Hi T0tor0,

Sorry for the late reply.

The "Recall" button lets you load in the "active" memory of the DG-38 a measurement you have performed at a previous time.

It seems to me that the last measurement one performs is kept in the active memory of the DG-38 (by that I mean that it is used for performing corrections). But because I am not 100% sure, I save (with an appropriate name) each measurement I perform, then depending on the voicing procedure that I use I load in the "active" memory the required measurement (using the recall button).

I find it very confusing that one does not know which curve is in the active memory of the DG-38 and also that one is not required to save a measurement immediately after it was performed. IMO this is what make the set-up procedure so unclear.

Regarding subwoofers, I would buy just one at first. My opinion is that if the subwoofer is set-up properly you will not be able to locate it (irrespectively on how large the room is). Two subwoofer will give you a more even response in the room. What that means is that by moving the two subwoofers around the room and changing their relative position one is able to obtain a large area with good bass (basically less areas with too much or too less bass). But keep in mind that it is more difficult to set up two subwoofers.

Regarding brands, I would go with the REL (because I had only very very good experiences with them).

Regards,
Paul

nvp February 28, 2012 21:52

hi paul,

thanks for the response.

i used Voicing C (Compensation using speaker characteristics). let me try using B and see if it makes a difference. one thing which confuses me so much is the meas recall button. what is it recalling??? especially when i am using voicing C where i have the speaker's profile and room profile:( thanks for the tip. I will try this weekend. did u try to adjust the profile with the stylus or just leave it? i saw the picture of your speaker's profile and thought that you used Voicing C actually.

been reading up on subwoofer these 2 days. maybe leaning to 2x F112 from JL Audio. seems that there are some argument that low frequencies does have some directions (especially if the room is big) and it maybe worthwhile to do a stereo step up for subs as well. just need to find the space i guess!!! have u heard these before?

t0tor0 February 23, 2012 15:18

Hi T0tor0,

Indeed the Accuphase manual is extremely brief and gives no explanations what so ever on what the units is actually doing. So far I have tried only the first and second room set-up procedures. I found that the 1st procedure, i.e. Voicing A (Compensation with built in curve), does not make much of an improvement. I am not sure whether that is because I made a mistake ... One the other hand, the 2nd set-up procedure, i.e. Voicing B (Compensation with auto-generated curve), made a huge difference. It has improved considerable not just the stereo image and the bass, but made the sound much more open and detailed. I did not do anything special to achieve this, just followed the steps in the manual. Which set-up procedure did you try?

Maybe I should mentioned that I had a similar experience with you when trying a Lyngdorf unit. But that was mostly because of the dealer who applied too many correction in order to get good measurements in my room which was a bit too live. This has literally sucked all the life from the music. In the dealer's room, which was well dumped, the Lyngdorf sounded wonderful. Nonetheless, I did not experience this problem with the DG-38 unit.

Regarding my Kemp power source, while the brand is not that well know it is a very good unit. I found it superior to the popular PS Audio PPP. I did not tried any Shunyata units, but most dealer here told me that the Kemps units are much better. But ... they are probably biased because Kemp is a dutch brand.

I do not have much experience with B&W subwoofers but I am very found of the REL ones. You should have no problem to make a REL Stentor to blend with your 805 speakers. While the REL Stentor and Studio models can also be used for home theater it is best to use them for stereo - they are made for music.

Best wishes,
Paul

nvp February 22, 2012 21:00

Hi Paul,

Thanks for sharing your setup. I also have an Accuphase setup and recently got a DG-38. However, it seems confusing to use and somehow, the manual is just too basic. I followed as per the instructions, measuring the speakers profile first, then the room, then the compensation. I always felt that it sounded muffled and the sound without the EQ is better. Any tips on how you use the DG-38 and your experience?

I have a B&W 805 Signature setup in my room as well. Looking for a subwoofer to pair up with it. Actually looking at a B&W DB1 and also a REL Stentor3. How do you like the REL? Would you say it is suitable as a stereo setup with bookshelves speakers?

