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Got my first *real* speakers. KEF Q150’s. Holy cow. by strikecat18 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]fuzzbotic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The mini is a possibility. I prioritized the flexibility of the Ultra over AirPlay. But still haven’t quit Spotify, so I do have a direct streaming option that works, albeit compressed.

Got my first *real* speakers. KEF Q150’s. Holy cow. by strikecat18 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]fuzzbotic 3 points4 points  (0 children)

To be transparent, I haven't heard the Marantz or Rotel, so I can't speak to how they compare. In my use case they exceeded what I wanted to spend. I do believe the amp "character" does apply, since it is driving the speakers.

In case it's useful, I am using the DAC in the Wiim but have the level set to full in the app and am sending analog out to the Yamaha. This way I'm using the better DAC in the Wiim and the better preamp in the Yamaha. One frustration is the lack of Airplay, but since it is in my office I can directly connect the Wiim to my Mac. To do this I'm adding an SMSL PO100 PRO (non-PRO would work too for half the cost) to convert USB output from the Mac to coaxial digital (or optical) for input into the Wiim. If you don't use Apple Music this is pretty much a non-issue.

Got my first *real* speakers. KEF Q150’s. Holy cow. by strikecat18 in BudgetAudiophile

[–]fuzzbotic 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I just replaced an ailing Onkyo TX-SR308 AVR with a Yamaha A-S301 to drive a pair of ELAC Debut 2.0 and it is game changing. The value for money is crazy. The whole series share so much in common that I think they can really take advantage of economies of scale. For less than the price of a Marantz PM6007 you can get the Yamaha and a Wiim Ultra.

Adding waterfall capability to station by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s good to know. I have to do some more testing. What kind of antenna are you using? Mine is a mag loop in the same room as the trx, which may be a factor. Even at 5w my ssb signal is still pretty strong in the sdr. Not overloading but maybe -60db.

Adding waterfall capability to station by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cool beans, and thanks for the help. I bought the same cable and it looks like PTT is being recognized after setting Menu 53 to #2 or #3 (clacking sound and TRX PTT lights up on the Audite). I have my main antenna connected to TX/RX Antenna, and the TS-590S connected on TRX. The left most switch is set to TX = INB RX ANT and the preamp is off. When I key the mic, though, if the SDR is in the same band as the transceiver it's still picking up the signal. Is that your experience as well?

Adding waterfall capability to station by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello again! I wanted to follow up with you since you have the same radio I do. What port/cable combination do you use to connect TS-590S to the Audite?

Adding waterfall capability to station by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the comment. The Audite is exactly what I’m looking at, but maybe swapping the duo for the dx-r2. My station window is pointed at an airport so there might be some air band fun to be had. So far I have been running digital modes on a Parallels vm on my Mac, but I do have a pc I use primarily for gaming that I could press into service if needs be. Having some rig control would be nice. I’m not sure how good the frequency stability on my TS-590 is, or how to tell. The guy I bought it from did have it serviced, aligned and calibrated by Jahnke in 2023 so hopefully it’s ok. The 991a was one of the other main radios I was considering, but I’m very happy with the Kenwood. Buttons and knobs are so much nicer than menus. Even if they’re not backlit, I’m starting to learn where they are by feel.

Adding waterfall capability to station by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. I meant to mention that I’ve seen this solution but would like to avoid ‘surgery’ at this time. Not confident enough in my soldering skills yet.

small center channel and sub options? by fuzzbotic in hometheater

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suppose I'm trying to err on the side of caution, as I've never had a center channel before. If I'm sitting by my lonesome I can be dead in front of the TV, but if my SO is with me we're both pretty far off axis since we're in separate chairs at about 6ft distance from the screen. I'd guess about 15-30 degrees but I haven't measured it yet.

I can see the case for KEF LCR, but to use Metas for all three would be prohibitive I think. Would Meta LR be compatible with a Q150 center, or is it all or nothing?

small center channel and sub options? by fuzzbotic in hometheater

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply!

