Playground for practical listening exercises

[Eli7]

What do you prefer?


E) https://www.dropbox.com/s/0bfcdudfy9qj9gz/E.m4a?dl=0

F) https://www.dropbox.com/s/3tfyyb8y0xji237/F.m4a?dl=0

Late to the party...

E is a bit more tuneful I’d say after going back and forth a few times. Still, my very first impression was in favour of F. Maybe the old “hifi/impressive” trap... it does have a clarity that E doesn’t.

Sorry if this is obvious to others - but where in the chain is the fuse you’re changing?

Hello OscarH, thank you for listening.
The power fuses are changed in the main power fuse box (apartment). A separate line (music line power strip) goes from the fuse box to the system.

[Eli7]

Do you remember the Basic tone listeners/ overtone listeners test?

If I remember correctly they are:

Basic tone listeners are more suitable for rhythmic instruments.
Overtone listeners are more suitable for melody-leading instruments.

Perhaps Naim speaks more to the basic tone listeners and Linn / Lejonklou more to the overtone listeners?

Is that the thing we had here a couple of years ago where you listen to two notes and answer if you thought it was hi-low or low-hi ? I thought it worked out if you were more of a left- or right-brain listerer.

Yes, exactly this test.
There is something to read about it here, only in German, but there are google translators ...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sf7no51zm3dyt ... 2.pdf?dl=0

[Charlie1]

I really enjoyed the SBL clip. Then again, isn’t it great that there’s still room for individual preference, that there isn’t an exact formula that will have maximum appeal to everybody?!? After all, we also listen to different kinds of music.

Yes, absolutely. It's all too easy to keep forgetting that - I know I do. I'm defo a vintage Naim amp combined with vintage Linn speaker guy :)

I like this setup despite this LP12 not firing on all cylinders...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bt2vmdvmmstu ... 6.mp4?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z1xd6xf0jjdp6 ... 2.mp4?dl=0

Dunno why many folks don't like passive Keilidhs. Gilad said in a recent interview that he designed the Keilidh crossover during a brief spell at Linn in the early 90s.

[Eli7]

I really enjoyed the SBL clip. Then again, isn’t it great that there’s still room for individual preference, that there isn’t an exact formula that will have maximum appeal to everybody?!? After all, we also listen to different kinds of music.

Yes, absolutely. It's all too easy to keep forgetting that - I know I do. I'm defo a vintage Naim amp combined with vintage Linn speaker guy :)

I like this setup despite this LP12 not firing on all cylinders...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4bt2vmdvmmstu ... 6.mp4?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/z1xd6xf0jjdp6 ... 2.mp4?dl=0

Dunno why many folks don't like passive Keilidhs. Gilad said in a recent interview that he designed the Keilidh crossover during a brief spell at Linn in the early 90s.

Hello Charlie1,
Somehow I always assumed that you were experimenting with the Vintage Naims / Linns just for fun in
an extra room and that the big Linn / Lejonklou things were in the living room. Now I am slowly realizing that I could be wrong.
Which system do you currently love most?

Can you make a comparison between Keilidh and SBL? I would be glad.

[V.A.MKD]

What do you prefer?


E) https://www.dropbox.com/s/0bfcdudfy9qj9gz/E.m4a?dl=0

F) https://www.dropbox.com/s/3tfyyb8y0xji237/F.m4a?dl=0

E for me ... slightly more musical.

[Charlie1]

Somehow I always assumed that you were experimenting with the Vintage Naims / Linns just for fun in
an extra room and that the big Linn / Lejonklou things were in the living room. Now I am slowly realizing that I could be wrong.
Which system do you currently love most?

Can you make a comparison between Keilidh and SBL? I would be glad.

The best one is the study but I'm not sure why. I suspect the concrete floor with glued down wood flooring is a large part of that. It's a Lingo'd LP12 with 42.5/110 and Kans. The office will soon be sorted out as well, once the Oak LP12 is finished - that has 12/BD160 and Briks. I'm really happy with that already.

The tricky one is the bedroom system (which has always been a pain) and did use to be my main setup. I'd hoped the SBLs would be the answer but clearly not. These Keilidhs are just proving to me that Linn speakers (up to Katan/Ninka/Espek era) are the only ones that do it for me. However, these Keilidhs sound too shut-in in this room at the moment. I will try the Nait but suspect another speaker like Saras or Kabers will be necessary, or just go back to another pair of Kans.

