Continued from previous post:



Alright, moving on:

For those that dwell upon the refusal to accept the true benefits of acoustic control, and what it means to your perception of music, I want to make clear that one can't get around the acoustical factor by somehow magically fixing, or overcoming bad room acoustics by way of expensive tubes, capacitors, a more expensive amplifier, mystical speaker cables powered by plutonium, or even that special little cute box containing the holy grail captured in the dark corners of the Amazon. You simply are playing the part of your own foolish nonsense with full acceptance to its questionable validity if you ignore the basis of that truth. Yes, to an extent, these modifications can, and do provide huge beneficial gain within a system, but limited in comparison to how this interacts with proper acoustical measures in which to reinforce the magnitude of the overall gain. Are you really benefiting from your investment with maximum value?

For instance, (and there are those of you who know what I am referring to) all of the graphene in the world is never going to rectify standing waves, but I suppose the right selection of graphene "might" do the trick to a limited degree for something in the power supply perceived as an improvement. ( I shall remain neutral on that one until I hear this for myself)  I live in an area where power is clean, and unaffected by the noisy interference which living in large cities create. I am fortunate enough to not be hampered by dirty power or inflicted by hum which is a very common issue for many.  I will give it the benefit of doubt since I myself have never experimented with it. I just find it to be a bit questionable as something I will require proof before I put much faith into it. I will reserve my take on the actual benefit until after I have actually tried it myself. I am not holding my breath in anticipation.

I doubt that much will motivate me to embrace this graphene concept as something that will actually make a worthwhile difference in my system. Perhaps it might, but not going to experiment with something doubtful that costs way more than it should, especially when I can benefit so much more with other practical means.


Graphene is formed by way of a honeycomb lattice, using singularly layered carbon atoms within a two dimensional matrix. The use for graphene has high potential for electronics and energy storage.



I am not knocking its value, just trying to reinforce that there are so many more beneficial ways at less expense by way of acoustic control, even in basic form if done correctly. I am sort of joking here at the expense of this concept, but I use it as an example to where I am leading with this. Hey, just think how great that graphene material will sound once reinforced with a great room for which to bring out the best. Your jaw just may hit the floor as you try to assimilate the impending comprehension of the unknown as a new reality awakens your senses. Try it, don't deny it. I do hold a sense of curiosity for which I am willing to experiment. As extreme as it presents itself by way of actual validity, I do put weight into the opinions of those who I trust, and have themselves laid claim to the positive aspects of this material. If not for that, I would pass it off as pure nonsense. On that note, this remains a possibility for which I will be the Judge for my own needs.

Hey, I heard that there are cute little "magic" blocks made out of mystical rare material which was discovered in a small part of the Amazon. Just pay the mere price of $1200 for these little miracle cures and hey, they won't even take up much space. Just like magic, your acoustical problems will vanish!  Just make sure that you place them around the room using proper Feng Shui tactics.

The effect of this illogical nonsense based upon what is really worthless, yet accepted by that of sheer expense and false promise is once again, a false delusion identified by a psychological term which describes the tendency to justify an expensive purchase by believing it is effective. This delusional belief for which something fails to deliver its intended purpose, although accepted as what it is claimed to be, is called the "sunk cost fallacy".


Sunk cost fallacy derives from a cognitive bias. The accepted delusion becomes evermore comfortable within this type of mindset, regardless of the fact that there is absolutely zero relevance within the actual gain, at least not in regards to solving the actual core problem. The factors of investment create a web of reinforcement within that mindset of "reality" which as chosen to believe, have proven to be the right choice, at least to the conflicted perception of that mind. Throwing cash into a fire in order to smother the flames will only intensify the sting of the burn. Just imagine how a fire extinguisher may have been handy in that situation.  100 percent effective with reasonable cost versus actual gain.

This is really based upon  when the consumer denies the sensibility of proper judgement, substituting acceptance of wasted resource as legitimate, due to the embarrassment of illogical expenditure. This evolves into believing actual gain, although there is a complete lack of evidence to support the actual worth of the investment. This factor is referred to as "loss aversion", which is the result of denial towards loss, rather than accepting the reality of the truth.

This leads to "conformation bias" for which one leads the focus of existing belief in direct disregard of evidence for which is completely rejected. To support that personal belief, any irrational shred of what is perceived to be positive, regardless of the truth, simply becomes the willingness to ignore, and downplay undeniable negative aspects which couldn't possibly be any more revealing within a stable thought process of assimilation, better known as logical approach. This leads to the need for others to support this belief who also are inflicted with this form of deception. Surely, if there are others who will jump off the cliff of reason with you, then there must be some justification for all of this after all. Everyone sleeps better at night. Be careful, the wolf passes by your door like a ninja in the night, just waiting.


