Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2015 13:36:51 GMT
I've been experimenting with my input gains because of something I read elsewhere suggesting that high gain might sound better with my HD 650. I've always previously used low gain.
I've limited myself to using one album because I think switching around only confuses me. Much better to get to know one album & go from there I think.
It's not easy to accurately volume match but I do think I hear a difference.
The treble seems emphasized, a bit edgier & shoutier.
I don't think I like it.
does anyone else have an opinion?
Talk Talk - Greatest Hits [FLAC] > ODAC > PE MkII (high gain) > HD 650's
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Post by matttcg on Jul 6, 2015 12:58:18 GMT
Noob here and hoping to get some help. I've had the Ember for about a week. I've gotten everything tweaked to my liking including my favorite tube (philips miniwatt harleen). But...when I first got the amp I was getting some kind of RF interference. I moved my amp and cell away from the amp and it seemed to fix the problem. This morning the interference is back. Moving things around didn't do the trick this time. Finally on a whim, I discovered that turning ON my receiver (on a rack next to my desk) resolved the problem. Turn the receiver OFF and the interference is back.
Suggestions?
The Ember is fantastic btw :-)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 13:12:18 GMT
I have a selection of axes at my disposal. Otherwise, wait for someone who knows stuff  Welcome Matt  (see what I did there?) |
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jul 6, 2015 13:22:51 GMT
You're really welcome Matt. I had a similar problem with the original Sunrise amp.
There was just one place where I could lose it. I had something done to it but for the life of me I can't remember exactly what it was!!
In my case, I'm a piano and synth player as well as a nutter and one synth I was using (a Korg) seemed to have a communication line with the Sunrise. I'm not sure whether it was airborn on mains, but they certainly got on well together.
Have you tried using the amp upstairs? Different ring....?
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Post by matttcg on Jul 6, 2015 21:50:17 GMT
New weirdness I wanted to report. And please if this not appropriate for this thread please let me know as I don't want to be off topic.
The other way to solve the problem is to unplug the IC cables going to the receiver. This is an old early 90's Denon that I happen to like. I wonder if there is a workaround without having to ditch the receiver.
Many thanks...
Matt
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 22:17:44 GMT
I know it's obvious but have you tried different cables?
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Post by matttcg on Jul 6, 2015 22:20:27 GMT
Actually no. The receiver is a fair distance from the dac so I only have one cable that will reach. It's a decent audioquest and has never caused me trouble before. I've used it recently with another setup without any ill effects.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2015 23:37:26 GMT
Fair enough Matt. It probably isn't the cable anyway.
Could it maybe be a ground loop? I had a problem when I had the demo MkI Ember and couldn't figure out what it was. I moved individual stuff around but it made no difference. So I decided it was as good a time as any to sort out the whole room. I rearranged all my gear, routed the cables properly and when I put it all back together the noise was gone. I still have no idea what caused it though. It wasn't a noise like a phone though, that's for sure. The biggest difference in how it's all set up now is that the Ember is as far away as possible from my Marantz PM6004 stereo amp. Previously the Ember had been sitting on top of it. I don't think it made any difference whether the Marantz was powered up or not.
That's the best I can do I'm afraid mate.
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solderdude
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measureutternutter
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Post by solderdude on Jul 7, 2015 5:05:06 GMT
Looks like the Denon creates a proper ground path when switched on and acts as an 'antenna' when switched off.
What you could try is to make a ground connection (a piece of wire) running from the ground screw (Phono input ?) to something that is properly gounded like the mains ground, water piping (when all copper) or central heating (when all metal piping).
Of course the wire must touch bare metal, not paint.
That MAY resolve the issue (or make it worse).
Ground loops are often difficult to properly diagnose.
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Post by matttcg on Jul 7, 2015 20:15:09 GMT
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've moved the receiver to the other side of the room and the problem is eliminated. I have a few other questions:
1. Is there any release date for the linear power supply and estimated price?
2. Is it okay to move the gain jumper while the amp is on?
best,
Matt
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jul 7, 2015 20:45:57 GMT
I found the exact same with the Sunrise when it came out.
Glad you've sorted it.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Jul 7, 2015 21:08:43 GMT
1. Is there any release date for the linear power supply and estimated price? About 2 years ago .... well perhaps Jeremy can answer that. Price ... dunno. Won't be cheap that much I do know. 2. Is it okay to move the gain jumper while the amp is on? yep, perfectly O.K. to do so. These open frame designs with their huge antennas (tube anodes) sticking out are prone to pick up nasties. |
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Post by matttcg on Jul 7, 2015 21:22:43 GMT
While the ability to switch the R jumpers during use is quite handy, switching the gain is a different issue. My hd650 like low gain, while planar mag hp's need high gain. This is somewhat of a weakness in an otherwise stellar amp. A toggle switch for gain would be my best Christmas ever!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 21:37:33 GMT
I read on another forum a few days ago that the HD 650 sounded better with high gain (I know) so I've spent the last three days testing it on high and I'll tell you this, I'm not going back. Whether it's placebo or something more real I have no idea but there's a definite impression of more detail.
Make of that what you will.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jul 7, 2015 21:41:25 GMT
Actually, the same goes with the Ifi Micro. Although they recommend using power so that the vol pot is between 12 and 3, i find it sounds better on turbo at 9. To listen at 3, I have to set it at low power but for me, the sound loses its bite.
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