High Rant District 135 - Stereo System Update

[@RandallWeaver]

Thanks for the great tour. I always like to see what people are listening with/through. It was great hearing you talk about that Rogue Audio integrated amp. I've done some research into those (not much...a little.) Thanks for taking the top off and showing us the inside. I'll bet it sounds great. Awesome-looking speakers too!

[@highrantdistrict]

Thanks Randy! I'm very happy with the Rogue, as well as the Zu speakers. They're both simple and made in the US, and didn't break the bank. A great combination! Cheers! Tom

[@dixielandfarm]

Yup - my stereo is in my living room where it belongs. Good looking speakers. I think 12 cubes is a good goal, so you are already there. I am still looking for a 1200Mk2 (casually). I think the heavy duty monoprice cables are fine, but you can't go wrong with Blue Jean Cables - the connector quality is what you are really paying for (in those two). You could replace that phono ground pretty easily.

[@highrantdistrict]

The nice thing about the 1200s is that parts are readily available. If something goes wrong, easy to find and fix. For mine I just needed to remove the arm and clean and re-grease the height adjuster. Messy but easy. If I get motivated I'll replace the ground screw. I've had no issues with the monoprice stuff I've tried so far, and I tried them after watching your video about them. Hope all is well! Cheers, Tom

[@Paneeks1960]

Good evening Tommy. Stoked to see you back and posting an all gear video. I am sure that I will learn something audio. Lord knows I need to gain as much knowledge as I possibly can. Be back later on to wrap up~ Rob/Boston

[@highrantdistrict]

Hi Rob! 'Reviews' are so subjective and so dependent on the other connected devices, the characteristics of the room, and so on. Take anything I say with a HUGE grain of salt! Cheers, Tommy

[@AT-wl9yq]

You are correct about class D being analog. Some class D amps use digital technology, but the signal that passes through the amp, is never converted to digital. It remains analog throughout the process.

[@highrantdistrict]

Should called it Class [insert Prince symbol]. Would have been less confusing. 😆 Tom

[@perfectstack-music]

Nice additions, I had the same problem with my VTI rack, but I was able to get it close to center.........love the rack though. Blue Jean cables are a nice choice too. Enjoy!

[@highrantdistrict]

Thanks Tony! Blue Jeans cables seem to be universally praised, and the prices are right. Cheers! Tom

[@ballroom23]

Enjoyed the video. Always curious and like stories about people’s audio set ups.

[@highrantdistrict]

Same here! Thanks for stopping by, Josh. Cheers, Tom

[@LeoRousseau]

Here I am a year later. You satisfied with the Dirty Weekend's? I'd love to hear them but I don't know of any near me. I'm just south of Boston.

[@highrantdistrict]

I'm still happy with them! I hadn't heard them before getting them, but I enjoyed watching videos by the owner of the company, hadn't seen many on the secondary market (a good sign, and a likely indication I could easily sell them on and get my money back, so I took a leap of faith. I also know they have a great return policy. I have no regrets. Cheers! Tom

[@LeoRousseau]

@@highrantdistrict very good! Thanks for the reply! 🇺🇦🇺🇸👊

[@bipbopboom]

Tom, I thoroughly enjoyed this video! You have a wonderful setup and your room is very tasteful!! Very nice all around!! The speakers look like they sound amazing. The amp looks like a real good one! I only know a little about electronics, but I can tell the layout of the components in your amp look so clean and orderly. A definite American and boutique look about the design for sure. Are the preamp tubes for the phono stage only or for all the line ins? I seldom get jealous over other people’s things, but the removable head shells, man I could go for those!! That would be fun!! Tom, I appreciate your style and your philosophies. Not that you need to mess with it, but I bet four tiny squares of thin foam tape would tighten up the amp walls. Great video!! Great system!! Take care, Jon

[@highrantdistrict]

Thanks Jon! One thing that I forgot to mention is that I like the aesthetics of the components and rack; things are pretty much all black, with just a bit of silver here and there, but or the most part when laying music, the components disappear. The preamp tubes are for all the line inputs, not just the phono. Removable headshells are fun! Really for the old records I have that are mono, it's nice to hear them on a mono cart and get an idea of exactly how people were listening when the records first came out. Oh, and thanks for the thin foam tape suggestion, I think I'm gonna use that. I doubt the slight movement is an actual problem, just an irritation... but why not solve it, so thanks for the idea! Cheers, Tom

[@dank.6942]

The phono section is solid state, and it flows into the tube preamp section. So, if you're listening to the phono input or any of the 3 line-level inputs you're definitely hearing the tubes. Headphone listening, however, bypasses the tubes.

