Conference hips::uk_audioo

    What amp are you using?
    
    Dave
    Z
    
  

    Well.... it depends...
    
    At the moment - a NAD1155 preamp, and a power amp of my own design
    that equates most nearly to the Musical Fidelity P170. (ie 100/150
    W into 8/4 ohm nominal). Not sure what to look at after that - but
    by then there'll be something new. The major requirement (apart
    from sound quality) is multiple inputs with tape-tape dubbing (hence
    the 1155!), since I also have two reel-reel tapes, Cassette and
    tuner to handle. Don't want or need tone controls, loudness etc,
    but switchable infra-bass filter useful                   
                                           
    Main source will be CD65II-SE or CDP373, possibly adding outboard
    D/A later.
          
    Dave K
          

I heard the *DEEPEST* bass I'd ever heard last weekend. It was
just into the first track on Tracey Chapperson's album, from an
LP12/Ekos/K9 via Linn LK1&2 into Linn Isobariks. Apart from
making everything in the room vibrate, there was a tune in the
bass line, too.

I'm going speaker shopping this weekend, I'll post some observations
on Monday.

Steve.

P.S. Did you actually *design* your amps, or build them from a
design?

    The *DEEPEST* bass I've heard came from a track called 'Eye Of The
    Beholder' from Metallica and the speakers I was using were Celestion
    DL6 Series 2's which roll the bass off at 65Hz. I'm sure that using
    speakers with a lower cut off would cause the cones to bottom out!
    
    
    Stephen.
    
    P.S. how about sharing your amp design with us?

    re .2....
    
    Other models worth investigating, in addition to those you suggest,
    are Linn Isobariks (can be fussy about partnering equipment), and
    KEF R107's.
    
    I've never heard the KEFs, but reports have it that their bass is
    "seismic".
    
    Dave

Here's an update: 

The deep note I referred to earlier is just into the first track on
the *second* side of Tracy Chapman's album. Like I said before the
Isobariks rendition of it was *amazing*. So I picked up my new amps
last week and bought the album so I could try it out with my old
speakers: KEF 104's. With the speakers sitting on the cardboard boxes
that the amps came in, the bass response was very woolly, but very
pronounced. I tried the Tracy Chapman track and ... it wasn't there;
the note just wasn't there at all!

On Saturday I had a four hour speaker dem, listening to:
		Linn  Kan
		Ruark Swordsman
		Ruark Sabre
		Epos
		Gale  301
		Linn  Helix
		Ruark Broadsword
		Linn  Sara

We used that track for the first pass through all the speakers and
disappointingly none of them came close to the Isobariks on that bass
note. The best out of the bunch was the Sara's. I couldn't actually
fault the Sara's; I just didn't like them. In the end it was a toss-up
between the Gale 301's and the Linn Helix. I chose the Helix and they'll
be bi-wired soon with Linn cable.

With the Helix you can hear the note, but it's a bit quiet. With the
Isobariks, you actually *experience* it: you can practically feel each
wavefront hitting you. I'd thoroughly recommend them. They've just had
two recent mods: a new crossover unit which has to be seen to be believed
it's got so many components on. After the introduction of the new crossover
Linn found problems with the speakers going down so low: the stands were
resonating, so they've brought out a mod for the stands too.

As far as the KEF R107's are concerned, HiFi Review say they give the
*deepest* bass imaginable, I've not heard them myself, but an informed
source (my dealer�, would you believe) says that although they go down a
long way, they don't control the bass very well.

� I don't think he sells KEF, but I trust him to give a relatively
  unbiassed opinion.

    What do people think of Celestion Sl6si, Sl600si, and Sl700?
    
    A shop is recommending them as a replacement for my QUADs.  I am
    using Celestions DL 8's as a spare pair, since my QUADs are getting
    re-tweetered.  I like the DL8's a lot, and presume even the Sl6si
    is a big improvement, but in the same vein as the 8's.  I use a
    subwoofer, so bass is not really a consideration.
    
    What kind of amps do people like with the Sl's?  I presume heavy
    watts, becasue of the inefficiency.  What are some competitive
    UK prices on these speakers?  Do any of your recommended shops
    ship to the US?
    
    Regards,
    Bill
    
    PS
    Latest tests reveal that the 473cdb disk player has more separation
    than the LINN/ITTOK/Ortofon mc/FMS Blue cable combination, but the
    LINN's presentation is more palpable and has a better sense of depth.

    re .7....
    
    As a Quad user, you should be aware that a replacement just don't
    exist :-)
    
    Generally, the Celestion SLxx series produce a detailed if undynamic
    sound; it depends what you like and what you plan to use them with,
    of course. Bear in mind, though, that they are a specialist product,
    unlike your DL8's which are more general purpose and a different
    set of compromises.
    
    There was an excellent article by Noel Keywood in HiFi Review where
    he explains how he used a subwoofer, normally used with Celestion
    SL700s, alongside his Quad electrostatics; he uses a Musical Fidelity
    something-or-other behemoth to drive his Quads, plus a Quad606 to
    drive the subwoofer. An unbeatable combination, he says. If you're 
    interested in seeing a photocopy of the article, mail me.

    Several UK stores do UK-tax-free exports; whether or not that's
    a cost-effective way for you to buy speakers, I can't say.
    
    Dave

RE:      <<< Note 62.6 by INCH::BRIGHT "You mean you CHOSE this colour??" >>>

>The deep note I referred to earlier is just into the first track on
>the *second* side of Tracy Chapman's album. Like I said before the
>Isobariks rendition of it was *amazing*. So I picked up my new amps
>last week and bought the album so I could try it out with my old
>speakers: KEF 104's. With the speakers sitting on the cardboard boxes
>that the amps came in, the bass response was very woolly, but very
>pronounced. I tried the Tracy Chapman track and ... it wasn't there;
>the note just wasn't there at all!

    Just for the record, I realise this note is two years old, was this the
    tune 'Subcity' on the 'Crossroads' album ?

    /Hans_Wallin
    

.9 >> 'Subcity' on 'Crossroads' ?

No it wasn't. This was the track 'Mountains of Things' on her first album
(the one before Crossroads).

Steve

    D E E P  B A S S

    	The most amazing bass I ever heard was a Rod Stewart track,
    Passion - don't know which album but can find out. This has a low bass
    line which is impressive enough BUT and even lower (possible in the
    8-10 Hz range) which could be felt (but not heard) in the room next
    door.

    	Rik.

    	PS The FGTH Two-Tribes 12-inch is amazing with the Lingo ...

    	PPS  NEVER PLAY THESE TRACKS IF YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE IN.

    Has anyone any experience of the Castle York loudspeaker?
    
    Dave.