System Pics 2017

@ Vik,

for the little I can see from the new pic, I'd say that a good solution in fact would be to a) move the left Sat to the left of the large french window, b) move the right Sat to where the left one was and, c), move the rack slightly to the right, to where the right Sat was and keeping it a bit more away from the right-hand Sat. But the need to route the cable over the window is a big problem: are you sure you cannot simply lay it flat on the ground across the window? Doesn't the window have a full frame, against which you can run the cable?

The TQ black is thinner than the NAC A5 but in the end it is not more pliable than it, because the NAC A's stiffness helps to keep it flat, while the TQ, being not rigid, is not elastic, and the mild bends caused by its being wrapped in confection won't go flat easily.

Over medium-long distances the NAC A5 is, paradoxically (I have complained about it myself more than once, before using it the way Naim intends), much better than most cables, because it actually stays in place; I have opted for the TQ because it has some more finesse and luminosity.

Please study every possible solution before buying 10 mt of speaker cable and route it above the window...

Best

Max 

I thought the exact same thing as Max just wrote...unless there is a compelling reason why that cannot be done, I would really give it a try if at all possible.

GraemeH posted:

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

tonym posted:

Hi Simon, I've heard the Hugo before, but not in my system - Steve J has been using his for a while and has always been most impressed. It certainly sounded excellent there. Steve also tried the 2Qute but much preferred the Hugo. Interesting what you mention re. the Hugo's USB input. Feeding it direct from the Melco definitely causes the sound quality to drop.

The Powerline's on the QBD. Many thanks to Nick From Suffolk for the loan! He's a jolly good sort.

I'm inclined to borrow the TT from our mutual dealer although IIRC Simon, you preferred your Hugo.

Hi Tony, the Hugo TT and Standard Hugo via SPDIF sound almost identical ( I don't use USB so I find your comment regarding Melco USB interesting)  ... with the TT having an everso slightly more dominant lower mid sound... not much to choose, and I guess I was familiar with the standard Hugo's slightly more spritely sound that perhaps better matched my room/system... either way they are both incredible devices. If all things SQ were equal then the TT does have advantages  of  better USB noise filtering, looks more the part on a rack and has a remote so could be used as a digital only preamp for a Naim amp ... I have heard very positive reports of this last item from our mutual dealer.

As someone who had had Hugo, 2Qute...back to Hugo...and now TT (direct into 250DR), I concur with this but would add that the 2Qute was not a patch on the Hugo with SPDIF ime.

G

Even if it sounded like crap, Gorgeous Room Chris.

But GraemeH,  Just curious, which system would sound better, just your opinion.

Of course, no one would put this System together!

 Hugo / S1 / 250 DR / Chris Bell's Titans.

Vs

Hugo / 250 DR / Chris Bell's Titans.

Merry Christmas all!

Allante93!

Chris Bell posted:

500DR upgrade is the biggest change to my system for 2016.  Also enjoying the Super Lumina interconnect as well.  552 goes in for DR/Rebuild in February.  Kudos Titan's continue to shine and I am a big proponent of Vicoustic room treatments.  

 

Just Lovely Chris!

Allante93!

I think Chris has got it covered 

gazla posted:

552DR and full SL loom added this year, plus a load of music.

Chris Bell posted:

Vicoustic room treatments and bass traps to help control the reflections in the room.  I get a big involving sound with no tension, brightness or fatigue.   I can't say enough good things about Vicoustic and their products... highly recommended. 

 

Chris.. beautiful room and view (understatement). I've also got some Vicoustic room treatments... great product that I also highly recommend.

Zipperheadbanjo posted:

Chris Bell posted:

Vicoustic room treatments and bass traps to help control the reflections in the room.  I get a big involving sound with no tension, brightness or fatigue.   I can't say enough good things about Vicoustic and their products... highly recommended. 

 

Chris.. beautiful room and view (understatement). I've also got some Vicoustic room treatments... great product that I also highly recommend.

Now post your room so my 2 favorite room will be posted.

Has anyone here seen Chris Bell's system & room? 

Salmon Dave posted:

Has anyone here seen Chris Bell's system & room? 

I'm trying to ignore it

I was invited over with a few other members, but I couldn't make it at the time.  It was pre DR upgrade. I'm glad I didn't else my upgrade itch would have been uncontrollable.

Time for a update... The Scalas are now back in my original listening room.

And a little mood lighting has been added to the top of the Fraim.

