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R/E/P => Mastering Dynamics => Topic started by: dietrich on February 05, 2012, 10:13:15 AM

Title: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 05, 2012, 10:13:15 AM
I've been working on mid-field Adam S3A for years now and happy with the translation.

Time to consider an upgrade with my new room move.

First decision is to stay mid-fields or go full range. My new room will be 15x22x9. Issue in the room as always the big metal Neumann pieces.
One thought is if room is wide enough for proper full range placement as well as the Sterling A getting in the way if too close to speakers.

Leaning towards mid-field upgrade. Need to find a place to listen next.
ATC SCM50
Barefoot MM27
Adam S3X
PMC IB2S -too big?

anyone with thoughts about pros/cons of the above list please chime in!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: PBM on February 05, 2012, 12:02:16 PM
I've been working on mid-field Adam S3A for years now and happy with the translation.

Time to consider an upgrade with my new room move.

First decision is to stay mid-fields or go full range. My new room will be 15x22x9. Issue in the room as always the big metal Neumann pieces.
One thought is if room is wide enough for proper full range placement as well as the Sterling A getting in the way if too close to speakers.

Leaning towards mid-field upgrade. Need to find a place to listen next.
ATC SCM50
Barefoot MM27
Adam S3X
PMC IB2S -too big?

anyone with thoughts about pros/cons of the above list please chime in!

People tend to be quite loyal to their speaker choice. We've used ATC SCM50 for a number of years now and regard them as being a crucial part of the system here. 

Cheers,

Eric
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Hermetech Mastering on February 05, 2012, 12:03:52 PM
When I upgrade from my ATC SCM 20s, it will undoubtedly be the 50s that I go for.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Greg Reierson on February 05, 2012, 12:05:55 PM
I have a PMC MB1 XBD rig in a room that's 15x18x11. IB2s would be fine your room. If you're thinking ATC I'd go with at least 100s.

GR
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: PBM on February 06, 2012, 12:08:02 PM
If you're thinking ATC I'd go with at least 100s.


That really does depend a fair bit on the application. I prefer the 50's to the 100 and so do many other as there seems to be a better integration of the mid and woofer. Sometimes that can be quite important. When we first got the 50s we mainly did jazz and classical and for that the 50s were better: now we're doing a lot more mainstream work the 50's still do what's required. We've passed a couple of times on the opportunity to change at minimal cost, but as it 'aint broke ....

All great speakers though ... :)

Cheers,

Eric
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: livingstone on February 06, 2012, 04:12:35 PM
Hi D. !

i'm not fan of the IB2 personnaly i had them here for about 2 years with hypex amps.
they have something weird in the bass with the transmission line it's very flatering, and a bit difficult to know where it's really right. and the thing to have the mids at 11° up the ears to have them aligned is weird.

i had some smc 150 on loan for a month great mids, that's a fact ! but the basses were too much for my room so i kept my http://www.klinger-favre.com/ (http://www.klinger-favre.com/) studio 15 wich were still more accurate in the mids and high.
i know they'll start to have a representative in US as Jean Jacques Bacquet who build those speakers (one by one by hand ) did a few accoustic works in NY. and he's developing a new model for the US wich is a bit up my studio 15 maybe it's worth a listen.
with the time the only default i found to those speakers is a bit of lack of extreme subs and the level of details is a bit disapointing sometimes and very hard on average mixes.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on February 06, 2012, 06:32:56 PM
You may want to add the new Focal SM9's to your list:

http://www.focalprofessional.com/en/sm9-line/sm9.php

I think it's going to be another month or two before they are released but from everything I read they sound very promising. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Waltz Mastering on February 07, 2012, 06:45:33 PM
Sometimes there are some really good deals here:
http://app.audiogon.com/categories/16
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on February 08, 2012, 10:48:16 AM
u know you want a pair of dunlavys :D
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 08, 2012, 11:02:32 AM
DO I need a sub with the iv-a?
also what is recommended placement and seating with them?
Of course there were two pairs of Iv-A forsale last summer and now nothing
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on February 08, 2012, 01:55:10 PM
i don't use a sub with the IV/As
i used subs with my III/As (which was always hard for me to setup right)

my IV/As go down to 20Hz (maybe lower) in this little room. love it
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Allen Corneau on February 08, 2012, 09:22:34 PM
u know you want a pair of dunlavys :D

I'm now in a room with SV-IV's... still getting to know them (and the room of course). Still trying to lock in the low end which is tight (although maybe a little light from what I'm used to) but still loving them over all.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Waltz Mastering on February 08, 2012, 11:32:40 PM
Of course there were two pairs of Iv-A forsale last summer and now nothing

IVa  3k - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/465634
V  5K - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/456563
V  8.5K - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/456342

There's 802's as well .. ATC 50's

I think Tom might have a pair of IVa's for sale  www.thomaseaton.com
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 09, 2012, 07:45:30 AM
IVa  3k - http://app.audiogon.com/listings/465634

Thanks.I found that the other day as well but they are not actually the 'a's.
I am leaning towards an option from Geithain out of the blue
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on February 09, 2012, 01:12:11 PM
Tyler Decade D1's -- Far and away, my new favorite speaker.  I could go on for hours, but I'll skip that at the moment... 

(http://tyleracoustics.com/Images/speakers/Decade/D1_2%20copy.jpg)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on February 09, 2012, 03:01:02 PM
Tyler Decade D1's -- Far and away, my new favorite speaker.  I could go on for hours, but I'll skip that at the moment... 

