HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: Joe Sharkey <joe@jshark.inet-uk.co.uk>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Benefits of high-current design?
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 01:27:01 GMT
Organization: Independent Network (UK)
	id m0n9m1d-0000FjC; Thu, 7 Jan 93 01:27 GMT
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <1ic5ecINNmpo@uwm.edu> cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu (Cal Lott) writes:
>	While shopping at my friendly hi-fi dealer last weekend, the
>owner made a comment about amplifiers that can deliver a great deal
>of current. One of the benefits that he claimed for a high-current
>design was better sound, specifically in the midrange.

Who's week-end trip had he been on?

>	Does anyone care to comment on this statement?

Ignore him!   Bass I'd go along with, but "midrange"??

>	The amplifier that I eventually purchased was a Parasound
>HCA-500. The manufacturer claims that it can deliver 50wpc into 8
>ohms and 75wpc into 4 ohm. (RMS output.)

It has a lousy power supply.  Not even "pretty good".

A *decent* amplifier that puts out 50W -> 8 ohms should give 100W -> 4
and 200W -> 2 ohms. --  With enough current delivery...

As far as "current limiting", ignore those postings.  That would tend
to give 50/25/12 (8/4/2 ohm) for a limited max current.

>ohms and 75wpc into 4 ohm. (RMS output.) They also claim 10 amps
>average current and 20 amps peak. Does this strike anyone as being
>a particularly good current rating? If so, why?

It's nonsense. Garbage. Meaningless.

As you turn up the volume, you draw more current.  This tends to lower the
available "charge" in the PSU, especially if the psu is under-rated. Hence,
as you "up" the volume, you get relatively less volume (the psu cannot cope.)

Your amp has a puny psu -- cannot even manage full load current into 4 ohms.

My own amp, home built, is nominally 100W/channel. It produces (almost!)
400W/ch into 4 ohms and 600W/ch into 1 ohm: 25 Amps ave :-)

BTW: MOSFETs (and valves) do not usually need current-limiting circuitry.
     (As MOSFETs pass more current, the get hotter and so reduce the current
     flowing.)

     Voltage protection, especially at switch-on, is another matter.
     Whee - my turn-on surge is around 900W for a few msec! Sure glad of
     the relay in there!

>
>					-Cal
>--
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Cal Lott          "Oh, I see-- I thought 'no' meant 'spoon'!" --Dan
>Email me, baby!   cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu   cjl1@midway.uchicago.edu
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>


-- 
Joe Sharkey      joe@jshark.inet-uk.co.uk      ...!uunet!ibmpcug!jshark!joe
150 Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Herts AL1 4JA, UK        Got a real domain name
(+44) 727 838662           Mail/News Feeds (v32/v32bis): info@inet-uk.co.uk
From: hull@diva.Berkeley.EDU (Christopher Hull)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Carmina Burana
Date: 4 Jan 1993 20:57:45 GMT
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

>The best recording of Carmina Burana is the Telarc Recording with the
>Atlanta Symphony.  I'm not just saying this because I sat in on the
>recording session; I'd say it anyway because it's a good sounding
>recording.  The dynamics are nice and clean, the voices are realistic,
>and the performance is nothing short of spectacular.  Try to ignore
>the bass imaging problems (which you probably wouldn't have noticed
>anyway if I hadn't mentioned them).
>--scott

I am very familiar with the Telarc of Carmina Burana. While I agree that it
is a good recording , I have noticed some problems with it. The most obvious is
on the crecendo at the end of the work. It is quite distorted, and there as
a grainy quility to the sound (especially to the voices). The sybol crash 
sound more like breaking glass.  

In fairness, I doubt  that there is a recording that does justice to this 
great work. It has such a wide dynamic range that digital cannot expect
to capture it with a mere 16 bits. 


Chris Hull
From: D.Robert.Spexet@math.lsa.umich.edu (D. Robert Spexet II)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: What became of Threshold?
Date: 8 Jan 1993 18:51:14 GMT
Organization: University of Michigan, Mathematics Department, Ann Arbor
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <rec-audio-high-end@cis.ohio-state.edu>); Fri, 8 Jan 1993 13:51:18 -0500
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

I notice that Threshold (Nelson Pass' company, makers of the Statis
technology that is used in some amps) no longer seems to exist.

