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Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-03-02 22:12
by OscarH
A few before/after clips up in the Hakai playground today.

First post updated with digital section.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-02 14:25
by OscarH
Good afternoon hifi diary,

Like many others I’ve spent the vast majority of the last month and a half at home. Music has been playing almost all the time.

Being in lockdown with a family means I’ve had essentially no time listening to music alone. Hence I haven’t put any effort into changing or further optimising the system, not spending very much time on here.

That’s ok - see, after a hectic winter building the Hakai, the second Spotify streamer, getting the RP8, Gaio 2.4 upgrade, new cables, tweaking positions and last but not least trying to learn the tune method, I’ve been very content having a period of just listening to music. This is very much in line with what ThomasOK predicted and suggested in a previous response - the inclination to focus on improvements comes in chunks.

The system is very good right now, both digital and analog. The Hakai in many ways is the real revelation...

There was a line of thought in Charlie1’s Vintage system Thread that you’d want a period correct system for a full blown audio Nostalgia. Now, many of the cds I bought as a kid (yes, I’m born in 1983 - vinyl was dead and buried when I started buying music) I haven’t really listened to in a long time. Now, the current system is by far the best system I’ve ever heard that music on. It’s mind blowing in many ways. I certainly prefer to hear them like this rather than the all-in-one rig I got for my 10th birthday (notwithstanding my gratitude towards my parents for putting a music system in my room).

Yes, the system as is also has room for improvement... there’s probably still a bunch of low hanging fruit... but the system must be musical because it makes music enjoyable.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-02 16:07
by beck
OscarH wrote: 2020-05-02 14:25 ... but the system must be musical because it makes music enjoyable.
.....and that is what we are here for. Well done OscarH. :-)

I guess you are now playing your cd’s ripped through your Hakai. That is a good way to do it. My road trying to get it to work using a cd player has been bumpy but not giving up has made it possible for me to get music out of the old machine.

Have you had the time to practice your singing voice together with the rest of us on friday nights on DR1 learning danish songs? :-)

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-02 17:31
by OscarH
beck wrote: 2020-05-02 16:07
OscarH wrote: 2020-05-02 14:25 ... but the system must be musical because it makes music enjoyable.
.....and that is what we are here for. Well done OscarH. :-)

I guess you are now playing your cd’s ripped through your Hakai. That is a good way to do it. My road trying to get it to work using a cd player has been bumpy but not giving up has made it possible for me to get music out of the old machine.

Have you had the time to practice your singing voice together with the rest of us on friday nights on DR1 learning danish songs? :-)
Exactly - cds ripped onto the hakai NAS.

I must admit I’ve not made any additional effort learning danish songs during this period. I did have one evening of trying to convince my daughters that Gasolin’ is better than Kim Larsen solo... though that is quite clearly a subjective opinion haha.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-02 18:03
by V.A.MKD
OscarH wrote: 2020-05-02 14:25 Good afternoon hifi diary,

Like many others I’ve spent the vast majority of the last month and a half at home. Music has been playing almost all the time.

Being in lockdown with a family means I’ve had essentially no time listening to music alone. Hence I haven’t put any effort into changing or further optimising the system, not spending very much time on here.

That’s ok - see, after a hectic winter building the Hakai, the second Spotify streamer, getting the RP8, Gaio 2.4 upgrade, new cables, tweaking positions and last but not least trying to learn the tune method, I’ve been very content having a period of just listening to music. This is very much in line with what ThomasOK predicted and suggested in a previous response - the inclination to focus on improvements comes in chunks.

The system is very good right now, both digital and analog. The Hakai in many ways is the real revelation...

There was a line of thought in Charlie1’s Vintage system Thread that you’d want a period correct system for a full blown audio Nostalgia. Now, many of the cds I bought as a kid (yes, I’m born in 1983 - vinyl was dead and buried when I started buying music) I haven’t really listened to in a long time. Now, the current system is by far the best system I’ve ever heard that music on. It’s mind blowing in many ways. I certainly prefer to hear them like this rather than the all-in-one rig I got for my 10th birthday (notwithstanding my gratitude towards my parents for putting a music system in my room).

