| Tripmaster |
Hi Guys
I have finally wired up my dual mono Chipamp kit. The amplifier has two 300va 25-25v transformers.
I am very impressed with the high frequency detail, but a little disappointed with mid range depth/warmth.
My music is currently being fed from my laptop until I build a buffer/preamp.
Can any one suggest a tweak?
Thanks
Trip |
|
|
| Nuuk |
| How long has it been running? |
|
|
| Tripmaster |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nuuk
How long has it been running? |
Hi Nuuk
Only a couple of hours...
I understand from reading various posts, components require a period of 'running in'. I don't disbelieve this theory as I have no comparable evidence, but I think ones ears can become accustomed to the sound. Time will tell!
Trip |
|
|
| wakibaki |
Your laptop may have a utility provided by the integrated sound card manufacturer.
You may be able to find this through Control Panel\Sounds or you may see a dedicated snap-in in Control Panel like 'Sigma Tel Audio'.
If you poke around in this you may find some tone controls, or more likely an option to select the type of speakers attached.
w |
|
|
| wakibaki |
Or there might be an icon on the RHS of your taskbar...
w |
|
|
| Nuuk |
| Wait a while, check out the source, and don't tweak anything till you are really sure about the sound! ;) |
|
|
| boholm |
IMHO: A computer may not be the best source for serious listening. One could believe that the soundcard is not of the best standard. And you therefore really is hearing the computer - not the chipamp.
And if you are listening to mp3s or some radio station, then I suggest you find another source.
Well - just some stray thoughts :cannotbe: |
|
|
| Tripmaster |
| quote: | Originally posted by boholm
If you are listening to mp3s or some radio station, then I suggest you find another source.
Well - just some stray thoughts :cannotbe: |
The files are FLAC/WAV, so in theory the same as the original |
|
|
| Nuuk |
| quote: | | The files are FLAC/WAV, so in theory the same as the original |
A CD is the same as a CD but they can sound quite different depending on what you play them on. :att'n: |
|
|
| Tripmaster |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nuuk
A CD is the same as a CD but they can sound quite different depending on what you play them on. :att'n: |
You do have good point. |
|
|
| Tripmaster |
| quote: | Originally posted by Tripmaster
You do have good point. |
I think the clarity and timing is fantastic |
|
|
| korben69 |
Just a suggestion : try an USB DAC.
You'll bypass the soundcard quality.
I've got some good results with AlienDAC, finishing an Opus. |
|
|
| Puffin |
Over the years one knows what sound they want/like/expect from each component. I have had times when I have added a new component and disliked it immediately. I have given it time to burn in and settle down and gel with the other components, but even after an extended period, I know that it is not right for me and it is out.
I have found that cables can change over time, but amps, CD players less so. |
|
|
| gainphile |
I used to think that the gainclones are harsh ... until I got a hold on 24/96 DAC (soundblaster live 24 usb) and play 24/96 materials I got from a friend who rips LPs both at 24/96 and 24/192.
I would say then that the GCs are so accurate they reproduce the harshness of 16/44.1kHz recording. Less competent amps may not able to do this and might actually be perceived as "smooth", "warm" etc.
If you don't believe the ears here is an osciloscope capture of 24/96 vs. 16/44 of pure 18kHz sinewave.
As you can see the 44.1kHz sampling rate replay is modulated. This is perceived as "metallic" or "harsh". It gets better with the lower frequency but still exist at even 10-12kHz.
Get a high resolution source, or get Vinyl and don't worry about the components. :D |
|
|
| wakibaki |
Yeah, fine. Did you get any mileage out of the tweak?
w |
|
|
| samsagaz |
| 300VA / each transformer is not a little big? 150VA will works too, right? |
|
|
| analog_sa |
| quote: | Originally posted by gainphile
If you don't believe the ears here is an osciloscope capture of 24/96 vs. 16/44 of pure 18kHz sinewave.
|
I believe my ears but don't believe your pictures :)
Whatever problems 16/44 may have reproducing a distorted sine with lots of noise isn't one of them. Is this a NOS dac? Something is seriously wrong with that picture. |
|
|
| Tripmaster |
| quote: | Originally posted by samsagaz
300VA / each transformer is not a little big? 150VA will works too, right? |
Yes they are quite big transformers. I selected these because I wanted a greater degree of flexibility for future projects. I have also read in various articles, larger transformers have more drive, depth and are less strained under load.
I have to admit the amp sounded rather good last night after large glass of wine! |
|
|
| samsagaz |
nice :)
im happy with my GC too, i will strat trying to tweak it soon |
|
|
| wakibaki |
OK, you haven't got the courtesy to reply.
I've got another suggestion for you. Why don't you put it where the sun don't shine?
w |
|
|
| Tripmaster |
| quote: | Originally posted by wakibaki
OK, you haven't got the courtesy to reply.
I've got another suggestion for you. Why don't you put it where the sun don't shine?
w |
If thats pointed to me dont you think you are being a little 'harsh'?
I did try what you suggested but it didn't make any difference. |
|
|
| wakibaki |
You asked for suggestions.
I made you a suggestion.
You replied to various posts, none with any suggestions for tweaks.
I asked if the suggestion was any help.
You replied to various other posts and rattled on about drinking wine.
It's no skin off my nose, but I'll think twice before bothering to reply to you in future.
w |
|
|
| Iain McNeill |
| quote: | Originally posted by gainphile
As you can see the 44.1kHz sampling rate replay is modulated. This is perceived as "metallic" or "harsh". It gets better with the lower frequency but still exist at even 10-12kHz.
|
The scope shot is a result of the barely 2+ samples per cycle vs almost 5. With a proper reconstruction filter they should look the same. Your scope is showing a lot of 18KHz harmonics which are inaudible to the ear. They may mess with your amp if not filtered but thats what the reconstruction filter is for.
No reason 44.1KHz can't reproduce a pure 18KHz sine. |
|
|
| ionomolo |
| quote: | Originally posted by analog_sa
I believe my ears but don't believe your pictures :)
Whatever problems 16/44 may have reproducing a distorted sine with lots of noise isn't one of them. Is this a NOS dac? Something is seriously wrong with that picture. |
I'm with you. That's how one of my amps reproduced a sine wave until i added a zobel network to it. |
|
|
| owen |
That 18K trace is about right.
The 'Problem' with redbook is the 44.1KHz sampling - for the 18K signal, there are in effect 2 and a half bits to describe the whole wave.
It simply cant be done.
Add on the brickwall filter (which is in operation at this frequency), and you have the 'mess' of a wave that we see here.
In digital systems, the closer you get to (sample frequency)/2, distortion increases exponentially.
Just my quart of petrol.
Owen |
|
|
| Nuuk |
| quote: | | Just my quart of petrol. |
Don't come here bragging about your wealth! :D :D :D |
|
|
| seventenths |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nuuk
Don't come here bragging about your wealth! :D :D :D |
Now THATS funny !
7/10 |
|
|
|