What ever became of this company?


-- 
D. Robert Spexet II, N0OKR   Internet:  spexet@umich.edu, dspexet@attmail.com
Department of Mathematics    BITnet:    user68xr@umichum.bitnet
The University of Michigan   UUCP:      uunet!mailrus!math.lsa.umich.edu!spexet
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109    ATTMail:   !dspexet
From: "Sheldon  Stokes" <Sheldon__Stokes@qmgate.arc.nasa.gov>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Technical Questions about ESLs
Date: 11 Jan 1993 08:33:23 U
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

                       Subject:                               Time:8:18 AM
  OFFICE MEMO          Technical Questions about ESL's        Date:1/11/93
Hello,
I have a couple of technical questions concerning electrostatic loudspeakers.  
1)  Is the membrane that is electrostatically charged semi-condustive, or is it
just a piece of mylar?  I am assuming that there is a conductiv4e strip at the
top and bottom that a DC power supply is attached to.  What sort of potential
is applied to this membrane (the Acustat 1+1 use a plug in transformer like a
portable cassette deck would use; this leads me to believe that the potential
is small)?  Is one side grounded and the other side held at a raised potential?
 
2)  The plates on each side of the membrane have a high voltage signal applied
to them via a step up transformer.  What is the winding ratio of that
transformer usually?

I have read the debate on speaker modeling, and if an ESL is a short at DC.  I
understand the principal that they work under, but am not sure of the values.  

Thanks,
Sheldon
sheldon_stokes@qmgate.dfrf.nasa.gov
From: bbx!bbx.basis.com!scott@unmvax.cs.unm.edu (Scott Amspoker)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: equipment upgrade questions
Date: 5 Jan 93 20:43:50 GMT
Organization: BASIS International, Ltd., Albuquerque NM USA
	id <AA05256@unmvax.cs.unm.edu>; Tue, 5 Jan 93 13:50:36 -0700
Distribution: rec
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


In article <1ic5e6INNmpg@uwm.edu> cs6h+@andrew.cmu.edu (Craig Stark) writes:
>I would give the inexpensive D/A a shot.  I'm personally using an
>Audio Alchemy D/A along with their DTI anti-jitter device.  The DTI
>cures that which ails many inexpensive transports and is quite cheap
>to boot...

Hmmm.  I never really thought about an anti-jitter box.  I own a
Digital Domain FCN-1 ($450) format converter box.  It is primarily
designed to pass a digital audio stream through allowing the tweaking
of certain channel bits and converting between pro and consumer
connectors.  The manual for this box discusses jitter at great length
and boasts about how the FCN-1 is designed to substantially reduce
jitter.  Does anybody have any experience with this box as an
anti-jitter device?

-- 
Scott Amspoker                       |    
Basis International, Albuquerque, NM |  Too bad ignorance isn't really
                                     |  bliss.  Then it could be outlawed.
scott@bbx.basis.com                  |
From: <chandrup@engin.umich.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: FOR SALE: Adcom GFA555
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 93 13:15:56 -0500
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


FOR SALE: ADCOM GFA 555 power amplifier
                   (Mark I)

	rated at 200 Watts into 8 ohms

	A very powerful, clean, and highly rated amplifier
   
PRICE: $550.00 or best offer

	If you have any questions, I can be contacted at
		chandrup@engin.umich.edu

This is an incredible amplifier and I am selling it so I can
upgrade to a pair of ADCOM 565 monoblock amplifiers.

