Since people will likely ask... I will have information on consulting services offered by Joe in regards to tube amp mods and repairs as well as vinyl rips. Stay tuned for more information, but you can email me in the interim if interested.
I've always considered myself a passionate audiophile - that is, until I see videos like this. This is intense stuff, highly technical and for people who know what they're doing. Me, I keep it simple. Two speakers (ADS 1230s), one power amp (Quad 405) and one preamp (Nakamichi 410). But I admire people like this guy who knows how to assemble such an impressive system.
Yeah those autoformers are badass. Transformers in place of interstage & coupling caps on the amps. Dampening on the open baffles. Seperate amps for seperate drivers & frequency's. No crosstalk or strain on any amp or driver. Attention to noise at every level. And then just the quality of every component. My man has his system dialed in. Pretty freakin' cool. Thanks for sharing 👍 I love my RME
This was a fantastic video. My brother and I visited Joe earlier this year and saw all of this gear. I was lucky enough to purchase a pair of Joe's customized Audio Note Kit Interstage 300B Parallel Monoblocks with C-Core Interstage and C-Core Output transformers. I play them on my NX-Tremes and they sound unbelievable. Joe also helped me fix a problem with my PrimaLuna EVO 400 pre-amp that two trips back to the service center couldn't fix. He's the real deal. I also use the Kirmuss system, so this was a real joy to watch.
Very impressed also with the attention to detail that Joe brings to his manufacturing. The video does not do justice to what we learned as to how he builds his amplifiers. One amp per driver. Hand wound silver wire. Jeff Rowlands as well as Julian Margules and Kevin Haynes would all agree his design methodology is sound.
You could not meet a kinder and more passionate person about music as Joe. Could also consider him as a historian as well. Wealth of information that he shared with us.
This guy must be a bachelor. He has audio gear and albums everywhere. His hi-fi setup should sound great. He is retired, and this Hi-Fi hobby will keep him mentally occupied for years to come and he will live for many more years to come.
@@AudiophileJunkie My wife is a lifelong quilter. Her crap is everywhere, so she doesn't bellyache about my stuff. Whoever gets to an open piece of real estate first is the winner. The loser simply says, ''Nice move. I'll get you next time.'' 😄
This is for lack of a better term the Major Leagues of Audio, what an amazing collection of equipment, anyone that is in this hobby and is honest will be humbled by this level of audio achievement, thank you for sharing this video!
I have found that transformers in the signal path can dampen the dynamics, and there are a lot of them in this system. But its the whole system that mattes, so the transformers might be helping offset a issue somewhere else. He has built an amazing system!
Everything has a set of trade-offs, but it's usually not just one part that matters... It's how that part fits into the design goals and synergy with the rest of the product and other gear.
Nice to watch ! Nice guys. I'm curious how the signal with so many speaker cables and amplifiers finally arrive exactly at the same time at the speaker.
Fantastic video Jason-san. What genius and devotion....Loved every second...I was considering buying an uber high end TT and arms but these guys blew my mind process and I'm now reconsidering a TT with 2 linear tracking arms for mono and stereo carts.... I wish his friend spoke more about brands of tables/arms and mentioning which phono stage he used. Can't wait to hear some tunes. Thanks!
During Covid I was able to pick up a new Sony PS X800 linear tracking turntable. To us vinyl nuts, the lacquer is cut using a lathe with linear tracking. Granted we who had the Studer Revox linear tracking turntables ran into issues if we did not perform constant maintenance. Got rid of my Revox decades ago, went through Thorens, VPI, Oracke, Acoustic Signatures, all to replace them with the Sony. Technics, Denon, then Sony came out with linear tracking turntables. My Sony has 6 micromotors handling the movement. It was the last of this generation. As a side bar, there are many linear trackers where the record is spun vertically. Have reservations on the latter but as everyone knows I use test records in my analysis of the many cleaning processes out there for records. This along with spectrum and frequency analyzers. My Linear tracker is always spot on. No need for alignment tools . Some disagree and say where the cartridge rocks. As Joe mentioned, not the case. Added, no issues with the lathe cutting the lacquer. I bought my linear tracking turntable during lock down from SkyFi audio. Got rid of everything else except my Technics SL1200 and Kenwood direct drive P28.
If that’s his listening room then that’s a problem. That needs acoustic treatment and the right speaker is next to the wall. Very cool setup but he’d get so much mileage out of about $3000 worth of acoustic treatments and maybe a different room. I appreciate the setup. I have some similar crazy stuff with DIY subs, and SDA speakers, and I plan on home rolling ART.
There is a chapter about the room acoustics in the video. I would likely only recommend ceiling treatments based on what I was hearing, but it already was better than 99% of the rooms I visit. You should be able to tell just from our voices on the video.
Pro audio drivers, my bread and butter for my job, been trying for years to tell audiophiles what they should be using, amps with dsp too, keep the signal digital so far up the chain as you can, or use digital dsp crossovers😊, IZotope I use daily too… and RME, welcome to the world of professional sound engineers 😂
Correct - the SE version which has the RIAA built in. Can now eliminate a phono preamp. There's no electronics like NO electronics. Highly recommend the RME for what I'm doing. Good luck.
Ortofon 2m is not even remotely close to information overload. Cool stuff and amazing commitment, but their are many layers of the onion yet to be peeled for synergy . An awesome passionate pursuit for sure.
This is holy grail gear, the real deal the OG of the OG. Not just throwing money around at companies but doing it proper. ( this setup and who built it encompass everything about the hobby that makes me happy and none of the BS and name dropping)
That's a very cozy looking room with tons of stuff that acts as diffusion. I wonder, though, how much better his system would sound in a dedicated acoustically perfect room.
All I can say is, oh my dear God! I love those men! Those men posses unparalleled passion! And I consider this extremely rare experience, a true privilege! Thank you 🌹
Not a bad idea... When I used Dynamat, I covered the annoying branding with a layer of copper tape which looked pretty cool, but sometimes the naked look of what's been done is cool too. The Dynamat showing fits with the rest of his highly modded vibe.
You might be surprised, but it would likely take a formal consulting arrangement for his time and intellectual property as I'm sure you can understand. I actually anticipated this and created a link for engaging him in consulting if it's something that interests you.
Does that hat make it sound better? things have always sounded more clear when I cup my ears with my hands... I considered making some sort of satellite hat... i never considered a cowboy hat lol
Music in the 50’s sounds better than music recorded today. Mics micing practice tape recording so many differences that explain the great sound. Live or studio recordings often show live is better.
I don't get how this is esoteric. The gentleman is a purist. I definitely applaud his efforts. I kinda wish i saw more people try out twisted pair cables. They really do help and there's actual science behind it.
@@AudiophileJunkie @AudiophileJunkie How many people have the kind of funds to afford this kind of system or similar? Anyone who is willing to invest thousands to millions of dollars into anything should be expected to at least do a bit of research or hire out a consultant who would be knowledgeable. It shouldn't be esoteric to an audiophile being my point.
I don't think you're familiar with the average audiophile. Not even 1% of audiophiles with the same budget in their system would do what you see in Joe's room or have the knowledge even if they wanted to. That's the epitome of esoteric.
Pretty amazing, and way beyond what I have interest in doing. I'm sure it sounds amazing, but as I've come to understand, how you like to hear things is all personal taste. This is all very interesting knowledge however, and as a studio guy, with very little interest in vinyl, I 've placed myself in the linear side of the conversation. I know lots of people really don't like it and call it too sterile. I call it the truth. The closest part I can relate too hear is having an Ortofon 2M cart!
I'm not a vinyl guy either, but as I linked in the pinned comment, they are creating superior versions of our favorite music on vinyl from a dynamic range standing, so ripping vinyl like Joe does can make sense for those interested in the advantages of both formats.
Holy Frijoles...This literally leaves me speechless Other than completely frying my brain, I didn't know Hitachi made a good turntable?! If this guy owned one, I guess they did..
