Hermanns System

[V.A.MKD]

Great news for great component Hermann.
Thank you for your report ...

[Hermann]

Thanks Vlado. Great component from Fredrik indeed

A small update
After both phono are placed next to each other on Mana, the decision is made today. Nevertheless, I would like to post examples tomorrow to know to what extent there is consensus.

In addition, I get 5.2m K400 as a stereo pair, which will be terminated with Deltron on 4.98m. The current NACA5 is soldered on briks with gold plugs, on the Tundra are screwed WTB. Should get a boost

[Tony Tune-age]

The first impression is extremely positive and I slowly believe the Entity 1.1 manages to dissolve my over 45 years relationship with Naim.

That says a lot about the Entity 1.1, and maybe Naim too...

Cheers

[Hermann]

That's the way it is Tony. I won't be able to post examples until Saturday, sorry.

Since this was supposed to happen today, I can share, it's the Entity 1.1 that I prefer.

[Defender]

thats great to hear ... David striked again against Goliath
do you mind giving impressions what you think what has improved over version 1.0?

[Tony Tune-age]

That's the way it is Tony. I won't be able to post examples until Saturday, sorry.

Since this was supposed to happen today, I can share, it's the Entity 1.1 that I prefer.

The ear wants...what the ear wants!!!

Cheers!

[Hermann]

As promised some examples


Malia

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Wh4t9 ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bs3sCr ... sp=sharing

Peder af Ugglas

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16cSn1c ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CrzZmq ... sp=sharing

Felix Labend

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/17h3bFh ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1px9brs ... sp=sharing

John Grand

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e1DzZs ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sOJDux ... sp=sharing

[Defender]

If what I am hearing is right and if there was no screw up somewhere I can only say - wow. Not even close.

[Charlie1]

I prefer clip 1 each time. Just less effort for me.

I hope it's the Entity but I don't know. Historically I'm rubbish at guessing which is which so try not to even think about it.

[Hermann]

Thanks for your comment.

The two Phonos stand side by side on Mana. Certainly, there are many things to optimize, especially with the Entity. The SL plays almost at maximum. According to Naim, only a Superlumina cable can top the Hi-Line. However, I know another solution...

[Tony Tune-age]

Are these music clips the Entity 1.0 vs. Entity 1.1, or Entity 1.1 vs. Naim phono stage? Either way, clip one seems to be my choice (through my computer).

Cheers

As promised some examples


Malia

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Wh4t9 ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bs3sCr ... sp=sharing

Peder af Ugglas

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16cSn1c ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CrzZmq ... sp=sharing

Felix Labend

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/17h3bFh ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1px9brs ... sp=sharing

John Grand

1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e1DzZs ... sp=sharing

2. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sOJDux ... sp=sharing

[Hermann]

Thanks Tony,

It's Entity 1.1 vs. Naim Superline / Supercap / Hi- line / Powerline

[Defender]

As I was wrong many times thats why I was holding my opinion back to not influence others but the way I hear it I like 2 better

[lejonklou]

I prefer clip 1.

Very curious about which is which!

A few weeks ago, when Hermann posted clips of Naim Superline/Supercap/Hi-Line/Powerline (not even sure what all those products are) versus Entity 1.0, I thought Naim was better. I had a list of new ideas to try on Entity and the fact that I preferred the Naim clips made me decide to prioritize those tests, despite being deep into the design of a (different) circuit board. One thing on the list worked (=resulted in a musical improvement) and that change became Entity 1.1. At first I thought the difference was small, but when I went back to 1.0 I couldn't stand it anymore, it just felt confused in comparison. So the improvement was bigger than I expected.

[beck]

I will quickly post my view on Hermanns clips. It really makes me happy when I can agree with Lejonklou and Charlie1 at the same time! :-)

[Hermann]

Thanks beck and Fredrik for your opinion and background. There is indeed some difference between recording and real listening. Even if the first comparison was difficult to judge, this one is not. I can understand that very well, because in the first test I was often torn. Sometimes one piece sounded better, then the other. This is no longer the case after the upgrade.

For the recordings I used the SL again, previously very much vinyl with the Entitiy 1.1. It is simply more coherent, more complete. The obvious things like extended bass range, transparency or musical experience related to the SL only incidentally.

[Hermann]

Clip 1 ist the Entity 1.1

A little background...

First, I noticed that it seems a bit louder with the upgrade. However, memory can be deceiving there. I don't really want to go into details, even though I think the midrange is clearer. The overall picture of the Entity is what made me decide. I can certainly live with both very well. But the Entity after upgrade caused me to feel no need to switch to the SL. As soon as the SL played again, I was missing something. Maybe this is a synergy between amp and phono, I don't know.

To what extent this is relevant in general, I don't know to say either. Anyway, my wife is now able to hear the slightest possible change in tracking force on the EKOS/SE. She also heard the sonic changes of another cable between Entity 1.1 and 552. Especially since there were still changes after hours. Amazing!

Swapped the cable between Entity 1.1 and pre to a very old Mark Levinson silver cable which fits much better.

