John Corneille was first off with a no-compromise two way bookshelf
speaker system he built using carbon fibre cone Audax mid/bass and
Accuton ceramic domes tweeters. The sensitivities of the high and low
frequency units were different so John brought a Behringer “Ultra Drive
Pro” active crossover to balance the system. Lower bass was dipole,
provided by two 38 cm Jaycar units a side. Four 15 inch drivers for
bass! Amplification was a Sony 100W/ch GA7ES high end 5.1 amplifier.
Very impressive.
Next Glenn Baddeley presented a complete system with a TEAC CD
player modified with a two valve output section, a chip amp he constructed
using the LM 4780, and two way floor standing speakers using
Focal and Dynaudio drivers. The cabinets were completely inert being
constructed using five different layers including lead, Masonite and
MDF; and the drivers were time-aligned. Great audio.
Chris Mogford presented a similar amplifier with a computer style
Creative CD player (which refused to select tracks so the TEAC from
the previous system was commandeered) with a pair of largish bookshelf
speakers built around German Visaton and Jaycar drivers by Bob
Toll, with crossovers by Ron Newbound. Ron also supplied a small
powered subwoofer to augment the bass. Very detailed.
After supper a LUX turntable, extensively modified by John Drew, was
pressed into service. John also constructed a head amp for the moving
coil cartridge and a RIAA pre-amp box to feed line level to Moggie’s
chip amp. Absolutely superb.
Bob Toll
| November 2004 |
|
The Rockian Trading Show |
The proprietors of Rockian Trading, Ian and Bev Hooper, who would now
have to be Australia’s biggest and best importers of audiophile CDs,
showed the new additions to their amazing catalogue. While the previous
material is still available, new labels abound. We heard music from
Chess, Linn Records, Audioiquest, ATMA Classique, Pentatone Records,
Mobile Fidelity, Melba Records and German label Stockfisch.
Ian played excerpts from most of the repertoire, but there was so much
we only got to hear small snippets of each selection. Bev’s Bazaar operated
at the rear of the auditorium and members snapped up many bargains.
I would say that both club members and the Hoopers went away
happy after enjoying a very successful evening.
Equipment was provided by Melbourne audio identity Greg Osborn.
There were two exotic CD players, a French Audio Aero Capitole nocompromise
unit, and a world beater from China; and a Consonance
SACD II. Amplification was a Audio Aero 40 w class A valve power
amp that looked like a prop from Lost in Space; Greg brought his biggest
and best speakers, the Grand Monument Reference that, if white,
could have doubled as fridges. Using all Focal drivers, there were two
300 mm bass drivers, a Neoglass cone 180 mm midrange and a phase
plug modified focal 20 mm inverted dome tweeter. They each weigh
175 kg!
Greg has made this offer to any club member or convenor: he welcomes
visits to his Taylors Lakes operations, to hear his extensive range of
amplifiers and disc players and the full range of his classy speakers. His
phone no: 9390 1564.
The club would like to thank Ian, Bev and Greg for the effort they put
into making the evening interesting for all participants.
Bob Toll
| October 2004 |
|
Members Request Night |
Our third Members’ Request Night was an unqualified success. The
idea was that anyone attending could play up to six minutes from a favourite
CD. Members were issued with a numbered ticket as they entered
and asked which category or genre their selection fitted best into.
There were three broad selections – classical, jazz or mainstream-pop.
As the evening progressed a number was pulled from each category in
turn and that member had the floor for about five minutes to present his/
her selection. Due to a bit of foresight in arranging the method of choice
there was a huge range of good music. In fact, when the last piece was
played there were no more slips in the hat! We played every selection
except for those who left at supper time.
The equipment for the evening was IMHO amongst the best we have
ever had the privilege to review in the Willis Room. Wally Roche was
responsible. He brought a stylish Arcam CD player, Carver integrated
amplifier (of which we used only the pre-amp) and the ultimate Carver
power amp (300 wpc).The highlight was the speakers. Wally designed and built a hybrid with
conventional dynamic bass and a brilliant ribbon mid/HF unit about 750
cm long. They were beautifully finished a la piano lacquer.
