|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
206.255.213.61
In Reply to: RE: Seems I wasted about four years posted by airtime on December 17, 2015 at 06:39:30
How should my system sound?
Is it based upon the very best recordings in my collection or do I optimize it for the lowest common denominator or simply what is most prevalent?
There is no one answer for everyone.
When evaluating new gear, my approach is to listen to a collection of reference recordings that are heads and heels above the majority of what I find in my library. While I listen to lots of less than ideal multi-tracked pop music, I return to minimally miked acoustical music to set the standard. I have a range of classical and new age music (solo piano/guitar) that fills that mold nicely. Especially when it comes to qualities like soundstaging and dynamic range.
What follows most certainly varies given the specific content, but I prefer to optimize using the best I have and adjust to less good afterwards. And continue to wish that the commercial market at large would do a better job!
Follow Ups:
did the producer and engineer produce the recording listening to decent monitors or not and does his production mix room have reasonable acoustics. And... Do they ever evaluate the mix on a quality playback system?
"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius
I am more concerned with the result than the tools used to achieve a great recording.
Though Telarc used exceptional Threshold amplifiers in their monitoring system, the ADS speakers chosen were good but not spectacular (like most all pro monitors). I think what is more important is that Renner had a masterful technique and knew the kind of live sound he wanted.
Who knows as to whether or not Telarc tried out sample recordings first on better gear. That the recordings do sound incredibly natural on better systems than were used in the recording process is most likely a testament to the engineer.
I read that they used my Threshold amp, the CAS-1, and a DB Systems preamp, which is still made. I have a pair of L180 and plan to try them with my Telarc recording (of which I have many, to see if there is a synergy. When I sold ADS, Telarc recordings sounded quite good through ADS 1290's driven by a 350 watt Perreaux amp when I sold audio equipment.
Dave
I read that they used my Threshold amp, the CAS-1, and a DB Systems preamp...Telarc used a range of Threshold amplifiers. For mastering, they used a pair of Stasis One amplifiers. Here's a pic with Bob Woods:
For the ASO recording of The Firebird where I played a minor role, they used a 400A driving ADS BC8s. The BC8 was somewhat unusual in that it was a 3 way, but employed a pair of tweeters, one above and one beside the midrange. edit: they were switchable to support vertical or horizontal cabinet mounting.
Indeed Telarc recordings can bring out the best in most any equipment. Hearing some of the MC works at Sea Cliff, however, was incredible. One of my favorites is the TAS sampler Harry gave me years ago.
Edits: 01/05/16
Nice setup! I have a few Telarc Samplers, but I don't remember anything about TAS on any of them. I have been collecting Telarcs fopr a while and have a large collection or records and CDs, which includes the Firebird on both vinyl and CD. I also have one direct-to-disk record, which a assume is an early effort.
ADS are not perfect, but their smooth, very integrated sound makes it easy to listen to music. The bigger ones are very dynamic!
Dave
which includes the Firebird on both vinyl and CD
My recording history ten minutes of fame can be found on the reverse side of the LP under "Special Thanks to" where my name is listed. I was the "official timer" to determine orchestra member pay for all the performance segments. At least I observed the entire recording process from a selected listening perch. :)
I scanned a couple of pages from the sampler (there are fourteen total) where Harry provides a written overview of why he chose each piece and what it offers. Images are huge so I'll just provide links:
Cover and back page
Intro and first piece
I found a used copy on Amazon, but it was kinda pricey.
Yes, the ADS speakers are nice. I sold them in college (my favorite was the 710) and owned a pair of related Braun LV-1020s circa '75. I later used the woofers as subs when I transitioned to Magneplanars.
But they never made the walls disappear and put you in the hall like what HP used at the time...
That must have been quite an experience! I will check my copies.
I have definitely never seen that Sampler. It would be interesting to have, but I am more inclined to listen to the pieces all the way through. I don't think I would pay sick money to buy it. 710's were/are excellent. I think the pair I have are 810's but I want to measure the woofers to make sure they are not 710's. All the tags were removed when I bought them. That is probably why I got them so cheep. I have also owned 990's, which are great if you give them lots of power. I used a VSP-Trans Mosfet. I tried and Adcom 555, which had better base, but the midrange was better on the VSP, and that is were the music is.
LV-1020s should have made an excellent subwoofer for the Maggies. Great for Telarc recordings!
Dave
I think the pair I have are 810's but I want to measure the woofers to make sure they are not 710's.
Another way to differentiate them is the 810's woofer had a butyl surround whereas the 710's woofers used foam like most of the others in the line.
I am pretty sure they are butyl, so I probably have 810's as I originally surmised.
Dave
black rubber instead of gray foam.
To pick nits, ADS used wonderful drivers but alas used "conventional" thinking in terms of cabinet design. Consequently, they are somewhat boxy sounding.
Another product we sold at the time didn't suffer this same limitation - the Dahlquist DQ-10. It did this by virtue of minimizing baffle and diffraction effects along with time aligning the drivers.
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: