Subject: New Member
Date: Mon, 4 May 1998 14:45:50 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/05/04 at 14:45:49, MARK.GIL@SMTP {mark.gilmore@smtek.com} wrote:
Dear ASOG Members,
Please join me in welcoming Bill Layer to the ASOG Listserver. It's a real
privilege to have Bill among our ranks as an actual owner, instead of an
Atma-Sphere employee. Bill has accepted a position at Viking Electronics.
Congratulations on the new Job Bill. I'm sure we'll all miss your cheery
voice on the Atma-Sphere phone.
Bill's email address is "Bill Layer" b.layer@vikingelectronics.com. Can you
believe it? One day on the job and he already has an email address.
While we're on the subject, please take a look at the ASOG web page at
http://www.condor-connection.org/asog. There have been a lot of changes
lately and there's still a lot yet to do. As always, any suggestions or
input from our membership are gladly accepted.
Best regards,
mark gilmore
Subject: Re: cables
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 15:40:28 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/15 at 15:40:22, RALPH@SMTP {ralph@atma-sphere.com} wrote:
>On 1998/06/12 at 21:23:36, ASEK@SMTP {asek@ix.netcom.com} wrote:
>
>I've got a three-foot pair of hyper-litz speaker cables from circa 1980 that
>connect my MA-1 clones to my Magnepan MG-20 tweeter inputs. They sound better
>than an equal-length pair of Monster cable. I'm surprised that speaker cable
>of such a short length would make a difference and would like to know if others
>have experience with better cable for this application.
>
[snip]
The cables of th ecorrect characteristic impedance, terminated by a speaker
of the target impedance, will yeild the maximum benifit, all other things
being equal. Thus the most expensive cable is not always the best, physics
does play a big role and short lenghts are better if the match in not acheived.
-Ralph
Subject:
Date: Tue, 5 May 1998 20:22:20 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/05/05 at 20:22:20, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com} wrote:
Dear Everyone,
After three years service at ASMS, I'm very pleased to join the owner's
group as a user & customer of the marque. Just in case anyone might think
elsewise, my respect and enthusiasm for the equipment is totally
undiminished, and I welcome your comments and questions on any related
subject. For the record:
Owner's group mini-bio!
Name: William W. Layer
Address: 506 Edmund Ave. St.Paul, MN 55103
Voice: 612.293.1961
DOB: 05/20/69
Music System:
Atma-Sphere M-60 Mk.II amplifier - full options
Atma-Sphere MP-3 preamp - stock
Jena Labs Twin-Seven speaker cables (1m)
Various turntables - Mainly Pioneer PL41 (modded w/ ASMS armwrap)
Grado Labs Platimun Reference pickup
JBL 4311-B Control monitors (by far, the crappiest part of the system)
Wharfdale 70 loudspeakers - not in use currently.
What's more to say other than get the new resistor mod for your output
section, and have your constant current source updated as well: SUPER-MOD!
Let's talk soon.
Bill
------------------------------
Bill Layer
Sales Technician
Viking Electronics, Inc.
1531 Industrial St.
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715)386-8861 Ext. 210
Fax: (715)386-4344
E-mail: b.layer@vikingelectronics.com
http://www.vikingelectronics.com
24 Hour Fax Back System: (715)386-4345
Subject: MP 3
Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 10:24:17 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/05/27 at 10:24:13, JERRY$SE@SMTP {Jerry_Seigel@jdedwards.com} wrote:
The MP 3 has been out for a few months now, and I haven't seen anything
about how this product performs, nor any remarks from owners. Even a couple
of dealers were no help.
If any of you have heard (or even seen) the MP 3 in action, I for one would
love to hear your reaction to Ralph's new preamp.
Thank you,
Jerry
jerry_seigel@jdedwards.com
Subject: MP-3 comments
Date: Wed, 27 May 1998 10:55:01 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/05/27 at 10:55:00, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com} wrote:
All,
I was listening to an MP-3 up until just about a week ago, when
circumstance required that I return the unit to the factory. That is, I
didn't own it.
