Cheaptubeaudio has had a long history of advocating reasonably priced but excellent tube gears, particularly Singled-Ended Triodes. This Blog however covers a lot more than SET, and is not exclusively tube-related. Cheaptubeaudio prioritizes coverage of unusual and rare gears, particularly vintage ones, on which little info can be found on the internet.
New York Diary (20-32): Lang Lang is an audiophile?
Note (10-2-20): Thanks to comments by readers, the audio setup is confirmed to be in photographer Hartwig Klappert's studio in Berlin, but he is not the photographer for this album.
I was streaming Lang Lang's new recordings (one studio and one live) of Bach's Goldberg Variations, which has garnered mixed reviews so far. It is the slowest and most romantic on record. Myself? I find it refreshing. Too many recordings are too alike - not this one. I have actually listened to both several times and grow increasingly fond of them.
As usual for DG's marketing, inside the booklet are many superfluous and gratuitous photos of him in various poses. One caught my eyes. Hey, some serious gear there!
Can we name the gears? They seem to be all vintage. The R2R is a Studer/Revox (A77?); the turntable is an iconic Micro Seiki but I am not sure which one. Can someone name the amp?
Basic RepertoireBach's Goldberg Variations on the piano was made famous by Glenn Gould's fast and exciting (and iconic) performance, which for many is still the reference (he later made a digital remake that is a little slower). Lang Lang's is the slowest and strangest, but undeniably beautiful.
Classical Recommendations: Women Conductors, Sibelius and Santa Claus; Music in Time of Covid
Engagement and Fulfillment that I am talking about are the Spiritual kind. During our lifetime, unusual opportunities sometimes come knocking at the door, and sadly we don't often recognize them as what they can be until after the fact. They could be in any realm, be them career, capital gain or whatever, but they are more serious if they are in the realm of the higher emotions, like love. Personally, although I, like most, have made my share of wrong decisions, I never overdo the regret thing - it doesn't help and we have to look forward and make the best of our state. And we should grow and acknowledge our past deficiencies.
What I am really talking about is music - how it comes to shake music lovers to their cores. This is different for everyone. For me, I don't even remember what germinated in me to cause me to buy a humble setup so long ago; all I know is the joy it brought me. I still remember when I first heard the Sibelius Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, on radio - the emotional upheaval that I felt. I knew it spoke to me, and I have never stopped exploring since then - Full Engagement. And the Music Fulfilled me in Return. What we put in rewards us in multiples - I believe that, in any genre (and in audio). Yes, to fully engage oneself is hard work and takes commitment, but the rewards are huge.
It didn't happen when I was younger. But, for the past decade at least, on the rare occasions that the music making moved me beyond description, tears would stream down down my face. This happened more in live performances but also at home, particularly during the pandemic. I am sure music is not the only medium through which this could happen. Holistic endeavors, like Yoga, probably can do this too. In particular, I know for a fact that many who have attended stringent Buddhist Retreats can sometimes attain an alter state, and not a few cry out loud after the experience, and say they don't know why.
Physiologically, as a medically trained person, I'd say the yoga, or meditation, or retreat, or whatever, alter the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Then, there are the brain hormones, like Serotonin, which can infuse us with positive emotions. It is likely a valley and trough. But, does it matter? Going through these emotions I believe is healthy for us. It s better that we can cry rather than not.
Crying in such a situation is not asking for help, but attaining a higher importance. It shares our spirits, and we acknowledge there are higher sentiments that we cannot control as mortals, sentiments that are effusive and, I believe, beneficial to mankind. For the youtubes I am sharing, read also the comments, some incredibly eloquent. I firmly believe being appreciative of spiritual beauty makes us better and kinder people, and contribute to a better world.
Women Conductors are getting more common. I heard quite a few in Hong Kong. Yip Wing Sze, a past winner of the Besancon competition, has been head of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta for a long time. While she is OK, many who came after her offered much more excitement. With the Hong Kong Philharmonic, I heard the exciting Zhang Xian, Carolyn Kuan and Elim Chan, from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, who hold posts with the New Jersey Symphony, Hartford Symphony and Antwerp Symphony, respectively. In New York, I have heard bigger names, like Marin Alsop and the incomparable Simone Young. There are many others in the pipeline that I'd like to hear.
Sibelius Like Bruckner, Sibelius is a one-off; there are no others like him. Writers have struggled to describe the alternately sparse and rousing nature of his music, making allusions like: paean to the great Finnish landscape, or, glimpse into eternity, etc. While his first two symphonies have its Tchaikovsky influences, I think they already show him as his own man. In the Second Symphony, an audience favorite, there are many amazing passages. In the following video, from the excellent Frankfurt Symphony series (few ads, all HD), Rising star Susanna Malkki conducted brilliantly. As a matter of fact, I have not heard better (including the benchmark, Barbirolli's Royal Philharmonic recording). I was so captivated that, at 14:52, when the strings floated the melody, tears streamed down my face. You ought to listen from the start, to catch how a master conductor builds it up; at least start 2-3 minutes before.
While we are on Sibelius, I recently heard the valedictory Ondine cycle, where Leif Segerstam conducts the Helsink Orchestra. In this video, Segerstam conducted the Sinfonica de Galicia, a susrpsingly accomplished orchestra that played with great color, in Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade. Note that this was in June, during the pandemic!!! You can see one player in the last row wearing a mask. Salut for their courage. The comments are fun. One says: "...I finally know what Santa does for the rest of the year..." :-)
New York Diary (20-30): RFI and the Power Cord (C7)
One day, while streaming I heard a faint but discordant strand of music in the mix. I paused the music and found the RFI picking up radio. I stepped closer to the loudspeakers and could hear the DJ talking. Highly irritating. It was not a constant but would happen randomly.
I was pretty sure it had something to do with the Micromega MyDAC, which has a SM type supply. I swapped out the Kimber KCAG (braided 3-strand silver) for a shielded cable - no use. And so it went on for a couple of days.
Yesterday, not being able to find my spare ferrite ring clamp, I decided to swap the power cable. The small Micromega uses the figure-of-eight (C7) connector. The cable I had in has a thin flat sleeve (bottom one in pic). I exchanged it for one double its thickness, with the 2 conductors running side by side in separate sleeves (like a lamp cord). Voila! RFI elminated! So the replacement has better shielding!
Just a vignette...
Basic Repertoire Brahms wrote 2 beautiful Piano Concertos, which are among his most passionate works. Concerto No. 2 unusually has 4 movements. The Andante (starting 27:38) is most lovely for its dialogue between the orchestra (especially the solo cello) and the piano. Yuja Wang plays with the Munich Philharmonic under Valery Gergiev, during their Japanese tour.
Brief Reviews: Belden 8412 and 8422 as Interconnects, Part I
New York Diary (20-29): Audio Lores, Influencers and Over-Influence
Note (9/11/20): I went back to using my other cables and what a relief!
The Conductors (and braided shield) of Belden 8412 and 8422 are made of the exact same Tin-plated Copper (as in the 9497 loudspeaker cable) as the better known and discontinued (though available at a premium) 8402. Among audiophiles that is; in professional circles 8412 is the new classic. They are much more similar than different, but the 8412 and 8422 are a lot cheaper and, hopefully after you read this, worthy of your consideration. The price of 8402 is inflated because what is selling are remnants but, as you know, many audiophiles gravitate to vintage or classics and think older is better!
8402 This cable needs no introduction. Like the Belden 9497 Loudspeaker Cable, it was first advocated by the Japanese. This is a classic Microphone Cable with 2 conductors and 2 shields. Belden and Tin-plated copper began their emergence in the DIY community, especially influenced by Jon Risch (whose time-consuming projects I'd never attempt). The 8402 was popularized by the underground and then Influencer Jeff Day set it into the orbit. Spec8402 2 x 20 AWG (26x34) Conductors have EPDM Insulation. There are 2 Shields: Rayon (fiber) and Tinned Copper. (same as conductor) Outer jacket is CSPE. Impedance is 52 ohm and Capacitance 55 pF/ft. Connection This is pure lore. Lore has it that the Japanese connect the metal shield at both ends for an ostensibly more emotive sound. In the US we usually use floating ground - connect only one end (usually proximal, unless you have different star-grounding plan) and cut off the other (usually distal), which has superiority in shielding (connecting at both ends loses shielding advantage) and noise rejection. There is/was a so-called third way; someone connects both conductors to +ve, and uses the shielding as ground/return. Mind you, this is no earth-shattering stuff. Back in the early days of Gotham, people tried all sorts of things: say, for GAC-4/1 (or Mogami 2549), 4 conductors, some would make 1 x +ve and 3 x -ve , and vice versa. Also, some Gotham have very sophisticated double metal shielding (the Belden's in question are only single metal + another fiber), and one can separate the 2 and choose to connect either or both to ground or not. Many ways; also many ways that are at odds with manufacturer's recommendations. But are not audiophiles a crazy bunch? Cite the spec's when necessary and insist on a non-redbook way when it is suitable for them. Look, I deliberately do not provide a link to any of these, because I think it is totally empirical, system dependent. One guy connected it the Japanese way and waxed lyrics, then sometime later converted it to floating ground and admitted it was better. My experienceI thought I wrote about it briefly, but I could not find it in my blog! Anyway, here. Some years ago my yumcha friend Dave gave me a pair of old-stock 8402, finished with classic Switchcraft connectors (I think connected the Japanese way). It sounded reasonably good, full and weighty, but a little dark. Compared with Gotham, it also lacked rhythmic finesse. I did not linger too long on it. Note I don't have this cable with me here in NYC.
8412 and 8422The 8412 can be thought of as 8402 Mk II, very popular with professionals. I bought these in the US, very cheaply, and terminated them with Switchcraft look-alike, nickle-plated Rean connectors. These use the same Tin-Plated Copper for Conductor and Braid. and If you look at the spec's of8412, it is very similar to the 8402, differing just in outer jacket material (EPDM) and spec (higher 58 ohm and 67 pF/ft). The 8422is similarly constructed. Its conductors are smaller, 22 AWG (16x34), which is what interests me. Cotton is used in lieu of Rayon. Insulation is different (PE for conductors and PVC for outer jacket) and so are the spec's (90 ohm; 32 pF/ft). Ergonomics As one removes the rayon or cotton fibers, they disintegrate into tiny flecks; make sure you don't have a fan on and keep a wet cloth to wipe up. Kind of messy.
Sound
Part I "Show Some Respect"... I made a pair of each using the "preferred (Japanese)" way, connecting the shield at both ends. I tested them in my streaming system. First, 8412 went into the Micromega MyDAC in lieu of the Kimber KCAG. Pretty good; a richer sound but enough treble and air for me, even if a moment ago I was listening to my favorite silver cable. Then, the 8422 replaced the Gotham GAC-2111 (EMT replica) between the Yamamoto CA-04 preamp and Akitika GT-102 amp. Pretty good too. Now, I was streaming classical music and I liked the deep soundstage (The LS3/5A is a champ in this respect; now I am using 15 ohm Rogers instead of the Audiomaster) and solid sound. But, after a (long) while, the "solidity" nagged at me a little and I remembered my encounter with the 8402. What if the audio lore is just that, unsuitable for me?
Part II Better be Inquisitive...Next day, I made a pair of each with the shield floated (cut-off) at the distal end. I first exchanged the 8412. Surely, a little more air and openness, which I preferred. Next, I exchanged the 8422 - same feeling. Now that I had 2 pairs of each, I tested various combo's. After some fiddling I found: 1) the 8422 and the 8412 share the same basic sonic imprint, but the 8422 sounds lighter on its feet and has somewhat smaller images than the 8412; 2) Using 2 pairs of 8422 the sound may need a little more weight, just as using 2 pairs of 8412 the sound needs some more litheness.; 4) the better balance was obtained by using the 8412 at the front and the 8422 from preamp to amp. That's what I maintained from this point on.
