Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Out with the new and in with the newer

I’m hopeful that will indeed be the case. I believe my biggest problem (other than finding a waf approved piece of furniture capable of holding the future amp weight, which took a while to solve) is figuring out which music is going to make these suckers truly shine and assemble a worthy demo playlist.

I'm very worried about the music choices as well - and sources!

That monolith appears to be a stunning choice. Even though it's spec'd at 28dB voltage gain, at least two sources I've read claim it's closer to 29. That makes it an even better match for the ADA.

Appreciate that input. The HT will have to live with 2 unpowered channels for a while but it’s a small sacrifice long term.

For sources I’m considering getting some nice flac albums, possibly from hdtracks, and would consider an LP purchase if it’s of sufficient quality.

I’m open to suggestions

I don't know what a good source is for finding high quality recordings. By that I mean preservation of dynamic range and soundstage. I've been building up my own playlists of what I think is well-recorded music on Spotify but I am no expert. I just let my ears guide me.

Just today I found the following database. From that I picked out Patricia Barber's Black Magic Woman and it's a real winner. Anything by her is if you like her music:

http://dr.loudness-war.info/

What players are you planning to use? Craig just bought himself a $40,000 CD player...LOL!

When I try the actives in the living room, I plan on using a $35 Chromestick Audio connected to a Pioneer for pre-amplification.

In the main room, I'll be using an Amazon Firestick 4K through my Onk, or a PS3 for CDs or a Yammie tape deck.

Music will come in through Spotify and of course CDs and tapes.

Many will giggle their guts out at my ridiculous choices of sources particularly given the speakers.

Also check out the following link:

http://dynamicrangeday.co.uk/award/

I believe we have the same opinion with regards to what constitutes a good quality recording.

The 4K Firestick is a very capable little device. I was very impressed with how much it’s improved over the original.

I will have two sources hooked up to the actives. An Axiomair transformer which will allow for my flac files, Spotify Connect, multi room audio and also serve as my pre. For when I want to sit down and be more deliberate about my listening I have a respectable turntable setup. It’s probably more than I needed but it creates an environment where you can’t do 10 things at once, like you can when you’ve got Spotify playing in the background. The whole purpose is to sit back, preferably with a nice drink, disengage from all the distractions and enjoy the music.

Thanks for the links, that’s great information!

Check out the album Grace for Drowning by Steven Wilson. I'm not a fan of the music but I can't help but listen given the recording quality.

Also To the Bone by the same artist.

Mojo, just about anything from Steven Wilson is worth a listen. I have seen him solo and with Porcupine Tree. His style of music is not for everyone however the musicianship is top drawer.

As you say, his style of music is not for everyone. I am finding out the best recorded music is not the kind of music I dig.

My son just told me he's been digging through the dr. loudness database and has discovered all the music he likes is in the red. The poor kid doesn't know what real music sounds like. His brain's been fried in that regard. LOL!

You should check out The Pineapple Thief (Your Wilderness & Dissolution). Gavin Harrison on drums (King Crimson & Porcupine Tree).