High End Audiophile Thread Part 2

I'm a sucker for a good deal, so I did a thing:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=9723

I ordered a Monoprice 12" 150w subwoofer, on sale for $75, and $65 after BONUS10 code. $17.61/2 weeks with Paypal Pay-In-4. Specs say it goes down to 20Hz. (see link for dB chart) Going to set the xover at 60Hz and just let it handle the low end. My neighbors are going to hate me.

 

Sub arrived, Model MSUB-112BL



I've had to move it forward since taking this pic to tighten the bass, and it's more enjoyable now. The mat is there to protect the floor, as it came with carpet spikes installed.

Otherwise, I am enjoying the heft to the low end, quite satisfying. Not as impressive as my DIY sub, but it serves it's purpose. My movie playback is far more enjoyable. Really nice option for a meager $65. TY Monoprice!

I had a very satisfying movie rumble experience watching Ahsoka e05, so yes, this sub does have some chops. It's key to get the xover and levels right, I'm using about 80Hz atm.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/394757298867

Rockville 15" Active speakers, refurbed, 375w of power, $259

 

Lol. That's Maxell break the sound barrier advert. Magnetic tape. Coo. So glad those days have gone. Dolby, que?
One of the adverts feature Pete Murphy from a band called Bauhaus. If you like a rich bass guitar sound, full punk,
Then the Album Mask transferred well to the digital age.

 

Today, I decided for fun to hook up the 2.1 set to my SMSL M300 MKII DAC + tube preamp, and damn, I was blown away compared to using the onboard DAC, either USB or over aptX-HD. Also discovered with on a 24/96 piano track that I need to keep the preamp near neutral to prevent clipping. I was not expecting a big difference, but damn, it's like the sats woke up and started singing like angels. So something is up with that onboard DAC, possibly in the analog stage, or the AK4497 implemented is just that much better.

So, I turned on Amazon Music HD and selected the Ultimate Classical station, and it's even better than before. Everything just sounds fuller, and proper, strings just have a sweetness to them, and depth, and is emotionally evoking. (Having a WOW moment here.) Even the sub is blending better with the sats on the same settings, and now seems invisible in placement.

For those wondering, I have a set of Voskhods in the preamp.