Went to Nik's place

[concealer404]

And uhmmmm..... his SDAs are HUGE. That is all.

No, but really. I hadn't ever seen a pair in real life, and as soon as i walked in the door, i was floored. I had no idea.

We got some listening in, and now i fully realize what synergy is. Or, a lack thereof. He can chime in with more thoughts if he sees fit, but for the time being, i'll leave you all with this:

His SDAs, an Emotiva ERC-1, Adcom GTP-400, Onkyo M-5150, some ghetto-rigged speaker cables, and Audioquest Sidewinders makes for a very STRANGE sounding system.

I thought it sounded great at medium levels, but it all started to fall apart at higher volume, probably due to lack of power. The fact that EVERYTHING was forward sounding gear probably didn't help much either. Very revealing setup. Good recordings sounded great. Decent recordings sounded OK. Mediocre recordings sounded AWFUL. Bad recordings? I don't even want to talk about it. :p

And now i'm off to start shopping. Damnit. Knew i shouldn't have listened to those.

Oh and Nik? My backup setup handles Tool just fine, thank you! :D


Wasn't sure where to put this, so i stuck it here. Mods can move if need be, i won't be mad.

[Face]

Doesn't he have another amp on order?

[concealer404]

Doesn't he have another amp on order?

Yep. Think he said it should be here today. I don't think that either of us think that the amp is the weakest link, though. I think we both hate that preamp.

When i say "higher volume" i mean probably well above the volume that i personally normally listen to. :)

My preamp mainly just sounds like crap. I've noticed it a few times in my system, but with the SDAs, it REALLY stood out. Oh well, gives me an excuse to spend more money, right? We had a long discussion, and i came to realize that everytime i swap OUT any of my Adcom gear, the rig sounds so much better, so i guess it's time to completely move on.

I've had three Adcom amps in that rig, a GFA-5200, 5300, and 555. I hated them all.

I'm going back down there Saturday probably, and we'll have a bunch of gear to swap around and play with. Should be fun. :)

[Kex]

Yes, IIRC, he's waiting for an XPA something from the big "E" people.

[concealer404]

Yes, IIRC, he's waiting for an XPA something from the big "E" people.

Something like that. All i know is that it has pretty blue lights.

[nikolas812]

Doesn't he have another amp on order?



Yes. An XPA-2 from Emotiva.

And I hate to say it. But it saw Bens amp sitting beside it and ate it. Sorry Ben.. In fact. It didn't even chew it up before it swallowed it. It just inhaled it.:eek:



Being serious though. Now that I have the new amp. I think your amp was the weakest link. Because the setup sounds amazing now. But could be better. I think the pre amp is another weak link. But won't know for sure until the Dodd gets here.. Where is that thing any way??


And yes. As Ben found out. I do like to rock out from time to time and see what the system limits are. I usually never listen this way. But still like to rock out from time to time..

The Emo gets the job done to say the least. In fact. It goes so loud and clean that my ears give out before the amp even thinks about clipping.:eek:

Its insane really..






I had a real good time with Ben the other day and look forward to his next visit, Saturday. Hopefully he brings beer this time.:p He says he can buy it. We shall see. He only looks to be about 12 years old.:D






Nik



I wish my camera didn't suck ballzz.:( Heres another pic anyway.. Cleaned up.


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0854.jpg

[concealer404]

I wonder if the amp is just being pushed too hard even at medium levels with those behemoths. I thought it sounded real good on a couple select recordings as long as volume levels permitted. I NEED to find out if they're bridgeable. I know there's way better amps out there, but this one is probably the best i've had set up for any length of time in my systems, and it's strong enough that it'll probably make my speakers cry. I know it takes my 11Ts like a champ at least.

It might be starting to flake out after 20 years of life. Remember how it all of a sudden seemed to wake up and it all started to sound way better than what we started with? :p

I'll bring more stuff down on Saturday, so we can hear the effects of a power conditioner, if any. If we'll be able to hear a difference on anything, it'll be this setup.

I'll grab my camera, too. And beer. I'm 23 damnit. :D I SWEAR!! Might try to grab a random Craigslist toy Friday evening just to mix it up even more.

[nikolas812]

I wonder if the amp is just being pushed too hard even at medium levels with those behemoths



Doubt it.


Even though there big. There still only 8ohms and very efficient. 91db at 1 watt I think...


I doubt the amp is bridgeable either. But don't know for sure.... Its also only stable down to 8ohm according to the back of it...


Its a decent sounding amp given its price and age.

If it sounds good your system. Keep it. Thats all that matters...


