Quote from: Nick B on June 17, 2026, 01:16:04 PM

Quote from: steve on June 16, 2026, 07:18:40 PM

Quote from: Nick B on May 16, 2026, 11:28:06 PMMy system requires I crank up the volume to sound the best. I am wondering if this is mostly a function of the speaker design and the driver materials used. Or do the components have more of an effect than the speakers?

Hi Nick,

I attached a graph of perception ability vs frequency. X axis is frequency and Y axis is
how many db it takes for the average person to perceive. If the system is a little lean, I would think it
would take higher spl to "fill out" the music, across the board.

Hope this helps Nick.

steve

Thanks, Steve. Certainly an interesting chart. I haven't measured SPL recently, but I guess my average listening level might be 80-85 dB. Will have to check again.

As an aside, that RCA 6NS7GTB is sounding very nice...

Nick

Hi Nick,

It is rather interesting and difficult if I may say as the recording may be thin, or full to begin with
depending upon the recording equipment, including mics replacement etc.

For individuals just entering the audio world, a little example of
science and audio perception. (I have not heard of audio perception being taught
in any college classrooms.)

For example, at 80 db spl, an average person can hear/perceive down to ~30hz,
and the midrange sounds louder than the bass. One might turn the graph upside
down for clearer picture of what we really hear.

As spl lessens (the volume reduces) the average person perceives the midrange even more
than the bass, so sounds leaner/thinner.  Inversely, when the volume is increased, the bass
increases vs the mids/highs.

What happens is that there is an spl recording level where the frequency response we
perceive is the flattest from bass through midrange and highs. It also depends upon the
quality of the recording, including mic placement, room acoustics etc. Some 50% of the
musical quality is determined by the recording process.

I hope this helps every one.

steve

 

Quote from: steve on June 16, 2026, 07:18:40 PM

Quote from: Nick B on May 16, 2026, 11:28:06 PMMy system requires I crank up the volume to sound the best. I am wondering if this is mostly a function of the speaker design and the driver materials used. Or do the components have more of an effect than the speakers?

Hi Nick,

I attached a graph of perception ability vs frequency. X axis is frequency and Y axis is
how many db it takes for the average person to perceive. If the system is a little lean, I would think it
would take higher spl to "fill out" the music, across the board.

Hope this helps Nick.

steve

Thanks, Steve. Certainly an interesting chart. I haven't measured SPL recently, but I guess my average listening level might be 80-85 dB. Will have to check again.

As an aside, that RCA 6NS7GTB is sounding very nice...

Nick

Quote from: Nick B on May 16, 2026, 11:28:06 PMMy system requires I crank up the volume to sound the best. I am wondering if this is mostly a function of the speaker design and the driver materials used. Or do the components have more of an effect than the speakers?

Hi Nick,

I attached a graph of perception ability vs frequency. X axis is frequency and Y axis is
how many db it takes for the average person to perceive. If the system is a little lean, I would think it
would take higher spl to "fill out" the music, across the board.

Hope this helps Nick.

steve

I do have some extra cables to allow for that. But just a spare amp which I like a lot... the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra. It's nice to be able to switch amps and tubes.

I'm sure we all have cables, tweaks, tubes and components taking up space. Recently I was going through a box filled with cables. Oh wow I remember those. Why did I shelf them ? Out of curiosity I tried some oldies. To my surprise a winner. Was on a mission now to find if some NOS tubes would work with the new gear. Again found some winners.
Then sitting all alone was a Digibuss and Uber. Was using two Gilbert Yeung conditioners. One for DAC and transport and one for server and USB clock. WTF, removed GY and put back the Busses. Why did I ever take them out was my initial thought. Try some of your old stuff again. Especially Power Cords.



charles

Wow Steve glad your better. What a trip that was. Finished ? Nah. In our blood.


charles

Quote from: steve on June 14, 2026, 10:55:56 AM

Quote from: steve on February 27, 2024, 12:37:47 PMHi Nick,

I still have the modi 2, fully upgraded now. Being partially upgraded, it did slightly lacked some width
vs the Denafrip 5k dac but beat the Chord Dave in frequency balance. I have not compared the modi to
them since, but the fully upgraded modi 2 sounds even better. The only down side is the large chassis to
house the caps and modi 2. So it is not pretty looking being a test subject.

It all started because I was given the modi 2 for free and just wanted to tinker with it.
Frankly, I had no idea of how much it could be improved, but now I don't even consider purchasing
another dac.

ps. My monoblocks weigh approximately 25lbs.

cheers

steve

I have to eat a little crow concerning the DAC.

I have purchased and updated my dac to a Mimir by Schiit. I have tweaked it by
connecting all copper audio output jacks, and tweaked the filtering capacitors
in the power supply.

Even in stock form, absolutely love the Mimir and even had to tweak the speaker
crossovers. Absolutely incredible sound, and more natural than the Modi 2.

Here is a selection I think you will like for checking. Terry Bozzio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4P4luHdFwA

cheers
steve

Thanks, Steve! That's the largest setup I've ever seen. And he sure is talented!

Nick

Quote from: steve on June 13, 2026, 06:47:54 PM

Quote from: Nick B on March 23, 2026, 09:37:13 PM

Quote from: steve on March 23, 2026, 04:22:26 PM

Quote from: steve on December 19, 2025, 01:21:00 PMI heard how polypropylene capacitors work in decoupling applications in the little
Schiit Modi 2, so after seeing good press, I purchased a Schiit Mimir.

