I experienced goosebumps after listening to my setup last night! It is truly remarkable, and I must express my admiration. Now, with the Obsette S5 mk1, I envision an indefinite camping experience when the M7s arrive.

It is absolutely incredible! 

21 hours ago, brodricj said:

Halcro says the symptoms suggest a damaged 5V power supply.

That is good news.

5V power supply should be relatively easy to fix and the unit should then work as good as before, because 5V is a control logic supply and whatever parts are used there, will have no bearing on SQ.

@rockeater, I’ve got a Nuforce Preamp AVP17 with a built-in DAC, and it was working great until now. But now, it’s not giving me an output signal. Everything else seems to be in order, but the power amps aren’t getting any sound. Do you think you could take a look and see what’s going on? 

1 hour ago, AccMagi7s said:

@rockeater, I’ve got a Nuforce Preamp AVP17 with a built-in DAC, and it was working great until now. But now, it’s not giving me an output signal. Everything else seems to be in order, but the power amps aren’t getting any sound. Do you think you could take a look and see what’s going on? 

Of course.

Come over with it one day.

I will do it while you are here and give you my opinion.

Edited May 24, 2025May 24 by rockeater

5 minutes ago, rockeater said:

Of course.

Come over with it one day.

I will do it while you are here and give you my opinion.

Thanks R. I will lock in a Sunday with you. 

Today, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of our local audio friends. It was a fortunate pleasure as always in this audio circle. Some of the feedback I shared was constructive, while others I learned from adopting in my own setup. 

 

Today’s highlight was from @AndreaB. I had visited his setup a few times before, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but today was an exception. Eva Cassidy’s “Autumn Leaves” track, which I am very familiar with, brought me immense joy while listening. Each visit to his setup seems to be set up differently and offers a higher level of sonic experience compared to the previous ones. Today, I experienced a profound sense of excitement while listening to his TAD setup with the flagship Wadax all-in-one digital front end. The midrange was particularly inviting and exceptionally rich in sound. It was the best I have heard from his setup and, in particular, from the TAD in terms of overall control, resolution, clarity, and transparency. I believe that the shallow room in which he set up this setup is unjust, as there are undoubtedly more sonic pleasures to be discovered in a larger, more spacious environment. 

 

As I departed from his residence, I experienced a profound sense of contentment for him. I have observed numerous setups involving high-end electronics, yet they consistently yielded a lack of synergy, resulting in a diminished return on investment in terms of sonic pleasure. For instance, I have encountered couples Pilium setups in Perth. If you have had similar experiences, you may have noticed that the monetary investment disproportionately yielded positive outcomes.

Regardless of the specific actions he took, it is evident that he was undoubtedly on the correct path. 

11 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

Today, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of our local audio friends. It was a fortunate pleasure as always in this audio circle. Some of the feedback I shared was constructive, while others I learned from adopting in my own setup. 

 

Today’s highlight was from @AndreaB. I had visited his setup a few times before, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but today was an exception. Eva Cassidy’s “Autumn Leaves” track, which I am very familiar with, brought me immense joy while listening. Each visit to his setup seems to be set up differently and offers a higher level of sonic experience compared to the previous ones. Today, I experienced a profound sense of excitement while listening to his TAD setup with the flagship Wadax all-in-one digital front end. The midrange was particularly inviting and exceptionally rich in sound. It was the best I have heard from his setup and, in particular, from the TAD in terms of overall control, resolution, clarity, and transparency. I believe that the shallow room in which he set up this setup is unjust, as there are undoubtedly more sonic pleasures to be discovered in a larger, more spacious environment. 

 

As I departed from his residence, I experienced a profound sense of contentment for him. I have observed numerous setups involving high-end electronics, yet they consistently yielded a lack of synergy, resulting in a diminished return on investment in terms of sonic pleasure. For instance, I have encountered couples Pilium setups in Perth. If you have had similar experiences, you may have noticed that the monetary investment disproportionately yielded positive outcomes.

Regardless of the specific actions he took, it is evident that he was undoubtedly on the correct path. 

Thank you @AndreaB, it was a privilege to experience your system, thank you heaps.

@AccMagi7s I guess the lesson for me is that no one's taste's are the benchmark and the definitive truth, and we all chase different things in this hobby. While it's fantastic to have the opportunity to experience other people's approaches, it is most important that the owner is happy with his setup, and after all the thinkering and tweaking he/she can sit down and enjoy, and listen to the music and not the equipment. 

4 hours ago, AdrianRa said:

Thank you @AndreaB, it was a privilege to experience your system, thank you heaps.

