garyh

Ha! My granddaughter - the very apple of my eye, the sun itself, my heart goes boom, boom, boom every time she smiles - at not yet three years old, she knows the words (and the character's choreographed movements!) to all of the Disney movie songs! I've got the "Disney Princess" playlist at Amazon music playing for her. She's esp. fond of princesses! She is SO CLOSE to having Alexa recognize her words... As soon as that happens consistently, we're in trouble here... 😀

Still miss this guy...

Nice setup man. And interesting history. Welcome aboard. Look forward to hearing more from you.

One of my go-to albums for system and setup testing. But just now listening to it on Amazon Music. Not bad...

Man! I just found something. I can't believe it took me so long to dive deeper, but there it was. I found a (hopefully) helpful setting? Looking into the HEOS app a bit further, I found this: From the HEOS "MUSIC" main screen (where you see all the various possible streaming services) I selected the config/ settings wheel at the top left. From there, "MY DEVICES." And then my unit - "Denon AVR-X3700H." In this menu screen we have four or five fields and an interesting config setting called, "Quality" (of all things). It was set to "Normal" by default. The options are "Normal" and "High." So, naturally, I've now set it to "High." Why this comes set to "Normal" by default is mystifying. And just what the differences might be, I'll hopefully soon find out. (I'm guessing one might set it to normal if they had a busy wireless network? Who knows). But my wi-fi speed is nuts fast and push to shove, I can pretty easily run an ethernet cable back there, but I shouldn't need to. I get over 700Mbps back there on the 5GHz band. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the help guys. EDIT: Doing some online research, it looks like this might only apply to HEOS groups - between the shared or linked HEOS devices. Hell, it was worth a shot and I'll leave it set to High.

Quick question... have you guys used Denon's HEOS much for streaming and how would you compare the stick to HEOS? Any differences? Thanks, Gary

I picked up this copy of Pink Floyd’s “Animals” a few months ago. I’ve been doing research and I’m on the prowl for the best pressings of some of my favorites. (Thus, I’m liking this thread idea very much). PINK FLOYD “ANIMALS.” Guthrie and Plante das boot recording remaster 2011. Also known as Capitol Records 2011 Discovery Issue Catalog and Bar Code Number: 5099902895123 This CD takes me back. It is mind-bogglingly good. The sound floor is so far down it’s a vacuum - that pulls you in. Beautiful dynamics. The detail, the imaging, the soundstage, everything is spot on. I've heard things I've never noticed before: On “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” at the beginning, after the sound effects and the keyboards whish in, the bass guitar intro actually feels like it’s moving around ever so slightly in space – out there in the middle upper sound-field, it whirls too – in a tight little half circle, up and then down again. And all the myriad sound effects on the album, the animal noises between the songs, it’s all there, you miss nothing. All the insane panning throughout. It pulls you in and you are lost in the music. (And not for nothing, this album has some of Water’s best bass guitar work (some you can almost miss in the last half of “Pigs (Three),” but not on this issue). And Gilmour makes the best and most apropos use of the wha-pedal in the history of Rock & Roll). An aside: “Animals” is one of my favorite albums of all time and my favorite Floyd album. I’ll never forget hearing it for the first time: sitting on the floor of my bedroom when I was a young teenager and listening to the LP on an inexpensive turntable with a cheap set of Koss headphones and being just plain blown away – almost life-changing. (We had just read “Animal Farm” in English class and the album transported me… with a little help from some weed). 😁 It was one of my first times with headphones too and I remember being astonished by the stereo separation.

Well, the Amazon Music app through my Samsung Smart TV (HDMI ARC to AVR) is an epic fail. It plays alright... but at *literally* 10dB lower in volume. It'd be fine for background music but if I wanted to crank it up... I can't imagine I'm doing anything wrong or have some settings incorrect. It all looks fine. If I switch from Bitstream to PCM it gets louder but that's not a solution. Go figure. I guess I'll go ahead and get the stick.

