How to make a SS amp sound like a Class A?
PS WRT Adele the recording of "21" is to my mind (ears) very harsh and metallic (I suspect it has been compressed to make it sound good on cheap equipment) and I would never judge a hifi on the basis of how it sounded. In some ways it sounds better on my car's CD player than on my hifi!
What other female voices does it struggle with?
Chris
TBH, it doesn't struggle with any voices. Even poor quality recordings vocals sound beautifully clear, but certain albums like Adele 18, Dido, Joss Stone's 'Mind, Body & Soul' lacks a bit of depth or realism. On the flipside Kate Bush sounds wonderful and believable, likewise Nora Jones and Sheryl Crow.
The answer is certainly speaker related. I have a very good idea which ones I'd finally audition, not straight away.
I don't have all the same music as you but on mine Adele 18 is good (21 metallic as I said before), DIDO No Angel is excellent both voice and accompliment, Nora Jones very strong. So what speakers are you thinking of?
Chris
Totem Model-1 Signature (possibly), ProAc Response D1 or D2, Sonus Faber. That's the starting point, and see how it goes from there.
I'd be fascinated to know how you came to your shortlist. As and when I want to upgrade my system I'll look at speakers so any guidance gratefully received.
Chris
PS WRT Adele the recording of "21" is to my mind (ears) very harsh and metallic (I suspect it has been compressed to make it sound good on cheap equipment) and I would never judge a hifi on the basis of how it sounded. In some ways it sounds better on my car's CD player than on my hifi!
What other female voices does it struggle with?
Chris
TBH, it doesn't struggle with any voices. Even poor quality recordings vocals sound beautifully clear, but certain albums like Adele 18, Dido, Joss Stone's 'Mind, Body & Soul' lacks a bit of depth or realism. On the flipside Kate Bush sounds wonderful and believable, likewise Nora Jones and Sheryl Crow.
The answer is certainly speaker related. I have a very good idea which ones I'd finally audition, not straight away.
I don't have all the same music as you but on mine Adele 18 is good (21 metallic as I said before), DIDO No Angel is excellent both voice and accompliment, Nora Jones very strong. So what speakers are you thinking of?
Chris
Totem Model-1 Signature (possibly), ProAc Response D1 or D2, Sonus Faber. That's the starting point, and see how it goes from there.
I'd be fascinated to know how you came to your shortlist. As and when I want to upgrade my system I'll look at speakers so any guidance gratefully received.
Chris
Well, love the Totem Arros but too unstable to risk that sort of money, so hoping the sigs will be even better and add equilibrium; never heard any ProAcs but hear they are fairly smooth in the top end; Sonus Fabers not heard but come with a very loyal folloeing - and they look the biz.
As and when I let you know. 
A short postscript about warm-sounding speakers - perhaps try something from Sonus Faber? I'm sure the Leema has enough grunt.
Cheers
A word of caution on the Totems PP, they too have a metal tweeter . I tried them and didn't like them at all... ProAc are superb and do try and get a demo of Harbeth when the time comes.
Mac
A word of caution on the Totems PP, they too have a metal tweeter . I tried them and didn't like them at all... ProAc are superb and do try and get a demo of Harbeth when the time comes.
Mac
That was also my finding.......which isn't really surprising, as we usually like the same components.
Harbeths have SEAS aluminium dome tweeters.
I can whole heartedly recommend Harbeth, beautiful midrange, easy to listen to and great at lower levels. They might be a bit too laid back for some types of music though
Cheers, Ed
Imac, Airport Express, Audiolab 8200CD, Rega Planar 3, Ortofon 2M Black, Croft Acoustics RIAA phono stage, Croft 25 pre & 7 series power amp, Harbeth P3ESR. Atlas & Black Rhodium interconnects, Maplins 10 gauge multistrand. AKG K702, Sennheiser HD380 Pro, Denon AH-D2000
A word of caution on the Totems PP, they too have a metal tweeter . I tried them and didn't like them at all... ProAc are superb and do try and get a demo of Harbeth when the time comes.