I thought the sound, particularly in a room that is not known for its
kindness to loudspeakers, was fabulous. I don’t know when I have
heard a more accurate reproduction of voice or strings. The horizontal
dispersion was incredible: I could hear the left speaker against the right
hand wall and imaging was very acceptable. Vertical dispersion was another
thing but we all sat down to listen and this was not a problem.
Some thought that the ribbons were a little bright although this could
have easily been altered as there was a three position attenuator for the
top end. It really is reassuring to see members of our esteemed club
building cutting edge audio components that could hold their own
against all comers world-wide.
Bob Toll
| September 2004 |
|
A Walkthrough of Audio Technology |
Club member and author Stephen Spicer presented one of the most
memorable ever Club nights at the September Monthly Meeting, taking
those assembled through a retinue of audio “firsts”. Complete with
audio and excellent “Powerpoint” video we heard Thomas Alva Edison
utter the first words ever spoken into a recording apparatus, “Mary had
a little Lamb”. Of course this was a re-recording as the original on
tinfoil only lasted two plays so this was also the world’s first “cover
version”.
On to cylinders, the first “talking clock” in 1878, early discs
from early in the 20th century, the first “electric” recording in 1926
played first on an acoustic gramophone then a fully electronic
instrument. We heard some examples of brilliant early ribbon and
capacitor microphones, the quality far too good to be appreciated when
they were first developed in the 1920s.
Following this the first stereo recording by Bell Labs of Leopold
Stokowski leading an orchestra in 1931, the first “Tape” recording
featuring a huge machine called a “Blattnerphone” using steel tape,
Jo Stafford with a direct to disc master in 1945 and the same artist
on a very early Capitol Magnetic Tape recording in 1948. This is
where “Hi-Fi” really started.
Then on to the first microgroove record in 1951, the first commercial
stereo tape from RCA in 1954, the first Westrex 45/45 stereo record
in 1958 and back to direct cutting discs in the US in 1976. From here
it is a short jump to CD, then DVD. Stephen showed that a
generation in audio is around 30 years – cylinder acoustic 1880 to
electric recording 1926 to microgroove 1951 to CD 1981. What will
happen in just a few years?
Of most interest to me personally was the masking used for
compressed audio, e.g., MP3.
A cool edit visual graphic was shown and audio played with two
overlapping signals: white noise at one level with a 1k tone 10 db
down starting after the white noise and continuing after it had
finished. The 1k tone could not be heard during the white noise but
was easily discernable when it had finished. Mp3 compression says
if it can’t be heard, it just won’t be coded and will thrown away. It
was really interesting to hear on a music recording, first the
compressed audio and then the material that was discarded by the
compression.
Equipment for the evening, supplied by Stephen, included a
magnificent home built valve amplifier and 38 cm Tannoy dual
concentrics in HUGE bass reflex cabinets that weighed about a
quarter of a tonne! Thanks for a super evening, Stephen and for the
incredible amount of research that went into it.
Bob Toll
| August 2004 |
|
Loudspeaker Kit Victoria |
The Loudspeaker Kit Victoria was represented by Mimo Fornito. Two
loudspeaker pairs were brought along plus a Pioneer CD player and an
AMC 3150 amp of 150 w/ channel. The speakers were bookshelf model
M5s, and floor standing F6s.
The M5s were presented first and are a two way system, ported
with a 4th order acoustic crossover. The drivers are Dayton Audio 5.25”
bass and Vifa D19TD tweeter. Finished in a vinyl wrap and solidly
constructed they are good value.
A selection of tracks were played and the M5s gave a good account of
themselves considering the small size. No major discontinuities or
cabinet resonances were evident. Rated at 30 watts RMS would be
suitable for small rooms or rear channel home theatre.
Then came the F6s. Again a two way, constructed from 28 mm
MDF and rear ported, with Vifa P17WJ for mid- basses and Vifa
D27TG-35 tweeters. Rated at 70 watts RMS and a frequency range of
40 hz to 22 khz –3db. The larger cabinet and drivers made their
presence felt in better dynamics and midrange, which was a little
lacking in the M5s. Possibly a bit light on for bass authority but again
that could have been the large room. My guess is that they would be
much more assertive in your average domestic situation.
