You guys are spot on here. I'm sure that's why my music sounds better straight from the Oppo with no additional processing by my receiver. With the RCAs in, my receiver is simply acting as an amp, correct? In Stereo mode... Oh well, even if it's placebo, perception is reality!

I'll have an objective listener check it out and report back. Thanks guys for all your feedback and humor!

Cheers,

T Cobe

T Cobe wrote: With all due respect, Art, your setup is anything but simple...

Well, I will concede that I have an "interesting array of stuff" interconnected together. You would chuckle if you were present when I sometimes have difficulty remembering how to set the various devices for certain signal path options. Fortunately, I have a map to which I can refer if I become confused.

But, I will also say that my analog audio paths are as simple as I can make them, given the number of CD players I have in my system (5 different 300 CD changers, 2 different 5 CD/DVD players, and 2 different single CD/DVD players). In each case there is a direct analog signal path from the player to three different interconnected AV Receivers. All three receivers are running in the Pure Direct or Analog Direct modes for music reproduction.

Each Receiver is providing minimal signal processing, which I believe is the best way to listen to music - especially with wonderful GE speakers.

I am continuing to listen to my Triton Ones at 4 ohms impedance. I like the sound, but I don't know if I can tell the difference between the 4 ohm setting and the 6 ohm setting. Perhaps I don't know what to listen for to distinguish between the two impedance settings.

Best,

Art

Art,

That is one ambitious set up and sounds like you have a choir of speakers singing back at you when it's all fired up. At the rate I'm swapping out equipment, I may be able to do the same eventually but I'm not sure I'm quite that ambitious. I bet the results are pretty amazing.

In terms of switching between 4 and 6 ohm, and between RCA/HDMI, it is more noticeable with a very good recording. I played a collection of Frank Sinatra the other day and as you can imagine, the recording quality was not stellar. Switching settings had minimal effect. The best way I can describe the difference is that the 4-ohm and RCA setting has better depth, is more rich, and just sounds a bit cleaner. Localization on good recordings is easier. You can tell who was closer to the front or further back more easily. Does that description make sense?

Cheers,

T Cobe

T Cobe wrote: Art,

That is one ambitious set up and sounds like you have a choir of speakers singing back at you when it's all fired up. At the rate I'm swapping out equipment, I may be able to do the same eventually but I'm not sure I'm quite that ambitious. I bet the results are pretty amazing.

In terms of switching between 4 and 6 ohm, and between RCA/HDMI, it is more noticeable with a very good recording. I played a collection of Frank Sinatra the other day and as you can imagine, the recording quality was not stellar. Switching settings had minimal effect. The best way I can describe the difference is that the 4-ohm and RCA setting has better depth, is more rich, and just sounds a bit cleaner. Localization on good recordings is easier. You can tell who was closer to the front or further back more easily. Does that description make sense?

Cheers,

T Cobe

Hi T. Cobe,

Yes, your explanation makes sense. I am enjoying the sound at 4 ohms so I probably will leave the Ones set to 4 ohms.

My next experiment will involve using my Test CD to see if I can determine the best crossover settings within my Onkyo for the Triton Ones - both for the main speaker connections and for the LFE connection as it processes Analog Bass. I plan to make a detailed report describing methodology employed and results heard. All results will be what I hear, rather than any meter readings or other hard data.

Which Sinatra recordings were you listening to? I have an extensive collection of Sinatra CD reissues. His recordings with Nelson Riddle are particular favorites. Sinatra was a stylist who could sing a variety of song types. My favorites are his ballads.

Because I am using the DACs in my CD players, all of my interconnections for music are RCA cables. I do enjoy my setup and the flexibility it offers. Using my two Triton Sevens as "Rear Fronts" and driving them with a separate AV Receiver allows me to turn them off when I wan to listen at low volume levels -- and, most importantly, to adjust their volume levels separately to "fill the room" without detracting from the Triton Ones as my main sound source.

Best,

Art

Art,

I was listening to Sinatra 80th: All the Best. A lot of his classics. His voice sounds great but the rest of the recordings are just okay. Entertaining for sure, but not a reference recoding. Frank's vocals really shine through the T1s though! I'll take a look for the Nelson Riddle collaborations. Thanks for the tip.

My Aon 3s do a pretty good job in all channel stereo. They can't keep up with the T1s but they certainly round out the sound. I find myself enjoying a few of the different playback modes besides stereo.

Cheers,

T Cobe

This is exactly how I have my T1's setup. I am using analog connection xlr OPPO 105d to Bryston 4bsst2. The T1 gain set to 9 o'clock. When playing music there is lots of bass. Run HDMI for movies & leave bass control unchanged plus run lfe through Onkyo preamp. Its all good in my room leaving gain at 9 o'clock.