tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85792446406531939822024-03-05T13:31:29.573+08:00Yet Another View - by wwenzeMy useless stuff goes into my blog, where does yours go?wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-5371521506491326962017-06-26T09:37:00.001+08:002017-06-26T09:37:49.936+08:00Atom x5-Z8350 undervolting on iWork 1XDefault multipliers:<br />
24 T @ 0.64V (single core)<br />
21 T @ 0.61V (4 cores)<br />
18 @ 0.58V<br />
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Custom:<br />
21T @ 0.53V (4 cores)<br />
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This thing is just barely stable - MPC-HC sometimes crashes on seeking, occasional BSOD. However I need to go this low to prevent it from reaching 82 degrees on load and the safety takes over.<br />
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Still just barely misses decoding Snow Halation without lagwwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-75280087760174251042016-03-20T18:24:00.001+08:002017-12-02T22:00:01.507+08:00Some CrystalDiskMark results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA21NncSmqknlUlpKUl3To8mlUz-TqWfhsTY2q-657jEJwnJcwfL3YMqxE80n0BoBJaKdYSSC5PBzJtZJX3c_TJT4JSYEfKMsQpzuDgJC6gaQrXjt1YitG85tR5a9FaouWin-RYAPT2EOR/s1600/crystaldiskmark+sandisk+ssd+plus+touro+s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA21NncSmqknlUlpKUl3To8mlUz-TqWfhsTY2q-657jEJwnJcwfL3YMqxE80n0BoBJaKdYSSC5PBzJtZJX3c_TJT4JSYEfKMsQpzuDgJC6gaQrXjt1YitG85tR5a9FaouWin-RYAPT2EOR/s320/crystaldiskmark+sandisk+ssd+plus+touro+s.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSbZKk9Xkege4HABl-SFUL5MKlA07e5TW57u2jCE5ETOt8L4DeUbmDiM1rNbk6NtFU-GJJbQTmpmdXVj60kug2eu8yI3OIKHpZlw1ErJOLk5AkmzL6Egzx1odMbU6OlxgJFpSdPEHlJBb/s1600/silicon+power+16gb+class+6+microsd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSbZKk9Xkege4HABl-SFUL5MKlA07e5TW57u2jCE5ETOt8L4DeUbmDiM1rNbk6NtFU-GJJbQTmpmdXVj60kug2eu8yI3OIKHpZlw1ErJOLk5AkmzL6Egzx1odMbU6OlxgJFpSdPEHlJBb/s320/silicon+power+16gb+class+6+microsd.png" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1084640922"></span><span id="goog_1084640923"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1084640922">Transcend SSD 370S 256GB</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1084640922"></span><span id="goog_1084640923"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1084640922">Sandisk Ultra 16GB</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCXvzPOkiEtfWpWvTIdjTiBEOn472-5ajEYYYSVS1nKc5cJtjBEc5u31JgZGlPUHcZis8xLJbu5Z_7fXbvM0fwcMnZKOoPdLOcu7fBV42x9C4JTorqeA6qoGEZ_DXQmngzBOw2DTs5DxQ/s1600/sandisk+ultra+16gb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCXvzPOkiEtfWpWvTIdjTiBEOn472-5ajEYYYSVS1nKc5cJtjBEc5u31JgZGlPUHcZis8xLJbu5Z_7fXbvM0fwcMnZKOoPdLOcu7fBV42x9C4JTorqeA6qoGEZ_DXQmngzBOw2DTs5DxQ/s320/sandisk+ultra+16gb.png" width="313" /></a></div>
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EMMC of iWork 1X<br />
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Micron black USB3.0 64GB<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu1Dht5MKiyez_MEaD57p_sWUCi0ymA-5U-Z2ml_kVVE2Qo23MDWxiD13aj6MQnP65piqP9bfYrnnuMI3moEbSHaaAhOIUpaehmzThn7FadARq3-DMBqlvp7pnK-6fPz7KBUtO0t_0lus/s1600/micron+64gb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="502" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu1Dht5MKiyez_MEaD57p_sWUCi0ymA-5U-Z2ml_kVVE2Qo23MDWxiD13aj6MQnP65piqP9bfYrnnuMI3moEbSHaaAhOIUpaehmzThn7FadARq3-DMBqlvp7pnK-6fPz7KBUtO0t_0lus/s320/micron+64gb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sandisk Ultra Plus 64GB (USD$15 during Black Friday 2017)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0-ofwVvbMUwurVvhMvXvWwnckKfMLGRCnB-vKY5s4Ck_vUasTg21viuWB2ERQ0760mTbfj4iRYnlrOezd_Zvlhko9AavvXDynxyZkJhBYKfLNPj5FKUQnCS1hkoe0RBzeeQOv8HroqwU/s1600/sandisk-ultra-plus-64gb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="502" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0-ofwVvbMUwurVvhMvXvWwnckKfMLGRCnB-vKY5s4Ck_vUasTg21viuWB2ERQ0760mTbfj4iRYnlrOezd_Zvlhko9AavvXDynxyZkJhBYKfLNPj5FKUQnCS1hkoe0RBzeeQOv8HroqwU/s320/sandisk-ultra-plus-64gb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Samsung Evo 64GB (SGD$28 or somewhere in early 2017)</div>
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Relatively new</div>
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After some usage</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWehgqiX9bkJZnevvV9yIUqoylpMktT7BPrXg0XbKxOIZVg9ynSXYr7IFiEqUlBMbwWWYK3e1GyoKzqo64wNXgqnAD0mzOd5mCEtWL7jklygjFFWmo3G45NlUmdrWwldWbMzld-6R8CklD/s1600/samsung+evo+64gb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="502" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWehgqiX9bkJZnevvV9yIUqoylpMktT7BPrXg0XbKxOIZVg9ynSXYr7IFiEqUlBMbwWWYK3e1GyoKzqo64wNXgqnAD0mzOd5mCEtWL7jklygjFFWmo3G45NlUmdrWwldWbMzld-6R8CklD/s320/samsung+evo+64gb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-50852748957501216202013-06-26T00:22:00.002+08:002013-06-26T00:35:28.329+08:00[Beyond the hype] Bose Companion 2 Series II - Part 2<u><b>So it continues from the previous part</b></u><br />
Labeling something "Part 1" suggests at least a Part 2, so here it is.<br />
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Well since I was going to move home shortly after doing Part 1, I figured I should do at least another comparison in another setup. The effects of the room are real, and contribute to different people's varying opinions of the same product, as well as the display sets sounding different than your own set at home. This will be an interesting lesson, for both me and you the reader.<br />
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Something tells me that this location is not optimal for the Diamond 8.2, just a hunch.</div>
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I know that this place makes speakers sound in general much better than the typical placement (of, y'know, big flat wall, speakers to the sides of the screen, far apart, may or may not be close to the back wall). Bass in particular is absolutely boosted and fantastic, besides improvements in other areas. Perhaps I should patent this.<br />
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<u><b>Enter Bose Companion 2 Series II</b></u><br />
I used the Bose first for a while since I was busy unpacking everything and trying to fit everything into the space of an apartment in Singapore. The small size plus simple setup makes it wonderful for, erm, simple setup. So I realized why computer speakers were invented despite sounding way worse than the large speakers before them.<br />
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First impression of the Bose was, let me put it this way, the Bose had quite a bit of bass in Part 1 right? What happens when you put lots of bass in a position that provides lots of bass?<br />
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It felt like someone had adjusted the tone control and set it to more bassy.<br />
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If anybody complains that Bose is all bass and no treble, this is the kind of setup he has. Although at the same time, Bose is only sightly more bassy relative to other bookshelves, so calling Bose "all bass" would require calling many other speakers "all bass". So I would suspect that these people haven't heard anything outside of computer speakers.<br />
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Something good came out of this though. Previously the bass, though abundant, felt like it lacked the lowest of frequencies to support the higher frequency parts of the bass. Now it feels more complete.<br />
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I felt that I could possibly live with the Bose instead of setting up the cumbersome bookshelves. Until I listened to the bookshelves anyway.<br />
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<u><b>Enter Wharfedale Diamond 8.2</b></u><br />
This position does not seem to be optimal for the Diamonds, probably due to the lack of distance between the speakers. The lower-middle frequencies seem to be missing resulting in reduced warmth, and those middle frequencies that remain feel thin. Possibly from the woofers being so close together.<br />
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Initially, switching between the two speakers (the headphone out of Xonar STX comes in handy), both speakers have their pros and cons, with the Bose sounding more appealing due to having less mid frequencies.<br />
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The differences between the speakers is much more obvious this time. Previously (in the previous review) I thought that the difference in sound signature between Bose and Wharfedale is at the same scale as if not smaller than between (decent) bookshelves speakers. But this time they sound very different, with Bose sounding much more bassy and Wharfedale having more higher frequencies. But still the Bose has an obvious emphasis at a particular high frequency band.<br />
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After using the Diamonds for a while and getting accustomed to the sound (a.k.a. burn-in), everything goes bad for the Companion 2.<br />
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Now the Bose is totally unbearable compared to the Diamonds. Differences between speakers while in this setup are big, and the Bose doesn't cut it for, strangely, videos, and pretty much everything that relies on human speech and clear normal sounds. In a video, when it was a calm scene, I was getting bass overload with the Bose. It was abundant enough to tell something was wrong. (Although to be fair the Diamond 8.2, with their 6.5-inch woofers, is also slightly guilty of this.) Strangely, music still works, kind of, although some music work better than others. Gaming, the extra bass of the Bose comes in handy.<br />
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If I switch from Companion 2 to Diamond 8.2, yea there is less bass, more mid, more treble. Everything you don't want in a speaker. That thought will last for about 5 seconds after which you feel that the Diamond's human voice and pretty much everything else too are way, way more correct-sounding than the Companion 2. If I switch from Diamond 8.2 to Companion 2, I am looking a very cheap pair of speakers that I can tolerate for around 15 seconds. Really, it is much easier to accept the Diamond's sound after listening to the Companion 2, versus vice-versa.<br />
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The Bose still have its pros. Strong (but possibly too much) bass, aggressive sound, the type of frequency response that people like although it is obviously wrong (I reluctantly use the term "V-shaped" despite knowing it possibly may not be actually V-shaped). But at SGD$199? Makes you think. A lot.<br />
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Now, in Part 1 I could not do a proper conclusion because the Companion 2 costs half of a Diamond setup. But this time I have speakers that are currently worth around the value of the Bose considering the age (in terms of mileage) and the age (in terms of technology).<br />
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<u><b>Enter Paradigm Atom v.1</b></u><br />
It was cheap when it was still being sold. It is more than ten years old. It does not have kevlar woofers, curved surfaces or flared reflex ports. It used what I positively believe are bipolar electrolytic capacitors. (Past tense, because I replaced them with film caps that are about the same size.) It is something I will never sell since the price it will command in its current condition grossly understates its performance in its current condition.<br />
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The size difference between a 5-inch and a 6.5-inch speaker became very obvious when I place the Atom on top of the Diamond 8.2. No picture of them on top of another sorry, but from the picture of them in the test setup you can see the Diamond 8.2 really shouting that it is a bloody 6.5-incher.<br />
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Sidetrack a bit, testing the 8.2 has taught me that 5-inch is the optimal sweet spot for speaker size for speakers placed close to you. It is the smallest size needed for a value-for-money performance while not being too big for a small space. Sure, if you have the space, go big, or rather if you have lots of space you need big woofers to fill up the space. But if you don't have the space then the large size of the speakers become a liability. For example the lack of space between the speakers, and too much bass.<br />
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Ok, the Atom v.1. For some reason, despite having actually spent less time with the Atom v.1 in this setup compared to the Diamond 8.2 in the other setup (the one in Part 1), I feel more at home with the Atom v.1. (Although strangely the same can be said for the locations themselves.)<br />
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The sound of the Atom is still the same as what I remember. Except after listening to the Diamond 8.2 the Atom sounds totally unspectacular. The sound is alright, but there is nothing that particularly stands out, because the Diamond just does everything slightly better on the whole. "Normal" is one way to put it, "lame" is another way. Except for the high frequencies which the Atom is still as liberal as ever with. (Yup even the bass which I think the Atom is good at, it loses to the 8.2 at the extreme low frequencies. The whack needed in certain songs just isn't there.) Maybe some burning-in will do the trick.<br />
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Back to the Bose Companion 2 review, this time comparing it against the Paradigm Atom. In terms of the general feel of the sound signature/frequency response, the Atom and the Diamond are largely similar as all decent ≥5-inch bookshelves should be. The Companion 2 is still very bassy, and has noticeably more of the deep-end than the Atom v.1.<br />
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If we ignore the vastly different frequency responses, the difference in voice quality is now closer between this two speakers, with the Atom being on top. The darker and warmer tone of the Companion 2 is a good change from the Atom's abundant highs and lack of mids, but still the Bose is not suited for all types of music, or even different parts of the same song. Furthermore, at this point I felt that the Atom was having more highs and less warmth than I remember, and I believed this can improved back to the performance in memory via placement.<br />
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<u><b>Enter Passivized Audioengine A5</b></u><br />
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Now the Audioengine A5 looks small.</div>
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The 3 bookshelf speakers sound similar to each other once again, with Atom sounding more like the A5 (due to Diamond 8.2 having the advantage in bass). And yea... the passivized A5 has less bass and treble than Atom, the way we know it.<br />
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The A5 trades treble and bass volume for better sound quality; with the Companion 2 as the middleman for comparison, for voices the Atom is closer to sounding like Companion 2 compared A5 (sounding like the Companion 2 at this is a bad thing). The A5 is closer to the Diamond 8.2 after it has been stripped of quite a bit of frequency range and STILL have overall quality reduced by a bit.<br />
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(In other words, the A5 is possibly quite a bad buy because the Diamond 8.2 pretty much owns it left right up down, and the Diamond series was never too expensive at least in Singapore and IIRC also in the western countries - PAR Audio currently sells Diamond 10.2 for S$499 (10.1 @ $399), and has always been these prices for speakers with the same last digit (i.e. same woofer size) save for the occasional stock-clearance. S$499 + up to $100 for a small amp = a much better investment than the Audioengine. <u><b>But</b></u> don't take this as the absolute conclusion, since I don't know how a real A5 sounds compared to my passivized version.)<br />
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<u><b>Conclusion 2 </b></u><br />
This time there is no salvation for the Bose Companion 2. The sound is just so different that it is not possible to use it for general daily use, despite initially sounding acceptable before I listened to the other speakers.<br />
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This time, for S$199, it is highly unrecommended, because the advantage of huge bass becomes a huge disadvantage instead. Get a 2.1 that can adjust the bass volume, or a 2.0 that has less bass to begin with. The Creative Gigaworks speakers become a possible alternative.<br />
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<u><b>Lessons</b></u><br />
To begin, once again the effect of room acoustics is proven. But this time it results in a 180 degree turn of the evaluation of Bose Companion 2.<br />
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Get appropriately-sized speakers for your location. Bigger is not always better - 6.5" is definitely too big for my location, with freaking bass running around.<br />
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Previously the Bose was preferred over the Creative. But this time the Creative is probably the better one. This is the outcome of multiple changed variables, but the point is I can confidently make this conclusion. This is because the speakers' performances have been compared relatively to each other in the YouTube video I linked to in part 1. Due to many variables, it is hard to predict if a speaker is better than another for a particular scenario, while how a speaker sounds relative to another is a more certain fact. This is why such direct comparisons are useful and important, and why I only review speakers when I have two of them in my room.<br />
<br />
3-way comparisons tell you more about the speakers. (And 2-way comparisons are better than relying on memory but this should be pretty clear by now.) I actually did a 4-way but whatever. With a third speaker I could more clearly see the advantages of different speakers, unlike in the passivized A5 vs Atom v.1 review in which I focused on the Atom's advantage in frequency range. This time the general quality of the A5 is more emphasized, and possibly suggesting that the A5 is a better speaker than the Atom, a reasonable conclusion due to the massive price difference.<br />
<br />
Test, test, test. Retest, retest, retest. Even direct comparisons cannot be trusted anymore, unless you settle everything with numbers. Get the speakers, listen to them, decide if you want them.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-2102429841909499912013-05-02T12:42:00.001+08:002013-05-02T12:43:17.711+08:00[Beyond the hype] Bose Companion 2 Series II - Part 1So somehow I became the owner of a pair of Bose Companion 2 Series II.<br />
<br />
No self-declared audiophile would buy a Bose product. So I didn't. Not in the normal sense of "walk into an Apple store and hand over the money". I did get it legitimately and did pay a smaller amount of money for the deal. So if the product is good, I win, and if the product is bad, I will sell it at standard market price for a profit and still win. So win-win for me either way.<br />
<br />
A Bose product is perfect for a [Beyond the hype] review, because... do I have to explain it? Well, because the world is divided into two distinct groups - people who think Bose is the ultimate in audio reproduction, and people who think Bose is something you find in the sewers of New York (and is not a ninja turtle). Personally I find that the Bose haters are making themselves heard way more than the Bose supporters, so this [Beyond the hype] might be interesting, or should I call it Beyond the un-hype. <br /><br />
<a name='more'></a><u><b>Before we start... some words regarding the Bose Companion 2 Series II and the sound source </b></u><br />
Initially I listened to the Companion 2 plugged to my laptop's Realtek onboard sound and iPhone 3G. It was more bassy, but most importantly the treble was harsh and distorted, to the point it literally (or physiologically? or psychologically?) hurt my not-so-young ears.<br />
<br />
The higher amount of bass can be considered a normal occurrence with Realtek onboard, I'm not sure about iPhone 3G. (I'm not gonna do a frequency response test though.) Bad sound quality in general... well, it's onboard sound and iPhone 3G. (iPhone 4 and newer have good sound) But the intolerable amount of harshness is what I did not expect even with onboard/phone as the source. And, important to note, when I switched to the LJM DAC, the treble harshness is gone, along with the extra bass.<br />
<br />
Interesting finding. I did not expect the Companion 2 to be so dependent on source quality. Plus, most of the time when we find a Companion 2 in shops, it is definitely not connected to a decent source. So our impressions of it might be worse than it should be.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, the comparisons against other speakers I own will have both speakers using the same DAC/sound card/whatever.<br />
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<u><b>Setup 1a</b></u><br />
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<br />
The Companion 2 speakers finding themselves on top of my Wharfedale Diamond 8.2s. Figured this is the most fair way to compare the two.<br />
<br />
BTW if you're asking why is the "right side" speaker on the left side, because the power adapter is too short to reach all the way to the right without untying the cable spaghetti. Doesn't matter, since "right" and "left" is arbitrary, and it's not hard to swap with RCA connection.<br />
<br />
The result is quite interesting. The Companion 2 produces more bass than the physically-way-bigger Diamond 8.2. The Companion 2 also produces more treble too. I know the Diamond 8.2 has less-than-average treble volume and bass extension, but still...<br />
<br />
If I listen to the Diamond 8.2 immediately after the Bose, some parts of the Diamond 8.2's sound feel cheap in comparison. Mainly due to the lower treble/bass volume of the Diamond 8.2.<br />
<br />
So the Companion 2 is better? Nope.<br />
<br />
Because when I listen to the Companion 2 immediately after Diamond 8.2, there are much more areas of the Companion 2 that feel cheap in comparison.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Bass </b></u><br />
The bass - hits low, hits hard, and is abundant (compared to the Diamond 8.2, which is still a feat considering the size of the Companion 2). However it is very selective, in the sense that some bass sounds are more audible than others. And this is not simply frequency-based (which would be the case for typical cheap tiny speakers) - for Companion 2, whether the bass sound gets amplified seems to depend on the music - if I play the song normally I get one type of sound, but if I pause the music for a while and then resume playing, or if I skip from one part of the song to another part, I get another type of sound. So some bass notes are louder in some songs, yet softer in others.<br />
<br />
Another thing is that the amount of bass seems to depend on the amount of treble too (more treble = less bass). This would suggest some kind of dynamic range compression, and if this is indeed the case then the people at Bose are very clever, because a lot of the distortion of cheap speakers come from the drivers being driven harder than they can handle, and that is what software compression can avoid. (Hardware compression (e.g. drivers hitting their limits) produces lots of distortion.)<br />
<br />
<b>(Note - BIG NOTE - subjective observations have not been reliably tested, and some effects may be due to the music material instead of the speakers)</b><br />
<br />
<u><b>Treble</b></u> <br />
On the treble side of things, while the Companion 2 has quite a good amount of it, it is harsh and messy, and doesn't extend as far upwards as the Diamond 8.2. Typical problems faced by full-range drivers that try to reproduce a large amount of treble. (This would also give you a rough idea of how the treble sounds.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Midrange</b></u><br />
