System pics mkii, reference wiring

 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14978
Registered: Dec-04
I canna seem to post on the previous 'system pics' thread, so opened this one.
I made a pickup this am. Placement needs work, but she is puurdy!

Upload
Upload
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12637
Registered: Feb-05
Looks good, Nuck. More details...
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14985
Registered: Dec-04
Thanks Art, I will get it all a home soon.
Thats the MC402 power amp.
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/mcintosh-mc402-stereo-power-amplifier.asp

I picked it up today, after a week of waiting.

It is, quite literally, a very good Mac on steroids.

And the Gallos will eat the whole amp. Amazing!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14986
Registered: Dec-04
Currently using the MA6900 as a pre, that will change soon.
Looking for a 2200 or 2300 preamp, with balanced outs.

The 6900 really is a wonderful piece of work, it fails nowhere, and to me, it looks real good.
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 641
Registered: Dec-06
Is this the new system pics thread?

Nice amp, Nuck. 400W min - is that all? LOL. Gotta hear some Mac gear one day, I bet it's really sweet. It definitely looks amazing. They've really captured a retro feel but at the same time it looks modern.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14987
Registered: Dec-04
Funny thing is, Dan, that Mac never changed, the times just came back! Not quite like bell-bottoms, but kinda...
Mac has looked like this since 1963. nice.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 445
Registered: Aug-04
Oh Nuck! That's the sh*t right there!

Congratulations! Ssssweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!

You must post your impressions of how it all sounds! You must! Please?
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3817
Registered: May-05
Now that you've got a 400 watt monster, get out and hear some ATCs! When powered right, they're easily the best speaker I've ever heard. Frank didn't like 'em; he described them as dull and uninvolving. That's how the sound without huge power behind them. With 400 Mac watts, they'll sound better than the Mani-2s IMO.

Trust me. Did I steer you wrong when I said get out and hear the BDA-1?
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3039
Registered: Jun-07
Very nice Nuck!!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14989
Registered: Dec-04
Dude, it is very heavy, Mac foot and a 1/2 deep, badass power amp.
Not perfect, by any means, with the 6900 as a pre, but I have the stuff near a load bering wall.
It all sooooo works together.
I have the nasty Dared cables in there now..lets say that I am looking in the bag O' snakes now.

The setup goes very loud, obviously
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3882
Registered: Feb-07
Very, very nice Nuck!

How did you get it out of your trunk?

This amp could have driven the Mani's.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14991
Registered: Dec-04
This amp could power a small automobile.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14992
Registered: Dec-04
Stuie, baby, I dig you on the ATC on power.
But I am getting hammer-holed into a room build, and I have to trust the Gallo delivery that I have going now.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 446
Registered: Aug-04
I'd love to get a MC402 some time towards the end of this year. But I'm already making huge changes to my systems, as it is.

Gone are the Butler TDB 2250 (Well, has been for a while, now), gone is the Vincent SA-T1, gone are both Jamo C807, soon to be gone is the Wharfedale Opus 2.

Here to stay are the McIntosh C220, McIntosh MC252 and I just located a McIntosh C2200 tubed preamp.....brand spanking new, in a never opened, completely still sealed box. Sweeeeet!}

I ordered a pair of the Wharfedale Opus 3 v2 (in that beautiful cherry piano gloss finish), but it won't be in till early August. The cherry finish hasn't been shipped it to the USA. So it's a special order that will take Bob Springston (of Sound Import, LLC) till then to arrive and get them to my dealer.

You can see the Opus 3 v2 in that beautiful cherry piano gloss, here, in this very cool video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCRTLqUzEtA&feature=related

The Wharfedale Opus 3 v2 are the next step up from the Opus 2 models. Each tower has 2-10" bass drivers, the one 3" dome midrange and the 1 1/4" tweeter.

I'm keeping the Jamo C809, Jamo C803, Jamo C607 and Jamo C603. Keeping both the C60 and C80 Center Channels; for now. Depending on what I decide to do with all three systems. Probably going to go to two 2 channel systems and one full HT. But haven't decided on which way to go, yet.

I'm also still considering the Sonus Faber Toy Tower or Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Concert Grand. The Vienna BCG is an one hell of a sweet speaker. But not sure I'm going to need another big boy like that.

With the Jamo C809, Wharfedale Opus 3 v2 and Jamo C607 already in the stable; I'm kind of all full on big towers.

The Sonus Faber Toy Tower may make more sense. Especially price wise, lol. Unless of course the VA BCG some how wins me over and convinces me the Jamo C809 are expendable. Which is going to be a tall order for them to fill; considering the cost of the BCG and how much I love all these Jamo speakers.

Making some changes to HT, too. Looking to replace my Integra prepro. Haven't decided to what yet, though.

The Oppo BDP-83 SE is on the shopping list. Probably very soon.