				Sreekanth
From: sgg5e@galen.med.Virginia.EDU (Stephen G. Graber)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Amp recommendations for Duntech speakers, please
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 17:04:37 GMT
Organization: University of Virginia
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <1ihfb7INNhmd@uwm.edu> gmaltby@unpcs1.cs.unp.ac.za (Gavin Maltby) writes:
>Hi all,
>
>A friend has just acquired a pair of Duntech Sovereign 2001's, and
>we're looking for advice on partnering electronics.  A basic requirement
>
>I'd like to hear from anybody that can suggest suitable amps, especially
>if you have used them on a big pair of Ducntechs.  Amps under consideration
>are:
>
>Musical Fidelity A370
>Musical Fidelity A470
>Classe (all models)
>van den Hul's (both models)
>Chord SPM1200
>Jeff Rowland (all models)
>

I'd suggest the new hybrid monoblocks from Counterpoint- can't
remember their model number, but they're the best Counterpoint makes.
Cost is $8500-$9500 a pair, 120-150 wpc(?), and Counterpoint claims
they'll deliver full current into a dead short!

Anyway, my brother has searched long and hard for the right amps to
drive his Thiel 5s and these seem to suit.  I was particularly
impressed with the liquidity of their mids and highs.  They sounded
effortless, even at very high volumes.  The bass was also very tight
and well defined, none of the softness and lack of control sometimes
associated with tubes (ie. Jadis Defy 7 sounded wonderful but failed
the bass test).  I'm no lover of Thiels in particular, but the 5s
sounded really good with these amps.
--
Stephen G. Graber                  sgg5e@Virginia.EDU
Department of Pharmacology         
University of Virginia             work: (804) 924-9977
Charlottesville, VA 22908          home  (804) 973-1283
From: "Donald S. Chiu" (AED-EWD) <dchiu@PICA.ARMY.MIL>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: WANTED : Heath Kit W6M Modification
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 93 8:52:28 EST
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Recently I acquired a pair of Heath Kit W6M amps.  They are in good
sounding condition.  Could someone tell me how and where I can improve
the sound of these amps.  I had no background on electronics so any
modifications will be done by outside shops.  Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.

Don Chiu
From: HENSONSA%WHITMAN.BITNET@CORNELLC.cit.cornell.edu
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Upgrade path and misc. Rega comments/questions.
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 22:25 PDT
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
   with BSMTP id 7961; Thu, 07 Jan 93 01:26:48 EST
 <01GT7QGSMTLC0005K8@WHITMAN.BITNET>; Wed, 6 Jan 1993 22:25 PDT
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In regards to system upgrading (especially all the comments regarding a new D/A
converter) you might just want to wait the year or so (I know, a veritable
lifetime to many audiophiles) for HDCD to hit the market.  If the initial
coverage of this D/A system is even remotely accurate, it's going to be a hell
of an improvement over the currently available "perfect sound forever" CD
format.  Some have even said it is as good as analogue (see January '93
Stereophile-"As We See It" for most recent commentary).  Other than that, try
the Sumo Theorem or the Theta Pro Basic II if you can't wait.  I have heard
the latter and it was *very* nice, if not up to topnotch vinal reproductions
standards.

On to other things.  I posted a while back about Rega 'tables and tweaks
necessary to improve the sound, specifically the use of the Sumiko arm wrap.
To this I also add replacing the standard feet with Mod Squad (or any other
brand--it's what I had on hand) TipToes and a 1/4" layer of BluTack acting as
a dampner/adhesive.  It is a very cost effective and noticable improvement in
the bass and midrange (probably a lot of it due to isolation from footfalls and
bounces caused by my dog).  Now a question.  Does anyone have any experience
with the Rega cartridges?  My local Rega dealer (of course) has said that they
are exceptional with the Planar 3/RB300, however, I have not heard anything
about them in the stereo rags.  Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

Derek
From: tom@dynamo.ecn.purdue.edu (Tom McCain)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Thorens TD 166 MkII
Date: 10 Jan 93 01:53:21 GMT
Organization: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


I have a Thorens TD 166 MkII that I no longer use and am wondering what to
do with it.  I thought about trying to sell it but I doubt if many
people are not interested in a totally manual belt driven turntable.

So I'm wondering, does anyone know if this beast is worth much?  It's
in perfect condition and still looks new.  Thanks a lot!

--tom
--
	    Tom McCain            tom@dynamo.ecn.purdue.edu

 We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities.
 		-- Walt Kelly, "Pogo"
From: Craig Stark <cs6h+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Homemade Interconnect -- experience and question
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 11:40:00 -0500 (EST)
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
          ID </afs/andrew.cmu.edu/service/mailqs/q002/QF.ofIO=ie00jWRE0eoJW>;
          Mon, 11 Jan 1993 11:40:15 -0500 (EST)
          ID </afs/andrew.cmu.edu/usr2/cs6h/.Outgoing/QF.4fIO=WG00jWRQOjEoZ>;
          Mon, 11 Jan 1993 11:40:03 -0500 (EST)
          via MS.5.6.isengard.psy.cmu.edu.pmax_ul4;
          Mon, 11 Jan 1993 11:40:00 -0500 (EST)
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

You mention that in the wiring, you did the following:

>for shielded twisted pair,
>connect the center conductors to the signal, and tie (only at the
>source, CD for my case) the shield to the RCA shell.

Does this mean that you do not run a ground line?  Ideally, one of the
cables will run a ground from RCA shell to RCA shell.  Running more
than one ground will cause loops, but not running any will make you
use the AC line as your ground reference.  Not a very low impedance
path to ground for your signal.  (Hence your hum).  Note, that the
normal practice is to ground the shield at one end only and to run one
of the twisted pair cables as a ground line.

I've been using some Neglex cable out of Old Colony Sound Labs for a
little while now, but have yet to do any critical tests.  Neglex uses
twin twisted pairs + shield, FYI.

Craig Stark
From: qchorn@mtu.edu (Horn)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: INFO WANTED: Philips CDC935 CD Changer
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 23:09:52 GMT
Organization: Michigan Technological University
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


I am considering the purchase of a Philips CDC935 CD changer which I
recently found for $250.  Since I currently cannot afford an expensive
player (I'm a college student), I thought that this would be a good
player because it has digital outputs and in the future I could buy an
external D/A processor (Audio Alchemy has the "Digital Decoding Engine"
for about $400).  Would this be a smart thing to do?  Will the
inexpensive tracking, etc., on the Philips CD player degrade the sound
quality even if it is plugged into an external D/A processor or is the
sound quality of a CD player dependent only upon the quality of the D/A
processor?  Would the $650 I would spend on the CD player and external
D/A processor combination be better spent on an "All In One" unit?
Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give me.


Quinn C. Horn Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Michigan
Technological University
From: A10035@email.mot.com (Scott Lindsey)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Benefits of high-current design?
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1993 15:50:29 GMT
Organization: Motorola Corp. Man. Res. Ctr.
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <1ic5ecINNmpo@uwm.edu>, cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu (Cal Lott) writes:
> 
> 	While shopping at my friendly hi-fi dealer last weekend, the
> owner made a comment about amplifiers that can deliver a great deal
> of current. One of the benefits that he claimed for a high-current
> design was better sound, specifically in the midrange.
> 
> 	The amplifier that I eventually purchased was a Parasound
> HCA-500. The manufacturer claims that it can deliver 50wpc into 8
> ohms and 75wpc into 4 ohm. (RMS output.) They also claim 10 amps
> average current and 20 amps peak. Does this strike anyone as being
> a particularly good current rating? If so, why?
> 

I don't know if it's good or bad. My Harmon Kardon 870 amp has an 
instantaneous current rating of 60 amps (100 W/Channel). It is about 
8 years old. So I would say that 20 amp peak would probably not be 
called "particularly good" but probably "pretty good." (How's that
for technical grading!!!)

It's interesting that the midrange was mentioned, because the most 
listenable difference in HK amps from other amps in competion (at the 
time) was the remarkable difference in midrange clarity. Did you
buy in Chicago???
From: nm1@ukc.ac.uk (N.McBride)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: UK vs US Magazines
Date: 5 Jan 93 11:03:40 GMT
Organization: Computing Lab, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK.
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


I am prompted by some postings that I saw in the rec.audio group
concerning the opinions expressed in the US mag Stereophile. It
was basically being accused of never coming clean and saying which
is the outstanding equipment and why.