Hey, I have some great property in the Everglades which you will love. The property is selling fast, so get it now while you can. This will be the best investment you ever made, I promise. Good luck building those expensive condo's on your new property.


Just to be clear about what I stated above, make sure that you fully understand the depth of what I am stressing here as regarding the importance and validity of proper room acoustics.

When, and ONLY when a room has established a reasonable degree of acoustical treatment, then that is the point where the upgrades should lead to the amplification, source, and speaker factors, for which now you can actually extract, and expose the actual rewards of these upgrades with absolute clarity and confirmation. You will find that your need to upgrade your equipment takes on a different perspective, rather than trying to make a system sound good in a room with poor acoustics by way of wishful thinking. There is as much chance of that as a biological male becoming pregnant.

 If one continues to focus on the engine of a sports car, ignoring faulty suspension components, will sheer horsepower ever effectively overcome this problem? Of course not. This simple analogy is in complete relation to what can be expected from an audio room associated upon a high degree of variables, regardless of how silly it sounds. Failing to understand this is a doorway to ignorance which just continues to fuel confirmation bias. I don't care what the excuse is, the outcome is always governed by physics leading to how your room parameters affect your music.


When I make changes to my audio system now, I know without a shadow of doubt that what I hear, or expect to hear would likely have been reduced, if not completely unnoticed if this room was the same room it was before I remodeled it for accurate acoustics. Trying to hear music with any regard to quality and accuracy in this same room before I modified it was like throwing a boombox into a empty metal trash can with nerve wracking noise being the result, which could actually serve as punishment.

Trying to find any degree of acceptable listening quality from this situation was at best, futile. It took a massive amount of acoustic measures to make this room what it is today, something which is as enjoyable to the senses as that of a live concert hall designed for the ultimate listening experience. It is not difficult to find perfection within my total system with this environment as the supporting factor.

What I accomplished within these limited room parameters borders upon near impossibility, presenting the most difficult in design challenge. Because every step of the way during this build process was accomplished through knowledge, experience, hard work, determination, and the premise of proven acoustical measures, I had the confidence of making my goal which surpassed even the most doubtful of expectations. I love a good challenge. Nothing is more satisfying than to conquer surmounting odds stacked up against your probability of success. I took that challenge and defeated it's evil influence. I rule the outcome of this audio room, rather than accepting its limitations for which I surrender my hopes of quality music, into a weak state of compromise.


What is the difference between a so-called acoustics professional and myself? The acoustics "professional" will simply tell me that my goal in this room can't be met. I on the other hand, defied his egotistical shortcomings, and made my goal happen! These quacks are not all they profess to be. And on another note, don't waste your money overpaying these people. Even though they try to tell you that their products are the gateway to the stars, for a premium price they might actually take you to the backdoor leading into the dark alley. Let's just hope that you don't get mugged in the shadows of the night. You can do just as good as they claim to be, perhaps even better if you have the skills and knowledge to make it happen. The best part, if you are not afraid to get your hands dirty and endure some long hours of hard work, then you shall reap the rewards at a fraction of the price. How do you think that these contractors started out? They were just like you and me who took their diy experience into business practice, making a fortune selling it to others with deep pockets, those who are absolutely clueless concerning the working parameters of acoustical devices and architecture. I have a strong distaste for immoral contractors. The world is full of them.


Every time that I listen to quality music within this acoustic environment under my direction, I get this fulfilling satisfaction which calms my senses with a feeling of real accomplishment, one that defies the odds. The long path of obstacles which brought me here reflect upon my thoughts when I listen to music in this room. I never forget how terrible the situation was before I ever considered transforming this room into something much better.  I can only say that it was all worth it ten times over. I would have never been this pleased within my audio indulgence if not for the outcome of my current acoustical setting. As a matter of fact, the audio room would have never worked out for me, as it was far from being good enough to earn the honor of being audio worthy. The impossibility factor only lies within the acceptance of defeat.

I have allowed the acoustic train to run off course for some time now on this thread. I need to reestablish the importance, and the direction for which this thread is based upon. Although this entire project encompasses everything involved within the process of my audio setting, and most importantly, the quality of music channeled through its intended transparency, the main focus is to always maintain the fact that proper room acoustics are the hub which everything rotates in perfect harmony. Do you want to hear music in the highest form of natural clarity and realism? Then do what it takes to make it happen.