May try the Emotiva XPA-5 5 channel amp for HT. Since I'm not as nuts about HT as I am about two channel, lol.

Don't see how I can fit in a McIntosh MC402 before the end of the year. Would love to, but man, gonna' be hard.

The C402 would be killer with any of my speakers.

Or maybe just another MC252. That MC252 ain't no slouch, either. That baby is so sweet and it cranks!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3885
Registered: Feb-07
Holy crap NMT. You have some serious gear man.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14993
Registered: Dec-04
I was chasing that C2200 on A-gon too, NMT.
Have to keep looking for a 2200 or 2300.
Waiting on a callback for another Gallo subamp to mono block them.
Then comes the house addition, with proper listening room, finally!
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 447
Registered: Aug-04
I didn't get it off of Audiogon, Nuck.


Not yet, Dave. LOL. Still have more working, waiting and buying to do. Can't wait till I'm finished with it all.

I'm seriously content with the McIntosh preamp and amp combos. Those will stay for years to come. As well, the Van Alstine amp will stay just as long.

Although, I may ask Frank if I could trade in and upgrade my Fet Valve 500, to the current Fet Valve 550 Ultra+, next year.

The C2200, from eveyone I've talked to and all that I've read; was designed to match up with the MC352.

So do I pursue a MC352? Or hold out and save for a MC402? Or just get another MC252?

I'm sure the C2200 will work and match well with the MC402 or MC252. But would be nice to get the amp is was designed to work with.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 14994
Registered: Dec-04
Mac sand amps are interchangeable for mating with a tube pre, IMHO.
The sensitivities are the same, same connectors, same widgets, mostly.
Voicing the 2200 with a 352 or a 402 isn't likely to matter much.
 

Gold Member
Username: Soundgame

Pickering, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1150
Registered: Jun-08
Alls I gots ta say is Man O Mc Nuck....that is one colossus chunk of ear candy if I ever saw one....droolin man, all over....using a whole roll of Bounty to wipe it up. Crap...it's gonna sound fantastic with a tube front end...Congrats@!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15005
Registered: Dec-04
Thanks George.
The photo will be updated this weekend...

 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15006
Registered: Dec-04
UploadUpload

Gonna need more room soon.

This 831 is fresh from the shop with a new pickup, plus a hard to find spare. Dirt cheap. 9.0/10, OBMRPC and battery in the remote(dead), but I have it!


Canada Post, or the Great Pumpkin is due to arrive next week.

Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3899
Registered: Feb-07
Very, very nice Nuck. Those Mac cartons take up some serious real estate.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15007
Registered: Dec-04
I had to break down the outer boxes to fit in the Caddy!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3901
Registered: Feb-07
You know you're doing OK when you have to break down the McIntosh boxes to fit in the back of your Cadillac ;-) Cheers my friend!
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3829
Registered: May-05
Lookin' good Nuck! There's nothing like Mac!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15008
Registered: Dec-04
Thanks, guys.
The player just kinda popped up, and I had to wait 2 months for it, but the guy was fairly straight up.

Stu, you are right, a Mac is just that.
All of the Mac amps that I have run here, and listening closely to a bunch of setups, Mac is as even across the bord as ya get.
For so many products to deliver the same house sound so consistantly, is a good thing, in TO amps.

My only nit is absolute power output. Other amps (Classe) drive longer. This 402 will sound very close to the amp stage of the MA6900, but louder, I sensed no more agression or attack with the 402 over the integrated, which is what I paid for.

The power figure comes from a WOT test against the guard lights.The subamp is 9/10. This amp is one, which finally, can overrun the Gallos. Cleanly.

N.B. this test was conducted with the side window open, my dear neighbor loves most of the music that eminates from here. The volumes involved likely predisposed her to some exposure, possibly in her living room.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12684
Registered: Feb-05
Keeps getting better, Nuck. Looks great too!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15012
Registered: Dec-04
Thanks Art. I guess I just kinda bought into Mac wholesale, not the first guy to do so, with the inevitabal results.
The player will look nice in the stack.
As far as I can tell (all that matters) this is either a shrewd purchase by a guy that has overpaid before, or it could be a call for help.
I love this game!
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3832
Registered: May-05
Nothing wrong in my book with buying wholesale into Mac. The only help you need is getting more time to spend with 'em!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3904
Registered: Feb-07
New pics as requested:

Upload

Upload
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15016
Registered: Dec-04
Nice looking amp, Dave!


Use a coaster...
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3906
Registered: Feb-07
Haha. Took me a second to get that.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3907
Registered: Feb-07
You can see the empty place on the rack under the amp where my CDP should be. This pic was taken back before I got the Jolida back for repairs. Using my Laptop and a cheap DAC as a source. Not nearly as good sounding as the Jolida CDP for sure.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3044
Registered: Jun-07
Nice Nuck!!! Nice David!!

