Gold Note DS-10

[mdl]

Hallo Rman9,
did you receive your new speakers? how's the Lumin performing?
Hope it's all well with you

 

[rman9]

Hallo Rman9,
did you receive your new speakers? how's the Lumin performing?
Hope it's all well with you

Hi there.. I got the Lumin mini few weeks back, and it slipped right into place with the C53, love the ease of use.. And no more issues with having to crank up the preamp as I had to with the DS10. The combo sounds incredibly good.. Thanks for re-enforcing the decision to get the mini and not the Lumin D2. Now I understand people's comment on the overhang of the unit in the back, where cable insertion and removal could be not the most convenient thing to do On the Magico A3, they won't be delivered till mid December. Something to look forward to. It's quite possible they might delay the delivery with the ongoing supply shortage and log jam at the ports.. I don't want to call them for an update.. I'll pretend everything is fine sticking my head in the sand.. While I wait, I am painting the media room from red to steel grey.. It'll be more dramatic with the dark black Magico's . How have you been? anything new with the headphones?

 

[mdl]

Hi there.. I got the Lumin mini few weeks back, and it slipped right into place with the C53, love the ease of use.. And no more issues with having to crank up the preamp as I had to with the DS10. The combo sounds incredibly good.. Thanks for re-enforcing the decision to get the mini and not the Lumin D2. Now I understand people's comment on the overhang of the unit in the back, where cable insertion and removal could be not the most convenient thing to do On the Magico A3, they won't be delivered till mid December. Something to look forward to. It's quite possible they might delay the delivery with the ongoing supply shortage and log jam at the ports.. I don't want to call them for an update.. I'll pretend everything is fine sticking my head in the sand.. While I wait, I am painting the media room from red to steel grey.. It'll be more dramatic with the dark black Magico's . How have you been? anything new with the headphones?

Well...this a bunch of good news!!!I have found the lumin being a very reliable little wonder so glad you're on the same page! And yes the overhang could be less than ideal although I have not had issues with it
...and my access is cramped.still, it's all about enjoying music and once you've done it it's done!
I'm sure a few more weeks without the magico won't be that bad...you still have the previous system up and running)
We're eager to see your pictures once it's all there
Ps: my tinnitus is not budging...seeing a specialist this week but have low expectations

 

[mdl]

Well...this a bunch of good news!!!I have found the lumin being a very reliable little wonder so glad you're on the same page! And yes the overhang could be less than ideal although I have not had issues with it
...and my access is cramped.still, it's all about enjoying music and once you've done it it's done!
I'm sure a few more weeks without the magico won't be that bad...you still have the previous system up and running)
We're eager to see your pictures once it's all there
Ps: my tinnitus is not budging...seeing a specialist this week but have low expectations

And I've got a pair of nuhehara pseudo earing aid but it's not working at all...I'll return them. I still have eyes on the focal ...maybe amiron wireless or as simple as Sony wh1000 xm4...not ready to commit to a new earphone unless I know where I'm.heading with the condition...maybe the worst than an audiophile could think of

 

[rman9]

And I've got a pair of nuhehara pseudo earing aid but it's not working at all...I'll return them. I still have eyes on the focal ...maybe amiron wireless or as simple as Sony wh1000 xm4...not ready to commit to a new earphone unless I know where I'm.heading with the condition...maybe the worst than an audiophile could think of

I am so sorry to hear about the tinnitus Please let me know how it goes with the specialist.. Lately, I have started to notice when I unload the dishwasher, any ceramic to ceramic or silverware clinking with each other causes distress in my ears. So I put on these earbuds when I do that. Not sure if my ears are becoming less tolerant to these sharp noises. Sending you my thoughts for a good outcome.. All my system has been set aside for now, with the painting of the room Steel gray..

 

[rman9]

And I've got a pair of nuhehara pseudo earing aid but it's not working at all...I'll return them. I still have eyes on the focal ...maybe amiron wireless or as simple as Sony wh1000 xm4...not ready to commit to a new earphone unless I know where I'm.heading with the condition...maybe the worst than an audiophile could think of

When I had my episode with tinnitus, my doctor attributed that to some vascular blood flow, that was producing the thunder rumbling sound around the ear. It was only one ear.. and I remember switching my diet to low fat, but no clue if that was what made it go away..

 

[mdl]

When I had my episode with tinnitus, my doctor attributed that to some vascular blood flow, that was producing the thunder rumbling sound around the ear. It was only one ear.. and I remember switching my diet to low fat, but no clue if that was what made it go away..

Hallo...my MF+GD combo is keeping me happy...just went to my audiologist and it has just been unveiled how my hearing has dropped further from the previous visit 3 years ago. nothing dramatic but higher frequencies are not as good as they should. partly due to tear and wear coming with age...for the rest...who knows I'm bit crushed to the prospect of one day having to consider airing aids!Hopefully it will not happen...

anyway, all good. I'm not looking at the new earphones but no decisions yet. I am incidentally starting looking into hdmi ready preamplifiers as my Luxman C03 is sufficiently vintage to have no remote and no remote input switching (some might say halleluiah). I have found that i need a central "brain" to coordinate the smart TV/satellite output/Lumin streamer inputs without having to stand up and switch manually (lazy I know). When i had the Matrix, it did work brilliantly all in the digital domain but it couldn't handle the hdmi. There's not much around for a decent price point...Arcam and Anthem do have some interesting products but they are on the expensive side and mostly are also amplifiers. I haven't given up on my Luxman C03/M03 combo yet.
I wasn't considering lowering the overall standard by going supercheap with a pioneer-style.
Maybe someone can suggest a pure preamplifier (not yet ready for a full surround system) clearly with remote that can also handle hdmi 4k for a reasonable amount that would still sound decently. Food for thoughts.

 

[rman9]

Hallo...my MF+GD combo is keeping me happy...just went to my audiologist and it has just been unveiled how my hearing has dropped further from the previous visit 3 years ago. nothing dramatic but higher frequencies are not as good as they should. partly due to tear and wear coming with age...for the rest...who knows I'm bit crushed to the prospect of one day having to consider airing aids!Hopefully it will not happen...

anyway, all good. I'm not looking at the new earphones but no decisions yet. I am incidentally starting looking into hdmi ready preamplifiers as my Luxman C03 is sufficiently vintage to have no remote and no remote input switching (some might say halleluiah). I have found that i need a central "brain" to coordinate the smart TV/satellite output/Lumin streamer inputs without having to stand up and switch manually (lazy I know). When i had the Matrix, it did work brilliantly all in the digital domain but it couldn't handle the hdmi. There's not much around for a decent price point...Arcam and Anthem do have some interesting products but they are on the expensive side and mostly are also amplifiers. I haven't given up on my Luxman C03/M03 combo yet.
I wasn't considering lowering the overall standard by going supercheap with a pioneer-style.
Maybe someone can suggest a pure preamplifier (not yet ready for a full surround system) clearly with remote that can also handle hdmi 4k for a reasonable amount that would still sound decently. Food for thoughts.

I have a feeling, if they line us all up and do deep hearing study a significant % would have hearing deterioration over the years. But I am so sorry, that you are going through it rough..
For a Preamp with HDMI, you could look into Marantz 7705 4K, it does not have radio and also it's a pure Preamp. I have that and it does a pretty good job with all the different audio decoding and also has an onboard multiband equalizer for all the channels. Also it supports Audyssey, which does a decent room equalization.. Hope that helps..
I hooked up the Lumin mini to a Belkin power supply as a slave and have connected the Mcintosh C53 as the Master on the power supply, That way, I am able to turn on and turn off the Lumin with the Mcintosh Remote control as I turn it on and off. Otherwise it's a pain to reach behind for the power supply switch.
Mid December is fast approaching, my dealer said most likely I will get them Magico A3 by then ..

 

[mdl]

Hallo happy new Year to all the fellow audiophiles...Hope you had a great break full of good music and great listening.
Hav the Magico's turned up and made your Xmas even more so special?

Some news from me...Nothing major but. I decided to try out a Anthem AV (a good deal on ebay locally). I have been anything but impressed with the outcome...I wasn't expecting that. The ARC room correction is incredible on the 2 channel stereo...shifted the image correcting the L/R imbalances (my room is asymmetrical) and there you have it...the voices are stuck where they should be and I'm still learning to adapt further but hey, it's brilliant! I will do some more critical listening with and without the correction though as I know some purist would feel twitchy. Plus I have now resolved my concerns over managing the TV input. the great thing you can create different profiles for your AV set up (I've used my old Infinity as rear channels) and your 2.0 stereo setup for the different inputs so I've created a dedicated set up 2.0 stereo for the Lumin input and Tv listening. My family seems to enjoy the 5.1 effects during movie nights....so everyones' happy!
I will work more on the ARC adjustment but it seems for the first time my room incoherence is being at least smoothed out. Might not be the ethereal set up although I can't say the Anthem has decreased the sonics to the point I want to go back to the Luxman preamp without the practicality. Anthem (eg. Paradigm) have a decent and respected reputation and I can't seem to object much.

 

[rman9]

Hallo happy new Year to all the fellow audiophiles...Hope you had a great break full of good music and great listening.
Hav the Magico's turned up and made your Xmas even more so special?

Some news from me...Nothing major but. I decided to try out a Anthem AV (a good deal on ebay locally). I have been anything but impressed with the outcome...I wasn't expecting that. The ARC room correction is incredible on the 2 channel stereo...shifted the image correcting the L/R imbalances (my room is asymmetrical) and there you have it...the voices are stuck where they should be and I'm still learning to adapt further but hey, it's brilliant! I will do some more critical listening with and without the correction though as I know some purist would feel twitchy. Plus I have now resolved my concerns over managing the TV input. the great thing you can create different profiles for your AV set up (I've used my old Infinity as rear channels) and your 2.0 stereo setup for the different inputs so I've created a dedicated set up 2.0 stereo for the Lumin input and Tv listening. My family seems to enjoy the 5.1 effects during movie nights....so everyones' happy!
I will work more on the ARC adjustment but it seems for the first time my room incoherence is being at least smoothed out. Might not be the ethereal set up although I can't say the Anthem has decreased the sonics to the point I want to go back to the Luxman preamp without the practicality. Anthem (eg. Paradigm) have a decent and respected reputation and I can't seem to object much.

Happy belated New Year to you as well. It's been a rough start to 2022 for me.. Been dealing with non-stop atmospheric rain events back to back over here in the northwest.. It's been nerve wracking as I get flooding in the basement close to the media room where I cherish all my audio gear.. Just had a french drain replaced day before yesterday at the bottom of the hill and it's helping, contractor is planning on replacing the french drain at the top of the hill in a couple of days.. So sick of the rain.. The Magico's have been delayed again now its sometime this month.. But I am totally okay with it, as all my mind is in dealing with the weather events.. Never have I ever been so obsessed with interactive weather radar.. So glad you are having fun time with the Anthem.. The Audyssey on the Marantz does a decent job of adjusting for the different movie speaker placements. I didn't realize you can do ARC on stereo.. Wouldn't the L/R balance do such a thing?

 

[mdl]

Happy belated New Year to you as well. It's been a rough start to 2022 for me.. Been dealing with non-stop atmospheric rain events back to back over here in the northwest.. It's been nerve wracking as I get flooding in the basement close to the media room where I cherish all my audio gear.. Just had a french drain replaced day before yesterday at the bottom of the hill and it's helping, contractor is planning on replacing the french drain at the top of the hill in a couple of days.. So sick of the rain.. The Magico's have been delayed again now its sometime this month.. But I am totally okay with it, as all my mind is in dealing with the weather events.. Never have I ever been so obsessed with interactive weather radar.. So glad you are having fun time with the Anthem.. The Audyssey on the Marantz does a decent job of adjusting for the different movie speaker placements. I didn't realize you can do ARC on stereo.. Wouldn't the L/R balance do such a thing?

that must be horrible! Really hope the situation is steadily improving!Although I'm not living in an area subjected to major landslides but it does rain a lot...so I understand your concern. Hope the contractors speed up with their work!
Maybe the Magico's delay has been not for the worst as I wouldn't want them floating in your basement

I've started reading about the Audyssey, the Dirac Live (NAD mainly) and the Anthem ARC.

ARC Genesis

anthemarc.com

They all seem to be on the par (some argue that Dirac is more modern than ARC although the ARC software has been recently upgraded a big deal). I need to find time for some decent listening nevertheless I have found more pleasure than the opposite so far. Maybe my comment was misleading: I've tried without success working on the balance being on the preamp or even on the M-03 L/R balance next to the Power switch.