(http://tyleracoustics.com/Images/speakers/Decade/D1_2%20copy.jpg)

^^^ heard those (and actually mastered a single on them) in adams @ telegraph's room.

the MTM setup was really reminding me of my duns, and didn't have trouble getting to work.

if i blew a driver, i'd get some tylers (I'm a rhymer, not a fighter)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: PBM on February 09, 2012, 03:58:59 PM

if i blew a driver, i'd get some tylers (I'm a rhymer, not a fighter)

And I'm a person not a purse - what kind of price are these? :P

Cheers,

Eric
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on February 09, 2012, 08:51:30 PM
Tyler runs nearly endless specials on Audiogon... 

and if you were to give him a call and tell him I sent ya', you never know if there's a little 'wiggle room' in there...  No, I don't get kickbacks - But it seems as if I'm always on the phone with someone about these things pre-purchase - and then again after delivery when they're as stoked as I was.  Am.  Stoked as I am. 

Seriously though -- Phreaking phenomenal speakers.  They were a bit of a b**ch to break in, but I'm still as stoked about them as I was --- Geez, it's coming up on two years ago.  Focused like a nearfield, detailed, smooth, crossovers that just disappear. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 10, 2012, 07:15:50 AM
Is there a reason most mastering houses that specialize in electronic and dance music do not have floor standing full range monitors?

Seems PMC IB1/IB2 the choice for many
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on February 12, 2012, 09:09:42 PM
Anyone ever heard the Tyler D2's?  I'm wondering how they compare to the D1's. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on February 21, 2012, 04:02:43 PM
Holy crap! 

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tyler-acoustics-decade-mm5-mastering-monitors-new-model--3

Not that I'm interested - But I'd sure be interested if I wasn't interested... 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 21, 2012, 08:31:08 PM
just when I decided to pay off outstandings versus new speakers in april...hmmm ???
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on February 21, 2012, 09:04:16 PM
Holy crap! 

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tyler-acoustics-decade-mm5-mastering-monitors-new-model--3

Not that I'm interested - But I'd sure be interested if I wasn't interested...

Holy crap is right!  I just moved into a new place.  Room is about 13.75 W x 31.5 L x 10 H. 

Was looking at the D1's or D2's to fill this room but these may be just the ticket!!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 22, 2012, 01:01:44 PM
Here's the specs on them.
FR 30-20k
SENS 88db
IMP 8 ohms
SIZE 14w x 20d x 32h
WT 85 lbs each
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on February 22, 2012, 01:58:53 PM
someone buy those, great deal!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on February 22, 2012, 06:28:57 PM
someone buy those, great deal!

Planning to.  Maybe not that exact pair (if someone else grabs them before me) but I'm pretty much sold on these for my new space.  Thinking I'll pair them with Hypex UcD400 Mono Blocks. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on February 22, 2012, 08:25:44 PM
Hell, I'm tempted to get a set of those too. I wonder if they'd need some additional support from a subwoofer. I do a lot of dubstep and I'm not sure those could handle the wub wub.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 22, 2012, 08:45:00 PM
the mm5 seems lateral move for me from S3A. D1 maybe where it at for the $$
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on February 23, 2012, 02:14:11 AM
Hell, I'm tempted to get a set of those too. I wonder if they'd need some additional support from a subwoofer. I do a lot of dubstep and I'm not sure those could handle the wub wub.

Well that is not really something you will know until you hear them in your room.  That being said these are spec'd at a 30hz roll off and the D1's are spec'd at 28hz roll off.  Not a huge difference as far as low end extension.  I have also heard from a D1 owner that Tyler spec's his stuff pretty conservatively.   

FWIW there are lots of ME's who run B&W 802's without a sub and those roll off at 39hz. 

30hz or a 28hz roll off is definitely low enough in my opinion.  If it's not for you in your room than add a sub('s) to get the 10 or 8 extra hz to get all the way down to 20hz.  Just make sure the sub doesn't extend all the way down to the brown note.   :o
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on February 23, 2012, 03:00:29 AM
Quote
I have also heard from a D1 owner that Tyler spec's his stuff pretty conservatively.
Assuming that wasn't me, now you've heard it from two.  They do roll off some, but if I put 22Hz through them at ~upper-80's dBSPL (pink), it feels like a semi is idling in the foyer. 

If he had his stuff sitting in stores, he wouldn't be able to keep up with the demand.  Heck, I don't think he keeps up with the demand as it is. 

I don't have any interest in going to a smaller speaker -- These things (the D1's) have spoiled me rotten with vertical coherency I couldn't approach when I was using SCIV's.  But I really want to hear these things...  I think a spring bike trip is in order.  I can pass through Xenia IL on the way and get that elusive "X" city checked off too.   8)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on February 23, 2012, 10:27:31 AM
Assuming that wasn't me, now you've heard it from two.  They do roll off some, but if I put 22Hz through them at ~upper-80's dBSPL (pink), it feels like a semi is idling in the foyer.

Adam Gonsalves of Telegraph Mastering.  He basically said the same thing.  After break in they extend much lower than spec'd. 

After speaking with Adam on the phone and reading your written review and comments on the D1's John (and knowing what speakers you have had before) I have a lot of confidence in Tyler's designs. 

I imagine these new MM5's are nothing short of amazing.  The price is great too! 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on February 23, 2012, 11:51:14 AM
yeah. in adams room, they sound plenty low.
i wasn't missing any bottom octave
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on February 23, 2012, 12:40:28 PM
Adam Gonsalves of Telegraph Mastering.  He basically said the same thing.  After break in they extend much lower than spec'd. 
And they were a bear to break in - I know Ty does what he can (I think the goal is to play music through them for a week) but in my case, they were finished on Thursday and dropped off on Saturday. 

