Randy's sound system

[Yamaki]

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Hey Michael I think I am finally approaching the good level... now just got to break in the W4S to smooth the brightness out a little...

All it takes is a little time, Randy.

I remember when I first fired up the McIntosh MC501's...I was horrified at the sound! Some time later they began to open up and now they continue to amaze and please me to no end.

So keep the music on and let that W4S get some hours on it.

[Randy Myers]

One thing I have noticed so far is that the W4S is not nearly as forgiving as the McIntosh. What I mean is that lower quality recordings definitely show more, while really good recording just shine. The McIntosh was much for "forgiving" and maybe a bit more muddy? Not sure how else to explain it.

[Randy Myers]

Opinions on power cord configurations. The CD and Surface cannot be switched out, so they are set. I have 2 Wireworld cords which I am using with the Pre-Amp and the DAC and the heavy duty Hirakawa on the amp and the heavy duty one that came with the W4S on the REL. Would you suggest anything different?

I just switched the cords from the amp and REL. The wires look similar except what is printed on them. The only difference is the W4S cable has 14 AWG x3 on it while the Hirakawa has 18 AWG x3 on it. Assuming gauge which would make the W4S heavier duty. Again not understanding this at all, but trying to use common sense.

God, this is gonna drive me crazy .... the Teac cable has again all the same things printed on it except it is 16 AWG x3, so gonna switch it out for the Hirakawa ... So the W4S cable on the Job amp and the Teac cord on the REL amp.

[chops-tube]

Randy... Given the cables you're working with, the way you have them now is exactly how I would have them, the heavy 14 awg W4S on the Job, the 16 awg Teac on the REL, and the 16 awg Hirakawa far far away from the system.

Although, for the little cost for two more WW cables, that would be the ultimate way to go unless you're truly worried about the WW cable making the Job amp too bright. I honestly can't see it myself considering what the WW power cables did for my system, going bright not being one of them. If anything, they tamed the extreme top end just a tad.

BTW, what cable came with the REL?

[Randy Myers]

Both the Job and REL came with a much thinner more basic cable (throw away cable) ... Makes since, right, the two amplifiers give the crappy cables ... The Teac and W4S included the best cables... Not sure on the McIntosh... would have to check, but the one that came with it is the one I am leaving with it in my office...

[Randy Myers]

I ordered an AudioQuest power cable to use on the Job. Why not, right... and then I will use the W4S on the REL. I really cannot think of any reason to do anything more for the REL at this point anyway ...

[Yamaki]

I agree with Charles, Randy.

The highest gauge wire (lowest number) should be used on the component that draws the most power (amperage).

What's the spec on the AQ PC?

[Randy Myers]

Only 3' which would make it the shortest of the cables... The Job power amp goes straight to the wall to get it the most direct power.

Here is AQ description:

No matter how perfect an AC power source, distortion is added within any AC cable, especially within a stranded cable. Even the most sophisticated filters and power supplies cannot eliminate this cable-induced distortion.

SEMI-SOLID CONCENTRIC PACKED CONDUCTORS: Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors are used in some of AudioQuest’s AC power and speaker cables as a cost-effective, flexible alternative to typical stranded conductors. Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors use fewer, larger strands that do not change position down the length of the cable. While solid conductors are the complete solution to strand distortion, Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductors avoid many of the distortion mechanisms of stranded conductors.

LONG-GRAIN COPPER (LGC): LGC allows a smoother and clearer sound than cables using regular OFHC (Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) copper. OFHC is a general metal industry specification regarding “loss” without any concern for distortion. LGC has fewer oxides within the conducting material, less impurities, less grain boundaries, and definitively better performance. NRG-X3 cables use LGC strands in a Semi-Solid Concentric Packed Conductor arrangement.

HELICAL-ARRAY GEOMETRY: The relationship between conductors defines a cable’s most basic electrical values (including capacitance and inductance). However, even when those variables are kept in a reasonable balance, the relationship between conductors can be varied in ways that greatly effect performance. Helical-Array (such as circular-spiral) construction allows for significantly better dynamic contrast and clarity than if the same conductors were run in parallel or as multiple twisted pairs.

COLD-WELD SYSTEM: This novel plug design enables a perfect heat-free connection between cable and plug. The connection between the plug and conductors is made using AQ’s Cold-Weld System, which provides a superior connection that ensures that the structural integrity of the conductor is kept completely intact. The Cold-Weld System refers to a combination of high pressure at the point of contact and the use of copper- or silver-impregnated paste.

[mtroo]

I can't seem to see the pictures from 2 pages ago. Is this because I am using Safari? All I have is a blue question mark where the pics should be.

[Randy Myers]

Hmmmm... not sure... they are links to my website... I have never had anyone before say they can't see them. You can go to my profile and I have them in my photo album also... maybe that will allow you to see them ....