Need advice: Pulse is less than natural

[Clare Newsome]

Sorreltiger:
Perhaps this just bears out some of the stories we read about contemporary pop being created for mp3/radio/disco with production values that are laid bare by good quality hi-fi? I must say I'm amazed when I read reviews in which components are sometimes tested by listening to that kind of (non-acoustic) music.

Why, when it's what a heck of a lot of people listen to on a daily basis?

In our view, any review should be conducted with a wide range of musical genres and recording qualities. We test with a big variety of styles/discs - including buying new releases each month that we can use alongside known favourites/references.

Many products can put up a good showing with 'audiophile' discs, but come unstuck given something more challenging.

In fact you can sometimes tell if a particular product designer likes a certain style of music, as they'll tune their kit to sound amazing with that genre. Give it something else, however....

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Sorreltiger:
My 2 penn'orth: when I bought my Pulse, I was generally delighted with the sound. As you also commented, PP, there is a fabulous dynamic range, going from almost tactile immediacy in quiet vocals to the grunt to deliver on big orchestral climaxes without strain. I did notice a bit of 'closed off' hardness, which I thought might be down to my CD72. This gave me the excuse for an upgrade (!) and a trip along the M69 to HiFix. The resulting Rega Saturn has certainly made a big difference - there is just a lot more 'air' and refinement now. In your case, from what I've read of the Wharfedales, they may be part of the problem too.

However, I still find some CDs quite unpleasant to listen to, with a mix that's much too compressed and artificial. The Plan B CD springs to mind, along with Amy Winehouse. However, I've just been listening to the new Dunedin Consort B Minor Mass and the SQ is fabulous. My old Elton John (sorry, it's my age) such as GBYBR and Captain Fantastic are brilliant recordings - thanks, Gus Dudgeon!

Perhaps this just bears out some of the stories we read about contemporary pop being created for mp3/radio/disco with production values that are laid bare by good quality hi-fi? I must say I'm amazed when I read reviews in which components are sometimes tested by listening to that kind of (non-acoustic) music.

That's interesting as I love the Plan B album and Amy Winehouse through my system

 

[plastic penguin]

Thanks for the contributions guys.

I don't think there's one aspect that causing my slight discontent: The room acoustics has always been geared towards the safety of my little one. with thick soft carpets throughout, soft furnishings, a bookcase, a dining room table etc. etc.

Yes, also the CD73 is on the warm side, as Matthew pointed out and is better geared towards the A65 or Alpha amps. Also another contributing factor is the Arcs have tone controls, and usually I have the treble whacked up to the max (no reference to Maxflinn

) and this gives it a real jingly sound. The sound just needs to open up a little and my intention from day one was to change the other components as and when.

I don't necessarily agree with drummerman's comments, although I understand where he's coming from. About a week after purchasing the A65 I wasn't totally convinced by the sound - it really lived up to the reputation of being a good rather than exceptional performer. But slowly, upgraded all the cables, changed the CDP and the speakers. I still maintain, after hearing so many different amps over the years (crikey, I've heard some) the synergy between MA and Arcam is still pretty much unbeatable for the money.

As regards the comparison between the Wharfedale speakers and Monitor Audio RS6s is interesting: although the MAs have more punch, detail, dynamics, imaging etc. the balance of sound with Wharfedale and Leema is far more palletable. Perhaps there is some truth in the old adage: "Less is more".

When I get the Leema back from repair I'll drag my old Rotel RCD 975 from the loft and see how that changes things. I've always maintained the Rotel is fantastic: It's the 73T minus the warmth.

Note to ESP: I used a metaphor when I described the Leema and setting my trousers in flames. Referring to the speed of the sound (friction) as opposed to the sonic qualities...

 

[ESP2009]

plastic penguin:

Thanks for the contributions guys.

I don't think there's one aspect that causing my slight discontent: The room acoustics has always been geared towards the safety of my little one. with thick soft carpets throughout, soft furnishings, a bookcase, a dining room table etc. etc.

Yes, also the CD73 is on the warm side, as Matthew pointed out and is better geared towards the A65 or Alpha amps. Also another contributing factor is the Arcs have tone controls, and usually I have the treble whacked up to the max (no reference to Maxflinn

) and this gives it a real jingly sound. The sound just needs to open up a little and my intention from day one was to change the other components as and when.

I don't necessarily agree with drummerman's comments, although I understand where he's coming from. About a week after purchasing the A65 I wasn't totally convinced by the sound - it really lived up to the reputation of being a good rather than exceptional performer. But slowly, upgraded all the cables, changed the CDP and the speakers. I still maintain, after hearing so many different amps over the years (crikey, I've heard some) the synergy between MA and Arcam is still pretty much unbeatable for the money.