That said - I've broken in speakers before, so I had weapons at the ready.  Made a disc of bass warbles and automated band-passed pink ("swooshes") to pound them, Chesky UDD2 tracks to "relax" them between workouts, pink, tones, etc. just to heat everything up occasionally. 

When the things first got here, they were really tight sounding - and by "tight" I mean "strangled and restricted" -- Every time I'm talking to someone on the phone about 'em, I make it a point to warn them about that.  And every time someone gets a pair, they call up within a couple days all worried to make sure I said something about that.  And every time, a week or two later, I get a call with them laughing about how they walked in one morning and all of a sudden, they sound absolutely spectacular. 

And I hope I saved that disc, because I have a set of matching D4's just about ready.   8)

I lucked out quite a bit when mine came in -- Every year, there are a couple of rather involved dance shows I compile -- About 100 tracks that need basic level-matching and occasional noise reduction (and de-crackling and what not on the ones that are pounded to death).  Then compiled into 10 unique discs with around 20 tracks each, to run in the order of the performances. 

It's always a good mix of pop, classical, RnB, etc.  Most all of it commercially available and semi-popular (so I'm familiar with how a lot of it should sound anyway).  Only minor tweaking, could almost be done on headphones.  But the lucky part is that I was able to spend my first 40 or 50 "work" hours on these listening to THAT stuff.  Not having to make critical sonic decisions for the most part, listening to a broad selection of tracks while they were finding themselves. 

But since they broke in I can certainly tell you one thing -- The number of revisions I find myself doing is nearly zero.  One track in January (granted, January was a bit slow, but still...) and that was one of those "we mixed it a little light and we can hear the low end you put in but we'd like a little more if you can" revisions. 

I don't particularly have a record of doing "a lot" of revisions before, but they've probably paid for themselves on that alone. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: adamgonsa on February 27, 2012, 10:15:20 AM
The D1s sound magnificent and Ty is the model of a helpful and conscientious small business owner.
 
They do definitely extend below spec.  When I play Source Direct through them (thanks Macc!) it's like the sanitation trucks are outside to pick up the garbage. 

And they were a bear to break in - I know Ty does what he can (I think the goal is to play music through them for a week)
John's not lying.  I had to beat them in for about 5 days solid before they properly loosened. 

I've broken in speakers before, so I had weapons at the ready.  Made a disc of bass warbles and automated band-passed pink ("swooshes") to pound them, Chesky UDD2 tracks to "relax" them between workouts, pink, tones, etc. just to heat everything up occasionally.
My break-in playlist was bass warbles and pink swooshes I created in Logic.  There was also liberal use of The Chronic & Spank Rock as well as Haydn piano concertos for "cool downs" in between all that bass.   

But since they broke in I can certainly tell you one thing -- The number of revisions I find myself doing is nearly zero.
Truth. Way fewer than when I had K&Hs.  When it does happen it's usually slight level up/down.


If I was shopping now I'd definitely want to hear the MM5s
Thinking I'll pair them with Hypex UcD400 Mono Blocks.
  The UcD400s power my D1s perfectly.  That extended d'appolito array can be a hard load to push, but they do it without breaking a sweat. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on February 28, 2012, 02:51:31 PM
I'll be the first to admit I'm not good with soldering electronics. What's the deal with getting UCD400's already built?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: djwaudio on February 28, 2012, 06:07:48 PM
+1.  Is there a demo unit floating around?  Everyone raving about them is nice, but to build an amp without hearing it is a stretch for me. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: adamgonsa on February 29, 2012, 10:57:53 AM
I'll be the first to admit I'm not good with soldering electronics. What's the deal with getting UCD400's already built?
I got mine pre-built from MM Audio (http://www.mm-audio.nl/).  Bruno and Niels are very helpful, and the shipping from the Netherlands was alarmingly fast. You can also buy them pre-built from Channel Island (http://ciaudio.com/products/) or Hexateq (http://www.hexateq.com/products.html). 

+1.  Is there a demo unit floating around?  Everyone raving about them is nice, but to build an amp without hearing it is a stretch for me. 
Drop me a line Dana.  I'm in Portland so I could bring them by your space or you could check them out in mine. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on February 29, 2012, 01:24:23 PM
Adam, thanks for the info! That's super helpful.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on February 29, 2012, 03:06:16 PM
Just got off the phone with Ty at Tyler Acoustics. Talk about great customer service! I feel a lot better buying from someone like him than some of these other companies. I appreciate the heads-up on this company, John (Scrip).

He said he can do the MM5's in a floor standing version as well for no extra charge.

Deitrich, looks like he has a pair of used D1's for almost half the price on his site.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on February 29, 2012, 03:38:00 PM
@ Twerk: I cannot drop a dollar until move+room build done next 30 days. and yes I noticed the D1 prices there and a few other used options. Would love find place compare MM5 vs D1
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: djwaudio on February 29, 2012, 07:09:27 PM
 Thanks Adam, I'll be in touch!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on March 28, 2012, 10:12:15 PM
Hey John (Scrip), I'm curious about how far back you sit from your D1's. I'm in a smaller sized room and I wouldn't be able to put a lot of space between me and the speakers.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on March 29, 2012, 02:03:33 AM
I'm in a smaller room too.  About Not quite 7' to the fronts.  I know - It seems awfully close - but with these, it works. 

Eh, it worked fine with the 802's also.  There's 36-ish traps in here so it's pretty well controlled no matter where you are. 