The mids is (is? or are?) where the Companion 2 gets owned by the Diamond 8.2. It sounds cheap. Thin, tinny, coarse, flat or whatever because English words are never good for describing sound. Anyway, when swapping from the Diamond 8.2 to the Companion 2, the "cheapness" of the mids is very obvious, in spite of the greater amounts of bass and treble.<br />
<br />
It isn't as bad as cheaper speaker systems. But is it bad for something that costs SGD$199? This I'm not sure.<br />
<br />
<u><b>"The sound has no soul"</b></u><br />
These are literally the words in my mind when I listened to the Companion 2. Sure it has more bass (and can be argued to have more treble), but songs that are nice on other speakers just don't feel as nice on the Companion 2 despite the apparently better frequency response. The sound is congested and many of the background instruments missing. Usually this helps in producing more bass and a better frequency response and more "clean" sound in general, but when the serious part of the music comes on, it doesn't give the dynamics that results when all the instruments in the music start blasting simultaneously.<br />
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<u><b>Setup 1b</b></u><br />
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<br />
I also decided to test the Companion 2 in this position, which is a more typical placement for it.<br />
<br />
The closer proximity to the listener and a less open position results in more bass as per expectations, along with a more congested sound. The cheapness of the sound is also amplified in this position.<br />
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Amount of treble is... well... I can't conclude. Because the reproduction of high frequencies of speakers is highly directional (Domes and horns have better dispersion, but not the standard cone that Companion 2 is using for the full-range driver), and the effect is more obvious at small distances, I can decide how much treble I get by turning the speakers towards or away from me. This way you can reduce the treble if it's too harsh, or increase the treble if it's not enough, but the quality of the treble is still nothing to write home about.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion 1</b></u><br />
The main thing that Companion 2 can be proud of is the frequency response. Bose obviously aimed to imitate the sound of bigger speakers, even with only 2.5-inch drivers and no subwoofer. This however was done at the cost of pretty much everything else.<br />
<br />
Whether that design decision is right, truth be told, I'm torn. On one hand I would be <u>almost</u> willing to sacrifice everything just for a decent frequency response. But on the other hand, I have owned cheaper speakers before, and while they don't have a frequency response anywhere near decent without a subwoofer, the treble is clean and natural and makes me satisfied and not feel like cheap speakers.<br />
<br />
If I'm forced to go without subwoofer, then the answer is clear. Bose Companion 2 Series II will kick ass. Bet you didn't expect that.<br />
<br />
With a subwoofer, then the odds are highly against the Companion 2. The old MX5021 from memory will put up a good fight against the Bose - cleaner bass, and from previously using the satellites with a Sony subwoofer, cleaner trebles too. Aego M, if you can get it at the SGD$200+ price point, will land a few punches on the Companion 2 while having satellites that are even tinier. Promedia... haven't heard that in my room.<br />
<br />
And then there's the option of going passive bookshelves + amplifier if you have the space. Occasionally shops will clear their stocks at a greatly discounted price, if you can get the speakers for ~SGD$150 and an amp for ~SGD$50 from eBay, you will have a 2.0 setup that will kick the Companion 2 so hard it flies to the Moon, bounces, and falls back onto Earth.<br />
<br />
However, note that both the 2.1 and the passive bookshelves routes are always more value for money than 2.0. Especially the passive bookshelves. So if we call Bose overpriced due to the passive bookshelves, we should call almost everything else overpriced too.<br />
<br />
Now, against other 2.0 systems, this guy recorded the sound of Companion 2 vs Creative Gigaworks T20 Series II.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odpifHHmV5g">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odpifHHmV5g</a><br />
<br />
Now, the problem with recordings such as this is that while we can definitely hear the differences in the sound, we are not sure which is the better-sounding one. The Companion 2 may be sounding better in this video but that can be due to the microphone, and in real life the T20 might be the better sounding one.<br />
<br />
Well, from owning the Companion 2 and from my memory of those Creative speakers, I can tell you that the Companion 2 is more "correct-sounding", while the T20 suffers from too little bass and too much midrange, like what you're hearing in the video.<br />
<br />
You might think it is unfair since T20 (Series II) is priced at SGD$129 now and below $100 during IT shows, but in the past (2008) it used to sell at a friggin' $159, while Companion 2 was $199 back in 2007 and still $199 now. And T40 was $249 while not being much better than T20. So which is (was) overpriced now?<br />
<br />
In short, the Bose Companion 2 is definitely not overpriced for what it is. Except for one issue...<br />
<br />
<u><b>Why the price discrepancy between Singapore and USA?</b></u><br />
Currently Companion 2 sells for USD$99 in the... erm... USA, and I found reviews dated 2007 with the speakers being bought for USD$99. At this price, it would be awesome. But in Singapore it's not, and at $199 I would have to think for a bit.<br />
<br />
But then at the same time, people in the USA are blessed with a much bigger choice of speakers and the prices are generally lower, so even at USD$99 the Companion 2 might face stiff competition. But then again, are you comparing apples, or comparing the Companion 2 against bigger bookshelves?<br />
<br />
In any case, <u><b>To sum up</b></u><br />
<b>Bose Companion 2 Series II stood the test of time.</b> It was SGD$199/USD$99 in the past, it is SGD$199/USD$99 now, and it is still as competitive. There is more un-hype then I think it deserves, and if you can look beyond the Buy-Other-Sound-Equipment label, you are looking at an impressive product.<br />
<br />
<u><b>But Bose is still overpriced!</b></u><br />
I guess I have to touch on this a bit. I still do think that Bose is overpriced, not because the Companion 2 or any other of their product sucks, but because of the lack of options. I mentioned earlier that bookshelves or 2.1 systems are more value for money, and for SGD$200 there are many to choose from, many with the potential to match or beat Companion 2. However, with $200 the only Bose speaker you can buy is Companion 2. So if you have $200 to spend, I will still recommend anything else but Bose.<br />
<br />
However if you need a small 2.0 system, then that's another matter.<br />
<br />
And no I would never recommend spending 4-digits on tiny cubes to be placed in a big room.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-22722907149702085112013-04-16T22:54:00.001+08:002013-04-16T22:55:03.512+08:00Anime opening video appreciation 5 - How about the rewatchables?Anime that excel above the rest are placed into the category called "rewatchables". The requirements for entering this group are -<br />
<br />
1) You can (or, even better, you want to) watch it again from start to end. (Rewatching only certain parts does not count.)<br />
2) You are able to recommend it to other people who don't watch Anime.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I looked through the stuff that I have access to right now (there are still more at another location)(Update: The other location has been completely wiped out), and I see less than 25% being possible candidates, probably closer to 10% if I filter it further. I don't watch 9001-episode-long mainstream stuff, most of the titles that I can recommend are short (one to two seasons that kind). Let's face it - majority of Anime suck. That's why society hates otakus. That's why otakus also know this themselves. That's why we need the not-so-mainstream producers and the viewers to carve out a better subculture, something that the supporters can be proud of.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the above rant has nothing much to do with what I'm going to post today. Well, I've mostly avoided looking at the opening videos of the rewatchables so far. They're rewatchables, therefore they are good, therefore their opening videos are good. Or is that so?<br />
<br />
Oh... and... some more administrative screwups... (guess you'd be used to that by now) the videos I'm going to watch this time are the rewatachables that are in this particular place, there are some videos that I've covered in the previous posts that are rewatchables and those are not covered this time. Similarly those rewatachables that are in other currently inaccessible places I won't be covering them this time, I need to sort them out first.<br />
<br />
Ok, let's move on to the list of the recommended ones -<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Arakawa Under the Bridge x2</b></u><br />
Ok, this Anime makes no sense, so is the opening video. No... actually the opening video makes more sense than the Anime. It's subtle, but by now you know what are the characters' relationship with each other, and it all show up in this opening video, and I like that.<br />
<br />
Random theme for the opening video, which is acceptable for a comedy and/or a second opening, but aliens and space is appropriate for this Anime. So no complaints here.<br />
<br />
Lots of graphical detail put into this video, I actually still found something new the N-th time I'm watching this video to review it.<br />
<br />
It is nonsensical, funny, crazy, and not a single boring moment. And it works for an opening video. Even though I don't really like this kind of video (song included) I can't deny that this is awesome. Nobody should.<br />
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<u><b>Canaan</b></u><br />
This one doesn't get any points for being artistic or whatsoever. In fact it is very standard in terms of sequence of events. But, it is just, damn.<br />
<br />
I mean, would you not want to watch this Anime after watching this opening video? Oh btw the Anime is good too. Oh wait I already told you that at the start.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Natsu no Arashi</b></u><br />
Ooo another SHAFT production. This is another video that made me want to do this list in the first place. On second or third or forth or fifth viewing it doesn't feel that good anymore, but the way it is done is very unique, and at the same time telling us that this Anime is done in retro style, and at the same time telling us quite a bit about the characters' personalities.<br />
<br />
And... the only problem I have is that I don't understand the women part if you know what I mean. Otherwise there is nothing to fault with this video, and the other parts still pulls this up and onto the list of recommended videos.<br />
<br />
Sadly... the same cannot be said for the second season Natsu no Arashi! Akinai-chuu.<br />
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<u><b>Nichijou (first opening)</b></u><br />
This one is probably easier to explain why it is good by watching it, so just watch it. Maybe watch it a few times in order to fully enjoy it.<br />
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<u><b>Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakamatachi</b></u><br />
Another pretty typical opening for a pretty typical Anime. Except done with a few times more effort than typical. The foreground is a nice touch and makes the video cute as it should be, but that doesn't mean slacking on the main content, in fact there is more than typical amount of work put in there too.<br />
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The only issues I have are the overused jumping (or flying) scene and pretty much everything from that point onwards. But at least with this video they are relatively minor (compared to other videos with those issues, but note - it's still a problem), so the overall score is still good.<br />
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<u><b>Baccano! and Durarara!</b></u><br />
Okay, even though Baccano! is in another batch of video, for convenience again I'll talk about it with Durarara! here.<br />
<br />
Baccano!... another one of those videos that made me do this list. Just look at it, the video is as smooth-criminal as the music and the characters. You know this Anime means business. And why not throw the viewer into an event already when the video starts. The title screen is an excellent nice touch too.<br />
<br />
Durarara! uses the same formula as Baccano!, but doesn't quite achieve the same amount of effect. On repeated watching the reason becomes clear.<br />
<br />
1) Too much time spent on certain unneeded scenes, and the flow between scenes is not done as nicely.<br />
2) The amount of time given to certain (groups of) characters is either fairly random or suggest that certain people are more important. But if it's the latter case, it is still confusing who are the most important characters. The cause of this, however, is the story itself.<br />
3) It is not shown clearly what are the (groups of) characters' roles in this story. Although again, the cause is the story, taking place in typical modern-day Japan.<br />
<br />
If compared against the opening video of Baccano!,<br />
<br />
1) All scenes flow nicely without spending extra time on unnecessary stuff. This also means that all (but two) characters don't have a second appearance, so whether this decision is good is debatable. But the events simply connect better than in Durarara! To be precise -<br />
<br />
<u>Baccano!</u><br />
chocolate to hat<br />
money to money<br />
liquor to liquor<br />
bottle to bottle<br />
dart to thrown knife<br />
slash to explosion<br />
explosion to camera flash<br />
sister to brother<br />
cards to cards<br />
<br />
<u>Durarara! </u><br />
phone call to phone call (which is not done nicely)<br />
phone to post box<br />
vending machine hit to soda pops out of another vending machine (of different color)<br />
running to running - this one I can hardly even consider it as an attempt<br />
hand swing to hand swing<br />
<br />
See the difference? Even though Durarara! is using the same trick, it just does not match Baccano!'s standard. The reason Baccano!'s connect so well is that they are mostly the same object doing the same thing in different scenes. Our brain is focused on the motion of the object that we miss out on realizing the scene has changed. But if you break the motion of the object as in Durarara!'s case, our brain detects that it is a different picture. It's all about the power of expectation.<br />
<br />
2) All characters are introduced as quickly as possible without wasting time or breaking the flow.<br />
<br />
3) The characters' roles are well-defined even in a short time. Watching Baccano!'s opening, you can identify -<br />
<br />
- two wandering idiots who are not very law-abiding either<br />
- a new guy in the mafia and the guy taking care of him (he's paying for the hat)<br />
- another mafia, this time a trio of brothers<br />
- some powerful man and his subordinate<br />
- a good girl in some rich and/or powerful group, most likely again a mafia<br />
- the rich powerful bad guy dating that girl (the wine, darts, and the girl)<br />
- an assassin/fighter/agent of sorts<br />
- some, erm, I forgot what's the the term for them. Gangsters? Or just thieves?<br />
- emo rich girl who misses her brother, who is got owned somewhere, possibly for something related to gambling but that is too literal an interpretation ya?<br />
- a kid who is smarter and more cunning than he appears to be<br />
<br />
In comparison, watching Durarara!'s opening -<br />
<br />
Ok most of the info you can take it at face value. And then... you'd ask the question - dafuq do they do?<br />
<br />
That's why the problem is the story. With Baccano!'s characters you know they will be contributing to the story in their own respective ways already. Not the case with Durarara!<br />
<br />
Interestingly, it is not about the number of characters, since Baccano!'s opening actually introduces more characters than Durarara!'s (17 vs 15). It's how the characters are introduced that matters.<br />
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Oh btw I'm talking only about Durarara!'s first opening, because the second opening is less spectacular. Take the first version and make a worse version of it with more pronounced flaws.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Good ones, but with room for improvement</b></u></span> <br />
Because I'm dealing with quite many good opening videos this time, classifying them is not as straightforward. The reason for putting something into this group, is, explained in the category title.<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu</b></u><br />
I'll talk about all 3 seasons at once. First the first opening, which is the one that pulled this bunch of videos up into this category. A lively intro, and the animation at the verse earns high praises - it is by no means low-budget, and the effects that make this animation appropriate for this type of Anime help to make things even more visually appealing yet at the same time feeling simple and not overkill. There are a lot of nuances that remind us that there are some things that can only be done in animation and not film, and I can confidently say that if I were to direct an opening video it will never reach this standard. Heck I just rewatched that part multiple times to grasp the technicalities.<br />
<br />
The few parts that follow next are not as great but certainly more than acceptable since the flow is kept running fast. It's the chorus that is a big let-down. Yes, why not have the jumping/flying/running because we can. No it just does not work, even though there is a lot of work put into this running scene it just feels too forced as running scenes always do. With a better chorus animation this video would have been on the top list.<br />
<br />
As for the opening videos of "Matsuri" and "Ni", they are designed for those who already know the show, so I cannot judge them as I did for the other videos. But even if we don't look at the requirements that a first opening video needs, "Matsuri"'s video still feels slightly lackluster compared to the first. And "Ni" is... I don't even know how to judge this one... but it feels more like the opening video for an Anime based on a dating sim. Which is not necessarily bad since this is like "enjoy this video my fans" but as I said it is hard to judge.<br />
<br />
<u><b>G.A. Geijutsuka Art Design Class</b></u><br />
There are videos that are mostly excellent with a few horrible parts, and there are videos that are mostly not horrible but with few excellent parts. Guess from my grammar which type this video is.<br />
<br />
There is nothing to really complain about in this video. It does its job as an opening video, there are some places which might be less desirable but are acceptable for an opening video. It is certainly not boring with quite a fair amount of detail put in. But it's like the production team just did a bunch of short videos and mashed them together. Although randomness is suitable for such an Anime, it won't be making a super-good opening video anytime soon. Still I must say that this is very fun to watch.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Macademi Wasshoi</b></u><br />
There are videos that are mostly excellent with a few horrible parts,
and there are videos that are mostly not horrible but with few excellent
parts. This one is mostly excellent but the few not so good parts are enough to pull the total enjoyment value down. The one part that obviously needs improvement I won't mention it, but towards the end do we really need to show off the main characters' abilities at the cost of breaking the comical mood that this video has? Also, I can do with less butts.<br />
<br />
Is a waste, man, because most of the rest of the video is, I won't even say good, because it is excellent. They don't let any chance of action / funny / coolness go to waste. More opening videos should aim for this standard.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei</b></u> (first opening (complete version))<br />
This is a situation where you can't use the conventional methods to achieve the desired effects. A good lesson to others who wants to go classic, artistic, retro, dark etc, or just strange in general, this is how it should be done.<br />
<br />
Slightly messy though and I don't understand some parts, but then I majored in engineering, not Japanese/religion literature.<br />
<br />
The other openings are mostly similar in the feel and some of them also do a good job at conveying the idea across, but most of them have the "not first opening" syndrome.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Shinryaku! Ika Musume</b></u><br />
This one is just high quality all the way. But... it is typical. A high quality typical opening. Sure you can appreciate the graphics a few times, but it wears off quickly. If I may put it this way - there is nothing to complain about, but there is nothing that makes you want to watch frame by frame either. Appropriate and great for the type of Anime though.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>And in no particular order, the rest of the Anime that I had wanted to analyze for this post but I g<span style="font-size: large;">a</span>ve up halfway<span style="font-size: large;">:</span></b></u></span><br />
Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru<br />
Nagasarete Airantou<br />
Hayate no Gotoku!<br />
Maria Holic<br />
Mitsudomoe<br />
Hitohira <br />
The World God Only Knows<br />
Nichijou second op<br />
Highschool of The Dead<br />
MM!<br />
Ikoku Meiro no Croisée<br />
Hidamari Sketch (but well I'll have many chances to talk about this series, because there are many seasons and all of them (and their opening videos) are good<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Conclusion</b></u></span><br />
A huge majority of the "rewatchables" have good opening videos. Which makes sense, because if you can make 13 good episodes you would have enough skill and budget to make a good opening video too. And this correlation between good Anime and good opening video adds weight to the argument that the opening video reflects the quality of the Anime.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-13060321060075228522013-04-16T22:41:00.000+08:002013-04-16T22:47:51.909+08:00Anime opening video appreciation 4 - Negative examples Part 1: Down the retro back alley of sh*t!Yes, thanks to certain few opening videos, I have long decided to create this post. Well I have talked about Hidan no Aria already, but that wasn't the only horrible-to-hell-and-back video I have watched.<br />
<br />
And yes, there will be a part 2. But since I was looking at the retro stuff, I might as well bring up the horrible ones that I came across along the way, so all of these will form "part 1".<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>While I did mention in "Down the retro lane" that Anime of the past suck, I won't be putting things on this list just because they suck relative to the Anime today. Those on the list have to suck relative to the Anime in the past (so that's sucking <u>a lot</u>). Also I will not say an opening video suck because I don't like the genre. It's like you can't fire a handicapped employee. Yeah, that kind of feeling.<br />
<br />
So just to get them out of the way, here is some examples of opening videos that I have seen but I have decided not to label them as "suck", even if you might think that they should be.<br />
<br />
Battle Programmer Shirase<br />
Gate Keepers 21 1st op<br />
Piano<br />
Chobits<br />
Ok fk it, Chobit makes the list. It's bad even for its genre.<br />
<br />
