My CAV 45 S2

[caryking]

I also use speaker cable lifters. I don't think I notice any difference in the sound but it looks nice and it's easier to dust with the cables off the ground so I've kept them in the system. Doesn't hurt to try these things in my opinion.

Take the lifters out and see what you think. Sometimes I need to live with a change, try not to get involved in listening for a change, then take them out and see if you lose something…

[admin]

Oh, I've tried that. No change (to my ears at least). I keep them in as they "look cool" and easier to dust/vacuum around the cables.

[AnotherJohnson]

Warren Gehl hosted Michael Fremer for a tour of the ARC factory several years ago. Warren is the official “listener” for ARC.

They came to Warren’s listening lair, and MF noted that he had lifters under the cables. They both noted that it seemed like an idea without merit at the outset, but they concurred that they actually could hear the difference.

I have never tried them, and I don’t plan to … but neither MF nor ARC sell lifters, and so their acknowledgement that they were audible is a decent data point.

The Transparent XL speaker cables that I am using have little spikes that raise the network box off the floor, and I am using them.

Some of this stuff just seems like it’s so “off the wall,” and I’m so pleased with my system as it stands, that I just can’t get excited about the flakey tweaks, like magic bricks, magic stones, magic dream catchers, magic fuses, and the like. Maybe some day I’ll try some of these things … but not today.

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, agreed on all those tweaks. I've been one fairly on the guilty side, trying all sorts of things. However, there came a point where I realised ,although such tweaks are great, there's a certain threshold that the system will reach. Once it has reached this point, that's it! Just leave it and enjoy those fine tunes! Has always been my motto.

Apart from all the very fancy tweaks, there are some basic elements that require addressing and if these haven't been done properly then the rest of the system will be out of whack:
1. Dedicated AC mains on separate CB's (most important!)
2. Power distribution (using the best power boards you can afford) really makes a difference.
3. Cables and interconnects and the power cords.

That third point is pretty much sky's the limit! You can really go overboard here if you want to splurge but engaging in high dollar spending is not required, as long as the types of cables you've sourced fit nicely for your particular system and form a sense of synergy that's at a high level. So basically each time you play some tunes, those tunes should surprise you in terms of absolute sound, and what kind of sound you prefer. Once that point is reached, the threshold, anything else and above can lead to diminishing returns or a complete overhaul of your system. Either way, if you truly feel any of those tweaks contribute to a positive effect then by all means use it/them!

After my initial years of this hobby and when it progressed into a passion, I tended to focus more on those three critical areas of system setup. The rest can make subtle differences or changes but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

Woof! RJ

[Big Dog RJ]

G'day maties, trust all is well at your end of the woods.

Just thought I'd post here, since it involves a CAV45 S2. Just the other week, a CAV45-S2 and an ART150 sold on-line! Transaction was done by our long term CJ dealer/importer in Melb, the owner's didn't bother with any demo nor walk-ins... simple card transaction on-line and goods delivered. So in this case, where's the chit chat... no relationship building between the dealer and new owners... nothing! I guess this is the new trend.

Buying a pair of headphones or electric toothbrush on-line is ok, perfectly suited. However, highend audio and for that matter CJ? Wow, how things have changed, not even a handshake with the dealer. Zero point of human contact, is this the norm now?

Still find it really odd to purchase audio gear this way, let alone amplifiers. Guess I'm way too old fashioned & out dated.
Either way, I truly hope those new owners are enjoying those fine tunes.
Cheers, RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

On line is pretty much the norm here. If you live close to one of CJ’s “home dealers,” they may bring gear to audition at your house. But they’ll have to get Jeff to send it to them first since they stock very little.

In the US CJ is pretty much an on line product for the last 10+ years. None of the bricks and mortar dealers I’ve dealt with have even been willing to take it in trade. You have to consign in most cases, unless you’re willing to take an extreme beating. And some dealers WILL NOT TAKE IT. Too many difficult to resolve issues.

CJ maintains its positive reputation, not through first hand bake offs against other gear, but by virtue of a handful of reviewers (Jeff D, owner of Tone for example) who get the SE version (if there is one) and then gush about it.

In the Asian hemisphere, CJ may still be a viable bricks and mortar product. CJ says that most of their revenue comes from foreign sales of the top of the line. In the US, it’s mostly people looking for a deal on a US made product. The “home dealers” are notorious for being willing to deal. And the used market is held up by people like us.

[admin]

I agree. I think this is where the market is going (or more accurately, has gone). People are less social today than before, or that socialization has changed from hand shakes and face to face conversations to a posting on Facebook.

I think we see this trend in many areas. Nice watches are simply ordered online vs going to a watch store. You order your new Tesla online and never even go to a dealership for a test drive.

I don't know if this is better or worse? I suppose you can argue that it makes the process more "efficient." But there is a human quality that is lost. I have my feet in both worlds you can say. I certainly have bought most of my gear online but still try to (and prefer) buy local when the opportunity presents itself.

[AnotherJohnson]

A very real lost opportunity is the opportunity to touch, compare, and hear before you buy.

Many brands will not let you sell their product if you don’t have a bricks and mortar store. Some will let you sell their low end on line if you have the full dealership based on bricks and mortar store.