| Author |
Thread: Archive through November 30, 2004 |
    
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 201
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 06:41 pm: |
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Jan V. - I think what Mer was trying to say was that she saw you as a person "in pain." Very sorry about that - I had rather bad arthritis in elbows and hips when we lived in Chicago - but since we've been here in HOT Florid-duh! the pain has disappeared. Understand anybody who is in pain - what a life-depressing situation!
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Silver Member Username: Two_cents
Post Number: 340
Registered: Feb-04
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 08:45 pm: |
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Very entertaining posts, all. What are my chances of being a roadie for the Old Dog All-Stars? Would love to be a fly on the wall during the rehearsals.
Jan: For godsakes, who put the Russian tubes in the playback amp!
Kegger: I did. I got a great deal on them at this used appliance store on Eight Mile Road.
Jan: No, no, no. This won't do. The tubes have to be Bulgarian, manufactured between May Day of 1976 and Bastille Day of 1978. That was the pinnacle of tube manufacturing in Eastern...
Kegger: But I like how the Russian tubes sound. Yep, I do.
John A.: Why do we have Sony mics in the studio? I refuse to play into Sony equipment. They won't be sucking any music out me as if they were sucking money out of the wallet of some unsuspecting consumer.
Larry R.: Where's my Scotch?
Rantz: Hey, Dogs, aren't we supposed to be jammin'?
Jan: Not until I change the tubes.
John A.: Not until I change the mics.
Ghia (thinking to herself): I knew I should have gone solo, just like Elliot Smith and Nick Drake did. Oh, but they're dead, killed themselves. On second thought, I guess I'll stick it out with these Old Dogs. But why is Kegger passed out on the couch in the middle of a rehearsal?
Larry R.: Doggone it! Who took my Scotch?
to be continued....
or not. |
Silver Member Username: Two_cents
Post Number: 341
Registered: Feb-04
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 08:49 pm: |
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Larry R.
Believe it or not, the MTT/SFSO Mahler sacds don't approach the dynamic range of their live performances. For example, the ending of the 9th was played so softly that the music seemed to disappear into silence. At the other extreme, the finale of the 2nd made my sternum vibrate. I think it was the combination of the sonic force in Davies Hall and the pounding of my heart. I say learn to love the dynamic range of your Mahler discs!
P.S., I tend to be a hit-and-run poster, so please don't be offended if I don't respond right away. Cheers! |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2524
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 09:24 pm: |
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No, don't leave, 2c, we need more Sturm und Drang in this band....
Nice sketch!
I agree about dynamic range. In recordings, I cannot imagine it ever being too large. For me it is the one of the chief considerations in hifi. I have been with people who continually fiddle with volume controls, turning down loud bits and turning up soft bits. Dynamic Range Compression must be there to do it for them. Their goal must be Muzak. It is strange.
Have you heard before of Jane Archibald, Canadian, a 2004 Adler Fellow at the San Franciso Opera? (My post of Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 10:28 am). |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2525
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 09:41 pm: |
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Just to say thanks to Jan; those are very good links on microphones. The google link was somewhat ungrateful. Apologies.
Kegger,
Thanks. I see what you mean. Jan's first recent link (Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 11:47 am) is about stereo microphone placement...
... that might be "recreative" when the reproduced image generally sounds like the original acoustics, and "creative" where a different image is created. Within these two approaches, many engineers divide the result into "they are here" or "you are there" images, depending on whether the performers sound like they're in the playback room, or if it sounds like the listener is in the performance room.
I generally favour "recreative" while you favour "creative", I think. But as always, you are right in saying there is no right and wrong way to do it.