I am still in some shock as how good it is. Amazingly good. I have auditioned the Pontus,
Chords, including the Dave, and I miss none of them. I highly recommend the Mimir, cost is
ridiculous $299.00. I am not affiliated or ever been affiliated with Schiit.

cheers

steve

Another update. As good as the Schiit Mimir is, I just
made two more improvements.

First, I pig tailed all copper analog RCA jacks with Jenalabs Wire and
secondly, I upgraded the internal power supply of the Mimir as mentioned
in another string.

It is impossible to describe how good the Mimir is in my audio system.
The upgraded Mimir has about 110 hours, so I don't know if the sound will
continue to improve even further, but it is so incredible, wow.

Audiophile music lover Dan was up after just the first upgrade, and was
oohhing and aahhing and stated he wanted to stay all night listening to music.
He stayed an hour extra before going home to family.

Dan is the one who changes the bit rate for individual songs, That is finicky.
(I am not, nor have been, affiliated with Schiit Audio.)
 
cheers

steve

Very nice, Steve. When you say pigtailed, do you mean that you added the Jenalabs wires in parallel to the existing wires?

Nick

Hi Nick,

Yes, I used wires and connected to the pc board where the existing brass jacks are soldered. All
copper jacks give a little more believing musical experience.

On a different note, I have not been able to experiment due to health conditions.

Jan I had colon cancer surgery. Latest CT scan shows clear.
CT scan did show large kidney stone that needs to be removed.
May, I received a phone call that my brother Jim died from a heart attack, so estate is being
addressed now.
My lower back is getting worse so off to physical therapy/relaxers etc.

I am doing well but won't be posting that often, I think. You know me, always experimenting if I can.

Cheers

steve

It's good to hear from you, Steve, and I have been wondering about your health. That is a lot to go through in such a short time. I hope your health stabilizes and improves over time.

Keep experimenting and enjoying and pls post on occasion if you are able.

Nick

Quote from: steve on February 27, 2024, 12:37:47 PMHi Nick,

I still have the modi 2, fully upgraded now. Being partially upgraded, it did slightly lacked some width
vs the Denafrip 5k dac but beat the Chord Dave in frequency balance. I have not compared the modi to
them since, but the fully upgraded modi 2 sounds even better. The only down side is the large chassis to
house the caps and modi 2. So it is not pretty looking being a test subject.

It all started because I was given the modi 2 for free and just wanted to tinker with it.
Frankly, I had no idea of how much it could be improved, but now I don't even consider purchasing
another dac.

ps. My monoblocks weigh approximately 25lbs.

cheers

steve

I have to eat a little crow concerning the DAC.

I have purchased and updated my dac to a Mimir by Schiit. I have tweaked it by
connecting all copper audio output jacks, and tweaked the filtering capacitors
in the power supply.

Even in stock form, absolutely love the Mimir and even had to tweak the speaker
crossovers. Absolutely incredible sound, and more natural than the Modi 2.

Here is a selection I think you will like for checking. Terry Bozzio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4P4luHdFwA

cheers
steve

Quote from: Nick B on March 23, 2026, 09:37:13 PM

Quote from: steve on March 23, 2026, 04:22:26 PM

Quote from: steve on December 19, 2025, 01:21:00 PMI heard how polypropylene capacitors work in decoupling applications in the little
Schiit Modi 2, so after seeing good press, I purchased a Schiit Mimir.

I am still in some shock as how good it is. Amazingly good. I have auditioned the Pontus,
Chords, including the Dave, and I miss none of them. I highly recommend the Mimir, cost is
ridiculous $299.00. I am not affiliated or ever been affiliated with Schiit.

cheers

steve

Another update. As good as the Schiit Mimir is, I just
made two more improvements.

First, I pig tailed all copper analog RCA jacks with Jenalabs Wire and
secondly, I upgraded the internal power supply of the Mimir as mentioned
in another string.

It is impossible to describe how good the Mimir is in my audio system.
The upgraded Mimir has about 110 hours, so I don't know if the sound will
continue to improve even further, but it is so incredible, wow.

Audiophile music lover Dan was up after just the first upgrade, and was
oohhing and aahhing and stated he wanted to stay all night listening to music.
He stayed an hour extra before going home to family.

Dan is the one who changes the bit rate for individual songs, That is finicky.
(I am not, nor have been, affiliated with Schiit Audio.)
 
cheers

steve

Very nice, Steve. When you say pigtailed, do you mean that you added the Jenalabs wires in parallel to the existing wires?

Nick

Hi Nick,

Yes, I used wires and connected to the pc board where the existing brass jacks are soldered. All
copper jacks give a little more believing musical experience.

On a different note, I have not been able to experiment due to health conditions.

Jan I had colon cancer surgery. Latest CT scan shows clear.
CT scan did show large kidney stone that needs to be removed.
May, I received a phone call that my brother Jim died from a heart attack, so estate is being
addressed now.
My lower back is getting worse so off to physical therapy/relaxers etc.

I am doing well but won't be posting that often, I think. You know me, always experimenting if I can.

Cheers

steve