@AccMagi7s I guess the lesson for me is that no one's taste's are the benchmark and the definitive truth, and we all chase different things in this hobby. While it's fantastic to have the opportunity to experience other people's approaches, it is most important that the owner is happy with his setup, and after all the thinkering and tweaking he/she can sit down and enjoy, and listen to the music and not the equipment. 

Certainly, Adrian. It is a subjective matter, as I mentioned earlier. Spending more does not necessarily equate to improved sound quality. The concept of “better” is highly subjective. Nevertheless, elements such as resolution, clarity, transparency, and a darker background can undoubtedly enhance our listening experience, provided that the musicality and naturalness remain intact. 

 

I've been hesitant to share my experience at A2A Richmond since last April due to concerns about commercial obligations and potential collateral impacts that could arise from any misinterpretation. Yet, the moment I stepped into the room and laid eyes on those stunning M7s, I couldn’t help but adopt a composed demeanor, even as my mind whispered, "You absolutely must have them." 

 

The room is nothing short of spacious, offering ample space for vibrant singing. As I play several tracks from Qobuz via Roon to the Goldmund digital DAC, the resolution and sound density overwhelm me with their astonishing depth. While I continue my audition, my mind races with thoughts, prompting me to pose some tough questions to Jason, the manager hosting me. It’s remarkable to witness the M7s thriving in an over-damped room, originally designed for a home theater setup. Few speakers could truly excel in such an environment, yet the M7s rise to the challenge, showcasing their exceptional capabilities across the board.

 

As I stepped out of the venue, I turned to Jason and cut straight to the chase: “So, do I handle this with you or with Dan when we get to Perth?” That moment really captured the weight of my choices, though it was hard to forget the lingering dilemma of the Marten Coltrane Quintet Extreme that had been haunting me.

 

The countdown is on, and it's almost here! Get ready for an exhilarating future filled with wave after wave of sonic delight and a vibrant array of experiences waiting to be discovered!

9 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

I've been hesitant to share my experience at A2A Richmond since last April due to concerns about commercial obligations and potential collateral impacts that could arise from any misinterpretation. Yet, the moment I stepped into the room and laid eyes on those stunning M7s, I couldn’t help but adopt a composed demeanor, even as my mind whispered, "You absolutely must have them." 

 

The room is nothing short of spacious, offering ample space for vibrant singing. As I play several tracks from Qobuz via Roon to the Goldmund digital DAC, the resolution and sound density overwhelm me with their astonishing depth. While I continue my audition, my mind races with thoughts, prompting me to pose some tough questions to Jason, the manager hosting me. It’s remarkable to witness the M7s thriving in an over-damped room, originally designed for a home theater setup. Few speakers could truly excel in such an environment, yet the M7s rise to the challenge, showcasing their exceptional capabilities across the board.

 

As I stepped out of the venue, I turned to Jason and cut straight to the chase: “So, do I handle this with you or with Dan when we get to Perth?” That moment really captured the weight of my choices, though it was hard to forget the lingering dilemma of the Marten Coltrane Quintet Extreme that had been haunting me.

 

The countdown is on, and it's almost here! Get ready for an exhilarating future filled with wave after wave of sonic delight and a vibrant array of experiences waiting to be discovered!

Chanh, I wish you many many years of smiles and delight! What a dream, right? I am actually excited for you!

I didn’t get to hear them the other day but a did see them and they are absolutely stunning, I look forward to experiencing them singing in your room mate.

 

6 hours ago, mtf said:

I didn’t get to hear them the other day but a did see them and they are absolutely stunning, I look forward to experiencing them singing in your room mate.

 

They will be home soon, Mark—a sanctuary where they deserve to shine in all their brilliance and reach their fullest potential.

Congrats on the coming flagship speakers.  Its great that someone so generous with their expertise and time has been able to achieve such a high level setup.  Am so happy for you @AccMagi7s as well as the lucky WA'ers that will get to experience it with you. Hopefully I can make the trip over some time to experience the "Accu-magic".

53 minutes ago, frednork said:

Congrats on the coming flagship speakers.  Its great that someone so generous with their expertise and time has been able to achieve such a high level setup.  Am so happy for you @AccMagi7s as well as the lucky WA'ers that will get to experience it with you. Hopefully I can make the trip over some time to experience the "Accu-magic".

 

The invitation is always open for you,  @Stereophilus and @Assisi. I will make sure to have a nice 2012 grape juice reserved for this occasion, should you three be able to visit. 

