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  1. Long awaited YG Acoustics Summit speakers in beautiful Ebony finish landed in Australia!
    31 points
  2. So, Saturday morning....Mrs is out visiting the grandkids, what is one to do????Empty house... Just happens these arrived on my door Thursday morning on a pallet on top of a pallet. Carefully carried (walked) them inside and cracked open..So what do they look like? Amazing build quality, beautifully finished. Well packed packed and easy to set up. Rock solid, heavy, great spikes and speaker terminals. Gloss is floorless and front baffle is covered with a leatherette type material that is soft to the touch. I am running them in with my Exposure 2010S2 as a preamp running the Exposure Classic XXVII power-amp. Streaming via a HiFi Rose RS250 network streamer/dac, CD spinning duties by a Consonance Droplet CD5. Cables a mix of Audioquest, VDH and Isotech. How do they sound??? Straight out of the box surprisingly good! I never thought I'd buy a Focal speaker after hearing a pair years ago. Nearly made my ears bleed and I very much dislike bright or harsh sounding speakers. These I could listen to all day, it seem Focal have very much toned down that Aluminium/Magnesium Inverted Dome Tweeter without losing any of that sparkly detail. I'm loving them so far with only 10-15 hours on them. The Exposure combo seems to be a good match so far however with 50-100 hours on them I plan to give them so real juice in the form of the Plinius 9200 (200w/ch, 8ohms). May or may not enhance them. Only more hours and time will bring out the performance of these beauties, until then we just sit, listen and wait.....Thanks for reading
    30 points
  3. Spinning some tunes with my best mate.
    29 points
  4. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  5. I was an audiophile from around age 7, though I never knew it until around age 17-18. I was given no choice, as Dad was an audiophile, and I am glad for that. I still recall talking with him at around age 11 or 12 about which tweeters sounded better - from memory it was a choice between Realistic bullet tweeters and some generic ones he'd pinched from some other generic loudspeakers (likely picked up for a few dollars at one of the trash and treasure markets). Fortunately, his ear became more refined in the years that followed and I learned to appreciate good sound. I found myself a few short years later with my own system. As we lived in an old Victorian home, we were blessed with stupidly big bedrooms and I got to experiment with speaker and listening positioning, and spent hundreds of hours extracting the best sound possible, all before the internet and the distractions of gaming and particular websites that teenage boys probably spend hundreds of hours on now instead. I loved the music then more than ever. It was all new. The music of the time was everything to me, but then discovering decades of music that predated me, it was like an endless ocean. I'd picked up guitar by now, and then fell in love with the bass. Playing in a band led me to the studio, and after just one rehearsal session I eyed the other side of the window - the desk! For me, that was it. I wanted to be an audio engineer. The very next Saturday I was volunteering at the studio, and every Saturday after that. For me, school was just something I had to get through each week before I could get back to the studio. It was here I learned about room acoustics. I remember thinking Neal (the owner and engineer) was absolutely mad. He was walking around the room talking about bass nodes, and talking about where instruments were placed on what I believed to be a ficticious 'soundstage'. But like looking at 3D images for the first time, the ones where you have to make yourself go cross-eyed, and then miraculously it appears, the same happened to me one Saturday afternoon. It was like I had gone from listening to dual mono, sound from the L and sound from the R, to this blended sound that had 180 degree placement. It was an absolute revelation, and made me have to go back and relisten to everything I'd ever heard. Some years earlier, Dad had picked me up a portable record player. Cheap, plastic junk, from the same trash and treasure market he'd found all his other treasures. It was faded baby blue, and had a needle I reckon you couldn't break if you tried. It ran on D size batteries and someone had left a set in the player for a few years - a bit of a mess. My task was to pull the thing apart and make it work again. I'd never touched a soldering iron before then, but knew how it worked and what it did. I spent the day bringing it back to life, and the only record I had was a 45 RPM Theme from Local Hero, Going Home - Mark Knofler. I didn't know the song at the time. I can't quite recall whether it had one or two speakers. I think one may have been lost prior. After firing it up for the first time, I still recall that exact moment I clumsily dropped the needle into the groove, and while the sound was likely worse than even the cheapest Bluetooth speakers of today, I was emotional. That song, to this day, remains one of my most treasured tracks, and can still bring a tear to my eye like it did that day. I sat out under the carport listening to it over and over again. That moment probably shaped my entire life, at least on the career side. In the ensuing years, my love of audio continued beyond working in the recording studio, but after studying mechanical engineering (boring), and unsuccessfully applying for audio engineering courses, I turned my attention to cars and my love of audio. Mid-20's I'd opened a large car audio shop. This is where I really learned about active crossovers, DSP, acoustics (yes), and eventually founded the largest national competition for (automotive) sound