If you'll take my comments as candid, here they are.
Firstly, the unit is pretty darn quiet. Some residual noise fron the
circlotron power supplies, but generally very good. For the record, this
was a major hurdle in the R & D process.
Gain on the phono is unnecessarily high (esp. for MM), but this can be
dealt with by jumpering out a tube in the phono preamp. Linestage gain is
fine. The unit lacks a buffered tape output, so no tape decks with low
(read: typical solid state) input-Z if you intend to record off the phono.
The sound is excellent; anyone familiar with ASMS equipment will take that
as no surprise. To make a long story short, it sounds pretty much like an
M-60 Mk.II does on an optimal load; that is, disarming. Any shortcomings in
the sonic dept could only be quantified by comparison with the MP-1, which
as you would expect, sounds BETTER. And of course, plenty of GIANT
atma-sphere style bass.
Did I mention the benefits of the low-Z balanced output? They are too many
to list, and you probably know what they are anyway if you've been
listening to RK or myself in the past 3 years. Enough said.
Keep the questions coming.
------------------------------
Bill Layer
Sales Technician
Viking Electronics, Inc.
1531 Industrial St.
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715)386-8861 Ext. 210
Fax: (715)386-4344
E-mail: b.layer@vikingelectronics.com
http://www.vikingelectronics.com
24 Hour Fax Back System: (715)386-4345
Subject: Choles Available
Date: Sat, 30 May 1998 14:20:34 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/05/30 at 14:20:33, WB6RHQ@SMTP {wb6rhq@loop.com} wrote:
Dear ASOG Members,
I just returned from the TRW swapmeet in El Segundo, CA. I found a good
quantity of NOS Stancor C-1707 chokes. The C-1707 is 7 henrys, 50 MA
and 550 ohm. These are perfect for the M-60, since they are quite
compact. Mounting centers are 2 inches. They will even fit well in an
MP-1. Four are needed for a pair of M-60 MKII's. If you're interested,
they are available for $5 each, plus shipping. Please email me at
wb6rhq@loop.com.
Best regards,
mark gilmore
Subject: Re: Chokes Available
Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 6:03:01 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/05/31 at 06:03:01, WB6RHQ@SMTP {wb6rhq@loop.com} wrote:
Dear ASOG,
Please correct the subject line o my last message to read "Chokes
Available". My wife tells me choles are some kind of food from south of the
border. I have no was to verify this! If this is true, I can not
recommend upgrading your amplifiers with food, even it parts of them
probably do get hot enough for cooking.
Best regards,
mark gilmore
Subject: RE: ASOG Home Page Updates
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 6:53:07 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/08 at 06:53:06, JERRY$SE@SMTP {Jerry_Seigel@jdedwards.com} wrote:
Mark,
Here are a few. You can use my name. I'm still thinking about building the
MP-1. Honestly, I'm not sure at this stage I want an active preamp in the
system. I tried a C-J Permier 10, a Nagra PL-P (great phono stage), a Graaf,
and an Accuphase recently and my passive is really quite a bit better. There
are still a couple more to try to see if active stages come close overall.
I'll let you know how it comes out.
M60 Tweaks
1. There is a spare hole between V1 and V9 in the M60 chassis. This is right
above where the feedback resistors connect to the red coax wire which goes
back to the speaker posts. I installed a DPST switch there to quickly switch
feedback in and out.
2. Since my M60s sit side-by-side on a shelf, I made a small switchbox with
a single DP on-off-on switch to short each amplifier's speaker ground post
and test post. This way, the amps do not have to be pulled out on the shelp
to reach the posts in back to install a shorting lead before adjusting bias.
Bias is set for 150 ma times # pairs of output tubes (600 ma with 4 pairs of
tubes). Offset is adjusted using a DVM on the speaker terminals to read as
close to O vDC as possible. It makes a difference.
