Mr. Iceman
Well-known member
Hi AlmaataKZ
Amazing thread with some serious kit.
I saw on page 11 you got some cable tidy off ebay.
What was the exact search term you used to find it?
Ive tried loads but cant seem to find it.
Thanks
Erby
Amazing thread with some serious kit.
I saw on page 11 you got some cable tidy off ebay.
What was the exact search term you used to find it?
Ive tried loads but cant seem to find it.
Thanks
Erby
Erby, Cannot remember. I just tired searching myself and it doe snto come up. I also do not see the item in my purchase history so maybe it was not ebay but another internet site. Try searching for : cable management cable organiser cable sleeve maybe with 'mesh' added
sometimes google search for images helps to find the right thing quickly when exact term is not known, like here:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mesh+cable+sleeve&hl=en&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&ei=KsMCT_iaEsKzhAfks8i5CA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CFQQ_AUoAQ&biw=1328&bih=535
sometimes google search for images helps to find the right thing quickly when exact term is not known, like here:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mesh+cable+sleeve&hl=en&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&ei=KsMCT_iaEsKzhAfks8i5CA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CFQQ_AUoAQ&biw=1328&bih=535
Got these the other day for the ipod in-ears.
I listen to music on the ipod a lot (daily commute) so sound quality (and noise isolation) are important. I quite like the apple in-ears (dual driver blanced armature, very neutral sound, without bloated bass, integrated controls) and with the new eartips they are fantastic. the tips provide excellent seal and sound isolation so the sound improves. They also mean listening at lower volume level.
Highly recommended - you can get a version to fit most earphones.http://www.complyfoam.com/
I listen to music on the ipod a lot (daily commute) so sound quality (and noise isolation) are important. I quite like the apple in-ears (dual driver blanced armature, very neutral sound, without bloated bass, integrated controls) and with the new eartips they are fantastic. the tips provide excellent seal and sound isolation so the sound improves. They also mean listening at lower volume level.
Highly recommended - you can get a version to fit most earphones.http://www.complyfoam.com/
We are now firmly settled in the new place and I finally got to take some better pics of the kit at the new location:
The main system:
The rears:
From the listening position:
For managing the library:
The second system:
It is 1.5 years now since the big upgrade and I cannot stop enjoying the kit, especially the 50s. Highly recommended!
The main system:
The rears:
From the listening position:
For managing the library:
The second system:
It is 1.5 years now since the big upgrade and I cannot stop enjoying the kit, especially the 50s. Highly recommended!
While I wait for the receiver to complete the 2010 system upgrade, I thought I would post about another old and trusted part of my system. It is an 'accessory', but I think it is very important as it allows all components to work together smoothly.
The trusty old programmable universal control - Marantz RC5200.
I got it about 8 years ago and it has been serving me well since then. With it I not only can replace 6 or 7 different remotes by one, but also can change components without changing the interface I am used to - all I have to do is to replace the IR commands. The buttons and screen layout stays the same! This is especially useful as I have moved flats (rented ones) and things like TVs and set top boxes change, so the codes had to be changed.
It is rechargeable and the batteries last abt 2 months between recharges (recharging is in the cradle). It is very similar to the Philips Pronto range of the time and is a combination of hard buttons and b/w touchscreen with backlingt. It can be programmed and edited either on the unit directly (which is a bit fiddly) or on a PC, which is much easier and it uses a speacial software package for that. It is so old by now that this software is only compatible with Win Me, so I had to keep my old laptop just for use with this remote!
So, here is the old workhorse (stock photo):
The screenshots of the main control layouts I use:
The screen for music playback from MacMini:
The screens for TV:
And a screenshot of the editing program:
Some buttons like 'go to music' contain long sets of commands that switch the right boxes on and off, change the inputs, pre-set volume etc. Great stuff!
Unfortunately, I do not have discrete command for all components/commands (e.g. the Teac receiver). This means I can only use power on/off toggle, instead of discrete on or off commands, which prevents programming of activity-based buttons. If I had discrete commands for all components the number of buttons would have been much smaller.
I hope when I get the new receiver the discrete codes for it will be available.
Anyhow, this remote has proven to be a great part of the system through the years and I highly recommend having a similar advanced universal remote if you have anything more than 2 boxes, especially that these days they are getting cheaper and cheaper and more advanced at the same time.
The trusty old programmable universal control - Marantz RC5200.