Part III Janus Faced? Now what of the audio lore? This was emphatically answered in this round. Up till then I have been streaming classical music and I was OK with it. To round out the test, I played some of my favorite vocal material. First up was Nick Cave's The Boatman's Call. Now, this is not an up-tempo album, far from it. The first track is a little heavy and murky in the bass, but now especially so. A few more tracks, and I was missing some of the subtle colors from the backing instruments. Next up was Van Morrison's Moondance and my jaws dropped: where has all the mystery and ecstasy gone? It was just plain slow, even lugubrious. I pulled out more; all suffered the same ailment. Readers know I listen to these albums frequently and, just before the Belden residency, with all Gotham cables, the rhythmically savvy Micromega Stage 2 made these albums shine through the LS3/5A. I then stepped up my comparison. Mind you, since I was not streaming, the signal went through The Gotham DRG-1 instead of the 8412, and then the 8422. When I made the shocking discovery, I was using the 8422 pair with the "classic Japanese" termination. I swapped in my pair with the floated ground and immediately the sound, though similar, opened up a little and gained some pace, but still not enough to raise the dead. Now, why had I not been as disturbed when I was streaming classical music? Simple. Listening to classical is just very different as one is listening as much to what's going on vertically (harmonically) than linearly. Although I had a nagging suspicion that the proceedings were too "weighty" for their own good, I was discovering all the things that the Belden were doing right: weighty brass, good instrumental colors, an unfazed nature, all pluses in my book, and it was fascinating to fathom the subtle difference in sound of the big chords and moments (from my usual Gotham). On the other hand, listening to pop music the rhythm is extremely important. Without a sense of drive, all is lost.
Part IV A New Lifeline As usual, there is a twist, and this is most unexpected. Just yesterday, I took delivery of a pair of Harbeth P3ESR SE. I swapped out the 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5A and was immediately stunned. The pop music instantly became more pacey. The footsteps were still a little heavy, but now the pop music marched in formation, not stumbling. This is not a loudspeaker review, but you will have one soon. I also took the time to swap in the 8412 for the 8422 and my previous impressions stood. Yes, the venerable LS3/5A is a little "slow" (slower transients) in comparison, but one would not notice if one were using rhythmically alert Gotham cables. The combination of LS3/5A and Belden 84x2 was emphatically not a match made in heaven.
Conclusions
8402/8412 As one long schooled in professional interconnect cables (for me, mostly Gotham and sometimes Mogami), Belden confounds, especially since I am a great devotee of their similarly tin-plated 9497. My impressions of the 8412 is no different from my memory of the 8402. My opinion is: there is no reason to stake out 8402 as 8412 can be had much cheaper. For:innate steadiness, superb texture and good balance (except for bass); Against:lackadaisical timing (especially in the bass). This, for me, is a significant caveat, or fly in the ointment. Not everyone loves the 8402; some netizens complain of darkness and dullness - that is a direct result of the slow-moving bass. This Cable should not have received blanket recommendation. My advice: 1) the Belden 84x2 would likely not work well if your loudspeakers (and system) are of the more relaxed kind, or vintage; it'd work better if your system is on the fast and brash side and you need to add some texture; 2) under any circumstance I'd think it not ideal to use more than one of these; better mix and match with other cables like Gotham. 8422 imho this cable, being a little quicker on its feet, is more balanced than 8402/12, but I suspect 8402 advocates are texture freaks, so be it.
The Japanese Connection As the 84x2 already has good texture and smoothness, connecting the shield at both ends confers little further advantage but extracts the penalty of smearing the low midrange and bass. Take Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, his dubbed voice overs are significantly less easy to separate from the background vocals and instrumentals when using the Japanese Connection. I prefer by far floating the shield.
Audio Lore, Careless Whispers and Over-Influence
Reverence or Reverie? Audiophiles are an odd bunch. Many in our hobby treat it like a religion. Some look for a master to subjugate themselves to. Guru says it's best to connect the shield at both ends; yes, master. Of course, the disciple tries floating the shield too, and is only too eager to confirm that his master (and hence his own belief) is right. You see what I mean? When one has a preconceived notion, a follow up action is unlikely to receive unbiased attention. It is good to have some reverence for others' opinions, but don't let that turn into reverie, to become Superstition.
Wide-Eyed Journalism I'd like to call it shoddy journalism, but I shall try to be kind. After all, this is less serious, a hobby, where truth is harder to arrive at than, say, journalism on politics (or is it?) Again, it's good to be receptive to something new, but try not to be too eager to join the party. I say this not because the journalist held a different opinion than mine. I say this because he devoted very little time to find out the nature of his subject. Look hard and you will find no more than a line or two on wherein the difference lies. There certainly was no mention of the timing penalty imposed by the Japanese connection. If a journalist does not try to approach his subject from different angles, to not fact check as much as possible, he is prone to producing fake news. Even in my case, if the Harbeth had not materialized, I'd have given the 84x2 even lower marks. When the Harbeth made things better, I worked hard to find the merits of these cables. This is after all a professional cable which, in my book, deserve closer scrutiny than commercial ones. I also would like to say that on the net audio writing is getting shorter and shorter. From blog to microblog to facebook etc, increasingly piecemeal and unworthy. One reason is that some journalists get saddled by too many toys. When one spends so perilously little time on something before moving on to something else, how can you trust his opinion(s)? Now you know why I could not generate any interest at all in Duelund. And, believe me, I was playing with Western Electric cables more than 20 years ago, and mine were better than what they are selling now or what's passing as the genuine thing.
Over-Influence The journalist is an influencer; in this case highly so. It is unfortunate. Those of us who can use a solder make it ourselves, but there are many more others who don't and buy it assembled. As the 8402 got popularized, all kinds of operations sprang up to sell ready made ones. If you peruse Ebay, all say "terminated the Japanese way, with shield connected at both ends". Well, one voice. When it comes to cables, do you believe in one voice?
The music included here immediately invoke (in me) many trans- words: transformation, transfiguration, transference, transcendence...On the other aide of the divide are music that don't - let's call them cis-music.
Silvestrov Fugitive Visions of Mozart comprises 6 short movements, one of his tribute to past masters. It was commissioned by the superb Canadian ensemble, the Gryphon Trio, and included on their excellent For the End of Time CD (Analekta). Their performance is on youtube, unfortunately in 6 separate videos that don't autoplay. Theirs is superior in sound to the other 2 youtube's available, one of which is included below. The youtube that follows is also superb.
Vasks Castillo Interiorwas commissioned by the brilliant cellist Sol Gabetta. The youtube is by her and Patricia Kopatchinskaja - that's two fire-breathing and -eating ladies! It is supposed to evoke the mysticism of St Teresa of Avila. I learned of this piece from streaming a new NML album of Violin and Cello Duo's (Paquin and Vega; see This Round's Pick, top right); that album is just as great, maybe even better!
Bach D Minor Concerto is originally for harpsichord, but this Organ transcription has a majesty its own. Period specialist Violinist and Conductor Ricardo Minasi I have recommended many times before. There are more of this series, and I also look forward to them.
Piazzolla's Otono Porteno is from his take on the Four Seasons. I felt I owe something to the Gryphon Trio and so post their excellent performance here.
New York Diary (20-26): Epiphanies, Milestones and the Making of an Audiophile
Several important discoveries propelled me inexorably towards the debauchery of audiophilia or, as Eric L would have it, Hell! Due to senescence, the datelines are likely an approximation, but I'd think not by too much.
Dahlquist DQ10 My formative years in NYC. This was chronicled here. After I got them I was happy for a few years.
Analog Rules My very first CD Player bought in the late 80's was a bitstream Magnavox. As I wasn't really an audiophile then, I listened gladly to it on my Dahlquist setup. UNTIL, one day, I was ready to give away some LP's. That day I compared Milstein's Solo Bach (DG) and was stunned at how inept the digital replay was. When I moved I gave it to my sister. I didn't buy another CDP until several years later. This happened to be the first golden period of buying LP, when people were just switching to CDs (led by the audio press; just like when they ripped all their CDs to files and now find Streaming easier and more enjoyable), and the time when I became a card carrying vinyl junkie, scouring bins all the time.
Tube is King Shortly after swearing in analog for life (above), I made a new audiophile friend. One day he brought over his McIntosh MC-60 and my Dahlquist DQ10 just rocked! I was flabbergasted and an instant convert. Not so long after, I started buying vintage. I perused his Audiomart after he read it, and so was almost always too late. So at first I had to settle for less "desirable" stuff, like Eico. Among my purchases were the Eico HF-87 and the seller persuaded me to also buy the HF-86 and that was how I fell in love with EL84/6BQ5. I also bought an HF-85 preamp, which was highly veiled but very sweet. It came with all Mullard tubes. I had some Russian tubes but was shocked how much better old-stock tubes were. Back to the friend, later I often hung out at his Canal Street loft. He had a pair of Maggies, which I liked. He also had a pair of the original Watt, before the birth of the puppies, supplemented with Entec subwoofer columns. That was how I first started to detest Wilson and the press; how could such an expensive loudspeaker be so bland and yet praised? He drove them with a pair of Jadis JA-80 but they never sounded that great (I preferred his friend's Quicksilver 8417). Unlike many others, I started with vintage amps. It was only later in HK that I heard and tried some modern tube amps (aside from earlier ARC, few appealed to me). Preamp is another thing and classic tube preamps from ARC, Counterpoint, Melos etc became a passion.
Intermission: Then Came Hong Kong, HiFi Paradise. Or Hell, or Purgatory at least. In the HK of those days, audiophiles were everywhere. The first ones I got to know were my colleagues. It helped that we went for Happy Hour everyday (a lot of expats then, from the UK, Australia, Sri Lanka etc, but few of the Westerners were into audio). Two used Audio Research (both were classical oriented and educated abroad). One used SP9/Classic 30 to drive double LS3/5A; the other LS5/V35 to drive Sonus faber Electa Amator I. As source, the former used a Marantz CD-72 Mk II and the latter Micromega Duo (see the influence?) It was also with them that I first visited Excel and Golden String, two of the biggest distributors then. After I started buying and trading things, the number of acquaintances grew exponentially. Now, this was still in usenet days. One day I spotted an Illuminati D-60 (which I still have) and called the fellow. He said: "hey, we are in the same place! Yours is a hospital extension!" That was how I got to know Lee, an Emergency Room Physician who was famous for his vinyl collection and site Vinyl Paradise (now defunct, not the one on facebook). He was a pivotal figure in the HK vinyl renaissance. People like me don't know the classic Cantopop albums but he very early on knew their musical as well as historic values (I am sure this scene was/is also played out in many South Asian places, like India). He also introduced me to even more audiophile colleagues in other departments. Neonatal Physician Cheung (a person I most admire) had these Martin Logan's at home, bi-amped with Jadis Defy 7 and an ss amp, but we knew the ML's could not sound good in such humid environment (it didn't help that he lived atop a hill). Another vignette. Around the millennium, I was living on the ground floor of a 3-story building in a gated community. One day I saw 2 heads bobbing in my front garden. I went out to confront them. They said sorry - they thought nobody's home and they wanted to get a better look at the Marantz 9's I had close to the sliding doors (in America perhaps they would have been shot dead)! So! They told me that the fellow across from me was also one of "us". Now, this fellow had 4 vintage Volkswagen's in his front yard. One day I visited him. Boy! Tannoy drivers, vintage gear, everywhere. Apparently, he once owned a store in the famed Apliu Street. He was also an early practitioner of the SET amp movement. I bought from him at very good prices a grey Garrard 301, and a Japanese San Ei VT62 SET amp. Fast forward, in 2012, just a few days after I moved into a small high-rise apartment, I heard from the even smaller next door unit, Take Five, and from the sound I knew it was a proper audio setup (never went in though). See, just to tell you, audiophiles were everywhere in HK; you don't even have to look. In Covid terms, "Carriers" and "Silent Spreaders" were everywhere! BUT, most people still think of us as Aliens.