I don't know what size your room is. But we are trying to fill a pretty big room at my place. Something 16x30 opening up to a hallway and a bedroom... Takes some power to fill that kind of space. Even with the big azz speakers...


I wasn't downing any of it. I think it all performs very well for its price point and age...




Nik

[concealer404]

Ehhh.... i think i'm in a 12x14 room at the moment. Unsure as of yet what i'll be working with when i move next month.

Down it!!!! :D But yeah, i know what you mean. I've got a wildly different setup than you, to say the least. I think i'll keep piddling around with cheap older stuff until i find a pair of speakers that just scream out to be bought that will finally put my setup completely out of balance with itself, then go hog wild. :)

Sadly enough.... My Elite EX-500 combo/Paradigm Titans/Mirage Omni S8 setup that i threw together last night doesn't sound much worse than the setup i was running before yesterday. Quite a bit less slam, but nothing else has really suffered.

[leroyjr1]

I'd say that Adcom pre amp is your weakest link. Not a real big fan of the lower end Adcom pre amps but you can't expect too much out of a $150 pre amp. Just my opinion.

[concealer404]

I'd say that Adcom pre amp is your weakest link. Not a real big fan of the lower end Adcom pre amps but you can't expect too much out of a $150 pre amp. Just my opinion.

That was my thought as well.... but Nik says it's sounding real good now with the Emo amp. I guess we'll see when he gets his replacement in.

I don't like it for a variety of other reasons, though, so it's going to go away fairly soon. :)

[nikolas812]

Surprisingly its not doing to bad mated to the Emotiva gear... It actually sounds really good. DEAD quite.

Its just a tad flat and a tad grainy... But very good for its age and price point.


Its also better than nothing. Which is what I have at the moment. Ben's thankfully letting me use it so I can get on with my Emotiva CDP demo.

Kex is also letting me use his Dodd ELP. Which should be here in a couple days... So I'll get to try the combo out with a good tube pre..... Can't wait for that.:)





Nik

[comfortablycurt]

I'm looking forward to hearing how the rig sounds once you've got the ELP in it. I know I very much enjoyed my time with it. It was with a lot of regrets that I packed it up and got it sent off this morning. But...since it's not mine, I guess I wouldn't have been able to keep it forever in either case.;) My rig sounds like crap now that it's gone...lol...I'm probably going to be going on a movie watching spree for a while until I get my own ELP.

[SCompRacer]

Nik, just curious, what acoustic treatments do you have in the room?

[nikolas812]

Mine



http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65330&highlight=acoustical+panels




\Nik

[Conradicles]

Nik, if you paint his old amp black it will sound better, hehe

[concealer404]

Nik, if you paint his old amp black it will sound better, hehe

But it IS black. :p

Just not pretty sexy piano block. Brushed black steel/aluminum/whatever it's made of.

I think it could really use a good cleaning as well. I think i'll grab some supplies before i head down there Saturday again.

[devani]

I'll grab my camera, too. And beer. I'm 23 damnit. :D I SWEAR!! Might try to grab a random Craigslist toy Friday evening just to mix it up even more.

Nik can go to jail and sell his 1.2TL to get bail money:D

[nikolas812]

Nik can go to jail and sell his 1.2TL to get bail money:D



I'd rather stay in jail....






Nik

[concealer404]

Nik can go to jail and sell his 1.2TL to get bail money:D

With a bail bondsman, it's only $105! Ask me how i know! :p

[nikolas812]

Was working with the camera today. And got a pic or two that wasn't bad.

Heres one to gander at.

I LOVE the black trim pieces for the XPA-2.



Nik


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/Picture005.jpg

[SolidSqual]

Hey Nik,

I got some VTI stands that you need to "store" for me for a while. (An Amp stand with three full tiers) You should get your gear off the floor. I got no equipment for them and they are starting to take up needed room.

Mike

[concealer404]

Hey Nik,

I got some VTI stands that you need to "store" for me for a while. (An Amp stand with three full tiers) You should get your gear off the floor. I got no equipment for them and they are starting to take up needed room.

Mike

Can they be broken down to fit in a 2door car? I'm going back down there Saturday, and if this works, just to save everyone time and money, i can swing up to you and pick them up on Friday after i get off of work sometime.

Oh... and... I spy my Adcom!!!

[nikolas812]

Hey Nik,

I got some VTI stands that you need to "store" for me for a while. (An Amp stand with three full tiers) You should get your gear off the floor. I got no equipment for them and they are starting to take up needed room.

