I have an interesting conundrum. Which do you think is better?

A: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2n6xhfv6a4q2z ... 9.MOV?dl=0

B: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qkvp0cpaap20m ... 7.MOV?dl=0

I prefer B.

I just realized I screwed up one of the recordings. I re-recorded and replaced the link for A, so you might want to take another listen.

Sounds lovely.

I could hear no difference in tunefulness between the two - predicting the timing was just as easy for both. But B sounds a little more open, as if a thin veil has been lifted. I'd happily listen to either but prefer B

I still prefer B.

I prefer B as well.

Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

I really like your top clip (20.29) Tendaberry............

markiteight wrote: ↑2020-12-21 05:28 I just realized I screwed up one of the recordings. I re-recorded and replaced the link for A, so you might want to take another listen.

I don't normally sit on the fence but will do this time. I could hear some differences in sound but struggled to pick a musical winner.

I had one of those moments at the start where you know the song well but you just can't think what it is.

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

I'm struggling again but first impression was also a preference for A, mostly based on opening few bars. Great track btw.

beck wrote: ↑2020-12-20 18:55 Your previous study arrangement gave a special sound that I think you should reinvestigate when possible. The more space between the amps and the lingo in the middle worked quite well I think.

I suspect it wasn't the table cos that was a bit of a bugger - the record would skip just opening the lid. I think it's more likely to be the LP12 distance to rear wall. Also using same phone as before now...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/e346sbnwm5oyv ... 5.MOV?dl=0

I love it Charlie1. :-)


........and you are right about my setup version E). It is not right. Back to the drawing board once again........ :-)

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

I prefer the first clip, too. 😉

B for me!

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

I think I was a bit quick with my first post regarding your clips Tendaberry.

Now I have the same feeling as Charlie1 not being able to confidently pick a winner. Both clips seem to me to have some pros and cons. For long term listening I think your last clip (20.56) is slightly better (maybe).

This is definitely the best vintage setup so far. I know it won't be to everyone's taste but I'm finally hearing what I heard at Uxbridge Audio so many years ago with an LP12/Kans setup in the foyer (not sure if they were Linn or Naim amps). Been playing around with Kans and Naim amps and LP12s the past 2 years and it's never all gelled PLUS sounded clean enough with Kan 1s.

About 1min 18sec into this is the kinda tuneful and well timed groove that I love. It sounds better in the room - treble less intense.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltrlkee9uotlp ... 6.MOV?dl=0

The Geddon still isn't doing anything for me so get it swapped out for a Lingo seems best bet.

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

There's something more rhythmically enjoyable about the 2nd clip

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

You guys seem as divided as I am, tricky. I will wait to see if more chip in with an opinion, before I reveal what the Skeet replacement is.

markiteight wrote: ↑2020-12-21 05:28 I just realized I screwed up one of the recordings. I re-recorded and replaced the link for A, so you might want to take another listen.

B/87 for me, I think - just felt a little better in my head while listening... A/89 took a bit more effort and didn't connect in quite the same way

Charlie1 wrote: ↑2020-12-22 13:04 About 1min 18sec into this is the kinda tuneful and well timed groove that I love. It sounds better in the room - treble less intense.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltrlkee9uotlp ... 6.MOV?dl=0

Giving that a 'like' :)

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-22 14:44

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

You guys seem as divided as I am, tricky. I will wait to see if more chip in with an opinion, before I reveal what the Skeet replacement is.

I'd like the bass from 18.12 and the vocals from 17.12 please.

They are really close - I had to listen repeatedly and the difference to my ears is slight. I can't hear any tunedem difference between them: rather I hear slightly better definition in vocals on 17.12 but slightly better definition of bass on 18.12

tokenbrit wrote: ↑2020-12-22 14:51

Charlie1 wrote: ↑ About 1min 18sec into this is the kinda tuneful and well timed groove that I love. It sounds better in the room - treble less intense.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltrlkee9uotlp ... 6.MOV?dl=0

Giving that a 'like' :)

Me too. :-)

Tendaberry wrote: ↑2020-12-21 13:17 Here's an experiment replacing my Skeet with something else (which will be revealed later). Which is better?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wlgltqe97ireo ... 9.mov?dl=0
or
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vu7ewmmqkmyl5 ... 2.mov?dl=0

Slight preference for B. I was more interested in listening to the entire clip.

Charlie1 wrote: ↑2020-12-22 13:04 This is definitely the best vintage setup so far. I know it won't be to everyone's taste but I'm finally hearing what I heard at Uxbridge Audio so many years ago with an LP12/Kans setup in the foyer (not sure if they were Linn or Naim amps). Been playing around with Kans and Naim amps and LP12s the past 2 years and it's never all gelled PLUS sounded clean enough with Kan 1s.

About 1min 18sec into this is the kinda tuneful and well timed groove that I love. It sounds better in the room - treble less intense.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltrlkee9uotlp ... 6.MOV?dl=0

The Geddon still isn't doing anything for me so get it swapped out for a Lingo seems best bet.

You know it's good when the clip suddenly ends and you really wish it had kept going!

markiteight wrote: ↑2020-12-21 00:53 I have an interesting conundrum. Which do you think is better?

A: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2n6xhfv6a4q2z ... 9.MOV?dl=0

B: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qkvp0cpaap20m ... 7.MOV?dl=0

Thanks again for all the feedback. Interesting responses! These clips are a tale of two preamps: my usual Exotik DA/D and a Kairn-Pro with round can Brilliant that I just finished repairing/resurrecting. The Kairn is A and the Exotik is B.

I find your feedback fascinating because I would expect the Exotik to be an obvious and easy winner. While the votes were unanimously in favor of the Exotik, it didn't seem as clear cut as I would expect, and this reflects what I hear in the room. The Kairn sounds really, REALLY good! Sonically it's definitely more flawed but the rhythm and pace of the music is more defined/forceful (perhaps more Naim-like?) in a way that is exciting and oh so beguiling. It's more expressive and emotional than the matter-of-fact Exotik, but as my time with the Kairn increases I have realized that I am just not as drawn into the music as I usually am. Still, it's so good it makes me wonder...is there something special about this specific Kairn that makes it perform above its pay grade? Is there something wrong with my Exotik that makes it perform below its pay grade? Or is Exotik, even with Dynamik, just not that much better than Kairn? Exploring those questions should make for interesting times ahead.

One more thing:
The past couple sets of clips I posted were recorded on my iPad, which I just discovered has no fewer than five microphones! I imagine this means there is quite a lot of digital jiggery-pokery going on behind the scenes and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that destroyes the tune. When I get a chance I'll post a new set of clips repeating the comparison but using my old phone with it's single mic. Perhaps I'll make it Christmas themed in reference to Beck's recent thread...