We could ask Don, why are we recording this session in the first place? What are we trying to achieve? Do we want to sound like we are playing in the listener's room, or do we want him/her to hear what it was like being at the session? Or are we aiming for something he or she could never hear live, with special effects and so on, like, as Jan says, DSOTM or Sgt P? |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2526
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 09:48 pm: |
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The second link, "Studio Recording - Tutorial" is how NOT to do it, for me. For example:
Sound absorbing material such as Sonex placed behind the singer will drastically improve the recording.....Because the voice has a wide dynamic range we almost always use limiting (typically the Universal Audio 1176) and/or equalization (typically the Summit Audio Pulteq) on vocal tracks. If a vocalist suddenly increases in volume, the limiter will prevent the signal from distorting
So all that skill, artistry, and training in dynamics was wasted. Those guys are aiming for Muzak. |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 202
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 10:32 pm: |
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John A. - In a way, sir, you are correct. There are even settings on my Onkyo receiver that "smooth out" the sonic differences so that you can put most any recording on later at night and not worry about "ups and downs" in volume. Yep, "Muzak" is not far away.
Two Cents: thanks for your insight into the levels of Mahler. Mer gets very upset over the "sudden surges in volume," so I pretty much have to listen whilst she's in her studio, or gone to library for research, etc. Sigh.
Still would love to get out to yer faire towne to listen in person! Maybe next year???
More anon. . . |
J. Vigne Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 11:55 pm: |
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http://www.coutant.com/binary/index.html
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Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2528
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 12:57 am: |
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That is just counting using binary arithmetic, Jan. I thought "Quantization" meant something else....?
Is this some sort of test?
Look, when you count in decimal arithmetic, you get up to 9, then you make "ten" by using a 1 again, but followed by a 0. So ten is written "10".
With binary arithmetic, you get up to one, and you make two by using the 1 again, but followed by a 0. So 10 is two. You can add one, and you get 11 (three); add another, and you get 100 (four).
We dipped into binary with the duel now on Archive through October 17, 2004.
It is like this; digital samples are taken at a frequency of so many per second (equals "Hertz" or Hz). Then, each sample has a range of sizes, up to a maximum of 65,535 (CD; 16 bit) or 16,777,216 (DVD-A, LPCM etc: 24 bit). According to that link.
"Bit" just means the number of binary digits you need to use. So with 2 bit you can count up to three (11); 3 bit, up to seven (111); 4 bit, up to fifteen (1111).........; 16 bit, up to sixty-five thousand, five hundred and thirty-five (1111111111111111).
Analogue has no limit. But, for things like Mer's estimates of our heights, or distances travelled, there is no practical difference between the two. Consider 24 bit. If you have to travel 16.7 km, about 10 miles, it really is not a practical problem to be told you are only allowed to measure your distance covered in millimetre steps, which is the maximum resolution you have for each sample. Even with 16 bit, CD, You can still travel 65 metres, about 200 feet, in mm steps, and define the length of each step in number of millmetres travelled. Mostly, with an analogue tape measure, you would never need to do better than that.
Tolerances. Knowing when the measurement is good enough.
So digital is indistinguishable from analogue as long as you have enough information; enough bits per sample and a high enough number of samples per second.
You still need to get the microphones in the right place.
Sorry, what was the question? |
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Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2529
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:04 am: |
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That was intended to be clear, not pompous. I am just trying to de-mystify. "Quantization" is one of those words that gets people looking worried. Seem to me, from that link, it just means the number of bits you've got at your disposal in order to be able to describe the size of your sample. |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2530
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:07 am: |
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Or anything else. |
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1878
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 05:24 am: |
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Two Cents: your post
on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 08:45 pm:
Was great, loved it.
___________________________
Larry mer's comments didn't affend me, rather close actually! lol
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Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2532
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 07:13 am: |
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Has anyone else noticed that our category description had changed?
Was:
"DVD-Audio & SACD
The Next Generation Audio Formats? Go here for DVD players."
Now:
"DVD-Audio & SACD Player Discussions. Go here for DVD-Audio & SACD Music Discussions"
Seems we are mostly off-topic as regards the new category.
I though the point of this thread was trying to understand, and compare views, on the relationship between the medium and the content it delivers.
The new division between the players and the music does not help.
BTW "Varney" has some interesting things to say on Transcending Hi-Fi -(The 'Other Side') which is filed under "Amps".
MR; there is a thoughful guy who liked "The Matrix" and explains what he thinks it is about.... |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 203
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 08:09 am: |
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John A. - sorry, won't post anymore on this thread re my Yamaha, cones, or other "hardware." I'll try to find another thread - maybe the DVD players under Home Video? Yep. . . |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 204
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 09:08 am: |
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OK, gang - time to get it off my chest.