Hey amazing video - very informative. Can you find out or talk about the nook + solid state combo that stores his files. I am very interested in that as it could solve a lot of problems for me.
Interesting video. Impressive skills on those amps. One query… when you guys are chatting there’s a very obvious reverb in the room. Have you any plans to resolve this?
Actually the reverb was quite low even when standing up talking and closer to ceiling reflections. He might benefit a bit by ceiling treatments, but at the listening position it was quite dead room. There's always stuff you can do to get better symmetry and bass traps, but the room is already at a decent level of diminishing returns.
Very interesting video. I love the vinyl rips too (my TH-cam channel is about 95% of very good vinyl rips, 4K / AAC 192kbps, usually from 24/96 FLAC 0, with a few from 24/192 FLAC 0). The pity is that TH-cam uses too much normalization, which spoils the sound, especially with complex recordings such as orchestral ones. On Vimeo, the compression is much lower and the same AAC 192kbps sounds better.
Whoa. We all have our own journey to audio nirvana. This room would drive me insane. Like being in an unorganized thrift store. Way overstimulating. I’d never be able to just enjoy the passion of music with all this going on.
It's a one of a kind system which is ironically the thing that makes it special. It's not for everybody, but you can't just duplicate it with off the shelf products.
@@AudiophileJunkie Oh it’s clearly a one off system and I appreciate you sharing it with us. It is overly complicated and the whole vibe is one of disarray. I’m sure technically it sounds fine. But the whole environment is one that would be hard to relax in and truly enjoy music.
You could obviously claim diminishing returns, but that's not what this hobby is about for many. They want to get the best possible for their budget and will either DIY or get others to help them get that extra 1,2, 5% of performance that is satisfying to achieve.
I'm impressed. But one question. He has replaced his phono stage with the RME. How is that removing a component and making the signal path simpler? To me he has just exchanged one analog component for a digital one.
The TT is only used to digitize records. Records only get played one time. Previously I used a K&K Maxxed Out Phono Pre-amp (an excellent unit) which had the RIAA curves built in, which then passed the signal to an RME for digitizing, but this unit did not have the RIAA curves built in. But now the new RME SE does have the RIAA in it, so I don't need the phono pre-amp unit any more. Gain is not quite as high, but not a problem as I can adjust gain in the digital domain with iZotope, the software used for recording and editing.
WOW, this system is on a whole different level!! BTW, how does his set-up/ listening experience compare to say/ for example a pair of ELAC Debut Reference speakers & Nad C356Bee and $20 Crutchfield Speaker cable (Ha, Ha)
What I have always thought for turntables heavy low friction bearing platters linear tracking tone arms the best wire for transfer of tiny signals out. Also least number of tube gain stages and interstage transformers. Maybe I might get AMT. I had them but traded for Beveridge Model 3 electrostats. Where do I get these interstage transformers?
While I respect this guy's passion looks like an absolute mess to me. Just my opinion. I'm also not digging the two components on top of the small DAC. That's quite a bit of weight that that thing probably shouldn't have on top of it
There was a part in the video about the room acoustics...even a separate chapter. Did you hear any problems in our voices in the room? Have you listened to some TH-cam videos shot in their listening room even with treatments?
@@dihydrotestosterone I understand your point of view & a lot of the time you may be correct. Plenty of rooms that don't need room treatment though. Directivity with a lack of side reflection or speakers with the appropriate side reflection (walls or whatever) don't need treatment. Really just depends on the room & speakers.
@@dihydrotestosterone .I feel sorry for audiophiles who decide to pay for fancy big dedicated for listening room and than pay for treatmennt which solves only part of big issues.
Great system really . Funny side is that listening to this probably goes as per this scenario: Hey, personal assistant,let's go listening some music. Then... personal assistant power up tweeters- Check. Power up midrange drivers- Check. Power up... After 10 minutes ... Al powered up ,lets wait optimal temperature of lamps at least 30 monutes...
You're probably right... It's an effort just to start a listening session from scratch, but it's likely an endearing part of the process for someone into this level of customization. This type of system is not for every audiophile.
A real hobbyist for sure but as others have said this is a bachelor pad! Not in my home. Charles is a trip, passionate dude and one of the best schtick in the biz. Not a fan of dead rooms ever!
Perhaps you an clarify something: It strikes me that he has gone extreme in some departments but is a bit under-weighted in others - for example the rather low end speakers and DAC he has in the system. Do you agree and how does that strike you?
The DAC isn't low end... Maybe in cost, but is competitive with most things out there. The speakers aren't my favorite, but he's modified them and added subs such that he gets the full range performance you need from drivers. Then he can adjust the sound with his own crossover to get performance in-room better than most off the shelf speakers. Frankly the only thing he needs is a Bacch to adjust for crosstalk and frequency response issues that can't be done to the same precision with just parts and crossover mods to account for all room issues. I know he spoke to Edgar for over an hour about his unique playback in J River and other software which would require a Bacch ADIO to best suit his needs, so when the budget allows, that may be next.
Interesting setup. But to be frank, bookshelves with books do not diffuse. Without true and properly setup room treatment (along with centering the speakers L to R in the room), you're never going to get the most out of any system.
I would be also interested to see the tools , workshop for metal machining, steel/metal plates and shelf full of spare parts and knobs which are hard to see in stores and all those details which are usualy not applicable after prototype is finished.
@@Mikexception Other than some drilling, chassis punching and occasional nibbling, the original chassis are used. The Red amps being used began life as Eico HF-30 monoblocks, manufactured very late 50's up to 1960 or so. Exceptional output transformers. Other than the chassis, the OPT and the quad of output tubes it has nothing in common with the original amp. It operates in push-pull triode, fully balanced, no feedback, deep class A. Two stage amp with 5687 front-end driving two Soviet 6P145P-EV output tubes per side through a Lundahl LL1660S NC (nanocrystal) interstage transformer. About 18 watts each driving the 95dB efficient 12-inch midranges. No coupling caps used. Extreme resolution without harshness. Red amps drive the mid-range from 1300 Hz and below. The Sun amp (2A3-40 directly heated triodes) also is a class A, two stage with Lundahl nanocrystal interstage. No coupling caps. Handles frequencies from 1300 Hz and above driving the Beyma Air Motion Transformers - 102dB efficient. The Sun amp has all Tamura transformers and chokes. Each amp is dedicated to its own driver in the modified Spatial X5 by direct connection with Iconoclast Gen 2 speaker cables. No inductors are used in the crossovers.
LOL..don't be a hater...He's doing rips to digital that are more advanced than virtually anyone else is doing which often gives you better than streaming results.
I get the sentiment and appreciate the feedback, but it's a more complex equation why I do it. First...It's much better than TH-cam CC that takes up too much screen space and doesn't do well with audiophile names and jargon. A huge percentage of people can't watch with the sound on unless in a quiet space or wearing headphones. Second..Many of my overseas viewers appreciate the written text so they can digest it easier. Third ...everything I film is raw and authentic... It's not scripted, produced, or planned. I don't carry around lapel mics and frankly don't like their sound. There are plenty of channels with heavy editing, b-roll, and tons of pre-production if that's your preference. Totally understand if you do, but that's not part of my ethos for this channel.
The autoformers independently attenuate the highs and lows on left and right sides - thus allowing the matching of different amps with different gain levels. Every driver in the system has its own gain control. No preamp is used in this system. Further on the crossover - uses all Miflex copper caps and Charcroft Z-foil resistors. No inductors.
Some of the recording we'll be playing in subsequent videos were much older and analog recorded. Unfortunately, even though I'm a digital guy, the reality is that even many modern recordings that were mastered digitally have better dynamic range on the LP compared to streaming. It's a topic for a video I have planned soon. Thus, ripping the often superior LP to digital while removing the surface noise can potentially give you the best of both worlds like Joe is doing.
The main thing is this guy's listening the proper way. He has his shoes off. Not that it makes a difference in the sound, it just feels more relaxing. I also listen this way after a long day at work.
