HAKAI playground

A DIY digital music streamer with exceptional performance

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David Neel
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by David Neel »

Update to my earlier clips and observations - both Hakai have been unused since the last set of clips were recorded. Today I got an extra shelf for my new rack and so Hakai is back in the system. I started with the 3050 version, then 30 minutes ago swapped to the 3160. While the 3050 is much as I recall it, the 3160 has now taken a step forward and at last it sounds as good as the initial impressions. So the 3050 now seems stable in performance, but the additional pitch stability of the 3160 is now carrying the day as it continues to burn in.

Further update - the 3160 has repaid my praise by nosediving again! But (I think!) I'm now clear that its best is better than the 3050.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

This is my first experiment! I recorded on my laptop so apologies for the awful sound quality. :-D

I am playing on HAKAI -> MDSi -> M109. There is one difference between the clips.

First track:
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uwzaa ... 787QEI4xX2

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lJAXi ... tm_tzzSEWi
Last edited by Paaf on 2018-12-03 10:31, edited 1 time in total.
Sopper
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Sopper »

Clip B for me; more emotion in his words
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Charlie1
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Charlie1 »

I think I prefer A. Had to go back forth a few times to decide. I was keener to hear more of A than B.

Thought the music came across quite well, despite recording on your laptop. Must sound good in the room :)
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by beck »

Good useful clips Paaf. You are definately on the right track.

I can follow both Sopper and Charlie1’s comments but end up agreeing with Charlie1. First clip is simple and kind of a “perfect” fit between the piano and voice. Second clip maybe offers a “better” sound in the room but I find the tonal fit starts to break up slightly.

Difficult but enjoyable. :-)
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by ThomasOK »

I'd have to go with A as I didn't have a desire to turn it off as quickly as B. It just seemed a bit more musical. But seeing as I really don't like this song I'm glad they were short clips. ;-)
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Azazello »

B is running circles around A.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

Thank you for listening and your comments.

It sounds better in the room, yes. :)

However the DIFFERENCE between the two examples is the same even with the clips. I find that in itself quite fantastic!
Last edited by Paaf on 2018-12-02 11:32, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by beck »

Paaf wrote: 2018-12-01 14:02
It sounds better in the room, yes. :)

However the DIFFERENCE between the two examples is the same even with the clips. I find that in itself quite fantastic!
And that is why we find them useful! :-)
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

Last edited by Paaf on 2018-12-03 10:31, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by beck »

I like your previous way of recording better. I hear the same differences between the two setups as I heard before (thinking I can hear no change in the order of the clips).
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by lejonklou »

Not so easy. Initial impression is that I prefer B.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by beck »

After listening some more I slowly “get” the better sound from the B clips. Whatever you choose I think you are on a good path.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Sopper »

B again for me
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

I wanted to make the test as BLIND as possible. No one else knew what is the difference between A and B, nor which one I prefer myself.

Does anyone want another song to compare A and B?
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

New track with same difference A/B as before. Please enjoy singing along.

Third track
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aGeJZ ... wsLt4_HH1l

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UuPWN ... QYz5WmVufy
Last edited by Paaf on 2018-12-03 10:31, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Charlie1 »

Also prefer B on last two sets of clips.

I still struggle with B in the American Pie clips. It’s like the piano is a fraction out of time with the vocals. Not really sure what it is though.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by beck »

It is an interesting row of clips you have made Paaf. The differences are quite clear between A and B in all the sets you have posted.
I hear A as the “dry” version (I like dry) and B as more “fruity”. Is A too “dry” or B too “fruity”? I cannot say.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

Soon I will reveal what is changed between A and B. I think you may be surprised.

I'll also reveal my own vote, of course, but it doesn't count for much since I'm not "blind" in the test.

I'll say one thing though. I didn't think I'd hear the difference in the third track but it was actually easier for me.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by beck »

Paaf wrote: 2018-12-03 10:17 I'll say one thing though. I didn't think I'd hear the difference in the third track but it was actually easier for me.

What was the last piece of music?
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by tokenbrit »

beck wrote: 2018-12-02 22:40 It is an interesting row of clips you have made Paaf. The differences are quite clear between A and B in all the sets you have posted.
I hear A as the “dry” version (I like dry) and B as more “fruity”. Is A too “dry” or B too “fruity”? I cannot say.
Interesting description :) I hear B as having more ring to it, or sustain, that blurs the timing. B sounds richer, but I'm more comfortable overall with A.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Paaf »

beck wrote: 2018-12-03 11:22 What was the last piece of music?
The first track is typical soft 70's pop. The second track is brand new pop from Sweden. The third track is classical music by Alban Berg.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Lego »

Paaf wrote: 2018-11-30 20:54 This is my first experiment! I recorded on my laptop so apologies for the awful sound quality. :-D

I am playing on HAKAI -> MDSi -> M109. There is one difference between the clips.

First track:
A
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uwzaa ... 787QEI4xX2

B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1lJAXi ... tm_tzzSEWi
So much easier without the visuals ..B sounded more musical
I know that tune
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by David Neel »

I have a preference for B in all 3 clips.
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Re: HAKAI playground

Post by Sopper »

David Neel wrote: 2018-12-03 18:37 I have a preference for B in all 3 clips.
Me too
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