Audiophile Notes received a great contribute by Mr. Oscar from Spain. He owns an impressive audio set-up with a Solidsteel S4-3 white to support stunning components. He also has an impressive collection of records that surround his personal musical space.
Mr. Oscar, how did you become passionate about high fidelity?
Around 20 years ago I decided to change my inexpensive Aiwa headphones for the Grado SR-60 HP. Back then I used headphones for all my listening connected to a basic HIFI system with CD player. That HP changed my mind about sound quality. It sounded awesome, everything seemed to bloom.
Describe your Hi-Fi/ AV System and tell us more about your components. Is there something from your equipment that you would never substitute?
I use two separate systems, one for analog and one for digital.
- Digital equipment: Mojo audio modified Mac mini as server to Chord Blu MK2 CD player/M-Scaler, connected to a Chord DAVE as DAC and preamp. This one to an Analog Domain M75P power amp, and Focal Scala Utopia v1 loudspeakers. Zensati interconnect and speaker cables. Sablon Audio power cables plugged to a Vibex Granada+Alhambra DC/AC power conditioner.
- Analog equipment: 2 turntables, a Clearaudio Innovation with Universal tonearm and Audio Technica cartridge, and a Technics 1210GR TT with modified feet and mat, also with an AT cartridge (the best quality-prices ratio cartridges IMHO) I have 2 phono preamps: a beautiful and great sounding Allnic H-1202, and a (also superb sounding)EAT E-Glo Petit. The amp is a Primaluna EVO 400 integrated to a pair of Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary loudspeakers. The rack is the beautiful and really useful Solidsteel S4-3 in white color. Power is managed by a TAGA Harmony PC-5000 power conditioner.
Everything is in the right place and I’m really enjoying it all. Digital system is always set up. When I play vinyl records I move the Harbeths to the front and connect all the cables. It takes me around 15 minutes to do it, not a big deal. I also use HP listening through the Chord DAVE. I have a bunch of HPs, but my favourite are the T+A Solitaire P-SE and the Audeze LCD-X.
Probably I would never change my Focal Scala v1, they are awesome and weight a ton 😉
What is your favorite music genre? Which are your reference albums you generally choose for “testing” your system?
Jazz, 80s-2000s indie, Ambient, electronic, experimental music, classic rock albums.
Some albums I always use to test new equipment are “Astral Weeks” (Van Morrison), Lambchop’s “What another man spills” or Swans’ “The Seer”. Beautiful, deep music, by the way
Which is your favorite “moment” of the day for listening music with your audio system?
Saturday morning is great, but any moment is good
Which audio format do you listen most? Digital or Analogic? Can you tell us why?
I listen to digital more. I don’t do streaming, but I have a large collection of CDs (I haven’t count them, but the number must be close to 8.000-10.000) and some downloads. CDs are a great physical format usually trashed these days because is not trendy enough for some people. That said, I rip all new (and a lot of old) CDs to the mac mini server (in AIIF format), because I use Dirac room correction software that make my digital system (and Focals loudspeakers) sound the best. I also listen to CDs directly from the Chord Blu MK2 transport with HP.
Analog is different, sometimes sounds a bit better, sometimes a bit worse, it depends on the vinyl pressing quality (apart from the recording quality, of course). Anyway I enjoy playing vinyl records a lot. It is fun, and a very “visual” format. My vinyl purchases are usually reduced to second hand and good quality jazz reissues or “experimental” music (I have around 350 records).
When you first heard about Solidsteel brand?
Like 10 years ago. I’ve always liked the looks of the brand. I found the racks really stylish (and solid).
In which terms have you noticed benefits in using Solidsteel products? (Audio quality, Design, smart components positioning) What would you recommend to other music lovers?
My Solidsteel S4-3 is a very sturdy, solid rack, but it does look like a lighter one. I needed space to place 2 TT in the upper shelf, and this seemed perfect for that. And it is very easy to assemble. I feel that music sound more defined (especially the bass) and more balanced with the equipment placed in a proper music rack like this one. And if it looks beautiful, even better.
Considering your attention for any aspect connected to your components, their proper position and the music room ambient, which advice do you feel to give for those who are approaching the Hi-Fi world? What is “essential” for creating a first audio system?
1) Consider the room where the HIFI system will be; the room is an essential part of the equation for good sound 2) Plan your budget, consider what music format/s will you use more and buy the best you can with that budget (easier to say than to do) 3) Not always bigger is better: overpowering the room with large speakers is not the shortest path to a “nirvana sound” 4) In digital domain, a good digital room correction software can save you a lot of money and time, and 5) Enjoy what you have achieved: there will always be a new shinier, better sounding device that you would love to have in your system. You can’t have it all 😉
What’s your feedback about emotions in music? Do you like attending music concerts, live shows and events?
COVID-19 pandemic has been a problem is all aspects of our life, including attending to music concerts. I really enjoy live events, especially some lesser known/obscure artists in small venues events.
Suggest three music albums that we absolutely can’t miss.
There are so much great music out there that this seems impossible to answer. I will recommend 3 albums (not difficult to find) from the last 3 years:
2019 – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Ghosteen (a masterpiece, all the important life’s topics are there. I’m a bit obsessed with his “Bright Horses” song)
(Solidsteel does not owns any right on this album cover)
2020 – The Flaming Lips: American Head (electronic americana for the XXI century. The best Flaming Lips’ album in a lot of years)
(Solidsteel does not owns any right on this album cover)
2021 – Mary Halvorson/Thumbscrew: Never is enough (a really solid free jazz album by one the greatest (jazz) guitar players of all time, Mary Halvorson, and colleages)
(Solidsteel does not owns any right on this album cover)
Many thanks to Mr. Oscar for such a fantastic interview, sharing with us his personal belief about listening music. We loved it.
Arrivederci!
