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System sounds different, depending...

There are times when my system sounds absolutely amazing. Then other times it's dull. And sometimes even unlistenable. All with the same CDs.

There doesn't seem to be any pattern, or rhyme or reason. My system doesn't seem to favor morning, noon, or night. It can be great or goofy any time of the day.

Does this have to do with the amount of people using electrical appliances at a given moment in my apartment? I'm using all factory power cords right now, but have some Absolute Power Cords on the way to me. I'll see what happens, then upgrade to better cords if warranted.

Maybe it's just my state of mind and body at the time? It's always a mystery as to how my system will sound when I sit down.

Or could it be the shampoo I'm using?

Very weird...
gunbei
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Next to power, temperature and humidity, even the barometric pressure will influence the sound of our rigs, alas.
prfont
89 posts
 
gunbei,

here's a cheap test. by a portable headphone system - battery powered cd/amp + good headphone. this takes all those power variables out of the equation. listen. if that sounds great/crappy/ok/etc.. over consecutive listenings then you either need a vacation, or some couchtime.

good luck
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Well for starters.

Yes Sugarbrie, I live in California. Los Angeles of all places! Arrggh!!!

Tail & Mane you say Dekay? I don't use that, but I am low on the head suds. Off to the bootie saloon. :)

Sean, good idea. I think I'll have my girlfriend serve me drinks and massage my shoulders during every listening session. SMACKKK!!!! OK, bad idea.

Prfont. I think I do need a vacation. My mind has been swirling with so many ideas for upgrades and tweaks, I can hardly speeaakkkk... [Doing my best Fred Astaire impression].

Hmmm... It sounded pretty good last night. Oh well.

Seriously. Should I really keep everything powered up all the time? I keep my transport always powered on, and so is the Bel Canto DAC 1.1. My Sim Audio Moon I-5 has a stand by mode, so in essence it is always on. But not "turned on".

Gosh, if I get too carried away with this, Governor Gray Davis may come over and kick my butt after he's done wrestling with George W. Bush.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,598 posts
 
Gunbei: We have two power companies that supply greater LA. I believe that we are on different systems as just two blocks South of us the other company takes over in LA proper (we are in West Hollywood). My system was having severe problems 3-4 months ago, but has since been fine. It could be that your carrier is now "beating the cotten", so to speak with the power supply. Although I am currently breaking in new cable, I had some of the best sound that I have ever experienced last night from 11:00 pm to 12:30 am. Also, since relocating the equipment, I am using a 35 year old outlet that has not been upgraded to a better connecter, so ussume that the sound will improve even more when I replace it with P&S hardware. Kublakahn, if your system is on the kitchen line your refrigerator may also be attached to it as well. You may want to see if you can use another line if this is the case. Gearge has already made it clear that he is a cypher and that we are on our own.
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