I got it about 8 years ago and it has been serving me well since then. With it I not only can replace 6 or 7 different remotes by one, but also can change components without changing the interface I am used to - all I have to do is to replace the IR commands. The buttons and screen layout stays the same! This is especially useful as I have moved flats (rented ones) and things like TVs and set top boxes change, so the codes had to be changed.
It is rechargeable and the batteries last abt 2 months between recharges (recharging is in the cradle). It is very similar to the Philips Pronto range of the time and is a combination of hard buttons and b/w touchscreen with backlingt. It can be programmed and edited either on the unit directly (which is a bit fiddly) or on a PC, which is much easier and it uses a speacial software package for that. It is so old by now that this software is only compatible with Win Me, so I had to keep my old laptop just for use with this remote!
So, here is the old workhorse (stock photo):
The screenshots of the main control layouts I use:
The screen for music playback from MacMini:
The screens for TV:
And a screenshot of the editing program:
Some buttons like 'go to music' contain long sets of commands that switch the right boxes on and off, change the inputs, pre-set volume etc. Great stuff!
Unfortunately, I do not have discrete command for all components/commands (e.g. the Teac receiver). This means I can only use power on/off toggle, instead of discrete on or off commands, which prevents programming of activity-based buttons. If I had discrete commands for all components the number of buttons would have been much smaller.
I hope when I get the new receiver the discrete codes for it will be available.
Anyhow, this remote has proven to be a great part of the system through the years and I highly recommend having a similar advanced universal remote if you have anything more than 2 boxes, especially that these days they are getting cheaper and cheaper and more advanced at the same time.
Some updates. Few steps forward. Quite a few steps back!
1. Tidied up some cables recently.
I had a bunch of cables going from the main rack to the right side of the room, comprising:
To rack:
- main power
- ethernet to MacMini
- ethernet to Humax Freeview HD box
From rack:
- switched power to sub
- signal to sub (2 x phono, screened)
- signal rear speakers (2x stereo phono)
The total of 8 cables all different shapes and colours - looking rather untidy.
So I got a plastic mesh sleeve from ebay for a couple of quid, pinched the bunch of cables tightly together (temporarily) with a plastic tie and pulled the bunch through. The result is looking like that:
2. The broken Marantz RC5200 remote is back from repair. Happy with it being back I was just finishing updating its new configuration for the new system when, 1 week after the repair, it failed again. Same symptoms so I think the same fault. I actually think it was not repaired but was just reset using special access software. the repairer offered to look at it again and if it is the same fault to fix it for free. but (especially if they just reset it again) I am thinking one day it will probably fail again so was thinking of a replacement... so,
3. Thinking of a tsf9400 and knowing how expensive the modern (and just discontinued) Prontos are I decided to check what's on the second hand market. the very first ebay search came up with a brand new Pronto 9400 with only 2 bids and ending in 3 hours (and very late in the night). I thought this is a good opportunity and should not be missed so decided to bid and by 1 am I ended up winning the new Pronto at half today's retail price!
I did think about ipod or ipad based control but they are still developing, not as advanced and flexible as pronto at least for now and lack hard buttons, so a dedicated remote is still the way to go for me as of today. I also looked at logitech harmonies but impression I got was they are not as flexible as prontos either.
Fingers crossed if and when the new remote arrives I am starting a bit of a learning curve as the editor Pronto Edit Pro v2 is a bit different to the software I am used to and has completely new functionality like two-way wifi communication, script plugins etc. Heck, some programming hours on these dark cold snowy evenings is not too bad. A bit of StPeters ale should help, shouldn't it?
1. Tidied up some cables recently.
I had a bunch of cables going from the main rack to the right side of the room, comprising:
To rack:
- main power
- ethernet to MacMini
- ethernet to Humax Freeview HD box
From rack:
- switched power to sub
- signal to sub (2 x phono, screened)
- signal rear speakers (2x stereo phono)
The total of 8 cables all different shapes and colours - looking rather untidy.
So I got a plastic mesh sleeve from ebay for a couple of quid, pinched the bunch of cables tightly together (temporarily) with a plastic tie and pulled the bunch through. The result is looking like that:
2. The broken Marantz RC5200 remote is back from repair. Happy with it being back I was just finishing updating its new configuration for the new system when, 1 week after the repair, it failed again. Same symptoms so I think the same fault. I actually think it was not repaired but was just reset using special access software. the repairer offered to look at it again and if it is the same fault to fix it for free. but (especially if they just reset it again) I am thinking one day it will probably fail again so was thinking of a replacement... so,
3. Thinking of a tsf9400 and knowing how expensive the modern (and just discontinued) Prontos are I decided to check what's on the second hand market. the very first ebay search came up with a brand new Pronto 9400 with only 2 bids and ending in 3 hours (and very late in the night). I thought this is a good opportunity and should not be missed so decided to bid and by 1 am I ended up winning the new Pronto at half today's retail price!