Comparing the sound of vinyl to the sound of CDs (or digital) has too many variable, to be able to draw a conclusion. Of course, one will always sound better than the other, on a song-by-song basis. So a conclusion of which sounds better can be made. But the reason one sounds better is complicated. And even when one sounds better, it might not sound better in every aspect. So why does vinyl sound better than digital, or vice versa? The biggest factor will nearly always be on how the studio did their job. There are countless songs, from the exact same recording session, that are available on multiple CDs or digital downloads (original release, re-master, re-re-master, anthology, greatest hits, one hit wonders, best of, and endless compilations), and almost without exception, those various CDs will have varying sound quality. Why? Who knows? But someone at the studio is at the controls and they are changing the sound quality from one CD to the next CD, for the exact same studio session recording of a song. I do not mean that two identical CD titles will sound different. I am saying that the same song will nearly always sound different between the original release and the greatest hits release and the anthology release, etc. Sometimes, some of the songs will sound identical, from one CD title to the next CD title. But more often than not, the sound quality will vary. The above happens with vinyl, too. For example, the only way to get the best sound quality from The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, is with the German pressing. The only way to get the best sound quality from Led Zeppelin II, is with the hot cut, RL / SS pressing. So if you are comparing a vinyl pressing of Magical Mystery Tour to the CD, then whether or not you are using a German pressing will determine the results of your listening test. And even when you have the right stamper code for a vinyl pressing, each pressing will not sound exactly the same as another one with the same stamper code. So there are endless combinations of comparing vinyl to digital. So when people evaluate a vinyl pressing to a CD... then depending on the pressing, and depending on the CD, the results will vary significantly. And we have not even touched on the turntable, tone-arm, cartridge, phono-amp, DAC, transport, interconnects (between the turntable and phono-amp, and between the transport and DAC). And then there is the noise that even the best CD players / DACs feed back into the electrical circuit, which a quality power cord will address. And there is also the turntable set-up, which has to be done by someone with both experience, and a good ear (and have the right tools, which few people have -- such as for setting the azimuth of the stylus). I have heard stellar great digital, and stellar great vinyl. The best I have ever heard was at a high-end store, where they were using Clearaudio's Goldfinger cartridge on a wildly good Led Zeppelin pressing, a wildly good Abbey Road pressing, and a Wildly good Black Sabbath (first album) pressing. As amazing as some digital I have heard was, that Goldfinger cartridge on those white host stamper pressings was just better. It was so good, that my eyes and ears were arguing over whether or not I was in the room with the band. Those songs had laser-like focus, and realism that was scary.
This is useless for 99.9% of us. I know no one who can build their own gear or mod or change the sound of a speaker. We buy stuff we like because of how it sounds, all mods do is change the sound and one that you better hope you like, change in audio is easy, and tweaks are a dime a dozen they all change the sound like 4 hard apples would if you put them under a preamp for instance. Buy the way all instrument's bodies vibrate. But enjoyed the video.
Do you buy stuff off the shelf that sounds perfect to you? Did you get tremendous value buying it that way? Most people say "no" to both of those questions in the hobby, so Joe dedicated the time to get better performance and value.
Many others find value in them... Overseas viewers with language barrier and even USA viewers who like certain brand names and references spelled out that they never heard before. Plus when multiple people are talking at different volumes, it helps people understand what's being said important. On top of that, TH-cam CC is terrible with audiophile spelling and jargon... taking up too much of the screen.... Etc It's fine though if you don't like it. There are plenty channels who only provide the audio.
What is his email address? I wish I could buy a certain album transcribed that is not available on CD. He might already own it. Musical Bass & Transient Test Record.
ANYONE can go to a high-end audio show in Chicago, LA or NYC.. AND SEE AND HEAR these systems for yourself. The room here is less than ideal in many ways, and whatever claims to the best are an absolute joke. Not saying he or she or I are better, but I'm not pushing bs with the 'best' claims in the title here.
You are triggered quite easily and "imaginarily"...There is no use of the word "best" anywhere. If you watched the video, I never said it was the best system either. I even mentioned not being a fan of the stock Spatials. You can't tell how a room sounds by looking at it. I used to think that was the case, but unless it's something obvious like tile floors with no rugs and floor to ceiling windows as walls, it's a very complex equation. No room is perfect and I GUARANTEE with 100% certainty I can go into ANY dealership charging FAR more than the gear you see in this video and see measurements of their rooms that NOT the "BEST". I would take a chill pill before running to your keyboard triggered by nothing factual and/or figure out what REALLY bothered you. Why are you so in favor of an off the shelf dealer system versus what this guy is doing with a combination of dealer gear and mods? You think what you buy at the dealer with distributor and mfg markup too is getting you the "BEST" possible sound and value???
What is he trying to "re produce" when music isn't recorded to any level of accuracy. Ever... ever... ever. It can't be. I get he loves his hobby. This is impressive, but for the love of gawd, this has zero effect on the audio" reproduction." I always laugh at the hundreds of thousands of dollars (millions) spent on these intense builds. Yet, they pule this gear on the floor or books and benches. 😅 bro can't spend a few bucks and build a wall unit?😂 Hey, you be you...
What's not widely understood is that when you have high quality, high efficiency speakers it opens a whole new world of possibilities where you can have low power amplifiers of exceptionally high quality. It allows you get into tube amps with class A circuitry, single ended directly heated triodes or push-pull triodes. Very pure sound. For someone who, like me, grew up building amps, it's not difficult to modify old amps which happened to have really, really good output transformers. With well designed circuits and quality resistors and capacitors (which are better now than decades ago) super high-quality amps can be built. Lastly, and critically, are the tubes. Currently manufactured tubes are not of the same quality as those made from the 40's to the 60's. Best tubes were from the US, UK, Holland and Germany. Also very good are the Soviet era military tubes, but not current issue (in general). NOS tubes can be had for a price, but there's not a sufficient supply for today's audio manufacturers for full production runs. Which is why the amps I build for my own purposes and satisfaction, (and others like me) are one of a kind and unobtainable in the marketplace. Mainstream manufacturers, generally, cannot replicate them because of the parts costs (silver wire, tantalum and Z-foil resistors, film caps, nanocrystal interstage transformers, etc.) - but more importantly because of the time it takes. My time is free to me. This is obviously a broad explanation and there are some good units out there, but they will be very expensive. Joe.
These are the guys who buy a Bugatti Veyron and then feel the need to rebuild it so it will go fast(er). These are they guys to whom music is an inconvenience which gets in the way of them listening to their system. These are the guys who will never, ever, ever be happy with what they hear. These are the guys who spent so much on 'nanocrystal interstages' that they can't afford shoes or trousers which reach their ankles. These are the guys who don't need another 'upgrade' or another 'improvement' = they need a psychiatrist. 33 minutes. Not a single song, album or composition are ever mentioned. Not one.
You're triggered, but totally confused and ran to your keyboard too quick to emotionally vomit. He didn't spend anything near an analogy to a Bugatti. In fact, he eschewed looks for what's inside... and mods to a very modestly priced speaker that is more like a Toyota...and electronics like vintage cars. He also doesn't constantly change gear and buy a new toy for himself like many who are wowed by a fancy chassis, gauges, and whatever is "new". He's literally just taking what he has and making it better... in his opinion...on everything from recording to speakers to electronics. You can still make fun of it if you want, but when most people read them...they realize it says more about the person writing them than what the words literally say.
I saw this completely opposite than you, nice little simple amps, complexly configured that's for sure, with very little power, connected to ordinary open baffle speakers. Loved this video.