Nuck, whats with MAC Player?lol. If your getting rid of the Bryston DAC I got first dibs. I could use a second one. First though let me set it up via Optical and dial it in for you remotely for a fair comparison. Get off the USB crap.lol hehe

David- Hows it sound compared to the Jolida? I see those used for under a grand on CAM and they seem to review well.

Nuck, lift with your legs man...lift with your legs.lol.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3908
Registered: Feb-07
The Jolida had tighter bass, but was less resolved. The new GF blows the Jolida out of the water as far as build concern goes. It's much heftier and solid feeling. The stock tubes that come with the GF are bottom of the barrel (as opposed to the tubes that came with the Jolida - they were actually quite good), and this may be a limiting factor.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12686
Registered: Feb-05
Nice pics, David...keep at it. As Nuck said, do some experimenting with the GF before you get choose the next level up.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3910
Registered: Feb-07
I may incrementally upgrade the tubes, assuming the unit survives it's initial break-in period.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15019
Registered: Dec-04
Nick, that is an MVP831, an will serve as a pretty back-up player in the stack. Optical and SP/DIF outs, if I happen to find an s-video cable, I will try the dvd player as well.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12687
Registered: Feb-05
There is that.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15020
Registered: Dec-04
I really just bought it on a whim, cheap, but it will match the preamp (on the way).
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3047
Registered: Jun-07
cool stuff. I bet the system is pumping! Cant wait for that pre to come. Wicked!
 

Silver Member
Username: Ezntn

Greeneville, TN

Post Number: 183
Registered: Apr-09
Upload

Rack is finished
40mm extruded aluminum verticals
Gallo subamp resting on Ubatuba Granite base
1.75" solid Maple for the Cary
Saturn is resting on .375" glass
Each section is free standing
Spikes fit into mating discs recessed into 1.75" Maple stands.
Each level isolated with .125" neoprene above & below shelf

Sound quality vastly improved, I am literally surprised by the change

I take requests

apologize for lack of photo quality ... iPhone pic, photobucket manipulated
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3924
Registered: Feb-07
That's a nice amp Bryan. The Cary is on my short list of tube amps to get someday.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12700
Registered: Feb-05
Looks good, Bryan. All level I hope.

David, is that GF I see on Agon.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3927
Registered: Feb-07
It is... I put out there just to see what kinda of bites I get. Listening to it last night for awhile and I'm starting to warm up to it. I left it playing for hours to continue breaking it in, and to my ears, it started sounding a lot better. I also switched to the 4 ohm taps and it actually sounded better.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15036
Registered: Dec-04
Well done Bryan! very good!

Fishing, Dave?
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3930
Registered: Feb-07
Fishing yes, but becoming less interested in doing so.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15044
Registered: Dec-04
I gotta get this stuff sorted out and on a real stand.

Upload

The 6900 is kinda sold, after I put LED's in it.
Upload

Good thing I live alone.

Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3950
Registered: Feb-07
Lots of Mac going on there.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12744
Registered: Feb-05
You do indeed need to get it sorted out and on a stand.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15045
Registered: Dec-04
Now tearing it apart! eep! back strain in my near future.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 448
Registered: Aug-04
Love seeing the Macs!

How's it all sounding, Nuck?
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 449
Registered: Aug-04
I ordered the VTI BL Series 3-Shelf Rack (BL503), last week. With the black posts and gold caps. Supposed to be here today.

http://www.racksandstands.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=VI1000

But I also ordered the VTI BL503 Additional Shelf ( 9" High ), with it. So that gives me eight shelves for components. Or six shelves for components and the top shelf for my 42" Plasma. Depending on what I eventually decide to do with the TV. Either hang it on the wall or place it on the top shelf of the rack. With the extra shelf, it will be roughly 33 to 34" high.

I had consulted with a guy who does custom builds for entertainment centers or racks. And he initially gave me a very generous quote on it. But once I sat down and drew up the design/schematics; he calculated how much wood, time and manhours it would take. And the price almost tripled.

Of course I spent several hours drawing (over a two week period) up the schematics and spent almost two weeks thoroughly thinking it over. The dimensions and design of every aspect and detail is designed to accomodate every individual piece gear's own individual dimensions, provide plenty of ventilation/airflow, allow easy access to cables and dusting/cleaning, accomodate the vertical center channel(C803) and also look good. I really went all out and thoroughly designed it to great detail. So I understand why the price shot up.

But I already have too many balls in the air right now, as I'm making big changes to my systems in terms of amplifiers, preamp processor and so forth: I'm going with mostly Mac gear.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15046
Registered: Dec-04
NMT, you are in the kinda same boat as me.

Lots of people say Mac is too much money and stuff, but man, it...gets...in...your...ears, and blood.

