With modifications to the circuit, yes; but as a "plug and play", no.

hatfield February 27, 2006 22:22

Would that be Whitney when she's sober or high on crack? (sorry, couldn't resist).

Thanks for the complement. I do find that it has that "reach out and touch it" quality - but due to room restrictions, it's not a deep as I'd like.

Musically, it favors acoustic music. It does piano extremely well and strings (guitar, mandolin, double bass, etc.) with great realism. It also reflects, quite accurately, poorly recorded music (think the majority 80's rock).

I really don't listen at levels beyond 80-90dB peaks, so I haven't run into issues of conjestion or break-up in complex passages.

Hat

hatfield February 06, 2006 19:14

Joe,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your post. My wife and I just had a baby boy, so things have been a little crazy.

Alex (thanks for answering the question) nailed it. I was adding dedicated circuits to my home and used 20amp just in case it was needed in the future. There was no increase in cost, so I figured, "why not."

My main focus was to add a dedicated circuit - making it 20 amp was secondary.

Enjoy your new system!

Happy Holidays!
Mike

hatfield December 23, 2005 17:11

Robyatt...
Congrats on the aqussition of your Abby's. As I'm sure you're finding out, the more you listen to them, to more you love them! IME, they keep getting better with time.

Leemark...
I listened to a 95dB speaker (Abbys) with a 30-60 watt tube amp (a C-J Premier 11A) and found listening to be more enjoyable with a 45 or 2A3 SET amp. Agreed that it will run out of steam very quickly when pushed; but like Onemug, typical listening levels peak at 75dB. It may not have the dynamic swings and slam of live performance, but it certainly makes my toes tap and puts a smile on my face!

Skushino...
I appreciate your kudos... but I should be saying the same thing about your system! Your Edgarhorn system paired w/ the DRD300B must be astonishing! FWIW, I've changed things ups a bit and have replaced the Abbys with an Oris Compact Reference system (AER MD-1). Details can be found here
http://www.diy-systems.com/index.html?lang=en-uk&target=d7.html

Cheers,
Hat

hatfield July 25, 2005 21:05

Hello Ibrahim,

In my experience, I did not have to add additional weight the arm. The two seemed to have a good synergy. I had my VTA set so that the cart was parallel to the platter and the tracking force was around 2.7g.

You probably could add additional mass to the arm, but I couldn't say how that would effect the performance.

If you happen to try, I would be very interested to hear your results.

Also, I've got the itch to try a 103R. The 103 is a great cart, but the more I read about the "R", the more I want to hear one in my system :^)

hatfield May 09, 2005 17:48

Thanks for the kind words! I've been considering trying out a different pre to see the impact it would have on my system.

I like your Korneff 76 idea and the thought of taking the DIY approach. Since I'm somewhat apprehensive about building tube-based equipment from scratch, I decided I'd try my hand at a kit. The Bottlehead Foreplay has generated some very positive feedback, so I'm going to try out the Foreplay III in my system. Not exactly all triode, but the new Foreplay will accommodate a wide variety of tubes (including 76's) with a little modification. I’m looking forward to how it's going to compare to the CJ.

hatfield February 15, 2005 01:54

Let me put it in audiophile terms... it smokes the PH-1!

Seriously, it is dead quiet! Not to quote Fremer, but the music really does emerge from a ink-black background. Sense of depth is increased. Instrument timbres have improved. Music just seems to flow better.

I know… not the most technically precise explanation, but this is why I don't write for the music press ;^)

hatfield December 08, 2004 19:38

System edited: Replaced Acoustech PH-1 with Sutherland Ph.D

hatfield December 08, 2004 18:55

I checked out the RS Audio Midnight wire, but I couldn't justify (or, for that matter, afford) the expense. It did look interesting though.

Perhaps sometime in the future, I'll be able to test the waters :^)

Best,
Hat

hatfield October 12, 2004 19:14

Lak,

Thanks for the kudos. I'm still playing around with different resistors to get the ideal integration between the super tweeter and the driver for my ears, but for the most part, the system's dialed in.

I used Cardas 2 x 23.5 AWG shielded cable for hookup wire. It's very easy to work with, and in my experience, very neutral in it's sonic fingerprint.

Hat

hatfield October 11, 2004 20:20

Zaikes... good to hear from ya! Jet-setting around the world again, eh? Well, the drop-by invite is still wide open so feel free to take me up on it anytime.

Thanks for the kudos... I think I've got things about where I want them for now - esp. for the investment; but you know that upgrade/tweak bug can be a bie-yatch!

