Also indeed nice setup lol
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I’m gonna try and add some useful info to this post, I’m still real rough at using consistent audiophile terms so have patience with me.
Today’s set-up: Microsoft surface book>ROON >Matrix x-spidf2> Exogal Comet+DAC>PASS HP-1>Decware341.5 > Klipsch 84’ Heresy/REL T/7i
This is a sweet combo of equipment and I’m happy I tried it out. Capable of reproducing a variety of genres w/ authority and lively sound signature, not fatiguing but can be slightly “shouty”. Strong forward mids, snappy mid bass, with a crisp high end. The micro dynamics are subdued but the macro dynamics and instrument separation very strong considering the simplicity of the speakers. The depth, height and width of the soundstage fills the area around the speakers and the imaging is tight and accurate. The subwoofer is a good size for the room and fills in the bottom end w/ authority and good control. Listening to Chariots of Fire and the roaming twinkling is almost visible in the air as it goes around the room.
I’m still trying to understand why adding the pre-amplifier into the chain seems to enhance the character of the system. It’s not needed yet the overall sound is simply more pleasing and I find this perplexing. I’m hoping to get some time with this combo the next few days and play around with popping the pre in and out of the system along with changing up cables and seeing if I can hear/discern any changes.
The Exogal continues to be my most superior DAC as far as pure musical capabilities. I really wish it was a raw DAC with a few simple buttons and no volume control, or HP amp. It’s only real weaknesses are the poor visibility of the screen and the lack of simple control buttons. I would actually pay more for less in this particular situation.
Older used Heresy speakers are a damned great value if you can find them in good condition and relatively on the “cheap”. They do nothing “extremely well” but work in a variety of situations, they get loud with little power, fit all different sizes of rooms, work great w/HT, and they have a fun lively “party” sound that’s great for entertainment.
The PASS HP-1 has no weakness that I can find and performs admirably as both a HP amp and pre-amp. Great value for money spent new or used.
The Matrix X-SPDF2 performs solidly well for the relatively low price it sells for. I wish it had a BNC output too. I like it enough that I own 2 units.
The Decware is a versatile SET amp. I find the dual volume control superior for fine tuning a system and it has spoiled me. Well built, great value, and at some point I want to send it back to have 100ohm HP tap installed. So far have not had a single issue and it affords me plenty of tube rolling variety.
Feel free to ask for more details about anything you see in the pictures, if I can assist anyone in future decisions It makes the effort it takes to put these opinions into words worthwhile.
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It should be obvious, that Microsoft Surface Book is the bomb diggity.
Which pre was the add the Decware of the HPA-1?
The HP-1 seems to add a sense of something extra. I was speaking about why adding it does that. It’s nice and a pleasant surprise.
You’ve fooled around adding things into chains that def impact the sound and in the case of the Border Patrol DAC feeding COAX out with the power rectifier in the loop. All you’re doing here is passing the HP pre into the Decware pre.
If you’ve got the time and the impetus, flip the pre order around and see how that changes. Those Heresy speakers are probably a perfect size match for that room too!
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9 posts were merged into an existing topic: Roon Runners Corner
Moving day is Wednesday, going to move the stereo equipment myself over the next couple of days because, I can’t bring myself to let the movers do it. I rented a large 12 passenger van and had the rental company take the seats out so I’ll have plenty of space.
Also since I’m moving to the big city, I wanted to make sure the baddies wouldn’t steal my stuff, what do you think?
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Best of luck on your move my friend.
I personally moved all of my audio stuff myself when I did my move. I wouldn’t even let my family members touch it, lol!
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Don’t let those city slickers take advantage of your or your audio gear!!
Thats a nice note to let them know exactly what to steal 
But i think youll be fine
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LMAO
If they stole it they would probably try to sell it as scrap copper!
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Gotta go free willy my guy. Not wearing clothes gives you less things to distract you from the audio.
But, for your peace of mind, yes I am wearing shorts.
And thanks lol.
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I don’t care what the forum says, “free willy” does not lower the noise floor of your system! 
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I revamped my listening station today. I removed one amp, that I am selling, and put two splitters/switchers back in. I think I am pretty set going forward, except maybe changing the Loki to a Lokius.
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Still the prettiest Auteurs I’ve seen imo 
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They really really are beautiful. Zmf in general. Dang i really want a verite closed in the future hahaha
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