Charlie1's System

[lejonklou]

The foam was about 1cm away from the end of the tube. Now flush and positioned back to ~23cm. 135cm apart as previous clip.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/y2dkjtm1 ... m2zk6&dl=0

Perhaps it’s partly due to the choice of music (rarely is though), but this didn’t excite me at all.

[tpetsch]

The foam was about 1cm away from the end of the tube. Now flush and positioned back to ~23cm. 135cm apart as previous clip.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/y2dkjtm1 ... m2zk6&dl=0

Perhaps it’s partly due to the choice of music (rarely is though), but this didn’t excite me at all.

Yea, I agree, perhaps try some other tracks, but from what I'm hearing the sound from this newest clip is more open yet even less in tune than before. I wanted to stop listening after just 10 seconds or so and FWIW you can mark me down too as never being a fan of speakers with Supertweeters.

[Charlie1]

OK, I've gone back to my original distance to the wall and another track...
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sgria7t9 ... uyqig&dl=0

It's OK but not as good as the tukans. Is this the normal for 109s, or dodgy pair, or something else wrong? Maybe they hate kan stands.

[David Neel]

Maybe they hate kan stands.

Not in my experience! When I had 109s, ditching the 109 stands in favour of Kan 2 stands was a nice improvement, musically if not aesthetically.

[Charlie1]

Thanks David!

Thought best to check something fundamental hadn't gone wrong so here's the 3 amigos using same speaker cable, stands, volume, position, etc....

M109: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/te1qif7y ... d5fbe&dl=0
Tukan: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/skvaqikl ... 6xt1l&dl=0
Kan 1: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xv0y68iv ... j7wg0&dl=0

[lejonklou]

OK, I've gone back to my original distance to the wall and another track...
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sgria7t9 ... uyqig&dl=0

It's OK but not as good as the tukans. Is this the normal for 109s, or dodgy pair, or something else wrong? Maybe they hate kan stands.

I think I like this position better than the previous one, but as the song changed it’s a bit difficult to say.

[lejonklou]

Thanks David!

Thought best to check something fundamental hadn't gone wrong so here's the 3 amigos using same speaker cable, stands, volume, position, etc....

M109: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/te1qif7y ... d5fbe&dl=0
Tukan: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/skvaqikl ... 6xt1l&dl=0
Kan 1: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xv0y68iv ... j7wg0&dl=0

I find this a fascinating comparison. I’ve had all these speakers and enjoyed them all. Each one at different points in time, though, with some other speaker in between (Helix after the first pair of Kan, Keilidh before and after Tukan). All driven by different sets of electronics. Can’t recall ever comparing them directly to one another like this, apart from Kan 2 versus Tukan at the store (super late pair of Kan 2 with Kustone, which I never quite got along with).

In this comparison I find Tukan the most engaging. Kan is good but I’d probably find myself listening to select records, as they sound rather coloured which I suspect would make certain records annoying. 109 doesn’t cut it, which I find odd as I’ve heard them play so well in many different rooms and systems.

[Charlie1]

Thanks Fredrik. I'm pleased you find the Kans/Tukans OK at least so that means the whole system isn't substantially under performing.

Maybe these 109s are not the best but gotta say they probably seem slightly better than the two oak pairs I had, although they were new and maybe needed more time to run in.

[Tendaberry]

I think it would have been interesting to hear all 3 speakers in their optimal position. The Kans didn't sound like they should that far from the wall. Then again, you haven't found the best position for the 109s yet...

[lejonklou]

The speakers were all at the same distance from the rear wall??

Why?

[Charlie1]

They were setup for the M109s. I just wanted to check the other speakers sounded broadly ok to rule out any upstream problem. It wasn't a proper comparison test of the three speaker models. For example, the Kans will definitely sound more tuneful close to the wall.

[Charlie1]

Then again, you haven't found the best position for the 109s yet...

I can't find anywhere that makes them sound good. I've given up with this pair now.

[lejonklou]

They were setup for the M109s. I just wanted to check the other speakers sounded broadly ok to rule out any upstream problem. It wasn't a proper comparison test of the three speaker models. For example, the Kans will definitely sound more tuneful close to the wall.

Ah, I get it! I didn’t look much at the videos, so I missed that detail entirely.

Then it’s possible those Kan’s are the cream of the crop after all.

[Charlie1]

True but your point about colouration is bang on.

I will search for another pair of 109s though as I could hear a lot of potential with this system.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

[tokenbrit]

That room always seems to be a bit more challenging to find a satisfactorily musical set up than your other rooms, and systems... Late night, lower volume listening is going to present its own challenges, driving the music in the room, without playing too loud... Is there another orientation within that room, which might sound better? I take it you're set against headphones? That last comment isn't meant to be flippant, just that headphones might solve 2 problems, if you can find a comfortable, musical pair.

[Charlie1]

Yeah, you're right and I think that might be why Kans and Saras sounded good cos they were right up against the wall. The room is 4 x 4.5m and whilst I did have the system pointing in another direction before I don't want to go back to that layout.

Can use headphones for sure but it's nice to be able to play music out load as well. Sometimes I work in there for a change of scene.

[tokenbrit]

...
Can use headphones for sure but it's nice to be able to play music out load as well...

Helps with sharing clips too, unlike headphones ;) Rock on :)

[Charlie1]

Got the Lingo 2 serviced and all sounding quite a bit better - thanks tpetsch for picking up on that.

I prefer this '02-spec deck on both setups now and since I listen to much more music in the office I may keep it in here...
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9jtsmn0c ... na7nz&dl=0

I've also noticed it's quicker to spin up. Darran said that can signify the unit needs a service. Mine was from the final year of manufacture in 2006 so as young as it was possible to find.

[ThomasOK]

Sounding good!

[beck]

Great setup. :-)

[tpetsch]

All coming together nicely Charlie.

[Charlie1]

Tx gents

[El Mero Mero]

Have you kept the NAIT 50?

[Charlie1]

Yep, I don't need both but I'll only spend the money on something else so probably just as well to keep it.

I do use the N50 in the office again since moving the Lingo deck back to the house where it normally lives.

[Charlie1]

Finally found some 109s that I like and can now understand why other folks rate them. Fourth time lucky! Very nice match with Lejonklou electronics too.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/70lywob7 ... rl7ye&dl=0