Several postings from John A. have complained about the broadening of topics discussed here on the "Old Dogs" thread. John would limit "talk" to stereo-multi channel discussions, which was the original theme. Fine.
Many of us, however, have found in the Old Dogs thread a kind of "backyard fence" discussion platform. It's nice to hear about Ghia's amps, and football "teams," it's nice to read about Kegger's tubes and see his pics, it's nice to hear about My Rantz and his house and his artwork, it's nice to read about Rick's past and his adoption, it's nice to read about Jan's theatre background - and on and on we go.
OK, John - I'm taking you up on your challenge. I, for one, will ONLY post regarding 2-channel vs. multi on this thread from now on. Of course, as I have little to say, you won't be hearing much from me.
I'll post my music comments on "Discoveries," and my CD-player woes probably on DVD players under Home Video.
I'd like to propose something which all of you must decide whether to adopt - or not. How about a new thread - call it "The Backyard Fence" or whatever you wish - make it a "hi, how are you?" sort of thread where all of us cyber-friends feel welcome and comfortable in chatting about our cats, our sore feet, or our new MacIntosh "blue light specials?"
This is as far as I'll go - Mer said I needed to "get it off my chest," so I am.
This is not written in anger, but in frustration.
Meanwhile, John A. seems to violate his own rules - with his mental exercises (boring to me but obviously intensely interesting to him) regarding Solipsism etc. on the "Amps" thread. Huh? How about a "philosophy 101" thread for that, John?
End of rant - will tune in to see what you all decide on John's comments - meanwhile, see you music-lovers on "Discoveries."
With respect. . . |
Silver Member Username: Ghiacabriolet
NC
Post Number: 520
Registered: Apr-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 09:34 am: |
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LR,
Did you have to sleep on the sofa last night? ;-) I think JohnA was just commenting about eCoustics changing the description of the forum which, if one is a n a l retentive enough to dissect it, would seem to indicate that our discussions are now slightly off-topic. I don't believe he was being critical of any particular post or poster. In fact, he clearly states that the new categorization makes it more confusing "The new division between the players and the music does not help."
I think the Old Dogs thread is open to "backyard fence" discussions and isn't just a 2ch/MC discussion - even though that generally is the centerpiece of the thread.
So, LR, stick around on Old Dogs (and discuss your player, tweaks, etc), continue to post to Discoveries when you like and, if necessary, open a Backyard Fence thread. But, that's one more thread for us to try to keep up with - and, wouldn't you rather try to annoy John by going OT from time to time? lol.
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Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 207
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 09:55 am: |
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Ghia: thanks for the posting - nice opening line! (double grin)
I'll see what others post. . . |
Silver Member Username: Ghiacabriolet
NC
Post Number: 521
Registered: Apr-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 10:33 am: |
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It's clear the Old Dogs saw through my post about going off to the Christmas tree farm....Rehab went fine, I've been clean for 2 days now....unless you factor in the Coke addiction, for which there is no treatment.
So, since this is a day for getting things off your chest (thanks, LR), let me express how disappointed I am by the "replacement" for me in the band as well as how quickly it came about. Everyone knows Diana is just using you guys until Elvis lets her play in his band. I can't believe you guys fell for her song and dance. And, who misrepresented my outside work as "going solo"? MR? Or JV (don't think I didn't see the 11/27, 11:58a post where you sold me out)?
These projects were all done for the well being of the Old Dogs. Everyone knows the girl in the band is the one who gets all the attention. My projects were to capitalize on that attention to help the Old Dogs....it's all about marketing. The bigger my fame, the better for the Old Dogs. Think of the reunion tour. In fact, in my loyalty to the Old Dogs, I've already lined up a corporate sponsorship with Coke.
Oh, and when that story about David Beckham comes out, keep in mind that I only did that with the Old Dogs in mind. Everything I do is about the Old Dogs. Really.
So, are we back on? |
Silver Member Username: Rick_b
New York
USA
Post Number: 656
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 10:44 am: |
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Well said Ghia. I believe the "Dogs" shaped and defined this thread about 2000 posts ago. We invited anyone who would care to join in our lunacy and brillance to please do so. It is "our thread" and keep returning here for the company that posts here. For me it's like coming home to see what's going on.
