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Any audiophiles here?
https://quaffersoffers.co.uk/QOforum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7357		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  GK [ Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Any audiophiles here?
Im looking for a new tuner, leaning towards the Cambridge Audio Azur 650T as I already have CA seperates but didnt want to spend so much on just a tuner.

Any recco's? Must have DAB.
Author:  Duncan [ Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
You know I am - comes with the tasting territory.

I haven't any real experience with DAB yet, but I notice that the Cambridge Azure tuner had a decompressing wizard to improve the narrow band Mpeg digital signal. That's a must have audiophile feature for the future. I will look at these at some point in time.

For my analogue based system - I'm always wanting to get the best tube(valve) sound from solidstate circuitry. I'm still running the creamy Sansui TU505 fm tuner circa '79, has woodsides and a long tuning dial :wink: Trad heavy power supply with torroidal transformer inside, 2 x ICs and 28 transistors, gold plated phono outs and separate Aerial antena sockets. I don't bother with AM.... an old buffer - ole creamy sound. Just refitted the new heavy copper coax cable to the FM aerial mounted high on 3rd storey chimney stack whilst the scaffolding was up. Looking for the black hole, the null sound of silence from perfect reception,

I'm still running my Thorens td160 c/w SME 3009 mk11 improved tone arm - look up on Vinyl Engine if you think I'm talking weird speak. I've just won a Van den Hul MC10 cartridge off ebay, borron cantilever, silver coils, may need re-tipping, I will have go to Reading hifi and ask to borrow their microscope whilst I chat analogue in the listening room.

Sorry other folks :roll: GK, I'd better stop here - and we go over to email if I find something interesting on your DAB search.
Author:  Bacchus [ Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
A radio to go with your latest gramaphone eh?

Complete with magic-eye tuning, and dabs of lots of things

Image
Author:  Bacchus [ Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
[quote="Duncan"][/quote]Image
Author:  GK [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
:D

Fortunately my keyboard has a Klingon translate key :wink:

Dunc, I think DAB is a must if buying equipment you would like to still be using in 10 years, at some point the Gov plans to switch/sell off the FM signal. Denon produce a cheaper unit but the reviews are not good, poor decoding and delivery.
Author:  Bacchus [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
My first wander down Dab Lane took me to the following. So if you have 30 mins to spare...(seems that dab+ is the in thing).

Info
Author:  Duncan [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Well Ba, you're wandering is right up there with the folks who want actual fidelity. I'm impressed, you get it completely. Oh ! - That sounds bloody patronising - sorry Ba. Your beautiful 1930's radio is a visual treat, needs a bit more french polish.

The DAB+ processing wizzard is essential, as the cheap-skate broardcasting stations will divide up the bandwidth even further - wretched American style. As GK says, the market will be carved-up, although I thought the Beeb would continue with quality FM for R3, R4 & Jazz fm for a longer time.

256k bits per second is wanted by us.

GK is spot on, I'm in no hurry now - and I will acquire a high end DAB+ tuner from ebay when the money no object fanatics start upgrading again. I'll have to find a DAB aerial to mount on the FM pole. In the meantime I'll stay with the old girl, I may buy an affordable mains smoother at the same time, as I notice that the power supply appears to be getting dirtier on the outskirts of the town, as well as cheap dimmer switches, and fridge freezer motor switching circuits are instrusive. One can hardly go round the house removing them :wink: MK dimmers seem to be better, but they all go pearshaped with longlife bulbs.

This appears to be a good deal as well.

Arcam T32 Current exdem model, but in the new black (silver)
Author:  Duncan [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Azur 650T DAB+ / FM / AM RDS tuner

GK, I've had a look around the place. My conclusion is that this tuner, the build quality and the features, plus the obvious output compatability and load impedence married with your CA amp make this the clear winner for you.

Good price, nice wrap around case build and attractive heavier front panel - I like the aesthetic silver livery the best. build quality looks "recent Krell style" and expensive :)
Author:  GK [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 2:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Yep, I think the A650T is the one.

Regarding DAB, a very cheap way to access the staions is via your Freeview box, a bit of smart cabling and you're away.....

We listen to DAB through our cinema surround system which is linked to the tv and freeview box. You get to know what channel the staions are on and dont even need to switch the tv on, just the digibox and surround system. Great sound.
Author:  Bacchus [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Me too. Digibox wired up to old Grundig Mini-Stereo. Don't do much radio, but 15 y.o. Alba clock/radio in bedroom permanently on R3 unless test match in upside-down lands.

Can watch BBC2 tele concerts through hi-fi and can record same. Can also record R3 on digibox Hard Drive.
Author:  GK [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Do either of you ever catch the Transatlantic Sessions on BBC4?

Excelent stuff, mostly folk & blues, Celtic folk. Check it out.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00gtlnv

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ORZ6812lc
Author:  Bacchus [ Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Well, I can stand 10 mins of Barber, Ball or Bilk but I'll take my all-night seagulls over that lot on the video.
Author:  Duncan [ Fri Apr 06, 2012 11:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
Ba, that's harsh, Tony Barber and Acker are worth a hell of a lot more than 10 minutes :wink:

GK, I've missed loads of interesting transatlantic concerts. My Misses is generally in charge of viewing, and then we go to bed, because moronic telly dominates the prime time viewing slots.

I did see the James Taylor / Carol King reunion concert which included a load of quest artists from the Laurel Canyon district. That concert was truly beautiful, but in the middle on the night ! I also saw Paul McCartney in New York and also his concert at the Round House, again, both concerts in late night viewing. The Beeb have done Nasville Cats and the time line for English Blues - The Cream and Eric Burden plus John Mayall & Eric taking over across the pond where Nashville blues left off.....my formative era.

There has been a lot of good late stuff - for people who don't have to get up the next day - we are in the minority.

I shall acquire a decent DAC seperate to re-route the telly audio when I'm less busy. I've been so damn busy dealing with the end of my parents' lives.
Author:  Bacchus [ Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
I hope you meant

Image

Sometimes with Utterly Patterson.

Tony Barber is either a tv show host or some kind of punky-thingy.
Author:  GK [ Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any audiophiles here?
I forget that Bacchus prefers music from when he was young...

Image

That woman looks scary... burn the witch!
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