Hummmm, the CJ/SET comparison... the biggest difference I've noticed is in the dynamics. Knowing what my listening environment consists of, and how low-level listening reigns supreme, you can prolly guess that the CJ never really had the chance to open up and stretch out its legs. The SET set-up (no pun intended) allows me to run the amps hotter and give them proper room to show what they can produce without upsetting the preverbal marital apple cart.

Additionally, I have noticed that the SETs allow you to see deeper into the recording. I notice more subtle details in the music. Room nuances (reverberations, mic placements, etc... all the auditory clues that allow the listener to construct a virtual soundstage) are more defined. Stringed instruments are more true to life... the attack and decay of individual notes are more tangible.

I’d like to think that I’m not imagining the differences (an audio placebo effect), but the differences are actually there. I will tell you that my wife prefers this set-up... she said she thought it sounded more coherent and less directional (in terms of source location). You’ll need to give me your impressions after you’ve had a chance to hear the SET system.

In all fairness, I didn’t have as much time with the CJ/Abby combo as I would have liked. The Abby’s have since broken-in quite a bit, so if I were to do an A/B comparison today, I may hear something different. Who knows…? I can say I will always have a spot in my heart for the CJ Prem11!

hatfield September 22, 2004 17:52

matthew~
The Fi is a great amp. The more I listen to it - especially since Don brought it to current specs - the more I love it. Actually, I've been using it more than my 45SE lately.

It mates with the Abbys very well... I'd imagine the Ben's would sound equally as refined if not more so.

How do you like the Bens?

hatfield September 02, 2004 16:46

Been away for bit... sorry for the delay in response.

Jax2~
The two drivers are two Abby applications that Terry produces: the “normal” are the FE166Es and the “nearfield” are the FF165Ks. In my experience, each driver has its own distinct signature, but both are great in their own respect.

I’ve thought about using an L-Pad in-line, but I’ve been playing around with different resistors (in series and in parallel) to fine-tune the integration. I haven’t shelved the L-Pad attenuator yet, but for now I’d like to keep the x-over as simple as possible.

The difference in sound between the 45SE and the Fi X is mainly in the inner detail of the music. The 45SE seems to capture the nuances better than the Fi. Also, I get a slightly better sense of space with the 45SE. However, the Fi (when running with 2A3 drivers) has a little more punch. Somewhat of a more “active” listening experience. Even using 45 drivers, the presentation seems a little more forward. I guess it boils down to this… each amp has its strengths that cater better to different types of music. Having the two amps allows for great versatility! Also, the Fi drives the sub regardless if it’s being used to drive the Abby’s.

Inscrutable~
I’m sure you will be very happy with the Fi/Abby combo. I’d be curious to hear how the Abby’s mate with the Omegas the Decware amps. Enjoy your new system!

Bmedling~
I spoke to Terry about the “Super Abby” as well (prolly three-months ago), but I’m not sure of the current status. As for the mounts, I played around with different configurations, and came up with what is pictured (I’ll have to upload some better photos). The housing cradle is cherry wood and the baffle is hard maple (the baffle would have been cherry as well, but I ran out of scrap). The design is most definitely TC inspired – I based it on the Ben-ES he has on his site. I think more time went into the experimentation than the actual finished product.

Placement was again, done by experimenting with what sounded best and provided the most seamless integration. I tried several different positions (side firing, rear firing, offset placement, etc.) and found aligning the magnet of the T90’s with the main drivers and facing them forward offered the best option (for my ears). I couldn’t tell you how they would measure (in fact, I would bet that their measurements would look terrible), but I think they sound great. [BTW, if anyone in the Washington DC metro is reading this and has access to audio measurement gear, please drop me a line]

As for the noise level with the Fi, my initial experience proved it to be a noisy unit (more so using the 2A3 drivers); however, recently having it overhauled by Don Garber and brought to current specs, it’s very quiet. I can’t say it’s dead quiet, but you need to place your ear right next to the driver in order to hear any noise. The modifications/revisions were well worth their expense.

hatfield August 31, 2004 21:07

Bemopti-
Funny you mention the "full range upgrade bug." I've been playing around with a pair of Fostex T90A horn-loaded super tweeters. I was looking to capture a little more upper-end extension and these offer it in spades. I don't know if it'll be a permanent addition to my system, but for now, they're fun to experiment with.

Gonglee-
A back loaded horn sounds like a plan! Good luck with the project… it should be a lot of fun. BTW, Madisound sells a pretty nice prefabricated folded horn box (BK-16… looks to be very similar to the Medallion in design), which will house a 6.5” driver. The cost is relatively low (about $200 for a pair) and may be an option if you do not have a design in mind.