quality. Complete with trained judges, and travelling all around the country running events. We even built Australia's "loudest car" - a Mini panel van with 4 x custom built 15" woofers, 20,000w RMS of power, 16 batteries, 4" thick concrete floor and 2" thick perspex windows. I think there was enough cable in the system to stretch from Melbourne to Albuury. That record stood for many years. We learned so much about sound and how it works through those projects. It was a great time, even if just for the social side of it, which much like StereoNET itself today, brought together like-minded people who often felt isolated with their chosen hobby. @Keith_W, @~Spyne~, @Sierra were around for some/all of that fun. Life goes on, and you start spending less time in cars and more in your home by the time you start your own family. It was now I revisited hi-fi, and that journey was documented here in threads shortly after I started Planet Audio / StereoNET. My first real speakers were Genesis III that I picked up from the classifieds here, from IIRC, @fatgen. Many of you saw my journey that then followed - endless upgrades, sidegrades, and as @Dr.Funk so eloquently described, lack of direction. My knowledge grew fast, and it had to as StereoNET itself evolved. I was fortunate to play with an endless selection of gear, and as part of my job, travel much of the world hearing some of the "greatest" systems. Some were many times the cost of my home - and equally, many of them were really not that impressive. Without understanding much of the scientific background of how and why things do what they do, but instead relying on ears alone, I think it's a long way to travel to get to the same destination. Those with a good understanding of science, tend to arrive faster - this I've come to learn and observe on StereoNET over the years. Still, in all those upgrades and system evolutions, not once did I again experience that emotional response like I did to Local Hero that afternoon. That way my holy grail. It was like a drug I was craving and just wanted to feel that again, no matter the financial cost. Then the actual world changed, and mine did too. A pandemic sent us all into our homes, and hi-fi became an even more enjoyable interest for many, and a brand new interest for even more. The forum traffic was in overdrive. Despite all our extra time, we couldn't even keep up with the New Member Introduction approvals, and the amount of mail order buying/selling going on in the classifieds. I spent more time listening to my own system then ever before. Then I got COVID, and a double ear infection on the end of it. Then another double ear infection a few months later. And finally, a third bout in late 2021. This last one took its toll. My ears never really felt like they cleared up and after a few visits to an ENT and then an audiologist, it was confirmed - my hearing had taken a beating. Compounding the problem was everyone was wearing masks, and all of a sudden I had gone from what I considered to be an audiophile's ear (you know we can hear better than everyone else!), to barely making out what people were saying and having to turn the TV volume up a few more clicks than usual. I went soul-searching, and to a degree, what would seem to trivial for others, felt life-changing for me. How could someone who runs a Hi-Fi website, reviews equipment and makes a living from audio, have hearing damage. To me it was a like a champion marathon runner losing a leg. It was dark and lonely. Something I still haven't talked about openly until now. Obviously I stopped reviewing equipment, and I entirely fell out of love with audio and music. Things just didn't sound the same anymore. About this time last year, I was driving home from the audiologist on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. I'd just been told my upper frequency hearing loss was likely permanent, and I was contemplating my future. I couldn't help but feel a bit like an imposter. An audiophile with hearing loss! I was contemplating selling StereoNET, all my gear, and looking for a new direction in life, so devestating was the news to me. As I wound down the window for fresh air, lo and behold, you'll never guess what track came on the radio - the only time I have ever heard it played on radio my entire life. Going Home, Theme from Local Hero. The emotion came flooding back. As I cranked it up, it was like I imagine a shot of heroin must feel like to an addict - I felt the warmth totally envelop me from head to toe. The weight on my shoulders had lifted, the sun was shining, the car was floating on clouds, and the tears rolled down my face. This, was what I had been chasing for around thirty years. It was being played back on a sub-par car radio, and yet, it didn't matter one bit. It wasn't about the sound. It was about the music, and those tracks that grip you like a vice, but comfort you with a warm embrace just the same. Despite the setback, my love of audio has not wavered, but my love of the music itself has taken over. It took me quite some time (and still is) to adjust to what is the new normal for me, and to what things sound like now. I almost need to forget what I already know and how I remember things sounding. The human brain is exceptional at adapting, and even better at filling in blanks over time. I no longer care so much if it's pinpoint accurate, or if the snare sounds like that one I mic'd up and recorded one Saturday afternoon decades ago back at the studio. To answer the question posed by the OP, "Did your pursuit for "perfection" die over time?" No, but I learned over time that it had always been about the music. It just took me 30 years and a medical issue to realise. If you've read this far, then thank you. It's taken me quite some time and courage to put this out there on the forum.
