Hopkins' System

[hopkins]

I got out of storage my Peachtree Audio Decco to play music on my speakers. It glows in the dark:

Decco

Peachtree Audio introduces the Decco - the world's first integrated amplifier with a USB DAC. It's tube preamp offers gorgeous sound.

www.peachtreeaudio.com

This product came out in 2007. Here's an excerpt from their website. It is amusing to read today:

"Peachtree Audio introduced our first product in 2007: the groundbreaking Decco* integrated amplifier. Audio industry veterans Jim Spainhour and David Solomon recognized that music listeners were moving toward computer-based audio, but the business-as-usual industry was not adjusting. Unwilling to compromise audio quality for the admitted convenience of digital files, they conceived of a new kind of integrated amplifier. This would be an amplifier with a digital-to-analog converter inside, able to extract maximum fidelity from computer music files and from digital music streamers like Sonos and Apple TV. Thus was the iconic Decco born - debuting to great critical acclaim and laying the foundation of Peachtree Audio's reputation for innovation and great sound at down to earth prices.

* The Decco was the world's first integrated amplifier to feature a USB input, allowing its onboard digital-to-analog converter to process music files directly from a computer."

I was curious to plug it in and hear what it sounds like, after all these years. Well, it sounds "primitive" (not refined) compared to my regular amp (powerDAC) and I would bet that similar priced equipment today would also sound better, perhaps even Peachtree's current products if they are still around.

 

[hopkins]

Qobuz Connect is now available with the WiiM Pro (in addition to the previous Chromecast protocol). Nice! Screenshot of the Qobuz app on my Pixel phone:

 

[hopkins]

I got out of storage my Peachtree Audio Decco to play music on my speakers. It glows in the dark:

View attachment 149798

Decco

Peachtree Audio introduces the Decco - the world's first integrated amplifier with a USB DAC. It's tube preamp offers gorgeous sound.

www.peachtreeaudio.com

This product came out in 2007. Here's an excerpt from their website. It is amusing to read today:

"Peachtree Audio introduced our first product in 2007: the groundbreaking Decco* integrated amplifier. Audio industry veterans Jim Spainhour and David Solomon recognized that music listeners were moving toward computer-based audio, but the business-as-usual industry was not adjusting. Unwilling to compromise audio quality for the admitted convenience of digital files, they conceived of a new kind of integrated amplifier. This would be an amplifier with a digital-to-analog converter inside, able to extract maximum fidelity from computer music files and from digital music streamers like Sonos and Apple TV. Thus was the iconic Decco born - debuting to great critical acclaim and laying the foundation of Peachtree Audio's reputation for innovation and great sound at down to earth prices.

* The Decco was the world's first integrated amplifier to feature a USB input, allowing its onboard digital-to-analog converter to process music files directly from a computer."

I was curious to plug it in and hear what it sounds like, after all these years. Well, it sounds "primitive" (not refined) compared to my regular amp (powerDAC) and I would bet that similar priced equipment today would also sound better, perhaps even Peachtree's current products if they are still around.

I have to admit that I have not been listening to my speakers much this week. The sound of this Peachtree amp with its internal DAC is pretty bad. It is a caricature of what people commonly refer to as "digital sound". Did it sound like this originally? I honestly don't really remember what I thought of it when I got it 20 years ago - it was a temporary replacement, that ended up with a family member and that I got back recently. At the time, I experimented with a lot of DACs & amps. I remember, for example, enjoying the Resolution Audio Opus 21 system (I had the full set):

Opus Series Product Info | Resolution Audio

www.resolutionaudio.com

I did have to replace the laser head of the CD player at the time, which was a drag.

I have not tried the Peachtree with its analog inputs, no real motivation to do so, as I should get my ECDesigns amp back on Friday - something I am looking forward to.

 

[hopkins]

I tried Diretta and was not "hooked", but some are. Here is a review featured on the front page of AudiophileStyle:

Diretta Host PC with DPDK Memory Play - Novel Software Remarkable Sound

Audio: Listen to this article. Editor's Note: Once in a while I receive really interesting articles through which members of this community want to share their experiences with a product. The following article was submitted by @ajm - Chris My interest in Diretta was first piqued by posts in AS an...

audiophilestyle.com

Here are the author's impressions - words which any one of us may use to describe the sound we experience (when we are happy with it):

"I can now report that the reproduction of sound with the Diretta Host PC DPDKMemoryPlay setup provides unparalleled naturalness and a strikingly untiring listening experience. I suspect this dramatic sonic improvement is due to reduced noise and improved accuracy in representation of transients. For example, in previous iterations of my system I have always found that piano tone rarely sounded lifelike and often became quickly tedious. Indeed, some recordings given exceptional praise in reviews could sound quite disappointing. Now with Diretta DPDKMemoryPlay, I can finally say that I feel when listening that I could be present in the same room with the instrument and that nuances of timbre of, say, fortepiano, concert grand and honkytonk are credibly conveyed. The sounds of single or small groups of performers such as string ensembles, jazz bands and vocalists are portrayed with uncanny presence and realism compared to my previous systems. Orchestral music is presented with a more convincing soundstage and richness and I have heard significant enhancements across the range of musical genres explored, often hearing sonic details and timbres such as tone colours of organ stops that were previously hidden on playback using conventional software."