I did think about ipod or ipad based control but they are still developing, not as advanced and flexible as pronto at least for now and lack hard buttons, so a dedicated remote is still the way to go for me as of today. I also looked at logitech harmonies but impression I got was they are not as flexible as prontos either.
Fingers crossed if and when the new remote arrives I am starting a bit of a learning curve as the editor Pronto Edit Pro v2 is a bit different to the software I am used to and has completely new functionality like two-way wifi communication, script plugins etc. Heck, some programming hours on these dark cold snowy evenings is not too bad. A bit of StPeters ale should help, shouldn't it?
OK, looks like I am about to move into the final stage of the upgrades - the new receiver. I have settled on the model - Marantz SR5005 which is just out. The criteria was simple - the chapest one with all hd sound formats, pre-outs and "clean' face and discrete remote codes available.
I found the full remote codes set here: http://us.marantz.com/689.asp?category=AV&model=SR5005&go.x=14&go.y=9 (European site has nothing... why is this quite often the case that US sites have more useful stuff on them than UK?...)
I am now calling around dealers to check the price and availability.
I found the full remote codes set here: http://us.marantz.com/689.asp?category=AV&model=SR5005&go.x=14&go.y=9 (European site has nothing... why is this quite often the case that US sites have more useful stuff on them than UK?...)
I am now calling around dealers to check the price and availability.
Beautiful system! Ironically, I was just dreaming about a setup around my DAC1 and a pair of SCM50s yesterday, then I came across this thread. Wow, the 50's look really great in that setup.
Thanks!
Go for it, they are great. If over budget at the moment, you have some options:
- have them as a motivation to work harder, save and get them a bit later. for me it was a 40s birthday treat and a once in 10 years upgrade
- consider the upcoming AVI ADM40 (info on avi forum), they should be as good or, who knows, may be better!
- get 2nd hand classic version of atc 50s, you can save really a lot compared to new tower version!
- get the new avi adm9s + avi sub. will be very very close in performance and unbeatable value for money
If I was buying today I would have probably ended up with avi adm 40s...
Go for it, they are great. If over budget at the moment, you have some options:
- have them as a motivation to work harder, save and get them a bit later. for me it was a 40s birthday treat and a once in 10 years upgrade
- consider the upcoming AVI ADM40 (info on avi forum), they should be as good or, who knows, may be better!
- get 2nd hand classic version of atc 50s, you can save really a lot compared to new tower version!
- get the new avi adm9s + avi sub. will be very very close in performance and unbeatable value for money
If I was buying today I would have probably ended up with avi adm 40s...
AlmaataKZ said:
The 50s are out of my budget for the time being (definitely something I hope to treat myself to someday, though). I'm looking more in the range of the ADM9s at the moment. Problem being that I already have a Benchmark DAC1, so I'd rather just get a pair of active speakers without a built in DAC.
steve_1979
Well-known member
steve_1979 said:Nice pictures alma.
That's probably the best hifi I've ever seen. Soooo jealous.
Thanks, Steve. Enjoying it. :cheers: If only my walls were a bit thicker...
steve_1979
Well-known member
AlmaataKZ said:
It's amazing how loud I can play music with bothering anybody. I'm so glad that I live in an old Victorian house with thick solid brickwalls throughout.
:rockout:
Ajani said:
I also own a Benchmark DAC1. When I got my ADM9Ts, I relegated the DAC1 to second system duties. I'm probably going to sell it now to retrospectively help fund the purchase of my ADM40s.
What I'm suggesting is that there's no actual performance advantage (sound-wise) over the inbuilt DAC so you might as well realise its monetary value to help finance the ADM purchase (either '9s or '40s).
If I sell it I'll get a cheap pro-audio USB DAC to replace it as a pre/head-amp - I'm sure it will sound as good.
Phileas said:
I agree. I did compare the Benchmark with SB Touch and found no difference in sound. I will certainly not be able to tell one from the other in a blind test.
After unpacking I had to dash off to get some XLR cables. Again, the dealer failed me a bit here - the deal was that the speakers will come with the cables. Nope, did not happen. So I am off to my local hi-fi shop (5min walk) to check if they had any 2-3 m XLR cables. And they have them! Fantastic! How much? What?! 250?! Errmm... But I only need a normal XLR connector. No? Oh, well.
