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NE Bottleheads, re: Pi 4's vs Straight 8's [message #39005]

Mon, 11 November 2002 09:00

TOttman2
Messages: 11
Registered: May 2009

Chancellor

I couldn't make the last meeting (11/3) at DRCope's place. How do Steve Coultins Straight 8's sound as compared to the Theater Pi 4's?

Opinions ? Comments ?

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That was just what I was wondering... [message #39013 is a reply to message #39005]

Mon, 11 November 2002 14:53

Garland
Messages: 269
Registered: May 2009

Grand Master

...since I've heard the 8's several times in different systems and have the Pi theater 4's and had my friend's 2's at home for a few days. Unfortunately I've never AB'd the 8's with the Pi's.

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Re: NE Bottleheads, re: Pi 4's vs Straight 8's [message #39016 is a reply to message #39005]

Tue, 12 November 2002 06:09

DRCope
Messages: 160
Registered: May 2009
Location: Brooklyn, CT

Master

I'll dip my toes into this one . . .

Steve's 8's sounded better that day than I've ever heard 8's sound before, and he seemed thunderstruck by the sound quality as well. We heard them using Audio Note transport, DAC and vinyl rig in conjunction with the M-5 preamp and first my WannaGlows, then the AN Conqueror (300B) amp. They sounded lovely with the 'Glows, but not entirely relaxed on peaks, which changed with the switch up to the 300B amp. It had WE's in it, which didn't hurt any either.

John's speaks weren't exactly Theater 4's, although the drivers were the same, as he did in fact finish his Karlson cabs in time to bring 'em to the meet. The bottom end on those babies is absolutely concussive. Most of the time we heard them with Ryan's 845 amp which was running at 500volts and 3-5 watts. It sounded gorgeous, but couldn't seem to quite reign in the woofers in the Karlson. I don't think John found the sound to be what he expected. Just have to bring 'em back another day! (He cleverly sized the boxes to fit like a glove in the back of his wagon. A real custom fit!)

I hope other guys weigh in! I'm still reluctant to express detailed opinions about these things now that I wear a dealer's hat on the forum. My approach hasn't changed, but the rules have with the status change.

Keep your ears and your mind open.

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Re: NE Bottleheads, re: Pi 4's vs Straight 8's [message #39018 is a reply to message #39016]

Tue, 12 November 2002 06:29

Neo
Messages: 33
Registered: May 2009

Baron

Thanks Dave...

I have Pi 4's that I really like. I run 'em with Paramours upgraded with TFA-204 OP transfomers (non-parafeed). I now use the plate choke in the power supply, replacing the 270 ohm resistor. Some discs sound fantastic, others sound better on my SS rig. Paramour's seem to prefer 4 or 5 insturments and female voices.

I can't wait 'til the next meeting. I hope Steve will bring his 8's again. And thanks again for having these gatherings.

Tom

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Re: NE Bottleheads, re: Pi 4's vs Straight 8's [message #39037 is a reply to message #39005]

Wed, 13 November 2002 07:32

JLapaire
Messages: 156
Registered: May 2009

Master

I agree with Dave's comments. If you've followed the notes from the meet, you know that my CH-3 knockoffs run out of gas maybe in the 15k - 16k range, much improved with the wood horns. I think both speakers have good mids etc, but the sound is different and I lack the audiophile-ese to really describe it. East coast vs west coast? There's a pretty big difference in sensitivity and the Delta 15a hits very hard in either the Theater 4 cabinet that I had them in the meet before or the Karlson this time. The Karlson cab seems to have some gain over the Th4 BR, and I've had to change the compensation pad, putting in a big variable L-pad to find the right values.
The Straight 8s have a very sweet, transparent sound, Theater 4s sound like live music and will go silly-loud.
I hope we can get them together again after some tweaks, on an amplifier designed for full range.

John

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Re: NE Bottleheads, re: Pi 4's vs Straight 8's [message #39040 is a reply to message #39037]

Wed, 13 November 2002 09:08

DRCope
Messages: 160
Registered: May 2009
Location: Brooklyn, CT

Master

I have no doubt that we can, and will. There will be a new player on the field when we do. Should be lottsa fun.

What sort of amp did you have in mind, John? I may have paralleled 300B's on hand, and/or paralleled SE 6L6's when we next meet. Either one should rock the house.

BTW, thanks for the Stu2 loan. They're enjoying the 300B's . . .
Keep your ears and your mind open.

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