Steve (sb6), Mike (sebrof2000) and I had a great time last night at Steve's home. It was supposed to be from 6:30 to 10:30, but 11:30 came so fast I think it surprised us all. The food, drink, music, hospitality and general audio BS made the time fly! Mike and Steve are very knowledgeable when it comes to music. I especially enjoyed discovering new artists (new to me anyway) from Steve's vast, 28,000+ song library!
Steve's system is very, very good. He has made wise decisions economically and has a system that punches well beyond its price point. It's the type of system that can make you wonder why so much more money has to be spent to get great sound. I'm not going to hyper analyze the sound, but rest assured it was clear, coherent and very musical, the type of system anyone would be very pleased to have.
Like most of us, his system is a work in progress. He has a great space, the type I'd love to have, for listening. Self made acoustical treatments were in the front corners, front walls, rear walls and ceiling corners. Steve mentioned adding some more for the side wall reflection points were next. Like Mike and myself, Steve is a believer that the room (environment) is so important to good sound. I will say that I've never heard SL3s sound as good, not that much different (except a little different bass) than some well set up Prodigies I've heard. I was very surprised at how loud they could play. His SL3s are 1/3 of the way into the room from the front wall and toed in correctly, using the flashlight method. Steve is using a modified Carver amp, with double its original power rating. This is being driven by a very nice looking and sounding tube preamp (Sorry, I forgot the brand). The source was a computer sending hi rez and redbook (I won't mention the mp3s
If ever there was a doubt as to the sound difference of lo rez mp3s vs redbook or 24/96 hi rez files, we put that pony to rest last night, as Steve had some songs in multiple resolutions) files through a Music Streamer DAC. Speaker cables were Audioquest Rocket 44s, I think. No vinyl playback for Steve.
Thanks so much for a great time Steve. See you soon.
Mike, thanks for the new record album. I've got a duplicate, unopened Coltrane album that's got your name on it.
Anyone else in the area that wants to join us for our next gathering, keep an eye on this area of the site. Mike's up next and I'm looking forward to hearing his Zus sing.