List is not exhaustive. Plus there are quite a few that I personally think suck but if I put them in the mini-list above I will get flamed because they are considered "artistic" or whatever. <br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">The hall of shame</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Actually this l<span style="font-size: small;">ist is supposed to be <span style="font-size: small;">longer</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, but many of the <span style="font-size: small;">opening videos are from Animes which the Anime<span style="font-size: small;">s themselves suck so bad that I don't even want to associate myself with them. <span style="font-size: small;">(I fe<span style="font-size: small;">el shame declar<span style="font-size: small;">ing</span> that I have watched them.)</span> </span>Yea... previously I talked about good <span style="font-size: small;">Anime = good opening video? <span style="font-size: small;">Well now this is <span style="font-size: small;">horrible Anime = horrible opening video.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
Let's talk about the winners shall we?<br />
<br />
<u><b>Chobits</b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Amount of info about the A<span style="font-size: small;">nime: 0</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">People standing around: 100%</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Number of location<span style="font-size: small;">(</span>s): <span style="font-size: small;">1</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">M</span>ales lip-syncing to the fema<span style="font-size: small;">le voice: 1</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I understand that romance stories are supposed to have romantic video or something, this one is <span style="font-size: small;">like having romance and nothing else. <span style="font-size: small;">In fact, if we remove the effects and filters, and I write <span style="font-size: small;">down what<span style="font-size: small;"> is happening <span style="font-size: small;">in the video, this is what we <span style="font-size: small;">get<span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Tesla <span style="font-size: small;">sphe<span style="font-size: small;">res cau<span style="font-size: small;">sing lightning <span style="font-size: small;">bolt</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span> - Girl's eye<span style="font-size: small;"> open</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">-<span style="font-size: small;"> Girl's eye become empty</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- <span style="font-size: small;">Girl and guy stand</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Guy looks up</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Girl<span style="font-size: small;"> looks up</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Guy <span style="font-size: small;">peeks at girl</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Girl stares blankly into spa<span style="font-size: small;">ce</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Guy and girl tr<span style="font-size: small;">y to hold hands</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- More<span style="font-size: small;"> looking into space</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Hea<span style="font-size: small;">d<span style="font-size: small;">s turn</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Eyes meet</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Smile</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Stare </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Girl <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">reaches </span>for guy's face</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Girl smils</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ya<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Try transcribing any other opening video, even t<span style="font-size: small;">hose being featured in this post. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<u><b>Eden's Bowy</b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There is no<span style="font-size: small;">t enough things happening in this vi<span style="font-size: small;">deo. S<span style="font-size: small;">omethin<span style="font-size: small;">g it shar<span style="font-size: small;">es with Chobits, but <span style="font-size: small;">Ed<span style="font-size: small;">en's Bowy is more blatant.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> The entire first half of the video is literally a guy standing still from morning to night. It is very obvious they are trying to save money throughout the entire video. But I don't remember Eden's Bowy as being a bad Anime; in fact I remembered it was rather good. So wtf is with the opening video?<br />
<br />
<u><b>Maburaho</b></u><br />
Ok, actually this isn't THAT bad. The amount of animation is decent. But the directing sucks.<br />
<br />
First, the title screen is too long. It would've been acceptable if more people were introduced like what other videos do.<br />
<br />
The first half of the video has too much budget-saving. The second half has much more action. But it is just different people doing the exactly same thing of trying to frag the male protagonist. At least vary the camera angle a little? Or how about even better, have them, like, do different things? Do we need to have a whole video about a guy running and everybody trying to kill him?<br />
<br />
<u><b>Mahoraba</b></u><br />
This is actually not that bad either. Decent amount of animation and good artwork quality. But again the budget is not utilized properly. To put it in a few words, it feels damn lame.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Star Ocean EX</b></u><br />
This one would be okay if it was an opening for a game, of if it is your first time watching it. Some parts are decent, some parts are okay, but too many pointless stuff that are just to waste time. A huge chunk of the video are also used in the Anime; usually I don't penalize for this, but this video has too much of it. There is no flow and everything is forcibly put into their positions.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Yumeria</b></u><br />
Oh god this is bad. This is like all the things that you're supposed to <b><u>NOT</u></b> do <u>all combined into one</u>.<br />
<br />
Freaking long title sequence? Check.<br />
People doing exactly the same repetitive thing*? Check.<br />
Reusing the above animation multiple times? Check.<br />
Having nothing happen in the entire first half? Check.<br />
Static images of characters in a situation when the hair/clothes should be moving? Check. <br />
That darn stationary UFO thingy target didn't even break into pieces when shot at - only light was emitted? Check.<br />
<br />
Seriously, why bother doing the opening video at all?<br />
<br />
Actually, why bother doing this Anime at all?<br />
<br />
*Clarification: Multiple persons doing the exact same thing at the same time is great, like dancing or posing. But different people doing the exact same thing one after another counts as repeating and is not okay. At least do a different pose, and if you're dancing at least the dance should have progressed to the next part.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Tsukuyomi ~Moon Phase~ </b></u></span><br />
*Dum dum dum dum~~~~~~~~~~, dum dum dum dum~~~~~~~~~~*<br />
<br />
Here it is, the holy sh*t video that made me want to do this post.<br />
<br />
Amount of sense: 0<br />
Amount of info: 0<br />
Amount of relevance it has to the story: 0<br />
How appropriate it is for the story: 0<br />
Randomness: High <br />
Nekomimi: A lot <br />
Annoyance: Over 9000<br />
<br />
It's really not too bad for a video. And the problem which most of the bad opening videos have - insufficient content, does not happen in this video.<br />
<br />
The problem is<br />
<br />
<u><b>IT HAS NO FRIGGIN' ANY THING TO DO WITH THE STORY!!!!!!</b></u><br />
<br />
The actual Anime has a relatively serious story and the scenes are dark (as in the amount of lighting), the opening video is so bright and cheerful with all the nekomimi and onii-sama. Did the opening video tell you that the girl is a vampire and they are always fighting to prevent her from being taken back? I guess not. The opening video says that she might have cat ears.<br />
<br />
Seriously, again, ****! Even if this opening video was used for some nonsensical comedy I would still want to punch the producers. And ~Moon Phase~ is definitely much more serious than the school-life fanservice-heavy shounen vampire stories (or bishounen-heavy stories for the female audience). Why do this to the industry? This is like the most troll-y opening video ever made by an actual animation studio for an Anime being aired on TV. I will actually believe it if you tell me that the producers created this with the intent of rick-rolling the entire industry. Imagine being at a cliffhanger after the first one minute of the episode and you get greeted with this opening video.<br />
<br />
I don't even know how to conclude this. I'll just end this abruptly. Right here. Zip.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-25039320817092716052013-04-08T18:49:00.000+08:002013-04-08T18:49:18.950+08:00That moment when you realize Bose doesn't do cablesSo, in terms of BS-ness, Bose < Monster < the rest of the audio industry?wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-37166810220195118772013-04-05T19:08:00.001+08:002013-04-16T22:49:20.868+08:00Anime opening video appreciation 3 - Down the retro lane!Let's look at something different for a change of pace. Let's look at stuff from when TV was still 4:3, plus some 16:9 content from during the 4:3-to-16:9 transition period. Includes lots of stuff from before BitTorrent became prevalent, or probably even before torrents were invented.<br />
<br />
Also includes some newer stuff that somehow ended up here and I'm just going to cover them anyway to make my life easier.<br />
<br />
I can tell you... you better appreciate me going through these old-age stuff... and I'm not being tsundere. Some of those stuff are painful to watch by today's standards. Believe me when I say Anime has improved a lot over the years (and is till improving), so stop getting stuck in the past.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, there are some old Anime (opening videos) that are still watchable by today's standards, and the good ones have this feel that is just not being reproduced today. In fact, many videos are good enough that I remembered why I used to enjoy watching opening videos. While technology has improved over the years, you cannot use that to replace art. <br />
<br />
Because there are some videos that are way better than others, some that are still decent now, and some that are good for their time, I'm going to talk about the first two groups separately and leave out the third, because with about 150 videos to go through this time the list can get quite long if I include everything that I find are entertaining.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The cream of the crop</b></span></u><br />
<br />
<u><b>Black Cat</b></u><br />
Ok, this thing was moved to the B-rankers when I rewatched it, and moved back to the A-team when I rewatched it yet again. <br />
<br />
Yea, shonen Anime. Yes good opening
videos can and do exist for them. Throw in appropriate music, a sequence of events that makes (singular; I'm referring to the sequence) the show look good, good animation quality, and good presentation.<br />
<br />
<b>Why it narrowly escaped death:</b> As you shall soon see, most if not all of the rest of the videos in the A-group have no segments to be complained about. And Black Cat's opening video has a few parts that are redundant or takes too much time and badly done. In particular, 0:57 to 1:10 (which is quite long), and a few other parts that I personally do not like but am willing to let it slide since some people might like it.<br />
<br />
But, the good parts of the video are so awesome that I've decided to put it onto the A-list in the end.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Bubblegum Crisis 2040</b></u><br />
The music gets this video
some points. The overall feel of the video is good and appropriate.
Japanese animation was moving from the "Oh hey I have a giant robot!
Look at the giant robot!" (Replace giant robot with magic wand / ninja
powers / etc.) to "Yo, this is serious business, and we're here to look
badass."<br />
<br />
So good that reviewing it in words would probably be showing it disrespect. You have to consider it was 1998, and this thing still can hold its own against opening videos today. Easily one of the best even among the videos I'm writing about this time.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Comic Party Revolution</b></u><br />
"Hey, we got a lot of
budget. But let's not spend it on 3D effects or 24fps tweening, and
instead spend it on things that actually matter. Lots of good-quality
static images, lots of animations, and paste them all over the goddamn
canvas." That's Comic Party Revolution's opening in a nutshell.<br />
<br />
Oh,
and "Why not make our own unique transition effects for every single
transition because we can." Well, customized transitions are not rare,
and good opening videos would be incorporating them and animating them
as though they're part of the animation. Because really, they're not
that expensive nor hard to make when you're already animating 90 seconds
of animation. Still, credit deserves mention, and that is a lot of
transition effects.<br />
<br />
But the good part isn't limited to
the animation quality. In terms of sequence of events, this is quite
standard for such an Anime. Give everyone a few seconds and introduce
them all. But this is carried out soooooooo nicely, largely in part due
to having multiple animations occurring at the same time. Three
different views per person - what society sees (occupation etc.), what
people around sees, and the side that is not shown to people. Ok, I
might be pushing it with my interpretation, since the last two is
debatable. But certainly we get multiple viewpoints.<br />
<br />
Some
characters also have their parts slightly tweaked (not counting the
transition effects). The movement of Minami's panel with her on the
kickscooter follows how she is controlling the scooter. Chisa's screen
at the bottom right... hard to describe. Reiko's scene... also hard to
describe, but really creative, and I love the way she jumps from panel
to panel. Asahi's scene is also different from the rest.<br />
<br />
The
panels, the producers also didn't simply screw it up like many others
by simply using simple rectangles. The background too. And the
occasional foreground effects too. This is why we pay money to
art/design graduates. And because I am not one, I can't explain why this
is much more visually pleasing than simple rectangles nor would I be
able to come up with this.<br />
<br />
There are so many small
things here and there I just can't cover them all. It's the small things
that matter, that gives the viewer the impression that the producers
have put in thought and effort. Combine with excellent quality for the
things that everybody else also have, and wow.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Final Approach</b></u><br />
Dating sim-based Anime. Now how can the opening video be good. Well this video will show you how.<br />
<br />
Motion,
motion motion. Scene change. Posing with effects and some motion.
Posing, posing, posing, bang, movement, movement, chibis, static
picture, static picture, more pictures, effects, erm... stuff.<br />
<br />
Chibis. Stuff. Scene change into stuff. Stuff. Stuff. Cute stuff. Ending posing scene.<br />
<br />
This is how to make a good opening video for a dating sim-based Anime.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Guardian Hearts</b></u><br />
Continuing on "spamming-style"
videos, this one adds an extra touch by having the characters performing
on stage. Because why not. Since they're doing random stuff anyway. In
addition, the producers didn't just have a scene showing them on stage;
instead they interleaved the stage part with the other-randomness part.
Similarly the fighting and transformation and stuff parts are also
inserted here and there. Combine with the appropriate music, we have a
video that is like how a musical performance should be presented, at the
same time an awesome fighting-style opening. And harem. And
school/daily. And randomness. There are no parts that are low-quality.
At least relatively for its era anyway.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha</b></u><br />
I will not hesitate to consider this as one of the best magical girl opening videos ever, and I will not disagree if someone says that this is the best. I do, however hesitate to say that this is the absolute best of best. Well I'll talk about this, and boy do I have things to talk about.<br />
<br />
The first time I came across this series was when I saw a picture of it on some database (not AniDB). Just a small girl carrying a wand with an animal, rated for age 7 and up. With "mahou shoujo" in the name, I thought it was just some lame stuff for children and ignored it.<br />
<br />
The second time I came across this was during a dig for Anime(-style) music. I saw something with the name Mizuki Nana so I just acquired it. (At that time I was already knew Mizuki Nana is a good singer.) Along with a few other songs, I dump it all into my MP3 player. (I had an MP3 player back in 2002, before it was cool.)<br />
<br />
So, on my way home on the bus on the same day, I cycled through the songs, and WHAM. Wtf is this awesome piece of music. The problem with MP3 players of the past is that they don't have enough pixels to display the song name. So I got home, opened the files I acquired earlier, but couldn't find the song. Because I looked at Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha last because, hey, it has the words "Mahou Shoujo" in it. How was I supposed to expect that this song is from a "Mahou Shoujo" Anime.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this song made me very interested in the Anime, even if it was just to see the opening video. Got it, watch it.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
This is so not the Mahou Shoujo I had first thought.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.somethingawful.com/mjolnir/images/cg09012004/grutz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.somethingawful.com/mjolnir/images/cg09012004/grutz.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, first impressions can go horribly wrong. (And this is one of the quite a few cases I have come across. Maybe I should make a post on that.)<br />
<br />
Ok I can write a whole article on why the original Nanoha Anime is awesome. But I won't. So let's focus on the opening video.<br />
<br />
Ok, opening video (and music) reflecting the song. And the songs says this is serious sh*t.<br />
<br />
Starting. Usually when people start by showing of a magic wand, it's like a cheerful thing. Nope, this thing follows the style of when people show a superweapon of some sort. Not the first time being done, but pretty well done and appropriate.<br />
<br />
The first half gives a rather lonely and unsecure feeling. A nice short glimpse of happiness that ended when the filmreel effect came in. Fate feeling emo. Nanoha alone in the forest, secret identity that cannot be revealed. And you thought being a magical girl/power ranger is fun?<br />
<br />
Followed by the best transformation scene in magical girl opening video history ever. Quite a lot of things happening within a short time. I love the background which is actually the jewel continuously zooming out. The mood changes, magic activates, and she flies off...<br />
<br />
...right into Fate in the night sky of the city. Taking the time to set the mood as they confront each other in the night sky. And then, contact. Not a single laser was fired, but this only tells us that the seriousness of the story extends to beyond the lasers these girls shoot.<br />
<br />
The parts following, the intro of the characters, is quite inescapable, so I'm not deducting points. Ends of on a serious feeling.<br />
<br />
Ok, fine, this is not a magical girl Anime, meaning going around swinging wands and helping people. Maybe that's why it is good.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Nanatsuiro Drops</b></u><br />
Ahh... finally we reach this guy.<br />
<br />
Hey, you know what is the way to use filters? To actually enhance what is already good on its own. So yea we already have the main characters (and their color schemes) introduced within the first few seconds. In fact I think that this scene would actually feel weird without the color filters. The ripples just made it flow just so nicely.<br />
<br />
Running. The bane of all opening videos. But this one is done so nicely I have praises rather than complaints. For one, she didn't repeat her actions. For two, the camera is constantly changing angle. For three, the background is always changing.<br />
<br />
Posing. No complaining when the picture is so beautiful.<br />
<br />
We have some sort of running/dancing to introduce the main character, with enough body movement and camera work to feel not boring at all. Insert something that reflects the mood of this Anime. More introduction of characters. Insert another thing that reflects the mood of this Anime.<br />
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The next scene, standing behind the person she loves, how cute and romantic, and we realize this is not just a magical girl story, but a romance.<br />
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A transformation scene that happens fast with excellent graphics, and we move on to the chorus.<br />
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The first 2 seconds was a stroke of genius. Starting with the mountain at night view that is typical of everyday life, the camera pans and the sky fades into the wonderful fantasy that this story is. And then the camera stops, because what is that light coming from afar? It's a stellar spinner approaching at high speed, gliding over the water and making waves and lots of action. She notices somebody around her, another stellar spinner. Friend, rival? Or perhaps both. The movement here is just so detailed. And then finally the main character/doll is revealed.<br />
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The inescapable character intro, but this one keeps the theme and the pace and finishes quickly.<br />
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Glitter, glitter, glitter. More glitter, glitter, glitter. Followed by a soft ending.<br />
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And I don't think this was a high-budget Anime production. But the things, the effects, are just done so nicely. It's... just... beautiful.<br />
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<u><b>Macross Dynamite 7</b></u><br />
It's the final, complete version that I'm talking about.<br />
<br />
Yea, it's OVA, it isn't the first opening of the series, so it's different from the rest of the videos that I'm talking about. But a good video is a good video.<br />
<br />
And boy this video totally abuses the fact that it isn't a "first opening video", making it more like an MTV instead. But you know what, this thing would totally work and rock as a "first opening video" too. Read on.<br />
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Computer-aided graphics everywhere + high quality old school 2D, also enhanced by computer. This video is the definition of eye-candy.<br />
<br />
That's in general, now let's get to the specifics. Already right from the start we're smashed with a variety of pictures. Even the title screen which doesn't get much screen time gets special effects.<br />
<br />
Oh speaking of special effects, the words, as in the credits, also get special effect appropriate for this video. I'm not sure whether the English words appear for a split second because of the version of the video or because they're trying to act new age. Well, today there are many opening videos that have special effects for the credits, some similar to this one here. But hey, credit where it is due.<br />