3. Remove power tubes for less heat - this helps in my small (12x20)
listening room. I am currently using 3 pairs with Merlin VSM-SE speakers.
This gives peaks of about 95 dB with a 1.1 v input.
Thanks,
Jerry Seigel
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com [SMTP:Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com]
> Sent: Friday, June 05, 1998 10:38 PM
> To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
> Subject: ASOG Home Page Updates
>
> On 1998/06/05 at 21:38:25, WB6RHQ@SMTP {wb6rhq@loop.com} wrote:
>
> Dear ASOG Members,
>
> I just finished adding a "Amplifier Updates a Tweaks from the Fringe"
> section to the FAQ's. on our page. It is just a start, but I think we
> might have a lot of fun with it.
>
> Please let me know what you think and send me your fringe updates and
> tweaks. If you're up to it, I'll even give you credit. If you'd rather
> remain anonymous, I'll respect your wishes. This is a place where we
> can talk about our most private tweaks without fear of ridicule.
>
> I hope your weekend is full of good music!
>
> Best regards,
>
> mark gilmore
> wb6rhq@loop.com
Subject: RE: ASOG Home Page Updates
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 12:49:36 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/08 at 12:49:34, MARK.GIL@SMTP {mark.gilmore@smtek.com} wrote:
Dear Jerry,
Thank you for the good input for the "Fringe" section. I'll add it shortly.
I couldn't resist commenting on your preamp situation. I started with
passive preamps myself, but have evolved to the MP-1. There are some very
obvious reasons to use an MP-1. The most obvious is the phono section. I
have way too much vinyl I don't care to give up. If you don't, the point is
moot. Past that, the best reason is so that you can drive 600 ohm
terminated, balanced inputs correctly. This is where an active acts much
like a passive with gain. Cable type and length is no longer a factor with
a real 600 ohm driver. There are very few good implementations of 600 ohms
drivers in high end equipment. All those you listed do not have real 600
ohm driver. Some don't even have balanced connections, or balanced
circuitry behind the XLR connectors. Given a preamp that is designed to do
600 ohm termination, a balanced amplifier and the proper 600 ohm termination
at the amplifier, life is good. In many cases it will outperform the best
passive setups. You may have to witness this for yourself before you
believe it. I don't expect you to believe me.
Again, thank you for your input.
Best regards,
mark
Subject: RE: ASOG Home Page Updates
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 13:10:42 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/08 at 13:10:41, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com} wrote:
All,
RE: Passive volume controls.
Remember; Controls don't drive lines, electronics do. Drop the line-drive
section of any preamp and what do you have? A PASSIVE VOLUME CONTROL. Think
about it...
Bill Layer
------------------------------
Bill Layer
Sales Technician
Viking Electronics, Inc.
1531 Industrial St.
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715)386-8861 Ext. 210
Fax: (715)386-4344
E-mail: b.layer@vikingelectronics.com
http://www.vikingelectronics.com
24 Hour Fax Back System: (715)386-4345
Subject: RE: ASOG Home Page Updates
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 14:48:12 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/08 at 14:48:12, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com} wrote:
By the way,
No sugar tonight in my coffee,
No sugar tonight in my tea,
No sugar to stand beside me,
No sugar to run with me.
------------------------------
Bill Layer
Sales Technician
Viking Electronics, Inc.
1531 Industrial St.
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715)386-8861 Ext. 210
Fax: (715)386-4344
E-mail: b.layer@vikingelectronics.com
http://www.vikingelectronics.com
24 Hour Fax Back System: (715)386-4345
Subject: cables
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 8:47:26 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/12 at 08:47:25, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com} wrote:
All,
What types of speaker and interconnect cables are in use with your ASMS
equipment?
Currently, I'm running the Jena Labs Twin-Seven on my loudspeakers. Guess
what I think of those...? Have you heard Jena wire?