Mac
Strange that - when the question was posed, some time back, about metal domed tweeters, most said it made little or no difference or no preference http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/soft-dome-v-metal-dome-tweetersdo-you-have-a-preferance
Certainly to my ears Totem's tweeters are more forgiving than the MAs, but I have only heard them with the Leema and Moon 1-3 (entry-level model).
A word of caution on the Totems PP, they too have a metal tweeter . I tried them and didn't like them at all... ProAc are superb and do try and get a demo of Harbeth when the time comes.
Mac
Strange that - when the question was posed, some time back, about metal domed tweeters, most said it made little or no difference or no preference http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/soft-dome-v-metal-dome-tweetersdo-you-have-a-preferance
Certainly to my ears Totem's tweeters are more forgiving than the MAs, but I have only heard them with the Leema and Moon 1-3 (entry-level model).
Probably more a question of implementation than material used, having said that, some of the best treble I have heard in dynamic headphones have originated by fostex/foster made diaphragms which happen to be microfibre rather than plastic or metal.
regards
A word of caution on the Totems PP, they too have a metal tweeter . I tried them and didn't like them at all... ProAc are superb and do try and get a demo of Harbeth when the time comes.
Mac
Strange that - when the question was posed, some time back, about metal domed tweeters, most said it made little or no difference or no preference http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/soft-dome-v-metal-dome-tweetersdo-you-have-a-preferance
Certainly to my ears Totem's tweeters are more forgiving than the MAs, but I have only heard them with the Leema and Moon 1-3 (entry-level model).
Probably more a question of implementation than material used, having said that, some of the best treble I have heard in dynamic headphones have originated by fostex/foster made diaphragms which happen to be microfibre rather than plastic or metal.
regards
Quite right.
Nice to see you back, DM.
PP ,
Have you considered trying some acoustic treatment such as wall panel absorbers or diffusers ?
Do you suffer from flutter echo in your room , an easy test is to clap you hands loudly once and listen for a fluttery echo a split second later .
If you are suffering from this effect then it might be the cause of the inconsistent mid range performance of you system but unfortunately no change of equipment or speakers will cure it , but strategically placed acoustic wall panels can really help.
Gik Acoustics are very good at sorting this sort of problem if you have one
PP ,
Have you considered trying some acoustic treatment such as wall panel absorbers or diffusers ?
Do you suffer from flutter echo in your room , an easy test is to clap you hands loudly once and listen for a fluttery echo a split second later .
If you are suffering from this effect then it might be the cause of the inconsistent mid range performance of you system but unfortunately no change of equipment or speakers will cure it , but strategically placed acoustic wall panels can really help.
Gik Acoustics are very good at sorting this sort of problem if you have one
Nope - the only time I've experienced that is when the curtains are removed and/or the furniture is moved out to clean the carpet.
TBH, it'll difficult trying to persuade Mrs. P. that acoustic panels are a good thing.
Quite right.
Nice to see you back, DM.
My yearly visit ... hi PP
regards
Harbeths have SEAS aluminium dome tweeters.
I know... just shows how good they are, to include such a component without ever sounding harsh, just beautifully detailed and natural.
Mac
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Totem Model-1 Signature (possibly), ProAc Response D1 or D2, Sonus Faber. That's the starting point, and see how it goes from there.
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It will be different . . . but will it be better . . . ? Only to start the search again in a couple of years time when the itch starts?
CJSF
Rega P5/PB700 (upgraded main bearing, white drive belt), Sumiko Celebration Pearwood Signature cartridge, Carver MCt, Croft Integrated Valve hybrid amp, PMC LB1's on Foundation Designer Stands, Rega Apollo CDp. Cables: speaker, Linn K20, Interconnect, Foundation Audio Special.