These are my open baffle speakers (four Tang Band drivers, no crossover). In that video they are placed a little too close to my listening position.
Hopkins' System
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Well recorded videos can be very useful for budget speakers. I've mentioned this channel before:
He's brutally honest!
The basic sound signature of these different cheap Bluetooth speakers come across very well and are in line with his comments.
The funny thing is that when you move up into higher end gear you can still sometimes hear vastly different sounds through videos.
The differences between high end speakers is something noted in this interesting discussion between John Darko and the "Acoustic Insider" starting at 14:30 into the video:
From the mixing engineer's point of view, while he agrees that more expensive speakers do have different presentations and choosing one is a matter of taste, the difference between low budget and high budget studio monitors lies in resolution (it's easier to hear differences, you discern detail with a higher degree of precision...).
He's brutally honest!
The basic sound signature of these different cheap Bluetooth speakers come across very well and are in line with his comments.
The funny thing is that when you move up into higher end gear you can still sometimes hear vastly different sounds through videos.
The differences between high end speakers is something noted in this interesting discussion between John Darko and the "Acoustic Insider" starting at 14:30 into the video:
From the mixing engineer's point of view, while he agrees that more expensive speakers do have different presentations and choosing one is a matter of taste, the difference between low budget and high budget studio monitors lies in resolution (it's easier to hear differences, you discern detail with a higher degree of precision...).
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Speaking of budget speakers, I'm still very happy with these!
I would swear that the qualities of the amp (PowerDAC-SX) contribute to my enjoyment of the sound even on these 400€ speakers...
I would swear that the qualities of the amp (PowerDAC-SX) contribute to my enjoyment of the sound even on these 400€ speakers...
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I decided to upgrade my desktop DAC/Headphone amp - from the previous ECDesigns powerDAC-R, to the latest model: powerDAC-RXV.
ecdesigns.nl
I currently use this previous R model at my desk in my "home office":
a) as a DAC connected with Toslink to my powered Vanatoo bookshelf speakers, and in this "scenario", the DAC quality is not really critical...
b) with headphones (so it works here as a DAC + headphone amp). With headphones, differences between the old and new models should be apparent.
It works in the same way, more or less, as its big brother, the powerDAC-SX: no traditional amplification. So the sound with headphones should be nice. I did use the SX with the Dan Clark Stealth and thought the sound was great, but the SX remains in my living room, and it is not adapted to "easier to drive headphones".
It could be interesting as well to compare on my speakers:
- PowerDAC-SX
- PowerDAC-RXV + amplifier (TBD)
PowerDAC-RXV – ECdesigns
ecdesigns.nl
I currently use this previous R model at my desk in my "home office":
a) as a DAC connected with Toslink to my powered Vanatoo bookshelf speakers, and in this "scenario", the DAC quality is not really critical...
b) with headphones (so it works here as a DAC + headphone amp). With headphones, differences between the old and new models should be apparent.
It works in the same way, more or less, as its big brother, the powerDAC-SX: no traditional amplification. So the sound with headphones should be nice. I did use the SX with the Dan Clark Stealth and thought the sound was great, but the SX remains in my living room, and it is not adapted to "easier to drive headphones".
It could be interesting as well to compare on my speakers:
- PowerDAC-SX
- PowerDAC-RXV + amplifier (TBD)
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Here is the new DAC "RXV" (left) next to the older model "R":
Functional differences:
- new model has a build-in power supply (it connects directly to the wall outlet with a 2-prong plug) versus an external 5v supply on the older model (connecting via a USB port)
- new model has a headphone jack in the back
- new model has finer volume adjustments (24 vs 9)
- volume buttons on top are bigger (a remote can also be used with both)
- slightly wider and taller but slimmer
- looks nice!
Technical differences have been discussed before in the context of the more powerful model (new "SX" versus old "S" model).
Functional differences:
- new model has a build-in power supply (it connects directly to the wall outlet with a 2-prong plug) versus an external 5v supply on the older model (connecting via a USB port)
- new model has a headphone jack in the back
- new model has finer volume adjustments (24 vs 9)
- volume buttons on top are bigger (a remote can also be used with both)
- slightly wider and taller but slimmer
- looks nice!
Technical differences have been discussed before in the context of the more powerful model (new "SX" versus old "S" model).
