Chanh, can you tell me if you can remember, what the sound difference the Jcat USB made? I'm possibly thinking of getting one myself. Thx

On 15/05/2024 at 7:24 PM, AccuTidal said:

Hi Lazz, I used Jcat usb XE. 

Wow Chanh, that server is a beast and with impressive build quality!  

On 15/5/2024 at 9:24 PM, AccuTidal said:

Hi Lazz, I used Jcat usb XE. 

That looks very impressive. What operating system and software are you using?

On 28/03/2024 at 10:57 AM, AccuTidal said:

The Easter break is here, and it's the perfect opportunity to take these BEASTs out on a trail! I've got them in an unoptimized position, and also uncalibrate, they sound very natural. They produce a great thumping sound that's hard to ignore. I also noticed that the vocal tracks are just fantastic and will keep you glued to your seat.

Chan,Have you tried a Bakoon on those horns?I have heard horns sounding fantastic on Bakoon amps .There is some magic in the midrange which you can also get with SETs,Tonally a bit different but the purity and vibrancy is similar.Lit up from within is how one reviewer described it.

21 hours ago, PKay said:

That looks very impressive. What operating system and software are you using?

 

I've transitioned to the Roon core and HQPlayer OS combo and never looked back. You should try it too. HQP OS is rather simple - simply burn it onto a USB flash drive or an internal M2 SSD, and away you go.

 

 

13 hours ago, THOMO said:

Chan,Have you tried a Bakoon on those horns?I have heard horns sounding fantastic on Bakoon amps .There is some magic in the midrange which you can also get with SETs,Tonally a bit different but the purity and vibrancy is similar.Lit up from within is how one reviewer described it.

I haven't tried them yet, but I would be interested in a home trial before making a purchase. I recently tried the Chinese tube amps (PrimaLuna and Line Magnetic), but unfortunately, they didn't meet my expectations. I'm returning to the Gryphon AS mono to elevate the sound quality to where it should be.

5 minutes ago, AccuTidal said:

 

I've transitioned to the Roon core and HQPlayer OS combo and never looked back. You should try it too. HQP OS is rather simple - simply burn it onto a USB flash drive or an internal M2 SSD, and away you go.

 

 

I haven't tried them yet, but I would be interested in a home trial before making a purchase. I recently tried the Chinese tube amps (PrimaLuna and Line Magnetic), but unfortunately, they didn't meet my expectations. I'm returning to the Gryphon AS mono to elevate the sound quality to where it should be.

Yes I can relate to that.I have owned some pretty decent valve amps including SETs over the years  and in that time have owned Edgar horns in various forms.They have always sounded best with SS amps.Even a basic gainclone type chip amp is surprisingly good on them.Another really good match with horns is the Dartzeel NHB 108.I do not have the real thing but a Chinese clone sounds very good.The best sounding amp I have used on my Tannoys.Although the Bakoon is excellent on them too.

On 18/05/2024 at 10:22 AM, THOMO said:

Yes I can relate to that.I have owned some pretty decent valve amps including SETs over the years  and in that time have owned Edgar horns in various forms.They have always sounded best with SS amps.Even a basic gainclone type chip amp is surprisingly good on them.Another really good match with horns is the Dartzeel NHB 108.I do not have the real thing but a Chinese clone sounds very good.The best sounding amp I have used on my Tannoys.Although the Bakoon is excellent on them too.

 

It must be good, this is how 'they' describe the sound; (If it's the same one)

 

Circuit features:

- the advantage is that it has a good transient response characteristics, known as one of the more bile than the bile machine bile flavor stone machine line.

 

Quite turned my stomach reading that. (It does look the part when compared to the real thing)

Edited June 11, 20241 yr by Grimmie

52 minutes ago, Grimmie said:

 

It must be good, this is how 'they' describe the sound; (If it's the same one)

 

Circuit features:

- the advantage is that it has a good transient response characteristics, known as one of the more bile than the bile machine bile flavor stone machine line.

 

Quite turned my stomach reading that. (It does look the part when compared to the real thing)

Yeah that is a common word when they translate.They use it for valve amps too.Another one is calling transformers a cow.I wonder if they order a steak they ask for a slice of transformer?

On 18/05/2024 at 11:37 AM, AccuTidal said:

 

I've transitioned to the Roon core and HQPlayer OS combo and never looked back. You should try it too. HQP OS is rather simple - simply burn it onto a USB flash drive or an internal M2 SSD, and away you go.

 

 

So does this mean you don't have windows installed at all? I have never playes with HQPlayer.

6 hours ago, Lazz said:

So does this mean you don't have windows installed at all? I have never playes with HQPlayer.

No more troubles from Windows after years of relentless optimisation. 

It has been a while since work and family have disrupted the focus I need in this space. However, I've resurrected it with additional furniture, enhanced cables, and a computer network powered by the Waserva smart hub and reference filter. It's astonishing how such seemingly small investments can dramatically improve sound quality; the difference is unforgettably noticeable.

Moreover, I'm now venturing into the enchanting world of high-end interconnects, speaker cables, and, incredibly, LAN cables from brands like Synergy Research and Siltech Royal Reference! I can hardly fathom how a single cable could cost more than my wife's diamond ring. If she finds out, I might be in some serious financial trouble!

Despite the current mid-fi gear sounding absolutely phenomenal, my plans for better speakers have hit a snag upon discovering that many are priced well over $350,000.00 MSRP. It's a bit of a reality check, but the journey into this audiophile realm is undeniably exciting!

16 hours ago, AccuTidal said:

Waserva

 

I don't know if it was intentional, but that's a very good pun!

 

2 hours ago, BioBrian said:

 

I don't know if it was intentional, but that's a very good pun!

