[I am presently in hibernation, from all net forums, to enjoy every minute of my family and my music available during this time of the year. This break is to report minor things that may tend to have an additive (and/or addictive) SQ effect]
1. The Christmas treek, which I may have reported on before (I think) returned this year to enhance the overall sound in my room. It stands 7'+ tall, some 5 feet behind my seat and about 15' from Maggies. I get slightly more dynamic impact and better "rounded" sound. Also, far more instances of "surround sound" from just two Maggies.
2. MagRaz, an experimental adaptation of the Razoring tweak, is now up to "level 3". No longer do I have any fear of damage to my Maggies. Tried on MMGs only, so far. It means that implementation will vary by model, though it is very easy. I'll try to report in the Spring. Meanwhile, I'll reply to email inquries if "system specifics" are included. Main SQ attributes: improved overall clarity and sharpness, better instrumental textures, slightly improved dynamic impact, perhaps aided by sharper upper-bass/midrange transients. Large ensembles like choirs and orchestras stay clearer at higher volumes. Main SQ downside: slight reduction in lowest bass (typically replaced by clearer, richer and more impactful bass). Low cost, easy to apply/remove. You do need a tweaking spirit to optimize to your own system.
3. I was reminded this week that for being two-way - often same sheet of Mylar for two drivers - Maggies can be remarkably stable on intermodulation. A friend here mailed a CD to replace my lost copy of "Fresh Aire III" and some jazz music. I had never played this on my Maggies (lost the CD before I got them). DAMN, what a blast! Two MMGs ("lightly modded" including MagRaz) played "Toccata" at past 105db (peak) without signs of stress, glare or harshness. Tons of loud & clear mid/treble staccato and bass drums simultaneously. Try it if you have the disc and your Maggie + gear are in good shape. (Reposition or fix issues if huge -- often wall-busting -- soundstage fails to materialize).
4. I lost the main hard drive in my music-dedicated PC this week. A SSD (solid state drive) took its place and the SQ benefits came along also. If you have seriously undertaken high definition computer audio, the SSD should add an extra level of SQ improvement. It can be heard. It can also be measured as lower system stress (cpu & electrical/EMF noise). They are very fast loading huge music files (DSD & PCM 192/24+). To be sure, they don't fix unresolved system shortcomings. However, at the prices now being offered, SSD's make much sense for audio systems (like PCs, some players like the Oppo 105 and some other networked playback systems). BTW, if you have an Oppo 105, get the SSD for it (as external) and listen for the SQ improvement. Soundstage improvements alone may make it worth the expense.
Happy holidays!
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Topic - Hibernation Break: The Christmas Treek and a few other items - JBen 23:02:49 12/18/14 (11)
- Nice post... - Mark Man 08:15:15 12/19/14 (10)
- RE: Nice post... - JBen 20:43:05 12/19/14 (0)
- RE: Nice post... - 66mgb 08:41:09 12/19/14 (8)
- RE: Nice post... - JBen 21:06:07 12/19/14 (7)
- DACS - Satie 20:25:36 12/25/14 (3)
- RE: DACS - JBen 21:48:25 12/25/14 (2)
- RE: Nice post... - rickl 10:48:46 12/23/14 (2)
- RE: Nice post... - Dawnrazor 02:22:21 12/25/14 (1)
- RE: Nice post... - JBen 20:05:40 12/25/14 (0)