At $395 and $700 respectively for the kits (unfinished) they are good
value, the F6 in particular. Thanks to Mimo for an articulate and well
informed demonstration.
Bob Field
| July 2004 |
|
Members Recordings |
The July meeting included a program of recordings by club members
and friends. This was widened to include any material that had never
been commercially released. Starting with a local recording of the Kew Citizens’ Band of 76
Trombones with a recalcitrant trombonist that insisted on “doing his
own thing”; the evening progressed to a recording by Doug Tipping
of a local orchestra’s interpretation of the overture to Bernstein’s
Candide, recorded on a Sony Minidisc recorder and transferred to
CD. The quality was excellent.
This was followed by a harp solo recorded by member Lucas Cant,
then a copy of the US National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner
by a male quartet using new recording technique called “Isomike”
from a test CD sourced from the USA.
The local scene was again represented by “Hootenanny” from the
Footscray-Yarraville Band, “A” grade champions some years ago
and a fine recording of a leading Melbourne flautist from a concert
in Assembly Hall in Collins St. A never-released movie soundtrack
from “Blue Fire Lady” recorded at Metropolis Studios in Melbourne
followed, then excerpts from two well known piano concertos
recorded once again by Doug Tipping. Many other local recordings
were represented.
After supper Ron Newbound presented a selection of his favourite
CD tracks, detailing why he felt they were useful in assessing
amplifier and loudspeaker performances.
The equipment for the evening included a beautifully finished
AKSA 100 W/channel power amp and Marantz SACD CD player,
brought by Peter Huttemeier and a pair of legendary English
speakers, IMF TLS 50 Mk. IIs, based on the transmission line
principle, which acquitted themselves impeccably. The evening
showcased lots of variety in music and most members really enjoyed
the night.
Bob Toll
The meeting started with the usual formalities, followed by election
of office bearers for the next year. Or should I say the absence of
office bearers. It is disappointing that as usual the work of running
the club falls on the shoulders of the willing few. The willing few
are getting older and more tired. We have talented members with
plenty to say so how about a bit of doing as well, members. Right.
That’s off my chest.
This was followed by an auction of the club’s surplus
equipment. Ex Pres Matt (spruiker) Jelicich presided over
proceedings, and what a great job he did. Even allowed Wally to talk
up the price of an item on which I was bidding. A fun event to be
sure. The odd dollar or two swelled the club’s coffers. Some items I
am certain were purchased more as a donation than anything else,
and I believe all items were sold. No doubt we can have a pie and
coke night on the proceeds if Pres Neville lets the moths out of the
wallet. One slices each, fellas no more.
After the auction was a musical offering courtesy of our
departing Program Co-ordinator, who supplied the gear, and music
courtesy of the committee. I would have to say it was one of Wally’s
better efforts. The Arcam amps seemed a good match for the
speakers. The speakers surprised me in their fullness. First
impressions were “piddly little 4” woofers” in the Willis room? Oh
dear me!
The first track from Ken made us sit up and take notice. From there
on a good sele ction of music of varied genre and good quality
recordings made for an interesting evening.
The CD player had HDCD capabilities, which allowed the full
appreciation of this format, which some feel is at least as good as
SACD.
The equipment (which is available for purchase) was an
Arcam Alpha 8 power amp and preamp combination, plus Arcam
8SE CD player. The speakers are by Wally, the drivers 4” Arista
bass x2, with Response mid and tweeter. Budget drivers, but far
from budget sound. The crossovers are not yet finalized so some
improvement could be expected. Interconnects were Silver Ribbon
(flat).
Asking prices:
Arcam amp/ pre combination $2100
CD player $1200
Speakers, painted $1200
Jarrah finish. $1500
Piano finish. $1800
And so another year closes. I will not be active in the coming year,
apart from maybe a home meeting. Getting older, slower and
grumpier. So put your hands up younger members and do something
for your club, or maybe we won’t have a club!
Bob (the Builder) Field
The evening opened with Jeff who presented us with a modified CD player which he played into Rogers speakers
via a passive pre-amp that was favourablt commented on by thos in the know and those who would believe that they are in the know.
Jeff is one of the club's gentlemen and conducted his presentation is an efficient and entertaining manner, which got the evening off to a good start.