Ref other equipment, I'm not 100% happy with any Linn amps of any era. When I did that listening test, I was kind of in the middle ground. Maybe that's why I struggle with Linn (and to a lesser extent Lejonklou) as well as modern Naim - which seems to be the opposite end of the spectrum and not all that tuneful. I tried the Kairn/Klout again yesterday and it's the same story - more tuneful but I just can't relax for some reason - like my brain is having to do something extra to comprehend what's going on. That's why I agree with your comments about people having different needs. I don't think there is a golden system that is the best for everyone. The only way to know what you like is to try things out. It's taken a couple of years and I'm still not there yet but getting much closer. I had my LP12/ExposureXV/Kans system for 15-20 years before changing it so I'm hoping to return to that level of stability. I will always be on the lookout for a nice pair of Kans though :D

[Eli7]

.... just for a moment, I have to go right away. I read a little bit of your posts in the forum. So you had Klimax Linn and Lejonklou too? Have I understood that correctly? And your favorites are the Vintage Naims / Linn LS.
That's pretty interesting.

[Charlie1]

I prefer some, but not all, of the vintage Linn/Naim equipment to anything else I've heard so that pretty much answers that one :). For example, all my LP12s have a pre-Cirkus bearing and I've sold almost everything I had 2-3 years ago. That doesn't mean I don't like modern equipment. If I bought a new system then it would most likely include an LP12, Hakai, Boazu, Slipsik/Entity and Linn speakers, so it's not that I don't rate modern products - quite the opposite, but I can't be something I'm not and the older stuff suits me better. If I only listened to modern music then I'm not sure I'd still want the older gear because it's more attuned to vinyl and analogue recordings in particular.

EDIT: Just tried the Nait. I'd forgotten what a fun and funky pairing this is.
Valhalla LP12 > 32.5/160 > SBLs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3uks50qkajguf ... 7.mp4?dl=0
Valhalla LP12 > Nait > Keilidhs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4zgj0j6pnzp99 ... 0.mp4?dl=0

[beck]

The Nait just killed me once again............. :-)


As cd cannot fully compete I am sure Charlie1 do not mind me presenting my version of the same:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0nr0kaygep69z ... 8.mov?dl=0

[Eli7]

Yes, the Nait is really beautiful, a little whirlwind. The SBL Kombi seems kind of stiff to me in comparison. Something that I'm very sensitive to.

[El Mero Mero]

Just tried the Nait. I'd forgotten what a fun and funky pairing this is.
Valhalla LP12 > 32.5/160 > SBLs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3uks50qkajguf ... 7.mp4?dl=0
Valhalla LP12 > Nait > Keilidhs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4zgj0j6pnzp99 ... 0.mp4?dl=0

SBL easily.

[El Mero Mero]

The tricky one is the bedroom system (which has always been a pain) and did use to be my main setup. I'd hoped the SBLs would be the answer but clearly not. These Keilidhs are just proving to me that Linn speakers (up to Katan/Ninka/Espek era) are the only ones that do it for me. However, these Keilidhs sound too shut-in in this room at the moment. I will try the Nait but suspect another speaker like Saras or Kabers will be necessary, or just go back to another pair of Kans.

Kabers needs to be active (almost). I have had a pair for over 20 years. Mine are active with chakra cards and Akurate amps.

[Eli7]

Somehow I always assumed that you were experimenting with the Vintage Naims / Linns just for fun in
an extra room and that the big Linn / Lejonklou things were in the living room. Now I am slowly realizing that I could be wrong.
Which system do you currently love most?

Can you make a comparison between Keilidh and SBL? I would be glad.

The best one is the study but I'm not sure why. I suspect the concrete floor with glued down wood flooring is a large part of that. It's a Lingo'd LP12 with 42.5/110 and Kans. The office will soon be sorted out as well, once the Oak LP12 is finished - that has 12/BD160 and Briks. I'm really happy with that already.

The tricky one is the bedroom system (which has always been a pain) and did use to be my main setup. I'd hoped the SBLs would be the answer but clearly not. These Keilidhs are just proving to me that Linn speakers (up to Katan/Ninka/Espek era) are the only ones that do it for me. However, these Keilidhs sound too shut-in in this room at the moment. I will try the Nait but suspect another speaker like Saras or Kabers will be necessary, or just go back to another pair of Kans.