Altough you overexpressed it it is something I also can't get over. I am about the same age and I sacrificed in my life about 70% of my free from obligations time to electroacoustic.I estabished 30 years ago own production big speaker audio company and invented two exclusive own patents. When I realised that people have different tastes and hopes I gave it up. Now I would not follow presented path because my goal was always not the best gear but best sound. Easy job in building only hard to invent how to . I can have no gear at all if I can hear what I am convinced is just right. And to my conscius I've got it right - it is almost 100% DIY full gear with all possible sources , DIY tube SE amp with tone controls and exact loudnes correction (I implemented also not found anywhere else futures) , two sets 5 speakers each in unusual configuration of 3 (sealed, horn and damping curtain) acoustic systems and i confirmed to myself that for me nothing else can beat it . Most important it all could be placed in one multi purpose room. I consider it it is as perfect as it is in my real conditions only possible and it makes me happy listening of everything I want. . I have music for month long playing 16/24, my one 6" reel of tape plays for me 12 hrs and have spare parts to service everything - to my amplifier I have 6 sets of spare end tubes. . Why to have so much more?
I have almost an hour of music clips still to come from this home and system...including many old recordings ripped to digital from vinyl and analog tape. Almost none of it is the stereotypical audiophile stuff either....stay tuned.
Lol.. We all know who Fremer is. He actually calls JR and Charles who I featured on my channel. You might want to ask him who he gets his advice from on certain things and realize the pedigree of my experts in the area.
@@AudiophileJunkie J.R. Boisclair is a turntable expert, Charles Kirmuss is not. Charles has good info on record cleaning. Everything he says here about tangential tracking arms versus pivoted arms is complete nonsense and were he saying that on my channel I'd challenge him directly, which is what you should have done though I'm not certain you possess the knowledge base to do so-and that's not a knock on you! Also, his claims about digital recording are equally specious and I don't know why he continues to say that. I called him out on that during the Making Vinyl Hollywood event a few years ago. Charles had some involvement in digital security camera recording, which he admitted to me after claiming he "invented digital recording" on stage before a room full of people. If you wish to have a serious discussion about the problems related to tangential tracking tonearms I'd be happy to do that on your channel and refute Charles' nonsensical pronouncements so your viewers aren't left with wrong ideas and information. I like Charles and his record cleaning products and consider him a friend but here he greatly oversteps his boundaries and you know what friends are for.....feel free to contact me at michael@trackingangle.com
Ironically, JR was just at my home a couple days ago after Charles left and I brought up this linear tracking perspective with him, so yes...I know there are competing philosophies and even in the video mentioned others are welcome to chime in because I knew it would be controversial. I'm no expert in this area, but I like to let people share their opinions while also providing opportunities for anyone to counter such opinions. I'm sure JR would like to do something, but I'll reach out to you as well so each side can give a complete perspective on the topic.
@trackingangle929 .Michael and I disagree about linear tracking tonarms. If they were not any good why would Clearaudio come out with a new one several years ago. Added where Joe in his transcriptions use it. Mor linear trackers released. There is a following. I recall where little was known about record restoration versus cleaning. Mike Knowles of Alphason who was recognized as the grandfather of the modern day tone arm in 1978 also has some input. One of my future innestigations will be a study on linear tracking tonearms and to dispels some myths. So far for those following my work over a decade, .My findings using the scientific methd and commented on by Michael Fremer on records and the like as to cleaning and care canot be refuted. His words. Greatly appreciated. Took years of back and forth. No one has used .microscopy and signal analyzers on linear tracking tonearms. Cannot say more either way. Only analysis will determine the results. Records are cut with a linear tracking lathe. I was laughed at by some as to the premise of a pressing oil that surfaces when the biscuit making the record is pressed. Have some test equipment from Ortofon circa 1970. Stay tuned! Keep those records spinning!
@AudiophileJunkie I will be sharing my research to JR. Have lots of respect for his work and recommend his alignment tools. Will see what we find out. By the way, Stereophile August 15 2004 saw Michael in his review of the Kuzma Air Line linear tracking tone arm and stated with the ideal playback conditions of today which I concur as to records , where he wrote and I quote "where this was one of the two best tonearms he has ever heard. " Linear tangential tonearm.... Joe and I concur as to looking at linear tracking tone arms. We all know of Kuzma. In my research I have found where as JR discovered zenith error correction and his analysis if a cartridge making shims makes even I believe a Lyra cartridge that was not reviewed that favorably by Michael aFremer once corrected sounded very appealing, so I was told. My love of linear tracking tonearms has increased since correction of cartridge zenith errors but more importantly solving the issue of cartridge instability distortions by using a cartridge stabilizer. Fremer and others should retest the likes of the Kuzma Air Linesr Tracking tonearms. I am not as well versed as Fremer and JR but my recent work Edison Cylinders, lathe study and working with Alphason as their representative, seeing improvements in traditional tonearms with cartridge stabilizers has been transposed to the malaligned linear tracker seeing a day to night positive result.
Since people will likely ask... I will have information on consulting services offered by Joe in regards to tube amp mods and repairs as well as vinyl rips. Stay tuned for more information, but you can email me in the interim if interested.
Awesome Video really cool tube amps
I've always considered myself a passionate audiophile - that is, until I see videos like this. This is intense stuff, highly technical and for people who know what they're doing. Me, I keep it simple. Two speakers (ADS 1230s), one power amp (Quad 405) and one preamp (Nakamichi 410). But I admire people like this guy who knows how to assemble such an impressive system.
Yeah those autoformers are badass. Transformers in place of interstage & coupling caps on the amps. Dampening on the open baffles. Seperate amps for seperate drivers & frequency's. No crosstalk or strain on any amp or driver. Attention to noise at every level. And then just the quality of every component.
My man has his system dialed in. Pretty freakin' cool.
Thanks for sharing 👍
I love my RME
Way, way over the top... Thanks for showing.
This was a fantastic video. My brother and I visited Joe earlier this year and saw all of this gear. I was lucky enough to purchase a pair of Joe's customized Audio Note Kit Interstage 300B Parallel Monoblocks with C-Core Interstage and C-Core Output transformers. I play them on my NX-Tremes and they sound unbelievable.
Joe also helped me fix a problem with my PrimaLuna EVO 400 pre-amp that two trips back to the service center couldn't fix. He's the real deal.
I also use the Kirmuss system, so this was a real joy to watch.
Joe WHO?
Very impressed also with the attention to detail that Joe brings to his manufacturing. The video does not do justice to what we learned as to how he builds his amplifiers. One amp per driver. Hand wound silver wire. Jeff Rowlands as well as Julian Margules and Kevin Haynes would all agree his design methodology is sound.
What would a two stage transformer coupled preamplifier cost me? Wish it was a kit.
@@daviddrake6875 Can't help you David. Only do tube amps, not preamps. Joe
How would one be able to get in touch with Joe for a possible repair of my valve preamplifier ?
My mind is officially blown by this dude and his equipment!
Same
You could not meet a kinder and more passionate person about music as Joe. Could also consider him as a historian as well. Wealth of information that he shared with us.
I am a mere apprentice. Totally different league, a world of passion, knowledge. I see you held your own Jason, well done :)
This guy must be a bachelor. He has audio gear and albums everywhere. His hi-fi setup should sound great. He is retired, and this Hi-Fi hobby will keep him mentally occupied for years to come and he will live for many more years to come.
He's actually married and his wife appears in an upcoming video.
@@AudiophileJunkie He has a very understanding wife.
@@AudiophileJunkie This video is very interesting which no one covers. Keep up the good work and off the beat visits and hifi demo.
@@AudiophileJunkie My wife is a lifelong quilter. Her crap is everywhere, so she doesn't bellyache about my stuff. Whoever gets to an open piece of real estate first is the winner. The loser simply says, ''Nice move. I'll get you next time.'' 😄
Always fascinating to learn from guys who know waaay more about these technologies than I will ever know.
Way over the top. My simple system is all I will ever need
This is for lack of a better term the Major Leagues of Audio, what an amazing collection of equipment, anyone that is in this hobby and is honest will be humbled by this level of audio achievement, thank you for sharing this video!
Best audiophile video I've ever watched.
Totally agree! Immersive in every aspect. Glad Jason could make it.
because this about the passion for the hobby not about money and brand names
Amazing
I have found that transformers in the signal path can dampen the dynamics, and there are a lot of them in this system. But its the whole system that mattes, so the transformers might be helping offset a issue somewhere else.
He has built an amazing system!