I agree with you that the PS-1220 is really expensive!!! I added a Shunyata Hydra V-ray2 to my Accuphase system and it sounded really good. Perhaps you can consider that as well;)

t0tor0 February 22, 2012 03:20

Hi Pierre,

Crossover settings for the Stentor: 30 Hz (i.e. A, 6) with the volume of the REL between 3 and 4 (with the marking for the minimum being zero).

Regarding the Accuphase power sources, the 500 models do not have enough power while the 1200 models do not have enough outlets (I talk about the european versions). The only viable choice is the new PS 1220 and this is actually the problem: The PS 1220 cost 10K euros! I find the price ridiculous even after a 15% discount which I can get. (I know two local companies specialized in building studios that will sound proof, treat my room and optimize my set up for much less than 8.5 K...)

It is better to wait till one of the local dealers that has in stock one PS1220 (or two PS-510) will go bankrupt so I can buy these babies at more earthly prices. :)

Happy new year Pierre!

Happy new year to everyone!

Paul

nvp December 31, 2011 01:14

Appreciate the response Paul.

Will have to remember tracks for the panels for flexibility. Right now the plan is to hang panels via wire.

If low frequency for Utopia Micro Be is 50Hz what is REL crossover settings?

PS 1220 or PS 510?

lapierre December 30, 2011 03:35

Hi Tpreaves,

The drums are Roland electronic drums not acoustic drums. The cymbals are made of rubber and the drum heads from a mesh. While they provide a very realistic feel (95% as an acoustic drum) they are rather quiet and also do not resonate at all when I listen to music.

Best wishes,
Paul

nvp December 30, 2011 01:16

Hi Pierre,

I will answer here also the questions you've asked on the page of my old system. This is going to be a long answer...

I did not use special material to isolate the room sonically, the area is rather quiet so there was no need for this.

Regarding the panels, they are made from some industrial isolation boards made from small pieces of synthetic sponges mixed with glue and pressed to make a more dense material. Mr. Kemp has suggested this material. It costs something like 30 euros for 2.5 square meters and comes into boards of 0.5 x 1 meters. I have glued these panels onto some sort of very thin MDF/cardboard in which I have drilled a hole so I can hang them on the wall. Then, I have installed some special tracks for hanging paintings (the white strip at the base of the ceiling that can be seen between the panels) so I can move the panels around in order to find the most effective position (this was also suggested to me by Mr. Kemp). As for diffusers, I use the CD and book shelves - I have placed them "strategically" in the room so they serve this purpose. I might add an additional panel on the wall in front of my desk, but I will do that only when I will have the time to go and look for some decent fabric to cover the panels. I have waited too long for this room to be operational, I will take a break for now and enjoy it as it is.

Regarding the Kemp Power Source, I went for it for two reasons. Firstly, I was interested in something able to protect my electronics from surges and that sort of staff and the Power Generator 75 does not provide enough juice for my whole rig. Secondly, Mr. Kemp offered me a demo model at half the normal price with full warranty. Eventually, I will by an Accuphase Power Source but till then this will do.

Finally, regarding the drums, I gave up acoustic drums long time ago (almost 10 years ago). They are too loud and unfortunately I have only two ears that do not grow back or regenerate. Roland drums not only come with a volume control and can be used with headphones (to keep good relations with the neighbors) but are also smaller and much easier to record. Plus getting the sound of a Yamaha, Gretsch, Tama, etc. with or without die-cast hoops is a matter of pushing a button on a Roland kit.

Regards,
Paul

nvp December 30, 2011 01:10

Does your drum kit, especially the cymbals, make noise when you're listening to music? Just curious.

tpreaves December 29, 2011 15:55

Room looks awesome Paul. Congrats.

Got to say Paul I would have gone with the Steve Jordan wood hoops snare with Yamaha or Gretsch kit with Zildjian cymbal kit. No die-cast for this kid.

You went with the Kemp power conditioner instead of the Kemp power generator 75. What was the decision behind that since you have dedicated lines?

Are you going to research diffusors? My acoustic treatment plan requires diffusors on the sides and rear of my listening room to create more depth.

lapierre December 29, 2011 06:03