Wait till this badboy is balanced and running in 2 hrs.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 450
Registered: Aug-04
hell yeah, Nuck!!

McIntosh is addictive. It absolutely gets in your blood....goes to your ears and straight....to your heart.

And then, it's all over

I've been buying one piece at a time, for a year now. Takes a while to save for and I've been slowly selling a lot of my other gear.. But it's all worth it in the end.

Comparatively speaking, the McIntosh gear I have really isn't as expensive as a lot of other "Hi-End" gear out there.

BTW, I'm keeping my Rega CD Players
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15048
Registered: Dec-04
A clean and pleasing supply can make any speaker better.
I have played crap speakers to their limits with various Mac's. People are amazed what a cement block or stand, with some good power will do for say, an Atom speaker. Any small speaker, really.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 451
Registered: Aug-04
It's here............
Upload
Upload


The Rack...that is.

The FEDEX guy brought the boxes around back and came to the back door.

Still working. Only had time to take a few quick pics of the boxes, on the back hallway. I'll open it up and start putting it together......later. Maybe tomorrow, at the latest.

And here's one of my Walls Of Gear, as we were getting work done on the house

Upload
Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3951
Registered: Feb-07
You opening your own audio shop there NMT?
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 452
Registered: Aug-04


No, I have three systems in my house and we were having some work done to the house (new carpets and so forth). So I had most of the gear stacked up in one corner and my amps in the closet. No one wanted to stack the MC252 and other amps for me. So had to put those sliders underneath it and push them
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15049
Registered: Dec-04
Familiar malady(melody) known as Mac-back.
Nice storage unit, NMT!

The shipping crates are a bich to store here.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3952
Registered: Feb-07
The downside (if any) of owning Mac.

Where to store the boxes?
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 453
Registered: Aug-04
The attic and we have a reasonably large wooden storage unit outside. So a little here....a little there. Only problem is going to retrieve all the boxes when you need them, to do stuff like put in new carpet.

And of course trying to move the amps around. Man, they are heavy! I can't move that stuff because of my back (car accident). So it helps to have great friends who help. otherwise, I'd be out of luck.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15050
Registered: Dec-04
Well, that's as far as I can go, the player does not fit in the stand.
The stand is glad to be rid of the 90 lb MA6900, but yields little depth to the C46 preamp, which shaves a tad uner 1" in depth. Darn.
Next up is 500lbs. of maple and a French-Canadian guy.



UploadUpload
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12749
Registered: Feb-05
Lookin' improved!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3953
Registered: Feb-07
You need another rack Nuck.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15052
Registered: Dec-04
Thanks, Art. I am tapped for space.
The C46 preamp, fully balanced has made a huge difference in the presentation here.
Everything is just bigger, I am tempted to dial back the mids just a bit, but strong mids and vocals, especially at low volumes are just so effortless, I will just keep the dial in the low green for a while.

I know you didn't like the Gallo's before Art, but you might give them a second listen here when you are in the hood?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12750
Registered: Feb-05
Oh Mr Nuck, I think you misunderstood. That is probably my fault. I like the Gallo's for all of the very good things that they do, much like I appreciate Maggies for all of the fabulous things they do...I don't like Cerwin Vega. Gallo's are great speakers. For my listening I simply prefer DeVore and Harbeth...they fit my needs wonderfully.

I've dialed my system in so well now that it's just heavenly. Whether I'm playing vinyl or digital I get a full sound that is 3 dimensional, with textural detail and accurate timbre around every instrument. Piano is full and percussive, brass starts and stops with wonderful attack and decay as well as the appropriate shimmer in the middle. Different Cymbals are easliy discernable and every percussion instrument has it's own signature sound. Both low level resolution and wide dynamic swings are served with equal panache...this is nearly as good a sound as I've heard in a system. I'm pleased. The cherry on top was the FIM wall receptacles which brought way more improvement than I would have anticipated...good stuff maynard!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15056
Registered: Dec-04
Thats awesome Art!
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 659
Registered: Dec-06
I'm not sure these pics convey just how big the RX2 really is...

Upload

Upload

Upload

Upload
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 660
Registered: Dec-06
And now the PMC...

Upload
Upload
Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 3956
Registered: Feb-07
Nice pics Dan. I'd be really interested in hearing those MA's man!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12779
Registered: Feb-05
I like those PMC's. The Audiolab looks cools as well.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15065
Registered: Dec-04
Good stuff Dan!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4015
Registered: Feb-07
The new SET amp.

Upload

Upload

Upload

Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4016
Registered: Feb-07
and some more!

Upload

Upload

Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4017
Registered: Feb-07
These pics where before I upgraded the EL-34s to Gold Lions and added better 12AX7s. The stock 300 bottles and rectifier seem to good. Good thing, the 300's are rather pricey.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15099
Registered: Dec-04
Good lookin' amp Dave!!!
 