------------------------------
Bill Layer
Sales Technician
Viking Electronics, Inc.
1531 Industrial St.
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715)386-8861 Ext. 210
Fax: (715)386-4344
E-mail: b.layer@vikingelectronics.com
http://www.vikingelectronics.com
24 Hour Fax Back System: (715)386-4345
Subject: Re: cables
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 9:27:34 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/12 at 09:27:34, GEORGE@SMTP {george@smarts.com} wrote:
At 08:47 AM 6/12/98 -0700, you wrote:
>On 1998/06/12 at 08:47:25, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com}
wrote:
>
>All,
>
>What types of speaker and interconnect cables are in use with your ASMS
>equipment?
>
>Currently, I'm running the Jena Labs Twin-Seven on my loudspeakers. Guess
>what I think of those...? Have you heard Jena wire?
I am actually in the process of changing my current interconnects and would
love to hear feedback as well. I am currently using WireWorld Polaris III
(SE) for all connections (cd player to passive, phono stage to passive,
passive to amps)but I am switching to a balanced cable to use directly
between my new cd player (Theta Miles). As of now the only ic I have tried
is the WireWorld Eclipse III (balanced). I am waiting for a D-Lin Silver
Bullet 6.0 ic to compare it to. I would like to keep my budget under $450
for 1.5 meter pair.
Thanks.
George
**************************************************************************
George Hoenninger george@smarts.com
System Administrator 914-948-6200 X7001
System Management ARTS
14 Mamaroneck Ave, Third Floor
White Plains, NY 10601
http://www.smarts.com
**************************************************************************
Subject: Re: cables
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 21:23:37 -0700
From: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
Organization: SMTEK
To: Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com
On 1998/06/12 at 21:23:36, ASEK@SMTP {asek@ix.netcom.com} wrote:
I've got a three-foot pair of hyper-litz speaker cables from circa 1980 that
connect my MA-1 clones to my Magnepan MG-20 tweeter inputs. They sound better
than an equal-length pair of Monster cable. I'm surprised that speaker cable
of such a short length would make a difference and would like to know if others
have experience with better cable for this application.
The Theta Miles is a wonderful machine, but does not have the ability to drive
an asymmetrical 'balanced' load. It may not sound as good driving a long
balanced interconnect to the ASMS power amp, or a passive preamp, as it would
driving a short unbalanced cable to an active preamp. I will continue to use
mine with a single-ended preamp through Kimber silver interconnect until I
finish my MP-1 clone.
Atma-Sphere@ManicReader.com wrote:
> On 1998/06/12 at 09:27:34, GEORGE@SMTP {george@smarts.com} wrote:
>
> At 08:47 AM 6/12/98 -0700, you wrote:
> >On 1998/06/12 at 08:47:25, B.LAYER@SMTP {b.layer@vikingelectronics.com}
> wrote:
> >
> >All,
> >
> >What types of speaker and interconnect cables are in use with your ASMS
> >equipment?
> >
> >Currently, I'm running the Jena Labs Twin-Seven on my loudspeakers. Guess
> >what I think of those...? Have you heard Jena wire?
>
> I am actually in the process of changing my current interconnects and would
> love to hear feedback as well. I am currently using WireWorld Polaris III
> (SE) for all connections (cd player to passive, phono stage to passive,
> passive to amps)but I am switching to a balanced cable to use directly
> between my new cd player (Theta Miles). As of now the only ic I have tried
> is the WireWorld Eclipse III (balanced). I am waiting for a D-Lin Silver
> Bullet 6.0 ic to compare it to. I would like to keep my budget under $450
> for 1.5 meter pair.
>
> Thanks.
>
> George
>
>
> **************************************************************************
> George Hoenninger george@smarts.com
> System Administrator 914-948-6200 X7001
>
> System Management ARTS
> 14 Mamaroneck Ave, Third Floor
> White Plains, NY 10601
> http://www.smarts.com
> **************************************************************************