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The verse. It combines speed with tranquility. The first half, on the train, not so special compared to the rest of the video, but still decent. Then scene change to a whole bunch of fighters. Immediately the video is relevant to the story, and the character's relationship with these vehicles is established. Or and the relationship with music too. And one more important thing, the feeling of peace and security. That's how it feels when there are over 9000 spacecrafts just idling around the base, with a few going out for patrol duty, and people playing guitar. The story is at that stage, and so should the opening video. And at the same time, the majesticness of the armed force and the vehicles are well expressed.<br />
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Chorus! Concert! Because who cares because this formula always works if carried out properly! A timely scene change showing the universe and keeping this video relevant.<br />
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More jamming. Or should I say, guitar solo. But what's really nice is the part that follows. Yea, the concert is still continuing. But the freaking Variable Fighter has entered the stage. It would've been awesome enough if a standard opening video consisting of the weapons getting ready for action is accompanied by this music. But this is taken a step further by blending this part right into the music stage. Then the concert continues on and finishes like that.<br />
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I said that this video is more like an MTV yea?<br />
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<u><b>The Gargoyle of the Yoshinagas</b></u><br />
On first glance, this video doesn't look like the type to make this list. On first glance, the Anime doesn't look like the type I would recommend to others either.<br />
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Intro is pretty typical, could do with a bit more stuff.<br />
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From the start we already have an idea of how this story is like (everyday stuff), and the relationship between the main character and the gargoyle. Then... we get the idea that there are some weird things happening in this story, but not to the the extent of disrupting the light-hearted feel. Heck, the entire video pretty much tells the whole story in a spoofy manner. Even at the fighting scene, even if you can feel the rivalry between the two non-human objects, it still feels very peaceful. But this peace is not wrong, if the fight occurred when major events in the story were not taking place.<br />
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A happy, peaceful piece yet one that also packs awesomeness. Finish with a group pose that still have stuff happening at the end to make it not boring while reminding us that this Anime is comedy at heart.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The B-rankers</b></u></span> <br />
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<u><b>Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan (2nd + 1st)</b></u><br />
This one got moved onto the
not-so-good list after I rewatched it. The content is actually ok,
because this is the type of OVA that stays as an OVA instead of TV
series because there is not enough content, so that gets reflected in
the opening video.<br />
<br />
But, aside from the suggestive (or
blatant) scenes at the middle part, and some funny scenes during the
chorus, there is nothing much to say.<br />
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Second opening is a higher-quality update to the first with more details here and there.<br />
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<u><b>Cardcaptor Sakura (first opening)</b></u><br />
Yea... this thing should be rather famous.<br />
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Background a tad simplistic, but considering the age + the possible intention of the producers, I'm not going to score against that.<br />
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Nice start, both music and video. Different camera angles and slight movements introducing the main character nicely. Some falling petals to break the monotony of an otherwise static title screen. <br />
(Lesson of the day - have some movement when displaying the title screen, any thing, any movement works better than complete stillness. Although actually, nobody makes that mistake anymore, except the super cheap productions. Yes, a still title screen makes the Anime look cheap.)<br />
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Standing, standing, standing, the video follows the song lyrics. There's nothing much to do at this point anyway yea? It's a show for girls after all. But since I didn't get bored or pissed it's all okay.<br />
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The middle part, usually transformation scene happens here (either here or chorus). Or a showcase of the protagonist's powers (It's along the same line). But, Cardcaptor Sakura doesn't really have any noteworthy ability of her own, nor does she really have a transformation scene (But what do I know, I didn't follow the Anime; and it'd be strange if I did). The opening video instead appropriately touched on those stuff only briefly and quickly. Nice "transformation", even if it is only a fade in of the clothes.<br />
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The fantasy and calm feel is brought out nicely by the opening video. Sufficient introduction of supporting characters. Good visual entertainment. Probably pretty mediocre by today's standards, but still a good watch.<br />
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Second and third openings... they're more like music videos than opening videos. Bad music videos.<br />
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<u><b></b></u>
<u><b>Full Moon wo Sagashite (first opening)</b></u><br />
Following the spamming trend, we have a shoujo manga/Anime that convinced me that shoujo manga/Anime can be excellent. This video starts with dancing, but this dancing I enjoy because it doesn't not repeat itself every two second. Not as good as Carnival Fantasm, but not as bad as Idolmaster second opening. The background layer showing her adult form is nice.<br />
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More visual data, more motion. Introduce the characters will ya. With motion. Spam pictures. Chorus. Pretty busy.<br />
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One issue I have with this opening video, however. Spam spam spam, ya? Towards the end things are becoming pretty random stuff. But the video missed out telling us that the story is actually more serious, sadder, and romantic than the video is depicting, and I feel that it's not doing the story justice. That's what happens when you disguise a romance Anime as an "Oh I wanna be that guy (or girl)" Anime for 7-year-olds. Even the second opening is not reflecting the story properly, and by that time things were getting serious (a.k.a. filler episodes were running low). In contrast, the ending songs are sad and romantic. Brings a tear to my eye.<br />
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<u><b>Galaxy Angel</b></u><br />
Just mentioning it here. Hard to rate these guys (talking about all seasons' opening videos here), but they're all at least above average. Anyway you would've watched all the seasons, and if you haven't and you like comedy you should.<br />
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<u><b>Gunsmith Cats</b></u><br />
There is a term for this type of animation... (the opening video I mean) but I just can't remember...<br />
<br />
(Ok, I lied, I didn't know it in the first place.)<br />
<br />
Reminds you of western animation doesn't it? How appropriate since the story is set in the west. Speaking of which, Japanese Animation doesn't have enough stories that take place in the modern west and/or involving guns. They should do more. Back to talking about the video, not much to say other than the budget shortage towards the end. Even if it is on the list under the category "artistic", but at least it doesn't feel bad overall. Yea, have a gimmick and then make the rest of the parts at least average in general, that's the most effective formula for a video that people will remember watching.<br />
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<u><b>Gundam Wing</b></u><br />
Didn't think I would talk about a mainstream mecha Anime that the entire world knows about*?<br />
<br />
(*Hopefully that is still the case, because a world where the only Gundam everybody knows is Gundam Seed would SUCK ALOT; it's bad enough that people don't know about Universal Century)<br />
<br />
Gundam Wing is a good representative of the past. The lack of computer-aided graphics, yet everything is so nicely drawn. It's like they take excellent colored manga drawings and put them on the screen; it's a different type of "nice" compared to some of the realism fine art HDR of today. (The fighting at the last part of the opening video doesn't count, because it's taken from the actual Anime...) The downside of this approach is that it is much harder to maintain consistency of quality especially when things starts to become complicated or starts to move, so we're still ahead with the present-day methods. Still, we don't get to see the old-style artwork today anymore. Then again, considering all the Anime that were made before year 2000, maybe this is for the best.<br />
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Ok ok, Gundam Wing. Yea the artwork is good even when watched today, so that already earns a lot of points. But the more important thing is the message that this video conveys, in tandem with the music.<br />
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Start with a slow fading in and introduction of... erm... stuff... until the colony is suddenly revealed. Then title screen. Then fade back to the colony which is now engulfed in flames. Peaceful place has become a warzone, and this guy is in the middle of it. Or he is the direct cause of what's directly being shown. Whatever.<br />
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Intro of Gundams. Can never have too much of it.<br />
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Aftermath and the lonely winter, could also be dust which just makes the scene even better. The future queen that will bring peace to the people in war getting emotional at a teddy bear... yes the teddy bear trick has been used many times, but at least it is appropriate here.<br />
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Tranquility, death and destruction around the Gundams after their fighting... (The rest of the opening video are taken from the actual Anime, so the opening video analysis stops here.)<br />
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Remember when war stories were about the sufferings of the people? Oh you'd remember, since the Japanese are enthusiastic at producing these kind of stories. Just a reminder that Gundam stories are war stories too. (And by that I do NOT mean that things are only sad if a friend of the
protagonist die (or, friends fighting each other), while it's alright if anybody else dies instead - that
is f*cking hypocritical. And we have a lot of this in action movies
already.)<br />
<br />
And remember when Gundam stories were not about this giant robot that can fly, cut and shoot lasers, but about this superweapon that grants great power to the one holding it, and can cause mass destruction or stop wars?<br />
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Gundam Wing - 5 Gundams that were created by the oppressed to stop the sh*t. This show would probably have been banned during the period when terrorism was a sensitive topic.<br />
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The opening video conveyed the message well. If the Anime is about war, suffering, and power (authority/threat), I want to see it in the opening video. And the music too - upbeat at the right times, peaceful at the right times, slightly techy for the robots, and slightly astro for the, erm, space. The problem with many Gundam opening videos is, I don't see all these. Even though Gundam series's are pretty much the same plot being repeated over and over again. Heck, this should be the case for all war and/or space and/or giant robots Anime. And some such Anime do have appropriate openings, tweaked for each individual storyline.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-1417814062915460652013-03-11T23:02:00.000+08:002013-03-11T23:02:27.418+08:00ReadyBoostYes I know you know that this thing has been around since 2007 and people hated it because tons of reviews said they hated it and because buying 512MB more actual RAM gave actual more actual performance actually.<br />
<br />
But I don't care about what all the numbers say. It's 2013 and the numbers from 2007 ain't mean anything. I have a 2009 laptop with 2GB of RAM and it slows down like a turtle when stuff have filled up the physical RAM and the laptop HDD is like a turtle pretending to be a snail. Enabling ReadyBoost with a Sandisk Cruzer Ultra 16GB with 4GB (the max allowed) for ReadyBoost cache prevented waiting for two minutes to switch between Photoshop and Foxit Reader and between multi-tabbed windows of Firefox. Yea, you know Firefox eats lots of memory per tab and will throw that thing onto the HDD so when you return to it later it loads from the HDD and you wait 15 minutes. You know that.<br />
<br />
That's the thing. Some of this kind of performance increase cannot be measured by the usual numbers that we see. In the first place a properly-functioning computer wouldn't be lagging like that, and if it has 100MB/s of read speed it wouldn't be lagging like that even with all the spyware in the world. Fact - it isn't properly-functioning and does not have 100MB/s of read speed. So the posted numbers mean jack.<br />
<br />
It's quite easy to spot HDD-related slowdowns. It is the only slowdown you get nowadays that lasts for more than 20ms. Mouse totally responsive, but window stays busy and unresponsive for simple things like web surfing and opening folders and Control Panel. Just plug in a flash storage media and see if it improves things.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-43672120308631488562013-02-15T00:00:00.000+08:002013-02-15T00:00:04.643+08:00Anime opening video appreciation 2Previously I reviewed a batch of Anime opening videos, this time I'm looking at another batch.<br />
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<u><b>Honorable mention - Narue no Sekai</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
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I have no idea what the director is trying to tell me. Lots of animation that makes no sense. This takes a few points off. However the (however meaningless) animation is fluid, the artwork is not the best but definitely good for its time, combine them both and we get something visually entertaining, although nothing remarkable enough to earn more than just an honorable mention.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I know that the above screenshot is totally unrepresentative of the opening video and the Anime, but that is what I remember about the opening that is good - nice graphics and smooth animation. The Anime... it has nothing and the opening video reflects that well. Well this Anime is from the time when everyone was making Anime for the sake of making them... <br />
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<u><b>Special mention - Galaxy Angel Rune</b></u><br />
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This thing needs to be mentioned, because it is like a meme in Japan. A bunch of people shaking butts on public television will make it to meme status. However I do not consider it to be an exceptional opening video. Well, this gives me a chance to talk about what I do not consider to be good.<br />
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First, gimmicky stuff. I am neutral to that (I praised the one in Carnival Fantasm). But if you're going to use it repeatedly (in order to classify it as gimmicky in the first place) then make the quality proportional to the number of times you're going to use it. And the butt shaking is used too many times. No, putting filters, or zooming in, or adding more stuff, still counts as reusing it. Content of the opening video is cheesy... just like the content of the actual show. Abuse of "artistic effects". There are some parts that are good, but those can also be found in many other average standard mainstream openings. So overall Galaxy Angel Rune's opening is worse than average, with some parts that are painful to watch.<br />
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<u><b>Uta~Kata</b></u><br />
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This one is another one of the few that makes me go "wow" when I watch it. At the start of the video (or even the first few times you watch the whole video), you'd think that it is standard pointless boring shyt. I mean, what are those people doing? Why are we watching people standing and walking?<br />
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And suddenly a person doing the exact same thing as you on the opposite side of the road suddenly disappears. Well, the disappearing part might be pretty common (like make the person scary or cool or something), but for this case it has some meaning.<br />
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And next... we have static pictures of emo people emoing. Ok, static pictures are common, and emos are common too. But why pictures of emos in a show that is like meant for kids (actually I don't think it is...)? And why the color filters / different times of day?<br />
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Standard transformation scene which thankfully happens fast...<br />
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Standard flying scene, <u>except that the people in the scene are actually capable of flight</u> so it is not cliche as ****. I like the contrast of the fast and slow flying parts. Maybe it has some meaning, maybe not, this I'm not sure, but it matches the song.<br />
<br />
And finally... the part that single-handedly made me want to write a post to praise this video. 12 pictures, which in most other opening videos would be random or a bad attempt at trying to show something. But watch again. 12 pictures, each picture referring to something of significance in the story. Your normal shonen Anime would just have the characters coming up flashing their weapons at the chorus.<br />
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And finally, again we look at people standing, like at the start.<br />
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Now watch the whole Anime. (Sadly that might be a bit painful if you're not the type to appreciate this genre.)<br />
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And when you finished watching until the end, everything is pieced together. (Or it can happen before you actually finish watching the ending, if you have decent prediction skill.)<br />
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<u><b>Umineko no Naku Koro ni</b></u><br />
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There is a possibility that I included this on the list because I couldn't find enough good ones after watching 32 videos - So far I've only got 3, two of them are not even widescreen and the remaining one isn't even like super good. This shows that not all Anime have good openings, and why we have to appreciate the good ones to encourage people to make more of them. I did find many average, decent, and personally likable, but not enough stuff worth talking about. <br />
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Right from the start we get classical epicness, setting the mood for the video which is a pretty accurate reflection of the actual show. So we kinda get the picture, know who is the main guy, the not so main guys, the not-so-not-so main guys, and the (potential) bad guys, and the mysterious young girl - seriously, like wtf, what is she? It's not spoiler that she is abnormal because it's revealed super early in the show, but what on earth is she is unknown, and the video kindly reminds the viewers of that, at the same time emphasizing on the spookiness of the story.<br />
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And... the witch, so what is she? Does she really exist or not? And if she does is she he culprit or the victim?<br />
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The images that follow, what do they mean?<br />
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Mystery genre, that's for sure.<br />
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<u><b>Sekirei series</b></u><br />
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First season's opening is pretty standard but entertaining, the animation quality is better than I expected for such an Anime.<br />
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The second season earns itself more description. It is pretty much version 2 of the first opening (and I like it when people do a good job with that; sadly people like to mess it up), with appropriate updates that covers the story development. But what I really, really, really like about this opening is that almost all of the video can be watched as a recap of the whole season 2, with enough content to keep you hooked while not spoiling anything for those who haven't finished watching by mixing things up. Describe the story, this video sure did. <br />
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<u><b>Strike Witches series</b></u><br />
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The starting posing scene could do some work - do we really have to see it 20 million times?<br />
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The video is standard for this kind of Anime, the song is standard for this kind of Anime, it feels like I'm watching yet another one of the other 9001 openings out there.<br />
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But the thing is, everything is smooth and the animation quality is good, and the simple standard typical song matches very well. This is a case of getting high marks by keeping everything standard and simple.<br />
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Season 2's opening is an update to season 1's with the exact same formula, it's a "duh" to say that objectively the second opening is better, but in terms of entertainment factor I find both to be equal.<br />
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Really, if you ignore the fanservice, wouldn't you agree that these opening videos are great? Same can be said for the series too... pretty sure the concept of girls flying using WWII technology while wielding MGs is a win. Or maybe the fanservice just made the win even bigger. Definitely made it not family friendly.<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<u><b>Honorable mention - Kaichou wa Maid-sama!</b></u><br />
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This video is otherwise very average for a shoujo anime, so it doesn't belong in the main list nor the unfortunate near-miss list. But it gets a special mention because of one scene - when the female protagonist transforms into her maid uniform. Normally I'm not a fan of maids/waitresses, nor the type of character the female protagonist is, but just for this scene I got totally moe-ed by her. This high-quality scene plus another one that happens later all, also with her in the maid uniform, probably cost more budget than the rest of the video combined.<br />
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Well, manga is all about the fantasies of readers (and authors), wishing that we are the protagonist in the story. Shoujo manga have a female protagonist obviously, often a Cinderella waiting for her prince, or just something that the audience can relate to (or think they actually are, although it usually isn't the case). Who wouldn't want to be the cute maid? Mission success.<br />
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<u><b>Amagami SS (first opening)</b></u><br />