Thanks. I'm going to try using the Samsung Smart TV app for Amazon Music too - just found out about that. But I'd like to compare the two. Using the Fire Stick attached to my Oppo might give me better results.

Anyone tried this for streaming? I've been a bit unimpressed with streaming since I started it, so very late to the game, about 8 months ago, when I got my new Denon X3700H AVR. Everything is through HEOS with the Denon. I've read a lot of complaints about the interface but that doesn't bother me so much. It's the quality of the music - even Ultra HD high bit-rate stuff, on both Amazon Prime and TIDAL. It just doesn't seem to sound as good as it should. My CDs almost always sound better - better even than the 192kHz/24 bit stuff. It's not terrible... I was just expecting better. I have a superfast internet connection, so no problems there. I don't currently have a PC that I can dedicate to the system for streaming so I was thinking about other, not so expensive, options - and wonder if this Fire Stick might work with my Oppo BDP-105 (also new to me). If it might give me better results streaming Amazon Music and TIDAL. Anyone using the Fire Stick? Thanks in advance, Gary

He'll never have to call a plumber for a stopped up drain...

Good thread, thanks. Lots of great bass lines there. But I'm looking for more really really really low bass notes in songs. It is crazy how low those notes on that Scaggs song are.

What songs do you guys like for testing your sub or low frequency output/ quality on 2-channel playback? I have a few favorites, but just thought I'd share another. This one many of you may already know because it's one of Paul's Picks at PS Audio: Boz Scaggs, "Thanks to You." (Paul's list shows it on "Essential Boz Scaggs." But I'm finding it on "Dig" on both Amazon Music and Tidal). Paul talks about how most systems won't do justice to the low synth note at the end of the intro, and if you get a good response there, you probably have decent bass integration/ playback. When I first read his list, I played the song on YouTube to check it out and hearing the bass, I was like, hmm, that doesn't seem so low or difficult. But... naturally, even though my PC system with decent soundcard, speakers and sub sounds pretty good, it wasn't finding those low notes. Not close. The track continues with notes just as low throughout. Lots of really, really low bass – the sort that even at medium volume gets your body buzzing. On my HT setup with my SVS Ultra Towers and my SVS subs, I'm hearing good clean wonderful sounding bass down in the 30Hz range and maybe lower, from what I can tell. Crazy low bass and nice to test your setup and sub integration. Just thought I’d put it out there as something to test your bass if you haven’t tried it yet. I have other favorites too – some Genesis tracks I’m real familiar with, e.g., “Firth of Fifth.” But that’s more for overall quality, not quite as low as those licks in “Thanks to You.” And then there’s Kanye West’s “Runaway” that’s an onslaught of low bass throughout – a serious test, esp. at volume. Boz Scaggs “Thanks to You.” (Really low synth licks here and there). Genesis “Firth of Fifth” (More of a melodic test - Rutherford's bass guitar). Kanye West “Runaway.” (Slamming synth throughout). What songs do you guys use to test bass? What songs get real, real low? I’d like to put some I haven’t thought of or heard on my list.