Another point is the LP12. I was never really satisfied with the sound since my last setup. And since Tom shared his experience again in a post, I changed the front and left springs to the old ones that were installed before the Karousel and now it suddenly bounces as desired. Previously I had swapped them for each other and left the best one under the EKOS. I was only surprised that the new springs are so bad to adjust. With the old ones this was done within a few minutes.

Back to the Entity 1.1, which gives me musical enjoyment like I haven't had in too long. The Entity 1.1 is at least on the same level as the Superline. Although this has a Hi-Line to the 552 in the meantime. No use, the Entity also manages the upgrade.

At the moment everything is a big provisional solution. The Manas are set in front of the Fraims. I want to change that in the coming weeks.

According to Marco, a new Entity 1.1 will be delivered next week. Fredrik and Marco deserve my thanks for that.

Regarding take 1 or 2, I knew from the beginning that this will be tight, because I had listened to all takes over headphones. Something else plays the decisive role. I tried to elementize the room as well as possible by placing the recorder a little closer to the speakers and limiting the recording angle to 90°. Sounded better over the DT770. In this respect, no one is wrong, even if it is clearer in real terms. The overall impression in the room is more complete with the Entity 1.1, from one cast, as they say.

After all the testing, one important statement remains for me. The Tundra has buried a very large part of my musical frustration. Finally I hear music again and only that counts to me. Even if a little is still missing, I am confident after the rebuild the system plays properly. With the Entitiy I am again closer, that also counts. I think 11 new records during the last three weeks speak a clear language.

What's next? The K400 is delayed because of DHL, are immediately upgraded with Deltrons and of course get the right length.

[Defender]

I am happy for you and with everyone else who gets closer to what he wants to achieve or fill the gap of what was missing before.

Its a great achievement from Fredrik and shows that his approach works out independent from big Names/Naims and the prices they are asking for their products.

Your case actually sold me into something which I thought would be the last thing I would do ... if only cases become available again (I know thats a cryptic message but you probably know what it is).

Even though I seem to be attracted by the wrong forces still once in a while - I know when I am following the opinions all the others made in your case it ends up with happiness with the delivery of music in the long run so its great to have those opinions as support - its a wonderful place here.

[Hermann]

Thank you very much for your kind words defender. I think I can decipher your cryptic message. Sometimes it's a long and painful way to follow the ideal, sometimes a very easy one.

And this thought

Its a great achievement from Fredrik and shows that his approach works out independent from big Names/Naims and the prices they are asking for their products.

on its own is worth considering in all decisions. Still, each to his own.

It's not always easy to follow a direction that others take. After all, everyone listens to his favorite music even if many things seem to be in need of improvement. That's really good. Did not Einstein postulate - The head is round, so that thoughts can change direction?

Enjoy your music. Today cassical music is on. I think at the end of this year I may let retipp the Kandid.

[Tony Tune-age]

Very nice write-up Hermann, and I know the Entity upgrade is certainly worth the effort...for sure! Enjoy your system...

Cheers!

[Charlie1]

Glad you read you're enjoying the Entity so much and thanks for the detailed write up.

Sorry, I lost track a bit - what Lejonklou items are you looking to get now?

[Hermann]

Thank you very much for the nice comments.

One of the next steps will be to prepare the system so that 552 and Sagatun Mono get equal conditions.

But today the K400 arrived. I want to test that first, but it has to be splitted. Therefore I leave it for the time being with the supplied 5.2m. It will be shortened to 4,96m later and equipped with new deltrons. Since my NAC A5 has exactly 5m length (tested) I want to double the proposed 2,48m.

Should the Sagatun monos actually win the challenge, again a rebuild of racks are possible. That requires however 5m long cables between pre and amp. Would put those between the briks and the length 2.48m would be possible.

Additionally the Entity 1.1 is on the way. I also want to play that before rebuilding racks.

[Charlie1]

I think I'd rather have 4.96m and the system off to one side.

[Hermann]

Between the briks is also not my favorite

After a few hours of splitted K400, I am still a little disappointed. It still sounds peaky, harsh, unbalanced. I hope this changes.

However, a Weller soldering station is on the way to replace my ancient Weller unit. That has no temperature control. The new one can go up to 400° C. According to Fredrik's recommendation, the temp should be 353° C with WSD80 and WSP80 pen. Will see...

[lejonklou]

However, a Weller soldering station is on the way to replace my ancient Weller unit. That has no temperature control. The new one can go up to 400° C. According to Fredrik's recommendation, the temp should be 353° C with WSD80 and WSP80 pen. Will see...

The optimal temperature of 353° C is valid for one of my stations when using tip D (4.6 mm wide) and my leaded solder wire. Different stations and pens can vary by about +/-5° C. Also if using a long thin tip (for instance K, which is unsuitable for loudspeaker cables), the optimal setting is about 14° C higher. If using a different solder wire than mine, the optimal temperature can change a lot.

I would also strongly recommend using Linn Knekt, preferably the old, matte type if they can be found, at least in the amplifier end. Isobariks probably have holes that are too tight and therefore crush the Knekt, in which case Deltron 550 is the second best choice. Again, the old type that is tin plated is preferable but difficult to find, while the nickel plated ones are readily available.