 

I apologise for missing the visitations to your three during my last two trips to Victoria. The tight schedule and an unreliable driver made it difficult. I will definitely make it happen on my third attempt.👍

 

I will be in attendance at time of delivery. I don't think the N1T will be in Perth by then, it's built and should be leaving Japan this week. It goes to the distributor in Melbourne first and then to Perth. I don't know if it comes by air or road from Melbourne. I'll be in Shanghai 11-17 June so I can leave it with you over that period and you can do a YT unboxing video. I'll also bring my Bladelius Integrated, I think it will be a good match for the M7. I'm very impressed with it powering my M3. To be honest, and it hurts to say this, but to me the Bladelius sounds better than Halcro dm88 mono-blocks.

Edited May 28, 2025May 28 by brodricj

On 26/05/2025 at 8:26 PM, AccMagi7s said:

...I stepped into the room and laid eyes on those stunning M7s, I couldn’t help but adopt a composed demeanor, even as my mind whispered, "You absolutely must have them."

I had been telling you that for quite some time. Finally you listened to me and closed the deal with A2A. I think A2A owes me some sales commission!

We're hitting the stage with some serious energy—let's rock and roll!

 

 

 

Edited May 28, 2025May 28 by AccMagi7s

On 26/5/2025 at 1:52 AM, AccMagi7s said:

Certainly, Adrian. It is a subjective matter, as I mentioned earlier. Spending more does not necessarily equate to improved sound quality. The concept of “better” is highly subjective. Nevertheless, elements such as resolution, clarity, transparency, and a darker background can undoubtedly enhance our listening experience, provided that the musicality and naturalness remain intact. 

 

 

 

This is not accurate, resolution, clarity, transparency and a darker background do not enhance our listening experience.

Once a certain level is achieved they have nothing to do with it. 😀

And a larger room does not improve things and my other gripe is the larger soundstage stuff is nonsense also.

Edited May 28, 2025May 28 by russell66

5 hours ago, russell66 said:

 

 

This is not accurate, resolution, clarity, transparency and a darker background do not enhance our listening experience.

Once a certain level is achieved they have nothing to do with it. 😀

And a larger room does not improve things and my other gripe is the larger soundstage stuff is nonsense also.

I hope you are well, Russell. 

 

I trust your transition from the warm and dry climate of Perth to the colder northern hemisphere in Canada has been a smooth and enjoyable experience. I hope the cold hasn’t been too challenging for you.

 

Your perspective seems quite insightful and undoubtedly places you in an advantageous position, especially when elements like precision, resolutions, accuracy, timing, and transparency are not the primary focus in appreciating timbre and naturalness. I fondly recall the beginning of my audio journey, which involved DIY audio gear, including valve preamps and power amps. In those days, the slightly veiled sound with rich coloration held a certain charm for me. My listening environment was a cozy space in a shed, and at that stage, those nuances didn’t seem as significant. It was a joyful time, immersed in the music that held deep emotional connections to my childhood; it sounded absolutely wonderful. 

 

Looking back, I can understand why I appreciated that sonic quality, as it closely resembled the AM radio sounds I grew up with in the 1970s.

Edited May 28, 2025May 28 by AccMagi7s

Hmmmm.... Chucking ***** into the pigeon coup there Russ

 

5 hours ago, russell66 said:

 

 

This is not accurate, resolution, clarity, transparency and a darker background do not enhance our listening experience.

Once a certain level is achieved they have nothing to do with "it." 😀

And a larger room does not improve things and my other gripe is the larger soundstage stuff is nonsense also.

 

Now, - who's to be the arbiter of that bold wee statement (bold), and the "it" at the end of the sentence, what does that represent? "It" could be Chanh's 70's tranny, or it could be a multi-million dollar system that's perceived by some to be the best money can buy. We all have our "it", until we decide it "isn't" I guess that little word represents our hi-fi ambitions, large or small, simple or bonkers.

We as individuals decide what's "it".

'Course, you could just be having a larf to stir up click bait biters like me.

 

Edited May 28, 2025May 28 by Grimmie

HO ho, the censor stars represent a word meaning cat not female genitalia.

Ok let me speak to a couple of those further remarks together.

I transition very well regarding the climate, i struggle more with the time differences. And the frequency of travel. The next one will be interesting though, leaving Perth in November and returning here, that will be a shock.

I really wanted to come and see you on my last trip but didnt get the time, providing I don't lose my priviledges here because of my comments I will defo come up later in the year. 🤪

@Grimmieany political correctness goes completly over my head, i dont get it, so sorry about that.

I felt the comment was misleading and follows the rhetoric of reviewers and manufacturers that does nothing to educate people. So i replied.

I don't know about colour and veiled and charm all those things will ruin a system and will not hold up to enjoyment over time.

I am not saying the other things are not important, im saying once you have those things the addition of more of it equalling more enjoyment is sketchy.

