System Pics 2017

Before (or, rather, during an experiment):

After:

A very subtle difference, visually (barring the extra gubbins in the first picture - I don't seem to have a photo without it).  But a definite sonic upgrade.

I had been on the fence about whether the time was right to buy a 272.  But I decided that life was too short for waiting for the next best thing around the corner, and went for it.

Currently trialling speakers to finish off the system fiddling precipitated by my 40th earlier this year.  Once a decision is made later this week, that's it for big changes for a good while.

Go for ATC SCM50s if you can, active version. I have them with 272 + XPS - fantastic result!

Serge 

So which sounds best, Wizard and plastic dicky birds on top of the 272 or on the shelf underneath?

I’d put them in the bin. It must be a young person’s thing. 

 

Dave***t posted:

Before (or, rather, during an experiment):

 

Your test involved a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic? 

The 'ornaments' are presents from an eccentric wing of my family. I wouldn't have picked them myself, and generally shun ornamentation of any kind beyond the odd picture. Even gladioli, funereal or otherwise. But I have a sentimental attachment to them because of where they come from, and take some slanted pride in how daft they are. You should see how bizarre some of the things they've bought my mom over the years are, it's (affectionately!) hilarious. Obviously the answer SQ wise is wizard on. But I have to let him rest. The 'ducks' (yes, ducks - not seagulls at all, so I was informed) can please themselves.

The SCM50s would be far too big for my current room. I'm thinking small, with a side order of future-second-system.  Maybe in a couple of years, after moving house. I bet they're tremendous, though.

And yeah, a DACmagic. It was chosen with maximal forensic insight (a.k.a. it was available to borrow from a mate up the road). The experiment was was just to see how well the various functions of the 172 worked separately, out of interest. That, and to play about with a RPi. It's moot for the time being, obviously, but the little streamer box might come in handy some day.

I took Nitty Gritty going out of business as a sign that it was finally time to upgrade my ancient RCM. Recalling all of Kevin’s positive comments, I can now confirm that he was spot on. The Audio Desk is a pleasure to use and, so far, is delivering excellent results!

Mattnbarns posted:

Lewis posted:

Part of a little Bedroom system I am building up.  I keep my US upstairs anyway, and it was looking a little lonely previously:

Mint!

 

Is it just me, or does the LH stack look really pleased with itself? No wonder, looks great.

And a with a Naim "soul-patch"!

Hook posted:

I took Nitty Gritty going out of business as a sign that it was finally time to upgrade my ancient RCM. Recalling all of Kevin’s positive comments, I can now confirm that he was spot on. The Audio Desk is a pleasure to use and, so far, is delivering excellent results!

Very nice Hook!  

However, I'm sad hearing from you that Nitty Gritty are going out of business.  I bought my first NG record cleaner back in the '90s and, having used it to clean what must be a number of LPs well into 4 figures, only just retired it last year. 

Richard Dane posted:

Hook posted:

I took Nitty Gritty going out of business as a sign that it was finally time to upgrade my ancient RCM. Recalling all of Kevin’s positive comments, I can now confirm that he was spot on. The Audio Desk is a pleasure to use and, so far, is delivering excellent results!

Very nice Hook!  

However, I'm sad hearing from you that Nitty Gritty are going out of business.  I bought my first NG record cleaner back in the '90s and, having used it to clean what must be a number of LPs well into 4 figures, only just retired it last year. 

Thanks Richard!  Yes, the Nitty Gritty story is a sad one.  Word is that their owner, Gayle Van Syckle, has had some serious health issues and can no longer run the company. I suppose there is still a chance someone else will buy them out eventually.

Like you, my old RCM was a real workhorse for many years, and it still runs just fine.  Have stocked enough replacement felt pads and capstans to keep it going, and am still planning to still use it for a first-pass clean of my dirtiest "barn finds" before dropping them in the Audio Desk.

The AD is a pretty amazing machine.  Was able to clean 20 records last night with next to no effort. One difference I can easily see/feel is reduced static.  Also, I did a before/after listen using that Mingus record, and there was a definite reduction in surface noise. Am very impressed!

Some banter on here then!!  I'm not sure i'd liken somebodys lounge space to a funeral parlor, but I see it was taken in good spirit  

I'm with Hungryhalibut (please remind me of your name again - sorry) on this, even if I don't like a system I would never add a negative comment as we all have individual taste.  After all, it would be boring if we all liked the same decor eh!

Some great systems so far, those NBL's and Nait look super clean.  Lovely.

Lewis posted:

Some banter on here then!!  I'm not sure i'd liken somebodys lounge space to a funeral parlor, but I see it was taken in good spirit  

I'm with Hungryhalibut (please remind me of your name again - sorry) on this, even if I don't like a system I would never add a negative comment as we all have individual taste.  After all, it would be boring if we all liked the same decor eh!

Some great systems so far, those NBL's and Nait look super clean.  Lovely.

 

 

I thought everyone knew that the peckish flat fish’s real name is Lord Emsworth. 

Lord Emsworth! That’s going back a bit - I always assumed he was stripped of his title and his 552 system seized at the same time - but I don’t know what offence he committed.

My New Gears. NAC12/NAP160 Boltdown.

 

Camera

X-E2

Focal Length

32.9mm

Aperture

f/3.6

Exposure

1/20s

ISO

3200

Flowers are the new socks.

Novichok-1977 posted:

My New Gears. NAC12/NAP160 Boltdown.

 

Camera

X-E2

Focal Length

32.9mm

Aperture

f/3.6

Exposure

1/20s

ISO

3200

Super vintage gear there. Has it been serviced recently? How does it sound?

Nap160 was serviced this Year. Sound is amazing.  Best of naim Gears;-)

Novichok-1977 posted:

My New Gears. NAC12/NAP160 Boltdown.

 

Camera

X-E2

Focal Length

32.9mm

Aperture

f/3.6

Exposure

1/20s

ISO

3200

Nothing to say but  !!

I found an old forum post of mine earlier asking about Shahinian Compass speakers back in 2010 ... 7 years later (and with a few more empty spaces on my racks) i've finally got myself a pair. Still some work to do on experimenting with positioning but these are proving to rather enjoyable and look a bit different too. 

james n posted:

I found anold forum post of mine earlier asking about Shahinian Compass speakers back in 2010 ... 7 years later (and with a few more empty spaces on my racks) i've finally got myself a pair. Still some work to do on experimenting with positioning but these are proving to rather enjoyable and look a bit different too. 

 

Wowzer.   They look nothing but beautiful in your setting.

I've always thought the compass model looks a bit weird as speakers. But in terms of fitting in with the room, I think those look lovely, James.

Do let us know the final sonic verdict.

Nice dog James....

Stu

They look really super. Have you bought them, or are you just trying them out?

My neighbour had a pair of Compasses fed from a full old clamshell Rega system. She even had the original Rega Radio. It sounded really good and I always wondered how the speakers would perform on even better electronics.