Gold Member
Username: Soundgame

Pickering, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 1162
Registered: Jun-08
Alls I can say Dave is ....smokin'

That baby has got some curves - I'm sure she's hot too. LOL.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4018
Registered: Feb-07
It'll be great in the winter George. It's a space heater.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12859
Registered: Feb-05
Nice pics, David!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4021
Registered: Feb-07
Thanks Art. I l like the one with the tubes a-glowin'.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3074
Registered: Jun-07
Fantastic looking amp David. I bet it sounds smooottthh.
 

Silver Member
Username: Hawkbilly

Nova Scotia Canada

Post Number: 948
Registered: Jul-07
Definitely a looker Dave. If it sounds as good as it looks......
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4023
Registered: Feb-07
It does sound pretty sweet fellas.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15107
Registered: Dec-04
So...the wharfedales are plugged back in, after months in storage here, at my Bro's place.
One speakers is screwed, for some reason.
So I have him using a spare set of Gallo's and brought these back here.
The meter reads .4ohms across the posts, so i take them apart to see.

Upload

Here is the driver, a 7.4" jobbie, with 38oz magnet , carbon fibre cone.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15108
Registered: Dec-04
i cant seem to load any other pics

I have the whole teardown
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15109
Registered: Dec-04
Upload

Her is the XO, mounted straight through the bass driver hole, 2 screws in 4 spaces. The ins power comes from the TB in the bottom, via an unceremonious corner hole straight into the lower chamber. The remaining area is sealed against the lower cab via a cross mounted shelf/brace. Sound good, right? Well...
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15110
Registered: Dec-04
Upload

Here is a near filed of the bracing. There is a 3mm gap with the brace held by glue alone. This knuckles not so very goodlike...

The final issue turned out to be the speaker posts, one was loose enough to twist under thumb pressure and short.
 

Gold Member
Username: Magfan

USA

Post Number: 1267
Registered: Oct-07
So far, so good.
Unless bracing and shelf thickness are simply inadequate or poorly sealed. Is the hole feedthru to the crossover properly sealed?

What else could be wrong? 2 caps. 2 inductors, and a resistor?

And, for all you speaker DIY types out there, the pair of inductors are mounted at right angles to minimize interactions.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15111
Registered: Dec-04
the thru hole is a rough cut, Leo, no porting.
Agreed that the crossover at least follows stable design 2nd order.

The speakers themselves present a bass heavy delivery, with good power handling, and a non-descript .75" tweeter.
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 706
Registered: Dec-06
Hey guys, I took some pics of my new Apollo 35th...posting some pics of my older gear too as they turned out really nice. Especially the pics of the Quad speakers.


Upload

Upload

Upload

Upload
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 707
Registered: Dec-06
Upload

Upload

Upload

Upload

Points go to anyone who can recognize which album is leaning against the wall in the upper right corner of the last pic.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12910
Registered: Feb-05
Nice pics, Dan.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4066
Registered: Feb-07
suh-weet! Nice speakers Dan.

Like the Cambridge gear :-)
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15150
Registered: Dec-04
great pics Dan.
Especially all the stands!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15196
Registered: Dec-04
The mono Gallo amps are now in the middle of the insufficient rack.

Mono active amps have made this setup sound so much different in the bass and lower midbass that I think I am using less power to the subs than before.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15197
Registered: Dec-04
If this forum gives me one more error message for a pic, I will give up.

Brian, for Gawd sakes, can't you go to a less clunky POS?!?

I am begging you brother, please.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4093
Registered: Feb-07
This is really ancient BBS software Nuck. Uses CGI and Perl scripts for the love of dog. I'm surprised it even really works at all.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15198
Registered: Dec-04
Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4094
Registered: Feb-07
I need my magnifying glass.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15199
Registered: Dec-04
Upload
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15200
Registered: Dec-04
Upload
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4095
Registered: Feb-07
Its kinda hard to see. Can you make them bigger, and maybe bump up the resolution?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15201
Registered: Dec-04
You are killing me Dave.
Remember who cooks the ribs this weekend.

This is the setup for now, with mono sub amps, and a lonely MC402 amp. sad, really.

The subamps are via romex 14/3, with the white one flying on both ends, cause it looks like a flag or ice cream colour or something.

The stereo subamps are a revelation in more than the expected way.
Yes, the bass is outstanding, it always was, but this arrangement allows me to dial back the level a bit to expose the mids a little more.
Everything is always flat, of course, but this setup just pushes the lower midbass to new levels, as exposed, and enjoyed with Queen /races, then /Opera.
Just astounding space and depth in my humble hole.