Or we can go back to the discussion about the new hi-rez subwoofer cable. (LOL!) |
J. Vigne Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 10:52 am: |
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I've noticed when I take my old dogs for a walk, given the opportunity, they will always turn up the sidewalk they recognize as home. I'm always glad when I see them do that; and, I assume if they ever get away and start to roam unfamiliar neighborhoods, they have at least some sense of were home is and how to get back to where they will be welcomed. This is especially important to me since all my old dogs were, at one time, strays that had wandered the neighborhood for a while looking for a place they knew as home.
My smallest, most senior dog, Lil'Bit, wandered across a six lane road to end up at my house. She made herself comfortable as soon as she got in my house. She has lots of attitude packed in her eight pound body but she has lots of spirit and humor too.
My Cocker Spaniel, Buck, was being chased away with a garden rake and a water hose when I picked him up. He has appreciated the "new" home he has found ever since. He's gained about twelve pounds since he arrived five years ago. He is the one that dosen't want to be left alone and it appears he may have been put out on the street to fend for himself by his previous owner.
Foster is Foster. He's my middle dog and he is the only dog I've ever had that I cannot teach a single thing. He always does what he wants and Foster has a devious little mind that constantly frustrates me. He gets 2/3 of all the tomatoes I grow. No matter what barriers I put between him and the garden patch.
I don't know if my dogs really could always find their way back if they got too far from home, but I like to think they wouldn't stray very far.
They know where they will be confortable.
Is that off topic?
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J. Vigne Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 11:09 am: |
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"Or JV (don't think I didn't see the 11/27, 11:58a post where you sold me out)?"
Ghia - I did it for your own good. Honest!!! You know I love ya!!! Someone had to stop you from destroying your self. All that coke is doing you no good!!! What a beautiful, brilliant future you had when we first discovered you. You were all inquistive and ready for any suggestion we made. But once you started hanging with that Mac character, well, nothing's been the same!!!
Listen, girlfriend, what I did I did for you. It was time somebody said, "Whoa, hold on here. She's not what we thought she was, and it's time somebody showed the world what their little "Sweetheart" is really like."
An' it wasn't really my idea in the first place. It was John's. And you know what a pain in the backside he is. Always going on about how to count this or that. Never satisfied with the mics I put out. Never wanting that center monitor everyone else likes. Always somebody out to get him. If your looking for someone to blame, that's the guy. You know I love you, don't you???
Now don't get all uppity and in my face!!! I'm telling you I did for your own good!!!
'sides, I can go on a talk show or two myself, you know!!! And don't be suprised at the picture that's going to show up on my book jacket.
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Silver Member Username: Rick_b
New York
USA
Post Number: 657
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 11:47 am: |
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J.V.,
Thank your for sharing your dogs story with the "DOGS". Glad to see I'm not the only easy touch when it comes to animals.
Ghia,
Pepsi just came in with a counteroffer for the "Old Dogs Tour". They said they are willing to put that "other bunch of old guys" on the back burner.
PS It's always John's fault. (LOL!) |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2533
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 12:08 pm: |
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Larry,
If you can explain what it was in my post, above, of "Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 07:13 am" that offended you, so, please do so. I should be so grateful. I have re-read it several times and cannot understand your reaction. No offence was intended to anyone here, I assure you. But I apologise to you for letting one arise accidentally.
Ghia,
Great, great! "Christmas Tree farm"; nice one; I knew it had to be something else, but did not suspect the rehab place. Few now remember the name Betty Ford. As regards the Old Dogs All Stars and your loyalty and devotion to the band; it was never in question. It was just the issue of recording balance and then the whole "prima donna" sort of attitude which is great for promotion etc. I must agree, and thanks, but you must understand is a bit hard to take if you're older, male, unphotogenic and have spent all those years slogging away with brilliant but unnoticed riffs taken further than Jack Bruce ever knew, and all just for the purity of the art-form, without any concern for self-promotion. Have a heart, gal.