Everything has a set of trade-offs, but it's usually not just one part that matters... It's how that part fits into the design goals and synergy with the rest of the product and other gear.
I agree about the linier tracking record players. I just wish I could get a hold of one.
Nice to watch ! Nice guys.
I'm curious how the signal with so many speaker cables and amplifiers finally arrive exactly at the same time at the speaker.
Kudos to him- awesome system he has built
Interesting, thx for sharing 👍
Fantastic video Jason-san. What genius and devotion....Loved every second...I was considering buying an uber high end TT and arms but these guys blew my mind process and I'm now reconsidering a TT with 2 linear tracking arms for mono and stereo carts.... I wish his friend spoke more about brands of tables/arms and mentioning which phono stage he used. Can't wait to hear some tunes. Thanks!
Thanks...I'll have more details in the future from the room.
During Covid I was able to pick up a new Sony PS X800 linear tracking turntable. To us vinyl nuts, the lacquer is cut using a lathe with linear tracking. Granted we who had the Studer Revox linear tracking turntables ran into issues if we did not perform constant maintenance. Got rid of my Revox decades ago, went through Thorens, VPI, Oracke, Acoustic Signatures, all to replace them with the Sony.
Technics, Denon, then Sony came out with linear tracking turntables. My Sony has 6 micromotors handling the movement. It was the last of this generation.
As a side bar, there are many linear trackers where the record is spun vertically. Have reservations on the latter but as everyone knows I use test records in my analysis of the many cleaning processes out there for records. This along with spectrum and frequency analyzers. My Linear tracker is always spot on. No need for alignment tools . Some disagree and say where the cartridge rocks. As Joe mentioned, not the case. Added, no issues with the lathe cutting the lacquer.
I bought my linear tracking turntable during lock down from SkyFi audio. Got rid of everything else except my Technics SL1200 and Kenwood direct drive P28.
Amazing system. He should be very proud!
If that’s his listening room then that’s a problem. That needs acoustic treatment and the right speaker is next to the wall.
Very cool setup but he’d get so much mileage out of about $3000 worth of acoustic treatments and maybe a different room.
I appreciate the setup. I have some similar crazy stuff with DIY subs, and SDA speakers, and I plan on home rolling ART.
There is a chapter about the room acoustics in the video. I would likely only recommend ceiling treatments based on what I was hearing, but it already was better than 99% of the rooms I visit. You should be able to tell just from our voices on the video.
Love this. This is what it's all about. Now the kids listen through a phone speaker...what happened?
Pro audio drivers, my bread and butter for my job, been trying for years to tell audiophiles what they should be using, amps with dsp too, keep the signal digital so far up the chain as you can, or use digital dsp crossovers😊, IZotope I use daily too… and RME, welcome to the world of professional sound engineers 😂
As usual. my friend, REVELATORY!!! Thank you so much.
one hell of an endorsement towards RME from an old school analog expert, presumably he's using the ADI-2/4 Pro SE, I think I need to acquire this unit
Correct - the SE version which has the RIAA built in. Can now eliminate a phono preamp. There's no electronics like NO electronics. Highly recommend the RME for what I'm doing. Good luck.
Wow, what a great video and passion of these guys for analog. Can’t wait to hear some music clips, even if just through my headphones.
Ortofon 2m is not even remotely close to information overload. Cool stuff and amazing commitment, but their are many layers of the onion yet to be peeled for synergy . An awesome passionate pursuit for sure.
This is holy grail gear, the real deal the OG of the OG. Not just throwing money around at companies but doing it proper. ( this setup and who built it encompass everything about the hobby that makes me happy and none of the BS and name dropping)
That's a very cozy looking room with tons of stuff that acts as diffusion. I wonder, though, how much better his system would sound in a dedicated acoustically perfect room.
There are always trade-offs but it's often cool to showcase a non-dedicated room that gives great performance.
Very interesting. I enjoyed this video. It's always good to see and hear Charles.👌👍
SunValley (one word). Thus was very interesting. Thanks for posting.
All I can say is, oh my dear God! I love those men! Those men posses unparalleled passion! And I consider this extremely rare experience, a true privilege! Thank you 🌹
Some black felt glued to the back of the dynamat would pretty things up.
Not a bad idea... When I used Dynamat, I covered the annoying branding with a layer of copper tape which looked pretty cool, but sometimes the naked look of what's been done is cool too. The Dynamat showing fits with the rest of his highly modded vibe.
@@AudiophileJunkie Great content . I'd love to have a copy of the tube amp designs he referenced in the video. Doubt that's possible though.
You might be surprised, but it would likely take a formal consulting arrangement for his time and intellectual property as I'm sure you can understand. I actually anticipated this and created a link for engaging him in consulting if it's something that interests you.
He should open a online shop. Am interested
I'll have details on how to reach him, but he doesn't really sell stuff.
Next level wow!
Does that hat make it sound better? things have always sounded more clear when I cup my ears with my hands... I considered making some sort of satellite hat... i never considered a cowboy hat lol
A cowboy hat makes EVERYTHING sound better and you look better too ;)
Music in the 50’s sounds better than music recorded today. Mics micing practice tape recording so many differences that explain the great sound. Live or studio recordings often show live is better.
Agree!!
Like many of us, this guy is listening to his equipment
I don't get how this is esoteric. The gentleman is a purist. I definitely applaud his efforts. I kinda wish i saw more people try out twisted pair cables. They really do help and there's actual science behind it.
How many people have systems like this and know this stuff? It's literally the definition of "esoteric".
@@AudiophileJunkie @AudiophileJunkie How many people have the kind of funds to afford this kind of system or similar? Anyone who is willing to invest thousands to millions of dollars into anything should be expected to at least do a bit of research or hire out a consultant who would be knowledgeable. It shouldn't be esoteric to an audiophile being my point.
I don't think you're familiar with the average audiophile. Not even 1% of audiophiles with the same budget in their system would do what you see in Joe's room or have the knowledge even if they wanted to. That's the epitome of esoteric.
@@AudiophileJunkie if that's the case, then I can see why there is such a premium on equipment.
Stunning. This is worth watching a few times!
This is Kool AF
Pretty amazing, and way beyond what I have interest in doing. I'm sure it sounds amazing, but as I've come to understand, how you like to hear things is all personal taste. This is all very interesting knowledge however, and as a studio guy, with very little interest in vinyl, I 've placed myself in the linear side of the conversation. I know lots of people really don't like it and call it too sterile. I call it the truth.
The closest part I can relate too hear is having an Ortofon 2M cart!
I'm not a vinyl guy either, but as I linked in the pinned comment, they are creating superior versions of our favorite music on vinyl from a dynamic range standing, so ripping vinyl like Joe does can make sense for those interested in the advantages of both formats.
Holy Frijoles...This literally leaves me speechless Other than completely frying my brain, I didn't know Hitachi made a good turntable?! If this guy owned one, I guess they did..
Hey amazing video - very informative. Can you find out or talk about the nook + solid state combo that stores his files. I am very interested in that as it could solve a lot of problems for me.
Interesting video. Impressive skills on those amps. One query… when you guys are chatting there’s a very obvious reverb in the room. Have you any plans to resolve this?
Actually the reverb was quite low even when standing up talking and closer to ceiling reflections. He might benefit a bit by ceiling treatments, but at the listening position it was quite dead room. There's always stuff you can do to get better symmetry and bass traps, but the room is already at a decent level of diminishing returns.
Very interesting video. I love the vinyl rips too (my TH-cam channel is about 95% of very good vinyl rips, 4K / AAC 192kbps, usually from 24/96 FLAC 0, with a few from 24/192 FLAC 0). The pity is that TH-cam uses too much normalization, which spoils the sound, especially with complex recordings such as orchestral ones. On Vimeo, the compression is much lower and the same AAC 192kbps sounds better.
Whoa. We all have our own journey to audio nirvana. This room would drive me insane. Like being in an unorganized thrift store. Way overstimulating. I’d never be able to just enjoy the passion of music with all this going on.