As for CD vs. vinyl, I listen to both equally. I can’t really say that one sounds better than the other through the Fostex drivers. There are some records I have that sound plain 'ol bad. They may not have been mastered very well, and their playback suffers. There are also records that I have that will blow any CD I own out of the water. So, in my experience, I think it all boils down to the source material. As they say, “garbage in, garbage out.”

Using SS amplification to power Fostex drivers is, IMO, more a matter of preference and needs. For example, I’ve used different types of tube amps (SET, Push-Pull, low-power, high power, etc) and all had their own unique fingerprint. Some I enjoyed, some I didn’t. What I find pleasing may not be the same for you. I’m somewhat biased toward tubes, but that’s not to say SS wouldn’t do them justice. Rather than purchase a new amp along with the loudspeakers, why not try them out with your Marantz receiver. You will be familiar with how the amp sounds and most likely be able to hear the sonic characteristics of Fostex drivers better than if you were listening to them through a new/unfamiliar amp.

Whichever way you go, enjoy it and have fun.

Hat

hatfield August 10, 2004 19:51

gonglee3-

i did some side-by-side comparisons to the C&C Abby's before i sold my N805's. although i couldn't really test the 805's with 45se amp (not enough power to drive them with any kind of volume/dynamics), i did run both speakers with a CJ Premier 11a (70wpc).

i felt the 805s paired with a more powerful amp driving them bested the Abbys. however, the Abbys paired with a low-powered SET (i used a Fi X and the 45se when comparing the two speakers), were better suited to my listening environment and tastes.

the Abbys threw a larger, more transparent soundstage with massive depth. the 805s may have been a little more detailed (only by a slight margin), but i felt as if i was focusing more on the system and not on the music when listening to the 805s. with the single-drivers, i was enjoying the music more... yes, very cliché when speaking about SET systems, but also very true in my experience.

as for the speakers being the weak link in the system, i'm sure i could improve upon them (Lowther drivers, Oris horns, Avant-garde horns, etc.) but they have a wonderful synergy with my amp and are just efficient enough to satisfy me without pissing off my wife. sometime down the line i may “upgrade” to another speaker… who knows. For now, I’ve very happy with ‘em!

depending on what type of amplification you are planning to use with the Fostex drivers, they have a relatively low out-of-pocket cost (about $120 for a pair of FE166E or FF165E) when you hear what they can deliver in the proper enclosure. i will tell you that they take some serious break-in time (a good 200 hours on the 166's) before they begin show their capabilities. in my experience, they were extremely congested and verging on difficult to listen to when i first played them… although YMMV.

hatfield August 02, 2004 19:11

thanks for the kind words.

crazy4blues-
Slipknot and Metalica would be much better served on another system. i'm thinking a VTL/BAT/etc. high powered push-pull tube amp or some solid state juice paired with Legacy 20/20's (if you haven't heard them driven with some power, they're worth the listen) would do that genre of music justice. now don't get me wrong... i'm listening to Jane’s Addiction "nothing shocking" on vinyl as i type this and it sounds pretty nice - just a little on the thin side. however, i'm prolly getting peaks around 105dB (the wife and child are out at the moment ;^) just enough to feel it.

i listen to just about everything (for instance, before Jane’s Addiction, i was listening to Count Basie's "88 Basie Street), but i find that the system really does enormous justice to acoustic instruments - "Summertime" on Garcia/Grisman's "The Pizza Tapes" is unreal! smaller jazz combos, bluegrass/folk, smaller classical ensembles are where the system really shines.

i will say the addition of a powered sub did wonders to flesh out the low end. it makes up for any shortcomings of the 6" Fostex full-range drivers.

as for their efficiency, 95dB is just barely enough. if i were to start from scratch and was looking to fill a larger room, i would opt for something a more efficient. however the pairing works very well for my current situation. i have a 2A3-based amp set-up as well, and the 95dB efficiency is just right.

raytheprinter -
i do like the PH-1, but i have the Ph.D in my system to demo and it offers a noticeable improvement (i was thinking about upgrading to the PH-1P and was offered an in-home demo on the Ph.D). is it worth the difference in cost...? let's just say the jury is still out. i'll concur with all the reviewers though... this thing delivers JET BLACK backgrounds!

i have it cabled with Audience AU24's (pre-amp link) and a Cardas-based tonearm cable (Cardas DIN plug, Cardas 2x24 wire and Cardas RCA termination - Kevin @ DIYCable built it for me). I also have an Audience AU24 tonearm cable, but I've been favoring the DIYCable cable lately. both are exceptionally reveling and quite neutral, but I’m favoring the copper in the Cardas cable… I guess you can call it my flavor of the week.

hat

hatfield August 02, 2004 00:49