samtheman57

Thanks, much appreciated, and here's one you also might dig: https://sputnik57.substack.com/p/some-old-music-for-young-people-and?s=w

Hi rruffin: So far, I've really loved the Khozmo IMHO a must have element in my setup. I still marvel at the quality of the manufacturing, the resistors that are installed are working perfectly with my speakers. I added a Furutech noise filter in the AC chain as well. Wrote a piece on my audio experiments on my Substack page. https://sputnik57.substack.com/p/how-to-turn-your-windows-based-computer?s=w

I have spent years tweaking my system, and recent upgrades include my HD Streamer using balanced outputs, NSF Clear line AC Optimizer, a decent power conditioner by Furman, and a Khozmo Acoustic Passive Pre, as well as ADAM T7V monitors. I heard Apostrophe on a high end system for the time (uh, a bit under the influence) with a Marantz receiver and amp and AR speakers. It blew my mind and changed my life. I became a true FZ fanatic. Anyway, all that to sat I stuck my foot in the water, and to my ears, and many years, the 192/24 version is definitive. Another Spin, I get the muffled effect on prior versions, I can hear all details much more clearly, especially, misheard lyrics. Down the rabbit hole I go.

While I'm on here, considering Zappa recorded to the highest standards, does anyone who knows these records inside and out think there is worth in buying the 192/24 versions? I just downloaded"Roxy Performances" and they sound amazing at 44/16, I can't imagine them getting clearer and cleaner.

I've been listening to Frank for many years, I can safely say I'm a fanatic, but I can assure you that his music is an acquired taste. You can probably divide his music into three distinct categories : Rock Band/ Orchestral Compositions/ Instrumental Guitar Jams. FZ himself said that the people who love the Orchestral, probably wouldn't like the Rock, and the people who like the Instrumental probably won't like the Orchestral. First, don't put the pressure on yourself to "like" it, there is no enjoyment in forcing anything. Having said that I would recommend trying out "Apostrophe" and "Shut Up And Play Your Guitar". To play it very safe, go with "Strictly Commercial".

OK Finally, Arek from Khozmo Audio came through with flying colors. The preamp cost a bit more, , but for BOTH sound, (balanced sounds AMAZING) and aesthetic quality and workmanship I couldn't be happier. Been a bit distracted with a DIY roofing project, but gaining on that and relaxing and enjoying music .

Greg, Thanks for that. YES Communication brings assurance and piece of mind, no communication promotes looming anxiety. I've been around long enough to remember when "Made In Japan" was not only an album by Deep Purple, but a sort of insult, as Americans were leading in manufacturing, and it was implied that phrase meant cheap and mass produced low quality. Poland was behind the Communist Iron Curtain, and it was INCONCEIVABLE the Americans would ever trade there legally for ANYTHING, much less audio products. Yet here I am buying hugely innovative products like the Furutech socket abd NCF filter and Kozmos passive pre. Glad I could be around to take advantage.

I was just notified that Arek at Khozmo Acoustic is shipping an XLR model, with silver front and black knob within three days. Looking forward to it.

Hard to believe, but this train wreck is still going on. Basically, when I elevated my claim on eBay(in order to get SOME response) it meant, (for any seller) that the seller has a limited amount of time to provide a valid tracking number and deliver the product. I specifically stated my intent when I first elevated my claim, you have a choice to either get a refund, or take delivery of the product, I chose delivery of the product. I agreed to close the claim upon receipt of a valid tracking number. What I didn't know, (and unfortunately, Tim didn't know) is that once you agree to deliver you only have a matter of days to do so. Tim waited another week and eBay auto refunded anyway. So I get a frantic email this morning from Tim saying his partner Bill is ready to ship, and that.somehow, this is ME reneging on our personal agreement. He also reiterated that he had been ill, that Bill had been closing on a house etc. I responded that as an eBay merchant, you have to go by THEIR rules and THEIR timeline. Also that we ALL have side issues in life to deal with, I'm currently reroofing the house I'm in, I'm sweating it out alone. Anyway, I'm trying desperately to move on.

In fact,nearly INSTANT replies just sent him the stats of my system. Working to not promote anxiety and acknowledging customer needs is everything.

Thanks, I was in a state of disbelief throughout really.The reviews and product reputation, especially for communication between Luminous, (Tim) and customers, were stellar. I was beginning to take it personally. I used to build and repair computers, and also sold and bought products on eBay for over 10 years and this was my worst experience ever. I never have left anyone hanging if I sold a product. At this point, I have to go to PayPal to retrieve the extra 100 dollars I paid for modding, as eBay is only refunding the initial cost of the product. Insult to injury. At any rate I went out of the country to Poland and Hattor Audio and purchased a balanced version of the passive preamp with no input and single attenuator. Arek sent an e mail thanking me for the purchase, and then noted I needed to pay for shipping in another. Instant communication. We'll see how international trade goes. https://www.khozmo.com/balanced_wo_input_selector.html

That's not going to happen. I just upgraded to the flagship model by HRT (HRT Streamer HD) two months ago and bought it specifically for balanced outputs. It competes well with other at a larger price point. Sold my old HRT streamer II, so will still be looking the balanced passive pre route.

A final update. I won't be getting the Luminous Audio Axiom after all. After hearing nothing from Tim for weeks, I finally had to elevate a claim to item not received. Tim at Luminous said (as mentioned above) that he had been ill, and that his partner was busy closing on a home, so they were buried in work orders they presumably couldn't catch up with. eBay gave him the required time to ship (which he said would be done within 24 to 72 hours and he missed the deadline with no response and no apologies. So, back in the passive preamp market.

Sigh.. OK I just found out that the reason Tim wasn't getting back to me was because he was ill and in the Hospital. He and his partner are way behind in filling orders. He's OK now, and he acknowledged the unit would be shipped tomorrow. So, I feel kind if selfish and childish, but when you hear nothing for weeks.. I will update the saga soon hopefully.

Well, sorry to say that it's been three frustrating weeks since I ordered the XLR version, and another week with zero responses to my request for an ETA on delivery. It's like chasing a missing person. Unfortunately, I had to now have EBay contact on my behalf, and If there is no response by the 12th, I am done with this. In theory, what if the unit had arrived and there were problems? If I'm not important enough to be notified of the delivery of the product, I'm sure I wouldn't get any further response, IF the product was delivered and needed tweaking. Unfortunately, the worst consumer experience I've had yet, across the board. As davide 256 mentioned above, the 49 dollar Schitt would have probably sufficed.