DSJR
Major Contributor
We've come a loooong way since those times - thank the lord!In short, I suspect you mean the Linn-Naim "axis" vs the BBC-derived (or at least influenced) mainstream.
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Chord DAVE Review (DAC & HP Amp)
- Thread starter amirm
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AudioSceptic
Major Contributor
I'm not sure about that. Although there was effectively a 15 kHz cut-off because of the need to remove the 19 kHz pilot tone on FM stereo radio, I doubt that most people with the money to buy "proper" speakers can hear past 15 kHz anyway. The difference in sound is mainly well below that, such as the "BBC dip".
DanielT
Major Contributor
Same principle for FM radio in Sweden, also in Germany according to Tomtoo.
Is it perhaps some world standard, cut-off at 15 kHz? That 19kHz pilot tone should be the same, I'd guess.
DSJR
Major Contributor
The Spendor BC1 and basic follow-on sibling LS3/6 from 1973 or so, used the 'super tweeter' to allow engineers to better hear line whistle and so on.
Interesting that the BBC bought far more BC1's - a few hundred pairs I gather and only a tiny number of their official version, which was similar but with the Celestion HF2000 'super tweeter' and a level matching auto-transformer on the input, which further increased the bass distortion and lost even more amp control (used domestically, vinyl sources of the time plus more powerful amps were a death-threat to the frail original bass drivers which were very easily 'popped').
P.S. The BC1 (and LS5/5 as I've read it) DID NOT have the so-called BBC Dip, the BC1 actually measuring quite flat in the lower kHz region. My BC2's with larger diameter voice coil (no pole extension on this basic driver, used in the SA2 and as mid driver in the BC3) do go a bit awry at 1.5 to 2 kHz due to phase issues without the longer pole extension added in the subsequent SP1 driver derivative. HiFi Choice measured many BC1 samples during the 70's and 80's and the main difference as time went on was improvements in power handling and low bass distortion
The 4kHz dip (quite bad in the top plot on tweeter axis) disappears five degrees above axis as you can see and this is perfect when using the low trolley stands that most were sold with. I should add that in the late 60's and early 70's, the BBC did much work on dispersion patterns, but not sure how much of this is relevant today as things have moved on so much with CAD to help and so on.
Sincere apologies for this thread drift. I suspect all thoughts on the Dave are now exhausted.
AudioSceptic
Major Contributor
Yes, I think so.
AudioSceptic
Major Contributor
Just one more OT reply? The other version of the story is that by having 3 drivers the BC1 could be sold as "professional" and avoid Purchase Tax. (I still have my BC1s, bought in 1976.)
Hi, I'm the person who sent the DAVE in for review. Just wanted to update what happened since then.
1. Even after the review, it sounded fine to me. I liked it. Not saying there's anything special about it, it worked fine. I couldn't hear the channel balance distortion Amir picked up in his review.
2. Sadly, the Topping DAC I had purchased to compare died a few months afterward, so couldn't use that for comparison. No complaints from my end, I mean it is relatively cheap so I'm not going to complain about quality control.
3. I ended up selling the DAVE and making a decent profit on it from the cost. There's no end of demand for that thing. Rather than point to this thread, I just waited a year and then put it on the market. Got offers very fast at the price I put it up for.
4. Anyway, thanks to Amir for all the education. My only suggestion to anyone reading this thread is just read the review and make up your own mind. That's his point, right? Argue if you enjoy it but I wouldn't if you get emotional about it like I do sometimes.
5. The one thing that is amazing I got from it is to learn to really work with DSP. Instead of spending lots of money on things like DACs, I got a much better investment hiring professional audio engineers who took me and my kids to their studios and show all the wizardry that can be done.
6. If you think that's too expensive, consider something else. I am from Nashville originally. So many great recording studios there. However, young musicians who no longer have the professional producers from the older era can't afford the time. So they crowdfund it basically. Try something looking for something like that, it can be surprisingly affordable and you get to see how professionals record music in a live studio. I guarantee the equipment is better than anything you can buy personally if you're curious about the sonics. And you'll see how much DSP is done- sometimes on the fly between the engineers and the artists during the recording- and how amazing it is.
Have fun listening to music!
1. Even after the review, it sounded fine to me. I liked it. Not saying there's anything special about it, it worked fine. I couldn't hear the channel balance distortion Amir picked up in his review.
2. Sadly, the Topping DAC I had purchased to compare died a few months afterward, so couldn't use that for comparison. No complaints from my end, I mean it is relatively cheap so I'm not going to complain about quality control.
3. I ended up selling the DAVE and making a decent profit on it from the cost. There's no end of demand for that thing. Rather than point to this thread, I just waited a year and then put it on the market. Got offers very fast at the price I put it up for.
4. Anyway, thanks to Amir for all the education. My only suggestion to anyone reading this thread is just read the review and make up your own mind. That's his point, right? Argue if you enjoy it but I wouldn't if you get emotional about it like I do sometimes.
5. The one thing that is amazing I got from it is to learn to really work with DSP. Instead of spending lots of money on things like DACs, I got a much better investment hiring professional audio engineers who took me and my kids to their studios and show all the wizardry that can be done.
6. If you think that's too expensive, consider something else. I am from Nashville originally. So many great recording studios there. However, young musicians who no longer have the professional producers from the older era can't afford the time. So they crowdfund it basically. Try something looking for something like that, it can be surprisingly affordable and you get to see how professionals record music in a live studio. I guarantee the equipment is better than anything you can buy personally if you're curious about the sonics. And you'll see how much DSP is done- sometimes on the fly between the engineers and the artists during the recording- and how amazing it is.
Have fun listening to music!
Last edited:
MAB
Major Contributor
This is awesome.
DSP is becoming really accessible. Thanks for sharing your experience and your DAC!Youre great man! Amir and friends from this site saved me a ton of money!
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