Off to Tottenham Court Road to the pro audio shops. 15 min trip and yes of cause they have lots, choice of lengths and makes. 30 quid for the pair (and that was not the cheapest - nice, quality connector).
While I am there I spot two items of marginal value bling: a small cheapo model saxophone that I thought looked nice and a pair of small LED clip-on lights that musicians use for lighting up their music sheets in orchestras etc. So I get myself those too. I always wanted a small model musical instrument to stand on my rack. And the lights - I was not sure but they could light the rack somehow, potentially adding to the looks - I thought I would try some. They are only 5 quid each or something.
Back home. Slide the speakers in place and connect. So, here they are, ready to rock! (and decorated by some towels, bananas and a model saxophone).
Jaxwired, you may want to put some sunglasses on....
Off to Tottenham Court Road to the pro audio shops. 15 min trip and yes of cause they have lots, choice of lengths and makes. 30 quid for the pair (and that was not the cheapest - nice, quality connector).
While I am there I spot two items of marginal value bling: a small cheapo model saxophone that I thought looked nice and a pair of small LED clip-on lights that musicians use for lighting up their music sheets in orchestras etc. So I get myself those too. I always wanted a small model musical instrument to stand on my rack. And the lights - I was not sure but they could light the rack somehow, potentially adding to the looks - I thought I would try some. They are only 5 quid each or something.
Back home. Slide the speakers in place and connect. So, here they are, ready to rock! (and decorated by some towels, bananas and a model saxophone).
Jaxwired, you may want to put some sunglasses on....
... and from assembled to installed.
This is the walnut finish with black glass, shelf spacing is 105mm (optional free), 155mm (standard) and 200mm (optional +40GBP). Optional spike shoes are also included (these turned out to be of not very high quality - I would have preferred more solid ones and bigger in diameter).
The space on the top shelf is reserved for the new centre channel speaker (ATC C1C). I also plan to fit a freeview HD box a bit later (hoping that choice and prices, as well as availability of content will improve during this year).
I would also like to replace the receiver at some point with a relatively compact one but with modern HD sound decoding to use the full bluray potential.
This is the walnut finish with black glass, shelf spacing is 105mm (optional free), 155mm (standard) and 200mm (optional +40GBP). Optional spike shoes are also included (these turned out to be of not very high quality - I would have preferred more solid ones and bigger in diameter).
The space on the top shelf is reserved for the new centre channel speaker (ATC C1C). I also plan to fit a freeview HD box a bit later (hoping that choice and prices, as well as availability of content will improve during this year).
I would also like to replace the receiver at some point with a relatively compact one but with modern HD sound decoding to use the full bluray potential.
So, here is the latest addition: Marantz SR 5005 joining the system:
The old TEAC has to go. I like it a lot. It is compact (midi-sized), well-specified (even has pre-outs) and reasonably powerfull (50W per channel) receiver. I have not decided yet what to do with it - keep it for some undefined extra system or smth or sell it.
The Marantz out of the box is very substantial and solid...
... and good looking.
Clean front is one of the reasons I chose it. I also like the Marantz logo.
A nice programmable remote and a set-up mic.
Because of new boxes' sizes I needed to swap the shelves on the rack so adding the Marants was actually a majour re-shuffle of all the kit - disconnect and remove everything, swap shelves, move kit around, install and reconnect. Took me a good half of the day!
Here is a shot of the music part of the system standing proud on its own: MacMini 2009, Benchmark DAC1 HDR and a 500GB LaCie USB hard-drive for back-up.
These babies work really well and I highly recommend a similar set-up to anyone, e.g. a 2010 MacMini, the Benchmark and active ATCs.
Usually, when I get a new piece of kit I initially use its own remote for several days - this way I know which functions I really use most frequently. I then program those into the universal remote and put the original remote away, taking it out very rarely when I need some advanced commands.
Here is a small crowd of the remotes for all the kit:
And here is what they are replaced with: Marantz RC5200 - an almost 10-year-old touchscreen universal remote.
It is quite chunky (the modern ones are of casue smaller, lighter, colour-screened and cheaper), but it works very well and is quite advanced, so is still very much a keeper.
Another part of MacMini control is of cause mouse and keyboard. These are used mainly for import of files and library management and are not necessary day to day for playback.
And a couple of clip-on LED lights. I got them in a music shop - orchestra musicians use them to light up the sheets of music. They are very handy for lighting up the back of the rack when sorting connections. Flexible arms, clip-on holder and very cheap.
