We measure audio equipment for free!!!

[jhaider]

Are folks mostly using two-way speakers or more? If it is two-way then I can just test the low-pass and high-pass filter. Trying to get the matrix of testing down to manageable size.

I think keep it simple: one arbitrary band of PEQ, say a 6dB bump at 1kHz with Q=0.7.

My sense is that crossover filters are more consistently defined than parametric EQ band. I could, alas, be wrong.

As for removing your SDEC from the rack, I don't even think you'd need to do that for this kind of measurement. You should be able to get useful results from any USB audio interface. I just did a measurement of a subwoofer output on a compact integrated for a forthcoming review using an ART Dual Pre. You might need a 1/4" jack adapter for your existing SDEC-amp cable, but that's it. Unless you're running BLU to DCIn/Synthesis amps.

 

[amirm]

I think keep it simple: one arbitrary band of PEQ, say a 6dB bump at 1kHz with Q=0.7.

That would be pretty easy to do.

 

[A.wayne]

Amir,


You should test a TT too so you can show all the digitalites how much better than CD ..




Regards

 

[amirm]

I like to test one at some point but there are billions of variations of tables, stylus, arm, amp, etc. as to have the results have any applicability to general users. But I am open to it.

For now, I plan to test my Reel to Reel deck in near future.

 

[Dialectic]

For now, I plan to test my Reel to Reel deck in near future.

What make/model is the R2R?

 

[A.wayne]

I like to test one at some point but there are billions of variations of tables, stylus, arm, amp, etc. as to have the results have any applicability to general users. But I am open to it.

For now, I plan to test my Reel to Reel deck in near future.

Wait , what no table in the stable, Savage has one .....

 

[A.wayne]

What make/model is the R2R?

Wager a guess , Tascam ...... !

 

[amirm]

What make/model is the R2R?

It is an Otari MX-5050 BII. Like that it is modern and you could get parts for it. It also has both IEC and NAB equalization that makes it handy for different tapes.

 

[A.wayne]

See same as Tascam ....

 

[Dialectic]

It is an Otari MX-5050 BII. Like that it is modern and you could get parts for it. It also has both IEC and NAB equalization that makes it handy for different tapes.

Awesome, built like a tank. I used an Otari deck as an underemployed youth digitizing a pile of 1950s performances recorded in mono on 1/4" tape.

While I love WBF, I do not understand the Tascam R2R fetish that has swept WBF. I suppose there's a lot about WBF that I don't understand . . .

 

[MiamiBoy]

I would like to propose/recommend that a separate category be created for the purpose reporting measurements and testing results of higher-end audio capacitors. Not listening tests, but purely bench tests using measuring equipment to determine if any meaningful differences can be found between mid-priced audio capacitors vs higher-end “boutique” audio capacitors. You could start with some of the higher-end capacitors that have received the highest ratings on this site: http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html and then compare them with some of the mid-level audio capacitors.

I realize capacitors don't actually qualify as "equipment" but I think there would be a great deal of interest and benefit in doing these tests. Logistically, shipping capacitors back and forth would also be much easier.

 

[watchnerd]

I would like to propose/recommend that a separate category be created for the purpose reporting measurements and testing results of higher-end audio capacitors. Not listening tests, but purely bench tests using measuring equipment to determine if any meaningful differences can be found between mid-priced audio capacitors vs higher-end “boutique” audio capacitors. You could start with some of the higher-end capacitors that have received the highest ratings on this site: http://www.humblehomemadehifi.com/Cap.html and then compare them with some of the mid-level audio capacitors.

I realize capacitors don't actually qualify as "equipment" but I think there would be a great deal of interest and benefit in doing these tests. Logistically, shipping capacitors back and forth would also be much easier.

In what kind of circuit?

The premise above implies capacitors have a sound independent of the circuit they're used in.

 

[MiamiBoy]

In what kind of circuit?

The premise above implies capacitors have a sound independent of the circuit they're used in.

Well, I certainly wouldn't come on this forum and advocate that premise in my first post, but I am sure you realize that premise is widely held by buyers and always advocated by capacitor sellers, reviewers (see link above) and manufacturers. I am only suggesting that it would be of value if there were some measurements that could be made to help assess that premise.

 

[RayDunzl]

Here are datasheets for about 400 types of caps...

http://category.alldatasheet.com/index.jsp?sSearchword=Capacitors datasheet &sPage=1#

 

[amirm]

I am open to that idea. Let's think of scenarios that would be useful.

 

[amirm]

Had an idea that we could walk before we run by simply characterizing capacitors by themselves. Did a search on Capacitor distortion and found this nice link of all their non-linearities: http://stephan.win31.de/capdist.htm

I like to start a background project on this. What would be a good selection of brands to get started that are popular? I am think Duelund, ClarityCap, Elna, Mundorf, and Nichicon.

 

[Sal1950]

Had an idea that we could walk before we run by simply characterizing capacitors by themselves. Did a search on Capacitor distortion and found this nice link of all their non-linearities: http://stephan.win31.de/capdist.htm

I like to start a background project on this. What would be a good selection of brands to get started that are popular? I am think Duelund, ClarityCap, Elna, Mundorf, and Nichicon.

Sounds like you better be ready to give up your day gig, this websites about to become a full time job.

 

[DonH56]

Been there, done that... I'd suggest focusing on using them as series coupling capacitors and ideally doing impedance sweeps with a VNA or equivalent and distortion measurements over frequency and amplitude with several nominal source and load impedances.Electrolytics and ceramics have a pretty high voltage coefficient as well so you might add different bias voltage if you test them. Personally I'd skip them for this.

 

[watchnerd]

Had an idea that we could walk before we run by simply characterizing capacitors by themselves. Did a search on Capacitor distortion and found this nice link of all their non-linearities: http://stephan.win31.de/capdist.htm

I like to start a background project on this. What would be a good selection of brands to get started that are popular? I am think Duelund, ClarityCap, Elna, Mundorf, and Nichicon.

Plus Solen, Bennic...

 

[watchnerd]

Well, I certainly wouldn't come on this forum and advocate that premise in my first post, but I am sure you realize that premise is widely held by buyers and always advocated by capacitor sellers, reviewers (see link above) and manufacturers. I am only suggesting that it would be of value if there were some measurements that could be made to help assess that premise.

As much as this might be a fun research project....

Isn't capacitor tweaking really last century's battle?

When it comes to capacitors, I usually think, "Why bother? Go active DSP and make your tweaks in software."

When it comes to electronics, I think, "Why bother? Do the voicing in the FPGA, DSP, or wherever it is you're doing signal processing.."

Delving into the voodoo nuances of capacitors seems like a retrograde research project akin to learning alchemy.*

*this being said by someone who owns a turntable, but uses a ADC-software-defined-DSP-based phono stage...FWIW