As regards the comparison between the Wharfedale speakers and Monitor Audio RS6s is interesting: although the MAs have more punch, detail, dynamics, imaging etc. the balance of sound with Wharfedale and Leema is far more palletable. Perhaps there is some truth in the old adage: "Less is more".

When I get the Leema back from repair I'll drag my old Rotel RCD 975 from the loft and see how that changes things. I've always maintained the Rotel is fantastic: It's the 73T minus the warmth.

Note to ESP: I used a metaphor when I described the Leema and setting my trousers in flames. Referring to the speed of the sound (friction) as opposed to the sonic qualities...

I look forward to the continuation of the llama-saga or lemur-feature...

I reckon the first track played upon its return should be the Prodigy's Firestarter. Or maybe the Trammps' Disco Inferno?

 

[ID.]

How do you feel about nordost cables? Although it sounds like SHBs might be a cheaper way of experimenting in that direction.

Nordost don't get a lot of love on this forum. Probably a bit overpriced. Can work wonderfully with the right kit.

 

[plastic penguin]

ID.:

How do you feel about nordost cables? Although it sounds like SHBs might be a cheaper way of experimenting in that direction.

Nordost don't get a lot of love on this forum. Probably a bit overpriced. Can work wonderfully with the right kit.

Couldn't tell you to be fair. I've never heard them, but I think it'll need a silver cable. This is why I asked about speaker cables last week.

 

[drummerman]

plastic penguin:

Thanks for the contributions guys.

I don't think there's one aspect that causing my slight discontent: The room acoustics has always been geared towards the safety of my little one. with thick soft carpets throughout, soft furnishings, a bookcase, a dining room table etc. etc.

Yes, also the CD73 is on the warm side, as Matthew pointed out and is better geared towards the A65 or Alpha amps. Also another contributing factor is the Arcs have tone controls, and usually I have the treble whacked up to the max (no reference to Maxflinn

) and this gives it a real jingly sound. The sound just needs to open up a little and my intention from day one was to change the other components as and when.

I don't necessarily agree with drummerman's comments, although I understand where he's coming from. About a week after purchasing the A65 I wasn't totally convinced by the sound - it really lived up to the reputation of being a good rather than exceptional performer. But slowly, upgraded all the cables, changed the CDP and the speakers. I still maintain, after hearing so many different amps over the years (crikey, I've heard some) the synergy between MA and Arcam is still pretty much unbeatable for the money.

As regards the comparison between the Wharfedale speakers and Monitor Audio RS6s is interesting: although the MAs have more punch, detail, dynamics, imaging etc. the balance of sound with Wharfedale and Leema is far more palletable. Perhaps there is some truth in the old adage: "Less is more".

When I get the Leema back from repair I'll drag my old Rotel RCD 975 from the loft and see how that changes things. I've always maintained the Rotel is fantastic: It's the 73T minus the warmth.

Note to ESP: I used a metaphor when I described the Leema and setting my trousers in flames. Referring to the speed of the sound (friction) as opposed to the sonic qualities...

Glad you like it

 

[ESP2009]

Actually, just a thought: if you want to try some SHB I/Cs I can loan you some - my little collection is currently lying idle now that I am mucking about with XLRs.

 

[plastic penguin]

The OH really got under my skin last night...

. For the last two years or thereabouts she's been very consistent in as far as stating that she doesn't want to add any additional boxes. This has, to a certain degree, influenced my decision to buys a DAC or an amp without a built-in phono stage, standmouted speakers or even bi-amping a power amp to the Arcs. Anyway, last night I explained that the Leema with need different speakers, CDPs etc. to hear it at its best. She turned to me and said: "If you was to add a power thingy, would that be the answer?" I felt like shaking her warmly by the neck.

 

[ESP2009]

plastic penguin:The OH really got under my skin last night...

. For the last two years or thereabouts she's been very consistent in as far as stating that she doesn't want to add any additional boxes. This has, to a certain degree, influenced my decision to buys a DAC or an amp without a built-in phono stage, standmouted speakers or even bi-amping a power amp to the Arcs. Anyway, last night I explained that the Leema with need different speakers, CDPs etc. to hear it at its best. She turned to me and said: "If you was to add a power thingy, would that be the answer?" I felt like shaking her warmly by the neck.

Calm, calm. Would that warm shaking involve an Arcam, by any chance?

I can tell you are agitated - your prose has lost its usual poise and accuracy.