[@highrantdistrict]

@@dank.6942 I know, Dan, I wish it weren't that way. I presumably can work around it by connecting an external headphone amp to the integrated's variable output and muting the speaker in order to hear the tubes effect via headphones. Cheers, Tom

[@L.E.55472]

Morning brother Tommy ☕️👋🏻....man I love the room and those speakers are primo w hickory casing?? Oh yeahhhhh......man I’m soooo happy you jumped in on the technics table......yes direct drive all the way!.....nice carts too!! Hehehe I love that blah blah hehehe love you T!! Heck yes 3 head Tommy you and I same page brother have a great day! Thanks for update 🍻cheers Lis 😎🎶 Yep me to Tommy on US first look ✊🏻

[@highrantdistrict]

Good morning Lis! Nothing *against* belt drive at all, but I dig the extra benefits of direct drive. If there's a tick of a skip, you can pinpoint the exact spot easier with direct drive and fix it if possible. I also have memories from childhood of the record player not working because the belt (or rubber band, as was sometimes the case) broke. Thanks for stopping by! Cheers, Tommy

[@CoreysChannel]

Thank you for the updated room tour! I'd love to hang out with you and spin records in that amazing space! I didn't like the Blue Jean cables because the gauge was too thick for my Pioneer SX 850 and too thick for some of the speakers I've used. The quality is certainly there but I had to twist and cramp the wires which is not ideal of course. I have 2 6' sets. I'll send you a set if you want but let me recommend the Zu Mission LC mk.2 cables. Upon request, they will put pins on one side and banana plugs on the other. The pins are angled with 2 tiny little groove bands that fits perfectly into the push button speaker connections for the amp side. Remind me what version your Omen's are. Dirty Weekends? I'm curious if you've done the Jupiter replacement tweeters and if those came with the "clarity caps" or if you installed the clarity caps yourself. I've installed both the Jupiter tweeters and clarity caps on my DWs. Cheers ~Corey

[@highrantdistrict]

Hey there Corey - thanks for the info on the speaker cables. I have BJ's web page open but haven't ordered yet. I'll take a look at the Zu Mission LC MkII cables on their web page. It's a good bet that they'd be a great fit since they sell them on their site, same as the Rogue amp. Thanks for the tip. My Omens are Dirty Weekends. I ordered them in March of this year and got them in May I think. I ordered them with the Jupiter caps already installed and haven't modified them at all. Famous last words and all, but I don't see myself changing speakers. These are wonderful to me! All in all, I'm happy with my setup at this point. Other than the cables, I could see getting a really good DAC to make CDs sound even better, but the Marantz CD sounds pretty good right now. Cheers, Tom

[@thamaskedcollector7041]

It’s a shame Zu no longer sells their cables via eBay. I wouldn’t pay full price for their speaker cables. BJC is probably the way to go.

[@highrantdistrict]

@@thamaskedcollector7041 I still haven't pulled that trigger either way. For the current going price, given the level of my gear, the *value* justification is tough to make. Not impossible, but tough. I'm still keeping an eye on eBay for a used pair. You never know. Otherwise, eventually, it may be the BJs. Cheers, Tom

[@L.E.55472]

Man I love that AMP!!! Does it need to warm up for a while before using Tommy??

[@highrantdistrict]

Good question, Lis. When you turn the am on, the power light goes red for about 20-30 seconds while it turns on and heats the tubes, then the light goes blue and it's ready to go... so not long at all. I think if it were using the tubes for actual amplification they'd have to warm up longer before using. Don't quote me on that though. Cheers! Tommy

[@BobbyGass5]

What's that black plate on the wall directly behind your left speaker Tommy. It better not be a heating vent. That's trouble... Nice looking system, fire it up sometime so we can hear it.

[@highrantdistrict]

Hiya Bobby - it's just some thick foam pieces to keep the little blind dog from wandering behind there. I've got the gear away from the heaters! Cheers, Tommy

[@BobbyGass5]

@@highrantdistrict ... Blind Dog? Cataracts?

[@highrantdistrict]

@@BobbyGass5 Not totally blind, he's just old, and has that glazing over of the eyeballs. I imagine it's like he's looking through a shower door. He can tell it's me, and won't walk into things (he might run into them though). He's almost completely deaf at this point too.

[@EskWIRED]

Here's some unsolicited advice. Move your speakers out into the room. Move your turntable to a location in which there is an anti-node in the bass response. If you do this, you might find yourself turning the volume up gradually over time. You don't stand a chance with the turntable next to the bass driver of your speakers. Not even a $100,000 VPI would perform at its best next to the speaker. You can make a significant improvement to your sound, for free, with better setup and room treatment.