I simply spotlighted this article to maintain a refreshed view of why I started this thread in the first place. The evolving level of equipment upgrades is an equally important factor which will continue to be discussed here as well. I can't pull the cart around without a healthy horse.

As I get very near to finishing the new upgrades in my system which are currently underway, I am also considering additional methods that I may employ within the room which will further enhance, if not fine tune my current acoustical level. When I listen to music, this becomes a nurturing embrace for which I create in-depth thought concerning advancement into the next stage. I have developed a strong visual of what this next level of improvement resembles as I imagine it in place within the room.

I want to focus heavily upon the front portion of the room where the speakers reside. I also want to expand the use of Ternary diffusion concepts as faceplates which are to be mounted across the front of my large free rolling bass absorption units. These flank the direct first order room reflections which instead of just being absorbed, I intend to preserve and transform this into a useful pattern of diffusion, creating a proper balance between absorption and diffusion, rather than simply eliminating the reflection itself. I want the entire front wall surface to be diffusive in form, from floor to ceiling.

Due to room length restrictions and the necessity of a much larger room space to effectively use quadratic diffusers, that leaves me with the only option of using Ternary principles to obtain any chance of proper diffusion within a short return space to my listening position. Ten feet is the minimum, dependent upon the design parameters of the QRD involving the length and depth of the prime number sequence. That won't work for my situation. *QRD stands for Quadratic-Residue-Diffuser.

Continued next post:

In the beginning:


If you want to see any of this in full detail which will answer any questions you may have about this room, please go back to the beginning of this thread and start from there. It will all make sense to you by doing so. You may even learn something!

































The next images displayed advance into the actual wall build up of complex layers in a airtight sealed fashion of solid integrity.

continued in next post.

Now for the construction of the audio room acoustically enhanced walls.



















The following images lead into the construction of the double leaf wall built to be soundproof from the adjacent room on the other side of this wall. You will note the HVAC hush box build within this wall structure. This provided complete isolation and noise transmission from the air exiting the room back on its way to the air handler downstairs.

The work continues with so much more to do before the actual acoustic control devices can begin construction.

The details that you don't see here are important things such as soundproof light switch housings, and electrical outlets before the walls can go up. All of these details are clearly shown in the back pages of this room build.









































Finally, it is time to focus upon the acoustic devices which will fill this room around the entire perimeter, including the ceiling.

The room is now ready for treatment.

And now, the finishing touch!






















In the next image, I "blanked" out the lower high frequency drivers to show how these speakers would actually look if I had used the full range Tang Band W8-1808 drivers initially. The previous drivers required a high frequency driver which now is just static.


So, no magic, no trickery, just a bit of artistic variance to make things clear.





































































































That about wraps things up for now. This brings the audio room up to date with the latest upgrades and improvements. There is still much more to come.


Now that wasn't so hard, now was it?



1-800-ACME

Hey Will,

No problem with the wait. I want to thank you for posting this very valuable and informative information concerning the amp upgrades. As usual, you went all out with the very best! I wish I had your budget for audio mods. By looking at these images, and knowing what these mod components are valued at, It seems that your amp here has easily tripled in value with these current mods.

After I get my amp upgraded the way I want it, I would love to hear your amp alongside of mine in my audio room for some long critical listening evaluations. (wishful thinking)  I am really curious as to what your current amp configuration actually sounds like, but I have a very good idea of the improvement gained. (most likely far superior to any other Torii built, or at least on the same level with the very best ever upgraded) I would love to hear that amp in my current room setting. I think it would perhaps enlighten you as well.

Is the amp pictured here a ToriiMK4 model?  I know it is not a Mk3 like mine. Not unless you completely changed the layout.

As for my upcoming upgrades to the ToriiMK3, I just ordered all of the upgrade capacitors to do a complete overhaul with premium grade components. There will be zero electrolytic capacitors remaining in this amp. Everything gets upgraded to high end parts of tighter tolerances. With the exception of the transformers, all other internal wiring will be replaced with 7N high purity 16 gauge silver/Teflon wiring. I am ordering a set of machined solid copper speaker posts and RCA female plugs today to replace the stock ones. I will need to begin construction of a deeper amp base soon before I start the process. Just like yours, the new mods will require much more room.

I have a proposed design for a custom wood two part base for this amp which will be finished in high quality exotic wood veneer. I have about $1200 worth of expensive wood veneer just collecting dust. This and my new sub enclosures will make good use of that.  I think I have enough left over of the species that went into my custom speakers. That would make a matched set. If not, I have an unused roll of a species with a very light color. I really need to find a use for this veneer.

