firedog

"just" the UMK-1 from mini-DSP I used to have an expensive pro measurement microphone. It needed a preamp. This is USB based and much easier to use. I can't compare results, as I sold the expensive mic. But I'm very happy with the results with the inexpensive mic. Seems to me the key is a decent mic with an individual calibration file, and not a generic one.

Couldn't agree more. Just spent a week working on my new setup. Measured and setup correction myself with Audiolense. Not bad. Definitely better than what I started with. Then sent my measurements to Mitch Barnett at Accurate Sound. He looked at my measurements, saw something odd, and I measured again, getting better measurements as a result of his expertise. He then sent me 3 filters - one each day for 3 days. The first was good, the second was better, and the third was great! This system is now locked in - room effects gone and the sound is clear and very alive sounding. Mitch is easy to work with and will work with you to get a result you are happy with. The expense involved is a tiny fraction of what I spent on the hardware. It's without a doubt the best bang for the buck in audiophilia. If you aren't doing this you aren't getting all you paid for with your system and not enjoying the music as much as you could.

Just as an aside: Just checked with test tones: I can hear deifintiely hear a -114db test tone and maybe/sometimes a -120db signal test tone at the speaker. Means this system has actual playback dynamic range of 19-20bits. That's not just the theoretical output of the electronics, but the actual audio output of the system. I know it doesn't mean that much in terms of actual music listening, but nonetheless it's pretty impressive and says something about the resolution of the system.

Just listened to a pipe organ recording of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Very nice with the BXT.

Here's a quick measurement, and also how it looks after a basic DRC, with a target of flat response. Note that my small room has a giant bass mode at about 38hz; It is so large no speaker can overcome it. This is actually a much better result than I get with conventional speakers. The room also has, for some unexplained reason, a high frequency spike just below 10Khz I'm still working with Mitch on getting an optimized in room response.

It really sounds "just like" the Three alone, only every aspect is a little better. My biggest first takes are that drums especially sound better and more real. The overall impression is a more full, more fleshed out, slightly warmer sound, with more "depth" to the sound. I'm assuming this is due not just to more woofers, but also because the mid driver in Three is free from doing all the bass duties and therefore does a better job on the mids.

BXT has arrived, here it is: I bought the Kii Three in 2017. Thought it was my last big audio HW buy, but started putting aside money for something else, just in case I wanted to do something different at some point. I just retired and decided the best use of the fund was some BXT. Luckily my dealer offered me a once used demo pair for 25% off, full warranty. (He doesn't have a showroom. He sells Kii and Dutch and Dutch 8C and does home demos for interested customers. He said he's decided to only deal with Kii Three and Seven, as they are easier to deal with for home demos and he doesn't have many people interested in the BXT. So he sold me his last BXT. He's only selling the BXT now without demo if someone wants them). I worked again with Mitch Barnett of Accurate Sounds. His DRC definitely helps. I can measure and build convolution files myself, but Mitch always has insights that improve the results over what I do alone. First impressions: a) louder at same volume setting (duh!) b) more natural sound on drums and hits on drum heads c) slightly warmer sound overall; better midrange d) improved depth and soundstage - especially noticeable on orchestral or big band sounds e) bass has more of a thump. Even a simple bass line in a jazz trio gets some very nice "oomph" that makes it sound more real These still don't sound like giant subs that give you a punch in the chest - and they aren't intended to. But the bass overall is about the best I've heard in a home environment. Just sounds real and right. It sounds like a noticeably improved Kii Three. So. is it worth basically doubling the cost of the Kii Three? Strictly in terms of return on the dollar - no, it's not worth it. It isn't "twice as good" as the Three alone. There's diminishing returns at this level of spending, by definition. But it's definitely better. Get it if you can afford it, like other spending on very expensive audio.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/25/arts/music/michael-cuscuna-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.n00.1DFQ.-JGU3epO7h9-&smid=url-share Informative obit from the Times.

Why don't you ask NAD? They may have encountered this before.

Roon doesn't alter your Metadata. It has it's own database that it uses. However, in Roon Settings you can tell it to prioritize your Metadata. That said, it has some quirks, mostly with box sets. You will probably have to make some manual changes to get Roon to display exactly as you like. Roon works a little differently than what you are used to. It has some very powerful sorting tools so you can see the results you want. You just have to try it and get used to it You may find it to your liking.

https://www.lowbeats.de/test-roon-nucleus-one-preiswerter-komplett-musicserver/ Google Translate is your friend

Didn't find it painful. But it was only okay. Not as compelling as some previous stuff.

Yes. In my first system when I was 17, I started with headphones and no speakers, as I couldn't afford decent ones together with the amp and turntable. I then got one speaker and listened in mono, headphones for stereo. I bought the second speaker after a few months to complete the system. I got the most audiophile gear I could afford at the time. Then multiple upgrades over the years. Money wasn't what kept me from being an audiophile. I know lots of young people - kids of friends. None see the need to spend serious amounts of money on sound equipment. Some of them appreciate my system, but they listen over headphones and BT speakers. It's more lifestyle and convenience for them. They don't like music less than me, they just don't "sit and listen" in front of a system. Spending big bucks on listening equipment isn't an idea they subscribe to. BTW, almost none of their parents still have/use a good system, even if they once had one. They've also gone for convenience space saving, etc. The system sits idle - if it is still there. Many aren't even willing to pay $10 a month for streaming. They think free Spotify and YT are good enough. Why pay for music if it's free? Very few listen in anything other than mp3. A few of the youngsters have invested in good headphones. Possibly in 15-20 years if they are settled and with a bigger living space, they will buy components - probably as part of a movie-TV playback system.

Didn't know this one, great album. Thanks.

I've found that most CDs that won't rip only need a simple cleaning: A little distilled water on the disk, microfiber cloth (like for cleaning glasses) and wipe out perpendicularly from the center till dry. 95% of my problem CD's ripped after this. Sometimes 2 cleanings were needed. Of course if there are deep scratches it won't work.