And I just found out my matching D4's are done.   8) 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on March 29, 2012, 03:43:23 PM
Thanks for the info. Do you feel like you're losing anything from having them behind the desk? There's a couple of lower drivers firing into the back of your desk. I'm curious if that's an issue, since I have a similar desk to you. I've debated moving over to something like a Sterling Plan A to give all the speakers a clear shot at me.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on March 29, 2012, 11:36:58 PM
I don't have an issue with it.  So many woofers...    :o 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 03, 2012, 07:49:53 PM
FTR:  The D4's arrived today. 

Definitely "small-ish" and somewhat boxy at low volume (which I was expecting) but when you kick these things in the a$$, they let loose like nothing I recall at this size. 

Britney's "Toxic" at 104dB (say what you want, that tune has a bit of everything in it).  I can't even put it to words.  And from a lousy little 60x2 Bryston 2BLP... 

This isn't fair to other small speakers. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on April 03, 2012, 08:08:37 PM
Damn.... looking great, John.

Oh, and someone welcome me into the D1 club. I just pulled the trigger on a pair.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 03, 2012, 09:05:00 PM
Nice...  Light 'em up, man.  I'm absolutely beating these like a red-headed stepchild.  I'm letting them cool off every here and there, but it's almost a shame that I have to turn them off and get back to work. 

Ahhh, the break-in.  I love the whole "sound better every day" thing, but I wish they didn't need it.  That said, I do sort of like doing it myself. 

Quote
And I just found out my matching D4's are done.
Yeah - Uh, we had a little misunderstanding between "cherry" and "custom cherry" -- But I couldn't care less.  They look great. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: djwaudio on April 04, 2012, 12:47:50 AM
I went to the Bose building for a tour and they had a room called the bunker.  It was dedicated to breaking in the long-throw drivers they use.  It was all done with low frequency noise and the drivers were approaching maximum excursion.  I guess other manufacturers don't do that, so it's a week of cranking some Bob Marley records. ;-)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on April 04, 2012, 02:16:06 PM
Damn.... looking great, John.

Oh, and someone welcome me into the D1 club. I just pulled the trigger on a pair.

thinking about it too, instead of trying to get my dunlavys fixed....

was really comfortable working on adams for the 1hr i was there.. felt like home already
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on April 04, 2012, 02:29:15 PM
thinking about it too, instead of trying to get my dunlavys fixed....

was really comfortable working on adams for the 1hr i was there.. felt like home already

Is it pretty tough to find replacement tweeters for the Duns? Or is there more wrong with them than that?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on April 04, 2012, 03:33:55 PM
just not excited about them potentially sounding different and then a woofer dying shortly after

Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on April 04, 2012, 03:45:54 PM
It's a D1 frenzy...
I need to hear them
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on April 04, 2012, 06:21:09 PM
It's a D1 frenzy...
I need to hear them

Hell, they're big enough that you may not even need to make a faux column. Just put one in front of the existing column and voila. Two pillars of power.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on April 04, 2012, 06:29:31 PM
Hell, they're big enough that you may not even need to make a faux column. Just put one in front of the existing column and voila. Two pillars or power.

This made me laugh. 

Twerk - Definitely chime in with your thoughts and opinions after spending time with the D1's. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on April 13, 2012, 04:54:10 PM
Adam, thanks again for the info on MM audio. My amps just arrived today and I had only ordered them a week ago... That's scary fast considering they're coming from the Netherlands!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Miguel P. Marques on April 19, 2012, 09:45:49 AM
I actually haven't read the whole thread but just to say that I bought a pair of Focal SM9's and I'll be waiting for them to arrive in the next weeks.

If you haven't tried them you should arrange a demo, they're starting now to ship, because they're great monitors!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Cass Anawaty on April 20, 2012, 10:32:24 PM
No one knew what the hell D1s were until I told Scrip I was looking at the company.  Now everyone has them and I don't!!!   ;)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 21, 2012, 01:54:13 AM
No one knew what the hell D1s were until I told Scrip I was looking at the company.  Now everyone has them and I don't!!!   ;)
(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/141/644/7nTnr.png?1309330974)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 24, 2012, 07:59:55 PM
D4M UPDATE: 

So, I've been beating these things like red-headed step-children since they arrived and they broke in well.  When you crank them to "yeah baby" levels, it's stunning what sort of fidelity these things are capable of.  HOWEVER: 

At "normal-ish" volumes, I thought they were a bit "boxy" (then came to the conclusion that as wonderful as they are, they aren't 6' tall with 4 woofers and figured "boxy" isn't the word -- "Dark" was better). 

Which brought me back to a e-conversation I had with (Black Belt Mastering?) and he mentioned that his D1's were a whisker dark for his taste and Tyler mentioned something about a resistor before the caps on the crossover to the tweeter (and subsequently found out that my D1's have either a lower resistance or no resistor at all, which is why, even while hypersensitive to top end, I feel as if mine are just fine - but that's for another thread). 

Anyway -- Phone call to Tyler -- 5 ohm resistor on the tweeter.  Now I'm not a genuine electronics guy - But as I understand these tweeters/resistors/crossovers, that resistor is attenuating the top end under lower power by about 1dB per ohm at lower levels and backs down as the power goes up (which is why the top end is spectacular at high volume, but seems "too dark for me" at lower volume). 

A couple wires and alligator clips later, I have those resistors bypassed.  Very, very cool -- A little too bright at lower volume, evens out nicely at high volumes if not just a whisker harsh.  Not exactly what I'm looking for, but really close. 

Tyler:  (read with laid-back mild southern drawl for best effect) "Those are Mills fivers -- You can get them at Parts Express if you want to lower the value..."

1.5's are on the way and I'm expecting small-speaker perfection. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on April 25, 2012, 02:07:07 AM
I spoke with Tyler on the phone today.  What a cool, friendly, honest, down-to-earth guy. 