Massimo Bertola posted:

@ Vik,

for the little I can see from the new pic, I'd say that a good solution in fact would be to a) move the left Sat to the left of the large french window, b) move the right Sat to where the left one was and, c), move the rack slightly to the right, to where the right Sat was and keeping it a bit more away from the right-hand Sat. But the need to route the cable over the window is a big problem: are you sure you cannot simply lay it flat on the ground across the window? Doesn't the window have a full frame, against which you can run the cable?

The TQ black is thinner than the NAC A5 but in the end it is not more pliable than it, because the NAC A's stiffness helps to keep it flat, while the TQ, being not rigid, is not elastic, and the mild bends caused by its being wrapped in confection won't go flat easily.

Over medium-long distances the NAC A5 is, paradoxically (I have complained about it myself more than once, before using it the way Naim intends), much better than most cables, because it actually stays in place; I have opted for the TQ because it has some more finesse and luminosity.

Please study every possible solution before buying 10 mt of speaker cable and route it above the window...

Best

Max 

Many thanks, Max! Yes, it is worth trying the config that you suggested - this was my orininal set up before moving overseas briefly. It will be less costly in terms of cable lengths. The solution it seems would involve cutting a slit into the floor between the floor edge and the door frame (unfortunately the frame sits flush with the wooden floor and there is no alternative to cutting - just must avoid the underfloor heating pipes.. The TQB does look more pliable and slightly narrower so this will be just fine, I am sure.

BTW, today went to listen to my Hugo TT with SN2 connected via Chord Shawline RCA - 5 Pin DIN - sounded excellent with my N-Sats.

Incidentally, my dealer has a pair of exactly the same spekers in Piano black finish up for sale without stands - he did not have the pricing as one of his colleauges was taking care of that but will find out soon, in case you are still looking)). My original intention was to see how the Hugo TT sounded direct into a NAP 250DR but we did not have the right interconnect, so this will be done later in the year. The SN2 as a pre-amp into NAP 250DR was also really nice but difficult to conclude which I preferred on the basis of a very short demo. Somehow, the SN2 was more dynamic to my ears but this may just be very subjective and also linked to the choice of music. Plenty to explore...

Will make an update once changes are done.

Best,

Vik

DrMark posted:

I thought the exact same thing as Max just wrote...unless there is a compelling reason why that cannot be done, I would really give it a try if at all possible.

@DrMark, Thanks a lot for your input as well! Yes, I agree that this is definitely the optimal option under the circumstances. 

Best,

Vik

Vik,

the TQ Black is more or less as wide as the NAC A5, but significantly thinner (I'd say 1/3rd), hoping that this might help you.

Best wishes,

Max

DaveBk posted:

Time for a update... The Scalas are now back in my original listening room.

And a little mood lighting has been added to the top of the Fraim.

Looks gorgeous, Dave, especially those Focals.  

Massimo Bertola posted:

Vik,

the TQ Black is more or less as wide as the NAC A5, but significantly thinner (I'd say 1/3rd), hoping that this might help you.

Best wishes,

Max

Very helpful, thank you, Max!

Best,

Vik

Well this is the first time I have tried to insert an image here so let's see

A mixture of the old and (fairly) new.

Wishing you all a happy new year.

Peter

DaveBk posted:

Time for a update... The Scalas are now back in my original listening room.

And a little mood lighting has been added to the top of the Fraim.

Superb Dave!

Regards,

Lindsay

Someone a few pages back asked me to post some pics of my main system... since I posted an update a few months ago, I pulled out my camera and took some new ones (as opposed to just reposting the same old ones). 

I'm very envious of your 'man cave' [@mention:16631269487832709]. Brilliant looking room. 

Zipperheadbanjo,  looking very nice, definitely liking the Orange Sopra2's,  I wasn't brave enough to go Orange with mine, lovin the cool chairs as well.. All looks extremely relaxing, as any good music room should.. 

Zipperheadbanjo posted:

Someone a few pages back asked me to post some pics of my main system... since I posted an update a few months ago, I pulled out my camera and took some new ones (as opposed to just reposting the same old ones). 

Great room and system. One of my faves, especially the orange Focal speakers 

Salmon Dave posted:

Has anyone here seen Chris Bell's system & room? 

Yes, and the room and system feel and sound as great as you would expect from the photos.  Chris's setup is immaculate. He has a great music collection.

Charlie