Mike


I would love to use it. Actually. I planned to buy some amp stands of some sort from VTI..

Just have to save some more money.... Takes me a while.


But wouldn't mind using yours if possible until then..



Nik

[nikolas812]

I spy my Adcom!!!


Sho nuff...


Been a life saver...



Nik

[nikolas812]

All though..

I don't know if you noticed in the last pic. I've moved everything off the floor to my entertainment center..


So. I don't know if I really need it or not?



Nik

[concealer404]

Well, you guys figure it out, and PM me with the outcome. :)

[nikolas812]

No worries.

I'm good. I'll just use the same entertainment center I've been using.. I took it apart today and cleaned it. Looks like new again. So I'm pretty happy with it. I was getting kind of tired of it before..



Nik

[SolidSqual]

Hey, don't buy stands Nik. Seriously, you can have the ones I got indefinitely and without any strings attached . . . other than a cold beer when I come over to hear that SDA effect in proper action.

The stands can be easily place in a car without issue. The one catch is that I won't be in the states again until the 5th of August. You are welcome to stop by and pick them up then.

Mike

[SolidSqual]

http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/VI/VI1005_l.jpg

Here's what I got basically except with black shelves.

[Conradicles]

Man that is a sweet stand...

[Lasareath]

I just ordered this one, excpet my tubes are black. it shipped today.

http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/VI/VI1000_c.jpg

$278 Shipped from: http://www.racksandstands.com/VTI-BL503-VI1000.html


I'm also buying around (8) 25LB bags of #9 lead shot to fill all of the tubes!

http://media.midwayusa.com/highres/192129.jpg

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=192129

[SolidSqual]

I got that one for my TV and the main portion of my rack. It's a nice stand. Filling it with shot is worthwhile, but not a major major tweak.

[SCompRacer]

Nik, I assembled this amp stand from parts at Lowe's for ~$33. I didn't want to spend the near $100 for the VTI stand that would match my audio rack. Menard's, Home Depot may have something similar in their shelving area. Lowe’s had different color and size shelves, legs, and accent pieces. It is sturdy, has ~105 pounds on it now.

[george daniel]

Damn nice stand Rich,, think I'll drop buy Lowes,,that liiks very nice! Thanks for posting the pic.

[SCompRacer]

I'm also buying around (8) 25LB bags of #9 lead shot to fill all of the tubes!





Sal, some tips about filling the VTI rack with lead shot. Sometimes the rubber plugs are not inserted properly in the tubes where the legs join the shelf support bars. There is a small notch-gap at the bottom of the shelf supports where they are joined to the tubes. I sealed those small gaps with silicone sealer. Otherwise, when you pour the lead shot in the legs, it can leak into the shelf support rails and fall out of those notches, dropping on your gear/floor. Once you seal the gap, you can remove the top caps and fill the entire rack with lead if you like. Those plugs inside the tube will be visible if you knock the top caps off. Use a long punch through the hole the spikes screw in. Or just seal the gaps in the shelf supports, and fill the legs through the threaded holes for the spikes using a small funnel.

The other thing is run a bead of super glue around the base feet (where the spikes screw in) where it joins the tube. These feet caps will loosen up with weight/vibration, and if you ever go to move the rack, the feet can fall off when you lift it, and you'll have lead shot rolling everwhere. Yes, it happened to me.

[SCompRacer]

Damn nice stand Rich,, think I'll drop buy Lowes,,that liiks very nice! Thanks for posting the pic.

Thanks George! Doug (dkg999) put me on to them. Funny thing was when Brock went to one of the Lowes Doug saw them at, they didn't carry them after they remodeled the store.

I had to drive to a neighboring town to get mine. I mentioned to the fellow at Lowes that my Menards didn't have the DIY shelving, and he said the Menards in their town did, so one will have to shop around.

[nikolas812]

Hey, don't buy stands Nik. Seriously, you can have the ones I got indefinitely and without any strings attached . . . other than a cold beer when I come over to hear that SDA effect in proper action.

The stands can be easily place in a car without issue. The one catch is that I won't be in the states again until the 5th of August. You are welcome to stop by and pick them up then.

Mike



Well if you giving the darn thing away. Heck Yeah I'll take it! Thats the same one I was going to buy...:)

You can just bring it with you the next time you come down...


Or I can get it when i come up there to check out the system..





Nik

[TNRabbit]

Was working with the camera today. And got a pic or two that wasn't bad.

Heres one to gander at.

I LOVE the black trim pieces for the XPA-2.



Nik


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/Picture005.jpg

I have that exact entertainment unit; Wal Mart?