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Anime based on dating sims have it tough when it comes to the opening video, and those with stories that do not involve magic powers or supernatural live the thug life. I mean, there's like, nothing you can talk about, yea? Most of them just manage to get by if the music is good, but otherwise...<br />
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I like the start, when the verse first comes on. Instead of your standard "guy A" and "guy B" etc walking to school we have the whole cast. It gives this scene substance and quality, since all characters on screen have gone through the character design stage and not just clones, which sure is nice to watch. (When is the last time you've seen a bunch of clones IRL?)<br />
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Following that is teh standard showcasing of the everyday school life, with things happening fast enough to not feel boring while providing the rough idea of the characters and their relationships with each other.<br />
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The rest of the parts are pretty average, but a school life dating sim opening video that is actually a bit entertaining and nothing to complain about sure is something.<br />
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Oh, and I said "Anime based on dating sims have it tough when it comes to the opening video". And that applies to the second opening video. They tried to make it good, but it backfired. Ironically, the first opening worked better because it followed the standard format for dating sims... wait, the second opening video was also following it. So I have bad opinions. Well this is art appreciation! oh wait, it is the nuances in the second video. The little things that they added to make things more interesting. But those just made things feel very forced as well as breaking the flow.<br />
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<u><b>Asobi ni Ikuyo!</b></u><br />
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Ah... finally an opening video that is good without a doubt. Things happen at a fast-enough pace without feeling too forced, the effects are very creative. Feels like a music video but achieves the task of telling us about the story (which has nothing much), just sit back and enjoy the producers' technical abilities.<br />
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Oh, and it feels very summer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>More honorable mentions</b></u></span><b> - generally good stuff that I don't have much to say about, or stuff that I think are supposed to be good but I just don't appreciate it, or stuff that has some flaws but otherwise good if you can look past those, or just entertaining to watch even if it's hard to argue that they are good</b><br />
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B Gata H Kei<br />
Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko (yes I'm actually going to include this here ...reluctantly) <br />
Gosick<br />
Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae (add some points for the mood and "art factor", but otherwise not really good)<br />
Koharu Biyori (tempted to put this onto the main list but finding it hard to justify with words... I can say that I really enjoy this video)<br />
Kyouran Kazoku Nikki<br />
Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu (both seasons)<br />
Princess Lover <br />
Shukufuku no Campanella<br />
Tantei Opera Milky Holmes (both seasons)<br />
To Aru Kagaku no Railgun (first opening; the second opening is just messy with no focus)<br />
Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou<br />
Yosuga no Sora<br />
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I think I'm getting <b><u>very</u></b> lenient, might need to kick some from this list or add some onto the honorable mentions list in the post "Anime opening video appreciation 1" to make things fair.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Near misses</u></span> - stuff that have excellent parts but let-down by other parts of the video that prevent watching the video without pressing the stop button at some point</b><br />
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<u><b>Kobato.</b></u><br />
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The starting half is simply good animation. Simply enjoyable stuff that nobody would complain about.<br />
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But the running scene at the chorus gets boring after the 2794th second or so, and all the parts that follow are just as boring.<br />
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If the producers can do such a good job at introducing Kobato, surely they could've done a better job at introducing the other characters and the setting? What a waste.<br />
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<u><b>Sora no Otoshimono (both seasons)</b></u><br />
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Sadly, both opening videos are generally good and creative, but the starting (the verse part of the song) when all the characters are being introduced.... I know they're trying to do something different here, but, no, I don't get it.<br />
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<b>And... <span style="font-size: large;"><u>The bad stuff</u></span></b><br />
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Ok, normally I just ignore and don't watch the openings that I don't like, I don't want to criticize them because the producers have the right to express their own ideas, and budget/skill/and time constraints, or I just simply don't appreciate some forms of art.<br />
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But, sometimes the opening video is just too downright horrible that there is no logical reason to explain why it was created that way. I say again, I am okay with budget limitations and attempts at being artistic, so those that make it onto this list of suckness are those with no excuse for why they have been made that way.<br />
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<u><b>Hidan no Aria</b></u> <br />
Yesh... this thing is one of the unholy few videos that made me want to create this category. I'll never forget about how this has scarred me for life.<br />
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I'm not including a screenshot, because you'll need the whole video if you want to see how ass this is.<br />
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Okay... we start with a church... I'm not sure what it has to do with the story, but never mind cos it's common to start with a building or scenery (or just about anything)<br />
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...and... ...then... baby Jesus. Ok this is starting to make me uncomfortable.<br />
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Following that is just typical animation that appears, and the title screen. Nothing to say here.<br />
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You know what I hate? A whole white canvas of nothingness. That kind of background (or lack of) is okay if we're trying to focus on something, but that is a lot of time to focus on very little...<br />
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Okay... more Google Street View. That's okay with me. But, why, do you, focus, on the girl, looking at, a stupid street sign. (You have such a close-up face and the sign to show that she's looking at the sign, and not because she's suffering from stomachache right?)<br />
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Baker Street. If the first picture isn't enough to tell you already, the sign confirms that this is London. Why is she traveling? (Unless you're telling me that the big luggage contains a corpse.) Why is the Sherlock image on the wall? Goddamn we know that she is a descendant of Holmes, but do you have to be this cliche? Does the 13 seconds of her traveling have anything to do with story apart from the Holmes thing? If not then remove most of the references and make it into simple eye-candy music video! I'm actually okay with that, but not half-assed attempts to try to make something feel like it has depth.<br />
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Next we have very nice pictures of Rainbow Bridge and the fabric on the table (I've seen better pistols, but I'm not really complaining).<br />
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And... then... everything that follows is a complete disaster. Yes, worse than the first half which is already rather disastrous.<br />
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Ok, first the white background blinds my eyes again,<br />
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<b><u>Then we have the sound of a bullet ricocheting when she cocks the gun.</u></b><br />
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How many gun nuts and people who've actually shot real guns in real life will go crazy at this.<br />
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In case you don't have the general knowledge to know what's wrong already, I'll say it simple and clear - guns don't shoot when you cock them, and they don't sound like a ricochet when they shoot.<br />
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I understand that the sound is part of the music. And I am totally fine if the video does not follow that sound in the music. Treat the sound effect as part of the song and it is enjoyable in its own way.<br />
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If you want to make things cool, do it right, or you get the complete opposite of cool, which is dumb as ****.<br />
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Oh more simple backgrounds! Simple backgrounds as far as the eye can see!<br />
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And... the "activated" version of the male protagonist suddenly pops up of nowhere. So there is a male protagonist now? Oh wait a moment, transmission from HQ... it says that the story actually follows the guy, not the girl.<br />
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I'm totally fine with opening videos that totally exclude the guy (e.g. most Anime based on visual novels) if the guy is totally normal/featureless/doesn't matter who he is (e.g. most otakus pretending they are the guy). Or he can have something important to the story but as long as the opening video decides that it is not important enough then he can be excluded. But you don't include him for no reason with no explanation whatsoever. So now the questions after watching Hidan no Aria's opening - Who is the guy? What is he? Who is the major character? Everything goes haywire.<br />
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Oh great... cliche sniper scope, complete with simple background and a still picture. Are the producers really running that low on budget and/or ideas?<br />
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Rose, why rose? If there is no reason for this, I'm going to put it under the 'cliche' category too.<br />
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...<br />
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More simple background!<br />
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...<br />
<br />
And... again... guns do not make the ricochet sound when you shoot at a flower.<br />
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Ok, I say again, I do not penalize videos that have low budget. But Hidan no Aria's video doesn't feel anything near low budget. In fact there is so much quality put into the background of the starting half and in some scenes with detailed animation, much of this quality should have been diverted towards making actual background and more animation for the second half! This is what I'm not happy with. And the ricochet noises versus the animation, there is no excuse for screwing this up. This video is a complete waste of time that achieves nothing, producing something this bad with so much budget is just unacceptable.<br />
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<u><b>Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko</b></u><br />
I figure I have to explain why I don't like this video, although this is the type of video that would surely have people who like it, so I put it in the "More honorable mentions" list above.<br />
<br />
Ok, erm... this one is an artistic-type video, just like most SHAFT productions tend to be. Although the producers may be taking the term "denpa" too literally, which actually goes against trying to be artistic.<br />
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Interpreting the video is actually pretty straightforward so figure it out yourself if you haven't already.<br />
<br />
The problem is that from the chorus onwards the direction became very sloppy, which is a stark contrast to the simple yet effective(?) beginning portion and the fluid animation at the chorus. It's like "Hey guys for the chorus let's do what everybody else can do, but do it worse, and with more budget."<br />
<br />
Does the second half of the video really need to be this long? After a certain point it feels like it is not transmitting to the viewers any more information. But then again, many of Shaft's opening videos contain less than 20 chickens worth of info, so I guess I'll have to let this slide. (Yes chickens, it's the measurement unit for information.) wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-42873614244698489362013-02-08T00:00:00.000+08:002013-02-08T00:00:00.562+08:00Two Js and opening videosThis is like the best time to post this, since I am in the midst of talking about Anime opening videos.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I tend to watch the bad Anime first, then move on to watching the good ones. Two reasons - I want to save the best for last, or I'm afraid that I might not enjoy the good ones.<br />
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(Bad/mindless Anime have a reason to exist - to waste time in situations that aren't good enough for watching the good Anime e.g. when commuting or taking a break while doing stuff i.e. waste time when you're bored in general. At least this is what I think.)<br />
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But "I'm afraid that I might not enjoy the good ones"? Let me explain - my radar is able to detect which Anime will be well-liked by certain groups of people, be it mainstream or maniac. However it is not so good at predicting if I will like it or not. Some series, I can agree that it is good, but I do not like them. On the opposite side of things, there are Anime that are just trash yet I enjoy. To quote Anonymous, "I watch Maken-ki... For the plot..."<br />
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(Although, if you look at it another way, such Anime are well-liked by a big group of people, often enough to get multiple seasons. Well, my radar DOES detect this too. But I usually don't like those Anime.)<br />
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<u><b>Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita</b></u><br />
So, I predicted that <i>Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita</i> will be good in general, and I was scared of watching it. Because the last post-apocalyptic-and-return-to-lifestyle-of-older-days-while-having-bits-of-sci-fi-tech-here-and-there I remember watching was <i>Fractale</i>. This is how much that series has scarred me for life. And the artwork style of <i>Jinrui</i> isn't instilling confidence either.<br />
<br />
But still, I had to watch it. And so the start of the first episode... Things were not looking good... at all... I totally feared that it would degrade into a emo-morons piece of s***.<br />
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And then... the opening video<br />
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...which did not make me any happier either at first. Gimmick cute creatures are seldom a good sign. That and multiplied by low-budget dancing. Music is nice, but anything can happen with that kind of music. Moving on to the verse (when the singer starts singing), the first three scenes are not making me happier, and my heart sank at the emo night scene.<br />
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<br />
And then the chorus.<br />
<br />
Ok, the first part got me happier a bit, because there is less probability that something with this chorus video would be serious. Less, because there is still a possibility.<br />
<br />
And then, the second part. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I concluded that this Anime is going to be fun, at the scene where, erm, "watashi" (ok the female protagonist, who has no name) is in the sky and shooting confectionery. There is, no way, that this is going to be serious. Unless the main character has "shooting sweets" as a weapon, in which case it wouldn't be a serious story either (just to clarify, she doesn't).<br />
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<br />
And so I rewatched the opening and watched the rest of the episode happily. As well as the rest of the season which is a godsend in a time of crap. I love the setting, I love the artwork, I love the cute creatures (this almost never happens), I love the stories, I love the directing, and most importantly, I love the female protagonist character.<br />
<br />
I could have simply watched and discover, after few episodes, what the show is truly like. But that way I would've suffered unnecessarily and wasted a few episodes of an otherwise good Anime. Or I could watch the opening video and adjust my expectations accordingly right from the start.<br />
<br />
This opening video saved this Anime and my life. And all it took was one scene.<br />
<br />
Ok, now that we know what the show truly is, let's analyze the opening video.<br />
<br />
It is far from being excellent compared to all the big-hitters out there. But most importantly it does its job.<br />
<br />
Ok, starting, cute stuff, dancing. Nothing to say here.<br />
<br />
Title screen. Ok, you know, one problem with post-apocalyptic-and-return-to-lifestyle-of-older-days-while-having-bits-of-sci-fi-tech-here-and-there stories is we don't really know what type of post-apocalyptic it is and how much of humanity/science is left. It could be example 1) science is still living big but people are (mind-)controlled and living in some sort of dystopia, example 2) science is almost gone and people fight with swords and arrows but there are still satellites that cast what is understood as magic spells. Combinations are numerous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVPU_IZ82jyWx9ypSgJHf8rMsLLyEwcnF_dwIj4fEiOfJog-7NOVP5MQdx5wXody3eT4LoiFPtudTDlYMqGUsqcQlssD9boEbNguum2aS06r3nWvs1DvZ4xiFD5OudKAzn5hb3whmV6nx/s1600/%255BCommie%255D+Jinrui+wa+Suitai+Shimashita+-+NCOP+%255BBD+720p+AAC%255D+%255B2451DC99%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.13_%255B2013.02.01_12.17.19%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVPU_IZ82jyWx9ypSgJHf8rMsLLyEwcnF_dwIj4fEiOfJog-7NOVP5MQdx5wXody3eT4LoiFPtudTDlYMqGUsqcQlssD9boEbNguum2aS06r3nWvs1DvZ4xiFD5OudKAzn5hb3whmV6nx/s400/%255BCommie%255D+Jinrui+wa+Suitai+Shimashita+-+NCOP+%255BBD+720p+AAC%255D+%255B2451DC99%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.13_%255B2013.02.01_12.17.19%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSgLX11MujE_bRM0srIkt__LiSrk-gW7HElQcWzYNxgQWfqd_kMI0DvoAfGV19k08o6zlaxmQzcEJfWfOfh_5UBVvpjFWsJ5BPUzDFfiz5FQSRTKhyYzYHUGyDclA2uM28zfxegFKGlED/s1600/%255BCommie%255D+Jinrui+wa+Suitai+Shimashita+-+NCOP+%255BBD+720p+AAC%255D+%255B2451DC99%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.13_%255B2013.02.01_12.17.25%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSgLX11MujE_bRM0srIkt__LiSrk-gW7HElQcWzYNxgQWfqd_kMI0DvoAfGV19k08o6zlaxmQzcEJfWfOfh_5UBVvpjFWsJ5BPUzDFfiz5FQSRTKhyYzYHUGyDclA2uM28zfxegFKGlED/s400/%255BCommie%255D+Jinrui+wa+Suitai+Shimashita+-+NCOP+%255BBD+720p+AAC%255D+%255B2451DC99%255D.mkv_snapshot_00.13_%255B2013.02.01_12.17.25%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And what the title screen did was to clear that doubt. Just show what looks like a present-day city, then fairies roll by, and it all transformed into a village. This is enough of the information that we need. From this we can already know that 1) humanity did not advance till giant lasers, virtual reality, warp gates and giant robots with redundant limbs in space, so you can rule out all the crap related to those, and 2) civilization is still surviving. A shadow of what it used to be, but people are not killing each other, as is often the case. It only takes 2 pictures and a transition effect.<br />
<br />
As for the rest of the video, I'll leave it to you to appreciate on your own. Overall, it's far from being the best. But it is very effective and enjoyable, and it is very well-thought-out. Definitely on the "good" list.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Joshiraku</b></u><br />
<i>Joshiraku</i> was another one that I was afraid of. Although my radar says that it won't be like uberly successful, I never turn away from comedy, especially since they seem to be getting rarer and rarer. (Though <i>Jinrui</i> could actually be considered comedy. A serious comedy if you know what I mean.)<br />
<br />
However, the issue - it feels like yet another of those slow and lame comedies. I'm not going to mention names here, oh heck it, I <b>am</b> going to mention names. <i>Azumanga Daioh</i> and <i>School Rumble</i>. <i>Kill Me Baby</i> is also halfway on this list, but I enjoyed it and at least it doesn't have the hype so it's okay.<br />
<br />
Anyway when the the show is about five rakugo comedians... you wouldn't be expecting a lot of speed.<br />
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And the first 1:25 of the entire show isn't helping either. (Yes I know it's some sort of intro.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Even the theater is sad</div>
<br />
But... cue the opening video.<br />
<br />
How can any Anime with such an opening video be bad? Spoiler: It is not bad.<br />
<br />
The ability of opening video to 1) reflect the quality of the show or 2) at least trick you into believing so.<br />
<br />
Since I mentioned two other Anime, I want you to recall how their opening videos look like. Yea... also accurate reflections of the shows aren't they?<br />
<br />
Let's analyze. Ok, rakugo girls. There is nothing that automatically needs to be included in the opening video. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeZP9RgcCdtkxaAUkYAgXuGsQiO0HgJp4jeobW5vSLETlymgmT5QvdGEkCo67ziKYuA1MryEfbvddYFOtWzUuAe6HszgOXheVsQK-Qokb6vRolw_BXhMngh7rmM3SGw6uV3dFROpthTxM/s1600/%5Bgg%5D_Joshiraku_-_11v2_%5B0D617952%5D.mkv_snapshot_00.26_%5B2013.02.01_12.26.06%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeZP9RgcCdtkxaAUkYAgXuGsQiO0HgJp4jeobW5vSLETlymgmT5QvdGEkCo67ziKYuA1MryEfbvddYFOtWzUuAe6HszgOXheVsQK-Qokb6vRolw_BXhMngh7rmM3SGw6uV3dFROpthTxM/s400/%5Bgg%5D_Joshiraku_-_11v2_%5B0D617952%5D.mkv_snapshot_00.26_%5B2013.02.01_12.26.06%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Plan: Keep changing scenes (...or background). Throw in sudden bursts of visual information. Heck keep the eyes entertained for as much as possible. Coordinate with the music. The contents don't have to make sense and that'd be totally normal because it is comedy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1McFGchrQ-Qy85Lj9wiPOf_FZwikeBkavx4eJbZtTUvo7AxbHMoJ_oT_1u4yhHUnrFaxHUT8efEApi0Cn_A5tbFv_-F0mSYdBuMP5VUxFTCYr-TsWvdec2w1snnxT8L3Zi_C-_5-3vAg/s1600/%5Bgg%5D_Joshiraku_-_11v2_%5B0D617952%5D.mkv_snapshot_00.41_%5B2013.02.01_12.26.46%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1McFGchrQ-Qy85Lj9wiPOf_FZwikeBkavx4eJbZtTUvo7AxbHMoJ_oT_1u4yhHUnrFaxHUT8efEApi0Cn_A5tbFv_-F0mSYdBuMP5VUxFTCYr-TsWvdec2w1snnxT8L3Zi_C-_5-3vAg/s400/%5Bgg%5D_Joshiraku_-_11v2_%5B0D617952%5D.mkv_snapshot_00.41_%5B2013.02.01_12.26.46%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't like the reused parts at the end, but overall this video is still very good.<br />
<br />
Oh and the ending video (+ song) is very good too. I don't usually watch ending videos, but this one's is pretty addicting.<br />
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<u><b>Conclusion </b></u><br />