Wading into Digital and BBC Waters I didn't have a proper setup the first year in HK. But, as mentioned, I heard some decent setups. When I moved out of the University Quarters, I started with 2 cheap Philips CD players (chronicled here) and never stopped. Up to that time, my own experience with bitstream was downright negative, but I knew from my colleagues that Marantz and Micromega could be good. I got a pair of used 11 ohm LS3/5A, paired it with Dynaco ST-70 that I brought back from the US, and a DIY Marantz 7 (made by a student of mine) and the sound was excellent, almost on par with what I have in front of me right now. Sometime later, Golden String had a clearance sale, and I bought the Spendor SP 2/1 (later also the SP1/2) and started my exploration of BBC and BBC-related loudspeakers beyond the LS3/5A (if interested, see my Spendor Overview). From then on, I bought, tried and sold a huge array of vintage CDP's and UK loudspeakers. For digital, basically over more than 10 years I tried everything bitstream and 16-bit classics (and earlier 14-bit ones). I am going to say more on this in a later Micromega Overview.
Horns, no looking back My first exposure to horns was a humble one. In HK, I heard at the aforementioned Lee's place his Klipsch KLF-30, a large floorstander. This was a three-way tower, with ferrite tractrix treble and midrange horns, and double woofers. I was impressed by the presence. Not so long after, I spotted a pair of La Scala's in the back of the shop (Sound Glory) and got them for a good price. Owner was just too happy to get rid of these (I later bought from him stuff nobody else wanted, like Loth-X BS1 and Magnpan SMG). This was the period when I was living on the ground floor, and I had much more room than before. A Malaysian fellow was relocating back to his country and was trying to sell his Lowther TP-1 (here). Someone (now a well known tube guy who operates a vintage shop) made a really lowball offer that he couldn't stomach. The night before his departure I made him a fairer offer and he delivered them the next day on an open top truck (along with a Garrard 301)! It was fun having them side by side, which was why I knew very early on that the Lowther was not nearly as efficient as the Klipsch. This was a fecund period. I also bought a pair of Tannoy 12" Gold in original Lancaster cabinets. My loudspeakers were definitely getting bigger! It's regrettable that I don't have even one picture of this period! That was at the start of my Ebay days, before smartphone and picture hosting! Then, a lot of words, few pics; now, lots of pics, few words..
SET Amps With efficient loudspeakers, I started to explore SE amps. I loved the combination. Once I started with SE amps, I basically abandoned larger PP amps. It's not necessarily the sound, rather the convenience, simplicity and reliability. I have never had any of my SE amps break down, something I cannot say about vintage PP amps. Cables Once I started using professional cables from Mogami and Gotham I never bought anything else.
Ebay addiction For almost 10 years I was just addicted. Basically I just stopped abruptly. I should be a seller, not a buyer!
So, I had my beliefs formed relatively early on. Then for almost 2 decades I just wallowed in excess, and now have a big mess to clean up. Let my example be a warning to you!
New York Diary (20-25): First Sound and a Rare Moment of Joy
It's hard to Keep the Spirits Up these days. This is especially so with those who live alone or have limited mobility. We need more good news.
The first thing I do when I get up is to make coffee and turn on the hifi. As it is very early in the morning and dark outside, I'd play a CD (or stream BT) and listen at quite a low volume. With my setup I still hear a tremendous amount of microdynamics at low volume (a must for good sound).
Yesterday I played the CD of Zino Francesscati's Mozart Concertos (Columbia/Sony) and marveled at his tone and how good the system sounded. This is because this great violinist's tone on his Strad (and Columbia's recording) is hard to get right: a little off and the high notes would be grating. Yesterday it was pure and almost sweet. This morning, I streamed pianist Dina Ugorskaja's Bach Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, and it was nourishing. The First Sound everyday is always the best. It is hard not to conclude that our ears inevitably get worn out a little (not because of the system) as the day goes on - we are not meant to be listening to music for hours on end.
After about an hour of music, I'd watch the news, which is rather monotonous these days. Today however brought news of the birth of a Panda at the National Zoo. Like many others I am sure, I broke into a big smile and felt that Serotonin Rush. How wonderful!
Basic Repertoire: Bach's Keyboard Works are of immense importance in the development of music. Most accessible would be his keyboard concerti. Then I'd say the Goldberg Varaitions, Chromatic Fantasy and the Italian Concerto. The mammoth Well-Tempered Clavier is not meant to be listened to in one seating. Below is no. 24 from Book I. The excellent pianist Dina Ugorskaja tragically died young, at 46.
Audio is a Journey in every sense of the word. Once one embarks, there is adventure and frustration in equal parts, and often there is no telling how it'd end. Hopefully, it is spiritually nourishing (you really need to be a music lover for that), does not bankrupt you and become memorable for the wrong reasons.
A good album on a good system can impart a sense of journey. Nick Cave's The Boatman's Call, Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, Van Morrison's Astral Weeks and Moondance all do that for me - it is impossible not to listen to the whole thing.
I am a film buff and a fan of Wim Wenders, who is one of the few filmmakers for whom the soundtrack is not an afterthought (another is Terence Malick, one of my idols). I have many of his soundtrack CDs but I think Until The End of The World is the best one (see here; the film though is not his best, rather contrived, as he can be sometimes). I bought my first at a second-hand HK media shop for $2, and the second for less than that. I have listened to it tens of times, always from start to finish. I did that this morning twice. Though streamed through bluetooth, it sounds even better than it had in HK. Half of the artists I knew before but singers like Nick Cave and Neneh Cherry I discovered through this album.
Wim Wenders films evolved from Road Movie, and that sense of journey never left him. This track from Paris, Texas is a favorite with HK audiophiles.
To enjoy a journey one must retain a sense of wonder. May you all enjoy your life!
New York Diary (20-23): Be The Conductor of Your Own Life Streaming Classical Music (1): Full Concert Pieces in HD, Scheherazade, Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5
Elim Chan Conductor Elim Chan's meteoric rise to stardom is amazing. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she became a music professional almost by accident (see The Guardian Interview). After she won the 2014 Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition, she apprenticed as Assistant Conductor of the LSO. She is now Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chief Conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, two very good orchestras. "Be the Conductor of Your Own Life" is her motto.
Since my good fortune of having heard her in Hong Kong in 2017 (here), I have become a fan. Imagine my delight when I found on youtube two (HD 1080p) full performances of warhorses, recorded in one f the world's greatest halls, the Concertgebouw of Amsterdam. I sat transfixed watching them and so am relaying these to you here. Note that despite being in the same hall, the two orchestras sound quite different. I am going to do more of this in a new series, as titled above.
Rimsky Korsakov Scheherazade This is one of the top warhorses, and beloved by audience and musicians, for good reason. It is approachable even to a layman, and we tend to foget it really is a masterpiece. NPR here has conductor Marin Alsop introduce this piece. For even more info, see the wiki entry.
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Tchaikovsky is such a great composer that everyone knows a few melodies of his. Most people who are not into classical music do no know the tumultuous part of his life, as reflected in his Symphonies No. 4 to 6. In these pieces, the dark currents shall surprise those who think of his ballets. I'll let WQXR introduce the great Symphony No. 5.
If you have never heard these pieces but enjoyed the videos, drop me a word!
New York Diary (20-22): Old Dog; In the Small Hours
The Pandemic makes me feel like a looped piece of music, played over and over again. It's the same everyday as days turn into months, hopefully not into years. I get to bed early, usually around nine, but recently I get into my bed a little earlier and listen to a bit of headphone, falling asleep in the process. I wake up usually in the middle of the night; sometimes I can fall back to sleep, sometimes not. Comfort Music Today I got up at 4 am, turned on my audio and made coffee. I listened at very low volume. I have done this before, and I did it again: I listened to two CDs of Bach Violin Concertos. The Most Universal of Composers, Played by Two of the Greatest Violinists of all time, Arthur Grumiaux and Henryk Szeryng in old fashioned performances. It is comfort music in the best sense. It is incredible how much microdynamics there is in this newest system iteration: Micromega Stage 2 CDP, Yamamoto CA-04 Preamp, Akitika Amp, Almarro M1A loudspeakers. In the near future you shall be reading about the Micromega and the Yamamoto.
Learning New Tricks Old dogs these days have to learn new tricks! Blog Authors Beware!As soon as I started writing on my chromebook, I got irritated. Since yesterday afternoon, the Blog Editor/Interface got a superficial face lift for no good reason. The draft page border disappeared and is now at one with the white background - how silly can that be? On the draft page, youtube will not display either. Still, I tried to get used to it but was flummoxed when I could not align the picture with the title. I reverted back to the legacy interface and everything was better. Trouble looms ahead as the legacy interface will be dropped after mid August. I expect more trouble with pictures. The legacy interface was not the greatest to start with, but the new one is worse, downright broken. Does that sound familiar? Sure, does that not remind you of the Windows experience? My view is, the earlier the more user friendly. The Brave New World Young People now think they own the world. Free expression is just dandy and I support it, but the problem is, I think old dogs don't matter a whit and are losing out. Consider, old dogs have to learn an increasing number of new words and terms: Cancel Culture (perchance this blog belongs to that, as it cancels most audio "high end" manufacturers), Woke Brigade (I saw a button on TV, "Stay Woke"), etc. In my younger days, there were gays and lesbians, including some of my friends, but now I am afraid even LGBTQ will not be accommodating enough and shall have to be amended again one day. Primary School children now shock their parents with their understanding of "family", "marriage", "husband and wife". That is all fine, even fair but...I Draw the Line at EnglishAlthough I was aware of the trend, it still shocked me no end the first time I came across in a respectable publication (New Yorker) the line "they is", which of course recurred and needled me many times. Listen, English is not even my first language, but maybe paradoxically that is why I have a stubborn respect for the language. I loved learning it; my teachers, nuns and Irish Jesuits and laymen, worked hard teaching it. I learned it the British (now that term shall be cancelled too) way, which is how our Indian friends write too (and I don't edit the spelling differences). No kidding, I used to read the arcane Fowler's English Usage from cover to cover, and enjoyed it. No, I have spent too much time (even now) learning this language to even think about "unlearning". With all due respect, it will always be "he is, she is, they are" to me. Period. Whether you are John or Joanna, whatever your sexual orientation, you are not going to be a "they" in my book, ever. You have the right to do whatever you want, but don't mess with my English!
Purist World and Purist Audio There is much similarity between the way our world is going and the direction audio has headed. In the good old days, we had the balance knob, tone and loudness controls, filters, sometimes even more. No one would frown upon you when you used the balance knob to center the sound, the loudness to boost the bass at low level and the tone controls to re-equalize the LPs that didn't sound right. Call them Comfort Controls. Everyone used those knobs to balance the sound, and there was no "the only way". Now? Audio, like everything else, has cancelled everything except the volume knob and selector (even that is just hanging by a thread), and become a religion based on a straight wire with gain (kind of Woke).
And now for a Chinese Meme that has been appropriated by everyone.
The snow falls and the wind blows
The song Yi Jian Mei first became one of most popular song on the Viral 50 playlist in Finland, Norway, Sweden and New Zealand, and it spread everywhere, taken up even by hip hop artists. It seems the lyric “XUE HUA PIAO PIAO BEI FENG XIAO XIAO” is a new catchword. It was an old song sung by an almost forgotten singer, For how it got to be like that read about the Chinese Eggman in SCMP. The youtube below is an amalgamation.