 

[drummerman]

plastic penguin:The OH really got under my skin last night...

. For the last two years or thereabouts she's been very consistent in as far as stating that she doesn't want to add any additional boxes. This has, to a certain degree, influenced my decision to buys a DAC or an amp without a built-in phono stage, standmouted speakers or even bi-amping a power amp to the Arcs. Anyway, last night I explained that the Leema with need different speakers, CDPs etc. to hear it at its best. She turned to me and said: "If you was to add a power thingy, would that be the answer?" I felt like shaking her warmly by the neck.

Even you don't dislike one thing about your new acquisition ...

... you are surely not using your beloved as a way of telling us that perhaps, just perhaps you consider the most unlikely scenario ... I'm almost afraid to spell it ...

 

[plastic penguin]

ESP2009:

plastic penguin:The OH really got under my skin last night...

. For the last two years or thereabouts she's been very consistent in as far as stating that she doesn't want to add any additional boxes. This has, to a certain degree, influenced my decision to buys a DAC or an amp without a built-in phono stage, standmouted speakers or even bi-amping a power amp to the Arcs. Anyway, last night I explained that the Leema with need different speakers, CDPs etc. to hear it at its best. She turned to me and said: "If you was to add a power thingy, would that be the answer?" I felt like shaking her warmly by the neck.

Calm, calm. Would that warm shaking involve an Arcam, by any chance?

I can tell you are agitated - your prose has lost its usual poise and accuracy.

I'm fine. I just shook my head in disbelief after her suggestion of adding a power amp to the Arc.

 

[plastic penguin]

drummerman:plastic penguin:

Thanks for the contributions guys.

I don't think there's one aspect that causing my slight discontent: The room acoustics has always been geared towards the safety of my little one. with thick soft carpets throughout, soft furnishings, a bookcase, a dining room table etc. etc.

Yes, also the CD73 is on the warm side, as Matthew pointed out and is better geared towards the A65 or Alpha amps. Also another contributing factor is the Arcs have tone controls, and usually I have the treble whacked up to the max (no reference to Maxflinn

) and this gives it a real jingly sound. The sound just needs to open up a little and my intention from day one was to change the other components as and when.

I don't necessarily agree with drummerman's comments, although I understand where he's coming from. About a week after purchasing the A65 I wasn't totally convinced by the sound - it really lived up to the reputation of being a good rather than exceptional performer. But slowly, upgraded all the cables, changed the CDP and the speakers. I still maintain, after hearing so many different amps over the years (crikey, I've heard some) the synergy between MA and Arcam is still pretty much unbeatable for the money.

As regards the comparison between the Wharfedale speakers and Monitor Audio RS6s is interesting: although the MAs have more punch, detail, dynamics, imaging etc. the balance of sound with Wharfedale and Leema is far more palletable. Perhaps there is some truth in the old adage: "Less is more".

When I get the Leema back from repair I'll drag my old Rotel RCD 975 from the loft and see how that changes things. I've always maintained the Rotel is fantastic: It's the 73T minus the warmth.

Note to ESP: I used a metaphor when I described the Leema and setting my trousers in flames. Referring to the speed of the sound (friction) as opposed to the sonic qualities...

Glad you like it

Course I like it, and don't call me Glad...LOL

 

[plastic penguin]

drummerman:

plastic penguin:The OH really got under my skin last night...

. For the last two years or thereabouts she's been very consistent in as far as stating that she doesn't want to add any additional boxes. This has, to a certain degree, influenced my decision to buys a DAC or an amp without a built-in phono stage, standmouted speakers or even bi-amping a power amp to the Arcs. Anyway, last night I explained that the Leema with need different speakers, CDPs etc. to hear it at its best. She turned to me and said: "If you was to add a power thingy, would that be the answer?" I felt like shaking her warmly by the neck.

Even you don't dislike one thing about your new acquisition ...

... you are surely not using your beloved as a way of telling us that perhaps, just perhaps you consider the most unlikely scenario ... I'm almost afraid to spell it ...

Not what your thinking, big fella. I don't capitulate that easy...certainly won't let a slab of metal and wires beat me. My glass is always half full

 

[drummerman]

plastic penguin:

Not what your thinking, big fella. I don't capitulate that easy...certainly won't let a slab of metal and wires beat me. My glass is always half full

 

[Anonymous]

have you seen these pp ??....

 

[JoelSim]

I watched the first 15 minutes of the Grand Prix today through my speakers including the build-up on the track. Sounded very natural indeed. At the green light it was excellent, from then on the cars drove from left to right speaker, loved it.