Roger was next, who had brought with him a Jaycar chip amp coupled with an AKSA amp and played this equipment through Jeff's Rogers speakers.
The rest of the evening was a combination effort by Kendrick, Peter H. and Martine which consisted of Kendrick's valve pre-amp receiving signals from
Peter H's CD player, then vai an AKSA amplifier into Martin's Omnidirectional speakers.
This combination proved successful in most people's opion on the night. Of course, there was a lot of discussion, questions,
and sometimes correct answers during the supper break, which tended to enhance the popularity of our DIY nights. Many have
remarked that meetings of this type prove to be most enjoyable because everyone seems to get involved, rather than just sit
there and say 'entertain me', which leads to a 'clubby' atmosphere.
Wally Roche
| April 2004 |
|
The Best Speaker System in the World? |
Obviously, such a claim is usually greeted with a great deal of skepticism,
so it was understandable that they were greeted with a considerable amount
of reserve. What was generally agreed, after hearing a few tracks, was that during the
era when they were made they probably were the best speaker at that time.
Most of the opinions expressed were very complimentary, so a large
number of people enjoyed their performance. It was generally agreed that
they were one of the more unusual/innovative designs seen to date.
As usual, most of the critics of the system were still trying to equate a
domestic hi-fi system with a PA system. Those that thought there was
either too much or too little of the audio spectrum, were probably sitting in
the ‘wrong’ part of the room, the room having its own acoustic properties,
which invariably contribute to modification of the sound. Perhaps it would
be an idea to move about a bit, because although it would have been very
difficult to change axis for this particular speaker, it may have allowed for a
wider appreciation of performance.
I went to Len Greene’s shop to take a few pictures of the ‘innards’ of the
DR-1’s which I hope the Editor will find space for in this edition. (See pp
28. Ed.)
For those who missed this meeting and who may be interested in a detailed
description of the speakers, please refer to last month’s MAN.
There was quite a lot of chat about the value of these speakers, and
numerous figures were quoted, none of which seemed to relate to
commonsense. I have since learned that originally, the drive units and the
built-in amplifier came as a kit at the time for $7000.00, so where all these
other figures came from is anybody’s guess although, as Barry S. pointed
out, one of the figures quoted gave you a choice between a pair of these or
a Rolls Royce. That being in the realms of fantasy, further investigation
discovered that, some time ago, one pair sold for $30000.00. I believe the
owner, Len’s son, may be persuaded to sell them if anyone is interested, for
around $10-12000.00, but don’t quote me.
Wally Roche
| THE WORLD'S GREATEST SPEAKERS Another view ! |
I guess there's nothing like a good dose of hype to get members interested
in an upcomming demo , and the promise of hearing "The World's Greatest
Speakers" certainly worked. The Willis Room was packed for this night
with probably half the members coming just for the chance to scoff at this
ridiculous claim! After all who ever heard of RTR? As vintage equipment
goes they certainly have no real cult status. The design was interesting
though; two externally mounted 8" bass drivers in a pseudo-isobaric setup
using a single internal 12" bass driver crossing over to a curved
electrostatic array at around 300Hz. Not the most expensive speaker in its
day (late 70s) but well up there.
Our presenter, Len Greene, was confident of the ability of these speakers
even though he may have been a bit lost on the technical details. The music
played was chosen strictly for sonic impact, not subtlety. As the decibels
rose the front seats began to vacate.
As for the sound of the RTR's....I think many members were surprised that
they actually sounded quite good for their age especially bearing in mind
the amp setup and the Willis room accoustics. In particular I found them to
give a reasonable stereo image when sitting to one side of the hall-
something few speakers achieve. Their performance was all the more
impressive considering the far from ideal setup:
1. The yamaha power amp was just not big enough for SPLs being
asked. The clipping indicator on both channels was pretty much lit
constantly during the first half of the demo.
2. The bass drivers had recently had new surrounds fitted and these would
have been done without any chance to match the original specs.