It's a one of a kind system which is ironically the thing that makes it special. It's not for everybody, but you can't just duplicate it with off the shelf products.
@@AudiophileJunkie Oh it’s clearly a one off system and I appreciate you sharing it with us. It is overly complicated and the whole vibe is one of disarray. I’m sure technically it sounds fine. But the whole environment is one that would be hard to relax in and truly enjoy music.
@@jeffreythurston1822 It's also a library - dead room with lots of mass.
Appreciate the passion….But is this a question of more is less ?
You could obviously claim diminishing returns, but that's not what this hobby is about for many. They want to get the best possible for their budget and will either DIY or get others to help them get that extra 1,2, 5% of performance that is satisfying to achieve.
I'm impressed. But one question. He has replaced his phono stage with the RME. How is that removing a component and making the signal path simpler? To me he has just exchanged one analog component for a digital one.
The TT is only used to digitize records. Records only get played one time. Previously I used a K&K Maxxed Out Phono Pre-amp (an excellent unit) which had the RIAA curves built in, which then passed the signal to an RME for digitizing, but this unit did not have the RIAA curves built in. But now the new RME SE does have the RIAA in it, so I don't need the phono pre-amp unit any more. Gain is not quite as high, but not a problem as I can adjust gain in the digital domain with iZotope, the software used for recording and editing.
WOW, this system is on a whole different level!! BTW, how does his set-up/ listening experience compare to say/ for example a pair of ELAC Debut Reference speakers & Nad C356Bee and $20 Crutchfield Speaker cable (Ha, Ha)
Impressive. What a cool guy and so knowlegdable - was wondering which TT/linear tracking tonearm Charles Kirmuss had? I do not know the V80?
Lots more to come on the linear tracking issue
Was the Japanese last manufactured linear tracker. I can send you some info I have collected
I had the chance to test a Kuzma. The Sony came with their own design.
What I have always thought for turntables heavy low friction bearing platters linear tracking tone arms the best wire for transfer of tiny signals out. Also least number of tube gain stages and interstage transformers. Maybe I might get AMT. I had them but traded for Beveridge Model 3 electrostats. Where do I get these interstage transformers?
Look up Lundahl transformers. Erhard Audio sells them.
While I respect this guy's passion looks like an absolute mess to me. Just my opinion. I'm also not digging the two components on top of the small DAC. That's quite a bit of weight that that thing probably shouldn't have on top of it
Aesthetics are a trade-off many can/will make.
I agree with you.... too many stuff and no room acoustics treatment 😮
There was a part in the video about the room acoustics...even a separate chapter. Did you hear any problems in our voices in the room? Have you listened to some TH-cam videos shot in their listening room even with treatments?
@@dihydrotestosterone I understand your point of view & a lot of the time you may be correct. Plenty of rooms that don't need room treatment though. Directivity with a lack of side reflection or speakers with the appropriate side reflection (walls or whatever) don't need treatment. Really just depends on the room & speakers.
@@dihydrotestosterone .I feel sorry for audiophiles who decide to pay for fancy big dedicated for listening room and than pay for treatmennt which solves only part of big issues.
Great system really . Funny side is that listening to this probably goes as per this scenario: Hey, personal assistant,let's go listening some music. Then... personal assistant power up tweeters- Check. Power up midrange drivers- Check. Power up... After 10 minutes ... Al powered up ,lets wait optimal temperature of lamps at least 30 monutes...
You're probably right... It's an effort just to start a listening session from scratch, but it's likely an endearing part of the process for someone into this level of customization. This type of system is not for every audiophile.
Don't forget asking the tower for takeoff clearance, lol!
I see no Tandberg TD20A Special Equalization tape recorder. I was tech for Otari. But have Tandberg for me.I need the 2 track 15 IPS tapes where?
A real hobbyist for sure but as others have said this is a bachelor pad! Not in my home.
Charles is a trip, passionate dude and one of the best schtick in the biz.
Not a fan of dead rooms ever!
Perhaps you an clarify something: It strikes me that he has gone extreme in some departments but is a bit under-weighted in others - for example the rather low end speakers and DAC he has in the system. Do you agree and how does that strike you?
The DAC isn't low end... Maybe in cost, but is competitive with most things out there. The speakers aren't my favorite, but he's modified them and added subs such that he gets the full range performance you need from drivers. Then he can adjust the sound with his own crossover to get performance in-room better than most off the shelf speakers.
Frankly the only thing he needs is a Bacch to adjust for crosstalk and frequency response issues that can't be done to the same precision with just parts and crossover mods to account for all room issues.
I know he spoke to Edgar for over an hour about his unique playback in J River and other software which would require a Bacch ADIO to best suit his needs, so when the budget allows, that may be next.
Interesting setup. But to be frank, bookshelves with books do not diffuse. Without true and properly setup room treatment (along with centering the speakers L to R in the room), you're never going to get the most out of any system.
Attack on Titan fan as well? Wouldn’t have figured this guy for an anime fan but… 😂
I'm actually a fan 🤠
I bet he uses different grades of sandpaper in the toilet. This one is for a solid dump and this one is for a medium to hard dump. 😂
I would see a therapist if that's what popped up in your mind after watching the video 🤠
Just give this guy a Marantz M1 😂
Cant seem to find any info on the sony v80 turntable that was mentioned.
I googled too and I think Sony X800 was ment
@@Raymondeylook at Sony B80
DIY sounds pheww❤
I would be also interested to see the tools , workshop for metal machining, steel/metal plates and shelf full of spare parts and knobs which are hard to see in stores and all those details which are usualy not applicable after prototype is finished.
@@Mikexception Other than some drilling, chassis punching and occasional nibbling, the original chassis are used. The Red amps being used began life as Eico HF-30 monoblocks, manufactured very late 50's up to 1960 or so. Exceptional output transformers. Other than the chassis, the OPT and the quad of output tubes it has nothing in common with the original amp. It operates in push-pull triode, fully balanced, no feedback, deep class A. Two stage amp with 5687 front-end driving two Soviet 6P145P-EV output tubes per side through a Lundahl LL1660S NC (nanocrystal) interstage transformer. About 18 watts each driving the 95dB efficient 12-inch midranges. No coupling caps used. Extreme resolution without harshness. Red amps drive the mid-range from 1300 Hz and below. The Sun amp (2A3-40 directly heated triodes) also is a class A, two stage with Lundahl nanocrystal interstage. No coupling caps. Handles frequencies from 1300 Hz and above driving the Beyma Air Motion Transformers - 102dB efficient. The Sun amp has all Tamura transformers and chokes. Each amp is dedicated to its own driver in the modified Spatial X5 by direct connection with Iconoclast Gen 2 speaker cables. No inductors are used in the crossovers.
Correction - typo - output tubes are 6P15P-EV.
I’m curious how did he fit in the Lundahl Interstage trafos inside the small chassis of the Sun Audio 2A3 stereo amp.. It’s a tght fit inside there..
I have more footage with internals that may shed light on that question.
If you"re willing to provide your email, will send you pics and schematic
If I had your email I could send you pictures. Joe
Interesting to see a Dinosaur in his natural habitat. GOD bless him !! 🙏
LOL..don't be a hater...He's doing rips to digital that are more advanced than virtually anyone else is doing which often gives you better than streaming results.
That’s just mean lol. I need to hear some clips! Now! Can’t wait to hear this system, even if it is on TH-cam.
Patience...I have so much footage to release still
i don't understand why you force close captioning, very annoying U should try getting higher end mics
I get the sentiment and appreciate the feedback, but it's a more complex equation why I do it.
First...It's much better than TH-cam CC that takes up too much screen space and doesn't do well with audiophile names and jargon. A huge percentage of people can't watch with the sound on unless in a quiet space or wearing headphones.
Second..Many of my overseas viewers appreciate the written text so they can digest it easier.
Third ...everything I film is raw and authentic... It's not scripted, produced, or planned. I don't carry around lapel mics and frankly don't like their sound.