I am not a musical instrment expert but each instrument has a character, a colour if you like otherwise all musicians would play the same one.

Explain this to me if you would, in my system I have the transparency and resolution that makes a saxaphone sound exactly like a saxaphone does in real life. What is it going to sound like with more transparency and resolution? 

Im sure there are benifits to listening in the Sydney Opera house, but give me a gungy little Jazz club acoustics any day, and I'll happily take it and enjoy it more.

One is not better than the other because its less coloured.

My Linns are undoubtedly better engineerd and higher quality than my Harbeths, they probably have all those extra qualities over the Harbeths but they are not better at reproducing the musical experience, just different.

MF reports his system sounds like the live event, then he gets a new $300K turntable in and says this is better, better how, do the performers give him a massage now while he listens?

I don't know maybe I shouldn't of commented, and I have spent more time on this reply than I intended.

I don't have a conclution and I am not making a "listen to me this is the way it is statement" nor do I fully stand by my comments as if I am right, im simply saying there is no right ultimate destination.

The four things mentioned do not point to better sound quality, if they did Kaiser speakers would sound the same as Magico and they do not. 

Ok thats it, I have said too much, i am going to shut up, because I feel like I have been given a shovel and I am just digging myself a bigger hole. ❤️

 

 

1 hour ago, Grimmie said:

Hmmmm.... Chucking ***** into the pigeon coup there Russ

 

 

Now, - who's to be the arbiter of that bold wee statement (bold), and the "it" at the end of the sentence, what does that represent? "It" could be Chanh's 70's tranny, or it could be a multi-million dollar system that's perceived by some to be the best money can buy. We all have our "it", until we decide it "isn't" I guess that little word represents our hi-fi ambitions, large or small, simple or bonkers.

We as individuals decide what's "it".

'Course, you could just be having a larf to stir up click bait biters like me.

 

Oh i see what this means now, the level is you are unlikely to achieve transparency under a certain $$ figure. Like its not possible with a $1000 pair of speakers, but once you get to a level lets say Martens Duo Parkers for example then you have all the transparency and resolution you need for musical enjoyment. And of course there are lots more and I am sure the entry level to that resolution is lower. 

38 minutes ago, russell66 said:

Explain this to me if you would, in my system I have the transparency and resolution that makes a saxaphone sound exactly like a saxaphone does in real life. What is it going to sound like with more transparency and resolution? 

 

I have read this before online. Then somewhere along the line the person may have changed speakers or an amp etc, and been amazed that it actually got more transparent, more resolution and more realistic than what they had already.

 

This right there might be why some will keep upgrading when others might think they have reached that peak already. (which they have for themselves as its all personal experiences/preferences etc)

Edited May 29, 2025May 29 by rocky500

11 minutes ago, russell66 said:

Ok let me speak to a couple of those further remarks together.

I transition very well regarding the climate, i struggle more with the time differences. And the frequency of travel. The next one will be interesting though, leaving Perth in November and returning here, that will be a shock.

I really wanted to come and see you on my last trip but didnt get the time, providing I don't lose my priviledges here because of my comments I will defo come up later in the year. 🤪

Sounds like a weekend in November be a good local gtg under the code name "RR -Rusty Resilience".

 

Everything is going well, and there's no hard feelings about the differing beliefs and perspectives we share regarding sound. This debate is enjoyable; it pushes me to think more critically and reminds me that in such a subjective hobby, there will always be a variety of viewpoints. If we all liked the same things, the world would be in chaos, fighting over the same preferences.

I used to find it amusing to watch people like Grant J and Tasso L, who were deeply invested in pricey audio gear, all coming from a DIY background. But then, one day, I had a wake-up call after experiencing my own DIY DACs. The journey to create something top-notch nearly cost me my career and impacted my marriage, given the amount of time I devoted to hoping it could outperform established high-end commercial DACs.

That experience was quite eye-opening, revealing just how limited my thinking had been. I realised that no matter how ambitious I was, I couldn't replace a skilled team of professionals who have honed their craft. I remember bringing my DIY Tallest DAC—complete with shunt regulation and choke-input power supplies—home that day, feeling a heavy sense of disappointment. When I added up the time and money I spent, it was shocking to see that its current value even surpassed that of a high-end DAC from a reputable brand.

From that day forward, I made a conscious decision to step away from my DIY obsession and focus instead on what I do best: engineering consultancy. I chose to invest my rewards into electronics created by experts in the field. My DIY DAC now sits in my collection, a bittersweet reminder of my journey. While it may not hold much value in the technical sense, it carries significant sentimental value for me. It serves as a reminder of how close I came to losing everything to my audio DIY addiction if I had continued down that path.