Contemplating pulling the trigger on custom height floor standing MM5's.  Doesn't sound like any other mastering engineers have bought a pair yet.  Might have to be the first and make the leap.   8)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on April 25, 2012, 07:48:41 PM
Anyone using D1 without subs?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 25, 2012, 08:21:00 PM
I don't actually know anyone with D1's who is running a sub.  Although I could be mistaken...
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on April 25, 2012, 08:25:09 PM
I don't actually know anyone with D1's who is running a sub.  Although I could be mistaken...

Right answer. time for me to move to speakers that do not need sub
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 25, 2012, 10:21:25 PM
Ah -- Yeah, you won't need one...  I know a few guys who would probably run one just for the added "thump" in the bottom octave, but that'd be more 'for show' than for anything else. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: bblackwood on April 26, 2012, 01:37:29 AM
Right answer. time for me to move to speakers that do not need sub
Few mains can move enough air to not need augmentation wrt to reproducing the bottom octave accurately. Frankly, I'm not comfortable unless I can hear at least what they client hears, hence dual DD12s.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 28, 2012, 12:21:00 PM
Resistors are here!!! 

Now all I have to do is shrink myself down like they do in sci-fi movies to replace the existing ones...

Eh, I'm sure it's doable somehow... 

(EDIT)

Yep - That'll do.  That'll do...
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on April 30, 2012, 05:58:50 PM
Oh yes, yes...  1.5 ohms did the trick.  Wonderful. 

Quote
Contemplating pulling the trigger on custom height floor standing MM5's.

FTR, when I was talking to Tyler about voicing these D4M's, he did mention that he used lower-value resistors on the MM5's than he does typically on the Decade line.  Something about "you mastering guys like to hear a little more high end than most people" or something like that.   ;D 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on April 30, 2012, 07:24:58 PM
Oh yes, yes...  1.5 ohms did the trick.  Wonderful. 

FTR, when I was talking to Tyler about voicing these D4M's, he did mention that he used lower-value resistors on the MM5's than he does typically on the Decade line.  Something about "you mastering guys like to hear a little more high end than most people" or something like that.   ;D

Nice.  Glad the 1.5 ohms resistor did the trick. 

Yeah, Tyler mentioned on the phone that the MM5's are voiced with slightly more high-end then the Decade line.  Kinda cool that adjustments can be made via swapping resistors if need be. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on April 30, 2012, 09:03:05 PM
John, you didn't happen to take any pictures of that resistor swap, did you?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on May 01, 2012, 01:05:53 AM
Nope - But it's easy enough to figure -- It's the only one in there like it (and there isn't much in there for that matter). 

The one you'd look for is sort of "hot dog" shaped -- And colored -- Wow, it actually looks sort of like a GI Joe hot dog without a bun... 

Cut and replace.  For temporary testing purposes, I made a couple simple gator clip jumpers.  It's the first thing in line with the + input wire going to the crossover to the tweeter.  You'd probably want to go in through the woofer though.  On the small ones, I needed to remove the woofer and the connector panel.  But it really was pretty simple - Even for an electrical/mechanical moron like me. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 01, 2012, 01:38:29 AM
I doubt I'll be tweaking the D1's anytime soon, but I was curious what the insides of his speakers look like. I'm the first to admit I'd probably break them if I opened them up.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 10, 2012, 05:33:41 PM
After a bit of time with the D1's, I'm enjoying them immensely. The imaging is incredible, and there's been several instances where I literally felt like I climbed inside the song. You can hear the placement of instruments in what feels much more of a three dimensional sound stage. Their depth is startling. I haven't missed having subs as these D1's generate plenty in the bottom octave. Dubstep basslines are as big as ever.

My only issue thus far has been in how bright they seem. I've never had the luxury of trying out B&W's nor have I had the pleasure of using Dunlavy's. I wonder how these compare to those in the top end. It's highly probable my previous monitoring was lacking in highs and I've just been used to it.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: MatteskyK on May 10, 2012, 10:33:02 PM
Since there has been much talk of Tyler Acoustics' designs, perhaps some of you will find Adam Gonsalves new Square Cad episode to be of some interest:  http://squarecad.net/ArchivePages/squarecad40-tyleracoustics.html.   Tyler Lashbrook compares the D1's and MM5's towards the end of the interview as well. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 11, 2012, 01:09:31 AM
Thanks for that, Adam!

It's funny how every time I talk to Ty on the phone, it ends up being a 30-40 minute conversation. We're lucky to have him.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on May 11, 2012, 01:25:23 AM
Geez, I wish I could cut off at 30-40 minutes...  He's got a couple motorcycles he's reconditioning now.  So once we spend an hour yakking about speakers, he mentions something about motorcycles and the clock starts again. 

Quote
My only issue thus far has been in how bright they seem. I've never had the luxury of trying out B&W's nor have I had the pleasure of using Dunlavy's.
I can tell you that compared to N802's, the highs are more "smooth and silky" while being a bit more "open and airy" (geez, I hate this terminology).  Against the Dunlavy (SC4's), sort of the same, but more "image-related" (oh geez, I sound like some nutcase). 