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For the past few days I've been listening exclusively to these Teufel speakers. I am surprised myself that I enjoy them so much. I sometimes inadvertently start analyzing and questioning the sound, and remind myself to stop and simply enjoy the music - and then I do! The change in crossover really transformed the sound, and I have no desire to tweak them further. I could try better quality, and more expensive, components. I could try dampening the cabinet. Etc... I'm lazy and don't feel like getting back on my knees and fiddling with them.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Takeshi Kitano's "Hanabi" with my TV hooked up to my speakers - much better sound than with my soundbar.
Some may find the soundtrack by Joe Hisaichi a little too much like elevator music, but I enjoy it. It is important to the movie, which otherwise has very little dialog!
The movie itself is not "conventional". I find it interesting. I am always moved by the last scene, where there is no dialog aside for the protagonist's wife uttering two words: "Arigato" (thank you) and then "Gomene" (I'm sorry), before they embrace.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Takeshi Kitano's "Hanabi" with my TV hooked up to my speakers - much better sound than with my soundbar.
Some may find the soundtrack by Joe Hisaichi a little too much like elevator music, but I enjoy it. It is important to the movie, which otherwise has very little dialog!
The movie itself is not "conventional". I find it interesting. I am always moved by the last scene, where there is no dialog aside for the protagonist's wife uttering two words: "Arigato" (thank you) and then "Gomene" (I'm sorry), before they embrace.
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Tonight I was able to test the use of the smaller powerDAC-RXV (so acting as a DAC + volume control) hooked up to a Purifi power amplifier (Audiophonics HPA-S400ET).
Compared to the sound of the PowerDAC-SX, one word comes to mind: dull!
I don't think the powerDAC-RXV is to blame here - after all it is essentially a lower power version of the SX model.
Hooked up to the Purifi amp, it sounds veiled, and life is sucked out of the music. It reminded me of what attracted me to the powerDAC concept in the first place: getting rid of conventional power amplifiers and preamplifiers, that only degrade the sound. You can invest a lot of money in preamps and amplifiers, but at the end of the day they are all just additional electrical circuits (and cables) that the analog signal has to pass through - unless you believe in magic or miracles it makes sense to get rid of them.
I was playing "Watermelon Man" from Herbie Hancock's album "Head Hunters".
In comparison, this album sounds so much more exciting and engaging with the PowerDAC-SX, even with my budget Teufel (modified) speakers. I did not bother to listen to more tracks. It's not a perfect recording, but a perfect recording is not needed to grasp the differences at play here.
It's not a scientific test, and there are certainly better power amplifiers out there than the Purifi (though some measurement fanatics would disagree - see here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ics-hpa-s400et-review-stereo-amplifier.32014/), but I have little motivation to invest more time and effort in such comparisons.
Compared to the sound of the PowerDAC-SX, one word comes to mind: dull!
I don't think the powerDAC-RXV is to blame here - after all it is essentially a lower power version of the SX model.
Hooked up to the Purifi amp, it sounds veiled, and life is sucked out of the music. It reminded me of what attracted me to the powerDAC concept in the first place: getting rid of conventional power amplifiers and preamplifiers, that only degrade the sound. You can invest a lot of money in preamps and amplifiers, but at the end of the day they are all just additional electrical circuits (and cables) that the analog signal has to pass through - unless you believe in magic or miracles it makes sense to get rid of them.
I was playing "Watermelon Man" from Herbie Hancock's album "Head Hunters".
In comparison, this album sounds so much more exciting and engaging with the PowerDAC-SX, even with my budget Teufel (modified) speakers. I did not bother to listen to more tracks. It's not a perfect recording, but a perfect recording is not needed to grasp the differences at play here.
It's not a scientific test, and there are certainly better power amplifiers out there than the Purifi (though some measurement fanatics would disagree - see here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ics-hpa-s400et-review-stereo-amplifier.32014/), but I have little motivation to invest more time and effort in such comparisons.
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Another nice thing about these ridiculously cheap Teufel speakers is that they actually work very well in a nearfield listening position. The tweeters are roughly at ear height. The speakers are light, so it is easy to move them and have these different options.
In his latest video, Darko interviews Acoustic Insider's Jesco, whose point of view, as a specialist in home studio acoustics, is interesting when it comes to Hi-Fi:
In his latest video, Darko interviews Acoustic Insider's Jesco, whose point of view, as a specialist in home studio acoustics, is interesting when it comes to Hi-Fi:
I saw a performance this evening of the French National Jazz Orchestra, playing Martial Solal compositions and arrangements. Large ceiling array speakers were used (seen on the top left of the picture) but sitting in the front rows you could obviously hear the direct sound of the instruments clearly, and both blended well. The venue (studio 104 of the "Maison de la Radio" in Paris) is fairly large, and the acoustics were good.
They use curtains in the back to adjust the acoustics depending on the type of performance.
Does attending a live performance contribute in any way to our ability to evaluate a home stereo system? The two (concert vs home audio) are so different that it is hard to see how it would. I guess that someone who has never heard an instrument live could be handicapped as an audiophile - but who hasn't?
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Just came across this channel: The Audio Shrink!
Somehow, I completely identify with what he is saying, and yet find it very amusing
Somehow, I completely identify with what he is saying, and yet find it very amusing
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As a follow up to the "demo tracks" thread and discussion about Ben Webster's "At The Renaissance" album, here is the CD version to get if you want it in mono and digital (I made some corrections to the Discogs release):
Here is "Georgia On My Mind" from that CD: https://storage.googleapis.com/cloudplayer/samples/01 Georgia On My Mind.flac
It's not "pure Mono", there is a little difference between the two channels, but so faint (< 30db) you probably won't be able to hear it.
The mono version has only four tracks, but these are the better ones.
The Qobuz version in mono, issued by the label "CoolNote" has inferior sound quality.
Here is "Georgia On My Mind" from that CD: https://storage.googleapis.com/cloudplayer/samples/01 Georgia On My Mind.flac
It's not "pure Mono", there is a little difference between the two channels, but so faint (< 30db) you probably won't be able to hear it.
The mono version has only four tracks, but these are the better ones.
The Qobuz version in mono, issued by the label "CoolNote" has inferior sound quality.
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This gentleman was not impressed with that video above, recorded with my phone
FWIW, I recorded the track with my Tascam DR40X (build-in microphones), and I think the results are better (I hope he will agree!):
The sound level is a little high, there is some clipping (too lazy to do it again).
I had these speakers playing all day today, and I enjoyed everything I threw at them. Go figure...
FWIW, I recorded the track with my Tascam DR40X (build-in microphones), and I think the results are better (I hope he will agree!):
The sound level is a little high, there is some clipping (too lazy to do it again).
I had these speakers playing all day today, and I enjoyed everything I threw at them. Go figure...
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ECDesigns added a "blog post" on their website, discussing speakers for the powerDAC-SX:
ecdesigns.nl
It is an interesting read. They also detail the modifications to the crossover of these cheap Teufel speakers, which I still enjoy tremendously. I recently "upgraded" the components on the crossover for the midrange (so far on one speaker only), and found it was beneficial. I had used very cheap components, but given the fact that I love the sound so much, I thought I may as well try to get the best of them. I am looking forward to changing the components on the second speaker, but I have to rewire it completely as I did a sloppy job the first time.
I wish that more people would have the curiosity to try the powerDAC-SX. It is such an innovative product... I would be curious to get other peoples' impressions! I suspect many would be surprised by the results.
PowerDAC-SX and Speakers – ECdesigns
ecdesigns.nl
It is an interesting read. They also detail the modifications to the crossover of these cheap Teufel speakers, which I still enjoy tremendously. I recently "upgraded" the components on the crossover for the midrange (so far on one speaker only), and found it was beneficial. I had used very cheap components, but given the fact that I love the sound so much, I thought I may as well try to get the best of them. I am looking forward to changing the components on the second speaker, but I have to rewire it completely as I did a sloppy job the first time.
I wish that more people would have the curiosity to try the powerDAC-SX. It is such an innovative product... I would be curious to get other peoples' impressions! I suspect many would be surprised by the results.
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After comparing the powerDAC-SX to a Purifi amplifier, I am not surprised that an ABX test could not differentiate a Purifi amp to a 200$ amp as reported here:
In that context, it's no wonder either that some have difficulty differentiating DACs when they are hooked up to these types of amplifiers.
In that context, it's no wonder either that some have difficulty differentiating DACs when they are hooked up to these types of amplifiers.