Yeah… I remember reading about that – and Keith Richards wondering why the “sisters” didn’t understand that the song is about the horrors of slavery!? Ha! Yeah, right, and Mein Kampf is about the horrors of antisemitism! Don’t get me wrong, I hate this cancel culture nonsense, the silencing of voices and this fragile, pathetic, hypersensitive world we now live in. Sing about anything, everything. Put Mein Kampf to music and if it rocks, I’ll listen. Rocking out to “Brown Sugar” doesn’t make me a racist. But Keith Richards is an odd duck, man. In his book he talks a lot about having been influenced by black musicians, esp. the Chicago blues. But, reading him, one can't help but sense a sort of archaic, unwitting, systemic British racism – a product of his times. The ultimate bad-boy and rock guitarist to the most famous rock band in history but you suspect he’d be right at home reminiscing about the good old days and shooting pheasants with some English manor lord while stewards held their $20K over-under shotguns. I'm sure he feels he gets a pass – having fallen in love with and bedded Ronnie Spector early in his career. And rattling on about other “black chicks” - his “pieces” - he’s been through. Surely - it gives him street cred! But sadly, the best thing Ronnie Spector could say about him – in her small contribution to the book – is that “Keith always said ‘thank you, Mrs. Bennett’” whenever her mother made Keith and Mick bacon and eggs in the morning. I have a feeling she remembered things a bit differently than Keith. Next thing you know they’ll stop playing “Satisfaction” because it degrades women and their menstrual cycles. Play “Brown Sugar,” play it all. And play it unapologetically. Btw – The “Sympathy for the Devil” documentary is worth the $5 to watch it on Amazon. Even if you have to fast forward through the nonsense. You do get an intimate, albeit brief, peek at Mick and Keith in their prime, crafting a rock and roll classic.

Anyone seen the old Stones documentary, “Sympathy for the Devil?” I'm reading Keith Richard’s autobiography, “Life” on Kindle. It was just a few bucks, so I thought, why not. I'm only about 20% in but it’s not bad. The style is a sort of fireside reminiscing – it reads like he’s sitting in a rocking chair and telling the stories of his youth and life. But it got me to watch the Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil” documentary on Amazon Prime. Made in 1968 and directed by Godard it’s a mess; interspersed with social commentary in the form of long goofy vignettes that make up half the film. I just fast forwarded through those bits. But there’s no getting around the inexplicable pulp-porn background narration. The rest is the Stones rehearsing ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ at the studio. We get a fleeting glimpse into their song writing process, but not much, just a few minutes of scattered jam sessions over a couple days. A missed opportunity – if Godard had just stuck to documenting their time in the studio, we might have learned something. The most interesting part was watching Brian Jones. They all seem to get along fine but he's soon relegated to his own little sound booth where we see him wholeheartedly strumming his “rhythm guitar” part during all the rehearsals – for all the world, he looks like he’s putting in more effort than anyone else. But it’s obvious his mic isn’t picking up anything. And it’s just as obvious he has no idea. It’s both sad and funny. He doesn’t seem very stoned, or worse than anyone else, anyway. It just looks like they’re trying to keep him happy and make him feel like he’s still a part of it. Funny enough, on the final recording, he’s actually credited with “rhythm guitar – inaudible.” /gh

Welcome! Sounds like you have some nice gear. You'll fit right in here... why have just one! I've got a few M500-ts. Expecting two back from Greg in the very near future, refurbed and upgraded to MKII. We all love pics; as soon as you're able, give us a peek. Welcome to the forum. A great place with a great group of knowledgeable and experienced guys.

Will do. I searched for GR-Research earlier, before posting, but will look further into the general subject.

Greg! First, you are NOT spoiling anything for me. In fact, that's why I post here. It's exactly what I want - feedback from those who have a great deal more experience than me. I am happy to hear your opinions even if, esp. if, it's not matching up to what I was thinking. Yes! I am in the pursuit of quality in this case! In fact, it's probably all I'll get out of this if I move forward. But quality ain't so bad for a dude with my anal tendencies. You have not, can not offend me! I've got thick skin in the first place, but again, I'm delighted you take the time to share your learned opinion!

Funny enough, just doing some more research and I came across this from Paul McGowan (PS Audio), his take on the internal wire in speakers. He pretty much lines up with just what I was saying above, has the same opinion—whether it actually makes a difference or not, it’s a bit offensive (his words). I get it. I’ve watched his videos before but had never seen this one. I’d say he’s a bit less controversial than Danny, but I’m sure, not without his detractors. But I get what he’s saying. It’s what I'm feeling too. I searched his videos a bit more and find that, overall, he’s not really a speaker wire zealot—even advocates 12 gauge Romex from Home Depot for many applications! On running common Romex for long runs: And more about Romex and cable gauges in general and the ribbon cable used in the music room:

Yeah. I saw that video too and it sort of turned me off. (I’m not a speaker wire extremist. And I’m not a Danny devotee. But he makes some good points in other areas. And I do realize he’s a polemical character). And I pretty much agree with everything you said above, PMAT, esp. the idea that the further you go, the more you find - into the abyss. But in this case - no design changes, just better parts, wire and terminations - I find it a bit more straightforward. Measurable differences are one thing; audible differences are another. And I honestly don't expect much. But there is a part of me that can't help but covet the nicer parts. But I candidly can't really imagine the speakers sounding much better! Esp. while still on the old, tired amps. If I do the upgrade, it will probably be after getting my upgraded and refurbed M500-ts into service. (Now there, I expect wonderful things). That will give me a better starting base. It's not cheap - the Ultra Tower kit (with it's 3 1/2 way design) - but it might be interesting to see if I can discern a difference. But with all that work and all those bright, shiny, pretty, upgraded parts, and the subsequent sense of accomplishment, I’ll have to be careful to remain fully objective. But with friends like you guys here, I'm sure I can manage! Ha! (I expected these sorts of responses and I'm happy for them)! 😁 But I am curious if anyone has used one of his kits - good, bad or indifferent. I DO see the pros and cons. But I fall back on the "if I made it myself, what would I use" argument some too. It certainly can’t hurt (if I'm careful and take my time). And might be fun. And who knows—maybe, just maybe, my ears will notice a difference? It’s not impossible. Might be worth testing, just to see. And I do have more and more time on my hands - and enjoy this sort of thing. However, oddly enough, I'm choosing to upgrade speakers that Danny himself would likely put at the end of a very long list of speakers that would benefit from an upgrade. I see that too. Thanks for the responses. I’ll keep you posted.

