unclemack Posted October 31, 2015 Posted October 31, 2015 A new addition to the setup, the Sony HAP-Z1ES Music Server And a better look at the 79" Bloody great TV...
Hydrology Posted September 26, 2016 Author Posted September 26, 2016 (edited) We have committed to building a new house next year, having just secured the block, so there wont be many changes or updates to the current system I think, however it was hard to pass up the half price offered by JB HiFi on the Logitech Universal Elite remote control system. I was replacing the batteries on my Philips Prontos far too often. Also, a little pic of my 3D posters in the Theater Room... Edited September 26, 2016 by Hydrology 3
Hydrology Posted February 15, 2017 Author Posted February 15, 2017 Have moved on from the Cyrus and Primare combo. In its place, the beautiful Luxman L-550AX MKI. 5 1
Hydrology Posted April 13, 2017 Author Posted April 13, 2017 Added an (Australian plug version) IsoTek Corvus to the stereo system as a short-ish term upgrade until funds allow for the Sigma:- 1
Hydrology Posted September 3, 2017 Author Posted September 3, 2017 Right, the Corvus didn't last long, but not because I wasn't happy with it, the opportunity to grab an ExactPower at a great price was too hard to pass on!
Hydrology Posted September 3, 2017 Author Posted September 3, 2017 @Peter_F about the only thing neat and tidy in the house right now is the hifi! Trying to house to ready to sell, maybe the next home!? 1
Hydrology Posted October 11, 2017 Author Posted October 11, 2017 This was my last week with the 2M Black (moving up to Quintet Black). Some Lennie Cohen before being packed away and sent to new owner.
Hydrology Posted October 29, 2017 Author Posted October 29, 2017 And its place, the Ortofon Quintet Black S. 3
Hydrology Posted March 10, 2018 Author Posted March 10, 2018 Not added much to the hifi system in the traditional sense, but this was nevertheless a premium purchase for me recently... 3
Hydrology Posted November 10, 2018 Author Posted November 10, 2018 A new move in the digital space... 5
Hydrology Posted November 18, 2018 Author Posted November 18, 2018 (edited) Pro-ject Pre Box S2 Digital added to the system for DAC duties. For the money, this thing is hard to beat. Edited November 18, 2018 by Hydrology
Hydrology Posted December 25, 2018 Author Posted December 25, 2018 An early morning workout for the Kii Three speakers on loan for a couple of weeks.
Guest DarkNark Posted December 25, 2018 Posted December 25, 2018 Whats playing? Perry Como’s Christmas Carols? How are you finding the Kii Three in your own room? Merry Christmas
Hydrology Posted December 25, 2018 Author Posted December 25, 2018 1 hour ago, DarkNark said: Whats playing? Perry Como’s Christmas Carols? How are you finding the Kii Three in your own room? Merry Christmas Merry Christmas mate. I'll keep the music selections to myself! Vinyl most of the day - trying out a Gold Note PH-10 phono stage also. The next couple of days is just about relaxation, then I will sit down and measure with REW/UMIK-1 and tweak!
Hydrology Posted December 29, 2018 Author Posted December 29, 2018 Been absolutely chuffed with the performance of the Gold Note PH10 in combination with the Kii speakers - definitely an end game combination of the next 5-10 years, once I upgrade next year! Would also add the LPSU to the PH-10. 4
Guest DarkNark Posted December 29, 2018 Posted December 29, 2018 Nice pictures. Where did you get the cover for your TT, locally?
Hydrology Posted December 29, 2018 Author Posted December 29, 2018 1 hour ago, DarkNark said: Nice pictures. Where did you get the cover for your TT, locally? Yeah we've got a few made up for clients at Productive Plastics in Wangara.
Hydrology Posted June 30, 2019 Author Posted June 30, 2019 The unsung heroes of my analogue world. Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic added last week. 3
Hydrology Posted November 10, 2019 Author Posted November 10, 2019 Couple of additions in preparation for a system changeover to actives..
Hydrology Posted February 27, 2020 Author Posted February 27, 2020 Currently evaluating a Cocktail Audio N15D Streamer. This thing is choc with features and compatibility. A fully fledged Roon-certified end point with space for an internal hard drive, all in a product not much bigger than a couple of external CD-ROM drives.
Hydrology Posted February 29, 2020 Author Posted February 29, 2020 So some big direction changes due next week. First up, new amp - Hegel H390 And new streamer/DAC 4
Hydrology Posted March 2, 2020 Author Posted March 2, 2020 Ok so I've had a few days to evaluate the Cocktail Audio N-15D Streamer. I should point out that having just ordered the Matrix Audio Element M, I was never going to keep the N-15D, however I could see this being a valid solution in a secondary system in the home. THE BAD So the recommended apps did nothing for me. As a Roon user, I had no issues with controlling the Cocktail Audio for playback. CA recommend two apps depending where you read - the Music X or Music Neo apps. I found both to be a little clunky to use. There are many other standalone uPNP apps you could use with this product, however some features (CD ripping etc) would require stepping into the brand's own apps. THE GOOD This thing does everything! As you can see from the pic above, there is a slot for an internal hard drive (as well as multiple USB host ports) making this a wonderful standalone local or online streaming solution. Software updates do require some from of temporary storage (even just a front-connected USB stick). Build quality is exceptional for its price point. Solid casework with ventilation on the sides (unit is whisper quiet). All sockets on rear are of high quality and its nice to see an IEC socket here rather than a DC output to a crappy wall wart. As mentioned I use Roon, the N15D was immediately recognised over the network and setup automatically. We have MQA, DSD support etc. I was able to stream directly to the unit using the Qobuz desktop app, but NOT using the smartphone Qobuz app, however for me, a moot point as Roon will always be my go-to. THE SOUND Excellent! Previous to this I was using the ELAC Discovery Connect, which was a great sounding endpoint for the money. The Sabre DAC of the N15D easily bests it, although that's expected considering it sells for twice the price. The unit has far better audio codec support than the ELAC did. I particularly found the low frequencies far more full-bodied with the Cocktail Audio, with plenty of control in the bass. More lively presentation, perhaps more upfront and in your face. I did not try the unit as a headphone amp, so will leave that to others to validate performance. All up I was very impressed with this unit. I could see this being a perfect partner for a compact amplifier such as the Rega Brio, making that a potent combination. 4
Hydrology Posted March 6, 2020 Author Posted March 6, 2020 So the Luxman is gone and in its place comes the Hegel H390. Havent had a chance to test it out yet, that will be a job for this weekend. 3
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