Click pics to enlarge. Technics SL-1200 Mk II upper right; LP atop Schiit Valhalla, Naim NAC 42, Artemis Labs LA-1. New York Diary (20-21): The Baldwin Electric Harpsichord
This beat-up and somewhat musty smelling Impulse LP, which I found in a dollar bin, is a personal favorite. It is a star-studded big band production in brilliant sound. But my fondness for it is because here the great pianist Hank Jones plays the Baldwin Electric Harpsichord in 7 of 11 tracks. Even jazz lovers may not have heard of this instrument.
This instrument was ahead of its times, though of course forgotten now. Today's electric keyboard can produce any sound in a much smaller enclosure. This FANTASTIC NMC link. tells you everything about the Baldwin.
This album was emphatically not well received by critics. Allmusic gave it 2 out of 5 stars! But if you look at reviews of actual listeners (e.g. discogs, Amazon) most love it as I do. Apparently, rock and pop musicians took to it a lot more. From the quoted NMC link: "...Among the most recognizable albums and compositions to feature this instrument include: The Beatles’ “Because” (performed by George Martin) from Abbey Road of 1969; The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows”, “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times”, and “Caroline, No” from Pet Sounds of 1966 and “Wonderful” from Smile of 1967; Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair” from Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme of 1966; The Doors’ “Love Me Two Times” from Strange Days of 1967; James Taylor’s “Taking It In” from James Taylor of 1968; Grateful Dead’s “Mountains of the Moon” from Aoxomoxoa of 1969; Nick Drake’s “Fly” from Bryter Layter of 1970; Van Morrison’s “Cypress Avenue” from Astral Weeks of 1968; Donovan’s “Hampstead Incident” from Mellow Yellow of 1967; and, The Kinks’ “Two Sisters” from Something Else By The Kinks of 1967. The instrument was also featured in the opening theme to The Addams Family (1964), and in the film score to The Odd Couple (1968)..."
That's a lot of songs we know well! Now, where is my Abbey Road album?
The reason why it fascinates me is: the instrument is to the fore during Jones' solo's (unlike the cameo ways it is used in pop). The reason I include the part of the liner notes is because I don't think it tells everything. As a classical listener, it is important to say that the term "electric harpischord" is misleading. As the note says, the instrument can produce different keyboard sounds. And Hank Jones made the most of it. Sometimes it sounds like the harpsichord, other times it sounds like the clavichord (even fortepiano as the Baldwin does have a pedal) or the dulcimer. The clavichord is at least as old as the harpichord, which transits through the fortepiano to piano.
I urge you to stream this album in its entirety. I just played it on my Technics which fed into Naim NAC 42 and Akitika GT-102. It swings, critics be damned!
New York Diary (20-20): Technology and Green Credentials in Our Daily and Audio Lives
Revised 6/30/20: More details on the JBL system added. Also, filled in on Simon's vinyl credentials, as well as his servicing of vaccum pumps.
Technology is a doubled-edged sword. While raising our standards of living and health care, our environment is being ruthlessly destroyed. Advances in many fields, ranging from transportation to farming, have probably done more harm to the environment than coal-burning plants. And it can be argued that growth is not equitable - it benefits the have's disproportionately more than the have-not's.
I pride myself on my Green Credentials, but this pandemic makes me re-examine myself, and how things are done. First of all, understand that I have never owned a car, and I live in a neighborhood where most big national chains do not have a nearby presence (exceptions being BJ's, Target, Best Buy and pharmacies like Walgreen).
I have tried my best to curtail my desires and online orders. I don't order food or easily obtainable household items online. But I did end up with still more orders than I'd have liked. One reason is, as I have relayed before, all my old computing devices gave up on me, so I bought computers and accessories. First a cheap Chromebook, than another cheap Windows laptop and an iPad. Some extras too, like wireless mouse and keyboard. Another important reason is, many items are not available in-store. It is a fact that during the pandemic things tend to fly off the shelves and re-stocking can be slow; but it is not only that, and the pandemic made me gain some insight into the logistics of operations.
Rather, the illogical, and immensely wasteful way of doing things. Say, I order three things from Walmart or Staples and it comes in THREE packages from different warehouses. What a waste of cardboard and packing material! Making this even worse is that some items come in packaging much bigger than their sizes mandate. I discussed this with Andy and he finds the same thing. He thinks they are just packing things into the same few boxes available. I also think perhaps they are spending less time than before in packing due to labor shortage. In any case, these make me feel much guiltier than usual.
Green Credentials in Audio Let's face it, while music is essential, audio, as practiced by fanatics like us, is not. No matter what, we waste quite a bit of electricity. Tube, which consumes more energy, is the Archilles' heel of my green armor. Right now I feel better, as I am streaming via bluetooth to a low consumption all solid state system which I shall later write about. Manufacturers, particularly those in the "high-end", should re-examine their own lack of environmental concerns in their excesses: to name a few, low efficiency loudspeakers with terrible impedance curves (which require muscle amps to drive); solid chunks of aluminum just for looks (most of these in solid state amps that do not sound great); large chassis for meager content (particularly prevalent in digital equipment and preamps); futile Class-A solid state attempts to emulate tubes (I have heard a lot of them, from Gryphon to Krell to Pass; I used to own the Aleph 3, which though good was not a 300B amp by far). Low powered amps and high efficiency loudspeakers are the way to go. Now, there are some who are deserving of praise, like David Berning and Linear Tube Audio (LTA) for the efficient and great sounding ZOTL design and, in the case of LTA, very beautiful but compact and not extravagant industrial designs.
The Greatest Advance in Audio What do you think it is? Sampling Frequency? Class D? Super Earphones? None of the above. It is Social Media. Manufacturers, critics, dealers, everyone has taken to social media, and Youtube. If not for social media, I'd not have been able to bring you Virtual Home Visits (many more coming).
Virtual Home Visit (3): JBL Horn System
If you are a regular reader, you would have encountered Simon before. He is in Andy's entourage. Simon is quite an experienced audiophile but now he has long sold just about everything and just keeps a simple system. That's commendable and environmentally friendly. As I have said many times before, good enough is indeed good enough. Forget about endless upgrades.
Simon is a JBL expert, and has considerable experience with different JBL horns and components. As a matter of fact, he is behind Andy's sorrowfully under-utilized JBL system (here). Whenever the gang get together, the heated topic of JBL vs Altec invariably comes up.
Simon is a technician who services dental equipment. His expertise comes in very handy for people like Andy (and by extension R, whose fabled lunches had been featured on this blog many times) when their vacuum pumps (for their turntables) break down. God knows how many times I have watched them do repairs. In the case of R, he would make us wait for lunch and go famished to make sure work was done. Fanatics!
Simon had once been an avid vinyl collector. His work takes him all over Manhattan, and over the years, whenever possible, he would pop into the record store and spend a few minutes sifting through the New Arrivals. By Andy and his own accounts, he had once owned every LP on the original HP list. Again, being such a sensible fellow, Simon sold off all those he did not really care for, which was a lot. Simon is a seasoned Classical Listener. I particularly remember his comments on how weary he feels after listening to Mahler. Again here, in terms of possessions, Simon serves as a model for those of us who wallow in excesses.
According to Simon, the JBL horn system is basically a DIY variant of L-300 (my model of choice). The mid-drivers are Le-85 horn,16 ohms (same as L300); Woofers are LE15B, 4 ohms; JBL 2045 tweeters. DIY Crossover (which evolved over a long time). The "L300" critically retains the soul (midrange driver) of the original. Apparently, Simon has had the iconic 375 but prefers the original's Le85. As for the original's 077 tweeters, he's had them too but he prefers the 2045. It should be noted that the woofer enclosure is a DIY variant of the Tannoy GRF! Boy, a lot of work there!
Ancillary equipment comprise: Cary SLP-98P Special Upscale Audio Edition Full-Function Preamp; McIntosh MC-225 amp; Technics SL-1200 Turntable with old Audio-Technica OC-9 Cartridige connected to his friend's no-name SUT; JVC K2 CD Player.
I didn't get to hear this present setup, but did hear a slightly different previous iteration with the same partnering equipment, and it was quite enjoyable.
Editor's Notes: 1) I am not a fan of Cary, but I have heard a lot of their stuff. This particular preamp uses the larger 6SN7 tubes in the line section, and is definitely much better sounding than the previous models which use smaller tubes, as Art Dudley mentioned in Stereophile; 2) I am pretty sure the JVC CDP is the legendary XL-Z 1050 (without suffix TN) with JVC's proprietary K2 circuitry (here and here).
Letter from Hong Kong (20-2): Eric L pitches $7 generic Bluetooth Device against $125 name brand. Editor's Preface: This Second Article from Author Eric L is a delight. It starts with how he got into HiFi in a Hong Kong era that I had missed, but that would be familiar to many of my HK friends. And then he went into Critical Mode and the Result Surprised him! I absolutely relish his completely unbiased comparisons. At the End I'd like to say a few things in the Postcript. The above is another of Eric L's photos. How I started my HiFi Journey I started listening to music when I was a little kid of 6. I grew up with music from LPs, played through a Thorens Turntable and a Sansui SS Stereo Amp [Editor: HK in that era was not what it is now; that setup would be at least mid-fi]: Sound of Music, Beatles and Carpenters. For some reason, I also liked to play Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, even if I was not exactly a classical guy. When I grew older (still some 40 plus years ago) I started to hang around HiFi shops like Excel in Central, HK, a renowned stereo shop selling Linn Sondek , Naim (I'm still a fan of older Linn and Naim stuff), Mark Levinson and JBL 4343 etc [Editor: Excel is still around]. There was also Radio People, that carried B and W, KEF 105, Quad, Nakamichi cassette deck etc. Of coz, the salesmen knew exactly that I could not afford to buy even a screw off any of their products but they still had fun teasing me and occasionally would allow me to sneak behind the big spenders to listen to some of their exotic setups [Editor: how heart warming! Try that today!]! That would have definitely made my day and enabled me to boast to others; but wait, there's none like me at my age group to boast to...
My UnclesI'm lucky in a way that I have a few uncles who owned some really expensive and exotic equipment. One owned a full set of Cello (total 8 pieces): Performance Amps, Preamp , their crazily expensive equalizer and flagship Stradivarius speakers, plus dCS DACs. He would invite me to his place from time to time to "enlighten" me and my friends (I got company finally~). Of course, no matter the sound was good or not, or if I knew if it was good or bad, I would pay him back with generous eulogies and praise to secure a future invitation, hehe! Down the years, as I came to know a bit more about the meaning of good sound, I can safely say that his stereo system did have amazing dynamics and sound effects. Another uncle had a completely different approach and they both would laugh at each other's setup; this one was using a Philips CD100 connected to unnamed 845SET monoblocks driving a pair of Top Tannoy. Imperial Sound? Quite musical to my limited ears.
All through my journey, I kept asking what the best sounding system should sound like. I kept finding cheap ghettoblasters with poor HiFi attributes to be extremely musical despite exhibiting a lot of distortions. On the contrary, the more expensive the equipment, the better the soundstage, depth and slam, the more embarrassingly the lack in excitement and musicality! It is so hard to have HiFi attributes coexist with feet tapping musicality! One thing I truly look for is honesty of a system. After all, the sound coming out of it cannot be better than the actual recording or performance, be it live or a studio effort! Well, stereo equipment is not an art to me, it's more like a craft instead. It has to portray the essence of music such that one can effortlessly immerse in it. Back to HK Coming after the LP era, CD was hailed as the most convenient format that can replace cassette and analog. Since my Red Dog RCA LPs that I bought with my pocket money were all given away generously by my cousin (thanks a lot pal!), I sold my system in Canada (LP12/Ittok2/OrtofonMC20 Naim pre-power/ Linn Kan) before coming back to HK. I had to start from scratch again, yet another painful search for musical truth! After a long search for the absolute sound of my own, with limited financial capacity, and numerous failures, I finally came to realise what I'm looking for. Thanks to a few experienced veterans, in particular Dom (HK distributor of 47 Lab, Sparkler Audio, Mussette, TotalDac etc; he persosnally uses the Pitracer CDP and 47 Lab's top turntable and the extremely scarce Miyabi cartridge, among other exotic stuff), I settled down with Gaincard as my ultimate amp. With a mere 25Wpc, it fits the job perfectly for my purpose - that is to play music which can touch my soul. I'm also extremely satisfied with my Dynaudio Crafft, which I think can sound as natural and dynamic as many speakers up to 3 to 4 times its price today. Even after 30 years, the sound is still as good. Is it the best? By far no, but it ticked all the boxes for me!