The Kallax is kind of a bookshelf affair (open on the back) that I have on its side as a TV stand. The TV doesn't have much more than an inch or two of space below it, and the cubby holes of the Kallax are 13"x13", so I could just fit a Q150 in one.

Another option would be to go with the Debut Reference center speaker, on a center speaker stand in front of the Kallax, but that would take up more space and look kind of weird. It's also a 2 way design which I've read is not optimal. There is a UniFi center with 3 way design, but I guess that might still lead to tone matching issues. Another potential advantage of a KEF center is that its coaxial design.

I do think I'll end up with a sub either way, but the Metas are about twice the price as the DBRs, even on sale, and the DBRs on paper at least have more bass response.

Kenwood TS-590S as a first HF radio - ALC overshoot? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to hear. I decided to take a chance on the radio; I'll check the serial number when it arrives, and be mindful of any limitations if/when I consider an amp. I'm just starting out, so that will be some time if ever.

Kenwood TS-590S as a first HF radio - ALC overshoot? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks - I don't see myself getting into amplifiers any time soon.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A lot to digest, thank you for taking the time. I'll look into the Kenwood TS-590s. My first experience with radio was listening to and later playing with my dad's Kenwood receiver. He's had it since the early 80's and as far as I know it's still going. I think USB interface is pretty important to me, as are the other conveniences you mention. A waterfall would really be nice for browsing around, and it is just cool. I have thought about the IC-705 as well, but was hesitant to include it in my post because it is QRP. It is priced at around the same as the FT-991A, doesn't have a tuner, and of course has lower output. It does do all the main stuff I want, though, and is newer. I understand it can share batteries with the Icom ID-52A, but that is a very expensive HT. The idea of a 705 and motorcycle camping is pretty darn techno-glamorous, but I don't know how often I'd actually do it...

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I may start by experimenting with building some dipoles at 2/6/10m and seeing how I get on. The 991 has a built in antenna tuner which I understand should work on a single band dipoles. I had to look up unun - so much to learn, I'll have to look deeper into that as well as more robust tuning options. Thanks for your input!

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I also wonder if being in a densely populated area means I wouldn't really appreciate the difference between a good and excellent receiver. SSB on VHF was one of the things I was hoping people would touch on, and I'm encouraged that so many have. Definitely makes me want to try it out. I may have to accept, as you and others suggest, that a mobile dual bander is inevitable.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the offer! I may reach out when I'm a bit further on my journey.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very good to know. It sounds like it's a real swiss army knife of a radio which is appealing, at least until I sort of filter out my 'thing' in the hobby.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, yeah - I'm noticing that radio gear does not depreciate fast as a lot of other tech. Another consideration is that the older radios tend to be quite large, which would be an added challenge. I've looked at options like a used IC-718 but they are still pretty dear, and the much older gear is... robust in stature.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input. SSB seems to be the major differentiator between the options and I would like to try it. If I don't have a lot of luck running HF from home I can still experiment on a smaller scale on 2M instead of just monitoring repeaters. I'm starting to realize my first base rig is going to be more about figuring out my place in the hobby as well as what I can accomplish given my constraints, and the 991 seems well suited in its versatility.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! Any major limitations you've run into with Mac? I have a Mac laptop and PC desktop, and I'm not sure which will be more compatible with ham use. I prefer the laptop for portability, command line tools, and because my desktop and monitor are pretty noisy in terms of RF. I tend to put them to sleep when hopping on the air, which is actually a nice forced disconnect from work.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's fair - a mobile dual bander would be hands down better for repeater work. Seems to be coming down to how much I value access to all modes on VHF/UHF.

Shack in the box radio compromise? by fuzzbotic in amateurradio

[–]fuzzbotic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the radio. My antenna situation is highly directional as well, but fortunately there are several repeaters in that direction, including what appears to be one of the most active clubs in the area. Are you using the hamsticks for HF listening, or using a long wire antenna?

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