That all said -- And now I have a bit of experience on this with the D4M's -- If you want to "temper" the top end a bit, find out what value the resistor is that's inline between the tweeter wire (from the back panel) and the rest of the crossover (it's a 'fat' resistor that sort of looks like a GI Joe hot dog without the bun).  It's probably 1 ohm - if there's one there.  Every ohm is about 1dB of "softer" --

That said -- Make sure that it's "too much" top as opposed to just "wonderfully open" top...  I mean, if you're making cuts where you normally wouldn't -- Or are you just hearing more than you normally were...
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 11, 2012, 02:39:49 AM
Yeah, I'm going to give it some time to adjust to what is quite possibly just more open and clear high end, rather than it being overemphasized in some way. I'm also wondering if I'm getting some early reflections that I didn't used to get due to the extra height of the speakers. I may need to experiment with some additional diffusion, and quite possibly a narrower desk (plan a) for this room. My argosy desk has a shit ton of surface space and I'm beginning to think it's problematic for speakers this size, in a room this small.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on May 11, 2012, 01:01:21 PM
Just a heads up that Tyler is currently finishing a new model. 

Essentially it's a floor standing only version of the MM5 but with a 12" woofer instead of 10".  The cabinet is a little bigger as well.  Low end extension is expected to be spec'd at 24hz. 

I was already pretty much 100% on a getting a pair of custom height floor standing MM5's but after talking to Tyler about this new model with the 12" woofer I'm now going to go with those.  Basically he said they will be voiced identically to the MM5's but with greater low end extension do to the larger cabinet and larger woofer.  Obviously they will be priced a bit more as well. 

He also elaborated that he's dividing the MM5's and floor standing variations (one with 10" and the other with a 12" woofer) into three separate models with three different names.  He did not have the names locked in yet but essentially there will still be the MM5's which come with stands (hence the name "monitor", "MM" standing for "mastering monitor"), a floor standing version of the MM5's which will be called something else now (most likely "D" and then some number) and then the floor standing version with a 12" woofer instead of a 10" will be called something else as well. 

He's finishing the first pair with the 12" woofer very soon and pictures should be available shortly.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 16, 2012, 01:52:40 AM
I'm finally starting to get used to these D1's and they're magnificent. Yesterday I was curious how far I've acclimated, so I setup my old monitors and did some A/B switching. It literally felt like putting foam over my ears when listening to my old monitors. The D1's are so detailed and open that you literally feel like you're inside the music. I spoke to Ty about getting some resistors to bring the top end down a tiny bit, so he's got some 1 ohm resistors on the way. I'm tempted to just hold tight and see how much I acclimate to the high frequency, before installing them. I may not really need them. I've been working with near-fields for 15+ years, so switching to D1's was like spending a lifetime looking at Gifs, and then suddenly seeing HDTV for the first time. Painfully clear. I've also gotten rid of my behemoth of a desk which was causing quite a bit of early reflections from the additional drivers situated vertically. I've got a Plan A on order as of about 20 minutes ago. Awww yeah.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on May 16, 2012, 05:16:33 PM
Out of blue I just bought a pair of 801 Matrix S2....very good deal and at least I will take some new studio pics with b&w in the room... :o

they will be dropped off tomorrow
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 16, 2012, 05:47:43 PM
Congrats, Deitrich!

Looking forward to some pics!

Just don't do this:

(http://usr.audioasylum.com/images/2/28428/B___W_801_3_stacked.bmp)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on May 16, 2012, 07:00:13 PM
Shawn, thank you for not posting D1 pics to make me green.
Email from hifi wheeling friend was 'I am meeting a dealer  tomorrow that has a pair of 801 Matrix S2 for  a deal, do you want them for that price'.

I am sure they will only spend a few months here but I needed to try some 800 series at some point
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on May 17, 2012, 04:18:45 AM
Congrats, Deitrich!

Looking forward to some pics!

Just don't do this:

(http://usr.audioasylum.com/images/2/28428/B___W_801_3_stacked.bmp)
Coolest - photo - ever.  EVER!!!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on May 17, 2012, 02:46:37 PM
Well guys I just placed an order for a pair of D1's.   8)

Blackened Oak, copper color tweeter, custom stands to bring the tweeter up to my ear level and single posts wiring. 

I spent a good deal of time going back and forth between saving some cash and going for the 12" woofer MM5 model (which I believe Tyler will be calling the D112's) and extending myself a bit for the D1's.  I feel like I made the right decision.   

Absolutely can not wait to get them!  They should be here in 4 weeks. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 17, 2012, 03:20:29 PM
Congrats!

Looking forward to hearing how you adapt to them after years on the Focals. How tall are the stands you got?

(this thread should be renamed to the high-five thread)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on May 17, 2012, 03:58:56 PM
Thanks! 

I'm sure it's going to be quite an adjustment moving to these from the Focals.  Completely different style of speaker. 

Not entirely sure of the exact stand height but probably something like 10-12 inches.  I just gave Tyler my desired tweeter height (which is 48 inches).  He could not remember off the top of his head but thinks the D1 tweeter height is something like 36 inches.  Whatever it is the stands are being built to bring the tweeter to my ear level which is 48 inches. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on May 18, 2012, 01:27:50 AM
Don't forget a tiny little tilt...  That made a world of difference here. 

I think the rears are on 1/2" rubber and the fronts have a single, unfrozen (brand new) hockey puck giving me just a touch of tilt (not quite a 1/2" if I'm not losing my mind, which is completely possible).  If it helps, my stands (Tyler) are 4" -- They're sitting on top of (1.5"?) granite slabs.  That had the tweeter just a whisker (a couple inches or so) low.  The tilt put them right *and* reduces any straight-on reflections -- killing 2 birds with one 5.56mm 62gr NATO round... 

Stone -- I mean "stone" -- Sorry...  My mind was somewhere else for a moment. 

High-fives all 'round.   8)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Tim Boyce on May 18, 2012, 02:56:39 PM
That is a freaking AWESOME picture!! oh dear!!