Everyday you learn something new! Three Bluetooth Receivers under 125 USD Face Off So much for the babbling. After you heard about my $7 USD cheapo BT receiver (H-9A), I got another cheap BT (Wenliang) from my friend. AI also acquired an iFi Zen Blue. So I was ready to carry out a mini face off of the three! Source is still the almighty You Tube through my ancient 10 year old Mac Air which no longer supports the latest IOS.. Plus I have my Sparkler CDP 503 II Spiral back. I also borrowed from my friend Kwong a pair of Silvercom silver I.C. and some cones bought from Taobao (again). I was ready to rock and roll.
My anchoring system is the 47 Gaincard and the newly acquired icOn4 TVC AVC Line Control and Dynaudio Crafft. The newly acquired icOn 4 is so good that it blends into my system effortlessly and seamlessly. I would talk about it more perhaps in another separate post. But this is definitely one of my most important purchase recently, since finding the perfect linestage to match with my Gaincard is actually more difficult and demanding than one would imagine!
Fast forward to Father's Day weekend; I negotiated a full weekend's privilege to listen to music almost all day long (if not, it would take another week or two to complete this A/B/C comparison). Analyzing is usually demanding in terms of the focus and concentration needed to critique the minute difference between one piece and another. But interestingly this time, this was not so much the case!
H9A out, ZB in I unplugged the cheapo H9A and hooked up the iFi Zen Blue (ZB). I was expecting some sort of improvement over the H9A, but the sound , though different, did not seem better. I decided to run more songs through it. The night before, the ZB somehow refused to produce sound even when paired but it miraculously worked smoothly the next morning. Occasionally it would get unpaired but pressing a few buttons would make that work again. It's a nice looking device made of metal and has a "zen stone" shape. After fiddling with different combination, I sensed something was missing with the ZB which I could not explain. ZB out, Wenliang in I then hooked up the Wenliang that my friend Kwong lent me to see if I had missed anything. The unit is well built with a built in LPS but unfortunately once it was hooked up the sound became one-dimensional and soundstage had collapsed completely. I immediately unplugged it and listen to my CDP which was a treat but I sensed the sound can be further improved (perhaps another post). Now I began to question myself if my previous wonderful BT experience was for real??
H9A back in On the morning of Father's Day, with the special freedom granted me in full effect, I woke at 7am and the first thing I did was to unhook the ZB and swap back in the H9A. Voila, everything came back to live again!!! All the musicality, involvement, soundstage, airiness, PRAT were in full swing and I was involuntarily tapping my feet and following the tunes with immense pleasure and delight!! I tried all the songs that I have used as reference, esp the Youtube Tiny Desk 's Free National mini concerts. I just loved the vibrancy and sophisticated dynamics of the musicians ! I even tried Chris Jones' No Sanctuary and compared it to my Audiophile CD version - I must say perhaps the BT is 80% in hifi terms but I feet no loss of musicality. Man I can live with it any single day! ZB may have an edge on speed and instrument spacing, but the airiness as well as the ebb and flow of music have been largely missing, even simply lacking. Sadly my very high hopes did not pan out; of course, I would not give up that easily. Be prepared for a follow up once I can get a handle on it. In the end, I am keeping my H9A. I also learned that they have a latest version with BT 5.0 and an additional USB input too, and for almost same price! I have already asked my friend to buy a few more H9As for me as spare, LOL!
Free Nationals at Tiny Desk Chris Jones "No Sanctuary" Nils Lofgren' keith Don't Go"Nils Lofgren's guitar is so fierce and piercing and his voice so sincere that how can one not be touched by it? Liang Bo 's "That Boy" is so polished, forceful, soulful that I think even those who don't understand Chinese will like the song. [Editor: this video is from a Chinese version of America Got Talent; this fellow took the crown]
FKJ performance at "Live at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia" is so spiritual and uplifting that I can dive into music while watching the grandiose and breathtaking scenery. Such a treat. These are songs that I must play once or twice every other day or two~ Another live performance from FKJ at La Fee Electricite is shorter but no less impressive and this is the one that i would loop as well! Yet another favorite is FKJ and Masego playing "Tadow" and I can't stop tapping my feet on this one. Those slickest saxaphones, but both of them are crazily skilled and talented!
Man, am I having so much fun listening to Bluetooth! With a sea of live performances not available on Spotify and CDs, I am in heaven! Editor's Postcript: 1) We thank Eric here for bringing us more Virtual Home Visits as well as more music suggestions, and we look forward to more articles from him in the near future - a round of applause for cheap fun!; 2) After I posted my BT experience, Eric left comments that echoed mine and one thing led to another. I think I can relate to his experience (and that of my HK friend icefox) but those who have not yet used BT, or who dismiss it (including some of my friends), may not. The important thing of course is: does BT get across the music experience? We obviously think so, but you have to try it as a musical, not hifi, experience to see; 3) The H-9A may be viewed as a David by some, but I actually think there are many David's, such as my Aukey and HK-008 that I wrote about. BT is very basic, and there is not much that you can do to improve or degrade the sound. Newer chips may be more inclusive but they are still functionally similar to older ones. In all these devices, the onboard digital to analogue conversion and power supply are generic and rudimentary. I think there is no need to hunt for a particular model - just experiment on your own. As a corollary, the still inexpensive iFi is not a Goliath either. After run in, who knows? Perhaps Eric L will reconsider. Also, it has digital outputs, which from my experience is unquestionably an upgrade path, though that feature can be had for much less too. Of course, that's an extra component and another cable. As I have said, the built in digital to analogue conversion in cheaper devices cannot be very good and an extra DAC of one's choice will reap benefits. Until the next round...
Today in 1982, Vincent Chin, a Chinese American around my age who was about to be married, died after 4 days of coma that followed a brutal lynching. The incidence galvanized Asian Americans and is bitter memory.
The incidence is recounted in Hong Kong's SCMP today, but not in the US media. Everyday I read online news from various sources, msn, New York Times etc. I found no mention of this incidence in the last few days, not even in the local Chinese Newspaper.
One day in the early eighties, I was waiting in a New Jersey town for a bus back to New York. A convertible drove by, a guy pumped his fist and yelled at me: "Remember Pearl Harbor!!" Luckily, they just sped away and I went on with my life. Despite occasional tribulations I was able to enjoy life a bit, travel a little, like any human being would like to. Vincent Chin had all that taken away from him by an animal wielding a baseball bat.
Five years before his death, NASA launched two Voyagers into Space. Each carried a Golden Record with an eclectic selection of music, to be played to Aliens in the event they are encountered. Meanwhile, down on the continent, there were, and are, still a huge number of people who look at people different from them as aliens. The irony is, we make overtures to aliens, but become violent to human beings that look different from us.
Basic Repertoire
Beethoven's Quartet's are among the greatest works in the genre. The Cavatina, from String Quartet No. 13, Opus 130, a late work (played by the Budapest String Quartet), is the last track on the Golden Record. I listened to it with Vincent Chin on my mind.
Trivia: Find out more about the Golden Record from Wiki. Note that the record is to be played back at 16 2/3 rpm, a speed half that of our usual 33 1/3. This means each side can yield about an hour of music. This speed is basically only used in studios.
New York Diary (20-18): Rehash! What are you Reading?
Whenever I research for my articles, particularly on more obscure things, I am astonished by websites that I don't know at all (and I thought I know them all) that only do rehash! So many sites are doing that - it's basically AI Bulletin Boards, with no humans behind (aside from a desire to make money)!
I do rehash too, but when I do that I do it for a reason. To promote products or people that I like; but I always put in a comment (often more) on why I am doing that. Ditto this post (and the last).
Klipsch La Scala AL5
I have not heard the most recent incarnations of Klipsch Classics. Aside from the official Klipsch forum, I have probably published the most on Klipsch. The La Scala is particularly close to my heart. I have never accomplished my dream of stacking 2 pairs (I harbor the extravagant hope that my colleague mrgoodosound can one day do that).
This HiFi News review of the Kilpsch La Scala AL5 is the best trade magazine Klipsch review that I have read in the last few years. Author David Price is someone I have always liked, from eons ago when he wrote for HiFi World. Some of these British writers honed their craft on very modest equipment but their hearts are in the right place.
This one is particularly interesting to me because it shows the back! The top part is now closed, so one cannot easily access the crossovers! I'd rather think we prefer the older versions, where we can easily change everything. Grant you, I am not a fan of the aftermarket mods, but it is reassuring that a backdoor is left open.
Click pics to enlarge. Dayton BTR01 in action. Aukey BR-C1 in foreground; iFi iTube and Micromega Mydac in left background. NY Diary (20-16): Streaming on the Cheap; Bluetooth, Part I Review: Three Bluetooth Receivers, Dayton BTR01, Aukey BR-C1 and HK008, vs USB Review: iFi iTube, Part II Streaming Naxos Music Library (NML) (with Chromebook)
This is a very long article that follows my Bluetooth Journey chronologically, not a more categorical presentation. I chose this way because it would tell more of the joys and frustrations of the journey.
This is picking up where I left off in the last Diary Entry on Streaming NML (here). Since writing that, I haven't stopped streaming but have done some adjustments, and some of the results surprised me, to say the least. I'll start with a bit of re-cap.
BEFORE: Ancient Dell Laptop + Unitek USB Cable The Unitek is my go-to USB cable (better than the Belkin Gold, see here; but it seems available only in HK). The Dell was a loaner, pre-Windows 10 but running the 10 (I also tried my even older XP Dell; it displays but cannot run the NML Player). Sound With the Micromega DAC, sound was quite good. The treble was surprisingly detailed, but sometimes with a steely tinge on period instruments or when the going got rough. Cable SwapsI dug out more cables and toggled them, resulting in a somewhat warmer, but just as detailed, sound. So the updated system:
Bluetoon Receivers: Aukey BR-C1 and Dayton Audio BTR01 (chronicled below) DAC: Micromega MyDAC (DIY 47 labs) Preamp: Elekit TU-8500 (Gotham GAC-2111) Amp: Akitika GT-102 (Acrotec 6N-1010) Loudspeakers: Audiomaster LS3/5A (15 ohm) Stands: el-cheapo Energy stand used without spikes Blue Ray Player: Sony S-5000ES (Audio Out; Canare 2T2S) Turntable: Audio-Technica AT-PL120/Denon DL-301ii
My New Chromebook(skip this part if you have no interest in Chromebook) As described in Diary (20-8), some time ago I irrevocably crippled the browser of my 2012 Macbook Pro and computing on ancient laptops has been a patchwork. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and impulsively bought an entry level Acer Chromebook 14 for $200, before tax. Considering that computer prices have shot up with increased demand during the pandemic, that was a comparatively good deal. I ordered it from BJ's and was shocked it showed up the next day. I guess it was available at my local store and they delivered it together with other people's groceries. Nonetheless, efficient and deserving of praise! Basic but has FlawsOpening it up surprised me - a nice carrying bag is included. This is my first Chromebook, and it is a very basic one. I liked the fact that it has an aluminum chassis (of course at the cost of additional features). The screen is large, but images, though fairly good, lack some contrast (Apple it ain't). Working on it feels remarkably like working on a Macbook Air. I use the computer to mostly read the news, write (obviously) and watch a little youtube, certainly no gaming and high demand stuff, so this basic model is good enough for me, and I can sit and write with it on my lap for hours. I open multiple tabs when I write (sites with relatively little ads and pop ups) and stream music at the same time, and the speed is acceptable (not with some youtube videos though) and happily the battery lasts forever. I/O's are few, 2 USB and a HDMI but regrettably no SD card slot. I also tested the earphone out and it was acceptable (no worse than Apple). DrawbacksThere are a few, some unforeseen by me. It's not the price, but the ecosystem.KeyboardIt is a little different, but adjustment is easy. I do miss several keys that I use a lot (Pg Up/Dn, Home, End and Delete) and hence cannot yet execute some DOS commands (but these keys on an external keyboard work). There are Chromebook shortcuts for these but it will take a little time to learn them. Input Sometimes I have to type in Chinese (not that often). With Apple, it is the best. With a PC or Android Cell Phone, I use the very good Google Pinyin Method, which can easily toggle between the Traditional and Simplified Chinese characters. So I was really surprised the Chromebook cannot; it's one at a time (reason here). And the Fuzzy Logic is not as good. This is a minor gripe though. Wechat This is the Social Media almost all Chinese use. On my Mac and PC, I like to install the Wechat app and use it when I type a lot. But despite some unofficial attempts, this is basically not possible on a Chromebook. As for Wechat's web edition, it can be displayed but fails to login even after scanning the QR Code. This may not be surprising as anything Google is not available in China. So for those who have to interact a lot with Chinese friends and associates, the Chromebook is not a good choice. This is not my case, so it is good enough for me.