This is why I've given up on writing detailed impressions of equipment

 

[hopkins]

Anyway, here's some Eddie Palmieri to start off the day:

Listen to No Me Hagas Sufrir by Eddie Palmieri on Qobuz https://open.qobuz.com/track/62071885

EDDIE PALMIERI - Fania Records

The White Album was recorded in early 1981. Originally titled “Eddie Palmieri”, it became known as The White Album, which referred to the LP’s white cover. In

fania.com

This great album could be a good candidate for a vinyl purchase!

I got my beloved powerDAC back, and received a few LPs this morning as well. As I suspected, Eddie Palmieri sounds so much better on LP.

Good stuff!

 

[hopkins]

The rest of the program for today...



French do what they call "le pont" (the bridge) today, taking Friday off following a national holiday on Thursday. It's a slow day...

 

[Rensselaer]

The rest of the program for today...

View attachment 149928

French do what they call "le pont" (the bridge) today, taking Friday off following a national holiday on Thursday. It's a slow day...

I went through your entire thread for the first time this morning, as it was at the top of the “new posts” pile. I listened to each you tube video of music playing and wish to make a point here. You’ve very nice taste in music.

 

[hopkins]

I went through your entire thread for the first time this morning, as it was at the top of the “new posts” pile. I listened to each you tube video of music playing and wish to make a point here. You’ve very nice taste in music.

So you like Luther Vandross ?

My tastes have evolved in the past 10 years as I have immersed myself in Jazz. I learned a lot by reading about jazz, especially a few people like the late Jan Evensmo (among others). Of course, you never agree 100% with anyone, but some of these old timers (RIP) really knew their stuff... I follow some that are living (!), like Lewis Porter, Loren Schoenberg, etc... This guy , for example, has a nice newsletter, usually with embedded videos:

https://www.jazzwax.com/2025/05/six-youtube-clips-terry-gibbs.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=jazzwax

On forums (not necessarily this one), I have identified a few people who I follow, and who's recommendations I usually like. I am in awe at the intimate knowledge that sone have. For example, on a jazz forum I follow Chuck Nessa, who was a jazz record producer:

Nessa Records - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Peace & Rhythm's Interview with Chuck Nessa of Nessa Records

Chuck Nessa is the man who birthed the Nessa Records label. Operating out of Chicago starting in the mid 60's, Nessa supported the up-and-coming musicians from the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and issued artifacts from the avant-garde of jazz/modern creative music...

www.peaceandrhythm.com

I regularly check out his "what are you listening to today?" posts to discover albums...

Forum member JELABS has a very nice YouTube channel combining interesting DIY-oriented audio topics with nice music selections:

JE Labs

retrotech + music This is where I store videos related to my DIY audio hobby + other interests. For more info about me and my hobbies, please click the links below. Thanks for visiting and subscribing! Please note that given the dynamic compression and bandwidth limitations imposed on sound...

youtube.com

So much to listen to, so little time!

 

[hopkins]

Claude Hopkins, pianist and big band leader in the 1930s, led a few small band dates in the early 1960s, this one recorded in 1961, with Buddy Tate on tenor saxophone and Joe Thomas on trumpet:

They are all worth checking out. The AllMusic rating on this one (album is "Let's Jam") is only 3 stars out of 5. Whoever rated this should have their head examined (to quote Inspector Clouzot)...

Claude Hopkins - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

This recording is streamed from Qobuz using their new Connect feature with the WiiM Pro. The "Connect" streaming works well, though sometimes I have to close the Qobuz app and open it again for the "now playing" track to be updated. Sonically, I can't tell the difference against using the Qobuz plugin in Lyrion Music Server.

The difference between using that Peachtree DAC/amp and the ECDesigns amp, however, is "night and day", both fed by this cheap WiiM streamer. Would a more expensive streamer change the sound? I doubt it, but I can't explain why other than by comparing it's sound with a CD player and vinyl. The difference with a CD player is minimal. The difference with vinyl is there - at least on these old recordings - but I don't think a different streamer would change that (it has to do with the digital releases themselves, IMO). Anyway, I don't feel the need to spend a few thousand euros to find out.

 

[D.Duttilleux]

I got my beloved powerDAC back, and received a few LPs this morning as well. As I suspected, Eddie Palmieri sounds so much better on LP.

Good stuff!