There are plenty of channels with heavy editing, b-roll, and tons of pre-production if that's your preference. Totally understand if you do, but that's not part of my ethos for this channel.
I actually really appreciated the subtitles for learning about atuff and names I hadn’t heard of before.
What electronic crossover is he using?
It's in the video... It's passive autoformers by Slagle
custom built, passive, analog. 12dB/octave, at 1300Hz.
The autoformers independently attenuate the highs and lows on left and right sides - thus allowing the matching of different amps with different gain levels. Every driver in the system has its own gain control. No preamp is used in this system. Further on the crossover - uses all Miflex copper caps and Charcroft Z-foil resistors. No inductors.
Good lord
Great system 2 SEE and hear, but hope to God we are talking about the same things. Just and justly kidding, in deed!
If accuracy is your goal, why buy vinyl when it's recorded digitally??
Some of the recording we'll be playing in subsequent videos were much older and analog recorded.
Unfortunately, even though I'm a digital guy, the reality is that even many modern recordings that were mastered digitally have better dynamic range on the LP compared to streaming. It's a topic for a video I have planned soon.
Thus, ripping the often superior LP to digital while removing the surface noise can potentially give you the best of both worlds like Joe is doing.
Could you make a dynomat sandwich?
For nerds by nerds 😂😂😂😂
The main thing is this guy's listening the proper way. He has his shoes off. Not that it makes a difference in the sound, it just feels more relaxing. I also listen this way after a long day at work.
Proper way is nude...let the bass notes tingle you 😂
Comparing the sound of vinyl to the sound of CDs (or digital) has too many variable, to be able to draw a conclusion.
Of course, one will always sound better than the other, on a song-by-song basis. So a conclusion of which sounds better can be made. But the reason one sounds better is complicated.
And even when one sounds better, it might not sound better in every aspect.
So why does vinyl sound better than digital, or vice versa?
The biggest factor will nearly always be on how the studio did their job.
There are countless songs, from the exact same recording session, that are available on multiple CDs or digital downloads (original release, re-master, re-re-master, anthology, greatest hits, one hit wonders, best of, and endless compilations), and almost without exception, those various CDs will have varying sound quality. Why? Who knows? But someone at the studio is at the controls and they are changing the sound quality from one CD to the next CD, for the exact same studio session recording of a song.
I do not mean that two identical CD titles will sound different. I am saying that the same song will nearly always sound different between the original release and the greatest hits release and the anthology release, etc. Sometimes, some of the songs will sound identical, from one CD title to the next CD title. But more often than not, the sound quality will vary.
The above happens with vinyl, too. For example, the only way to get the best sound quality from The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, is with the German pressing.
The only way to get the best sound quality from Led Zeppelin II, is with the hot cut, RL / SS pressing.
So if you are comparing a vinyl pressing of Magical Mystery Tour to the CD, then whether or not you are using a German pressing will determine the results of your listening test.
And even when you have the right stamper code for a vinyl pressing, each pressing will not sound exactly the same as another one with the same stamper code.
So there are endless combinations of comparing vinyl to digital. So when people evaluate a vinyl pressing to a CD... then depending on the pressing, and depending on the CD, the results will vary significantly.
And we have not even touched on the turntable, tone-arm, cartridge, phono-amp, DAC, transport, interconnects (between the turntable and phono-amp, and between the transport and DAC).
And then there is the noise that even the best CD players / DACs feed back into the electrical circuit, which a quality power cord will address. And there is also the turntable set-up, which has to be done by someone with both experience, and a good ear (and have the right tools, which few people have -- such as for setting the azimuth of the stylus).
I have heard stellar great digital, and stellar great vinyl.
The best I have ever heard was at a high-end store, where they were using Clearaudio's Goldfinger cartridge on a wildly good Led Zeppelin pressing, a wildly good Abbey Road pressing, and a Wildly good Black Sabbath (first album) pressing. As amazing as some digital I have heard was, that Goldfinger cartridge on those white host stamper pressings was just better. It was so good, that my eyes and ears were arguing over whether or not I was in the room with the band. Those songs had laser-like focus, and realism that was scary.
This is useless for 99.9% of us. I know no one who can build their own gear or mod or change the sound of a speaker. We buy stuff we like because of how it sounds, all mods do is change the sound and one that you better hope you like, change in audio is easy, and tweaks are a dime a dozen they all change the sound like 4 hard apples would if you put them under a preamp for instance. Buy the way all instrument's bodies vibrate. But enjoyed the video.
Do you buy stuff off the shelf that sounds perfect to you? Did you get tremendous value buying it that way? Most people say "no" to both of those questions in the hobby, so Joe dedicated the time to get better performance and value.
JOE WHO?
I'll have info on how to reach him in the near future.
I'm feckin sick of these subtitles that one can't cancel. It happens on so many videos. Why do them? If one wants subs, there's a CC button.
Many others find value in them... Overseas viewers with language barrier and even USA viewers who like certain brand names and references spelled out that they never heard before. Plus when multiple people are talking at different volumes, it helps people understand what's being said important.
On top of that, TH-cam CC is terrible with audiophile spelling and jargon... taking up too much of the screen.... Etc
It's fine though if you don't like it. There are plenty channels who only provide the audio.
Such a basic DAC with no apparent upgrades. I’m surprised. But he’s operating on a mid budget spread widely across his own labour and knowledge.
A Holo May Kitsune a basic DAC?? Really?
Tube gear sitting on top of a REL sub = opportunities misunderstood.
I bet he is single 😂
His wife appears in the video I just released
What is his email address? I wish I could buy a certain album transcribed that is not available on CD. He might already own it. Musical Bass & Transient Test Record.
Stay tuned...I posted a pinned comment about details to come plus I'll have more videos on this system.
What album are you looking for?
@@allaboutthedrama1 M & K Bottom End Musical Bass & Transient Test Record Volume ll
@@geickmei Unfortunately don't have that one.
I could tell that this guy doesn’t have a wife.
He actually does
ANYONE can go to a high-end audio show in Chicago, LA or NYC.. AND SEE AND HEAR these systems for yourself. The room here is less than ideal in many ways, and whatever claims to the best are an absolute joke. Not saying he or she or I are better, but I'm not pushing bs with the 'best' claims in the title here.
You are triggered quite easily and "imaginarily"...There is no use of the word "best" anywhere. If you watched the video, I never said it was the best system either. I even mentioned not being a fan of the stock Spatials. You can't tell how a room sounds by looking at it. I used to think that was the case, but unless it's something obvious like tile floors with no rugs and floor to ceiling windows as walls, it's a very complex equation.
No room is perfect and I GUARANTEE with 100% certainty I can go into ANY dealership charging FAR more than the gear you see in this video and see measurements of their rooms that NOT the "BEST". I would take a chill pill before running to your keyboard triggered by nothing factual and/or figure out what REALLY bothered you.
Why are you so in favor of an off the shelf dealer system versus what this guy is doing with a combination of dealer gear and mods? You think what you buy at the dealer with distributor and mfg markup too is getting you the "BEST" possible sound and value???
What is he trying to "re produce" when music isn't recorded to any level of accuracy. Ever... ever... ever. It can't be.
I get he loves his hobby. This is impressive, but for the love of gawd, this has zero effect on the audio" reproduction."
I always laugh at the hundreds of thousands of dollars (millions) spent on these intense builds. Yet, they pule this gear on the floor or books and benches. 😅 bro can't spend a few bucks and build a wall unit?😂
Hey, you be you...
He has too much money.
How much do you have?
It's a hobby or passion for him. For some, it's watches. Others maybe passionate about cooking. Your passion is probably in a different direction.
