ironbut

Regarding the TRS/TS connector question, I have configured the cables I use both ways (in fact, of the 3 cables that I use, I can't remember right off hand which is which) I don't find any difference in the sound of them. I've also configured cables with the "telescoping shield" where you use a TRS and connect the "R" (ring) and "S" (sleeve) together and have sometimes had issues with hum when I used them for output cables. The telescoping shield is meant for inputs such as DI (direct in) from something like an electric guitar (direct in as opposed to placing a mic in front of a guitar amp) where the extra shielding helps to eliminate hum from nasty environments.

The Jensen transformer upgrade is meant for the mic preamps. Some folks really like the coloration that transformers give to condenser mics (gives them more of a ballsy sound,.. read classic rock). They could provide some galvanic isolation but I've never had a noise issue with my MIO so I can't see that being worth the extra $$$. If you're looking for a used ULN-2, the price will vary quite a bit depending on how it's configured. I've seen the basic unit go for as little as $600 but you'll probably have a hard time finding one without either the " plus DSP", "2D card" or both upgrades. Both options are for processing audio, advanced routing, mixing, and recording. For someone who wants to use it exclusively for the DAC and maybe some routing don't really need either. If you feel like you might be interested in doing needle drops with digital RIAA eq, you'll need +DSP. Be aware that you can add any of these options anytime you wish. I bought my ULN-2+DSP in 2007 for $800 just a month before the 2D card was introduced and I didn't get around to adding it till last year. I think you'll have a tough time finding a ULN-2 without the card but you should be able to find a 2D unit without a DSP licence.

Yikes! Somehow, I gotta think that the pretzel is important.

Wow, that's 62 of just the 5 pin! Of course, I'm sure that most folks bought extra and some might be just replacing connectors on existing amps, but still,.. I'm expecting to see a shit load of DIY electrostatic amps on the horizon.

Yes, I've used WAGO connectors on a few projects and they're solid as a rock (the board/push to open type). For folks here in the US, you can get them at Newark (IIRC).

I guess I'll need 10 pins also.

I'd be interested in 2 ea of the 5 pin connectors if possible.

Hey Steve, sorry you couldn't have stayed for all the fun! But if you stumble across one of those pictures that kinda makes me look like an Asian George Clooney, please PM me rather than posting it. I can't get shit done with all the fan mail!

I spent about 1/2 an hour in the Volti room. From what I could tell, they were very nice. No honk to speak of, but maybe a touch rolled off on top. Nothing serious and the sort of thing that you wouldn't notice after living with them I think. I was listening to acoustic blues so I couldn't tell you about the bass.

Wow, Great pic's Jeff! The monkey has never looked quite so menacing! I should print that and put it on Xmas cards this year. That'll keep those fuckin relatives away from my door. Those Sanders panels have some scary ass imaging but the mids are a little too thin for my taste (maybe the ss amps though).

Shit,.. Dinny's Tom Waits! Time to wipe the coffee off my keyboard/screen! Happy B day Peter!

Just got home too. Man, I enjoyed the hell out of that weekend! It was fantastic to see all you guys again. I haven't laughed that much in a long time! Much thanks to Jeff for driving us around in his Pimpwagon. And just as many to Tyler for acting as our tour guide. "Real" life will be tough to take after that and that's always a good sign! I ended up helping my Bottlehead pals Dan (Doc) and Eileen packing up and they seemed real happy with the way the show went for them. I really love those guys and it sounds like they might make the show a regular event. I heard several vendors say what a great "spirit" the CanJam room had and I think that jp# has a lot to do with that. You da Man jp! Heck, even Jude said to let John know what a great job he did !

Bummer Mike, Sorry to hear that we won't see you this weekend. In protest, I'm gonna kick the first attorney I see in the nuts! (once I get there that is)

I don't have any experience with the XV-1s but some folks seem to love it. I have a XX-2Mkll and I love it. It took loads of tweaking to get the most out of it (I still need to do a bit more tweaking on set up to get it to track perfectly) but it's killer with the stuff I listen to. You could be in for a real eye opener. Of course, with an arm and cart combo that weighs in around $10k retail, it should.

Tom, From my experience, there isn't that much performance difference between the SSM and a Gyro. There is a big difference between the JWM arm and an SME V. Given the same cartridge and excellent set up, the SME will have better image focus and will track better. Another advantage of the "V" is it works well on a large number of cartridges.

Mmm,.. that sounds good jp! I vote for a Friday night middle eastern feast.

Be sure and catch the sound with this video and adjust for the best resolution. I don't own any LG products but maybe I should!

What the fuck is this? Sorry, Ric, I didn't notice the text above the pic,.. If that's the way the vinyl looks, I have to have it! I thought it was some old kids record and I was going to demand that you digitize it and post the transfer!

I was very sad to hear of Job's passing. I live just a few miles from Cupertino and I know a few of the "numbered" Apple employees. Many of them left shortly after Steve was let go but never lost faith in the companies original vision. The parade of high priced CEO's who followed made it painfully evident just how important this vision was to the companies health. The vision returned with the reinstatement of Jobs along with original "design" in their products. Steve's insistence to produce products that looked and felt as good as they worked raised the bar on everything from chef's knives to cars and changed the way the world looks today. Even though I'm sad that Job's died so young, I feel lucky to live during an era when true originals like him are able to thrive and I've been able to enjoy the results.

Hey jp, what's the schedule for the CanJam room? i'm assuming that it's the same as the rest of the show (open/close set up times?)

What you want is a recorder with overdub capabilities. For the price you're looking at the Tascam DR 40 (replaced the DR-4). It's a 4 channel recorder with a built in speaker. You should be able to get one for under $200 USD (although since it's a new model, the street price will be going down in a few months). One issue you'll discover, if you plan to play the previously recorder track(s) on the built in speaker while you record your new track(s), you'll need an outboard mic. If you use the built in microphones, the sound of the built in speaker will totally dominate the new recording and will clip with every word. You can pick up a cheap lapel mic just about anywhere. The inputs on these recorders is a 3.5mm TRS plug which is stereo. Download the manual to be sure this is what you had in mind. http://tascam.com/product/dr-40/downloads/

Just clean livin' and a good Christian life Wayne! Actually, it's a combo of alcohol and drugs. Avoiding the stress associated with being a responsible person helps too.

Hey Jeff, Be sure and check out the VTL room (second floor towers). They'll be rolling series 3 Tape Project tapes. The Nat Cole and Oliver Nelson are to die for!

Another prototype that'll be making an appearance in Denver is a NOS DAC kit from Bottlehead. I listened to a very early version during a visit to Bottlehead HQ about a year ago. Sounded pretty darn good way back then. Here's the development thread. http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,278.0.html He'll also have a pair of 300b mono bloc's tuned for use with K1000's, the new Smack amp with variable impedances/balanced-unbalanced output and a few other new items.

OMG,.. I have the same B day as Santa? Thanks to all and a happy birthday to you Wayne!