So there you have it. Two opening videos that saved both the show and the viewer from the wrong first impression by providing the correct one. The importance of opening videos.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-49579471314920266712013-02-04T11:50:00.001+08:002013-02-04T11:50:09.793+08:00Random thought of the dayAnalogies - for people who can't understand the actual thingwwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-24659893088421315402013-02-01T00:00:00.000+08:002013-02-01T08:36:05.750+08:00Anime opening video appreciation 1I knew I'll have to write this someday. I've long held myself back from doing so because of the highly opinionated nature of such posts. Yessiree, "Top Ten" ranking articles are always full of flaws and hated.<br />
<br />
So, I'm not going to rank them in any way, those mentioned are here because I think they are good, that's it.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, the opening video of an Anime is a very important part of everything. It is supposed to catch the attention of the viewer and tell us what the show is about. In fact, I feel that the quality of the opening is a good indication of the quality of the entire show, and many studios seem to feel that way too, with the production team of the opening video and the rest of the Anime being credited separately. Makes sense if this same video is going to be watched 13 or 26 times.<br />
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The motivation for doing this post was and still is the opening of Nanatsuiro Drops. Well I'll come to that video later, and as I said, no ranking.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>If you feel that an Anime and its opening video should be in here but is not, it is either<br />
<br />
1) I have not watched it<br />
2) It will come up the next time I write about this<br />
3) I think it sucks<br />
<br />
Statistically, if you assume that all 3 cases have equal probability of happening, then I not having watched it has less than 50% chance of being the case. So please don't post things like "Go watch blah blah blah opening" and "Have you watched this blah blah blah opening?". This is my blog, only I get to be rude on my turf.<br />
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There are many Anime and their opening videos out there, and watching them all will be quite a chore, so this time I'll only be covering those that I have access to right now. That'd be those one or two year ago or so. So no Lucky Star. (And Lucky Star won't be on the main list anyway, although I may put it under honorable mention.)<br />
<br />
And there are many things that make an opening video good, I'll have to cover them as I go.<br />
<br />
Edit: After trying to find the videos on YouTube, I came to the
conclusion that some companies are more strict than others when it comes
to intellectual property. Well it was probably grey-area to start with,
but since I can't find all the videos, I might as well link none. So
you'd have to find yourselves. Well this might result in you finding
wrong or altered versions (to escape copyright), but you won't miss if
you get it from somewhere there is <u>not</u> YouTube. <br />
<br />
<u><b>Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai</b></u><br />
Truth be told, this made it onto the list just narrowly. The animation is fluid and the drawing is high-quality, there is a lot of fun most of the time. The music is nice and the animation is coordinated well. You can see the effort put in. I feel cruel saying this has flaws, but it just does not feel flawless, because there are moments where I felt like pressing fast-forward, and when that happens it means I'm waiting for it to be over, which means I'm not enjoying that part. Even though each of these parts only last for a second or two, it is enough to hate it.<br />
<br />
Oops, I forgot to talk about why it is good in detail. I'll remember to do this for the rest that follow. Anyway, Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai goes onto the list for just good opening video work in general, nothing super special, though that is special in itself.<br />
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<u><b>Carnival Fantasm</b></u><br />
The Idolm@ster should learn something from this guy. Dancing aside, it is immediately clear from watching the OP that this Anime is a bullshyt mashup of two (or more, depending on how you count) otherwise serious (or not, depending on how you count the Nekos) stories, and this Anime is just full of fun and comedy.<br />
<br />
Because the Anime opening is usually used to introduce the story, story-less Anime tend to have a hard time finding material to waste time, and often resorting to "artistic" effects. Carnival Fantasm's opening is an example of how to let the video become not boring. Also, I'm usually not into the types like Arcueid and Saber, but after watching the video I was totally moe-ed. The opening has done it's job.<br />
<br />
How to repeat the same things many times yet not piss people off: Yea I know you hate it when those low-cost videos keep repeating the same thing over and over again. Not this opening. Because there are variable contents and the contents are high-quality, I actually want to slow-mo to catch all the details. Great success.<br />
<br />
In fact, I would probably say this is the best opening overall that I've seen in a long while, although it only managed to do so because it is a very high-budget series that is not constrained by the typical requirements and is just out to give fun to the fans.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Dog Days</b></u><br />
From an Anime of questionable quality comes an opening that is unquestionably decent. A typical Anime opening, introducing the characters and what they do, and the action at the chorus. Standard stuff. The frame rate may be low sometimes, but I enjoy watching every part of this video. I like the music and that might have helped. But there really isn't much to complain, since the quality is generally good and the flaws are minor. And that is great for an opening of an Anime of this type.<br />
<br />
This is an example of how you can have a cliche and standard opening that is still enjoyable. Basically don't let the viewer feel that it is boring. <br />
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<u><b>Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? and Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? of the Dead </b></u><br />
It's hard to pinpoint the specifics that make this different from other standard fighting scenes opening. Worse, it doesn't have much animation in the first half. But when I watch it, it just smells of coolness.<br />
<br />
However, while the second season does the same thing as the first, it doesn't feel as cool as the first. I can't explain why I feel that the second one is worse, the same way I can't explain why I feel that the first one is good in the first place.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai!</b></u><br />
This is one of those that I particularly enjoy. However it also has an issue which prevents it from being an excellent opening video.<br />
<br />
I like the song and the lyrics, and the events in the video. But watch the video closely, and notice how it doesn't say anything about the story. We get a video that is mostly about the typical morning for the characters. This makes a good special feature or music video, and it works for Anime that don't have any story at all. But Papakiki has an important setting and this video says little about it. And also I feel that the video follows the morning routine way too much, do we really have to watch the girls' uneventful commuting for 20 seconds?<br />
<br />
But otherwise, the starting parts and especially the ending parts of this video just makes me want to watch it over and over again.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Steins;Gate</b></u><br />
Ahh... another one I don't question myself for putting it in the list. While on first glance it looks like a mediocre spam of simple artwork and filters, if you look past the filters you can find pretty much as much content as a typical opening video, but instead of the typical background we get the artworks and effects, which actually carry meaning, apart from making the video super cool. It should be possible to redo the video as a typical opening, but why would you want to do that.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Seitokai Yakuindomo</b></u><br />
This Anime's opening deserves special credit. Look at the lyrics. It might as well be an actual school anthem, and schools that use this kind of songs (i.e. not lame) for their anthem will be badass.<br />
<br />
Combine that song with generally good animation quality and awesome transitions and flow, this video is rightfully on the list.<br />
<br />
It's interesting to note that while quite a few Anime opening videos have the characters lip-syncing to the song, which I find disgusting because the characters aren't the ones singing the song, for the case of Seitokai Yakuindomo the singers of the song are indeed the voice actresses of the characters, which is very cool.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Working!! and Working'!!</b></u><br />
The opening video of Working!! is a great example of being entertaining while staying simple. First the background - it's acceptable because it's comedy. Simple backgrounds like this don't draw the attention away from the characters and main action, most of which don't depend on the location, and some of which would be impossible to take place if the characters are placed in a realistic setting, like a room for example.<br />
<br />
Much of the content is pretty standard - introduction of the characters, some scenes of what they usually do. There is a lot of repetition and action is limited to certain parts of the screen, but it works, because it's cute. Simple, yet effective, and earns its place on the list.<br />
<br />
The second season (Working'!!) opening reuses the same style as the first season, and I'm not complaining. I do however complain when many other Anime tend to become sloppy when it comes to the second opening video, second opening song, second ending video, second season, and second stuff in general. Why fix something that is not broken? Oh yes, money, money...<br />
<br />
The second opening does give me the impression that it's trying a tad too hard to outdo the first opening, so I don't enjoy it as much, but still both openings are good.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Special mention - Yumekui Merry</b></u><br />
The amount of information in the opening video depends on the amount of information that is in the actual series, and in Yumekui Merry's case... there is not much. Spoiler: The story sucks, the Anime ending sucks too.<br />
<br />
So, while this style of opening video might be just average or problematic for many other Anime, it fits this series perfectly. The mood and general idea is put across, the characters are introduced, and it contains stuff that hints of possible future development (kinda like the scar on Himura Kenshin's face for example). It's really sad that the actual Anime does not do justice to this opening video and the opening song.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Honorable mentions</b></u><b> - these are opening videos that are either good or above-average according to my always-varying judging criterion, and/or I just don't have much to say about them, but feel that they're at least entertaining to watch in general. Or some of them may be on this list because I think there are people who might like them (because they're 'artistic' or something) although I may personally feel 'meh'. Ok, let me put it this way, I'm mentioning these so people don't bug me, okay?</b><br />
<br />
A Channel (artistic factor)<br />
Ben To (blatantly cliche, just like the story, and I like that)<br />
Infinite Stratos (better than most mecha and/or harem OP videos out there)<br />
Jormungand (guns, 'nuff said)<br />
Kill Me Baby (putting it here just because)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Near-misses</b></u><b> - these are opening videos that have some parts that I find excellent, but otherwise let down by the rest of the video. Note that even though I call them near-misses the overall quality/enjoyment factor can be worse than those on the honorable mentions list above, and even those not on the honorable mentions list.</b><br />
<br />
<u><b>Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!!</b></u><br />
At the intro we get damn cool poses and music. Then the verse comes on and... everything dies.<br />
<br />
And how do you screw up the video at the chorus that bad? That has to be the most boring and anticlimactic chorus ever.<br />
<br />
The only excellent parts are the start and the end (when the background is black), while the fighting scenes are at least acceptable. Heck, the way they handled the start and the end is something that others can learn from... but still... the rest of the video...<br />
<br />
I know my music teachers always teach me that the most important parts in the performance exam are the start and the end, but still... you shouldn't go this extreme...<br />
<br />
<u><b>Senki Zesshou Symphogear</b></u><br />
Most. Epic. Intro. Especially when you watch the opening video for the first time, right after the starting part of episode two. You go from one techno BGM right into techno opening music, complete with a lesson on how to transform cliche filter effects into extreme awesomeness.<br />
<br />
And then... everything else sucks. Ok, it does not suck, but it is at best above average in some places and below average in many places. You'd think that they would've used those effects during the chorus and/or at the ending (I wouldn't call it outro... a lot of the time the "short" version of Anime songs don't have outro).<span id="goog_1314607194"></span><span id="goog_1314607195"></span>wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-15197653846030600692013-01-14T22:27:00.002+08:002013-01-14T22:29:11.719+08:00Random: DC offset and tweetersSo here I am testing an amp which the buyer complained that one channel keeps going mute until the he knocks the amp chassis. Even when I personally use every single piece of equipment right before the transaction, shyt happens.<br />
<br />
The left channel has a DC offset of 60mV, if my Minipa multimeter still can be trusted - that reminds me, I need to buy a new multimeter. 60mV is on the high side, but I've seen amps with 100mV and the speakers are fine.<br />
<br />
It's usually the tweeters that die from anything - small excursion and low heat dissipation ability means it's the one that die first.<br />
<br />
But then I realized, to kill a speaker with DC, the DC has to reach the speaker first. Tweeters have a low pass filter which usually involves a blocking capacitor, so no DC will ever reach the tweeter.<br />
<br />
So that means I only have to worry about the woofer. And at 60mV the amount of heat is so low compared to the amount of heat the speaker has to dissipate at full load (speakers are very inefficient devices) it doesn't matter. (You can do the maths.)<br />
<br />
Still, I'm leaving my multimeter hooked up to the speaker terminals (in case it decides to rise to 100mV or what). The good part about bi-wireable speakers is that the second pair of connectors can be use for anything useful.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-49389848100281871722013-01-07T14:50:00.001+08:002013-01-07T14:52:03.763+08:00Dead blog revival and a change in directionThe last published post was... 6th of September last year and it wasn't even a full review. Also, 3 posts between June and September and none thereafter.<br />
<br />
I was clinically (figuratively or literally?) addicted to World of Tanks in the past 6 months. I played whenever it was possible. Didn't study as much (well previously I would study when I got bored enough, which happens fairly easily), watched almost no Anime, and didn't do all the stuff that needed to be done when I have free time. Well, things are going to change for the better.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the blog. Yea, WoT is probably the main reason why I didn't post anything for so long, but there is more to it. Originally this blog was titled "wwenze's tech, audio and Anime rant page", but around 1.5 years ago I decided to act more professionally, renamed the blog to its current name, posting mostly reviews and such kind of stuff and avoiding talking about Anime. But "reviews and such kind of stuff" posts are hard to come by, because products and discoveries are hard to come by and even if I have the product the capability to make a good review is hard to come by. So naturally posts become few and far between.<br />
<br />
And audio... well audio is the main meat of this blog. However the more I know about it, the more I think it is stupid (the industry, not the science), and the less enthusiastic I become. I've stopped caring about new products for a while already. So don't expect a sudden explosion of audio posts anytime soon.<br />
<br />
For a while I've been considering giving the Anime part its own blog. But since this blog is currently on life-support, I might as well use it to resume talking about Anime stuff. So... yup, I'm going to break the unwritten rule of not talking about Anime.<br />
<br />
And yes, expect an Anime post soon. Actually, expect a series.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-1969227661866310552012-09-06T07:17:00.001+08:002012-09-06T07:17:58.241+08:00[Beyond the hype] Acoustic Energy Aego M<a name='more'></a>If you are a PC audiophile, you probably have heard of this speaker system. It is a classic, and a top-end (for a computer 2.1) product that fought with the likes of MX5021 and Promedia. Even as the other products faded away and got replaced with newer ones, the Aego M stays relevant and continues fighting against T3 and Bose and etc.<br />
<br />
Is the fact that it is still being sold today a testament to its performance, or is it due to a crap-ton of hype? Real good products stand the test of time, and here is a tough test for it. No financial interests, no buyer's remorse, and yes experience with other more expensive speakers. If the Aego M is good, it is good.<br />
<br />
Yessireebob, this time I got a set of Aego M in my room. However unlike the Audioengine A5 review, this one isn't owned by me, so I only have a short time to test. (Short time meaning a couple of days.) So I'm going to make this review short.<br />
<br />
God those satellites are tiny. I already know that they are small, but it really feels small when you hold it. They are very heavy for their size, and that mass can be a good thing for speakers.<br />
<br />
The satellites by themselves point upwards, which means they have to be placed near the listener and on his table. This proximity can spell trouble, but maybe Acoustic Energy expects people who buy 2.1 system with tiny satellites to put them close to the listener, which isn't a bad guess.<br />
<br />
Me being used to bookshelves, Aego M's subwoofer doesn't look all that powerful, size-wise. Maybe around as big as a bookshelf with 7- to 8-inch woofer.<br />
<br />
Upon first powering up, I was pleasantly surprised. Shocked. Impressed.<br />
<br />
Because these satellites were delivering a sound resembling speakers way, way larger (part of this due to the satellites being way, way small to begin with). Although I could hear that they were trying hard, the sound is solid and full, and although not as clear or defined and has limited treble extension compared to bookshelves, this is a sound I can accept living with. I'm even going to say that cliche line, that these can be considered audiophile speakers.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Alternatives</b></u> <br />
Jamo i300 - another old model, and other reviews have mentioned it, it is another 2.1 w/small satellites system that sounded proper to me. But my experience with that speaker is limited to IT shows and shops, plus Jamo i300 is substantially more expensive than Aego M it shouldn't even be considered to be in the same price range. Although it might be possible to purchase the satellites separately and make an economical 2.1 system.<br />
<br />
Other than that, nah. Possible contenders are Klipsch Promedia 2.1 and Altec Lansing MX6021 but I have limited experience with them and they didn't give me that "wow" when I tried them out.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Verdict</b></u> <br />
This is one speaker system that sounded nice and still sounds good today. There are other big 2.0 and 2.1 with big satellites, but Aego M manages to deliver decent sound with a small size, and also at a low price. Definitely worth keeping, or even buying new ones.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-59631783345221478082012-08-13T22:12:00.002+08:002012-08-13T22:15:30.734+08:00[Beyond the hype (sort of)] Passivized Audioengine A5 vs Paradigm Atom v.1 (repaired)Surprise, I'm reviewing speakers.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u>Redundant list of contents</u></b><br />
Introduction<br />
Why I seldom review speakers<br />
About Paradigm Atom v.1<br />
Test setup 1<br />
Subjective listening results 1<br />
Test setup 2<br />
Subjective listening results 2<br />
Alternatives <br />
Verdict<br />
<br />
<u><b>Introduction</b></u><br />
Next up on the chopping board is the Audioengine A5. Well, sort of. This A5's amp got fried and so I converted it into passive speakers; to be precise I only converted the left speaker because the right is already passive. This means I'm not reviewing the whole of A5, with its included amp and all. But I can argue that I'm taking the amp out of the equation and reviewing just the speakers part. Anyway I'd expect quite a few faulty A5s that can be converted into passive because these things are known to overheat and die. A5+ has that problem solved with huge heatsinks on the backplate.<br />
<br />
But first I'd like to talk about why I seldom review speakers.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Why I seldom review speakers</b></u><br />
The 're' in 're'-view means 'again'. Dictionary definitions of the term involves looking at things a second time or retrospectively, or at the minimum an inspection.<br />
<br />
I knew this since the early days of this blog. So I only review things that I managed to get into my room and play with them for at least a few days. This means I usually only review things that I own. Be glad that this blog is free from financial interest bullsh!t.<br />
<br />
If you want to know why going to a shop to listen to something you haven't heard before does not constitute a review, just do this simple exercise -<br />
<br />
1) Take your bookshelves or 2.1 you're using for your computer.<br />
2) Bring them to the living room. One speaker on each side of that LCD TV.<br />
3) Hear your speakers sound different.<br />
<br />
The effects of room acoustics are real, and make more difference than changing amps and DACs. And it's free and easy to play with. Problem is wave-propagation isn't as thoroughly-studied as electronics; gay-sounding expensive speakers wouldn't exist if so.<br />
<br />
So, it is just impossible to compare speakers by going around to multiple places and auditioning them. But what you can and should do, is to find another speaker that is similar to what you know very well. Something you own, for example. A speaker that you've heard multiple times in multiple places works too. With that as the baseline, you compare the new speaker to it, you compare the relative performance, the relative amount of bass, the amount of treble etc compared to the baseline speaker.<br />
<br />
But unlike earphones and mini DACs/amps, you cannot bring 10kg worth of cuboids everywhere you go, so you better pray that the shop has something similar to what you own. With computer speakers, it is relatively easy - some Altec Lansing or Creative would do the trick. With bookshelves, most of the time it doesn't happen, unless you go back to the shop which sold you your speakers.<br />
<br />