Are the Ultima 40 Mk4s fitted with ECDs first order crossovers and did the mods indeed bring significant improvements?

 

[D.Duttilleux]

I put my speakers on small platforms with wheels to move them around and experiment with alternative placements.

There's a bass issue when the speakers are placed in the corners, but otherwise there is good clarity and the sound fills up the room nicely. The room is long and the acoustics are not that bad. It could be fun to experiment with cheap subs!

 

[hopkins]

Are the Ultima 40 Mk4s fitted with ECDs first order crossovers and did the mods indeed bring significant improvements?

Yes, i use the crossover that they have documented on their website, but use much better components than what I initially used. The "stock" Teufel are muddy, with the simplified crossover, you get a more detailed and livelier sound. I think the results are also largely due to the powerDAC-SX, which is really an incredible amp (but of course has power limitations).

Whether the speakers will satisfy others, I don't know, but I am certain you could find better ones (for more money...). With speakers, there are so many variables:
- driver quality
- crossover quality
- enclosure quality (resonance)
...

If I were to look for another speaker under 5000€ I honestly would not know where to start - I have heard so many I did not like.

 

[hopkins]

"Natural" sounds in my sister's living room last night.

A stereo, however good, will simply never have the same sound as the actual instrument. The video cannot demonstrate that, obviously, but it only takes a second to be reminded of this when you are in the room. Can it come "close"? Play a stereo in a cocktail party instead of a piano and you will find out that people don't pay attention to the music in the same way. You will never get the same "vibe".

 

[hopkins]

A well recorded bass on this album, according to Ron Carter himself:

Listen to Young and Foolish by Houston Person on Qobuz https://open.qobuz.com/track/54323137

Musicians as Audiophiles: Ron Carter

Ronald Levin "Ron" Carter is arguably the greatest upright jazz bassist to have ever walked four strings, and he's literally the most recorded bassist of all time. "With 2,221 individual recording credits, as verified on 15 September 2015," notes Carter's website.

www.stereophile.com

Carter evaluates gear using his own recordings, such as Ron Carter & Jim Hall's Telepathy, Carter's recordings of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto" and Schubert's "Trout Quintet," and Houston Person/Ron Carter's Chemistry. "The sound of the bass is really good on that last one," Ron notes. 'RVG, of course."

Hard to judge on a video, so best to listen for yourself to that track on your system. Ideally, you should then invite Ron Carter to give his opinion of the results.

If life were only like this...

I actually saw Ron Carter live in college, and he was not so friendly that day - complaining about the crowd being too noisy, and telling us that attending a jazz performance was not like going to a baseball game. I walked out at that point (I remember finding the music boring anyway!). I'm sure he's a nice guy though.

 

[D.Duttilleux]

Daoist Art (> The Tao of Painting)?

 

[hopkins]

They are acoustic panels.

 

[D.Duttilleux]

https://imgur.com/SlnAToH

 

[wil]

A well recorded bass on this album, according to Ron Carter himself:

Listen to Young and Foolish by Houston Person on Qobuz https://open.qobuz.com/track/54323137

Musicians as Audiophiles: Ron Carter

Ronald Levin "Ron" Carter is arguably the greatest upright jazz bassist to have ever walked four strings, and he's literally the most recorded bassist of all time. "With 2,221 individual recording credits, as verified on 15 September 2015," notes Carter's website.

www.stereophile.com

Carter evaluates gear using his own recordings, such as Ron Carter & Jim Hall's Telepathy, Carter's recordings of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto" and Schubert's "Trout Quintet," and Houston Person/Ron Carter's Chemistry. "The sound of the bass is really good on that last one," Ron notes. 'RVG, of course."

Hard to judge on a video, so best to listen for yourself to that track on your system. Ideally, you should then invite Ron Carter to give his opinion of the results.

If life were only like this...

I actually saw Ron Carter live in college, and he was not so friendly that day - complaining about the crowd being too noisy, and telling us that attending a jazz performance was not like going to a baseball game. I walked out at that point (I remember finding the music boring anyway!). I'm sure he's a nice guy though.

I wish more musicians would stand up and tell an audience the same. It’s ridiculous how rare it is to find people who actually know how to listen to music where it’s more than just a background for their fascinating conversations.

 

[D.Duttilleux]

View attachment 150045
View attachment 150039

https://imgur.com/SlnAToH

What does this have to do with Audio & Music ((Electro-Mechano-)Acoustics & Sound)?

Everything!

 

[hopkins]

I wish more musicians would stand up and tell an audience the same. It’s ridiculous how rare it is to find people who actually know how to listen to music where it’s more than just a background for their fascinating conversations.

From what I remember (I was 18...) we were all in fact pretty quiet. He even complained about a guy taking pictures for the school newspaper, telling him that he should at least "click on the beat"... He came across as someone with a very high opinion of himself.