I was completely in the dark about this RTX product. Thanks Chris for bringing it up.
I just realized that many here can't afford test equipment, to the point that even my lowest priced phono stage is outside their range of purchase.
No wonder people are in love with their IC based power amps, etc., everything that I work on is well outside their range of interest.
Personally, while I appreciate test equipment that goes down very low in residual distortion, it isn't really that necessary for successful design of audio products. Therefore, I generally use an HP-339, or its equivalent for general optimizing my designs. It is easier and faster to use, and it costs 10-30 times less (used) as new modern test equipment like AP or the SR-1 (that I also can use), and it gives me 95% of what the SR-1 does, so long as I can add some sort of FFT based post processor or even just looking (with experience) at the distortion residue waveform of the DUT.
But I do think the RTX is quite a bargain for those who want somewhat more than the HP-339.
Some want to measure lower and lower levels of distortion, and it can be a challenge, but note what you are measuring: Just a test tone or two, (AM) while ignoring FM components, that the test equipment ignores. This is the problem with measurement today.
I just realized that many here can't afford test equipment, to the point that even my lowest priced phono stage is outside their range of purchase.
No wonder people are in love with their IC based power amps, etc., everything that I work on is well outside their range of interest.
Personally, while I appreciate test equipment that goes down very low in residual distortion, it isn't really that necessary for successful design of audio products. Therefore, I generally use an HP-339, or its equivalent for general optimizing my designs. It is easier and faster to use, and it costs 10-30 times less (used) as new modern test equipment like AP or the SR-1 (that I also can use), and it gives me 95% of what the SR-1 does, so long as I can add some sort of FFT based post processor or even just looking (with experience) at the distortion residue waveform of the DUT.
But I do think the RTX is quite a bargain for those who want somewhat more than the HP-339.
Some want to measure lower and lower levels of distortion, and it can be a challenge, but note what you are measuring: Just a test tone or two, (AM) while ignoring FM components, that the test equipment ignores. This is the problem with measurement today.
Hi John,
Combining the RTX with the current Virtins MI software creates a system much like the AP stuff that has some new distortion measurements that come along for the ride. I'm also confident that as new tests become available, they will appear in MI as well.
What I'm looking at is also all the stuff between the harmonics that is below the noise floor of the 339A. I was already using a spectrum analyser on the monitor output of the 339A, but could only see so far down. This is far better than being satisfied with the number on the meter. The RTX does allow me to see down there and has already taught me a lot. I am buying the MI software in the group buy. You should have a look at that. It will also work with sound cards John.
-Chris
Combining the RTX with the current Virtins MI software creates a system much like the AP stuff that has some new distortion measurements that come along for the ride. I'm also confident that as new tests become available, they will appear in MI as well.
What I'm looking at is also all the stuff between the harmonics that is below the noise floor of the 339A. I was already using a spectrum analyser on the monitor output of the 339A, but could only see so far down. This is far better than being satisfied with the number on the meter. The RTX does allow me to see down there and has already taught me a lot. I am buying the MI software in the group buy. You should have a look at that. It will also work with sound cards John.
-Chris
Generally I do, but I am allowed the odd audio splurge 🙂 . Current splurge is a one of a kind custom cartridge being made for me by a nice man in Russia.
All these pricey things floating about...I'm feeling guilty about the wood I've been going through. Well, and router bits.
Jn
Jn
Yahbbut, that's not my money...😉
When I take out four 22 dollar bits in about an hour, sigh...steep larnin curve.
Someone asked how long a bit stays sharp, my answer is "no idea", never had one last that long😱
At least I can still count to ten.
Jn
Just tested a diode at 4.5 K. 500 dollars in LH2. Whoa. Minimum buy.
Hey, your offspring working the same place?
When I take out four 22 dollar bits in about an hour, sigh...steep larnin curve.
Someone asked how long a bit stays sharp, my answer is "no idea", never had one last that long😱
At least I can still count to ten.
Jn
Just tested a diode at 4.5 K. 500 dollars in LH2. Whoa. Minimum buy.
Hey, your offspring working the same place?
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.And add sighted listening whilst looking at the residuals helps to home in on and identify which levels and natures distortions sound acceptable and those that don't.
Dan.
And by FM components you mean what? Where are they coming from? What level of modulation? Any data? Any concept???
Jn
I ask for a reason..
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reminds me of the time I tried to rush a tap in an engine. Snap. No problem, I have and EZ out. Nah that snapped to. Ended up cheaper to replace the whole section than get the hole spark eroded. Lesson learned.
I assume you mean He not H? I'd always assumed you have a cylinder of that on site, but I guess it's tricky to keep liquid for long without special stuff. Just reminded of the big bang theory episode where they are trying to buy LHe 🙂
She's just broken up for the summer. Had tried to get on some summer course in Europe and failed so I think she's just going to bum around and collect more animal bones. Should see her tomorrow as she wants to pick up the airbrush kit I got her for her birthday. She's cleverer than me and better at art than me. I'm so proud 🙂
For the cost cautious among us
Stuart has written a series of relevant articles reg soundcards and SW for audio measurements
Items about: :category | audioXpress
George
Today I was listening to my 100w CFA amps(three channels in each amplifier) driving ORION loudspeakers. The source was one of the best dacs, Benchmark DAC2 directly connected to the analog electronic crossovers acting as a preamp too.
I can say I am very satisfied with the sound, filling very close to live performance (classical music, as I go on classical concert only and could compare with it only).
I can say I am very satisfied with the sound, filling very close to live performance (classical music, as I go on classical concert only and could compare with it only).
Attachments
What a coincidence. I just listened to the higher power version a couple days ago. OMG! I never heard such pin point imaging and front - back layering. Wow. Amazing. I love it. I will assume that is due to the characteristics we talked about and how nothing changes during tests.
It is really nice feeling to suggest trying CFA and to understand the differences and even with high SR and take up the challenge by several here at DIYAudio -- all with excellent performance.
All you DIY'ers should be gathering up parts to build one for yourselves.
THx-RNMarsh
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It did intrigue me that SL revisited his analog crossovers as his last big update on his website. I assume Nelson was helping out from some comments on there. It clearly wrankled him that he couldn't get the same performance from analog crossovers as digital.
Putting a wire erosion thing together, want to cut brass clock gears.
Yes, helium. Iphone makes interesting mistakes.
Jn
My current audio and video setups
Not entirely convinced about the reclocker that costs almost as much as the speakers do, but I have enormous admiration for his ongoing optimisation until he could do no more.
JN: I was convinced aged 18 that I would not only have all this gear by my mid 30s but know how to use it AND have time to use it. Silly young me....
Not entirely convinced about the reclocker that costs almost as much as the speakers do, but I have enormous admiration for his ongoing optimisation until he could do no more.
JN: I was convinced aged 18 that I would not only have all this gear by my mid 30s but know how to use it AND have time to use it. Silly young me....
It's a grate pity that Linkwitz retired, I thought that diyers never retire, he even stopped to add new things in his web site.
I hope I will do my DIY even after eighty.
I hope I will do my DIY even after eighty.
Considering he is now in hospice care for an aggressive cancer, we can hardly blame him. That is an even greater pity.
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