So, if the shop doesn't have both the speaker I know and the speaker I want to review, I'd have to bring both to my place and set them up side-by-side (see talks on positioning above). And that means either a home loan or owning them. And usually home loans don't happen.<br />
<br />
And I don't have a lot of budget for reviewing equipment, so owning them usually doesn't happen too.<br />
<br />
So speaker reviews usually don't happen.<br />
<br />
<u><b>About Paradigm Atom v.1</b></u><br />
Well this time I have the passive A5 side-by-side the Paradigm Atom v.1s. Many of you might not have heard Paradigm Atom v.1 before, Paradigm is at v.7 for this series already, and boy they hardly look the same, except for that cheap wood finish. So some info on the Atom v.1 - they are at least 10 year sold - Stereophile reviewed v.3 in 2002. They are relatively small for bookshelves with 5-inch drivers. They have more treble and bass than average speakers at that price range. The bass hits low with oomph (relatively). They kinda sound like studio monitors, and Paradigm call them Atom Monitor, though personally I wouldn't call them studio monitors.<br />
<br />
And the downside of the Atom v.1? It is on the thin line between acceptably-normal-sounding and too-colored on the aggressive side with bright and harsh treble and missing midrange like the v-shape equalizer. On the bright side this means that it has great off-axis performance and sounds good when used as reflecting speakers, Bose style (you do this for a more spacious, airy, "live", reverb effect).<br />
<br />
Oh, and the obvious, it sucks compared to today's speakers, against the newer versions of the Atom for example. Bass, though strong and hits low, is uncontrolled and occasionally sounds like the bass drum of a high-school brass band. It sounds "hollow", if you get what I mean.<br />
<br />
So I've been looking for replacement speakers for a while now. DACs and amps are easy to upgrade because they don't change the sound signature much while providing better performance, but for speakers, changing one means saying goodbye with the flaws of the old and saying hello to the flaws of the new. Loving the Atom's sound, it is not easy to find something that doesn't sound like a side/downgrade.<br />
<br />
Back to A5.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Test setup 1</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGJ2ga8wB6YSJ435EP-PMY2Y3S3E0M9pYiXKB-lJkB71udIHc0yVRaa48h-LcTeg4m2pQHRO2viutVh-LjrKcSyb0CVJNYFtoPxKfq9KjxI89bkwor-1gUMrjlMTeAAuCsNHgXBmCS8Ab/s1600/a5-atom-dac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGJ2ga8wB6YSJ435EP-PMY2Y3S3E0M9pYiXKB-lJkB71udIHc0yVRaa48h-LcTeg4m2pQHRO2viutVh-LjrKcSyb0CVJNYFtoPxKfq9KjxI89bkwor-1gUMrjlMTeAAuCsNHgXBmCS8Ab/s400/a5-atom-dac.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I arranged the speakers like that so that for both pairs, the distance between L and R is the same. Many people put one pair inside and one pair outside, or one pair above the other. But placing speakers closer or further apart changes the sound.<br />
<br />
Placing the speakers like in the above picture does result in stereo unbalance; I do reposition myself to be between the speakers being tested, however the presence of obstructions changes the sound, and in this case there is more obstruction to one side of the speakers. However at least both speakers are affected by this. Speaking of obstructions, I've discovered that having an LCD monitor or not affects the sound, yeah.<br />
<br />
A laptop with Musiland Monitor 01 USD feeds SPDIF to the LJM DAC, which sends the output to the Yulong T-Amp and Fiio E11. Yea, I'm using Fiio E11 to power speakers (It's possible, see <a href="http://forums.vr-zone.com/audiophiles-htpc-corner/2075468-using-headphone-amp-speaker-amp.html">proof</a>). Because two of my amps (including the other Yulong T-Amp) are at my other place of residence, and another is connected to the TV. Okay so I'm lazy. But to make sure that the amp won't affect my judgment, I will do one listening with Yulong powering Atom and E11 powering A5, and another listen with Yulong powering A5 and E11 powering Atom. I need two amps so I can switch speakers quickly, and I don't have those speaker cable switches.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Subjective listening results 1</b></u><br />
Alright, powered up the A5, and...<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
Hmm... how should I put it...?<br />
<br />
Well, they sound not too far from the typical 5-inch bookshelf, that much is certain.<br />
<br />
The Atom v.1 hits lower and has more bass in general than the A5. Some people call the A5 boomy bass, and I understand why - it has a lot of lower midrange, but not enough lower frequencies to back it up. Even the bass guitars are lacking in volume compared to Atom. What I perceived was a like small hump at perhaps 200-400Hz (I guess) region which rolls off at the lower frequencies. Boomy, that's what it is.<br />
<br />
Overall, the sound from the A5 seems to emphasize more on the midrange, and not enough extreme treble and bass. And to top it off the treble, while clean, is not super clear either. which one might expect as a trade-off for having less volume and extension. It sounds like a 5-inch bookshelf, but leaning towards the cheap side. A hint of those few-hundred hi-fi systems, but not that bad.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Test setup 2</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj710oMk5t8YUpJdxyTr2hgSirDee17NGFFjX7H6EoFvBhXNn8dMn5asvFTf8mlVndmITtVIVcPBunlD844ngPjiGQxCuH4sb3lSZcbgWefqUWKTkZynkp6gnLLAQe67MTmd9wBs5pDbVXw/s1600/a5-atom-tv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj710oMk5t8YUpJdxyTr2hgSirDee17NGFFjX7H6EoFvBhXNn8dMn5asvFTf8mlVndmITtVIVcPBunlD844ngPjiGQxCuH4sb3lSZcbgWefqUWKTkZynkp6gnLLAQe67MTmd9wBs5pDbVXw/s320/a5-atom-tv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I decided to give the A5 another chance, in a setup that gives it more distance between speakers and more room to fill with sound. This results in "more room to breath" and less bass reaching the listener, a change that could potentially be in favor of the A5, considering the shop would have the A5 placed wide apart, in a large room, on stands. Plus, when I tried it last time, the living room wasn't nice to the Paradigm Atoms, stripping it of the thumping bass it had in a small desktop configuration.<br />
<br />
Similar to the first test setup, I have the speakers arranged like this. Fiio E11 powers the Paradigm Atom while Muse M20 EX3 powers the passivized A5.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Subjective listening results two</b></u><br />
As expected, the living room wasn't nice to both speakers, and the huge reduction in bass makes me understand why HT setups have dual 6" drivers <u>and</u> a huge subwoofer.<br />
<br />
The Atom managed to dish out more bass than I thought it would, although the thumping was reduced to a small thud, and the free-flow of bass guitar was reduced to a somewhat IMO "more normal" level, thought without enough deep bass to accompany it sounds kind of strange. Treble performance was unexpectedly good - I have thought the greater distance between speakers and from the listener would reduce the treble, but the striking of the instruments and the moving of the lips are as good as the near-range setup, if not clearer.<br />
<br />
However, the hollow bass of the Atom was also more obvious here. This setup demanded more out of the speakers and the Atom appeared to be trying to hard, and the flaws of being a cheap speaker came out.<br />
<br />
A5 again managed to sound like a 5" bookshelf, though it was just barely hanging on this time. It has less bass than Atom to start with, and after the reduction there wasn't much left. Only a small amount of bass notes were audible, and bass drums fared even worse.<br />
<br />
Despite having insufficient bass and treble, A5's presentation of the sound was more solid, the instruments more defined. And, dare I say, more normal. When compared to the Atom's distant, laid-back, ungrabbable midrange of course.<br />
<br />
It's like, with the Atom you get lots more treble and bass, which can be said to be the basic essentials. However as you spend more time listening to the Atom, you start feeling that something is missing. On the other hand, if you have not listened to speakers that are better than A5, you would have nothing to complain about A5's sound, and treating the amount of treble and bass as acceptable for a 5" bookshelf.<br />
<br />
If I summarize A5's sound versus the Atom's in one word, it'd be "sweet". I never expected this small-ish 5" speaker that is known to be boomy to actually sound "sweet". This may be a good or bad thing, for while it is "nicer-sounding" particularly with certain music, there are audiophilish 3" sealed enclosure speakers that are called "sweet" too. A reminder of the not-so-favorable conclusion at the end of test setup 1.<br />
<br />
Choosing A5 or Atom would be up to personal preference. The Atom's extra bass and treble at the expense of midrange is especially tempting, like how the V-shaped equalizer and "enhancements" like X-Fi Crystalizer work well when your setup is not good enough.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Alternatives</b></u><br />
There are many speakers active and passive at this price that have good frequency response or/and sound clean/natural. At the very least, later versions of the Atom have to perform better than the v.1, and they are priced rather cheaply. And for some more money, there are Wharfedale Diamonds that are seemingly better than the Atoms, according to measurements and subjective listening done by others. And Diamond 10.1/9.1 costs/costed SGD$399 (or less at some shops, apparently), so that leaves you with $140 for an amp, which is more than adequate for a T-amp.<br />
<br />
On the active side, the two speakers that come to mind are KRK Rokit G2 and M-Audio BX5a (now at D2 version, but many places are still selling the first version). (And also Yamaha HS50M but I'm not so impressed by it.) I know that these speakers have their own hater group each, but they are being compared to more expensive monitors. Compared to the A5, I won't say that these monitors would win outright since it boils down heavily to personal preference, but they sure would put up a good fight. A very good fight.<br />
<br />
Since my A5 has no amp, I'll also have to look at it as passive speakers that cost less. I've been told that the amps in active speakers are 1/4 to 1/2 of the total cost, so to give the A5 more chance I'm going to assume the passivized A5 is worth SGD$300. At this price it'll be fighting against 4-inchers such as Diamond 10.0 and Mission MX-S (although if you want to buy MX-S I'd suggest topping up just a bit more and get MX-1 instead), so the A5 has a size advantage.<br />
<br />
And if you feel that A5's amp is worth less (so that the speakers themselves are worth more), there are the abovementioned Mission MX-1, Diamond 10.1 and Atom, and the not-yet-mentioned Infinity Primus series and Aegis Neo One, these all are SGD$400 and below if you can find them. Some of them you can only find their old versions, or only their old versions are selling below $400, but they are still worthy deals. BTW when I wrote this review PAR Audio is selling Mission 760 at $339 and 762 at $439.<br />
<br />
Well that was quite a few speakers, and not mentioned are a few more that you can find in Singapore if you search hard enough and the many more that you can find in the United States and China and etc countries. And I didn't bother talking much about studio monitors, for Singaporeans just go to Sinamex, Luthermusic and Hung Brothers and look at what they have, and for the west you guys have so many I don't even know where to start.<br />
<br />
In short, there are so many alternatives in this price range, and the A5 doesn't score a clean win when compared against them.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Verdict: Go and listen to other speakers first before deciding</b></u><br />
And I really mean it.<br />
<br />
I have to say it, A5 is too hyped. If we ignore that, A5 is a good pair of speakers with it's strength being "no complaints" - If you are forced to use a pair of speakers for a long time, and if that pair is A5, you may find that the bass and treble are not the most that you've heard, but over time you'll come to accept this limitation of 5" bookshelf, and after that you'll find nothing to complain about. That's the sound of A5. With the Atom v.1 I've wondered if the tweeters or crossovers or woofers are spoilt (and I even upgraded the capacitors), and with the Diamond 8.2 I've thought that it has polarity issues (but confirmed it to have none) because the sound is too unfocused (a DAC solves the problem though). I can list more - with Creative T3 it's like the entire midrange is missing, Rokit G2 5" is aggressive and fat, HS50M is thin and distort-y. Even Adam Audio A7... but that one I believe could be due to the sources so I'm reserving my comment. But I've heard two Adam A7s in separate locations so it might be the speakers. But then both sources were bad...<br />
<br />
But the strength being "no complaints" also means that it has "no strengths" either. There should be many speakers that can beat the A5 in the areas that these other speakers are good at, if you can live with the drawbacks. Even in "natural" and "no complaints" category, I believe A5 isn't the best either. Plus, what I feel is natural to me may not feel natural to you. In view of this, I conclude A5 to be heavily hyped and isn't the unquestioned choice of speakers in the SGD$500 price range, although it still is a decent speaker at this price, with its own advantages and disadvantages just like everything else have theirs. I strongly recommend auditioning other speakers, and if after this you still prefer A5's sound, then buy it. It's definitely not a bad choice.<br />
<br />
I can understand why there is the hype. Take a group of computer users who have been using "computer speakers" all their lives. Tell them there is an awesome 2.0 5-inch bookshelf system at SGD$500 (or USD$300 for you USA residents) that can blow their MX5021, Promedia, Aego M and Bose into space. Which is true. There aren't many 5-inch bookshelves marketed as "for computer (and iPod)"; many studio monitors and passive speakers exist, but from talking to people on the internet and in real life, I learnt that many people don't know that you can use studio monitors and passive speakers + amps with their computers. (Evidence: Just look at the number of help threads involving 3.5mm to RCA converters.) Combine this fact with the "no complaint" sound of A5, you will get people who think that A5 is the best choice out there. This is a marketing win. And explains why so many consumers are recommending it.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-66507355833700355002012-06-07T07:34:00.013+08:002012-06-07T07:51:15.010+08:00Read this before connecting two fans in seriesThis post is created in response to various people on the internet trying to/suggesting others to put two fans in series in order to power them from a higher voltage power supply.<br />
<br />
In short, don't.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>This idea comes from the voltage divider rule. When two resistors of the same impedance are connected in series, the voltage across each is half the voltage across both of them.<br />
<br />
However, the impedance of a DC-powered fan is not constant. While I'm sure of the previous sentence, I am not sure of the causes and the extent of their effects so don't quote me on this.<br />
<br />
One reason is that the current through to motor coil needs to alternate, so this is either done by a brush (commutator) or an inverter (for brushless fans). And when the current changes direction, there will be a short duration when no current flows, which translates into high impedance,<br />
<br />
Which translates into a fan receiving more voltage which translates into that fan spoiling if you exposed it to voltages greater than what the fan can handle.<br />
<br />
Well this is the theory, but as you know people on the internet say a lot of things that aren't true, so people probably wouldn't believe me when I tell them otherwise with no evidence to support. So I got the evidence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mdxcn0-rIjuBzwbf2wJddCtBF-1ltyZJTcALSKJhZe6eLkOsdvdgSo-ng5fFPbFYLuEIU7AuBFJDL2xWtE6z8eYP6jmjW2EwyscFDsuw9kv7lbV2FBG9jL6D3YIVDgeIQvizoBaW8lCo/s1600/fans-in-series-01-globe-fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mdxcn0-rIjuBzwbf2wJddCtBF-1ltyZJTcALSKJhZe6eLkOsdvdgSo-ng5fFPbFYLuEIU7AuBFJDL2xWtE6z8eYP6jmjW2EwyscFDsuw9kv7lbV2FBG9jL6D3YIVDgeIQvizoBaW8lCo/s400/fans-in-series-01-globe-fan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The two fans to be the lambs for testing. They are 12V DC fans to be connected to a power supply set to 12V. So according to the voltage divider rule each fan should get 6V each.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu6k2UxT9J2zM85AMCHGjochjEOb1RBWw7cBTcpZMjCSWSNZA1t55wYH5YkO63zq74rZG0SQPlCVcrIDflvaqGaXlnYN5MMWaHePCt0KXBKP0F8JRDDxG8bEINDG8g7M1tHb41aoHM8w6/s1600/fans-in-series-02-one-fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu6k2UxT9J2zM85AMCHGjochjEOb1RBWw7cBTcpZMjCSWSNZA1t55wYH5YkO63zq74rZG0SQPlCVcrIDflvaqGaXlnYN5MMWaHePCt0KXBKP0F8JRDDxG8bEINDG8g7M1tHb41aoHM8w6/s400/fans-in-series-02-one-fan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>One fan connected. Nothing interesting about the voltage measured across the fan, which should be the case if your power supply is at least halfway decent.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT3ES74vT_V63x-R4CpjiHYPCYwlrbFnOPv_JS41Xol8J5N9ap4Cymj0Rquj7s3san165nLZ0dQlJ4Jqj-h69uuvVqbeVrbZ2e8gv_qCOq44wbrMllX_uAX_4SuZfXjj3exSlhhcUmy8L/s1600/fans-in-series-03-two-fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnT3ES74vT_V63x-R4CpjiHYPCYwlrbFnOPv_JS41Xol8J5N9ap4Cymj0Rquj7s3san165nLZ0dQlJ4Jqj-h69uuvVqbeVrbZ2e8gv_qCOq44wbrMllX_uAX_4SuZfXjj3exSlhhcUmy8L/s400/fans-in-series-03-two-fans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The connection for two fans in series.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_T11Xm8GWKi_9djXGcOgozumK7A9JL8nRAXhtfqvYLfPOUNGrefO6Rgf53u5o_crZOfR8SfswOY-X7v2KaI0fTbVZHOyOa6fSNTGNH-mB728keAgt1Z7tbw7XCvI5MeUhXVBc68DVV8L/s1600/fans-in-series-04-scope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_T11Xm8GWKi_9djXGcOgozumK7A9JL8nRAXhtfqvYLfPOUNGrefO6Rgf53u5o_crZOfR8SfswOY-X7v2KaI0fTbVZHOyOa6fSNTGNH-mB728keAgt1Z7tbw7XCvI5MeUhXVBc68DVV8L/s400/fans-in-series-04-scope.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Measured voltage across the second fan.<br />
<br />
As you can see, the voltage peaks go over 9V, even though the average voltage is about half of the power supply voltage. The fans are 12V ones so they are okay, but I wouldn't want 6V fans to be exposed to this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBb2kCND-zOHjrnFZn7tBzA01Omj7MFX7cdsD_o9bTG0aBWMBmUsLf9Bw9ueb5kDTm99VPIKeUOFRo7WcB1u6LQsIpb6kqP5R6R3L0FxcrGeiJ_JYy1-iWda49FhxWiYhkIzupiwxVEcM/s1600/fans-in-series-05-one-fan-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBb2kCND-zOHjrnFZn7tBzA01Omj7MFX7cdsD_o9bTG0aBWMBmUsLf9Bw9ueb5kDTm99VPIKeUOFRo7WcB1u6LQsIpb6kqP5R6R3L0FxcrGeiJ_JYy1-iWda49FhxWiYhkIzupiwxVEcM/s400/fans-in-series-05-one-fan-s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And this is the voltage across the second fan when the first fan is seized or stuck.<br />
<br />
When an electric motor is stationary, the back EMF is zero and it draws more current. (This is why motors burn out when seized driving a heavy load.) Nowadays there are protections in place, easy to implement thanks to the electronic power supply on the fan itself - this Globe fan measures 0.30A when stopped and 0.17A during normal operation.<br />
<br />
Put in another way, the impedance of the fan is lowered when it is stopped. So when you put a seized fan and a normal-operating fan in series, the normal-operating fan with a higher impedance will get more of the voltage, which is what you see above. At >8V average, even if the spikes don't kill a 6V fan, the >30% overvoltage will.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion</b></u><br />
<br />
Do not connect two fans in series to use them with a higher-voltage power supply that they otherwise cannot handle with each fan on their own e.g. connecting two 12V fans in series and powering them from a 24V supply - you will still expose the fans to voltages higher than what the fans can handle.<br />
<br />
However, if your plan is to run the fans at a voltage lower than rated e.g. two 12V fans in series with a 12V supply so each fan gets 6V <u>average</u> each, you can do that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80PHPenSxOlniVrLjYS4TV7ZRPgB_D-SK4gPOaPETR1xnl34y2cjdZJPaVX12rMun6Fv57Ckp-r5xWZItI2w1XCL7P-mVyUbHeM1ua6QpkFiH1ytONxYbfLj3qbh5W26hsZO-JqREhqfr/s1600/fans-in-series-06-start-vol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80PHPenSxOlniVrLjYS4TV7ZRPgB_D-SK4gPOaPETR1xnl34y2cjdZJPaVX12rMun6Fv57Ckp-r5xWZItI2w1XCL7P-mVyUbHeM1ua6QpkFiH1ytONxYbfLj3qbh5W26hsZO-JqREhqfr/s400/fans-in-series-06-start-vol.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The fan starts at ~3.4V. This is a 12V rated fan.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-75871440226101010072012-05-27T10:36:00.002+08:002012-05-27T18:28:09.339+08:00[Beyond the hype] NeoMini PCM2702 USB DACA few years ago, USB DACs based on PCM270x series of USB-receiver-cum-DAC were the rage. I can't give you the exact dates because I was late to the party and have stopped going for a while now, but 2007 to 2009 seems like a fair estimate.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>USB DACs were being recommended because people believed that -<br />
<br />
1) They are external, which means that they are affected less by the PC's noisy power supply and interference compared to an internal sound card.<br />
<br />
2) For the same amount of money, a USB DAC would have better stereo playback performance than a sound card, which needs to spend money on surround sound and recording.<br />
<br />
Sadly, 1) and 2) are false (I will talk about this later), and I have discovered that 3) Rich gullible people do not know how to open up their computer to install a sound card, and 4) Designing a sound card requires a lot of skill, which the weasels looking for quick profits do not have, so they enter the market with amps and USB DACs and claim that they rock.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so people bought USB DACs. And the audiophile products at that time were largely based on PCM270x series of ICs. Before this there were already USB DACs based on Philips and C-Media receivers, but they were low-cost low-price products aimed at adding additional functionality to the computer, not to improve (or degrade) stereo audio performance. Oh and there was M-Audio Transit based on TAS1020, but "it is a pro-audio brand therefore it sucks", and people back then didn't know much about USB and digital audio technology. (They still don't know much now, but whatever.)<br />
<br />
It is easy to understand why manufacturers chose PCM270x. It is a USB receiver with a built-in DAC, and PCM2704/5/6/7 even had built-in headphone driver, so all you need to add to make a functional product are some capacitors, some resistors, and a regulator. And also a 12MHz crystal but this is needed for all adaptive-clocking (i.e. cheap) USB devices.<br />
<br />
The simplicity also meant that many of these DACs have similar designs, and hence likely to perform similarly. And hence I believe the performance of NeoMini would be representative of similar USB DACs - PCM2702, no op-amps.<br />
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<u><b>Measurements - RMAA</b></u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnn2YnZvLuc7w0kEaqtmrnPwhT33DXSOGTeefyrE83B1fAdqxn7PQQSY2t-CQe30n0kCaCTo_enjcm7WDdIjc-Kuxdo8qQrqvvqlmRs90jbWEzvYC9Gq1lLUushBdvCG0_W42jJrHQg81/s1600/neomini-rmaa-summary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnn2YnZvLuc7w0kEaqtmrnPwhT33DXSOGTeefyrE83B1fAdqxn7PQQSY2t-CQe30n0kCaCTo_enjcm7WDdIjc-Kuxdo8qQrqvvqlmRs90jbWEzvYC9Gq1lLUushBdvCG0_W42jJrHQg81/s400/neomini-rmaa-summary.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As can be seen above, NeoMini's USB performance fluctuates a lot. This is due to a poor local power supply circuitry that is unable to block noise on the computer's power supply. <br />