The bass is never (never was) a waste, or a rumble.
The way that these speakers integrate has ever been in question, as evidenced by the several owners here.
The way the Gallo's deliver bass..in very linear fashion,with as sharp as the 24Db XO allows (as selected) is stellar. This is my opinion, it may, or may not, be shared.

When the lunacy and the capabilities are expanded, things get kinda funky.
Running split L/R from the C46 on pre outs to mono bass amps is, really, a blast.
The depth is absolutely amazing, the sound moves with more liquidity than ever before.
The subs are crossed at 50Hz.

this is a completely different animal, and I am Marlin Perkins sending Jim into the fray.

Outstanding.
Fabulous.
big time 'whoa' factor

cool beans.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 469
Registered: Aug-04
Dan L.......

Seven words......

Never stack gear. Get a friggin' rack

But I like the pics! Nice!

Nuck,

What are those two components under the Mac?

Brand/model and what are they? Stereo subamps?
 

Gold Member
Username: Stu_pitt

Irvington, New York USA

Post Number: 3915
Registered: May-05
They're the Anthony Gallo sub woofer amps. Nucko can explain further.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4096
Registered: Feb-07
Hopefully BIL is cooking the ribs.

But your gear is enviable Nuck, that's some serious gear there. I'm getting by with my mid-fi gear right now, but I'm sufficiently satisfied with what I have have.

The new DACMagic is very sweet sounding but had dropped the signal twice tonite over 5 hours listening. Disconcerting? A bit.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 470
Registered: Aug-04
BTW......You guys were so right.

That VTI Rack was a piece of ****.

I hated it. Crooked legs, crooked brass caps on top of the legs. Horrible garbage. I called them up and told them this was unacceptable.

I thought I could live with it for a while, but I couldn't. You were right, they ring like crazy and their build quality is a trainwreck. They sent me a whole replacement BL503 and that one had bent legs and crooked brass caps, too. That was it for me.

I called them up and told them to send FEDEX over here and pick up the garbage and take it out of here.

I got all of my money back. But they only wanted one rack frame back. The only one that wasn't bent.

They didn't even want the dark cherry shelves back.

So I packed all the spikes, all the brass footers and that one rack frame and FEDEX picked it up.

But they don't want the rest of it

So I have to wait for Bulk Garbage Day, before I can put it out with the garbage.

The dark cherry shelves are actually nice. Thin, but nice. So I think I'll keep them and maybe incorporate them into soemthing I have that guy build for me. They're soem kind of high density, s trong MDF with real wood veneers. Would be a shame to toss them in the garbage.

Now I think I'll just save for a while, have that guy build me one and also get one of those SAMSON V.2 or V.3 Rosewood racks, sold by Mapleshade.

I don't want to fiddle around with this cheap rack nonsense, anymore. Waste of time and effort.
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4097
Registered: Feb-07
Wow. Sorry to hear about the rack. At least you're getting money back NMT. Do you have a fireplace? Maybe you can use the shelves as firewood?
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15203
Registered: Dec-04
Lay on the couch,NMT.

The chintzy stand is a standard Quadrispire.

It even held up 110lb Mac, on the top.

Nice stand, not deep enough.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12940
Registered: Feb-05
Craigslist NMT...dump 'em on the list. Somewhere there is someone with a Yorx awaiting an appropriate rack...lol!
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12941
Registered: Feb-05
For gear like mine the Quadraspire is very nice...
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15204
Registered: Dec-04
Don't know about price at all Art, but I shelled 450$ to my door, and figgur thats fine.
The rack looks like a regular diy (albeit with really grippy posts, everyman is He-man), but it just works better than crap stuff.
I have had a lot of weight on the stand, and the spikes pireced the carpet well enough to get some wood underneith, on all 4 points.
Credit Mac for that.
The load is much lighter now, but the foundation is still very solid.

If this stand was on points on a very solid floor, it would still be fine.

For gear like Art's, on a wood floor, the stand would balance and null pretty easily, albeit with 4 feet to adjust.

The quadrispire came int o my room quite by accident, I was drunk and bought it online. It happens.

But since the new stand was replacing a 5/8 of an armoir, which I had hacksawed to fit, I was confident in the upgrade.

I would rather like to try this stand on a solid wood floor.

I recommend the stand for price paid.
 

Gold Member
Username: Magfan

USA

Post Number: 1364
Registered: Oct-07
How you cookin' them ribs?.
I'm from Chicago where it's done right.
Under NO circumstances are ribs to be pre-cooked, like on a stove or boiled or any of that stuff.
Use a dry rub and a real charcoal grill, cooking Indirect. A good smoker is also allowed. But not a cheesy one or ANY gas grill.
Get a standing rib rack. BBQ sauce in my house is a condiment, not something with which to ruin a grill.
I've had the same grill grate on my grill for close to 30 years. And have worn out 2 Webers. Wish I could afford a 'Big Green Egg'.
Optional is a good blast of beer-soaked wood chips....Oak, Mesquite, Apple, Hickory and many other. Also optional would be a good marinade for a couple days before grilling......