It didn't work. The stereo imaging went back to great once the ARC was calibrated and put on. I need to find the calibration files to show you before and after.
And yes, the ARC software offers the opportunity to have different setting for a "2.1"( L+R + sub) and the dolby 5.1 with rear speakers. When i listen to stereo from the Lumin input the calibration files goes and correct the room accordingly including the Infinity sub. I still feed the Venere's with the M03 using the pre-output but I feed the rear speaker for TV only with the Anthem.

By the way, ARC here refers to Anthem Room Correction not Audio Return Channel (the Anthem is compatible with ARC Audio return channel but also has ARC software...confusing!)

hope it helps!
Cheers

 

[rman9]

that must be horrible! Really hope the situation is steadily improving!Although I'm not living in an area subjected to major landslides but it does rain a lot...so I understand your concern. Hope the contractors speed up with their work!
Maybe the Magico's delay has been not for the worst as I wouldn't want them floating in your basement

I've started reading about the Audyssey, the Dirac Live (NAD mainly) and the Anthem ARC.

ARC Genesis

anthemarc.com

They all seem to be on the par (some argue that Dirac is more modern than ARC although the ARC software has been recently upgraded a big deal). I need to find time for some decent listening nevertheless I have found more pleasure than the opposite so far. Maybe my comment was misleading: I've tried without success working on the balance being on the preamp or even on the M-03 L/R balance next to the Power switch. View attachment 177938
It didn't work. The stereo imaging went back to great once the ARC was calibrated and put on. I need to find the calibration files to show you before and after.
And yes, the ARC software offers the opportunity to have different setting for a "2.1"( L+R + sub) and the dolby 5.1 with rear speakers. When i listen to stereo from the Lumin input the calibration files goes and correct the room accordingly including the Infinity sub. I still feed the Venere's with the M03 using the pre-output but I feed the rear speaker for TV only with the Anthem.

By the way, ARC here refers to Anthem Room Correction not Audio Return Channel (the Anthem is compatible with ARC Audio return channel but also has ARC software...confusing!)
View attachment 177939
hope it helps!
Cheers

Its really interesting.. ARC for 2.1 channel. So do you set the microphone at your typical listening spot to get this calibration done? Have you tried switching the calibration table in and out to see what difference it makes? I have heard ARC is superior compared to the other two.. DIRAC and Audyssey.. I almost bought the ROTEL 1580 mkii when I was looking for a decent AV.. Gave up on it, when I found out it does DIRAC only on a limited set of frequency range.. In the end I settled for the cheaper Marantz, so I could splash out on the two channel
Finally got the flooding situation under control..

 

[mdl]

Its really interesting.. ARC for 2.1 channel. So do you set the microphone at your typical listening spot to get this calibration done? Have you tried switching the calibration table in and out to see what difference it makes? I have heard ARC is superior compared to the other two.. DIRAC and Audyssey.. I almost bought the ROTEL 1580 mkii when I was looking for a decent AV.. Gave up on it, when I found out it does DIRAC only on a limited set of frequency range.. In the end I settled for the cheaper Marantz, so I could splash out on the two channel
Finally got the flooding situation under control..

Indeed that's what I've done...you get to calibrate more than one location so it's optimised for more than one listener.
Yes I've tried with arc in and out and still find my much better with arc in. The image is a lot more focused the bass gets more balanced and removed some of the boomy resonances. It's a winner for me.
Glad to know the flooding is now history!!!
Magicos will not be floating

 

[rman9]

Yeah, I have not been hounding the dealer on when the A3 will ship.. They will be here when they are the flooding changed my perspective of life quite a bit.. Not to get anxious about things that really don't matter.. How far apart are your speakers and how far from the wall? They are the Harbeth, right?

 

[mdl]

Yeah, I have not been hounding the dealer on when the A3 will ship.. They will be here when they are the flooding changed my perspective of life quite a bit.. Not to get anxious about things that really don't matter.. How far apart are your speakers and how far from the wall? They are the Harbeth, right?

I read this morning that amirm (the site founder) was subjected to flooding...our thoughts are with you all though as it must be quite upsetting...frightening and rightly so makes you reconsider the priorities. Magicos will be in your home I'm sure anytime soon and as I remember you still have a few pretty awesome speakers to listen to!