Hi Brian, hope you’re doing great! Such attention to detail you are.

Correction: WAVERSA SMARTHUB3.0 SWITCH and WAVERSA WLAN EXT2 - REFERENCE

 

Update: 

I recently felt the urge to explore some new audio gear, so I made my way to Addicted to Audio in Subiaco, WA. Let me tell you, I was absolutely captivated by the Magico M series! The sound quality is nothing short of extraordinary, utterly surpassing the S-series in countless ways. It’s as if they’ve unlocked a whole new realm of audio possibilities! However, this mind-blowing experience comes with a hefty price tag—it's astonishing how much prices have surged since I last checked a few years back. What a wild financial journey!

 

In the end, I picked up an SACD from Dan Cross, who was an absolute gem—super laid-back with zero sales pressure. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a listen! The sound is unbelievably rich on my modest setup; it feels like I’m right there in the front row of a live concert—all from the comfort of my own home.

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts if you get a chance to check it out!

 

17 hours ago, AccuTidal said:

Hi Brian, hope you’re doing great! Such attention to detail you are.

 

Thanks Chanh. Some things are going great, others not. Attention to fine detail is both a blessing and a curse.

 

I recently bought an amplifier that makes a hum and buzz. The salesman disagrees! It has largely destroyed my enjoyment of music over the summer, and my faith in the industry generally. Like you and all the others on this forum, I believe Low Noise is an essential requirement for any quality domestic system. It's been a long journey to get this far, and it's not pleasant having your finer senses trampled upon.

 

Edited April 6, 2025Apr 6 by BioBrian

38 minutes ago, BioBrian said:

I recently bought an amplifier that makes a hum and buzz. The salesman disagrees! It has largely destroyed my enjoyment of music over the summer, and my faith in the industry generally. Like you and all the others on this forum, I believe Low Noise is an essential requirement for any quality domestic system. It's been a long journey to get this far, and it's not pleasant having your finer senses trampled upon.

 

I'm really sorry to hear that! It must be frustrating to deal with those hissing or white noise sounds coming from your speakers. I can completely understand how distracting that can be, especially when you're trying to enjoy your music. It's tough to focus when those noises creep in. I hope you’re able to get the issue sorted out soon!

21 minutes ago, AccuTidal said:

hissing or white noise sounds

 

In this case, the amp itself is generating hum and buzz, even with only the power cord connected. We can hear it from across the room when the music or movie stops. Being near the rack to change a disc or adjust something is horrible - it's like a nasty growl when you go near it.

 

Anyway I shouldn't pollute your cheerful and optimistic thread! Maybe I have to start one, to learn more about Consumer Rights and all that unnecessary fuss. Grrr...

The Waversa products really are exceptional. Use a Smarthub 3.0 myself but the Reference is indeed another level!

On 6/4/2025 at 12:01 PM, Hydrology said:

The Waversa products really are exceptional. Use a Smarthub 3.0 myself but the Reference is indeed another level!

I've been diving into the world of LAN cables lately, and let's just say, my electrical and IT colleagues have found my sonic observations quite entertaining. They've jokingly dubbed me an "idiot with academic qualifications." According to their professional opinions, there shouldn't be any audible differences in the cables, but I challenge that notion! I’m ready to bet my limited funds that I can hear those subtle variations. It's a fascinating debate that keeps me intrigued!

 

Update:I had an exhilarating evening transforming the new room layout to create the ultimate dual speaker setup! It was a challenge, but I relished every moment, especially since I was incorporating my newly acquired furniture. Moving those hefty speakers weighing between 25kg and a whopping 100kg was no small feat—especially the powerful Gryphon AS monos! The new layout also sparked a fun puzzle with cable management that I couldn’t resist tackling. I can’t wait to see how it all sounds; I’ve got a gathering planned tomorrow to test if this fresh arrangement truly delivers the sonic magic I’m hoping for!

 

Happy Sunday, everyone! 🎉 I’m excited to share that I’m hosting a get-together with my wonderful WA crew before my upcoming adventures in Sydney and Melbourne, where I'll be scouting for amazing speaker candidates! Can’t wait to connect and share some great learning conversations! 🌟

3 minutes ago, AccuTidal said:

Happy Sunday, everyone! 🎉 I’m excited to share that I’m hosting a get-together with my wonderful WA crew before my upcoming adventures in Sydney and Melbourne, where I'll be scouting for amazing speaker candidates! Can’t wait to connect and share some great learning conversations! 🌟

Unfortunately my Grandioso N1T won't be arriving until June otherwise I would bring it along....I think mine will be the first one delivered into Australia. If not the first, in the first shipment.

37 minutes ago, brodricj said:

Unfortunately my Grandioso N1T won't be arriving until June otherwise I would bring it along....I think mine will be the first one delivered into Australia. If not the first, in the first shipment.

Aren’t you coming over, Brodric? It starts at 11 am and goes until late afternoon. It would be great to catch up. A few of us are here, including Tasso. 

Sorry, I didn't know about it....a bit too late now. Next time for sure.

Damn!!! me neither, maybe you remembered my track selection from last time, also my vino ignorance, hence no invite. - Bugger!

I had an amazing time connecting with such seasoned individuals! Their wealth of experience truly made the gathering unforgettable.

26 minutes ago, AccuTidal said:

I had an amazing time connecting with such seasoned individuals! Their wealth of experience truly made the gathering unforgettable.

Great to hear the system again Chanh, I love the horns.

They are crying out for a SET Amp, 211 Tube amp or PSE 845's or something similar.

I understand how hard it is to audition with your horns though but would be really special.

Not that the Gryfon's are slouches, just synergy ✌️tubes and horns.

 

Thanks again mate and good to see the team again.