SOLE - Review and Fitting - Page 3

kitjunkie · #31 30-08-09, 04:21 PM

I've been awaiting this thread with eager anticipation as I've really wanted to buy a Sole. It just seems so well made, and frankly has a high degree of cool factor. Unfortunately, for me, after having heard the .wav files, I find the differences subtle at best. If anything when listening to Ian Anderson's voice, I find myself preferring the pre-sole recording. I sent these files to a friend who is a professional musician and producer, and has fantastic ears. I told him nothing about this and asked for his opinion on the two tracks. I am curious to find out what he thinks.

dave · #32 30-08-09, 04:38 PM

Personally, I'd never make a decision based on a file download. The LP-12 files here should convince any LP-12 owner of that. They don't even hint at the important bits of what an LP-12 does. You'd be far better of to buy it, fit it and audition and ship it back for a refund assuming the maker offers such.

david ellwood · #33 30-08-09, 04:50 PM

as a linn lover i have spent this evening doing the unthinkable!

listening to my system with a NAIM component in it!

so for this evening my system comprised:

cirkus/lp12/radikal/keel/ekos/arkiv - superline/hicap2 - kisto - slimline aktiv - 4 x 280/spark isobariks.

it sounded bloody marvelous.

even had me listening to 'eye in the sky' by the alan parsons project and 'high voltage' by ac/dc.

i'll try to do a recording of the talking heads tomorrow morning.

ps: its one in the morning and i am going back for another listen

Robert · #34 30-08-09, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave

Personally, I'd never make a decision based on a file download. The LP-12 files here should convince any LP-12 owner of that. They don't even hint at the important bits of what an LP-12 does. You'd be far better of to buy it, fit it and audition and ship it back for a refund assuming the maker offers such.

I'd buy John's LP12 based on the files from it.
They simply sound like good recordings of a classic, well set-up Linn front end.
Sounds quite different to the modern LP12 variants and those with 3rd party mods.

dave · #35 30-08-09, 04:55 PM

At best, it captures the tonal signature of an LP-12 but not what makes me do a double-take when Aretha (or David Byrne) is spinning;-)

Robert · #36 30-08-09, 05:05 PM

I hear more than that in his recordings.
I hear a coherence and liveliness that isn't quite there in the other LP12s here, good as they all are.

I'm leaning towards David's view on this.

zener · #37 30-08-09, 05:07 PM

but did you do a "double take" when the "original LP12" file was played ...which you didnt state...

dave · #38 30-08-09, 05:14 PM

I didn't (if you're referring to me) Jon.

per-Sony-fied · #39 30-08-09, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave

At best, it captures the tonal signature of an LP-12 but not what makes me do a double-take when Aretha (or David Byrne) is spinning;-)

Having heard quite a few different decks here & a few of them in the flesh I think the downloads disect more of the TT's character & cartridge than might be first thought. Would be a pointless exercise otherwise. Some may think so but then they have no need to partake.

FWIW I think Andrew's download of his SOLED deck portrays the way it actually sounds..... that might sound a weird thing to say as I have not heard his Radikaled deck in the flesh but I have heard the SOLE & it very much reminds me of mine even if the tonal character is different due to arm/cartridge/phono stage.

Naturally the person listening to the files should ensure one is listening to them as best as they can.

dave · #40 30-08-09, 07:32 PM

Everyone,

Sorry, but the files I've heard are completely missing the most important bits of information that an LP-12 normally delivers in any form when heard in realtime. Again, it's not the tonal characteristics, it's the bit of information that makes your head snap around or sends goosebumps up your arm for a split second when Aretha might just be in your room singing to you. The problem is either with the decks, the recording, file transfer, delivery process or my laptop and CD-ROM.

I seriously doubt it is the decks. My Windows-based laptop has made some decent CDs that delivers those missing bits out of source material that's still intact so I can only conclude something's wrong with the recording or delivery process. As well, I have a copy of a CD (Zappa -Everything's Healing Nicely) made with a relative's ancient, cheap Magnavox digital recorder that delivers the goosebump thing so I know it can be done. It's just not happening here.

FWIW, my criticism is intended only for improving the process. I have every reason it can and will be improved and I do support your efforts even though it may not first appear as such.

regards,

dave

panda · #41 30-08-09, 10:05 PM

these meager 'laptop' recordings sound better than files ripped from CD. yes vinyl sounds better than cd, but if its missing such important bits then why does the 'poor' rip still sound better than cd???

John R · #42 30-08-09, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave

Personally, I'd never make a decision based on a file download. The LP-12 files here should convince any LP-12 owner of that. They don't even hint at the important bits of what an LP-12 does. You'd be far better of to buy it, fit it and audition and ship it back for a refund assuming the maker offers such.

We do offer a 30 day trial period and return for a full refund - if returned undamaged (less postage). Screw marks on he base of the amboard due to arm mounting are accetable.

Rest assured, if Andrew does not like it he can send it back.

John R.

flatpopely · #43 30-08-09, 11:58 PM

Guys. After a days listening I still think the SOLE is an improvement. I really did think twice about posting recordings because although in system they do sound like the originals so far I have had:-

1. The SOLE deck is loads worse.

2. Can't hear any diference.

3. The SOLE deck is loads better.

YNWOAN is coming around for a listen. He knows my deck well. Let's see what he thinks.

CJ1045 · #44 31-08-09, 12:39 AM

QUOTE
1. The SOLE deck is loads worse.

2. Can't hear any diference.

3. The SOLE deck is loads better.
UNQUOTE

Were you expecting anything else?

CJ

Nic Robinson · #45 31-08-09, 01:28 AM

I too am bothered about the method of transmission. Through pc/Beresford there is no noticeable difference to speak of in my system. Same if the tracks are burned to CD.

Neither is remotely as good (to my ears) as my vastly more modest LP12 playing the track (from Breakfast in America). The string sound is more warm in the bridge and tambourine shakes in the verse and instrumental sound at a fuller length (I didn't even notice these at first on the downloads). Imaging and punch don’t suffer on my deck in comparison.

I'll have a listen to the other tracks if some of the kids go out later this morning. I don't have vinyl versions of these to check against, though.

I’m sure it’s to do with the method of transmission/my ability to play back the material. That said, I do get very acceptable results from digital in general.

So far, my only conclusion is that any cash I have spare should be spent on more vinyl.

Cheers,

Nic.