So, I'll be setting these up, finally, exactly 4 months today since we ordered it.  I have the 'Esoteric Isotek Full System Enhancer Disc,' to accelerate the break-in period. I plan to follow Steve's suggestion on the [5 hrs on/5 hrs off] listening intervals, as part of this settling process.  

I don't know what to expect, frankly.  It's all going to be new for me, including the compounded breaking-in experience on both the DM945's and the Mini, which may not be the most comfortable situation.  I also need to properly blend my sub-woofer in that combo so as not to upset the sound balance.  Lots of speaker positioning trial-and-error may be part of the deal, too.

In the next few days I'll report my first impressions  8-)

Thanks, Lon.  I'm not really worried, just considering the facts. For example, how are my current sourcing and cables going to hold up to more revealing gear.  The good news is, I'm prepared with plenty of well recorded music of my liking to tackle the gear early on  ;)

Hey ski,

I think you're probably right, now that I think about it.  I may as well put the Esoteric Disc at night and 'play' during most of the day   .

BTW, I need to know asap if, when facing the amp, all the different switches are ON towards me or facing away from me?  The amp came with all those switches facing away when looking to the front of the amp.

Thanks for your support!

P.S.  I'm about 90% done with the setting up  :D

Hey Florida Boy,

Thanks!  Indeed, I'm really enjoying it.  Already listened for 3 hours in a row.  Had to stop for errands.  First impressions:

Wow!  Every epitet I had read here, used to describe it, is for real.  Although evidently not broken-in (there are evident traces of constipation in the higher registers), I'm impressed by the midrange transparency and the dynamic/vivid and musical lower registers.  The bass has surprised me as it conveys a tightness that clearly discloses the different tones involved.  I used to hear a mix of unclear bass tones before.

Talking about bass, when I first plugged in my sub-woofer, a horrendous humming came through.  Fortunately, the amp's volume was off.  Puzzled, I then remembered a thread I read here about inverted pre-amp output phases.  Hesitantly, I reversed these, and the humming almost dissapeared.  Then, I used my sub-woofer's de-phaser and tried 180 de-phasing, much better.  Finally, I lowered the set sub-woofer volume, and voilá, great (not unsettling) bass, without any humming.

I'll be waiting for the higher registers to improve.  As a matter of fact, initially these were quite bright and harsh.  But after an hour and a half, or so, the brightness/harshness went gradually away.  Now it just  doesn't perform the higher registers as it would be expected from this amp, but there's no more harshness.  It is simply a bit crude (somewhat undefined) and lacking incisiveness up there yet.

I'm sure this is part of the compounded breaking-in (amp and speakers, power cord too).  The output tube is a JJ 6V6 S, same brand as the rectifiers (EZ-81).  The other tubes came in white boxes with only the spec number written outside.  There may be something printed in the glass but I have not identified them yet.

Volume wise, the max I kept it at was 1:00 o'clock (required to get the normal volume I need with some selections), in spite of the fact that presumably my DAC's output is max 2.25 Vs.  I guess when you need to go that high, the source signal voltage gain is not that high.  For most other music, the volume setting was enough at around 11:30 or so.

Well, so far so good.  Can't wait for that high register to complement the beautiful midrange and mid-lower registers.  I also still expect further improvements in the lower bass.  I'll keep you guys posted.  Now I need to listen to ....  

Hey Rivieraranch,

Yes, I'm all over it!  Amazing stuff.  I hear you're getting your Triode Integrated anytime now?  Let us know how it goes.  Congrats!

I hear you.  I'm working on it.  Earlier, I thought it could be the breaking-in of the speakers and their new capacitors?  Right now I have the speakers tilted back, one inch higher at the front and toed-in, pointing towards my sweetspot.  Mind you, the low and midrange are very good, I just need to focus a little bit the higher registers, either by re-positioning the speakers, room conditioning or by waiting for the speakers to loosen up over time (if it's the case.)