My speaker in this non-ideal setting are roughly 3mt apart, 1mt from the back wall and roughly 1 meter from the right wall for the right speaker. The left speaker is maybe 3 meters away from the other wall on the right. I've have considered the Harberths, the PMCs and ATCs but ended up with a pair of Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 aided by my legacy powered sub from Infinity Modulus from 1990. It's not perfect in any shape or form (I dream of a dedicated listening room but ain't happening within the silly floor space of british homes unless you're a millionaire or you live in the middle of nowhere).

(this is an old picture as the pre-amp is now the Anthem but gives you an idea)

 

[rman9]

I read this morning that amirm (the site founder) was subjected to flooding...our thoughts are with you all though as it must be quite upsetting...frightening and rightly so makes you reconsider the priorities. Magicos will be in your home I'm sure anytime soon and as I remember you still have a few pretty awesome speakers to listen to!

My speaker in this non-ideal setting are roughly 3mt apart, 1mt from the back wall and roughly 1 meter from the right wall for the right speaker. The left speaker is maybe 3 meters away from the other wall on the right. I've have considered the Harberths, the PMCs and ATCs but ended up with a pair of Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 aided by my legacy powered sub from Infinity Modulus from 1990. It's not perfect in any shape or form (I dream of a dedicated listening room but ain't happening within the silly floor space of british homes unless you're a millionaire or you live in the middle of nowhere).

(this is an old picture as the pre-amp is now the Anthem but gives you an idea)

Thanks for the photo.. Those SFs look like a work of art.. Still waiting on the Magico's . Magico confirmed the shipment. I have two spots reserved for them in the room with Kimber cables ready, it could be either up to 4 meters or 2 meters apart, I'd have to test it out.. I am planning on not using a subwoofer.. we shall see, the Magico's go down to 26Hz.. I am getting an audition tomorrow on the MA352 at the dealer.. I am looking forward to checking out the tubes.. If I like it, the dealer has promised to take the Parasound A21+ and Parasound Halo P6 Preamp/DAC, and the Joseph Audio RM22si off my hands. Will keep posted..

 

[rman9]

Thanks for the photo.. Those SFs look like a work of art.. Still waiting on the Magico's . Magico confirmed the shipment. I have two spots reserved for them in the room with Kimber cables ready, it could be either up to 4 meters or 2 meters apart, I'd have to test it out.. I am planning on not using a subwoofer.. we shall see, the Magico's go down to 26Hz.. I am getting an audition tomorrow on the MA352 at the dealer.. I am looking forward to checking out the tubes.. If I like it, the dealer has promised to take the Parasound A21+ and Parasound Halo P6 Preamp/DAC, and the Joseph Audio RM22si off my hands. Will keep posted..

The Magico's arrived at the dealer.. Unfortunately one of the package boxes had a big hole from the fork lift, and they refused the shipment.. It's all good.. I just have to wait to see when Magico can ship another set.. In the mean time, I bought two new things.. The MA 532, real sweet and warm sounding tube preamp stage and also the Luxman DX03 cd player.. They are to be delivered this week. They took my trade in for a decent amount..

 

[mdl]

The Magico's arrived at the dealer.. Unfortunately one of the package boxes had a big hole from the fork lift, and they refused the shipment.. It's all good.. I just have to wait to see when Magico can ship another set.. In the mean time, I bought two new things.. The MA 532, real sweet and warm sounding tube preamp stage and also the Luxman DX03 cd player.. They are to be delivered this week. They took my trade in for a decent amount..

This 2022 hasn't started with the right feet hey...Glad your dealer was so conscientious and returned it. I'm sure the Magico's team wasn't pleased with the shipping company! Nothing is lost...just some more patience.
MA 532 AND the DX03 ...what a special combo! You'll be enormously pleased...I'm certain. It's feels for me you are in the whalhalla of hi-fi...A.k.A dream-fi . Plus you also went into the Lux world again...well done! That MA 352 looks like the one piece meant to stay forever in your stack...one day I'll try and listen to one (at a show maybe). One can only aspire at your system... And in the mean time, you'll do the run-in for the new components until the new magicos will give you the magic !

 

[rman9]

The MA532 combined with Luxman DX03, brought tears to my eyes.. the setup, made me feel like I discovered beautiful music for the first time in my entire life.. I'll write more details later.. Just shocked in awe of the DAC on the Luxman.. a newfound respect for the brand..

 

[rman9]

Some photos, after I got some new equipment..