Yes, the system as is also has room for improvement... there’s probably still a bunch of low hanging fruit... but the system must be musical because it makes music enjoyable.
+1 ...
Lucky you OscarH that you enjoy in your music (first :-)), system, family and all small thing that make us happy in this terrible time ...
Keep safe and enjoy ... :-)

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-11 18:38
by OscarH
One reasonably priced richmont sturtevant cal 36/4 is on its way to me from California.

It’s been mentioned various places on the forum that, although containing significantly fewer fasteners than the LP12, appropriate torquing of Rega decks (in my case the RP8) is very worthwhile.

First the tool needs to arrive (hopefully in good condition), then I’ll need to find a a way to check the calibration and then I’ll hopefully be looking for guidance on where to start.

This improvement path is certainly something I wouldn’t have thought of without this forum; proving time after time what can be achieved by paying attention to the source. So I’ll now do my very best to ensure I get the most out of the Rega RP8.

Rega torque discussions - soon on a forum near you!

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-11 18:58
by Defender
Hi Oscar,
dont worry about the condition of the tool - is good american craftmanship and even with some scratches the tool will work fine. I think Thomas has some experience with Rega tables but I also expect the screws that hold the arm are the most sensitive to the musicality. However you might even have other equipment like the drivers of your loudspeakers where someone might have experience with the right torques.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-11 19:08
by OscarH
Defender wrote: 2020-05-11 18:58 Hi Oscar,
dont worry about the condition of the tool - is good american craftmanship and even with some scratches the tool will work fine. I think Thomas has some experience with Rega tables but I also expect the screws that hold the arm are the most sensitive to the musicality. However you might even have other equipment like the drivers of your loudspeakers where someone might have experience with the right torques.
That’s reassuring about the tool.

As you say there’s the arm screws, then there’s also the motor which on the Rega is bolted directly to the plinth so probably also important. Lastly off course the cartridge screws.

Only the trebles on my speakers have easily accessible screws. Might be a way to get to the others, but it seems that would need removing a cover which appears to be glued on so will need to ensure I can get them both off and back on without ruining anything.

Either way, I’m very happy this forum has led towards this kind of attention to detail. Much cheaper than just buying “better” gear.

(Well, I have just built the Hakai + Hakai NAS which did cost some money but really is an incredible bargain as far as a digital source goes! Feels wrong that all that cash went to online computer stores and none to Fredrik...)

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-11 19:17
by V.A.MKD
Defender wrote: 2020-05-11 18:58 Hi Oscar,
dont worry about the condition of the tool - is good american craftmanship and even with some scratches the tool will work fine. I think Thomas has some experience with Rega tables but I also expect the screws that hold the arm are the most sensitive to the musicality. However you might even have other equipment like the drivers of your loudspeakers where someone might have experience with the right torques.
+1 ...
Here we are ... :-), just be ready for making clips and everything will be done to highest level of musicality ...
Don't worry, be happy ...

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-12 10:51
by Defender
yes Oscar that is what I feel too (the business is going to the online shops and not to Fredrik who did the work - but that is true also to many usefull information shared in this forum) and that is the reason that I feel I need to give something back in buying his products ... even though I than again get a positive output for myself.
But with the addiction, care and continuous will to squeeze the best out of his products you can buy them without a demo ... if you agree with the tune dem concept.
For me it was the best to stumble over this forum with respect to musical outcome.

My mid drivers and my treble drivers are also covered so I started with my bass drivers which already gave me a nice improvement.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-12 16:38
by OscarH
Defender,

Indeed! The Gaio 2 was an instant success in my system so Lejonklou amplification is certainly something to aspire to when, at some point in the future, the urge to upgrade is substantial enough for me to move into that price bracket.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-13 19:18
by ThomasOK
There are actually a fair number of screws on the RP8 and they almost all make a difference. I have all the settings so send me a PM when you are ready and I'll pass on some information.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-05-20 18:05
by OscarH
Really looking forward to taking you up on your most generous offer, Tom, if/when the tool arrives.

Meanwhile, perhaps the United States Postal Service’s apparent lack of geography skills can provide some entertainment to the forum....

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-10-05 13:34
by OscarH
Happy October to all!

Sometimes life throws you a curveball, so I simply haven't had the inclination to tinker with my nice torque tool over summer. But now I do, so hopefully there will be further improvements coming shortly.