Ref other equipment, I'm not 100% happy with any Linn amps of any era. When I did that listening test, I was kind of in the middle ground. Maybe that's why I struggle with Linn (and to a lesser extent Lejonklou) as well as modern Naim - which seems to be the opposite end of the spectrum and not all that tuneful. I tried the Kairn/Klout again yesterday and it's the same story - more tuneful but I just can't relax for some reason - like my brain is having to do something extra to comprehend what's going on. That's why I agree with your comments about people having different needs. I don't think there is a golden system that is the best for everyone. The only way to know what you like is to try things out. It's taken a couple of years and I'm still not there yet but getting much closer. I had my LP12/ExposureXV/Kans system for 15-20 years before changing it so I'm hoping to return to that level of stability. I will always be on the lookout for a nice pair of Kans though :D

Yes, we really have to find our own way to be happy (again).

I heard your Lingo'd LP12 with 42.5 / 110 and Kans by chance on youtube and found it very good. I liked that very much and would also be something for me. I also like the Kans about the clips, but unfortunately I've never heard them live.

I also find it interesting that you prefer the LP12 with pre Cirkus. How do you like the Karousel?

[Charlie1]

Thanks. Yes, Kans are very special, albeit quite flawed too.

I prefer Cirkus to Karousel. Awesomely clear and real sound though. I would recommend a dealer dem as most people love it.

[Charlie1]

Kabers needs to be active (almost). I have had a pair for over 20 years. Mine are active with chakra cards and Akurate amps.

Thanks! I was reading up on them and you're not alone in that view.

[Charlie1]

The Nait just killed me once again............. :-)


As cd cannot fully compete I am sure Charlie1 do not mind me presenting my version of the same:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0nr0kaygep69z ... 8.mov?dl=0

Don't drop dead on us!

As always, your CD player gets to the essence of the song and is surprisingly good.

Funk'ing it up now :)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/iy36g8gfpjbeo ... 7.mp4?dl=0

[Defender]

here are some recordings with two different power strips
Song 1 and Song 2 to cover for two different music tastes

Power Strip 1
1. https://www.dropbox.com/s/kwp9hnocla870 ... 5.mov?dl=0
2. https://www.dropbox.com/s/q1te6hp0m0l4r ... 2.mov?dl=0

Power Strip 2
1. https://www.dropbox.com/s/3udgwzsh9b8ye ... 6.mov?dl=0
2. https://www.dropbox.com/s/q7p6ps1z17ths ... 2.mov?dl=0

[beck]

Great to have you back with clips Defender! :-)

Power strip 1 for me.

[Defender]

great to have you commenting on the clips - much appreciated and your opinion is much valued
yes my LP hold me back at first my Ekos and than I started to be clever and optimize the bounce which was going into the wrong direction and now I am waiting for a jig to fix it - so its not performing as it could but still apples to apples comparison.
... lets see what others think about the power strips ;)

[Charlie1]

Yes, good yo have you back - always like listening to your system Deffender.

Strip 1 for me too. Sometimes I struggle but that one was easy forme.

[tokenbrit]

Looks like I'm going to be contrary (again) - not deliberately, I promise :(

1 sounds more impressive, but 2 seems better musically to me; the elements playing together rather than individually.

[beck]

I am puzzled by these clips. Maybe because the Sondek playing lacks the final setup adjustment. I will have to hear new clips when that happens to be certain.

[Eli7]

Power strip 1 for me at clip 1.

A pair of Burmester speakers, impressive.

Am I correct that the phonostage is on the floor? !

Hey Defender, where in Germany do you actually live? Maybe we can meet sometime.

[Defender]

hi Eli I am living in Thuringia Germany so if you are close you are welcome when things clear up.
Yes the Entity needs to get on a good support which will happen soon. Together with a replacement of the Lack Table.

Eli would you be so kind and do me a favour and check your Naim Music Line Power Strip for the attached cable used (Brand name would be interesting like I-Sheng etc and if the marking text goes from the socket to the strip which we call with text or the opposite way from strip to socket which we call against text).

[lejonklou]

here are some recordings with two different power strips
Song 1 and Song 2 to cover for two different music tastes

Power Strip 1
1. https://www.dropbox.com/s/kwp9hnocla870 ... 5.mov?dl=0
2. https://www.dropbox.com/s/q1te6hp0m0l4r ... 2.mov?dl=0

Power Strip 2
1. https://www.dropbox.com/s/3udgwzsh9b8ye ... 6.mov?dl=0
2. https://www.dropbox.com/s/q7p6ps1z17ths ... 2.mov?dl=0

Strip 1 for me please.