Hello from central Europe!
Allow me to introduce myself - my name is Ivo, and I reside in Central Europe, in a city of moderate size located around 60 km from Vienna. I've been a member of this forum for a while, but I believe it's time to share a bit about myself.
I was raised behind the iron curtain, and after it fell, I finally had the opportunity to connect with the genuine hifi world. As a college student, I set aside funds for my initial hifi system (basic NAD, Marantz, etc. from the mid-90s) and I've hopefully progressed since then.
My initial experience with superior sounding classical music from a hifi system left a lasting impression and ignited a passion. The enthusiasm and wish to have an orchestra at home.
I realize it’s rather ambitious, but after many years, I believe I've moved past the intense frustration I had from the concert hall and my old hifi system from a decade ago.
Over the past twenty-five years, I have traveled extensively across Europe for classical music concerts, but now I moderate my attendance—especially in comparison to my numerous visits to Vienna's Musikverein and Konzerthaus venues a decade earlier. I don’t need to travel as often now - just recently (one month ago) in Bratislava - where I reside - guest orchestras included the Wiener Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra with Pappano, J.E. Gardiner with his period instruments group and choir, Elbphilharmonie from Hamburg...) so I’m currently quite fulfilled. Regardless, I typically attend around 40-50 classical music concerts/opera annually.
Furthermore, I have participated (as a side activity) in the role of sound engineer for local classical recordings, primarily for small choirs and chamber ensembles in both concert halls and churches. Throughout the years, I developed my own on-location recording setup (Schoeps microphones, Millenia preamps, Mytek ADDA converters, Samplitude DAW) and handled the overall sound design of the recorded ensemble—deciding mic placements, mixing techniques, etc.—while my friend and colleague took on the role of music producer during the recording and subsequently managed editing and initial mixing.
I have attended numerous hifi shows in Munich and Warsaw over the years, and I’m pleased that next year it will be close to home.
What am I currently doing in audio? Primarily consulting and advisory - for my audiophile peers - enhancements to their hifi systems, particularly focusing on DRC/EQ adjustments, primarily in the digital realm. I truly enjoy their jaw dropping facial expressions when they hear their favorite music following my measurements and the tweaks made according to my listening.
I listen to 95 percent classical music, with the remainder being some jazz and a few guilty pleasures from many decades past.
I have two systems: a smaller one featuring custom-built 4-way loudspeakers equipped with a specially made Audio Technology driver - 15 inch and 5 inch, along with a Raven Point source tweeter. (not shown)
The large setup - in-wall / fully custom installation weighing 2000 pounds featuring Acoustic Elegance woofers and 18th Sound compression drivers, with a custom passive crossover, currently powered by Sanders Magtech monos (temporary, with plans for a semi-active configuration using a class A amp for the tweeter), includes a Rockna Wavedream Signature Balanced DAC and a computer (replacement soon) utilizing Jriver and Roon with EQ/DRC fine tuned over the years.
Ivo
Allow me to introduce myself - my name is Ivo, and I reside in Central Europe, in a city of moderate size located around 60 km from Vienna. I've been a member of this forum for a while, but I believe it's time to share a bit about myself.
I was raised behind the iron curtain, and after it fell, I finally had the opportunity to connect with the genuine hifi world. As a college student, I set aside funds for my initial hifi system (basic NAD, Marantz, etc. from the mid-90s) and I've hopefully progressed since then.
My initial experience with superior sounding classical music from a hifi system left a lasting impression and ignited a passion. The enthusiasm and wish to have an orchestra at home.
I realize it’s rather ambitious, but after many years, I believe I've moved past the intense frustration I had from the concert hall and my old hifi system from a decade ago.Over the past twenty-five years, I have traveled extensively across Europe for classical music concerts, but now I moderate my attendance—especially in comparison to my numerous visits to Vienna's Musikverein and Konzerthaus venues a decade earlier. I don’t need to travel as often now - just recently (one month ago) in Bratislava - where I reside - guest orchestras included the Wiener Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra with Pappano, J.E. Gardiner with his period instruments group and choir, Elbphilharmonie from Hamburg...) so I’m currently quite fulfilled.
Regardless, I typically attend around 40-50 classical music concerts/opera annually.Furthermore, I have participated (as a side activity) in the role of sound engineer for local classical recordings, primarily for small choirs and chamber ensembles in both concert halls and churches. Throughout the years, I developed my own on-location recording setup (Schoeps microphones, Millenia preamps, Mytek ADDA converters, Samplitude DAW) and handled the overall sound design of the recorded ensemble—deciding mic placements, mixing techniques, etc.—while my friend and colleague took on the role of music producer during the recording and subsequently managed editing and initial mixing.
I have attended numerous hifi shows in Munich and Warsaw over the years, and I’m pleased that next year it will be close to home.
What am I currently doing in audio? Primarily consulting and advisory - for my audiophile peers - enhancements to their hifi systems, particularly focusing on DRC/EQ adjustments, primarily in the digital realm. I truly enjoy their jaw dropping facial expressions when they hear their favorite music following my measurements and the tweaks made according to my listening.
I listen to 95 percent classical music, with the remainder being some jazz and a few guilty pleasures from many decades past.
I have two systems: a smaller one featuring custom-built 4-way loudspeakers equipped with a specially made Audio Technology driver - 15 inch and 5 inch, along with a Raven Point source tweeter. (not shown)
The large setup - in-wall / fully custom installation weighing 2000 pounds featuring Acoustic Elegance woofers and 18th Sound compression drivers, with a custom passive crossover, currently powered by Sanders Magtech monos (temporary, with plans for a semi-active configuration using a class A amp for the tweeter), includes a Rockna Wavedream Signature Balanced DAC and a computer (replacement soon) utilizing Jriver and Roon with EQ/DRC fine tuned over the years.
Ivo