[@highrantdistrict]

I appreciate it. I'll see what I can do to get some separation. Space is tight, but I'm thinking about doing some measuring and marking the carpet where to pull speakers out to when listening; most of my recent listening has been via cans. The speakers just can't 'live' off the wall due to room size. Cheers! Tom

[@EskWIRED]

@@highrantdistrict Yeah, that its a bona fide issue. Pulling them out only occasionally is likely the only option. And experimenting with speaker placement can be a lot of fun. Your equipment is good enough to sound incredible with some experimentation.

[@highrantdistrict]

@@EskWIRED At some point, if staying in this space, I'll up my headphone game.

[@XjunkieNL]

Beautiful balanced setup, Tom. Once you're used to swapping the headshell there is no way back. Hahah, really, five hunderd is the number?! Impossible ;) How annoying the phono input in the center, it needs modifying. Are there maybe 90 degrees cable connectors availableto to solve it? Cool to see a room tour of your setup. Cheers. /Paul

[@highrantdistrict]

Oh man, Paul, I was going through my records the last few days to try to thin the collection... you may be right, 500 may be impossible! 😝😝😝 I hadn't considered 90 degree connectors - I'll look into it. Great idea, thank you, Paul! Cheers, Tom

[@XjunkieNL]

@@highrantdistrict Hope you find something that works. I'm on a zero growth strategy the last 5 years. A new records enters the collection, one has to leave. In the beginning not so tough. But reaching a number like 500 will be very tough. Too much has to go. /Paul

[@highrantdistrict]

@@XjunkieNL Well done, Paul! I think zero growth is the more likely strategy for me. I already do this with other objects such as clothes and that works well for me. Cheers, Tom

[@LeoRousseau]

Good morning, Thanks for your video! What is your take on the Sphinx? Are you happy with it?

[@highrantdistrict]

Hi there Leo. Yes, I am happy with the Sphinx. It's a good *fit* for me for several reasons. It pairs well with my Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend speakers. Zu sells this integrated amp on their website so that was a good sign to start with. The sound quality is wonderful. In particular, the built-in phono stage is phenomenally good and most of the music I listen to is on records. I think the phono stage is based on their Triton stand-alone phono stage which is very well regarded. The headphone stage works very well with my Sennheiser 6XXs. If I had to pick at a nit: when you use headphones, you put the amp into standby otherwise it also outputs sound to the speakers. I wish I could simply mute the speakers via a button on the amp, so the tubes would stay engaged when using headphones. Putting the amp in standby turns off the tubes. All in all, it's a great integrated amp and I'm very pleased with it. Cheers! Tom

[@LeoRousseau]

Thanks Tom! So the good news is that I don't use headphones nor do I need the phono input on it. I am looking for an amplifier to power my Dali Oberon 5's. I use a Bluesound Node 2i into a Denafrips Ares II dac so I am hoping for some good results. Thanks so much for your quick response!

[@highrantdistrict]

@@LeoRousseau You're welcome! I'm reminded how behind the times I am when folks talk about their streaming/digital setups. How do you like the Ares? It's on my radar along with the Schiit Bifrost if I want to up my CD game, and eventually streaming.

[@LeoRousseau]

Tom, I love the Ares very much! I had the original Bifrost back in 2013 or so and the Ares is night and day with the Ares smoking it. I'm sure that the newest Bifrost must be a bit better by now though. Enjoy the music Tom!

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Nice rig :) love those Zu speakers :)

[@highrantdistrict]

Thanks Bob! I'm very happy with them. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers, Tom

[@Thedarkstuff]

Hey Tom. Did you move? Your last two videos look you're in a different place. Liking the look of the Living Room, either way.

[@highrantdistrict]

Yo Dave! Yep, I moved but am still in Portland, unfortunately. I hope all is well! Cheers, Tom

[@JadeTheWolf1982]

Do you ever wish you had tone controls or is it a non issue with this amp?

[@highrantdistrict]

I'm no expert but I don't miss tone controls. That said, I perceive it as more of a room issue. If your room - or you tastes - are suited to tone controls, I'd grab an EQ like a Loki Mini via Schiit Audio. And I'd do that for any amp you might like that doesn't have tone controls - it's easy to add! Cheers, Tom

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Good video

[@highrantdistrict]

Thank you!