[nikolas812]

I have that exact entertainment unit; Wal Mart?




Yep. Wasn't cheap though..





Nik

[SolidSqual]

Well if you giving the darn thing away. Heck Yeah I'll take it! Thats the same one I was going to buy...:)

You can just bring it with you the next time you come down...


Or I can get it when i come up there to check out the system..





Nik

I didn't say free . . . I said I would like a cold beet and preferably a fully broken-in and tweaked SDA system to enjoy. :)

[nikolas812]

I didn't say free . . . I said I would like a cold beet and preferably a fully broken-in and tweaked SDA system to enjoy. :)




No problem. I get all the cold beets you can handle.:D


Plus a tweaked out SDA system to listen to.



Nik

[SolidSqual]

awww ****, it's 1 a.m. here. Don't bust me on the typos. How's it sounding today?

[hearingimpared]

Filling it with shot is worthwhile, but not a major major tweak.

Yes it is. That sucker rings like a bell when it is empty and resonates.

[nikolas812]

awww ****, it's 1 a.m. here. Don't bust me on the typos. How's it sounding today?



Better than anything I've ever heard.

I got the Dodd today.. That put it over the top. Its a system to be reckoned with IMO....





Nik

[nikolas812]

awww ****, it's 1 a.m. here. Don't bust me on the typos. How's it sounding today?




You must be 24 hours behind us.:D





Nik

[SolidSqual]

You must be 24 hours behind us.:D





Nik

Actually, I'm living in the future . . . 12 hours ahead of you . . . spooky stuff.:eek:

[Lasareath]

Sal, some tips about filling the VTI rack with lead shot. Sometimes the rubber plugs are not inserted properly in the tubes where the legs join the shelf support bars. There is a small notch-gap at the bottom of the shelf supports where they are joined to the tubes. I sealed those small gaps with silicone sealer. Otherwise, when you pour the lead shot in the legs, it can leak into the shelf support rails and fall out of those notches, dropping on your gear/floor. Once you seal the gap, you can remove the top caps and fill the entire rack with lead if you like. Those plugs inside the tube will be visible if you knock the top caps off. Use a long punch through the hole the spikes screw in. Or just seal the gaps in the shelf supports, and fill the legs through the threaded holes for the spikes using a small funnel.

The other thing is run a bead of super glue around the base feet (where the spikes screw in) where it joins the tube. These feet caps will loosen up with weight/vibration, and if you ever go to move the rack, the feet can fall off when you lift it, and you'll have lead shot rolling everwhere. Yes, it happened to me.


Thanks!, Hearingimpared told me about using silicone but he didn't tell me about the endcaps falling off.

Too bad we can't buy liquid dynamat to pour into the tubes!

[SCompRacer]

he didn't tell me about the endcaps falling off.



As long as you don't lift the sections off, they won't.:D I can't say the super glue mod will work either as I haven't lifted any part of the rack since that one day.

Tube injection, hmmm, wonder if that spray/expanding insulation would work?

[SolidSqual]

Yes it is. That sucker rings like a bell when it is empty and resonates.

Really, hmmm I must not have messed with it long enough. I filled mine with lead shot almost the first day I bought them. Well, that's good to know anyway.

[comfortablycurt]

Better than anything I've ever heard.

I got the Dodd today.. That put it over the top. Its a system to be reckoned with IMO....





Nik

Awesome! Good to know the Dodd arrived safe. It's a damn fine sounding pre-amp.:)

[nikolas812]

Had a great Effing time again with Ben. He spent most of the day here. We BBQ'd some ribs drank some good micro brew beers. Listened to some tunes and watched a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed his visit. Again. And look forward to going to his place eventually...





Nik

[concealer404]

Had a great Effing time again with Ben. He spent most of the day here. We BBQ'd some ribs drank some good micro brew beers. Listened to some tunes and watched a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed his visit. Again. And look forward to going to his place eventually...





Nik

I had a good time again as well. :cool:

And found some interesting results in a 3 way cdp shootout.... And i swear i'll get the Mazda down there sometime. I think we could have both used a shot of sheer adrenaline. :p

You still liking that Blueberry Lager? I picked up another 6 pack yesterday and will be enjoying a couple for dessert tonite. :D

And i need you to wrap your ears around my system, so yes, soon, we'll meet up in Bloomington. :)

[SolidSqual]

I had a good time again as well. :cool:

And found some interesting results in a 3 way cdp shootout.... And i swear i'll get the Mazda down there sometime. I think we could have both used a shot of sheer adrenaline. :p

You still liking that Blueberry Lager? I picked up another 6 pack yesterday and will be enjoying a couple for dessert tonite. :D

And i need you to wrap your ears around my system, so yes, soon, we'll meet up in Bloomington. :)

Shoot, look at all these Indiana Polkies. We need to have a small Polk Fest before summer lets out.