Re the case about to break, we have our sources, and the problem is, that's not how David Beckham sees it. So he says. And Victoria seems to agree. Jeez is she mad about that. We can't pay legal fees; hope you know that. Not with people downloading MP3 files instead of buying our albums.
I agree this new pianist seems to be less good at piano than some of the other things in her cv.
So, are we back on? Fine by me. Ask Don. He's the boss.
Jan,
Is that off topic?
No of course not, it is spot on, and well you know it. I believe that sort of question is described as "rhetorical". Hope that remark does not offend. I can post a pic of a domestic pet if it helps make me seem more human. We have loads to choose from. It'll have to be all 1s and 0s, but you won't notice the difference from 35 mm, I promise.
Re Ghia, Jan; - No-one could funk up those 16-bar riffs like Ghia, you must admit, inspirational stuff for the whole band. And she seems to have found herself, now. And there is a rumour Mac has been seeing a lot of Victoria recently.
How can we sell it to Don? A reunion tour and double album? I don't really mind a bit of judicious spot-miking on the piano. Just a bit, you understand. |
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1879
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 12:25 pm: |
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This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics
John Baez
This is a column on mathematical physics where I describe papers and books that I happen to find enjoyable. It appears on sci.physics.research, sci.math.research, sci.physics, and sci.math - but I put it on this website to make it permanently accessible.
I don't write a new issue every week, but when I do, it is always this week.
Warning: the things I include are not necessarily more important or better than things I don't! Mostly I try to write about subjects I actually understand, which limits the selection tremendously. Also, my comments are not intended as "reviews" evaluating the papers. They are simply aimed at getting you interested.
To see the latest edition, click here.
To get to all the old dogs, click here.
For a table of contents of all the old dogs, click here.
To search all the issues for a given word or phrase, click here.
The search feature above was kindly provided by Laurent Bartholdi. I really love it!
You can also get the original ASCII versions of This Week's Finds if you want. But if you want these....
Information survives by people copying it. So, please download a tar file containing all of weeks 1-207 in ASCII or HTML!
I often update old issues of This Week's Finds to correct errors or add extra information, so please beware that the material in these tar files is only up-to-date as of October 1, 2004. The readme files explain that I am maintaining all rights to This Week's Finds, but letting you have a copy for personal use.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Think deeply of simple things. - motto of the Ross Summer Mathematics Program
© 1992 - 2003 John Baez
baez@math.removethis.ucr.andthis.edu
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Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1880
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 12:27 pm: |
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Sorry that last post was off topic just disregard it.
Was meant to go somewhere else! |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 208
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:21 pm: |
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John A. - nothing in your post "offended me." It's just that on many occasions you have referred to topics discussed on the Old Dogs thread as "not being true to the original design of the thread." Or words to that effect.
I took your posting to be yet another call to us to return to the original, single, topic. Apparently I mis-read your posting, as others on this thread seem to have a different take on it.
OK - I guess I'm wrong here - and to all, I apologize for my rather ignorant reaction.
"nuff said. . ." |
Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2537
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:24 pm: |
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Kegger, I read it all, thinking it was by Joan Baez. Incredible. Then I got my reading glasses, and understood my mistake. Not much is "off topic" here! |
Silver Member Username: Rick_b
New York
USA
Post Number: 658
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:42 pm: |
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Hi All,
As we move toward the end of another year, and the holiday season approaches, I would like to share some thoughts with the "DOGS".
I just noticed I reached 650+ posts. That's probably far too many for someone who swore he would never make a single post on this or ANY forum. I really never did a post where I told someone they should go out and buy THIS over THAT component. I just shared my personal experience with gear that I know or heard firsthand. If I get excited about a product I tell people to go out and listen to it, and share your experience. For me to tell someone to buy something because I like it is insane. Someone may just listen to me and do it, so that is why I don't really give advice. What do I know anyway?
I will share what I have learned in 2004. I have learned to simplify. I have to give much thanks in that department to Jan Vigne, who reintroduced me to McIntosh gear. Or should I say the sound of Mac gear. So if simplicity is the name of the game, let me run this past you. I don't know a whole lot about electronics, but I do know simple circuits tend to sound better than complex ones. So what is simpler than a triode? Yes I am talking tubes here. I can hear all the flat earthers now; What about the second order harmonic distortion, the highs being rolled off, and so on. Should we rely on our ears or a test bench to tell us what sounds good? So I guess my point is, 2005 may be the year of the SET amp for this old dog. I am going to give it a try, compare it to the Mac, and I'll share my thoughts with you.
