Hermanns System

[Spannko]

Yes, thanks Hermann. Just as a matter of interest, which particular Linn streamer were you using?

[Hermann]

Hello Spannko

OK, sorry, I'm less familiar with the Linn nomenclature of electronics. Is the Linn Majik DS into Boazu to the Keilidh.

a quick snapshot

Kleine Anlage.png

[Spannko]

Great, thanks. 👍

[Hermann]

Netzwerkdiagram.jpg

At this point an overview of the optimized digital area


The Sagatun Monos have been upgraded to V1.8 now. Marco from Hexagon Audio was kind enough to send me a SuperKikkin while I was without SMs. Thank you very much for your service.

This will be extensive, as the Boazu 2 and the SuperKikkin (SK) preamplifiers, as Sagatun Monos V1.7 and the SMs V1.8 are playing or have been playing in my system.

Examples of the Boazu 2 in the main system are posted here:

https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 699#p74699


SuperKikkin

The SK presents a different musical image than the Sagatun Monos V1.7, which, however, does not affect the quality of reproduction; rather, it changes the overall presentation in other important ways. Immediately noticeable compared to the SMs V1.7 is the slightly better musicality and transparency, but also a sound that is shifted more forward. Not to mention a clearly perceptible bass extension, which works like a miracle, especially in my very bright-sounding room. I won't go into further details, as the music samples should speak for themselves.

As a representative of the many pieces of music recorded with the Boazu 2, I am posting 2 from the series, and more on request.

SuperKikkin

Kovacs

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

Zahra

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V806gn ... sp=sharing

Bonus Solomone Burke

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i9NPxu ... sp=sharing


Sagatun Monos V1.7 and V1.8

At this point, I'd also like to thank Fredrik, who installed the upgrade in my SMs really quickly.

Of course, I read a few comments about the upgrade and was really a little nervous when the SMs could finally be turned on. A nice user wrote that even after a few weeks without the SMs, the improvement of new FW was immediately audible, perfect!

Even as the SK was playing, I knew something fundamental was about to happen, and when I wrote to Fredrik, he responded in his inimitable way with references to his development work. I didn't calm down, and neither did I when the SMs played for the first few hours. Admittedly, I had a hard time with the sound (I already know it), because it sounded terrible to me, and mentally, the SMs were already back with Fredrik for the old firmware. But after more than 16 hours of music, most of my concerns vanished. And not only that, the SMs demonstrate a musical quality that I'm at a loss for words.

My wife's comment when the upgraded SMs were turned on: "The music lacks soul." In a way, she was right, even if I would have phrased it differently. So, it was necessary to approach the upgrade with a considerable amount of time, which I experienced with a nearly 30-hour session. I wanted to hear the changes over time, and I heard them!

But one thing right from the start with cold SMs. After just a few pieces, my impression was confirmed: the timing is improved, and this is reflected in the musicians' ability to juggle even the quietest or shortest notes or phrases. Another new insight into the reproduction of musical contexts.

In addition to musicality, transparency, timing, and extended frequency range, there are two things that excite me.

It seems to me as if this upgrade opens a huge door to information in pieces of music that were previously unavailable to me, revealing an expansion of musical contexts when used in close conjunction, which, time and again, not only amazes me. The connection between the musicians seems more physical, more real, and is significantly more authentic.

The second impression astonishes me even more! Some would attribute to the LP12 from the 80s and 90s, especially with Troika/prefix/52/250/briks, the ability to detect virtual points of origin of the music far beyond the speakers. This is surprising, because the upgrade allows for an enormous stage width in this respect, which was previously limited. Fortunately, it doesn't lose the depth of the represented space.

But now the music examples:

Sagatun Monos 1.7

Kovacs

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13KT5MM ... sp=sharing

Zahra

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


Sagatun Monos 1.8

Kovacs

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19CAaKo ... sp=sharing

Zahra

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


Bonus

Warhaus

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

Canned Heat

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ulY0gX ... sp=sharing


enjoy...

[tokenbrit]

Does your wife feel that the upgraded SMs have found their soul, now that they've warmed up/settled in, or does she still prefer SK?

[Hermann]

Once the SMs V1.8 was warmed up and broken in, there were no more questions. The SK wasn't their favorite, but rather the SMs V1.7. Considering the price, the SK is simply a great preamp and is pretty close to the Sagatuns.

[tokenbrit]

Once the SMs V1.8 was warmed up and broken in, there were no more questions. The SK wasn't their favorite, but rather the SMs V1.7. Considering the price, the SK is simply a great preamp and is pretty close to the Sagatuns.