The system has very recently had one change - The Rega RP8 now sports a Linn Adikt pickup.

The Rega Exact (a model I've been satisfied with, both on the RP8 and previously on the old Planar 3) was worn out and my dealer suggested the Adikt as the top of the pops in moving magnets; a recommendation I had no reason to doubt as a follower of this forum.

Replacing a worn out pickup doesn't really allow for A-to-B comparison but I'm very pleased with the Adikt. It's already played through a lot of different genres and it simply plays music.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-10-05 17:39
by WheresMyNaim
Happy adiktion!

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-10-08 07:10
by OscarH
Success!!!

Spent a bit of time the other day working through the speaker positions, trying as best I could to work systematically with the tune method.

There are some physical limitations so speaker placement isn’t entirely free. Luckily though the ‘extreme’ and ultimately impractical positions weren’t best.

Also, I didn’t have the time or confidence in my ears to work down to millimeter differences.

Nonetheless, the result was a step in the right direction.

On top of that the adikt really is very good.

So far the “success” was all my subjective view, until last night when my (very musical) wife suddenly remarks (while listening to some Mike Oldfield for those keeping score):

“I’ve never heard the system sound this good”.

Yes!

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2020-10-08 08:19
by beck
👍

It is always great to get confirmation that ones work actually makes a difference. :-)

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2021-01-07 09:42
by OscarH
Getting there!

I didn’t quite expect to have to put such a hardcore tool to a turntable but here we are.

After being provided with the correct torque values for the RP8 by Tom (many thanks again) and finally managing to get all the mini bits and adapters in place to use the SR 36/4 I quickly found ALL bolt being much tighter than they should.

In fact the bolts holding the arm to the plinth were so tight one of them was already partly stripped and irreparably so when I’d tried to get it out. Enter the bolt removal tool.

Now we’re up and running and I’m able to fine tune with my own tool. I haven’t really done proper musical comparisons yet but the deck is already more quiet. The RP8 is a very light construction and it makes perfect sense that the tightness of the component interfaces will influence resonances in the structure. Good progress being made.


On a somewhat more philosophical end of the scale I also find my Hakai to sound better than before. Sure, time can play a part on some components but even the newest interconnects and ethernet cables are several months old by now.

I wonder if it’s a mental thing... during times like these, with weekly if not daily additional loss of control, actually being able to choose a record and listen to it becomes more powerful than ever. I wonder if anyone else is experiencing a closer emotional connection to their music right now?

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2021-01-07 10:36
by beck
What a great post OscarH. So good to see that you are trying to get the best out of your beautiful turntable.
Vibration is everything so getting the Rega to vibrate the best way possible by adjusting the torques to allow music to flow effortless is paramount together with the stand it is placed on.

In december I got to conduct a small concert before lockdown. It was an inspiring moment to feel the gratitude coming from the audience.
I too felt something I had been missing for so long. Music is a wonderful thing.

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2021-01-10 15:00
by V.A.MKD
Hi OscarH,
Excellent post.
I'm glad that you set up properly your Rega and enjoy it with great pleasure ...
I go deeper in to my classical (not Jazz) music collection ... in Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Verdi ... Some how Baroque in this period was and still is on a side ...

Re: Oscar's system and first world problems

Posted: 2021-01-11 15:25
by OscarH
It's a fascinating process setting up the table. Currently trying to calibrate my tool against ThomasOK's values. The previously mentioned arm-to-plinth bolts seem to be good for this purpose.

One thing that quickly becomes apparent when using the torque tool is just how little say 0.2 or even 0.8Nm is.
I don't know which bolts on my turntable that were done up at the Rega factory and which ones have been tinkered with in a hifi shop or by the previous owner. But I feel quite confident that anyone doing it by feel, unless very very experiences, will overtighten most bolts.

I've found myself listening to much more jazz than I'm used to lately... It's a musical discovery for a simple rock man in a way, that I think is aided by an improved hifi system. I'm definitely a proponent for the thinking that a more musical systems ultimately makes all music more enjoyable, hereunder allowing you to enjoy music that previously you might have not.

Also, I've still (almost) only made source upgrades since joining the forum. At some point I will move down the chain though.