Round 1: Initial WoesUSBAargh! I plugged the USB in, and NO sound from my Micromega. MyDAC requires a driver for Windows, but this Chrome ecosystem is apparently different. Next, I thought of my Meridian Explorer but could not find it. Anyway, that was a disappointment (but there is a surprise later). So, I grudgingly continued to use the ancient Dell. Bluetooth (BT)A day later, I decided just to try out Bluetooth. Last year I tried out some cheap Bluetooth stuff with my then-functioning Macbook Pro, and I had great difficulties (here). So I got them out. Well, the Chromebook proved better in this department. The Dayton BTR-01 was detected but would not pair, (surprise later too) but I was glad the Monoprice BHS-839 Headphones paired (it will see some use in the kitchen). When all seemed lost... Round 2: Aukey BR-C1 Bluetooth ReceiverThis is a tiny (2") el-cheapo Rechargeable BT Receiver with a mini-jack analogue output. I bought it from Amazon soon after I wrote the Bluetooth/Monoprice Earphone article. Make sure you read the purchasers' feedback (that was what I did when I tried to decide which one to buy). The top one from a tech-savvy guy is most interesting, and I will quote him below.
Upon first play using one of my reference pieces I use, 1.618 by BT, I knew something was off about this gadget. Being a bit electronics and audio proficient, I opted for an autopsy.
1st image: 65-second, 20 Hz to 20 kHz logarithmic sweep at -3 dB and half system volume w/ 85-86 uF stock output capacitors & filters. 2nd image: 65-second, 20 Hz to 20 kHz logarithmic sweep at -3 dB and half system volume w/ ~290 uF output capacitance.
I set up the wrong multiplier for the scope between both sets of measurements. Please compare shape, not the measured values.
The micro responsible for driving this entire device is the ISSC IS1681S made by the Microchip subsidiary ISSC. It's a Bluetooth 3.1 + EDR device that supports a mic and stereo sound. The power source, aside from being plugged in via USB, is a 2YL6 "jellybean" Li-Ion SOT-23-5 charging regulator and a 250 mAh, 0.9W lithium battery. ISSC's site change that this IS1681S can live for 10 hrs on a 120 mAh battery. I didn't map the schematic, but 2x A2SHB-marked transistors, also a jellybean part, drive the left and right channels though 2 caps in parallel-ish and one inductor. The capacitance of each channel on the board is 85-86 uF, which is where I make my point.
A crude linear intensity sweep showed roll-off for everything below 650 Hz. The 3dB point is dead on 51-52 Hz, and the 6 dB point is at 20 Hz. This means that any low mids and high bass is easily being attenuated. As the capacitance is driven by MLCC caps, 0805's being the largest used here, which suffer from letting DC through at higher loads, the isn't enough for driving any decent speaker setup. Even at half volume I was getting a significant DC offset.
I had some 220 uF's sitting around from another project, specifically EEU-FR1C221, so I cut the leads of two of them and soldered them on. Away went the DC offset. Away went the 3 dB & 6 dB low-mid & low frequency attenuation And up went the peak-to-peak amnplitude. I can go louder now along with only a 0.82 dB roll off from 97 Hz to 60 Hz, which is good enough for me. My monitors go down to the mid 50's. Frequency response is flat from 97 Hz to 20 kHz.
Why does this matter? Aukey spent the time and money to inlay 4 steel pieces and 2 screws holding them in to add 20 grams of mass to this device. I'll admit that the thick-walled ABS case and rubber foot coupled with the texture of the plastic are spot on for the feeling of quality. I didn't expect perfect audio, but I didn't expect +6 dB attenuation in bass. The range of the bluetooth transceiver is great, despite the steel blocking a good part of the antenna on the left. However, if they remove the steel and minorly adjust the PCB layout, they will be able to accommodate similarly spec'd electrolytic caps and provide *excellent* sound for bluetooth device that costs $20.
Aukey, please remove the weights and use the cost differential to fix the frequency response. you do this, you'll get 5 stars from me. 2 were taken off because that roll-off starts/stops pretty high up in my opinion and physical presence was prioritized over function.
Amazon gave me a discount for leaving this guy in my cart for a few days (doesn't mean that it will or won't happen to you) so I got bluetooth audio that sounds equivalent to a shielded line-in input to my monitors for $12 so this was a fun experiment that netted me a very capable device I'll want to keep. I want to buy more, mod them, and share them.
And They Lived Happily Ever After? When I first got it last year, I tested it briefly and it did not work with my Macbook Pro either. I almost forgot about it this time. In the early evening, I brought it out for a trial. ConnectionSURPRISE! It paired easily with the Chromebook! The connection is fairly stable, though at times it'd stutter a little, though overall it is acceptable. Sound Level At first, the sound level was quite low and I had to crank the volume up. Then I realized and checked the Chromebook's volume, which was at my usual low setting (I usually work almost silent, preferring to listen to music from my real systems). I maxed it out and, voila, the level became more normal, though I am certain it is below the standard 2V. Ergonomics For this price, don't expect that much! It has a lot of features for car and earphone use, which is useless to me and irrelevant here. Battery There is a Lithium Battery inside, and USB charging is easy and quick. Once charged, it lasts forever. If you don't want to do recharging, of course you can have it permanently hooked up with a USB charger (not included). Audio Output There is only a stereo Minjack. I used a generic adapter for RCA. Weight It is so light that it tends to be dragged back by the interconnect (and adaptor). The Vibrapod gives more traction as well as control vibrations. Sound I mostly streamed NML. Initially,I was a little unsettled. It seemed more generalized, less detailed. On the other hand, it seemed rather pleasant, not much treble glassiness. Cable swapping made only a small difference (I settled for the Kimber KCAG). Anecdotally, the sound reminded me not a little of my 2018 Bluetooth session with my HK friends icefox et al (here). Then,as I gradually grew more and more acclimated to the sound. I started to suspect I might find it on par with the USB streaming before.I found that hard to accept, as Bluetooth, especially non-Apt X and low-end ones, are universally regarded as way inferior and not fit for audiophiles. It took another day of constant streaming to sort out my impressions. All that remained was switching back and compare (which I did two days later to the same conclusion). Yes, in this system I prefer the Aukey Bluetooth. It's too bad my other BT devices don't work (surprise later). In the next bullet, I shall dwell on its virtues. Radio I spent some time enjoying Radio Garden (link set to Italian Radio Emilia-Romagna). I roamed over the globe, stopping by in Africa and India for some stirring music, finally checking in to RTHK4, Hong Kong's classical (and jazz) radio. Around the World in one hour! I urge you to explore this site but warn you that it can be addictive! :-) Pro's Some of you will no doubt question my high end credentials for preferring BT. Although it is hard to isolate the various elements, a few words to explain my preference are in order. Organic It is about the whole, not the components. There is something holistically right about the BT/Aukey. It breathes naturally and gets to the heart of the music. Now, as mentioned in my first article on NML streaming, its free feed is not even close to CD standard, not to say hi-res, though it is good enough for me (and mrgoodsound, though as a subscriber he may have a slightly better feed) to enjoy the music. Smoothness Compared to the USB streaming before, the Aukey BT is smoother, which is why initially I had to undergo a period of adjustment for what I first perceived as loss of high frequency content and detail. After more listening I became aware that there is about as much detail there, but the distribution is different. With USB, the images are smaller and the edges are sharper; with the BT, images are more fleshed out. I can imagine in the wrong system (say a less resolved one) the BT could come across as more muddy or bloated. But in mine the massed strings certainly sound more real. Soundstage and Hall Sound In terms of depth, the Aukey extends a little further back, but that is not significant compared to its surprising ability to convey the Recording Venue (Hall Sound). In my opinion, accurate Hall Sound goes hand in hand with Listening Comfort. Years of listening to classical music in audiophiles' system taught me the vast majority have no idea of what the hall sounds like - what they hear is a cardboard cutout. Case in point: I went through the excellent Beethoven Symphony Cycle by the Vienna Academy under Martin Haselbock (Alpha). They were recorded in different venues (each deliberately matched with the venue of each work's premiere) and I definitely hear the different halls. Another example: Remy Ballot's Bruckner Cycle was recorded in St Florian Cathedral, where Bruckner was based, and I can hear the reverbs. For a 16-bit aficionado (I am confident the 16-bit chips have the best hall sound, bar none), that's quite something to say! The small orchestra is clearly heard; the vibrato-less strings never grating, very exciting! If you have a streaming service, try it! The cushion of the hall sound lets me hear the really big symphonic works with comfort. Con's Effective Distance It is not very much; long distance champ it is not. But, are you kidding? For $15, I have no complaints. Also, here I do want to address the question raised by the technically minded Amazon commentator concerning the stock unit's roll-off under 670 Hz (-3db at 50-52 Hz; -6 db at 20 Hz). In my opinion, the very gradual rolloff to -3 db at 50 Hz is nothing much to worry about (unless your system is really lean in the lower midrange, midbass and bass) - not a few tube gears probably do that, and cable changes are able to help. In my case, I worry even less as the LS3/5A has a signature midbass bump that will flatten out the curve some, especially since I am using wood-based stands (without spikes) that probably make bass yet a little fatter. Indeed, I am not lacking in bass. I don't feel the need for a sub.
Round 3: Extra! + iFi iTube Late one night, I was playing Bruckner. I was actually contented but the idea of adding a Buffer came to me. I pulled out my little used iFi iTube (my review) and connected the Aukey (with KCAG) to it, using the Belden 8451 to connect to the preamp. Wow! It's not just better, it is significantly better! As Buffer (0 db Gain) I was not surprised that the Buffer sweetened the strings and brass a little, but I was happily surprised by Greater Ease and even more by the Enhanced Dynamics! That adds a lot to the big symphonic experience (like Bruckner)! Aukey has no spec's so I don't know whether there is an impedance issue, but the buffer surely improves things. As Buffer (6 db Gain) Even though the volume knob on the preamp had not even reached 12 o'clock, over the next few days I also tried out the 6 db gain setting. Unlike the previous round, I heard a little difference. Perhaps because I feel the Aukey is low in output volume (or perhaps the compression of the BT plays a role too) the additional 6 db gain adds a little more spice. I A/B'ed some: this is different from cranking up the preamp by 6 db; the attack is a little better. This is the setting I now use. As Preamp (6 db Gain) I briefly tested this, eliminating the Elekit preamp altogether. Just like before, the iFi did not cut it - the perspective is flatter and there is less presence. Maybe good enough for the desktop (which is what some of the reviewers use), but not in a real system. vs Chromebook Audio Out At the end of my comparisons, using the same cable and adapter I connected via the headphone output. I had tested this a few nights ago with my Grado SR-80 and it was par for the course, no worse than my Macbook Pro (not saying much). In this system, the sound was acceptable but not as wholesome as the Aukey. The tinny treble (strings) though was much improved; surely the iTube has helped!