I hate the uncovered look of the ToriiMk3 with those ugly transformers showing. I have to remove them just to straighten out the base legs which whoever assembled the amp, did a poor job by installing two of them crooked with the legs bent, making the bells lean to the side. This has irked me for a very long time. When I received this amp, it left a bad impression in my mind. This will be corrected when I reassemble the amp during the upgrades. ( the initials of the assembler are inside the amp dated back to May of 2012) This should have NEVER been allowed to pass quality control.  I mean REALLY?  Between that and that noise issue I had for the longest time resulting from a contaminated volume pot, this amp was something that I absolutely regretted buying until I fixed the noise issue. I was not exactly impressed. Oh, and did I mention those cheap Chinese rectifiers which lit up like a Tesla coil when turned on?  I sure hope that things have improved since my amp was built. For the price these demand, I would surely hope so.

I am designing a hinged top with gas struts rated for the weight of it to cover the top anyway. The front will have a honeycomb steel screen to allow air cooling, with a direct view from the forward top half, covering the sight of these bells. I only want to see the tubes and controls. The lid will simply hinge backward for easy access, preventing pets and kids from playing inside, or getting burned if that were ever a situation. This protects valuable tubes from being touched or broken. Everything will be constructed using premium hardwood, then finished in exotic veneer. Going to be large and heavy, but I don't care. I am going after beauty and durability when finished. That is what matters the most. I have designed a custom logo to make it unique for the finished touch.

I will reveal the entire parts used to upgrade this amp very soon. I still have some parts being shipped, so I will wait until I get everything prepared for this operation. I hope to have the amp finished within the next thirty days.


I went with something far superior to those overrated, equally overpriced Mundorf TubeCaps.  The new ones that I ordered for the power supply are rated at 700v @ 5% tolerance. Polypropylene film and foil types for optimal sound quality and integrity. These will be bypassed with 0.1uf 1000v Russian military K75-24 foil in oil caps, along with WIMA FKP1_1250v 0.01 film and foil caps. I have something very special with tight tolerances for the coupling caps to make a huge improvement there.


How long will you be gone on your trip? We shall discus this more when you return.

Hope the music worked out in some manner for you. I'm sure you found something useful from that collection.

Be careful and enjoy your trip.

Again, thanks for the upgrade input. You are welcome to add more when you get home.

Later.

Hey RPS.

Having internet right now, I read over my #410 reply touching on my Torii modifications, and found a pretty bad mistake. I am sorry I was not able to correct it before the modify button went down. In the third paragraph above the last Torii picture, I said "As usual though, everything matters. In the CSP3 I tried replacing the 40uf Jenson electrolytic caps I had moved there, two per channel, with some 45 or 47 Black Solens (can't find them to check), it got too heavy, full and slow... more so than when I had 47uf stock electrolytics there. So electrolytic to film is not always "better," different caps, and values within a given cap making notable differences.l"

I can't quite work out how I wrote it, knowing the CSP3 insides intimately... or why I did not notice it before posting, but, stock, and now, there are two main electrolytic PS caps total in my CSP3, not two per channel.

Yes this amp is a MKIV I got pretty early on as they came out. Relative to your thoughts on value, it is hard for me to figure in numbers, like people  saying something is some percentage "better." My mind does not seem to work this way, I think because the values of what I need sound-wise can be read so many different ways. This amp being tuned so regularly, over so many years, improvements and decisions were incremental and progressive, and I am not sure how I would approach it now... but it does make it additionally challenging to gauge improvements. And for me the last five or ten percent are probably worth as much or more than the first 90-95, the more subtle and fine resolution and speeds being so important for making the rest sound complete and real.

Relative to cost "value," most things bought on sale, or decent prices from ebay sellers, the actual cost of modifications would be interesting to figure out, but when I was half-heartedly tracking it, it was nowhere near the cost of the amp originally. People have asked, and I have hoped to do a modification thread talking about the projects I have worked on, and if I ever get time to do that, it would be cool to estimate rough costs.

Thinking about your Torii MKIII coming with bent transformer legs (if I understood your post correctly), it seems highly unlikely that it left Decware like that to me. That would be obvious to Steve and crew in QC. I wonder if your amp experienced a high G drop in shipping, enough for the weight of the transformers to bend the feet?

Sounds like you are going for a lot of changes, and I hope it sounds great!

Good luck,  

Will