3. The speakers had a rear mounted control for both treble roll off and
treble energy to match the level of the tweeter unit with the bass. This
setting would be dependent on the gain of the bass amp used among other
things. In my conversation with the presenter I gathered he had just set this
to approx mid position as a bit of a guess. Certainly he confirmed to
me he hadn't measured it. This might be the major reason for the mid
imbalance commented on by several members.
I think the low expectations most members brought to the presentation
allowed the speakers to impress beyond their real performance ability.
What struck me most on the night, however, was the excellent attendance
for a demonstration of relatively modest equpipment.
Perhaps members are more interested in demos of equipment they are likely
to buy or use themselves than in mega dollar unobtainium stuff which
wholesalers normally bring to meetings? Hmmm... I can sense a
questionaire coming.
John Corneille
| March 2004 |
|
Club's 30th Anniversary |
I would like to say the March GM presentation was a resounding success
with an exciting programme enjoyed by all. Unfortunately I can’t !
It promised to be an interesting night with selections of music from the
1974 and 2004 eras along with some direct comparisons between Vinyl and
CD version of the same tracks. Instead, the efforts of the presenters were
completely destroyed by poor equipment setup and the non-arrival of the
speakers for one of the two systems until well into the supper break.
I can only offer apologies to the four presenters who had each gone to the
trouble of preparing a special programme of 1974 and 2004 material in
celebration of the Club’s 30 years of operation.
Neville Keatley
| February 2004 |
|
Chris's Surround Sound Night |
Chris Mogford was determined to show us the glories of Surround Sound !
In an orgy of furniture removal, he shifted most of his system to the Willis
Room to let those attending a General Meeting hear some pretty good
surround sound.
In each corner of the room and at centre front he located a 3 way speaker.
The units were virtually identical with the front and centre speakers using
SEAS Bass units, which Chris felt produced a slightly better bass extension
than the rear speakers which used Vifa bass drivers. Each box used a Vifa
mid range dome and a Vifa ring tweeter. The player was a Denon 2900,
and the amplification was Chris's home brew.
We heard a wide selection of discs catering for all styles of music. I
thought the Dark Side Of the Moon SACD showed the best potential for
producing sound all around you. But then DSOM is probably the only one
of the pop style discs Chris played I am familiar with.
I was less than impressed with the Classical discs. The Planets was a
travesty of good orchestral sound, over spotlighted and far too much up
front. Whoever was responsible for the mixing should be hung, drawn and
quartered, while listening to John Cage's piece - 4 minutes 32 seconds at
mind numbing levels. Chabrier's Joyous March fared much better with
only ambience heard from the rear speakers.
In all though, it was an instructive night. The new formats showing
promise. I think though that surround sound serves pop music better than
Classical. Only rarely in concert music will you have performers behind
you, but ambience retrieval, which is one of the great hopes for Surround
Sound, is poorly achieved in most 2 channel stereo. I was interested to note
that while a centre sweet spot was limited to very few seats, good spread
was heard from my seat well to the left and well back into the room.
Thanks Chris for very interesting night.
John Drew
| January 2004 |
|
AV Demo - Swap Meet |
Ifound this a difficult task. Does one tell it as it is, or say what people like
to hear. I am inclined to tell things as I see it as many of you know. I don’t
always get it right, and tread on a few toes, but here goes.
Frankly it was a disappointing evening. A relatively small turnout for
starters. Wally did his best to present a musical offering that was -well- a
little different. I felt the medium (videotape) a bit inappropriate. After all,
we are supposed to be at the cutting edge, aren’t we? The musical content
was quite enjoyable, in fact I have purchased a CD of Mozart’s flute and
harp concerto. The sound quality was acceptable, if not leading edge. The
vision – hmmmm?
The artists were certainly world class, especially the harpist. No prizes for
looks, but she could really play what is in fact a very difficult instrument.
It was disappointing that the audience saw fit not to applaud, or even thank
the presenter for his effort, even if the music was not to their taste.
Anyhow, off the perch and back to business. The offerings were a bit lean.
A little DIY stuff, a few CDs and records, but not much else. Maybe last
years bumper offering was a hard act to follow.
One thing that is always in abundance was the friendship and common
interest in things audio. Who cares if it is not cutting edge, I enjoy the
social aspect of the club, the people, the technical haggling and the great
musical knowledge base the membership provides.
Bob Field