Round 4: Miracle 1, Dayton BTR01 Revived! + Micromega MyDacThe Dayton is a Parts Express Product. It is a BT 3.0, non-AptX Receiver. As I was finishing the article, I opened it up and took a pic. The Chip used is CSR 57E6-87CG. The Op Amp NE5532P is seated on a socket, so should you like you can do some rolling. I googled the chip and guess what I found? A pic of FX Audio BL-MUSE-01which looks exactly the same. I investigated further and found the innards are identical too! So, The Dayton is OEM'ed by FX Audio, which is a reputable Shenzhen enterprise. Dayton is out of stock right now, though more are due in imminently, whereas FX can be bought anywhere on Amazon and Ebay (the cheapest I have found is this). However, should you be interested, personally I'd pay a few bucks more and buy from PE, because they have a 5-year Warranty and are famous for their service. During this covid crisis, Parts Express must be hurting and they have lowered their free shipping requirement from $100 to $49, and you can include a few adaptors or whatever you need with your order! Of course, those near Hong Kong I am sure can easily purchase the FX from Taobao for even less. Connection As mentioned, first I had trouble; it was detected but would not pair. This was when I was using the Aukey. I moved it further away and plugged it in and forgot about it for about 2 hours. After a while I saw the blue light blinking and I was suddenly able to pair it! I moved it back into the system and it maintained the connection (I turned off the Aukey). As a matter of fact, it has been almost 3 weeks; every night I broke the connection when I turned off my Chromebook and it would re-connect with no problem the next day. The connection is super-stable (visible direct line) I suspect the initial impasse was due to too many devices around. Now, another strange thing: I tried again with my old Macbook Pro and, unlike before, it paired! Go figure! I have no idea why the Dayton works now with my Macbook but not before. Perhaps the 2 hrs of "warming up" did something? Ergonomics This is a small but quite well-built device, with great ergonomics. Power Supply is via a 12V wall wart (Linear PSU is a possible upgrade path).There is a stereo pair of Analogue Output as well as a pair of S/PDIF Outputs (Coaxial and Toslink). The Digital Outputs allow me to use a DAC of my own choice in lieu of the onboard one. I wasted no time. Sound I first used the Coaxial Output (Belden 1694A)into the Micromega MyDAC (iFi not used). A big smile broke on my face! The sound has everything the Aukey has, and significantly more.Retained is the musicality. Improved are the resolution, dynamics, even treble smoothness. In fact, the punch, and bass heft, sometimes surprises me. Brass and Massed Strings have sheen, no etching on most discs; no easy task! Fabulous! Toslink Actually I knew from before: with the Micromega, Toslink (Monoprice) is almost indistinguishable from Coaxial, and so it proves here (I think there must be some re-clocking inside). Analogue Out I connected it with the KCAG to the preamp. No surprise, sound was still quite good, but a little flatter and not as dynamic. I even added the iTube buffer (+6 db) to beef it up, but the sound was naturally still better with the Digital Outputs. However, just like the Aukey it is pretty decent and would be satisfactory without an A/B Comparison. Lossy NML vs lossless AIFF I played my lossless AIFF files on iTunes. At first, they stuttered kind of badly, though not disconnecting, but that went away after I turned the BT off on my chromebook. Streamed over BT (lossy itself), the difference is there, but not by as much as one would think. Previous Review When I bought it, there were only user reviews. Imagine my surprise that there is now a TNT Review. Damn! I could have been the first! :-( But, wait a second, I just finished reading it. It is a complicated and crazy review, which I completely disagree with (rare in my experience with TNT), so maybe this review will right things!
Round 5: BT vs USB On my Macbook, I have almost 1T of music stored as AIFF in iTunes. In there is an AIFF file of Concerto Italiano's recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations (orchestral transcription) which I love and have previously recommended. So I played the lossless file via USB and compared it to Chromebook playing the lossy NML file with BT. Suffice to say, as an audiophile, I think the USB is still better, but, being a direct connection, not by as large a margin as I'd imagine. Somehow, despite the better resolution of the USB, the wholesomeness of the BT still came through and it is not shamed (I can see with certain music it might even be preferable). HK008 dangling on the DIY minijack cable. Aukey on Keyboard. Round 6: Deja-Vu (HK008) After 2 weeks of thorough immersion in streaming, a few days ago I finally fired up my horn rig because, as is my custom, I wanted to test again the TU-8800VK before shipping it out. This is a much more efficient system, so I didn't use the iFi and just inserted the Aukey via the amp's Minijack input, and it played delightfully. System:
BT: Aukey BR-C1 or HK008 (DIY Mogami 2534 with Rean Minijack connectors) Amp: Elekit TU-8800VK (Belden 9497) Loudspeakers: Klipsch Heresy I Subwoofer: Pioneer SW-8
A few hours later, the Aukey ran out of battery and had to be recharged. I substituted the even smaller $10 "HK008" (Amazon), which paired instantly. Amazing! The sound is virtually indistinguishable from the Aukey, so I am not going into details. I continued my streaming with the HK008 as I wrote, until...
Round 7: Miracle 2, MyDAC USB Revived! This is truly amazing (to low tech me). I had almost finished the article when I wanted to find out the cost of a used MyDAC. I poked around and ended up wasting some time reading old reviews, one of which reminded me that there is a small switch behind the MyDAC that switches between USB 1.0 and 2.0. For Windows, 1.0 does not require a driver but 2.0 does. I looked behind my unit. It is set at 1.0. My heart sank but I connected my Chromebook anyway. No sound, as before. What the heck, I thought, and tried out the 2.0. Success! I think that may be because my Chromebook's USB is 3.0 and it won't work on the 1.0. As for the Macbook Pro, may be the USB is 2.0 and that works on 1.0? I have always thought it was from 2012, but I just checked it, and it says "Late 2011". The 3.0 came out in 2011, but maybe my Mac still had the 2.0. BTW, my Unitek Cable and the Extension are 2.0. Anyway, that teaches you again the well-worn lesson - don't give up until you have tried everything! Sound Now I am able to use the same NML lossy files and make a direct comparison between USB and BT. There is no question the USB is still better (in bass heft particularly) but the BT is not far behind. For the small difference, until I have a dedicated computer in my audio system (may never happen) I am staying with BT.
Comments
Chromebook I don't make much demand on my computers, so my cheap and cheerful unit is welcome. Its ecosystem reminds me of Apple more than PC. It is not an ecosystem of choice for those who have to interact a lot with Chinese friends and associates. More relevant for here, from my limited experience above, in terms of streaming, BT seems OK. As for USB, I think it is OK too. As USB 2.0 came out in 2001, before Computer Music has taken off, I doubt there are many old DAC's with only USB 1.0 input. Because the USB didn't work earlier, I bought a $12 HDMI to S/PDIF Converter (also has a Minijack out) which has just arrived. I shall stream via the HDMI output. I might also reclaim from a friend my Musical Fidelity V-Link (a good USB to S/PDIF convertor that does re-clocking) to try out. As I believe S/PDIF to be better sounding, that would be interesting, but it will have to wait as I'd not like my friend to worry about my knocking on his door during the pandemic. :-) :-(
Akey BR-C1 and HK008 You can add streaming to your main system for peanuts. With some care, the sound is not bad at all, even good enough for this jaded audiophile. Despite their limited ergonomics, they punch above their weights, literally. Recommended. Also, make sure the distance is not too great and avoid having multiple BT devices on at once as it will cause pairing problems. AND, they are so portable that you can take it to your audiophile nemesis' place to embarrass him (I do that even to my friends, and certainly my HK friend icefox does too)! And good for a gift! The HK008 is not available right now but any generic one will likely be an equivalent. I regard BT as a bona fide Music Server! For those who do not already use a DAC in their system, these are reasonable choices. Given the somewhat lower output, use of a buffer, especially one with gain, will significantly improve the sound.
Tube Buffer The iFi I use is now in its Mk II iteration, and it is not exactly cheap, certainly not commensurate with the prices of the BT devices. But there are very cheap ones available, and I intend to try out one of these soon (FX).
Dayton BTR01 as vilified by TNT reviewerI completely and wholeheartedly disagree with the TNT reviewer I cited earlier. That reviewer basically worked in an obstacle course, and, unforgivably, he did not test the digital outputs of this fine device. Had he used the digital output options he would have been surprised. If you ask me, that reviewer's own home limitations disqualify him as a reviewer, no matter how good his ears are/were. His must be the most incomplete review I have ever read on TNT - in the end, that review is more about HIM and his HOME than about the device. Sigh...TNT, you can, and usually, do a lot better! The corollary is, think of BT as a cheap Streamer, not something to send audio over long distances. This is important conceptually. If you want more distance, I am sure it is not impossible but be prepared that implementation will take more trial and error, not to mention more money and possibly frustrations.
Dayton BTR01 as I Hear It The Dayton is a GREAT device, and a great bargain, whether you use its analogue out or, much better, its Digital Outputs into your DAC of choice. Or you can get the FX Audio BL-MUSE-01, as it is exactly the same. It is musical and, at least with lower-res files (like the NML), does not even shame itself against the standard USB. Grant you, its Distance of Operation (the only thing the TNT reviewer was concerned about) I cannot assess, as here in this room everything is within sight. But, based on Features and Sonic Attributes, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!For those who already has a DAC in their system with an unused Coaxial or Toslink Input, this is a no brainer - downright FUN!
BT vs USB As mentioned above, the USB resolves more and is more audiophile oriented. However, there is also something wholesome about the BT, perhaps a subtractive virtue. It sounds best when it is digitally extracted. With a suitable DAC, like the crazy bargain but highly musical Micromega MyDAC, BT is highly satisfying! As I don't have a computer in my audio systems (that may someday change), the BT is now my choice for Streaming. This is because I don't work at a desktop and literally have the laptop in my lap. I'd use the USB if I do work at the desktop but as it is I'd not like to be tethered to a USB cable. The price of this, ultimate resolution, is an acceptable price to pay. The most important thing is, it can be musical.
Audiophile Phenotypes and the Good and Bad Things about Computer Music Today in computer music, there is little question purchasing hi-res files (once so touted) is rapidly waning and Streaming is already Mainstream, even for audiophiles (not so good for musicians). If you consider youtube a form of streaming (which it is) it is astonishing how many audiophiles partake in that experience (my friends all do it, and think of those Ken Micallef clips mentioned in the last post). The great thing about computer music is that so much of it is available free or for a small fee. I think all can agree on that, but audiophiles differ greatly in how to receive (retrieve) the stuff. For people like me (and likely my colleague mrgoodsound), with streaming, as long as the music sounds good enough, absolute sound is of no concern. The important thing is to explore music, and when we are listening to something new and exciting, analyzing the sound is the last thing on our minds, and that is why I think one does not and should not need to spend too much on Streaming Equipment. I also think, people like us are likely to buy the music we discover (especially hard copy; I know mrgoodsound does). But I know many audiophiles have a different mindset, and they demand "the best" when they stream, which is why in 2 consecutive recent issues, Stereophile's JVS (kind of an audio Decameron figure; even his prose smacks of it) reviewed 2 Music Servers (Innuos and Wolf) with base prices of USD 13,750 and 9,295, respectively. And you still need to provide the DAC! I am afraid the only people well served at these extreme prices are the manufacturers and the reviewers. If I go with Aukey or HK008, my Music Server + DAC is less than $15! What I am saying is, I doubt these will turn around a piece of music that I do no take to. Maybe you ask, when is "good enough" good enough? Well, for me, proof of Good Enough (my motto) is that I have listened happily to BT Streaming for more than two weeks on my LS3/5A. Seriously, I don't even feel like I need my big rig, such a game changer it is! During this long period, I had gone through many Symphony Cycles: 3 Beethoven, 1 Brahms, 2 Bruckner and a Prokofiev, and that is just symphonies! I even thought that I should not have shipped some of my favorite CD's back from HK when I relocated - they are mostly available on NML.