    25 points
  6. The PS Audio FR20 speakers still amaze me with every listen, and I’d guess the supporting cast helps also
    24 points
  7. My system today in it’s temporary location while we rent for the duration of our new home build. I’ve not set up my CD transport as I’ve no intention of unpacking my CD’s while we’re here:
    19 points
  8. Further Information: Line Magnetic's biggest horn speakers they make, purchased in early 2021 to display at the Melbourne Hifi show. I had to terminate the distribution agreement with Line Magnetic so these never made it to the show. They have been used in our workshop so are perfectly functional however dusty and may be a little bruised in places. They come with the grills, cables and manuals. We no longer have any use or room for these anymore and I want to move them on ASAP so am open to offers/swaps/proposals - send me something and you may be surprised. Strictly pickup only and you'll need to organise this yourself - note they are around 1m wide, 1m deep and a little over 2m tall. Photos below of them setup in my listening room and final shot showing them waiting for you in our workshop.
    19 points
  9. I stumbled upon this thread but find it so relevant to where I'm at now. I 'got it bad', and was on the endless cycle of upgrades for around 10 years - the same I've witnessed so many here do. At some point I cared less about the music and more about the gear. In COVID times, with more time on my hands, I started appreciating the music again which led me to look deeper, and realise I cared for the music more than the gear - but only after a certain point. The law of diminishing returns kicks in at some point. Perhaps it's advice for newcomers to the hobby - set your ceiling early on - your limit you can afford in the quest for good sound. Stick to it, and spend the rest on what you will consume with it. How much one can afford and/or justify will differ from one person to the next, of course. I've seen too many become too (over?) invested, and then fall out of love with the hobby entirely. I can think of a handful of prominent members over the years who completely moved on for this very reason. I'm simplifying my system these days and designing a system around our needs and how we live in a new home that we are in the design stages of. But I've stopped analysing the sound and started appreciating the music once again. Most of the stuff I like is not "audiophile" production and recording quality, and it stopped me listening to it for a few years. I've missed it.
    19 points
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  11. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  12. Had this for a few months. It’s finally set up today. When my preamp is back from service, I’ll finally be able to use it.
    18 points
  13. Late night listening. Got some new Philips Hue smart lights to set the mood.
    18 points
  14. scratching an itch!! Spent a day a few weeks ago setting up this lot including the installation of the atmos modules on the L600 but running them from another separate amp to facilitate some speakers upward firing.. any improvements?? well the juries still out on that one.... I'll keep assessing... Tase.
    18 points
  15. Talking Heads - Remain In Light 1980/2013 US reissue
    17 points
  16. Further Information: Up for sale is a gorgeous Weston Acoustics amp-finished in custom Zebrano wood and copper plated covers. It is as new with no more than 1 hour of use since I purchased it from Earle approx 12 months ago. Details from his web site Troubadour 350. The Troubadour 350 is an upgraded version of the Troubadour 6L6. Upgrades include larger power supply, upgraded cathode capacitors, output transformers, 350C output tubes. Can also run 350B, 350C, 6L6GC, 7027, 7581 and 5881 output tubes. SPECIFICATIONS Power Output - 20 watts per channel Frequency response -3db - 10hz to >40khz Separation - >65db Signal to Noise - >85db A Weighted Signal to Hum - > 75db Distortion - <0.4% at 1 watt rms Hum Level - <2.0 millivolt Sensitivity - 500mV Input impedance - 100K Inputs 4 Speaker output 8 ohm (6 to 12 ohm is fine) Weight ~16kg (~35lb) Dimensions 430mm x 320mm x 200mm (width x depth x height) Thanks for looking.
    16 points
  17. These pmc ,ib2 have given me so much pleasure
    16 points
  18. I am practically jumping out of my skin, and unfortunately I need to wait for Mark Doehmann to come install it for me- hopefully next week sometime! This is the Helix One mk2 version with two tonearms. I managed to open up the main case and take a peak inside. Sorry l can't reveal more, but I'll update as soon as l have it all setup properly.
    16 points
  19. Well finally after lots of designs, tweaking, testing I finally have a nice working design. The big challenge was to get a dual twin triode tube line stage all working nicely from just a single 12v external transformer. The same 12v transformer will also have to power the TDA1541A DAC. The usual criteria for my designs is to power them from Australian approved, low-voltage external transformers & this is achieved with this design. Tubes - ended up running with 6922/6DJ8/ECC88 which is one of my favourites & in plentiful supply in new & old stock. The tube stage measures really well so the next step is to actually try it with the TDA1541A DAC as a source & compare the sound to the original TDA Kompakt II. Will certainly be interesting. Stay tuned!