Apologies, I misunderstood from the suggestion that the SK had "slightly better musicality and transparency...", unless that was meant of the SMs v1.7?

[Hermann]

Thanks for the hint, tokenbrit. I had neglected to mention the overall impression of both Pre (SK & SMs V1.7), as we were more familiar with the SMs V1.7. Obviously, the "getting used to" enjoying a different sound is similar for both.

This doesn't mean we didn't like the SK; quite the opposite, as it was the one that opened our eyes to the new sound. However, the impression of the SMs was missing. And it took some time to understand this new impression with the upgraded SMs.

[tokenbrit]

Thanks for the hint, tokenbrit. I had neglected to mention the overall impression of both Pre (SK & SMs V1.7), as we were more familiar with the SMs V1.7. Obviously, the "getting used to" enjoying a different sound is similar for both.

This doesn't mean we didn't like the SK; quite the opposite, as it was the one that opened our eyes to the new sound. However, the impression of the SMs was missing. And it took some time to understand this new impression with the upgraded SMs.

I appreciate the replies and meant to say thanks for the clips, Hermann. Good as they are though they're not always as reliable as hearing in room, hence asking for your thoughts & clarification on your experiences. There's a different presentation (& a quality) to the SK clips; the clips of the SMs v1.7 open the door to a better impression of the music that takes a little adjustment after enjoying the character of the SK... The SMs v1.8 open the door wide & invites the listener into the music.

The SK appears to be an amazing bargain, but the SMs v1.8 appear to be an amazing experience.

[lejonklou]

Thank you Hermann!

I found the clips very enjoyable and informative.

[David Neel]

Thank you Hermann! Very informative indeed, and almost completely consistent with what I have heard in my own system. I had SM 1.4, which was replaced (during upgrade to 1.7) by an original SK. The change in presentation was as described, and as heard in the clips - for a while I was wondering why I needed SMs at all. Then, as I became accustomed to the new presentation, I started to miss some things the SM 1.4 did better/differently - and when I received the upgraded 1.7 units back my preference was extremely clear. The SK I was lent by Kantata Audio was 1.0 and brand new, and I preferred 1.7s by a margin. Was your SK a 1.1?

This time, from 1.7 to 1.8, I was away for over a month and had not heard my system in the meantime. From the first few bars the upgrade was clear and unmistakable - and exactly like the differences in your clips. The only finding I have that differs from yours is that my 1.8s were really singing as soon as they and TMs were warmed through. I've not noticed a significant variation since, but my listening is rather sporadic at the moment.

[Hermann]

I agree in every respect, tokenbrit. The SK demonstrates excellent sonic and musical characteristics.

When I mention presentation, it has a lot to do with the Isobarik. It's a loudspeaker with an almost realistic reproduction of the musical event, and keeping this is very important to me. While the SMs and SK are very close in this respect, the SMs take that small, yet very important step towards perfection, as I see it.

Thank you Fredrik, it was a great pleasure to be able to perceive the differences so clearly.

Thank you for your thoughts on the differences between the preamps, David. Based on your comments regarding the SK, it was probably the SK1.1. The similarity to the SMsV1.8 is truly impressive and undoubtedly present.

Perhaps a postscript to the first few hours with the SK and the SMs V1.8. When I explain the aforementioned "break-in period," I'm being very vague. It's a quirk of the rack system. If a device is placed, it can take a day or two for the sound to "snap in". This was very evident when testing the Graham 5/5. The day they were placed on the stacks of sound stages, it produced a bass boom that made listening impossible. A day later, this effect had completely disappeared. I suspect I've succumbed to it now, too. On the other hand, the inner attachment to a familiar sound certainly plays a role. In this respect, it is perhaps my peculiarity that I first have to understand changes in reproduction (in the sense of comprehensively) in order to internalize them and enjoy them in depth. Looking back on tests of Fredrik's products, with one exception, many weeks of convincing and adjusting were necessary.

[Tony Tune-age]

Congratulations on the 1.8 upgrade Hermann, it was certainly worth the wait I'm sure. And needless to say, your system is sounding wonderful...

However, the Superkikkin sounds very nice as well and it's certainly worthy of having a full spec LP12 on the front end!

Cheers!

[Hermann]

Thanks Tony. Yes, I enjoy every day and am often amazed by the connections within music. It's like a journey through different regions that you hadn't previously perceived in this way.