As far as room conditioning, I have a floor carpet and drapers on the back and one side of my listening position.  On the other side there is a naked wall so I may need something there.  There are leather sofas in the room, so I suspect the only source of high-frequency reflection may come from that wall or the ceiling?  Yet, the ceiling is quite far from the presumed high frequency dispersion path, again directed at my sweet spot.

My M-T does have a tone control.  Have not used it yet (I have it off).  I don't think I want to cut higher frequencies, just focus them right.  The sound is not harsh or too bright anymore, just not finished.  

Thanks for the tip, ski.

Donnie,

I have a decent sounding DAC.  Although it could be improved, I feel It should not be the issue here.  It works well in all other frequency ranges. What I find is a non-continuity of the marvels I hear at mid and early high frequencies when music goes to the really high registers, as if something was not working completely on that range.  These differences are somewhat subtle, but I can hear them.

Foobar and my laptop have been optimized/adjusted for months (waiting for the gear), and now I think I know almost any trick about them.  Although the sourcing may still be the problem, I want to eliminate other possible causes before I decide I need to invest in a new DAC.  

Mine is an asynchronous USB/DAC, and does not offer upsampling alternatives, but I've found pre-converting the files to proper specs (into WAV) makes a lot of difference with the DAC:  44K1, & 96K, depending on the original recording and always using the 24-bit word size (from 16 to 24 is just ceros).  

Thanks for your support.

I hear you, Lon.  Do you still use that tone filter with the new source?  Reason I ask is to make sure that would solve this (relatively minor) problem for me before I decide on a new USB/DAC.  

I still think it's to early to tell.  I think I'll wait for the break-in to be over and then re-assess the issue.  In the meantime, I'm really enjoying everything else.

Got it.  Well, it may be the case I need to start using it with some of my music.  I just did not want to start curtailing what the system is capable of offering.  Since the issue is not dramatic, I could still endure it during the break-in, even without the treble control, although I will be trying it later on.

Thanks for the tip.

Worth playing with during break in as well. What's the harm in curtailing some frequencies that are too much either due to break in, component quality, or room issues? Get the enjoyment you paid for! You can always turn the controls off once a day and do a "reality check."

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that your DAC or cables are causing the issue just yet.  They may be at fault (I highly doubt it, but maybe).  First address the more fundamental room/speaker part of the equasion before fixing something thay probably doesn't need fixing.  An improved DAC and cables may make a difference, but orienting the speakers and treating the room to address the wide treble pattern the speakers throw will certainly make a difference.  

Read the setup and considerations portions of this review which discuss this in detail:
http://www.stereomojo.com/DECWARE%20DM945%20MINI%20SPEAKER%20REVIEW.htm/DECWARED...

The author reports good results using a cross-fire type orientation.  Perhaps give that a try.

And Lon's right.  Don't hesitate to adjust the treble knob, it won't adversely effect sonics.

I think this could very well be break in, but also the amp and speakers are giving you so much signal, so much detail, and some of it is less refined right now before tweeter and amp components are fully settled in.

Definitely experiment with speaker placement, and consider room treatment, adjust the treble cut, and also try the system without the isolation transformers. I came to the conclusion that those I had were adding unwanted noise that showed up as a bit of raggidiness.

Checked the link.  I had forgotten all about it, as I had read it long time ago.  Their points concerning my issues are consistent with the re-positioning and room conditioning tasks I'm facing.  

Let me clarify that I love these speakers and the only caveat I'm noticing (as described) may well be something minor, the solution of which is probably well within my reach.  

So far, I have stuck with the equilateral triangle concept in my toeing-in approach.  I guess I have all sorts of other angle possibilities open for trial and error, and I will probably find the best in my particular case.  The only real constraint is the distance from the speakers' back wall. This is limited to some 18", albeit at an angle, which may equate to some additional distance.

Problem solved!  Believe it or not, this morning I placed the speakers straightforward facing, no toe-in, and the higher register issue disappeared.  No more congestion, just plain wonderful sounds.  It may have been incidental to the break-in curve stage, but in this position I really love these speakers.