Here's a short excerpt of a club recording in 1941 (the whole track is 7 min long of piano fireworks):
You could say that the sound quality is poor. However, when it comes to these rare live recordings from that era, in informal settings such as clubs or even people's homes, it is actually quite good. It can get much worse! Close your eyes, and you can imagine yourself standing at the bar (it's a little harder with a video...).
These were times when musicians spend a much higher proportion of their time playing live, often after hours, than sitting in recording studios, and their styles were often different in these settings. In these more informal sessions, they had more freedom of expression (and we're not restricted by the length of a 78), and they could be teamed with different players. These opportunities no longer really exists today. New York City in 1941 was a vibrant place to be...
Sound quality is relative - there's no perfect recording, you can always find faults. I like how this one sounds! The static (that fades after a while) does not really bother me. The sound of the piano is clear enough. The fact that such recordings even exist is miraculous, you can't really complain.
Imagine if you could hear today a recording of Beethoven or Mozart composing at the piano!
You could say that the sound quality is poor. However, when it comes to these rare live recordings from that era, in informal settings such as clubs or even people's homes, it is actually quite good. It can get much worse! Close your eyes, and you can imagine yourself standing at the bar (it's a little harder with a video...).
These were times when musicians spend a much higher proportion of their time playing live, often after hours, than sitting in recording studios, and their styles were often different in these settings. In these more informal sessions, they had more freedom of expression (and we're not restricted by the length of a 78), and they could be teamed with different players. These opportunities no longer really exists today. New York City in 1941 was a vibrant place to be...
Sound quality is relative - there's no perfect recording, you can always find faults. I like how this one sounds! The static (that fades after a while) does not really bother me. The sound of the piano is clear enough. The fact that such recordings even exist is miraculous, you can't really complain.
Imagine if you could hear today a recording of Beethoven or Mozart composing at the piano!
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Here's a recording from 1937 that still sounds fresh today. Teddy Wilson gets together in the studio with members of Duke Ellington's orchestra. It's a Billie Holiday session, but the last track is an instrumental "jam session":
Solos: Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Teddy Wilson, Harry Carney.
Some say this was the golden age of jazz. I don't know about that, but what I do know is that I'm thankful this was put on wax and that we can listen to it today (whether on CD, vinyl, or streaming), practically 90 years after the recording took place!
Think about it. These guys were making music back then only a decade or so after recording technology became widespread and "popular". First audio recordings date from the 1860s
But records (78s) only became widespread in the 1920s.
Piano players were still regularly making piano rolls in the late 1920s:
So these musicians did not have access to 90 years of recorded music at their fingertips as we do today. We are spoiled! There is so much that we can access and listen to (even for free) yet we find ways to complain...
Solos: Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Teddy Wilson, Harry Carney.
Some say this was the golden age of jazz. I don't know about that, but what I do know is that I'm thankful this was put on wax and that we can listen to it today (whether on CD, vinyl, or streaming), practically 90 years after the recording took place!
Think about it. These guys were making music back then only a decade or so after recording technology became widespread and "popular". First audio recordings date from the 1860s
But records (78s) only became widespread in the 1920s.
Piano players were still regularly making piano rolls in the late 1920s:
So these musicians did not have access to 90 years of recorded music at their fingertips as we do today. We are spoiled! There is so much that we can access and listen to (even for free) yet we find ways to complain...
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I really enjoyed listening to this album, so I recorded it to share a track. A single speaker is playing - it's a mono track, and I am not done rewiring the other speaker with better components.
I have not heard the LP version, but listening to the CD version (ripped to my local library, and streamed to the WiiM Pro), does not make me want for more...
I tested recording the output signal of the smaller model powerDAC-RXV by plugging it to the XLR inputs of my Tascam DR-40X, and the recording is hard to distinguish from the original track. The ADC of these TASCAM recorders are quite good - the microphones on the other hand do introduce some distortions...this is obvious when comparing the recording to the sound of the speaker in the room. I always wonder how good a recording would sound with high quality microphones!
The speakers obviously are not perfect either, but the sound is very enjoyable. In the past month or so I have had no desire to tweak anything (aside for the upgrade to the caps/inductors of the crossover, which I had planned to do for some time). I am enjoying listening to all my albums, and never feel the need to go through playlists of known tracks to check the sound of my system.
I think I may be done!
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