[@limomangeno]

Hey there,I always wanted to get those Zu Speakers.Yes I also try to buy USA made.Went you see little things like cheaper parts being used or loose screws its disheartening to say the least.I own alot of vintage equipment and some new stuff.Went you take the cover off sometimes your overwhelmed with what you see ,but others times you think WTF.I also try and collect older vinyl albums ,the prices on the new issue are nuts to me ,I'm 69 and bought albums for $2.49 when on sale ...lol....I was in the Mall today ,I'm on the otherside of the US in NY ,long island Fry records and Newbury ...$29-39 please ok its 180 grams but ,I'll pass...lol

[@highrantdistrict]

Hi Geno! I was born in the Bronx then moved to Suffolk County when I was 10, until I left for college. It's funny that '180 grams' is seen as a premium thing; I've got some Dynaflex records that sound wonderful! The weight doesn't seem to have anything at all to do with quality, other than *maybe* less warping. Cheers! Tom

[@limomangeno]

Yeah Suffolk...yeah I was born in Astoria, live on 24st to blocks from the Plaza,LIC. .now it's really a city...lived in West islip, Oakland, Manorville now Middle Island...I had 1100 albums sold them like 7 years ago for 1500 alot of 1st issues and in great condition. I figured I had 2000 cds so I was good...lol. I have bought 1000 again ...most excellent condition, cd were cheap so bought like another 2000 plus cd boxes set cheap now have about 60 lol....cassettes 1000 got them cheap...no 8trs.or 45 well maybe 25 in picture sleeves.So much stereo equipment....to fill 2 rooms....but I'm done,lol...my townhouse is full....

[@highrantdistrict]

@@limomangeno YOU NEED A BIGGER TOWNHOUSE!!! ;-) I enjoys CDs too, still buy them, and the odd cassette here and there. I lived in Mastic in Suffolk, remember playing West Islip in soccer in HS. Don't feel bad about selling the records. Been there, done that, hopefully won't do it again!

[@limomangeno]

@@highrantdistrict ..oh yeah.. My daughter bought a house in Mastic ,next to forge river and I used to do limo work driving Funerals for like almost every Funeral home on Long Island ,the City and NJ and Westchester. I worked alot of hours plus private jobs at night ...going to alot of concerts,Jones beach park in vip next to the tour buses met Greg Allman n Carlos Santana, ian Anderson,Billy Joei,Dave Mason.,Peter Frampton and a lot more..doing the Paramount In Huntington, MSG,Beacon in Bayshore,these people I drive are really rich...lots of times they have an extra ticket and I go the the concert to.....I partied with Todd Rundren and The Boss Bruce Springsteen's ...think about it seeing Burce ,meeting him hanging out and being paired to do it...lol....I miss it none of those jobs since 2019....coronavirus has cost me alot...

[@highrantdistrict]

@@limomangeno Holy shit that's amazing life you've lived. The RoRo can fuck right off. Oh, and as a kid I spent TONS of time at the Forge River. Went crabbing there all the time!

[@big_burly_bro]

I share your thoughts and practices on U.S. Made.

[@highrantdistrict]

I think everyone on the planet should look to support their local country and economy first, Eric. Don't send your money out of 'town', so to speak, if it's reasonably avoidable - let that dollar keep circulating 'locally'. And no, I'm not getting paid by the 'apostrophe'. Cheers! Tom

[@johnsweda2999]

Put some disc candles under the front of the speakers. You don't really want to block up the port underneath the heavy carpet and the staff around plus tilting them back will give you better synergy with your room. Try running your dac or CD player through the Tape Deck close to the middle of the tape and depends what type, using the bias setting Get an autoformer volume control turn the volume to 90% -maximum on the amplifier take the speaker outputs put it in the autoformer and just the volume that way is much better improve the quality of the amplifier. The headphone Jack looks like it's missing it's nut or it's not tight remove the front panel and tighten the nut or put one in put a nylon washer first don't tighten it too much what make and model tubes does it have? Get longer interconnect cables problem solved with the amplifier in the middle! should be longer anyway 3 or 5 m+ 50 ohms something like RG214/u 50 ohm When connecting digital source use 75 ohms or 90 ohms unshielded

[@highrantdistrict]

Holy cow John, thanks for all the tips! That is awesome of you. There is some separation between the floor and the bottom of the speakers - there has to be a bit of a lift because they are vented at the bottom and the bass would disappear without the spacing. Good question about the tubes; besides being 12AU7s I didn't make a mental note of the brand when I had it open. At some point I'll look for a good pair of matched tubes to keep on hand as a backup. Great idea about removing the front panel to try to secure the jack - I'll do that. Cheers! Tom

[@deputy3690]

"pulling numbers out of my ass" you shouldn't say things if your not really sure.

[@highrantdistrict]

Marsha Marsha Marsha...

[@deputy3690]

@@highrantdistrict lmao. Good answer