Anyone upgraded their speakers with Danny’s upgrade kits? I’ve watched some of his videos (GR-Research on YT). But I was esp. interested in his evaluation of the SVS Ultra Series. I've watched enough to know the guy is hard to please; there are few speakers he doesn’t think need upgrading in one way or another, and usually some major redesign of the crossovers. But his review of the design and engineering of the SVS Ultra Towers (the Bookshelf didn’t fare quite as well) was—for him—quite glowing. He likes the way the speakers measure out of the box, has lots of nice things to say about them.* But he then goes on to show all the “cheesy parts” in the crossover assemblies. The tweeter’s crossover isn’t terrible, but the mid and low range crossovers have lots of cheap parts. And then, of course, there’s the common cheap thin wiring inside and the ferromagnetic bits. **Now, I know, this is par for course in most speakers, even expensive and great sounding speakers—cost cutting, profit line, etc. And I realize too, that if I were to peek inside any of my treasured speakers from the past, that all blew me away, I’d see the same, or worse. But this appears to me to be a neglected piece of the big picture for us audiophiles, we, who fuss over all the minutiae, trying to get the best out of our systems. A weak link that doesn’t seem to get a whole lot of discussion. (And if any of us built our own speakers from scratch, I’m certain we’d use better quality parts). It makes sense to me that upgrading some of these components (and internal wiring and connections) could noticeably enhance the performance of a speaker—just how much might be debatable, and might vary from speaker to speaker, but it’s not snake oil. I’m meticulous about my gear in all aspects. I'm not a speaker wire zealot; I believe there is a quickly reached point of diminishing returns. But I do want good, solid, heavy-gauge, quality copper wire. And one of the reasons I bi-amp is because I worry about those jumpers between the two sets of posts being a weak link. So, to my mind, upgrading the cheap, thin aluminum wire inside my speaker cabinets makes sense, let alone upgrading the important crossover components (inductors, caps and resistors). It seems to me that the weakest links are likely right inside the cabinet there. (And anyone who’s concerned about speaker wire and connections, esp. those spending $5, $10 or even more per foot of speaker wire but isn’t giving a thought to what’s inside the speaker cabinet itself, well, that just doesn’t make sense. (Esp. when you consider that most speakers, even really expensive speakers, are likely using cheap, thin wire to connect to the drivers. Sure, it’s a short run, but still—wouldn’t you feel better knowing you’ve got good, solid, thicker copper wire in there))? Happily, Danny likes the way SVS designed and engineered the 3 ½ way crossover network—he wouldn’t make any changes to the design (and that’s rare for him, from what I've seen). So, his kit for the SVS Ultra Towers is basically a part-for-part replacement/ upgrade procedure—not terribly complex. And I actually spoke to him by phone, seems like a nice guy—he’s happy to send me step by step pictures along with the instructions from an upgrade he performed on a set of Ultra Towers. Very cool. I'm thinking of ordering the kit and giving it a go. Not because I think the speakers need fixing in any way—no, in fact, they blow me away… these are GREAT speakers! But why not amp it up a bit, see if I can get even more, if possible? It just seems to make sense to me—being so persnickety—to get rid of any possible weak links, cheap parts. It’s almost a no brainer. I realize any performance enhancement might be subtle. But whatever I hear will be further bolstered by that pleasant sense of wellbeing that comes with knowing all the bits and pieces inside my new speakers now truly match their external beauty and their excellent engineering and crossover design. And our subconscious is a powerful seasoner. Anyone upgraded speakers with GR-Research kits? Or for that matter, did your own upgrades? Or do you think the cost and work required exceeds any payoff? Here’s his video on the SVS Ultra Bookshelf and Towers. https://youtu.be/zLu_6N3MoJ4 *(SIDE NOTE: His measurements also confirmed my suspicions: Contrary to the many reviews of the SVS Ultra Towers I've watched and read, where the reviewer mentions speaker placement as being very critical, esp. for imaging: i.e., “the speakers need to be toed in [often dramatically] for best performance,” I've found the opposite—the speakers sound great from just about everywhere when facing (nearly, in my case) directly forward. (And I’ve always been a fan of speakers lined up straight into the room, when possible, for style and appearance). His horizontal and vertical off-axis measurements show excellent performance across the board).

Nice and varied kit man! Very sweet! Stick around and keep us posted. I've got two M500-ts in for service and upgrade with Greg and can't wait to get them back - swap out the two (old, tired, long out of service M500-ts) now driving my new SVS Ultra Towers (bi-amped) and revel in the difference.

I'm about half-way through. I find Yoko’s presence just plain creepy; like a malevolent wraith—at times seemingly unseen, but felt in the room, like those long-haired phantoms in Japanese horror flicks. There’s an aggressive posture about her, too. I get the feeling John would have been fine without her; he and Paul seem to get along well for the most part. I don’t get the sense that she is a security blanket for him, but rather, there for her own (power construct) reasons, while John yields. But then, he must know that her attendance is, at the very least, awkward for the other members, so maybe there’s some passive-aggression there too. I'm not even a huge Beatles fan—I came of age after their breakup and never really fell into them—but even I watch this and can’t help disliking her for what she apparently did to the band. One has to wonder what might have happened with them had John not met her—a few more great albums? (But maybe no “Imagine)?” Who knows? But then again, I can’t begrudge John for living his life, following his heart—and he obviously loved her. Just seems sad that she had to be such an odd duck. Otherwise, it’s an interesting documentary; watching as they cobble together and finish the songs. So much talent there, all around. It seems to me they should have given George more songwriting support and encouragement. As someone in the first episode says, he feels like an outsider as a songwriter—a loner, up against the extraordinary Lennon-McCartney partnership. But he still managed to pen some *great* songs. Meanwhile, Paul seems so easygoing, but one senses that in the end, he gets what he wants. (It’s a good peek into the legendary staid, buttoned-up, formal and well-mannered British sensibility). And then there’s Ringo—dude seems the epitome of cool.