Now, when I was last in the States (I live in the UK) I picked up
a couple of mags and have to say that I tend to agree with the 
opinion above. In the UK, the better mags tend to tell you how
a piece of equipment faired in terms of the important things
like timing, pitch, dynamics etc and will also often give you
the lab results (freq response, distortion figures, harmonic
spectrum etc), and then say outright whether they think it is
any good or not. This I like (although I still only really
trust my own ears and that of my tried and tested dealer).

I wonder, are there any US mags that take this straight forward
informative approach - I would really like to read some of them.


Neil McBride
Physics Department
University of Kent
UK
From: worden@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (elizabeth worden)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: used speakers wanted
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 19:54:49 GMT
Organization: Indiana University
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Summary: Celestion SL-6, Vandersteen 2ci, or Heybrook speakers wanted
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

I am looking for used speakers in good condition at a fair price. 
Anyone out there upgrading?
From: mike@banana.fedex.com (Mike Bearden)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: FOR SALE: Purist Digital Cable
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 16:19:27 GMT
Organization: Federal Express Corp.
Distribution: rec
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


      FOR SALE: Purist Audio Design Digital Cable          $165

      List price: $350
      1 Meter
      New style with mesh
      price includes shipping
      RCA/RCA connections


      Mike Bearden
      Memphis, TN
      (901)797-6350 work/days
      (901)756-8517 home/nights
From: europe@europe.corp.sgi.com (Patrick Renvoise)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Wanted high end D/A
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 19:38:53 GMT
Organization: Silicon Graphics, Inc.
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

Hi stereophiles,

I'm currently using a Audio Alchemy DDE but I think I could improve my system by upgrading the D/A.
Does any body have a Sumo Theorem or a Theta Pro BasicII or a Museatex or a PS Audio (Ultralink or Digital link) for sale? Any other good deal on a good D/A?

Also, has any body heard the new Pioneer CD 80 with the ultra analog D/A?
Thanks.
-- 
Patrick Renvoise  Tel (415)390-3525 Fax (415)961-0573
Silicon Graphics International Marketing
/----------------------------------------------------------------------\
| "Il faut cultiver notre jardin." Voltaire (last phrase of Candide)   |
| "It is necessary to cultivate our garden." (1st level translation)   |
\----------------------------------------------------------------------/
From: jjk@astro.UMD.EDU
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: FOR SALE:  VANDERSTEEN 'B' SPEAKERS
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 14:34:03 -0500
Organization: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Return-Path: <jjk@astro.UMD.EDU>
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

*****  VANDERSTEEN 'B' SPEAKERS  *****  VANDERSTEEN 'B' SPEAKERS
*****

*****          FOR SALE          *****         FOR SALE
*****

A pair of oak wood finished speakers, nearly new but look pristine.
These speakers need a good home with someone who really appreciates
music and enjoys the sound of crisp tones and high-end audio quality.
The speakers come with their own bases (these are floor model
speakers)
that can be somewhat customized to bring out more bass in the sound.
They are not for small apartment dwellers, as the sound would be
'cramped' and not appreciated in this type setting.  The speakers
stand approximately 4 feet tall when mounted on bases.

I have the original cartons and warranties, along with 15 feet of
heavy duty speaker cabling and gold-tipped banana plugs.  I am moving
and will not be able to transport them with me, as space is at a
premium.  I invested $1600 in the speakers/stands/cabling/plugs,
will sell for best offer over $1100 (this includes transporation to
your home -- they weigh 72 lbs each when packed in cartons).

Please call Diane at (301) 937-2176, or email 98:BURNS.

[or try diane.burns@dialcom.Tymnet.COM if on internet]
From: nasiom@rpi.edu (Milton Peter Nasiopoulos)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: output x-formers wanted (need source for new ones)
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1993 03:26:17 GMT
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.
Reply-To: nasiom@rpi.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


anyone know a place where I can get output transformers for uses in tube amps?
any help would be appreciated!

thanks

milt.