Yum Yum

Post a pic! I'm hungry already and will bring the beer.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15207
Registered: Dec-04
Leo, my sis and BIL are national Grand Champions and are invited to the Jack every year.
They have 9 grills/smokers, and the big cabinet will do 25 full racks, or 62 chickens.
They rep smokinlicious wood chip products nationwide.

We will post food pics!
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 471
Registered: Aug-04
They already refunded all of my money. I just don't know what to do with these racks. I sent all the spikes back to them and the brass footers (the spikes rest in), to Racks and Stands.

I'm sure if I looked around I could find thoise spikes for cheap.

But still, I would feel weird...crooked guilty in selling them after getting my money back. I don't feel right doing that. I'll just wait for Bulk Garbage Day and put it out for them to take.
 

Gold Member
Username: Magfan

USA

Post Number: 1366
Registered: Oct-07
Send me some table scraps.
NOW.
 

Silver Member
Username: Ezntn

Greeneville, TN

Post Number: 189
Registered: Apr-09
I prepare spare ribz two different ways.
My preferred ... dry rub with numerous spices & brown sugar.
Horizontal barrel smoker with charcoal in a firebox, water pan beneath the ribs, about 2 hours cooking time.
Have several apple trees in the yard providing a bit more flavor.
Family's preferred .. ribz are cut up, par boiled with multiple spices for 45 minutes, then grilled to brown with BBQ sauce. Then they're double wrapped in foil with a bit of Italian Dressing and put in the oven @ 250 F for about 90 minutes, rotated every 15.
Meat can be sucked off the bone if it doesn't fall off. So tender that a few years back, I had oral surgery in the morning (general anesthesia for that), brought home and slept off the drugs and ate leftovers that afternoon.
I've had great ones in Memphis, but best to be had IMO are at Letha's in Hattiesburg, MS.
Then again .. I don't get up north.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12945
Registered: Feb-05
Give them away then NMT. But someone could use them and the garbage seems quite the waste.
 

Silver Member
Username: Nmytree

Post Number: 472
Registered: Aug-04
That's a good idea. But who wants these racks with crooked legs, crooked caps and no spikes?

Well, I guess I could just put them on the Clist and see if anyone wants them.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15209
Registered: Dec-04
Set it up yourself in a hospital ward or old folks place.

I will donate.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15216
Registered: Dec-04
That's a good idea. But who wants these racks with crooked legs, crooked caps and no spikes?


We call that the Senate up here....
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15217
Registered: Dec-04
Stu, thanks for noticing and forwarding the subamp thing.

The Gallo SA is a monoblock amplifier which has been modified to perform stereo duties.
In mono-amp form, the unit delivers 600W into a dedicated, stable 4 ohm load, via the active XO.

In stereo, the addition of another subamp made a huge, and I am not overstating things, HUGE difference in the seup here!
The stage garnered more depth, and pressed the vocalist to the fore.

i did not expect nything like this...at all.

Pigman came over, like always, and he was just as floored as me.
It ain't just a bass thing, but granted, the bass can come hard and so very very fast.
The whole stage is opened as wide as my little walls can hold.

I would love to have this setup in Wodek's cave. MaybeA/B with his tubes...

Just a smokin' deal going on with the new setup guys!
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3119
Registered: Jun-07
"The new DACMagic is very sweet sounding but had dropped the signal twice tonite over 5 hours listening. Disconcerting? A bit."

Interesting, How you running it David? USB/Laptop or Optical/Jolida?
 

Gold Member
Username: Magfan

USA

Post Number: 1368
Registered: Oct-07
David,
By 'dropping out' what exactly do you mean? A simple gap in the output? or something more serious like a squeel or other noise?
The 2nd would to me, be a clocking problem at the source end.

Maybe the DacMagic mutes when it loses clock lock?

In any event, that is a real bummer. If you have access to an Apple Airport Express, please try the DacMagic there, too. See if the dropout thing is worse.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3120
Registered: Jun-07
I know if you try to throw surround sound into the dac, it makes a beep and then stops.lol. That would explain the losing clocking.
 

Gold Member
Username: Nickelbut10

Post Number: 3121
Registered: Jun-07
I believe David is traveling to Nucks this morning. Have fun boys!!
 

Gold Member
Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Post Number: 4100
Registered: Feb-07
Yup, I'm heading out to Nuck's this afternoon, and bringing the DAC to try out there.

Leo, what was happening was the sound would temporarily mute for second, and the incoming sampling rate indicator would shut off. I'm connecting the DAC to my Jolida CDP via a digital coax cable. Haven't tried the USB input yet.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15219
Registered: Dec-04
Leo, weren't you getting some dropout from a wireless setup there before?