Thank you all for accepting me into this forum. Each of you are very special to me in your own way. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, mono, stereo, multi-channel, hi-rez, low-rez, no-rez, it doesn't matter. My New Years resolution is to buy and listen to more music. But then again, we can't have people listening for pleasure, can we?
Cheers! |
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1881
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:47 pm: |
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John my last was obviously meant in jest.
Just to show larry that anything still goes on the dogs thread!
Larry post away sir!
I wouldn't feal bad about taking someones post wrong.
We have all done it by now! |
Gold Member Username: Kegger
MICHIGAN
Post Number: 1882
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 01:54 pm: |
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Good stuff rick I believe you will enjoy the tubes!
And not to open a new can of worms, but nowadays you don't
have to sacrifice anything with tubes.
"Highs rolled off or pour bass or what not with the right setup."
"not saying older ones do" But the valve's have been misunderstood
by many and with the right parts "for you" can be tailored to
whatever your looking for! |
J. Vigne Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 02:29 pm: |
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Rick - That sounds like a great idea. I've always thought about going to triodes but couldn't convince myself to get rid of the Macs, which would have to happen. Do you have anything in mind? Have you considered the DIY stuff? I suggested on another thread that a person could learn more about audio with DIY, even if it becomes mostly a connect Part A to Part B scenario, than merely unpacking something from a box. I'd be interested to hear what you have in mind. What are you planning for the Spendors? I assume they will stay with the Mac and the SET will be an additional set up. If so what are you planning to use for speakers with the tubes? And what tube # are you thinking about? Have you read about any of the "small tube" SET's? Amps that use small signal tubes usually found in pre amps, such as 12AX7, 6DJ8 triodes. There is a growing cult of SET fans who have moved to these amps. There are a few new designs but many of them are revitalized old dogs that were made in the 50-60's and meant to produce just a few watts at most. They make a 300B amp look like a powerhouse. Definitely an acquired taste as they severly limit your speaker choices.
http://www.bottlehead.com/
http://www.worldtubeaudio.com/
http://www.netaxs.com/~vkalia/diy.html
http://www.omegaloudspeakers.com/
http://homepage.mac.com/urbanradio/Vintage.HiFi/Vintage.HiFi.html
http://www.meta-gizmo.com/tri/otldebate.html
I thought ears vs. test gear was one thing we had agreed on?
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Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 211
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 02:39 pm: |
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To all: And my end-of-the-year promise is to read all postings at least three times before reacting. That way, I may actually get it right!
(blush)
Some interesting conversations cropping up on Discoveries now - hope you all tune us in to get a slightly diff-runt view. . .
Two Cents - hey, friend, come back - I've got some qustions for you! On the forum or chat me up on wryte4u@comcast.net.
Don - check your e-mail.
Ghia - well? Did Mer "see" you correctly - or are you, as Rick has suggested in past writings, "taking the 5th? - the amendment, not the bottle. . .
More anon . . . |
Silver Member Username: Larry_r
Naples,
FL
Post Number: 212
Registered: Oct-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 02:47 pm: |
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Rick: I find nothing wrong with urging people to listen to this or go see that - if you are excited about either a piece of gear or a CD, let it out! Just don't get upset if the people who tried the product failed to agree with you!
In my case, I tend to get super-excited about opera and classical performances - and probably have spent too much time on this and other forums extolling the virtues of whomever. Sigh. I love music so much, and just want to share it.
Many of you are in the opposite camp, love-wise. You love "gear." Fine - and at one time in my life I did, also. But now I just wish for simplicity - and do NOT get it with dozens of knobs and switches - most of which I tend to set WRONG!
But I often sneak out and look at hifi equipment just based on what some of you recommend. Can't or won't buy it - but I appreciate the enthusiasm on your part.