Dietrich, check this out :  http://bwgroup-support.com/techmanuals.html

probably be useful for those speakers. Check the caps when you get them. Their at least 10 years old, probably closer to 20. Those electrolytic's probably won't last that long.

I had S3's and needed to repair them. Be sure to get orig Bennic caps. The high(low?) DF is part of the circuit, and if you use the wrong thing it's too bright.

http://hifi.goneill.co.nz/bw.php 


Enjoy them!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 24, 2012, 09:46:19 PM
Just got the Plan A up n' running and it's made a drastic improvement on the acoustics in here. F U, Argosy.

These speakers are freakishly phenomenal.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on May 24, 2012, 10:22:08 PM
Just got the Plan A up n' running and it's made a drastic improvement on the acoustics in here. F U, Argosy.

These speakers are freakishly phenomenal.

Nice!  Glad the smaller footprint desk is working out for you.  T-minus 3 week or so until my D1's arrive.  So stoked!
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 25, 2012, 12:26:35 AM
Nice!  Glad the smaller footprint desk is working out for you.  T-minus 3 week or so until my D1's arrive.  So stoked!

Yeah, it's a drastic improvement over the large, and completely sealed Argosy desks. Not to mention the improved ergonomics of having my gear better placed in the sweet spot. The only problem is that I now have more empty rack spaces than before....

Oh what to get next... :)

Can't wait for you to get your D1's. Any thoughts on what you'll use to break them in?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on May 25, 2012, 09:51:49 AM
That is a freaking AWESOME picture!! oh dear!!


Dietrich, check this out :  http://bwgroup-support.com/techmanuals.html

probably be useful for those speakers. Check the caps when you get them. Their at least 10 years old, probably closer to 20. Those electrolytic's probably won't last that long.

I had S3's and needed to repair them. Be sure to get orig Bennic caps. The high(low?) DF is part of the circuit, and if you use the wrong thing it's too bright.

thanks for links Tim. dealing with two pairs of 801 matrix 2 here(for those not on GS).
pieced together a working set now from both. they sound very GOOD
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on May 26, 2012, 02:29:44 AM
thanks for links Tim. dealing with two pairs of 801 matrix 2 here(for those not on GS).
pieced together a working set now from both. they sound very GOOD

Glad to hear they're working for you after wrestling with them. Got any pics of them in the new studio? Any long term plans to keep them?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on May 26, 2012, 08:12:42 AM
They are mid-term solution as I budget and decide on the long term options.
801s fell into my lap and I am glad to have full range in the room now.

I have learned three things(two confirming others from this site).
-the 801s need plenty of space. cannot imagine them in a small room! and power
-the amp makes a difference with B&W. I brought in a few hifi $$$ amps. This Hafler Transnova 550w won the shootouts. Want to grab another and run them mono.
 -not needing subs is very nice. this is part of my long term monitor decision.

Interested now to hear N802-though I might  need a sub with them.

For all the people looking for mastering monitors under $2500 as long as your room can handle M801 find a pair. $1600+$900 Bryston and you are in
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Miguel P. Marques on May 30, 2012, 04:25:42 AM
I just got my pair of Focal SM9s and first impressions are really great..

People interested in a new pair of speakers should try and demo these.

I'm still breaking the speaker in so I don't want to comment a lot on the sound of these speakers but give me a week or so and I'll let you know about it.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Mirolab on June 10, 2012, 08:31:08 PM
801s fell into my lap and I am glad to have full range in the room now.
Interested now to hear N802-though I might  need a sub with them.
For all the people looking for mastering monitors under $2500 as long as your room can handle M801 find a pair. $1600+$900 Bryston and you are in

Hello... I'm new here... but Congrats on your 801-sII's....
I've been living with mine for 12 years (bought used) and am still thrilled to listen to them!... Shortly after getting them, i replaced all the electrolytics, and "upgraded" the tweeter and midrange caps with Solens, though Tim Boyce mentions to stick with original Bennics.  Anyway, i did notice less tweeter graininess..... though they are still a bit grainy compared to newer tweeters.   A large difference was made by relocating/re-orienting a couple of the inductors.  This really will clean up the 350Hz range between the woofer & mid.  Look into this if you have not tried it already.

For many years I've been considering N802s  (I tried N803s for over a year, but I was never really happy with them, and went back to my 801's).  So glad i kept them!  I am now on the very edge of ordering a pair of D1's from Tyler.   It's really hard to find a speaker that is OVERALL better than a used 801 (for under $2k-3k).   And my amp of choice for them is the 4B-ST..... i have a 4B-SST also... but like the old ST better for the 801s.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 10, 2012, 08:49:27 PM
Well I have had my Tyler Acoustics D1's for a little under 2 weeks now.  I absolutely love them!

I don't feel the need to dive into too many details (as I would mostly just be typing variations on "yes they're absolutely amazing") but coming from a pair of Focal Solo6 BE's the difference is quite drastic.  The level of detail I can hear with this system is astonishing.  I'm hearing things in tracks I've listened to hundreds of times that I have never heard before.  The D1's come across incredibly neutral and true to the source.  Low end extension is excellent (especially post break-in).  The crossovers are invisible.  They really are a joy to listen to and work on. 

I'm running them with a pair of Hypex UcD400400HG+HxR monoblock amplifiers which are being fed by a Benchmark DAC1.   Very happy with this monitoring rig!

Attached is an updated pic of my room showing off the D1's.   8)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on July 11, 2012, 09:18:01 AM
Mark room looks great.