We will try all the connections possible on the CA unit tonight, and A/B with the Bryston.
 

Gold Member
Username: Magfan

USA

Post Number: 1374
Registered: Oct-07
What I would get from my Airport Express->CA840 was not a dropout but was a real 'harsh' screeching sound. The sound kind of reminded me of a fingernail on a chalkboard.

I'd call CA and find out if there are software updates available for the DacMagic. To the extent that the 2 CA pieces share circuitry or something else, I'd be concerned.

The AE has known clock jitter issues. If your DacMagic does it with the Jolida, I'd take the DacMagic back and start over.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15222
Registered: Dec-04
We will try it here to see if it has any yips. Might be cable/interface related
or a power cord or something

Damn, we need Nick here tonight, but he is on Wedding duty.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15225
Registered: Dec-04
The ribs are going on a Treager pellet fired smoker, graciously provided by the Kind folks at smokinintheigloo

3 full racks should do, dry rub all, then sauce 2 of em at closing time.

about 4 hrs
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15227
Registered: Dec-04
I have given up on pics here.
Sorry guys.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 15228
Registered: Dec-04
I think my toilet roll holder, which plays "I'm a little teapot" has more computing power that this site, even if Brian can use a slide rule.
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 717
Registered: Dec-06
NMT, I'd love to add a rack for my amp and sources, but it's not going to happen in this room. Whenever the next move happens I'll make sure I can add one. I'm liking my Ref 3A speaker stands though!

Nuck, what happens when you try to upload pics? I never seem to have a problem. I use Nero to resize pics (does a great job, just set the largest side to 600), and then save and upload. I doubt it's the browser, but could you try using a different one? Especially if you are using IE, which I think we've established before takes an eternity to load pages. My main problem with the pics here is that you can go no larger than 600x600. I've posted my pics on another forum and they fill up the entire screen and look so much better. Actually, I think just about every forum but this one is like that.

Hopefully the rain isn't ruining your BBQ!
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 718
Registered: Dec-06
I would love one of these from Harmonic Resolution Systems. Only $9K!!!

http://www.avisolation.com/images/MXRAudioStand_new.jpg
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12952
Registered: Feb-05
http://www.boxfurnitureco.com/products.html

Just sayin'!
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 719
Registered: Dec-06
Still too expensive!

This is more in my wheelhouse: http://www.needledoctor.com/Target-CL430-4-4-Shelf-Audio-Rack-Real-Wood-Venneer- Shelves-Metal-Tubes
 

Silver Member
Username: Hawkbilly

Nova Scotia Canada

Post Number: 991
Registered: Jul-07
It would be a cold day in h-e-double hockey sticks before I'd double my total investment in my system (or more) for an audio rack. I'd be willing to bet that 90% of the benefit is realizable with 10% of the investment.....and a little research and some elbow grease. If I had money falling out of my wazzu then perhaps I'd think differently......but last time I checked......
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 720
Registered: Dec-06
"It would be a cold day in h-e-double hockey sticks before I'd double my total investment in my system (or more) for an audio rack."

The solution is obvious. Buy a more expensive system and then the audio rack will only be a small fraction of the total cost.

But seriously, I agree. I think the mega buck racks are perfecting a job largely accomplished by something much cheaper. If I can do better than that Target rack I will, but in all honesty just getting real wood in a rack that is well built overall and looks more expensive than it actually is, and also does a decent job in terms of isolation, that would work for me and fits in terms of my overall system budget.

Don't get me wrong though, the more expensive stuff is surely better. That HRS rack looks tons more solid than the Target model, and I'm sure everything that went into it was with performance in mind.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Artk

Albany, Oregon USA

Post Number: 12956
Registered: Feb-05
The Box Furniture Company rack is the best sounding I've ever heard...that said I won't have the money for one for quite sometime and will likely buy a nice Quadraspire Q4 Evo and call it a day. My system is performing so well that a new rack will just be icing on the cake. The only other thing I will upgrade soon is the phono pre amp, probably from my Nano to a Dynavector P75 Mk II...not even sure about that as the Nano sounds damn good.
 

Silver Member
Username: Kbear

Canada

Post Number: 721
Registered: Dec-06
I'll take a look at Quadraspire. I know next to nothing about audio racks so any brand recommendations are helpful.

I'm pretty satisfied overall now too. Other than getting a Speed Box and Acryl-It platter for my table, I may start to dabble in isolation and damping. Anyone have any experience with damping plates that sit atop components? HRS makes these and they seem to be quite affordable. The Nimbus Couplers and Spacers also look interesting.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/hrs_nimbus_damping_plates_followup.htm
« Previous Thread Next Thread »



Main Forums

Today's Posts

Forum Help

Follow Us