And I know full well that, even if you post: "Go Buy This _ _ _ _" it is the result of enthusiasm, not a power-grab! (grin)
Glad you are posting, and that you are passionate about audio.
More anon. . . |
Silver Member Username: Rick_b
New York
USA
Post Number: 659
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 03:04 pm: |
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Jan,
Thank you for your interest. Yes, we definitely agree on our ears vs. test gear. I would never sell the 6100 and the Spendors. They just sound too good together. I may move that system into a bedroom, and put the SET system into a listening room/study. I have been looking at the Sun Audio SV2A3. It is available as a kit or assembled. I'm not much of a DIY person when it comes to electronics, so I better do myself a favor and buy it assembled. I have also read reviews of the Omega Grande 6 speakers. It's a small world. The company is only 10 miles from where I work in Connecticut. I know I need to find something very efficient. Thank you for the links. As I get closer, I'm sure I'll want your advice and input.
Cheers!
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Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 149
Registered: Jun-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 04:14 pm: |
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New Konspiracy Theory album by Old Dawgs!
Ehpryl Sloof Records announced today the release of the new Old Dawgs album, "Konspiracy Theory," on CD, SACD, and DVD-A. The album's cover features a disc superimposed on a human eye. The disc serves as the pupil.
 
Producer Sem said that Ehpryl Sloof is committed to ensuring that fans and buyers of Old Dawgs' albums can continue to enjoy their music regardless of the format.
All the band members contributed their own original materials. Bassist John A. wrote the title track. In an interview with the Old Dawgs on BBC Radio's Toan Deff, John explains the motive behind the song, "There's been this conspiracy theory going on my mind about the way that...", but stops short of explaining after catching MyRantz's glare. The other tune that John wrote is "Much Ado About NADa", a reference to the ongoing negative comments by frustrated owners of NAD amps and receivers.
Larry wrote and played the lyrical, evocative "Memories of Gypsy." He also contributed two more original tunes, "Send in the Crowns (La Mer)" and "Vivid Cones." He says the La Mer was based on neither the classic Beyond The Sea (La Mer) or the Debussy piece of the same name. He wouldn't elaborate on the "Mer" part. When asked about "Vivid Cones," he gave a Paul Desmond-like enigmatic smile and shrugged off the question.
Ghia penned, played piano and sang on "Roomie Blues." On John A's "Konspiracy Theory," she plays a funky 16-bar solo (engineer Jan decided to use Take 3 of this song). Ghia also wrote "Mac."
MyRantz wrote "Look Ma (No Hands)" featuring him on an Ovation acoustic-electric guitar backed up by John on acoustic bass, Kegger doing fantastic brushwork, Ghia on piano, and Larry on clarinet. He also wrote "Move On, Brother". Unknown to him and much to MR's chagrin, producer Sem hired "wall of sound" creator Phil Spector to add a "wall of strings" ("...enough to cover the **expletive deleted** Great Barrier Reef", fumed MR) and synthesized voices on "Look Ma (No Hands)." Following Paul McCartney's move to reissue "Let It Be... N a k e d," MR pressed Sem to include the original recording of "Look Ma" sans Spector's meddling. True to his wit, MR re-titled the clean track as "Look Ma (I'm Newd)."
Kegger wrote "Tube-bee or Not To Tube-bee)" which left BBC host Ton Deff scratching his head. "Think 'tubes', man", Kegger advises Deff.
Half of the album tracks were recorded in August; the rest were recorded on several dates because the band members could not get together in the studio for engagement reasons. Recording engineer |b{Jan} used a 3-mic approach on all the tracks that were recorded together by the band. However, on the tracks that were done separately, he and some of the members employed a multi-micing approach, something that he didn't fully agree to.
Rumours are rife that "Konspiracy Theory" may be the last album by Old Dawgs. One insider, who refused to be identified, said that the relationship has started to unravel. He added that this started with a seemingly harmless debate between 2-channel stereo and multi-channel, hi-rez listening. The insider said that at one time, the band members resorted to name-calling and ripostes. When asked by Toan Deff about such rumours, Ghia said, "Nah, this type of bickering is an indication we are becoming "family".