BT Upgrade? Another proof of how much I love BT is that after my experience with the Aukey but prior to the successful pairing of the Dayton I was contemplating taking a risk and getting the Arcam rBlink BT Receiver (AptX), which has been discontinued and is now on sale for $150. I have always liked Arcam and had their first-generation rDAC. The Arcam is obviously better built and ergonomically similar (no optical out though). After my success with Dayton I banished the thought, as its digital output is probably not that different and I don't really need the DAC part of it. But if you don't have a DAC and want BT, you may want to consider it. As for on the cheap, I am actually tempted by many Amazon/Ebay offerings that promise long distance BT for $50. Not many of these though have Coaxial Out. For me, a good BT digital Output is now a requisite, that is all I need. Also, I haven't yet tried a better PSU. I do have a 3A Multi-DC-Voltage Linear PSU around but, being easily satisfied, I somehow never put it into use with my numerous wall wart devices! Good enough is good enough for me, but I think this time I shall try it out. As I am streaming day and night, any improvement will be welcome.
My Doubts about Computer MusicCorollary, despite its strengths, I suspect there is something not entirely wholesome about USB Streaming. Grant you, I am not at all the last word in Computer Music, but I continue to harbor doubts. Cheap and cheerful is where I draw the line, and this round of BT experience is supportive. I think back about my HK friends, icefox and his cohorts, all uber-experienced audiophiles (and audio wanderers, even vagabonds) used to auditioning big and megabuck systems (which include expensive Music Servers) - perhaps I now really know what they were experiencing. There are so many bad computer audio setups out there (including at shows and dealers) that I completely distrust writers who wax lyrics about them. Remember: Cheap is good, but Cheerful is even better! Since when has our audio hobby become a big technical mess? BT is just Simple, Unadulterated Joy, a rare phenomenon in audio today!
NML Youtube SpotifyMind you, lest you wonder, for a very serious classical listener who wants the broadest coverage of music, Spotify is out of the question, and even Tidal and Qobuz are not in the equation (they have hi-res files but are way behind NML in coverage). But then, even NML is not perfect. There are quite a few esoteric labels not under its stable, and even for those that are, selected albums can be missing. As an example, Vikingur Olafsson, the trendy Icelandic pianist whose Bach track below notched around 8 million views on Spotify, is a DG star, yet his other DG albums are not on NML. I suspect this may be a calculated move on the part of the label. CD Recommendation All of my recommendations come from Streaming. For each one you see I'd estimate there are 20 albums that I decide not to include. This is not at all because they are not good, but because I deem then not generally recommendable (e.g. esoteric, difficult or sonically compromised). Quality The NML Free Feed (likely 64kbps) is good enough for me, and my listening experience is so much the richer for it. I'd not mind listening to Tidal or Qobuz too, but where'd I find the time? vs Youtube Using BT, I listened to the Bach Youtube below (official); it is virtually identical to the NML feed, so I may listen to the occasional Youtube through BT in the future. vs Spotify This gets fascinating. Spotify says its non-premium stream is 160 kbps, which should sound a little better than NML's 64 kbps. So I used the same Bach track as comparison. It sounds no better, so I think 160 is likely the maximum. BUT, this is crazy: it sounds different, and worse for it! I went back and forth, and the Spotify definitely is louder, has less treble definition and more bloated bass. I also compared Spotify with Youtube by using Carla Bley's Live 3 Blind Mice Track, which features as drummer Billy Drummond, one of the Musician Audiophiles in Ken Micallef's series, and the result is the same. I am certain Spotify equalizes the sound for more bass, like the "Loudness" function of yore. In its Android app, there is an equalizer function which one can use to remedy, but the web player offers no such facility. Nonetheless, I shall explore a little more of Spotify for what is not on NML (like Jazz). I searched for one of my favorites, Bruckner's 8th Symphony, and while there were few, I was surprised to find a 2014 live New York Philharmonic performance under Alan Gilbert. I listened to the whole 80 minutes (excellent performance).
Basic RepertoireAny Bach keyboard music, especially when it is played so well by Vikingur Olafsson, is Basic repertoire. While we are on the keyboard, I am a fan of the eclectic keyboardist Carla Bley.
From now on, classical recommendations will be delivered in an article. For the latest one, click on Bruckner. For the two before, click on Bach and Brahms below. For even older articles, roll down and click on the Label "Classical Music - Streaming" or "Classical Music - Basic Repertoire". For older CD and SACD recommendations, there is also a separate label "Classical Music - CD and SACD"
For the one before, click on Bach
Going back one more, click on Brahms
This Round's Classical Pick
One of the best Mahler 9 in terms of color and sonority
Historical Choice: Budapest String Quartet
Bridge has several volumes of their recitals at the Library of Congress. The Beethoven boxes are immortal, never surpassed. Very reasonable sound.
Dido and Aeneas by Les Arts Florissants under Christie
My Classical Music Blog
I keep a small Classical Music Blog, to record my impressions of the (few) live music events I have attended. Occasionally, if I find time to attend other arts events, they are duly recorded too.
Reviews of CDs, LPs and DVDs I listen to appear in this Audio Blog, however.
HiFi For Sale (Hong Kong only)
Temporarily unavailable
For Questions and Comments
For Comments Comments are welcome any time. After moderation, they shall be published.
For Questions As a rule, don't forget to tell me what you use, and what do you think of the sound, and reservations if any!
A. Questions related to an article/review
(1) Click on Comment (under each article) and post your comment or question; (2) After moderation, the comment/question is published and answered under the article. Hopefully, my response shall be prompt, but give it a few days. (3) Don't forget to tell me what you use, and what do you think of the sound, and reservations if any! My answers may not mean much if I don't know what you're using and how you feel.
B. Questions NOT related to an article/review
If your question has nothing to do with any of the articles, just pick any article, no matter how irrelevant, and post your question. I will get it anyway, but I won't post it as a comment. Instead, if I can answer the question, I'll post both the question and answer in the Reply Section below, in Letters to the Editor-Reply. Again, don't forget to tell me what you use, and what do you think of the sound, and reservations if any! But not all questions get this treatment. Some are just too general to be answered.
C. Email (if necessary) If your suggestion or comment is more of a private nature, you can email me at:
cheaptube@hotmail.com
Unless the subject is very close to my heart, I tend to be quite tardy in replying to individuals, and replying by email can be cumbersome. So, only if absolutely necessary.
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HiFi CD/LP 天碟一只
This very early Reference Recording LP commands a good price. The CD was not issued by RR, but rko, and I think has been discontinued. The music is strange , best known in HK for 大鼓跌落地.
There are now 3 main Stations in my listening room. Any can drive the same amp and loudspeakers. They undergo frequent changes (in particular the analog playback setups). I use long interconnects between the preamps and amps to facilitate this matching.(Last revised Sept 15, 2019)
Reference System I (Station I)
This one is in front of my chair. I can reach and touch the controls of the preamp.
Alternate Amplifiers: -Sunfire 300 and other amplifiers are used depending on speakers used. -WE 124 (this amplifier is only exclusively used in this system in partnership with the WE106 preamp, an invincible match, but they are rarely used)
Main Loudspeakers: -YL Acoustics 4-way Horn Speakers (used with SET amps) Alternate Loudspeakers (rarely used): -Magnepan MG 1.7 (used with Sunfire 300 amp) -Sonus Faber Electa Amator II -Martin LoganSource (used with Sunfire 300 amp or Elekit 2300B)
---------------
Reference System II: This station is at the other end, housed on 2 racks, and drives the same amplifier. It is quite different in sound from System I. This station can be fully balanced (but not usually). Turntables: 1-Linn LP-12 Lingo/Ittok LV-II/Airtight PC-1
2-ThorensTD-309/Koetsu Black Goldline
3-Technics SL-1200Mk2/Denon DL-102 (mono)
Main Full Function Preamplifier:
-Shindo Monbrison (built-in twin MM and MC input)
(Occasionally vintage preamps: -Dynaco PAS 3 (MM Input); -Harman Kardon Citation I (MM Input); -Brook 7)
Phono preamps and Step-Up's:
-Aurorasound Vida (separate MM and MC inputs) for the Linn LP12 and Technics SL-1200
This is now for reference and archival purposes only. Some of my older articles refer to this. A lot of the gears have been sold or consigned to friends.
While I was in HK, I had 2 locations. The "older location" was where my reference was. The "newer location" was where I spent most of my time from late 2012 to late 2018 (Last revised Nov 15, 2019).
Old Location
Station I:
Loudspeakers: --B&W Matrix 801 Mk II --Audio Physic Step --Ruark Crusader II
Analogue Sources: --Goldring/Lenco GL-75/SME 3009S2i/Denon DL-103R --Kuzma Stabi-Stogi-Ortofon Kontrapunkt C
Digital Sources (RCA/Single Ended): --Sony CDP-553ESD as Transport --YBA WD-202 DAC
Full-Function Preamplifier (RCA/Single Ended): --Wavac PR-X2 --Leben RS28CX Phonoamp and Step-Up: --Kondo KSL-SFz and M7 phono --Denon AU300-LC, AU250, AU320 --Lehmann Black Cube --Audionix ADN-III --Ortofon MCA-76, T-10
--------------------------------------------------------------- Newer Location System A: CD Transport: Sony BDP-S190 Blue ray player DAC: Sparkler S306 CDP: MicromegaCD-10 Integrated Amps: NAD 3020A, NaimNait I and III Preamp: EAR912 Amps: WE 124B and 133 Speakers: Yamaha NS-1000
System B The alternate system: Main Digital System: 47 Labs Shigaraki 4716/4715 Transport/DAC Preamp: Audio Note/Kondo M7 (Integrated) Amp: KondoOngaku Speakers:47 Labs 4737, TAD TSM-2201, Pioneer S-A4SPT-PM and VP, Rogers LS3/5A (15 ohm, single wire)
Subwoofer: JBL
System C Quick listen: CDP/Transport: Sony DVP-PR50P Integrated Amp:Flying Mole CA-S10 Speakers:47 Labs 4737
I have been participating on the internet in various hifi sites for almost 20 years. Looking at things now makes one really weary of the word "progress".
In many ways I miss the earlier USENET newsgroups the most. Posting is super fast and the lack of picture hosting is a real blessing in many ways. Things were simpler then.
Then I created my own Yahoo Group (see link), but I really find the format cumbersome, and now only maintain the site for archival purposes. Who knows, one day I may re-vamp the thing, but too little time....
A few years ago, before the establishment of this blog, I had been active in review33, a site that still a useful second-hand forum (link below). Unfortunately, HK is small and people actually get to meet, which is NOT an advantage for an internet forum. The traffic evolved into 同仁活動, Chinese for insiders' game. There were few honest opinions, and feuds and flames developed over the littlest things. Then there were splinter groups, IMITATORS that are of even more of a 同仁活動 insider nature. That diluted everything and what got lost is HiFi. It would be fair to say most of the forums in HK now contain more junk than value.
Since then I have concentrated on my Blog. It is nice to be able to archive everything well and not let things get covered by waves of garbage. Writing articles take lot more than than posting in forums. Many have long periods of gestation and repeated revisions and editing. I hope you enjoy them.
![Until The End Of The World (Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rHcbxxWBL._SS500_.jpg)
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