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TACT RCS 2.0 Users Group

I've recently purchased the TACT RCS 2.0 unit. As I've been wrestling with getting the optimum performance out of it, I keep thinking there must be other owners out there that have ideas to share, as well as those who could benefit from what I've learned.

I was hoping this thread would provide a forum to introduce us to each other.

Anyone interested in sharing what you've learned?

I for one have found the unit difficult to get a true grasp of how to optimise, but once learned, it has produced the best sound of any component I've ever added to my system. My system currently consists of a Sony SCD1 to the TACT 2.0 RCS with internal DAC and D/A converter. Signal is then fed from the TACT in analog format to my Art Audio Jota and then to the Avantgarde Duo Hornspeakers.
I'll start by stating I've found the suggestions in the TACT documentation for speaker placement to be contra to good sound. I've gotten the best results by using George Cardas's Near Field logic and using the TACT Nearfield target curve as the beginning point to custom build my personal target curves.

This resulted in a sound stage this is awesome and the clarity of the frequencies is without compare in my experience.

However, it took over 100 hours of experimentation to reach this result - a lot of lessons learned. At this point, I feel I know just enough to be dangerous!
tao
1439bhr
85 posts
 
I have had a Tact 2.0 for about 6 months. All told, it has been a wonderful addition to my system. I can't bear to listen the system without the Tact running (and I thought my system sounded great BEFORE the Tact). The associated computer software for the Tact leaves much to be desired -- it's not even friendly to engineers such as myself with training in digital signal processing. I also wish that it were possible to do a post-compensation check of the equalized response. I also wish that the output format allowed for 24/96 given a 16/44.1 input... the scaling applied to the compensation filters appears to be overly conservative and can cause several bits of resolution loss (the scaling is why one has to back off the gain of the "bypassed" signal in order to level match a compensation channel with a bypassed channel). All in all, I think it's a breakthrough product for $3K, and it is real and here today, as opposed to other perpetually promised technologies. The other piece of hope is that Tact continues to refine the product through additional software releases. The application software running in the Tact box is downloadable from the PC that runs the compensation filter, so there may be potential for continued product improvement. Sure wish they'd fix their web site though...
jvogt
212 posts
 
I've had an RCS 2.0 for about 8 months, and have found it
to be the biggest improvement in my system of ANY component.
Maybe the A/D and D/A converters are not of Levinson 360S
quality, however I think they're decent, and the overall
improvement in sound is astounding. One problem with the
SigTech as I understand it is that you need a sound engineer
to come to your room with a signal generator and associated
equipment to obtain optimal results. That can get expensive.
At least with the TacT, I can do a measurement/adjustment in
a few minutes on my own.
1439bhr
85 posts
 
Concerning speaker placement with the Tact... I also tried following their advice concerning moving the speakers towards the back wall for increased room coupling. I have full-range reflex-loaded speakers (PSB Stratus Gold-i), and found that getting close to the wall is counterproductive: even after compensation by the Tact there's too much residual room boom. (The configuration of my room doesn't permit me to go wider with the speakers, so I can't comment on that). I've found I obtain the best result by starting with speakers in the position that gives the best sound *unprocessed*, and then using the Tact to do the room compensation.
boliver7650
1 posts
 
I'm considering getting a Tact 2.0 so that I can put speakers in a bookshelf and still get good sound. Currently I have Audio Physic Virgos in the middle of the room and I can't stand the clutter anymore.

Am I being too optimistic that with good bookshelf monitors and a subwoofer plus the Tact that I can get really good sound?

Also, any other opinions about what is the best DSP out there - Sigtech etc.?

Bill
tao OP
17 posts
 
To Boliver@onlineinteriors.com,

If the placement of the bookshelf speakers have a restricted area you can be experimenting with placement, and I assume you are restricted, then I would be cautious about expecting too much.

At this point in my "Tact Adventure", if I were going to start with the restrictions you've defined, I would be sure to do two things:
1. Learn how to build a lot of custom target curves. Be very conservative in my movement of "frequency control points" and start with the flat Nearfield target curve. It is very easy to overdrive your speakers, and possibly do damage to them.
2. Be sure that the dealer I purchased it from had a clear 30 day refund policy he would honor. If not, buy direct from Tact and be sure they understand your challenge.

However, done correctly and with the investment of experimentation, I would be surprized if you did not experience a pleasant improvement.
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