Of course!That was the primary use case for my Realiser - capturing system changes. Always took me a few tries to get a good measurement, and the illusion doesn’t hold up for me without head tracking.
Of course!That was the primary use case for my Realiser - capturing system changes. Always took me a few tries to get a good measurement, and the illusion doesn’t hold up for me without head tracking.
It was an A8.Hi Kal,
Which Smyth system do you use? I'm thinking about picking up a used A8 -- any advice?
Thanks!
I've read reports elsewhere that folks who have used star-quad XLR cables can hear high frequency roll-off, less resolution and overall dullness to the sound. Looking at the cables Benchmark sells for analog connections (Canare L-4E6S), I don't see any roll off until after 20K per Canare's measurements. The star-quad is what Benchmark recommends for both speaker and analog connections.
Are there any measurements that show these characteristics in star-quad cables vs. low capacitance XLR cables like the Belden 1800F? Does higher capacitance result in less resolution and high frequency roll off?
Thanks Don. Is there a benefit of running a low capacitance XLR cable regardless of length over the star-quads?
I bought one. I hooked it up to my Brooklyn Bridge DAC and the combo blew my socks off! Was like replacing carburettors with fuel injection. There I was going to get this and that high cost marvel, now its “just get this” it does “that, look at the test results”. I can testify that the Benchmark is worth every penny, although I cannot understand why there is a massive cost difference between the US and UK price - approx $2000. Yes, we in the UK have to pay $2000 more for the same kit. However, at way less half the price of my last mono amps it is a bargain! This is Amir’s point and he is absolutely correct. Hence, I think there is going to be a revolution in HIFI equipment as these tests and their results start being appreciated. This is revolutionary I itself as a consumer champion, indirectly, I feel so stupid for being brand loyal.
we in the UK have to pay $2000 more for the same kit
The quote is interesting - he obviously didn’t do maths!Nothing stupid or wrong with being brand loyal to a good brand. Nor in finding a better brand.
Hi. Noob question but does a single ahb2 have enough power to drive a pair of 226be? Are they going to be a good match or is the concept of good “match” between amp and speaker also placebo?
I am shopping to for a SS amp to test against my tube setup. Source is tidal wifi i to minidsp shd studio, cheap coax cable to smsl su-8v2 then amazon xlr to amp then bluejeans speaker cables to 226be.
Problem with this calculator is it doesn't factor in the crest factor of recordings. This calculator tells me I would have 102.8db at my listening position with a 50W amp I used to own and 85db efficient speakers, but it got nowhere near that when the volume was maxed (measured this with a Radioshack SPL meter)."Yes", but it depends upon how far you are from them and how loudly you'd like them to sound.
Online SPL calculator: Peak SPL Calculator
Start with 1 AHB2. If you find you don't have the headroom for transient peaks or it runs out of gas when you increase the volume then you'll need to go monoblock.Hi. Noob question but does a single ahb2 have enough power to drive a pair of 226be? Are they going to be a good match or is the concept of good “match” between amp and speaker also placebo?
I am shopping to for a SS amp to test against my tube setup. Source is tidal wifi i to minidsp shd studio, cheap coax cable to smsl su-8v2 then amazon xlr to amp then bluejeans speaker cables to 226be.
Hi. Noob question but does a single ahb2 have enough power to drive a pair of 226be? Are they going to be a good match or is the concept of good “match” between amp and speaker also placebo?
I am shopping to for a SS amp to test against my tube setup. Source is tidal wifi i to minidsp shd studio, cheap coax cable to smsl su-8v2 then amazon xlr to amp then bluejeans speaker cables to 226be.
Problem with this calculator is it doesn't factor in the crest factor of recordings. This calculator tells me I would have 102.8db at my listening position with a 50W amp I used to own and 85db efficient speakers, but it got nowhere near that when the volume was maxed (measured this with a Radioshack SPL meter).
Very cool!Just as an experiment, I have done that. Using a Smyth Realiser, I made two independent calibrations, one at the system in my apartment and the other at my system in my house. With these stored in the Realiser memory, I can sit in either location and compare what I hear over the speakers with the Realiser's rendition of it and of the other system. In general, the Realiser sounds identical to the direct sound from the speakers in that room, so I can, in effect, A/B both rooms by switching between them on the Realiser. Quite amazing.
As I understand it (according to another manufacturer), the main difference in the price of imported goods is the distributor's cut. He has to feed his family.I think there is a 20% import tax. Crazy if they add another 20% UK retail VAT on the price. Even so, I wouldn’t put it past the monopolised uk distributor to be making a big margin on the sale. Maybe £1000 per sale. Could be wrong of course. Benchmark would sell a lot more products if amazing products like the AHB2 was at sub £3000 price range. I don’t understand their sales strategy on this. I was looking at the new Cyrus range and it appears to be more of the same. A DAC that retails for £4000 with a £2000 power supply! I mean, that’s crazy. You can get a Topping for less than £1000! That will probably beat the pants off it. I am firmly in the no more mug category - although with the Benchmark I agree, excellent valuse for money but could go into the must have class so easily.