and were seamlessly integrated with the rest of the spectrum. We were satisfied at the end as our goals of meeting were completely met. I was introduced to a +12000 Euro speaker system and with the knowledge of how i should be focusing in my future designs.

Mazher will be visiting later this month to listen to my own creations and give valuable inputs/ feedback on SQ improvement and way head for my designs. I will suggest FM to give a listen to the Tidals if time / location permits and give their own listening impressions. I am sure it will be a time well spent with Mazher.

Cheers,

 

[bhagwan]

Hello Hari !

Thanks for your visit & your post.
It was nice to meet you;

We did spend some time together.

Yes, I do look forward to visiting your place & the other place in Vashi / Vasai [no sure]
I leave it up to you; Make the plan & keep me informed.
Some details about the 'speakers' - TAD i.e.

Tidal Audio Amea Diacera - Signature Black 30mm T & P Diamond & Black Woofer | Monitors | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

TIDAL Amea Diacera

:clapping:

 

[Hari Iyer]

Hello Hari !


Yes, I do look forward to visiting your place & the other place in Vashi / Vasai [no sure]
I leave it up to you; Make the plan & keep me informed.

Thanks. Its Vasai - will keep you informed after fixing the date / time.

 

[pradhan]

Dear Captain how much Yamamura Millenium 6000 Coaxial Cable cost? From where we can get it?

 

[captrajesh]

Dear Captain how much Yamamura Millenium 6000 Coaxial Cable cost? From where we can get it?

OP, Bhagwan & Pradhan, pl excuse me; don't want to clutter the thread with OT. @Pradhan, will PM you.

 

[pradhan]

OP, Bhagwan & Pradhan, pl excuse me; don't want to clutter the thread with OT. @Pradhan, will PM you.

Excuse me ... couldn't get option to pm you ...i am a new to this wonderful forum....

 

[hirukalbloke]

Had the opportunity of visiting FM Bhagwan's home and listen to his exotic setup with Tidal Bookshelf speakers last week-end.

But first of all I will thank Mazher for his hospitality provided at his home. He explained to me in detail about the setups including the power line, cables and other gears (DAC, Pre-Amp, Tube Amps etc) too. We had an interesting discussion about speakers, their designs and various aspects of high-end audio. The evening (around 3 hrs) was well spend listening to the Tidal Book shelves using 'Accuton' diamond tweeters and ceramic woofers. The room was a bit small and had serious placement challenges which were handled well by the expert. The Sound stage was too good and the experience was mind-blowing. The mids never over-powered the highs/lows and were seamlessly integrated with the rest of the spectrum. We were satisfied at the end as our goals of meeting were completely met. I was introduced to a +12000 Euro speaker system and with the knowledge of how i should be focusing in my future designs.

Mazher will be visiting later this month to listen to my own creations and give valuable inputs/ feedback on SQ improvement and way head for my designs. I will suggest FM to give a listen to the Tidals if time / location permits and give their own listening impressions. I am sure it will be a time well spent with Mazher.

Cheers,

Dear Hari Iyer, Given your vast knowledge

and extensive experience could you help me upgrade a pair of monitor speakers, please?
They are large vintage Japanese Hitachi floor standing, with 10" - 4" - 1" dome tweeter in 31" (H) x 14" (W) x 11.5" (D) enclosures. It is clear that the magnets just do not anymore have the ability to produce the dynamic range my Pioneer Elite A/B 7.1 amplifier with 100w/ch RMS gives out.

A bookshelf pair I've built using Peerless India sko130 8ohms 5.25" woofers with sr10dt tweeters give me very satisfactory sound (Beginner's Luck !!???!!!). With critical guidance from Sandip Devasthali, Mumbai - my thanks to him.

With the Hitachi monitors, I get well defined, though not HT thumping bass. Which I don't want in any case as I prefer clear and smooth bass.
But the midrange and the treble need some wise person's assistance !
May I hope that you would be so kind, as to help a fellow audio enthusiast??!!(retired, and 70 - with one ear still very good!!!)

Thanks for your patience, in going through this.
And for all the knowledge you've shared all along. Cheers.

 

[Hari Iyer]

Not able to send you PM. Pls. PM me your email id for communications.

 

[bhagwan]

Front End was updated;
i.e.
Computer Transport was changed - 2 machines were ordered & installed.
They run on J Play Mini Version 5.1

I re-built my 2 computers;

a]
Black
b]
Silver

This will make things easy to understand - I hope

Both Machines have same - In Common
1]
M/B = ASUS Maximus V - Gene
2]
Ram - Cosair Vengence - 8 GB
3]
I-5 3rd gen - Low Heat - top spec processor
4]
SSD Drive - Win 8 - Cossair - GTX 120GB

Now the differences are :-

Silver has no HDD
Has an RME - AES 32 Hammerfall Card - my sound card
No DVD Rom
No Software - except win 8

Black has 10 HDD's - all my 16 + + TB of music is here;
DVD Rom
Win 8
J River
Foobar
J Play - mini 5.1
dB Power Amp - Ripper

Operation :-

I play music via J River - no critical listening in the Black Machine.
The Silver Machine 'hibernates' [basically shuts down] & the music
is played - sent from the RME Card to my DAD Dac.

For Critical Listening - I use the same set up but with J Play Mini.

These alterations have made a big change in my sound - so I feel - hence I just wanted to update the thread;

FM's are welcome for a listen.

 

[cybervinay]

I had the pleasure of listening to Mazhar's system yesterday evening and it was amazing experience. I was on official trip to Mumbai and thought of checking his availability for the evening. He was gracious enough and made himself available.

The setup included Tidal bookshelf, Cadence Tube Power and Allnic Pre-amp

We played different genre of music and first thing I noticed is deep sounstage, wide stereo imaging and clear instrument seperation. Lots of details, nothing harsh to ears even at high volume levels. It was total musical bliss.

One of the nice setup I have heard. Setups like these helps you experience what all can be acheived and give ideas on how to improve one's own system. Evening well spent.

Thank you Bhagwan

 

[bhagwan]

One of the nice setup I have heard.

Setups like these helps you experience what all can be achieved and give ideas on how to improve one's own system.

Evening well spent.

Thank you Bhagwan

Sir,

It was a pleasure to host you;

Most welcome @ my humble house - anytime.

Thanks for your time.

Stay Well & Enjoy Music.

http://www.hifivision.com/sale-owne...c-link-rca-rca-2-0m-interconnect-germany.html

This is the Cable you say @ my place - just to give you an idea..