    16 points
  20. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  21. The Smiths Australia 1984
    15 points
  22. The Cure - The Head On The Door 1985 Aussie pressing
    15 points
  23. Back to Lou - he always centres me
    15 points
  24. PUBLIC LAUNCH! Soviet-era ingenuity and Dutch pragmatism on show with Argentinian passion, all SA made! I am delighted to be bringing my Nina speakers out for a public demonstration, driven by (for an exclusive public launch) the all-new amplifer from Lyrebird- just like us this is an all South Australian brand. The Lyrebird EL84/4 is a brand new design, born of a collaboration between Anthony Sawyer of GrizzlyWorks, and Mr Ravil Bakhtiyrov, an Uzbekistani born and trained electronics technician who now calls Adelaide home. Ravil has been designing and building tube amplifiers since the early 1970s in Tashkent, and has filled the Lyrebird chassis with his experience and wisdom. At a glance you may think that a 4 ohm, 86dB standmount speaker is a poor match with a 20w tube amplifier, however it turns out in this instance not to be the case at all! Even before incorporating our proprietary ICCT (impedance correction circuit technology) we could tell this was a surprisingly good pairing, and even better again with the ICCT in place- both Anthony and I would love to show you just how good this is! Details of the Nina can be found here: https://www.hulgichaudio.com/nina The Lyrebird is yet to have an online presence (details will be up soon!), however it has a number of interesting and unusual features that are rarely found in a tube amplifier of this class. The entire chassis, all transformers as well as circuit design/assembly are all done in South Australia. Other notable features are- Defeatable, tube actuated tone controls (perhaps controversial, however they really are great to fine tune the sound!) Dual mono volume controls (using the renowned Alps blue velvet mono potentiometer, also allowing balance compensation if and where required) Output transformers custom wound in SA, using Australian sourced Japanese M6 core material Power transformer custom wound to our spec in SA by HD Transformers In addition to the mains fuse there is fuse protection for each output transformer and rectifier windings Mundorf Evo capacitors at critical locations Conservatively driven EL84 output tubes, giving 20w per channel and long lifespan ECC83 input and driver tubes. Please feel free to join us on April 20th from 3pm onwards to experience our showcase firsthand! Light refreshments will be provided. If you're interested in attending, please RSVP. Kind Regards, HULGICHAUDIO / GrizzlyWorks High Fidelity Audio
    14 points
  25. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  26. Jean Michel Jarre - The Concerts in China
    14 points
  27. 14 points
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  29. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  30. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  31. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  32. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  33. I added this to a Discogs order I placed as I loved the track list and it was listed as Near Mint - a 3 x LP set and was $5 !!! Sounds FAB and every song is a cracker by the original artists, fabulous for when you just want those 60's vibes and dance around the kitchen Not everything has to be audiophile - sometimes it is just about the fun The Ultimate 60s Collection UK 1990 https://www.discogs.com/release/2410287-Various-The-Ultimate-60s-Collection
    14 points
  34. Nina Simone "LITTLE GIRL BLUE"
    14 points
  35. Ramones - Ramones Original Australian pressing on Philips label, 1977
    14 points
  36. Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood .... "NANCY & LEE" wonderful SQ from an Aussie pressing.
    14 points
  37. I'm in a lower budget area to some, but I think this is relevant no matter what level you play in. On reflection often upgrades were just sideways moves and even sometimes slightly backwards, yes some were forwards but I think we can easily over state the degree of the changes. I see chasing for better in this hobby can reach a place where the hobby becomes more like an addiction to substances, an endless cycle of chasing what we will never attain, costing money and consuming much of our time and thoughts, without much else.
    14 points
  38. A few years ago I came to a personal revelation that constant upgrades were a “way of thinking” that could never cease given the chance. I was flamed pretty hard at the time when I expressed it on the forum. I will say that if you enjoy the chase then more power to you. I came to the same realisation as you @Marc I would scour ads constantly and be unhappy if I missed something I was after. I enjoy my system now but I’m also happy to stream direct to my Sonos or through my headphones while walking. I’ve even let my Audirvana and Qobuz subscriptions lapse and am using Spotify only. I find spending the cash on my kids and family a much more rewarding pastime these days.
    14 points
  39. Steely Dan - Gaucho - original US pressing.
    14 points
  40. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  41. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  42. An old favourite, Neil's "HARVEST"
    13 points
  43. Supertramp Crimes of the Century Australia 1975
    13 points
  44. One of the early LPs I purchased when I started to collect wax in 2019 - It still makes me feel warm & fuzzy as I let it wash over me Cat Stevens Greatest Hits Australia 1975
    13 points
  45. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  46. Bob Dylan - Slow Train Coming Columbia 2015
    13 points
  47. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  48. Marvin Gaye, "WHAT'S GOING ON" , brother???
    13 points
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