Contrary to what the Stereo Mojo review suggested (which seemed counter-intuitive to me anyway), it seems in my case there was some addition of high frequencies stemming from the toe-in placement.  I guess those waves overlapped or something similar, at those angles.  In any event, the dispersion now apparently has more room to propagate  without any overlapping, and those high frequency notes become pristine when listening to really well recorded material.

I can't explain the reasons, but this morning I listened for about 6 hours in a row with that placement and not once I felt the constipation issue again ... Now it seems as if the system is almost broken-in (which it's not, but to me it sounds delicious already).

The only doubt I have is if I may be missing some sound patterns given the non directionality of the speakers to the sweetspot (as in the equilateral triangle principle), but I would be nick-picking here.  So long as it sounds the way it does now, I'm happy, as I don't seem to be missing any details.

The more I dwelve into audiodome, the more puzzled and surprised I become.  Go figure!

Worth it indeed.  It's the best audio decision I could've made, thanks to this forum's suggestions and support, and a wise choice from Steve.  I'm enjoying it very much.  It's still too early, but the progress from friday has been amazing.  Now, I think I can finally put my arms around it in terms of my expectations from this gear, as I can hear its potential first hand.

Re the overlapping of higher frequencies from the tweeters, IMHO either they are oriented to cancel each other (i.e., in front of the presumed sweetspot), or they are provided enough space to propagate without too much overlapping (forward facing placement, as in my case).  From these alternatives, if the distance between both speakers is large enough, I would favor the latter.  But, I may be totally wrong, as it could also depend on uneven reflecting surfaces nearby and so on.

The point is, I'm having a ball with it.  Have a nice listening yourself.

FB,

Glad you're finally getting a handle on things, but you are far far from break-in. To be honest I can't even think about how bad it could get breaking in a complete system, or at the very least, in my opinion, the two main components in a system, amp/speakers, at the same time. I listen to brand new speakers all the time, but always on well seasoned gear.

The tweeter does sound like your trying to force cookie dough out of it for the first 100-200 hours, the Mundorf cap seems real dark for the first 100 or so hours. Right from the get go, and even though the Mundorf's sound a bit dark, I think the realization for me, that there is no glare which seems to make top end to be more prominent and always wanting to attenuate  the tweeter. Some pieces of music that I had previously thought were just poorly recorded, or that the mics had been overloaded during the recording process are as smooth as silk.

Now onto your room....When I built my room, and it was pretty much purpose built for audio, yet at the same time, I've aways had a desk in the right rear corner. At first it was just a typical desk, then transforming into an armoire desk with a flip down writing surface. A few weeks ago the wife and I did some room re-arranging and out went the Armoire, which means my room is totally audio. Back in February, Chris K from the forum had come down for a few days and he thought that my room was one of the best imaging rooms he had ever been in. This weekend, I flip flopped the room and everything from imaging to bass response has gotten so much better, its just like a changed my whole system. The side walls haven't changed, as it has Decware diffusers down both walls. The only thing that has really changed is that the live end of the room (no treatment what so ever)  is now behind the speakers and the rear wall is diffused and bass trapped. Has me wondering why I didn't try this 4-1/2 years ago?

So give the whole system a good chance to break in, then start adding other components until you are in audio bliss!

I wouldn't worry about what other people say is the best way to set up a set of speakers. Like Lon said we all live in different rooms with different gear. What ever you like, is the best way to set up your system, period!!! I sometimes have to laugh at reviews, they show this list of some of the most expensive gear that they used for the review, then show a picture of the set up, which could probably be the worst sounding room in existence, and they are reviewing a piece of audio gear.  Then I read where one speaker manufacturer wont allow anyone to review his speakers, unless they go to his place to review them. He also won't show his speakers at audio fest and the like because he knows how bad some of these rooms can sound. At the same time, he can diss a simular pair of speakers that he heard at one of these fests, without the disclaimer that the room could have had something to do with wat he had heard. Then argue it to the n'th degree.

Well enough ranting from me. Back to getting Steve's  beautiful SE34-I amps bases There is something about the dimensions and the gauges on this amp that are just so right...Hard to explain, its just right!