Producer Sem declined to comment on the rumour, saying simply that "Old Dogs" is a group of civil, profound thinkers whose only pleasure in life is to play, listen to and enjoy music. And once in a while, they throw verbal jabs at each other but short of challenging each other to a duel at dawn, they get along fine. He also hinted that he and Jan are working on re-issuing old albums using the 3-mic technique that Jan espouses.
The album is now available through amazawn-dot-com and all retail record stores near you.
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Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 150
Registered: Jun-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 04:18 pm: |
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Reviews of the "Konspiracy Theory" album are mixed.
Esther Yo, editor of Pure Stereo magazine, prefers the CD mix, adamantly standing by her position that "you don't need any more than 2 channels to hear a perfectly good stereo sound." She also adds that the 3-mic setup provides a natural, warm-sounding ambience that puts the listener right in the heart of the performance.
Muhl Tai Chan L., editor of Hi-Rez magazine, however, lavishes praises on both the DVD-A and SACD formats. You can actually here MyRantz's fingers plucking those D'Addario strings on the Ovation guitar. And listen to Larry's solo on "Memories of Gypsy"; you can hear a real live person there as he catches his breath between musical phrases. However, he adds, there seems to be some "masking" in some of the Konspiracy Theory album, similar to the Paul-is-dead hoax that surfaced in 1969 when supposedly, "masked" messages in some Beatles songs indicated that the bassist was dead. For instance, Muhl Tai notes:
On "Konspiracy Theory," there's a line in the coda that goes "Sony is out to get you, Sony is out to get you." Muhl Tai says that you can only hear the words through a headphone.
On "Move On, Brother", Muhl Tai says there's a voice that seems to come out of the grave, mockingly saying, "Stereo is dead, get on with it." The line is repeated several times until the song fades.
When interviewed by Muhl Tai Chan L., Ghia explained the alleged masking. Take 3 of "Konspiracy Theory" has John playing a great bass solo and motions me to do a 16-bar improv. Just before the song ends, he quips, "Sun is out, why don't you?", meaning, "The sun is out, why don't you go get some?" She says that the band has been cooped up in the studio for a couple of days rehearsing the album tracks.
On "Move On, Brother", Ghia says that MR was doing an improv with the line, "I said you're dead, get on with it." When asked to explain that line, she simply said, "Artistic freedom." She offered to explain, though, that in both cases, John and MR stepped back from the microphone and decided to sing those lines. The "grave-like" effect that Muhl Tai was alluding to could perhaps be because of the distance from the mics.
Art Camm, owner and proprietor of Kentafford Hi-Fi Shoppe, says the two hi-rez formats do justice to the expensive Arcam, Linn, and Rotel receivers paired with B&W speakers that he sell. The sonic detail and soundstage is unbelievable. "The CD version is good but limited in its dynamic range," he adds.
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Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 151
Registered: Jun-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 04:21 pm: |
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The line should read, "...neither the classic Beyond The Sea (La Mer) NOR the Debussy..."
Missed my grammar there.
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Gold Member Username: John_a
Post Number: 2539
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 05:21 pm: |
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Don,
Brilliant. Just amazing. Awesome.
And I thought no-one was listening....
Quick forum interruption: Rick, I am with you all the way, thanks, and I, too, have already made my New Year's resolution. One question: what means "SET"...?
Don again,
Love the cover designs. You forgot the 180 g vinyl, for purists. Remember we want to get reviewed in HiFi News etc., too.
OK if Ghia re-joins the band? |
Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 152
Registered: Jun-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 05:47 pm: |
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180g. vinyl, limited edition released today
Poster included.
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Silver Member Username: Ojophile
ON
Post Number: 153
Registered: Jun-04
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| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 05:50 pm: |
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As far as I'm concerned, Ghia never left the band.
In fact, a new Bosendorfer 214 will be delivered this week to replace the Yamaha C-3 in the studio.
Ghia, please, no ice cream while recording? The high-rez format is so unforgiving in the detail.
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J. Vigne Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 06:04 pm: |
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Don - Two thumbs up!!! Glad you didn't mention the part in the review where the startling difference between the three mic vs. multi mic set ups confused and disturbed the listeners.
Larry - It doesn't get much simpler than what I've l | |