So, the system is finally complete with a modern receiver.
Listening impressions and pics of the complete system to follow.
The old TEAC has to go. I like it a lot. It is compact (midi-sized), well-specified (even has pre-outs) and reasonably powerfull (50W per channel) receiver. I have not decided yet what to do with it - keep it for some undefined extra system or smth or sell it.
The Marantz out of the box is very substantial and solid...
... and good looking.
Clean front is one of the reasons I chose it. I also like the Marantz logo.
A nice programmable remote and a set-up mic.
Because of new boxes' sizes I needed to swap the shelves on the rack so adding the Marants was actually a majour re-shuffle of all the kit - disconnect and remove everything, swap shelves, move kit around, install and reconnect. Took me a good half of the day!
Here is a shot of the music part of the system standing proud on its own: MacMini 2009, Benchmark DAC1 HDR and a 500GB LaCie USB hard-drive for back-up.
These babies work really well and I highly recommend a similar set-up to anyone, e.g. a 2010 MacMini, the Benchmark and active ATCs.
Usually, when I get a new piece of kit I initially use its own remote for several days - this way I know which functions I really use most frequently. I then program those into the universal remote and put the original remote away, taking it out very rarely when I need some advanced commands.
Here is a small crowd of the remotes for all the kit:
And here is what they are replaced with: Marantz RC5200 - an almost 10-year-old touchscreen universal remote.
It is quite chunky (the modern ones are of casue smaller, lighter, colour-screened and cheaper), but it works very well and is quite advanced, so is still very much a keeper.
Another part of MacMini control is of cause mouse and keyboard. These are used mainly for import of files and library management and are not necessary day to day for playback.
And a couple of clip-on LED lights. I got them in a music shop - orchestra musicians use them to light up the sheets of music. They are very handy for lighting up the back of the rack when sorting connections. Flexible arms, clip-on holder and very cheap.
So, the system is finally complete with a modern receiver.
Listening impressions and pics of the complete system to follow.
Finally got to reducing the output level on the Benchmark.
The factory setting on the xlr outs is -20dB which with ATC SCM 50s results in vol setting of abt 8.30 o'clock for normal listening:
A bit too low.
According to the Benchmark's manual and Ken Rockwell's measurements the volume pot has better channel matching at higher levels. Benchmark recommend around 11 o'clock position so I need to get the dac out and change the output jumpers.
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/sites/default/files/documents/DAC1%20HDR%20Manual%20RevI.pdf
http://kenrockwell.com/audio/benchmark/dac1-hdr.htm#meas
So, DAC out
8 screws out, case off
Default setting of the 4 jumpers
The only lower setting is -30dB which should be enough to get into the right range
Screws in
Back on the rack. This results in normal levels at vol setting of abt 11 o'clock. Perfect.
Recalibrate the HT bypass
The auto set up is quite accurate.
Put some music on!
The factory setting on the xlr outs is -20dB which with ATC SCM 50s results in vol setting of abt 8.30 o'clock for normal listening:
A bit too low.
According to the Benchmark's manual and Ken Rockwell's measurements the volume pot has better channel matching at higher levels. Benchmark recommend around 11 o'clock position so I need to get the dac out and change the output jumpers.
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/sites/default/files/documents/DAC1%20HDR%20Manual%20RevI.pdf
http://kenrockwell.com/audio/benchmark/dac1-hdr.htm#meas
So, DAC out
8 screws out, case off
Default setting of the 4 jumpers
The only lower setting is -30dB which should be enough to get into the right range
Screws in
Back on the rack. This results in normal levels at vol setting of abt 11 o'clock. Perfect.
Recalibrate the HT bypass
The auto set up is quite accurate.
Put some music on!
thanks, pa.
the room is smaller, but I'd say not dramatically. was 4.5 x 7, now 4.5 x 5? what you see in the pic is the recess, there is another 1m of width on one side of it and a further 80cm on the other and the speakers are firing along the lengths of the room so they do not sound or look too big.
still have not tried the sub - travelling, weddings and today a flood in the flat (still have to check the damage downstairs!!!) did not leave much time recently. maybe tomorrow.
the room is smaller, but I'd say not dramatically. was 4.5 x 7, now 4.5 x 5? what you see in the pic is the recess, there is another 1m of width on one side of it and a further 80cm on the other and the speakers are firing along the lengths of the room so they do not sound or look too big.
still have not tried the sub - travelling, weddings and today a flood in the flat (still have to check the damage downstairs!!!) did not leave much time recently. maybe tomorrow.
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