Zygi

Hey Zygi,

Thanks for the inputs.  I can't even imagine how this gear is going to sound after break-in, as right now I'm simply so impressed with it, with only three days using it.  If the result of breaking-in is a tangible improvement over the current state, it is going to be something beyond all my original expectations.

I'm glad you brought out break-in as a definitive variable in the possible issues with my upper registers, although, as I reported, now I feel very comfortable with the overall sound, partly due to initial break-in progress and partly due to the speakers' new placement.

Like I described earlier, I only have one side wall without reflection blockage.  This wall, though, is at double the distance from the speaker than on the other side (which has drapers).  This is probably why I can have the speakers facing straight ahead without apparent audible issues.

Your earlier advice on tilting-up the speakers was also right on the money, as these are resting in Teak ramps taylor made to the same footprint of the speakers and featuring a 1 inch height difference front to back (on an 18" high furniture table).  The direction of the linear sound waves hit my ear level as I seat on the sweetspot.

Let me congratulate you on the finish and esthetics of the speakers also.  These are simply great.  Of course, the Mini-Torii looks so nice  between them, like a jeweled crown.

Voices are coming out very natural and conveying physical presence.  Every tongue movement, whisper, breath passage on the singer (in close mic audiophile recordings) can be heard quite distinctly.  So are the squeaking sounds of fingers rubbing the cords on a guitar.  Just amazing!

I listen to plenty of classical music also, and until now the mix of many instruments at the same time was just typically a mess.  This for me is the most critical task demanded from a speaker-amp system, along with the bass line. Although not perfect yet, the difference in those passages is amazing.  I'm betting a mature break-in process will improve this aspect further.

I'm setting the cross-over on my active sub woofer at about 65 Hz, at relatively moderate volume levels, and the blending of this with the bass from the speakers is flawless.  I suspect the M-T preamp driving that sub-woofer is definitely responsible.  I will eventually test several other cross-over points to check where the best combination lies.  These speakers have plenty of bass, just missing on the very low registers, naturally.

I apologize for the length of this message.  I thank you for your terrific support from the get go.  Keep up the excellent work!

FB,

The point is that making 'changes' will be chasing your tail until the new stuff is settled in. *I* just try to not listen critically until then. I doesn't work...but I still try.

I'll just be patient and wait for mine. I am in no hurry and by the time I get it my speakers should be fully burned in. I confess that I have picked up quite a few tubes though and they were not expensive. I do suggest that you get a pair of Mullard or Amperex EZ81's and be happy for a long time. You can find Mullards relabeled RCA on fleabay. They sell for less but are still Mullards.

I can tell you are stoked!

FB

The rectifier is the lifeblood of the input stage. Finding the right "symbiotic" relationship between the input tubes and the rectifier tube goes a long way towards getting the entire "picture" right.

I love the 6N1P tube. Over the years I've tried a lot of other tube types in my Decware amps. . . but that one is the one that sticks.

Well, I'm happy I got that one in the stock tube compliment.  But for tube rolling (eventually), wouldn't you say the output tube should be the first to try out?

Roll the rectifier. The JJ EZ81 is prone to failure. Google Jim McShane..he has fully tested RFT EZ 81's. *I* don't know what works best in the Mini but I have Mullard, Amperex and Tungsram EZ 81's acquired a long time ago.

I did get a pair of Valve Art 350B's about $50 shipped. Kevin prefers the 6BG6 but you need an adapter. Remember, his unit was used and already burned in...See first paragraph...IMHO start there.

I was unaware that the 6N1P tube is being used in the inputs. When did this happen.

The 12AV7 tubes were too bright in my TABOO, so I did not try them in the MINI.

The MINI product page does not reflect the changes to the 6N1P and EZ81.

The product page shows a 5U4G rectifier tube......

I did e-mail Steve about that over a month ago.

Either way the Mini-T is a great sounding amp, I've yet to try it with the Trapeziums, have you tried that combo RR?

Zygi

FB,

The JJ EZ81 just has poor QC from the factory. There is no way that Decware can supply the tubes we will ultimately prefer. Different output tubes can place greater demand on the rectifier and that is what can make the JJ's fail.

FB