[nikolas812]

You still liking that Blueberry Lager



YES. Drank the last one last night. But will be picking up more..




Shoot, look at all these Indiana Polkies. We need to have a small Polk Fest before summer lets out.



When ever you get back we'll have to arrange something..




Nik

[concealer404]

Shoot, look at all these Indiana Polkies. We need to have a small Polk Fest before summer lets out.

Deal! There are a few of us.... you, me, Nik, ND13 (he still around), Nooshinjohn (sp?), and i think at least 2 more that i'm missing right now.

I think i'm like 20 minutes from your home adress at the moment, but i'm moving south a bit.

[nikolas812]

You now what.


Miss my Mother Effin Buddy.:(



COME HOME!!


Guy is twice as crazy about this stuff as I am. AN we can carry a conversation on about it forever. We did for about a 20 hour drive.:)





Nik

[SolidSqual]

I'd say you are about as crazy as me. You're the ne DIYing gear and offering custom work! Maybe one of these days we can make a real haul to AKFest, RMAF or even a PolkFest!

[nikolas812]

I wish I was dead.












nik

[SolidSqual]

I wish I was dead.



nik


What the hell is wrong with you? You ok? PM sent.

[leroyjr1]

I wish I was dead.












nik

Put the bottle down, and take your ass to bed.

[nikolas812]

Put the bottle down, and take your ass to bed.



Nothing left but some zanx...













Nik

[slowpolky]

Never imadgined nic is actualy a nice guy

I realy hope he isnt serious?

Nic if you wish you were dead then just think ..... at least I am not as stupid as slowpoly the dicwad moron buttface who's hated by everyone

[nikolas812]

Never imadgined nic is actualy a nice guy

I realy hope he isnt serious?

Nic if you wish you were dead then just think ..... at least I am not as stupid as slowpoly the dicwad moron buttface who's hated by everyone



I was just given you **** buddy. Nohing personnel









Nik

[slowpolky]

After reading this thread you seem like a realy cool guy who loves his tunes , if I would have read this thread I would have known where your commin from

Its realy awesome the way you let people hang out and chill with you nik

I will admit my balls dropped when I saw all your cool stuff

[nikolas812]

Heres my only best Friend I got.




http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0773.jpg








Nik

[slowpolky]

The guy in the red shirt? must be tough typing with them hooves , you got a special keyboard ?

[slowpolky]

Nik you gota get a good woman to look after ya buddy if ya dont have one and flush them zans down the pan

[concealer404]

After reading this thread you seem like a realy cool guy who loves his tunes , if I would have read this thread I would have known where your commin from

Its realy awesome the way you let people hang out and chill with you nik

I will admit my balls dropped when I saw all your cool stuff

Nik is good people.


Speaking of.... Nik, you better not be doing anything real stupid. I may be small and look like i'm twelve, but i'll still beat your ass six ways to sunday. :D

[SolidSqual]

Nik is good people.

+1 That ass hat better show up online after he's had a chance to sleep it off.

[wutadumsn23]

+1 That ass hat better show up online after he's had a chance to sleep it off.


LOL, ass hat. I love that "word".

[nikolas812]

Better now.

And xanax would be the correct spelling for a certain pill that was mentioned.


Thats over now and I want to for get about last night.

She's gone the pills are gone the boose is gone and just me my dog and some Kick ass SDA's.

Which I think I need two new drivers for...:(




Nik

[nikolas812]

Drivers are good. Resilient ass speakers for sure. I had the XPA-2 MAXED out for quite a while... They took it. Clipping and all.:eek:









Nik

[Face]

I'll forgive you for that obscene email last night. :D

[nikolas812]

I'll forgive you for that obscene email last night. :D





HUH?



Nothing in my sent box...




Nik

[nooshinjohn]

welcome back Nik... you got a friend in West Lafayette to be sure!

[SolidSqual]

HUH?



Nothing in my sent box...




Nik

What you don't remember logging in under an alias last night and PMing everyone "I Luv Ya' Maaaaannn!"?

[Face]

Check your yahoo.

[nikolas812]

You guys have to be effin with me...




Nik

[nikolas812]

OH LOL!!!!





The does the offer still stand for $226?:D

I rermeber now...



THe CA CDP..:D