What's not widely understood is that when you have high quality, high efficiency speakers it opens a whole new world of possibilities where you can have low power amplifiers of exceptionally high quality. It allows you get into tube amps with class A circuitry, single ended directly heated triodes or push-pull triodes. Very pure sound. For someone who, like me, grew up building amps, it's not difficult to modify old amps which happened to have really, really good output transformers. With well designed circuits and quality resistors and capacitors (which are better now than decades ago) super high-quality amps can be built. Lastly, and critically, are the tubes. Currently manufactured tubes are not of the same quality as those made from the 40's to the 60's. Best tubes were from the US, UK, Holland and Germany. Also very good are the Soviet era military tubes, but not current issue (in general). NOS tubes can be had for a price, but there's not a sufficient supply for today's audio manufacturers for full production runs. Which is why the amps I build for my own purposes and satisfaction, (and others like me) are one of a kind and unobtainable in the marketplace. Mainstream manufacturers, generally, cannot replicate them because of the parts costs (silver wire, tantalum and Z-foil resistors, film caps, nanocrystal interstage transformers, etc.) - but more importantly because of the time it takes. My time is free to me. This is obviously a broad explanation and there are some good units out there, but they will be very expensive. Joe.
These are the guys who buy a Bugatti Veyron and then feel the need to rebuild it so it will go fast(er). These are they guys to whom music is an inconvenience which gets in the way of them listening to their system. These are the guys who will never, ever, ever be happy with what they hear. These are the guys who spent so much on 'nanocrystal interstages' that they can't afford shoes or trousers which reach their ankles. These are the guys who don't need another 'upgrade' or another 'improvement' = they need a psychiatrist. 33 minutes. Not a single song, album or composition are ever mentioned. Not one.
You're triggered, but totally confused and ran to your keyboard too quick to emotionally vomit. He didn't spend anything near an analogy to a Bugatti. In fact, he eschewed looks for what's inside... and mods to a very modestly priced speaker that is more like a Toyota...and electronics like vintage cars.
He also doesn't constantly change gear and buy a new toy for himself like many who are wowed by a fancy chassis, gauges, and whatever is "new". He's literally just taking what he has and making it better... in his opinion...on everything from recording to speakers to electronics.
You can still make fun of it if you want, but when most people read them...they realize it says more about the person writing them than what the words literally say.
I saw this completely opposite than you, nice little simple amps, complexly configured that's for sure, with very little power, connected to ordinary open baffle speakers. Loved this video.
Altough you overexpressed it it is something I also can't get over. I am about the same age and I sacrificed in my life about 70% of my free from obligations time to electroacoustic.I estabished 30 years ago own production big speaker audio company and invented two exclusive own patents. When I realised that people have different tastes and hopes I gave it up.
Now I would not follow presented path because my goal was always not the best gear but best sound. Easy job in building only hard to invent how to . I can have no gear at all if I can hear what I am convinced is just right.
And to my conscius I've got it right - it is almost 100% DIY full gear with all possible sources , DIY tube SE amp with tone controls and exact loudnes correction (I implemented also not found anywhere else futures) , two sets 5 speakers each in unusual configuration of 3 (sealed, horn and damping curtain) acoustic systems and i confirmed to myself that for me nothing else can beat it . Most important it all could be placed in one multi purpose room.
I consider it it is as perfect as it is in my real conditions only possible and it makes me happy listening of everything I want. . I have music for month long playing 16/24, my one 6" reel of tape plays for me 12 hrs and have spare parts to service everything - to my amplifier I have 6 sets of spare end tubes. . Why to have so much more?
Not bringing music into the discussion is really a problem shared by some but not the majority of audio enthusiasts....
I have almost an hour of music clips still to come from this home and system...including many old recordings ripped to digital from vinyl and analog tape. Almost none of it is the stereotypical audiophile stuff either....stay tuned.
I don't want to see an audiophile system like that, It's ugly. I'm sure it sounds OK but its ugliness is overwhelming.
There are plenty of brands that focus on aesthetics and fancy chassis you can buy. Nobody is saying this is for everyone.
agree i don't get why people listen with their eyes not with their ears...but great video
No, the GOD and Vinyl authority is Micheal Fremer, look him up...
Lol.. We all know who Fremer is. He actually calls JR and Charles who I featured on my channel. You might want to ask him who he gets his advice from on certain things and realize the pedigree of my experts in the area.
@@AudiophileJunkie J.R. Boisclair is a turntable expert, Charles Kirmuss is not. Charles has good info on record cleaning. Everything he says here about tangential tracking arms versus pivoted arms is complete nonsense and were he saying that on my channel I'd challenge him directly, which is what you should have done though I'm not certain you possess the knowledge base to do so-and that's not a knock on you! Also, his claims about digital recording are equally specious and I don't know why he continues to say that. I called him out on that during the Making Vinyl Hollywood event a few years ago. Charles had some involvement in digital security camera recording, which he admitted to me after claiming he "invented digital recording" on stage before a room full of people. If you wish to have a serious discussion about the problems related to tangential tracking tonearms I'd be happy to do that on your channel and refute Charles' nonsensical pronouncements so your viewers aren't left with wrong ideas and information. I like Charles and his record cleaning products and consider him a friend but here he greatly oversteps his boundaries and you know what friends are for.....feel free to contact me at michael@trackingangle.com
Ironically, JR was just at my home a couple days ago after Charles left and I brought up this linear tracking perspective with him, so yes...I know there are competing philosophies and even in the video mentioned others are welcome to chime in because I knew it would be controversial.
I'm no expert in this area, but I like to let people share their opinions while also providing opportunities for anyone to counter such opinions. I'm sure JR would like to do something, but I'll reach out to you as well so each side can give a complete perspective on the topic.
@trackingangle929 .Michael and I disagree about linear tracking tonarms. If they were not any good why would Clearaudio come out with a new one several years ago. Added where Joe in his transcriptions use it. Mor linear trackers released. There is a following.
I recall where little was known about record restoration versus cleaning. Mike Knowles of Alphason who was recognized as the grandfather of the modern day tone arm in 1978 also has some input.
One of my future innestigations will be a study on linear tracking tonearms and to dispels some myths. So far for those following my work over a decade, .My findings using the scientific methd and commented on by Michael Fremer on records and the like as to cleaning and care canot be refuted. His words. Greatly appreciated. Took years of back and forth.
No one has used .microscopy and signal analyzers on linear tracking tonearms.
Cannot say more either way. Only analysis will determine the results.
Records are cut with a linear tracking lathe.
I was laughed at by some as to the premise of a pressing oil that surfaces when the biscuit making the record is pressed.
Have some test equipment from Ortofon circa 1970. Stay tuned!
Keep those records spinning!
@AudiophileJunkie I will be sharing my research to JR. Have lots of respect for his work and recommend his alignment tools. Will see what we find out.
By the way, Stereophile August 15 2004 saw Michael in his review of the Kuzma Air Line linear tracking tone arm and stated with the ideal playback conditions of today which I concur as to records , where he wrote and I quote "where this was one of the two best tonearms he has ever heard. "
Linear tangential tonearm.... Joe and I concur as to looking at linear tracking tone arms.
We all know of Kuzma. In my research I have found where as JR discovered zenith error correction and his analysis if a cartridge making shims makes even I believe a Lyra cartridge that was not reviewed that favorably by Michael aFremer once corrected sounded very appealing, so I was told.
My love of linear tracking tonearms has increased since correction of cartridge zenith errors but more importantly solving the issue of cartridge instability distortions by using a cartridge stabilizer. Fremer and others should retest the likes of the Kuzma Air Linesr Tracking tonearms.
I am not as well versed as Fremer and JR but my recent work Edison Cylinders, lathe study and working with Alphason as their representative, seeing improvements in traditional tonearms with cartridge stabilizers has been transposed to the malaligned linear tracker seeing a day to night positive result.
This guy has thousands of dollars of audio equipment and has one of the worst setup rooms for listening to audio file music What a waste😂
The room is actually quite dead and sonics are very good. Don't see how it's possible for this opinion to be expressed as you've never been there.
25:45 it’s a great room and it’s explained.
Anechoic frequency response of a speaker matters far more than the room it's in. Not a waste
Right! The room isn't even close to symmetrical! Soundstage has to be a complete mess.
Id guess he has used a dsp mike/room readout… he doesnt strike me as shy of technology