Anyone experience D10 vs D1?
Great deal on used D10
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 11, 2012, 01:18:05 PM
Anyone experience D10 vs D1?
Great deal on used D10

I don't know of any mastering engineers using the D10's (perhaps I'm wrong though).  I'd imagine the D10's are very similar to the D1's but with a bit more low end extension.  I find the D1's to go plenty low (especially post break-in) but I'm sure the D10's extend a few hz lower (they're spec'd 3hz lower) do to their larger woofers.  Can't go wrong with either in my opinion. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on July 11, 2012, 02:23:54 PM
D10 size versus D1
260lb vs 170 as well
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 11, 2012, 02:37:47 PM
D10 size versus D1
260lb vs 170 as well

Yeah, a bit bigger of a cabinet to house the larger diameter woofers.  3 inches wider and 7 inches taller according to specs.  A bigger cabinet and woofers equals more weight. 

Give Tyler a call and get his take on how the D10's stack up against the D1's.  I'm sure very few people have heard both in the same space outside of him.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: jdg on July 11, 2012, 10:29:42 PM
Well I have had my Tyler Acoustics D1's for a little under 2 weeks now.  I absolutely love them!

I don't feel the need to dive into too many details (as I would mostly just be typing variations on "yes they're absolutely amazing") but coming from a pair of Focal Solo6 BE's the difference is quite drastic.  The level of detail I can hear with this system is astonishing.  I'm hearing things in tracks I've listened to hundreds of times that I have never heard before.  The D1's come across incredibly neutral and true to the source.  Low end extension is excellent (especially post break-in).  The crossovers are invisible.  They really are a joy to listen to and work on. 

I'm running them with a pair of Hypex UcD400400HG+HxR monoblock amplifiers which are being fed by a Benchmark DAC1.   Very happy with this monitoring rig!

Attached is an updated pic of my room showing off the D1's.   8)

(http://www.collativelearning.com/PICS%20FOR%20WEBSITE/stills/2001SpaceOdyssey133.jpg)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on July 11, 2012, 11:37:32 PM
Mark truly is the master of minimal. Had I not known where he's from, I'd had guessed we was German.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 12, 2012, 06:04:54 PM
John - Too funny.  You are about the 15th person to make some remark about my room looking like a Kubrick set or "something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey".  I don't really get it but I'll take it.

Shawn - Thanks.  I like to keep my work environment clean, simple and aesthetically pretty neutral. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on July 12, 2012, 06:16:50 PM
Mark-do you have an irobot vacuum that keeps the floor that way?
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 12, 2012, 07:19:57 PM
Mark-do you have an irobot vacuum that keeps the floor that way?

Swiffer sweeper.  Dry then wet.  I do that maybe once every two weeks or so.  Before my photographer comes by I do it that day or the night before. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: VocalMastering on July 19, 2012, 02:21:51 PM
Just wanted to thank everyone for their feedback in this thread. I just pulled the trigger on a paid of Tyler MM5s after meeting Ty in DC this weekend and hearing some of his speakers in person. Excited to hear them in a few weeks :)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 23, 2012, 04:45:11 PM
Just wanted to thank everyone for their feedback in this thread. I just pulled the trigger on a paid of Tyler MM5s after meeting Ty in DC this weekend and hearing some of his speakers in person. Excited to hear them in a few weeks :)

Nice!  You should report back with some pics and your impressions once you've had some studio time with them! 

What amp('s) will you be driving them with? 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: VocalMastering on July 23, 2012, 04:53:39 PM
I'm not sure yet - do you have any recommendations?

Btw Mark, just visited your site (mine's being built now) and saw what look to be black (?) delicious looking D1s. Awesome stuff.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on July 23, 2012, 05:23:20 PM
I'm not sure yet - do you have any recommendations?

Btw Mark, just visited your site (mine's being built now) and saw what look to be black (?) delicious looking D1s. Awesome stuff.

Hey thanks!  Yeah, those are D1's.  The veneer is Blackened Oak.  I love them!  If the MM5's are voiced similar to the D1's I have a feeling you will be really happy with them!

I'm running my D1's with a pair of Hypex UcD400400HG+HxR monoblock amps; they sound great!  Pretty affordable too.  I recommend them. 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: GlensAudio on August 22, 2012, 08:22:21 PM
Hello,


Buy the new JBL's and get it over with!

Glen
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on August 25, 2012, 09:06:15 PM
Just sent Tyler deposit for D1s :o
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on August 25, 2012, 11:52:46 PM
Awesome. You're going to love, love, love them.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: aleatoric on August 26, 2012, 12:00:38 AM
Awesome. You're going to love, love, love them.

+1.

What are you going to drive them with dietrich? 
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on August 26, 2012, 01:13:09 PM
 going to use this trio of amps I bought for the 801s. Modified 550w Transnova sounded best with the B&W. Have this Adcom and a Mark Levinson related amp(which made 801s so thin)
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on October 15, 2012, 03:56:17 PM
Tyler D1+ Emotiva XPA-2 been up and running for 3 full days now.

First time I ever had to 'break in' new speakers. Bought under impression these were demo but in the end never used.

Full two days  of pink+white noise and tones and random albums=opened up D1

Already using as mains

Very happy
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: Twerk on October 15, 2012, 08:51:24 PM
After all you've been through with speakers and amps this year, I'm glad to hear you're happy with something! Especially as a fellow D1 user.

Looking forward to seeing some updated studio pics.
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: dietrich on October 15, 2012, 09:21:53 PM

Looking forward to seeing some updated studio pics.

Yes time new photos and site update finally...6 months in new room already
Title: Re: yes another speaker thread! upgrade time?
Post by: John Scrip - MASSIVE Mastering on October 15, 2012, 11:59:31 PM
I think it's time we get our own forum...   :o