<br />
So lets talk about myth 1) here. Thing is, the majority of the noise does not travel through the air. But rather, it is conducted, traveling on the power supply wires. So whether the audio circuit is inside or outside the casing makes little difference, as long as it takes its power from the dirty computer power supply.<br />
<br />
Secondly, a sound card with a good local power supply circuitry will be able to block whatever noise that is on the computer power supply, even if it is internal. The measured SNR of the good sound cards (-110dB and better) is proof.<br />
<br />
<u>Performance vs CPU voltage and frequency</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://wwenze.blogspot.com/2011/08/investigation-on-computer-activity-and.html">I have previously discovered that the SNR of the onboard sound depends on the load/voltage/frequency of the CPU</a>, and the NeoMini, being poor at rejecting power supply noise, should exhibit the same behavior. So I did the same tests on the NeoMini, and:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPoF79EnX_7CsFif3CStxlgu_e8Z6fa42bpLcrZ4zizfkZ5qHIY3m7dveIS2GOTRlp9r_VU4E4eh_DCLSBYaOxt2rBEo0mbsQEI3qMo5eS_xbkddBtXrVVW_OAf_SmDL4Ogbpjx4p5eYM/s1600/neomini-full-vs-low-power.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPoF79EnX_7CsFif3CStxlgu_e8Z6fa42bpLcrZ4zizfkZ5qHIY3m7dveIS2GOTRlp9r_VU4E4eh_DCLSBYaOxt2rBEo0mbsQEI3qMo5eS_xbkddBtXrVVW_OAf_SmDL4Ogbpjx4p5eYM/s400/neomini-full-vs-low-power.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It is clear that the NeoMini gets less noisy if the CPU isn't drawing too much power and idling. (The CPU is at 2.8GHz @ 1.325V). But the difference in noise is HUGE!<br />
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And if you look at the spectrum:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0av1PQn1ZYIvUBgjGmFCQnfEivqHIl2vcnN8iHeyqptirPmjW5hM5gBskN0YJ3_n-1Tv64NyWt9cZNnZzpHtObLeI1ZNLzOM8rKjPJa6pLEygEUxNiovPYMo7ymDw_pCu3XPJqw_P238/s1600/NeoMini+noise+800+vs+2800.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0av1PQn1ZYIvUBgjGmFCQnfEivqHIl2vcnN8iHeyqptirPmjW5hM5gBskN0YJ3_n-1Tv64NyWt9cZNnZzpHtObLeI1ZNLzOM8rKjPJa6pLEygEUxNiovPYMo7ymDw_pCu3XPJqw_P238/s400/NeoMini+noise+800+vs+2800.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The green graph is in front of the white, so it would not be blocked by the white graph.<br />
<br />
The number and height of the peaks are scary. Many peaks are more than 10dB higher than when @ 800MHz. However due to the high peak at 1kHz for both test conditions, the difference in noise level will not appear to be huge when converted into number form. Okay not really, 6dB is still a huge difference. That's four times the goddamn sound power.<br />
<br />
<u>Performance vs CPU load</u><br />
<br />
NeoMini's performance also dips when the CPU is under load. IMD+N is obviously worse, though all other parameters fall within the range of fluctuation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_CDGGKDEQgoj_B4qfDqpo0ctS7tqrDjxW75BhpPrPmVd0laGCOZJZCFAi6r3tZYkmWCnZk0IpxF8EQcGQQJWhAK0WzlKsEAotZzJfP3q8hBo1DlskMdmrheaIXVDNWYB_wW8pc0akGqT/s1600/NeoMini-idle-vs-load.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_CDGGKDEQgoj_B4qfDqpo0ctS7tqrDjxW75BhpPrPmVd0laGCOZJZCFAi6r3tZYkmWCnZk0IpxF8EQcGQQJWhAK0WzlKsEAotZzJfP3q8hBo1DlskMdmrheaIXVDNWYB_wW8pc0akGqT/s400/NeoMini-idle-vs-load.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u>Detailed RMAA results </u><br />
<br />
I'm going to judge the NeoMini based on a measurement made under the best conditions - 800MHz @ 0.75V idle, to give NeoMini a higher chance to not suck. It needs the help.<br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/neomini/neomini_max_vol_low_power_idle.htm"><br />
NeoMini 16/48</a><br />
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<u><b>Results discussion</b></u><br />
<br />
Alright, these are not very good numbers. Under optimal conditions it is about on par with Audigy, And Audigy is a card that should be retired. At least Audigy was good during its days. On the other hand, Audigy was expensive during its days, NeoMini was not.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, NeoMini sounds subjectively better than Audigy. Audigy's sound is messy and thin, while NeoMini's is more well-defined. The bass of NeoMini is not strong nor deep and quite bloated, but still sounds nicer than Audigy's, though I'd say Audigy is closer to "normal" in this aspect. (Disclaimer as always: Observations were not double-blind-tested.)<br />
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<u><b>Verdict: Mixed</b></u><br />
<br />
With measured performance the same level as onboard sound of that time, the only reason you'd want to buy this is "because it sounds better". Fortunately, it does, at least I think so.<br />
<br />
I'm going to talk about myth 2) as promised. You see, price and cost are not directly-related. Manufacturers sell things according to what they think the value is, and both manufacturers and consumers feel that surround sound and recording functions are worth little. So they will still charge a lot for stereo-only, because everyone think it is worth it.<br />
<br />
Also, while one may argue that some money of sound card goes to the surround and recording, I am reminding you that a large part of the cost of DACs/amps goes to the enclosure. NeoMini doesn't have an enclosure so it was much cheaper than completed alternatives for the same performance.<br />
<br />
And in reality, the most amount of money goes to the design. Or how much the designer thinks his design is worth because buyers have no way of measuring the worth of a design.<br />
<br />
So for example, NeoMini's price in Taiwan is IIRC ~$35 Singapore dollars before shipping. Onboard sound is at most a few bucks. And both perform similarly. But you would want to buy the NeoMini USB DAC, because you think it sounds better than onboard sound.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-4657171360648235672012-05-23T06:36:00.001+08:002012-05-23T06:36:55.813+08:00So you like swapping op-amps?<a href="http://hifisonix.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Opamp-in-Audio-10-Point-Guide.pdf">http://hifisonix.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Opamp-in-Audio-10-Point-Guide.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Thanks to ACRbonsai for writing this interesting text.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-91365691033226921552012-05-10T16:01:00.111+08:002012-05-11T10:57:01.064+08:00[Beyond the hype] Sound Blaster Audigy vs Realtek ALC888 (on-board GA-MA770-US3)I'm going to start another series/category, this time being reviews on old things.<br />
<br />
In these posts, I will look at old products, to find out 1) How good they really were in the past compared to other old alternatives, and 2) How good they are now compared to newer alternatives and whether they should continue to be used.<br />
<br />
I may also be looking at some stuff that are not that old, but the hype has in my opinion died down. Wink wink. Well you'll see it when I post it.<br />
<br />
Now lets move on to the meat of this post, starting with an old famous product.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Audigy, one of the things that changed the sound card market. Creative first changed the sound card market with the launch of their Sound Blaster series, but with the rise of onboard integrated audio, people have no need to purchase an additional sound card just to hear sound.<br />
<br />
Creative needed to produce something better than the integrated stuff, something that can do what those cannot. Like newer EAX, Dolby Digital/DTS decoding, and 24/96 DAC. And then there are those things that sound cards have that onboard sound didn't: 5.1-channel analog output, SPDIF output, and better sound quality in general.<br />
<br />
The launch of X-Fi made Audigy obsolete, but the Audigy is still a sound card that is better than onboard sound. Or should it be "was"? Lets find out and solve the mystery. And with measurements. No "subjective comparisons", because I am willing to bet that the majority of the time, Audigy will win because it sounds different. (Thing is, it really does sound different, and that's not a good thing.) And even if no difference is heard, Audigy will win, because, well, it's a <strike>Sony</strike> sound card.<br />
<br />
But before we get to the comparison, I have to sort out something with Audigy first.<br />
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<b><u>Audigy and sampling rate/bit depth</u></b><br />
<br />
You can find discoveries made by other people on the web, but to summarize, the Audigy is f***ed-up. Sampling rates other than 48kHz resulted in levels 0.7dB lower than 48kHz. Going 24-bit in software and 24-bit in Windows 7 OS settings resulted in higher harmonic distortions compared to 16/16, 24/16, or 16/24. Strange IMD test results were obtained with some combinations of volume and sampling rate. And 24/96 gave a really, really, really, really, really early high-frequency cutoff.<br />
<br />
I can't exactly tell if this thing has a real 24-bit mode, because while 24/96 gave better SNR/DNR compared to the rest, the performance is right at the limit for 16-bit. Someone more knowledgeable than me needs to shed light on this.<br />
<br />
<u><b>RMAA results</b></u><br />
<br />
I measured Audigy at 80% because at 100% it was higher than what Xonar STX could take in. Realtek was at 100%, but still Realtek's output level was lower than Audigy's (-4dB vs -3dB).<br />
<br />
On thing I noticed during repeated testing (for protection against aliens causing strange results), is that the noise level of the Audigy fluctuates more greatly than I feel sound cards should. Expect a few dBs of inaccuracies. (1dB is 1.122 times, 2dB is 1.122 x 1.122 times and so on.) Noise level also affects THD and IMD numbers, though to a smaller extent.<br />
<br />
<u>16/44.1</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaelaaUkOpH5UHOhyphenhypheng9TURsu19om9iecvvd9EHkXKiIlBuWvGBarg9aAvQZeQkbyhGnbEIbjTV7Xr25etEXql9mVPZB-rl_s-EPWHDVeRrcVSbOCwI5KkwUwKM7NI_nNI7Huw1xxXw2AJK/s1600/audigy-1644-rmaa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaelaaUkOpH5UHOhyphenhypheng9TURsu19om9iecvvd9EHkXKiIlBuWvGBarg9aAvQZeQkbyhGnbEIbjTV7Xr25etEXql9mVPZB-rl_s-EPWHDVeRrcVSbOCwI5KkwUwKM7NI_nNI7Huw1xxXw2AJK/s400/audigy-1644-rmaa.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
For this one I included a measurement of Audigy at 50%, because 80% resulted in huge IMD at higher frequencies.<br />
<br />
<u>24/48 and 24/96</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVNb7NYuXGIKXF5ETnG5wln1OwyYkfmDWhY58UF1sLzi6NqsHc6iqvvsyAF5pgeZQwvblxXWUc2DidB9keaba5ctk3G5hatqVWGpQAjplfeUbGfINtwDoumbUF4Ssnzttlw6_Ro6hGTHa/s1600/audigy-24-rmaa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVNb7NYuXGIKXF5ETnG5wln1OwyYkfmDWhY58UF1sLzi6NqsHc6iqvvsyAF5pgeZQwvblxXWUc2DidB9keaba5ctk3G5hatqVWGpQAjplfeUbGfINtwDoumbUF4Ssnzttlw6_Ro6hGTHa/s400/audigy-24-rmaa.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I included two measurements of Realtek @ 24/96 to show how much the noise and crosstalk can fluctuate. Audigy also exhibits the same behavior.<br />
<br />
<u>Detailed RMAA results </u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/Audigy_16.htm">Audigy 16-bit</a><br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/Audigy_24.htm">Audigy 24-bit</a><br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/GA-MA770-US3_Realtek_16_24.htm">Realtek ALC888 GA-MA770-US3</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Results discussions</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>1) Compared against things in the past</b><br />
<br />
To be fair, Audigy is a 2001 product, launched in the same year as Pentium 4. Well it takes a while before people start using it, so I'll compare it against my MSI 845 Pro4 which was bought in 2002. That had an ADI1885 codec, which is an AC'97 one so it is limited to 16/48. The <u>component's</u> <u>manufacturer-rated</u> DNR is -90dB, and THD at -85dB.<br />
<br />
Digital-to-analogue conversion, Audigy wins hands-down. And Audigy has surround out, digital out, 24/96 (at least on paper anyway), and hardware-accelerated EAX. And one thing that is important but left out on paper - at that time, due to high latencies and insufficient CPU power, music tends to freeze here and there when something is keeping the HDD or CPU busy, and that happened more often with onboard audio. The extra processing power of a sound card prevents that from happening. This still happens with USB sound cards and DACs in systems with high latencies, although almost nonexistent with onboard sound residing on the southbridge which is connected to the northbridge (now inside the CPU) via DMI. In short, sound cards were essential for good and reliable performance, especially if you're playing MIDI.<br />
<br />
Compared to Sound Blaster Live!, Audigy has a newer, more powerful processor, and better codecs. Well that's a given, for Creative released Audigy as an upgrade from SBLive!. <br />
<br />
<b>2) Compared against things now</b><br />
<br />
Somewhat unexpectedly, Audigy got badly thrashed by the Realtek ALC888 onboard sound of GA-MA770-US3. THD is worse, IMD is worse, both can fight each other in noise levels, which one having less noise depending on the sampling rate/bit depth and dependent on the instantaneous noise in the computer.<br />
<br />
The Realtek onboard achieving -100dB THD and -90dB THD+N is the unexpected part. Not just Audigy, this thing will thrash cheap USB DACs, beat some sound cards, and give some high-end sound cards/DACs a run for their money. However what the numbers don't say, is that high noise is often much more worse than high distortion, and that a lot of the noise of the Realtek come as multiple peaks in the audible frequency, which will be heard as a whine, most likely changing with the CPU and HDD doing their stuff.<br />
<br />
Though I say that, Audigy's noise spectrum is much worse, in both numbers and graph.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Conclusion</b></u><br />
<br />
One thing that can be learnt from this (and other measurements that I've done on other things), is that sound cards in the past really really sucked, and sound cards today are really really good.<br />
<br />
Digital audio and DAC technology have improved a lot since their early days. In the past 0.001% THD seemed like something that can only be attained by the best of the best DAC, and even paying a lot of money does not guarantee you such performance if the money is thrown somewhere else, e.g. wood enclosures and tubes. But today, quite a few product do 0.001% THD, some even doing half of that, and some doing 0.001% THD+N (still a feat IMO even today).<br />
<br />
Whether Audigy can still be used for gaming, this I will let others decide. But whether Audigy should be used instead of onboard sound for music, I'd say probably not. Unless...<br />
<br />
<u><b>Extra chapter - "But Audigy sounds better! Subjectively"</b></u><br />
<br />
My experience tells me that, if a sonic difference can be reliably heard, the measured difference is usually very big. And indeed, Audigy's "uniqueness" is measurable, especially if you're using the wrong settings, and it's not mentioned in the manual or anywhere what are the wrong settings.<br />
<br />
Speaking of settings, there are two important things you'd want to know:<br />
<br />
1) Audigy has CMSS enabled by default when you install the card onto your system. It will also revert to this default setting whenever it re-detects the card as a different piece of hardware (e.g. due to changing PCI slot). Disable it if your goal is accurate reproduction. Actually, disable it anyway, because I feel that SRS WOW sounds much better than CMSS. And SRS WOW comes free with WMP.<br />
<br />
2) The latest version (at the point of this writing) of the kX driver for Audigy has the tone controls at reduced bass and treble when I installed it. Coincidentally, when I was using Audigy a long time ago with a slightly different audio setup, I preferred the sound with bass and treble both at 40% (midpoint is 50%). But that is because my setup had overpowering bass and treble. And the kX driver's settings are even lower.<br />
<br />
These two settings definitely result in audible changes that can make the Audigy sound better with certain setups. No doubt it will sound different at least.<br />
<br />
But as for people who claim that Audigy (and X-Fi too, with CMSS and Crystalizer) and kX driver sounds better because of "more accurate reproduction", lol.<br />
<br />
I'm neutral when it comes to post-processing in audio, because the speakers and room are inaccurate as @ss in the first place, and if you can use post-processing to make the final result closer to ideal, why not. P.S. bit-perfectness is f***ed the moment the data reaches the DAC. Or the digital filter which some people seem to like and pay lots of money for.<br />
<br />
So if you like the sound from your Audigy, continue using it. But a good source must be able to reproduce accurately when the situation calls for it, like with an accurate audio system. And that is where the Audigy fails. Then again, this only makes Audigy fall into the same league as other products using using technology that is at least 10-year-old, and there is always a big market for that.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-71662210536436346752012-04-22T12:07:00.003+08:002012-05-05T21:15:58.130+08:00LJM CS4398 Take TwoIn my first review of the LJM CS4398 eBay DAC, I used a Xonar DX to do mainly RMAA measurements.<br />
<br />
Well, some thing happened the week before this, and also now I have an STX, so I want to do some new measurements, measurements that are not RMAA and can be used for comparison against others.<br />
<br />
<u><b><a name='more'></a>Test setup</b></u><br />
Musiland Monitor 01 USD -> LJM CS4398 -> Fiio E11 -> Xonar Essence STX <br />
Cheap self-solder-terminated-with-Rean-RCA-not-meant-for-SPDIF cable was used in all tests except for jitter, where Belden 1505F terminated with Canare RCAP was used<br />
Sampling rate 44.1kHz unless otherwise indicated<br />
Fiio E11 used to adjust volume such that 0dBFS output gives -0.1dBFS input <br />
<br />
<table style="width: 400px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td><b><u>Measurement</u></b></td> <td><b>LJM CS4398</b></td></tr>
<tr> <td>Freq. Response<sup>1</sup> 10 hz – 19 Khz 24/44</td> <td>+/- 0.1dB A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>THD+N 100Hz 0dBFS</td> <td><strike>Fail F</strike> <b>ARTA problem</b></td></tr>
<tr> <td>THD+N 100Hz -0.1dBFS</td> <td>0.0019% A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>THD+N 20Hz-1dBFS</td> <td>See graph A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>THD+N 10kHz -1dBFS 24/44<sup>2</sup></td> <td>0.0014% A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>THD+N 10kHz -1dBFS 24/96</td> <td>0.0025% A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>IMD CCIF 19/20kHz -3dBFS 24/44<sup>2</sup></td> <td>0.0007% A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>IMD CCIF 19/20kHz -3dBFS 24/96</td> <td>0.0010% A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>IMD SMPTE -1dBFS</td> <td>See graph A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>Dynamic Range -60dBFS</td> <td>See graph A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>Crosstalk RMAA<sup>3</sup></td> <td>-95dB A</td></tr>
<tr> <td>Linearity Error -90dBFS 24/44</td> <td>0.1dB A?</td></tr>
<tr> <td>Jitter 11025Hz J-test 24/44</td> <td>What (See graph)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<sup>1</sup>Measured with white noise method in ARTA<br />
<sup>2</sup>With both input and output sampling rate set to 44.1kHz, ARTA is unable to see frequencies above 22.05kHz<br />
<sup>3</sup>Fiio E11 not used in this test, volume in Windows set to 93/100 resulting in -1dBFS, actual volume outputted by RMAA unknown<br />
<br />
If you think that I'm trying to make a point by intentionally presenting the data in this format, you're right. I've made it so that you can compare against NwAvGuy's measurements of ODAC as much as possible. Some of the numbers cannot be done by ARTA, so I've substituted them with graphs and RMAA when possible. Maximum output line out and Noise dBu are still missing, but if enough people show me that they care, I'll find them out for ya.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Partial results in detail</b></u> <br />
<br />
<b>THD+N 100Hz 0dBFS: </b><strike>I'd like to first apologize for a whole bunch of previous measurements, because I have forgotten to make sure that the output level in ARTA is 0dBFS, and when I checked before today's measurements, it wasn't. It was evident that I have used -1dBFS in my previous measurement of LJM CS4398, because it cannot do 0dBFS cleanly when I measured it today. Basically the LJM CS4398 distorts rather hard at 0dBFS across all frequencies, and performs well again at -0.1dBFS. I'm not really sure of the reason why, for the recorded sine wave looks nice enough to rule out clipping. The peaks are symmetrical about the signal frequency and close to the signal frequency so they're not harmonic distortions anyway. Probably something happening in the digital signal processing realm which I don't get (as in understand).</strike><br />
<br />
<b>Update: I just discovered that the noise at 0dBFS is due to ARTA. Evidence - even when recording from WAVE I get the same problem, proving that this is totally a software issue. The DAC is not at fault.<br />
<br />
So for now, I'll be doing future measurements at -0.2dBFS.</b><br />
<br />
<b>THD+N 20Hz -1dBFS: </b>I decided to not post the numbers according to ARTA, because the frequency resolution is not high enough at low frequencies so I'm suspecting some issues with the THD+N calculation due to huge noise amounts that is thought to exist because the program is unable to see things "sharply" enough at low frequencies. So see the graph instead.<br />
<br />
The highest peak, the 3rd harmonic, is below -100dB, which when I last checked is good performance. If you want numbers, I remember it being 0.001x% for THD and 0.005x% for THD+N, so something is definitely wrong with the noise calculation because the graph is mostly noise-free. So it's either the 10k~20k region, or the curve at low frequencies, neither of which is the DAC's fault.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPTCMbR4JlDX2xw4Z3qJ3sEGPDCtHllXACmhVnjZsiIfY8MgIQGcDH5p8CcpXwtAe_s5Ddd95o2GeUXdyTvsukiqiAObhPX2dnw_xEBh30mmC74dpJOmcZ8W10U2DyEI10CJi0ib5DWb6/s1600/cs4398-thdn-20hz-1dbfs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPTCMbR4JlDX2xw4Z3qJ3sEGPDCtHllXACmhVnjZsiIfY8MgIQGcDH5p8CcpXwtAe_s5Ddd95o2GeUXdyTvsukiqiAObhPX2dnw_xEBh30mmC74dpJOmcZ8W10U2DyEI10CJi0ib5DWb6/s400/cs4398-thdn-20hz-1dbfs.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>IMD SMPTE -1dBFS: </b>Quite frankly, I don't know how IMD is calculated. But visually, shits are low and people are happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBheo8Vlwn0HhgrZnP3Eq2UcBQxwepixC5NlLyaTLorgAgcBgfP5IKcGG939RApZhjNWIcjRZFMOB6nMYD0QPiW7vnhQO2genaZ0BDcn6pJxe0A4Ag8cB3O3sEJr3YQ2DxPfWnuM4KVsHd/s1600/cs4398-thdn-smpte-1dbfs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBheo8Vlwn0HhgrZnP3Eq2UcBQxwepixC5NlLyaTLorgAgcBgfP5IKcGG939RApZhjNWIcjRZFMOB6nMYD0QPiW7vnhQO2genaZ0BDcn6pJxe0A4Ag8cB3O3sEJr3YQ2DxPfWnuM4KVsHd/s400/cs4398-thdn-smpte-1dbfs.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Dynamic Range -60dBFS:</b>Noise is low, except for the 50Hz at -11xdB that I still haven't spent time to fix. Maybe if I make a grounded shield for the transformer...<br />
<br />
Otherwise, the noise level is low to start with so DNR is nice too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkHMlHSyDU65FvCOSY149D2hM-n6XgNBzFPDfggwmI6vqxDJpNC7k8pMQz4wOgys5dszXuArCnnBAiKpxtdcuIlwC2OG_erbMQ3JgnqDRzosO4svjLtvOcMkuqgURySk_KSRPVBnfS28h/s1600/cs4398-thdn-dnr-60dbfs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkHMlHSyDU65FvCOSY149D2hM-n6XgNBzFPDfggwmI6vqxDJpNC7k8pMQz4wOgys5dszXuArCnnBAiKpxtdcuIlwC2OG_erbMQ3JgnqDRzosO4svjLtvOcMkuqgURySk_KSRPVBnfS28h/s400/cs4398-thdn-dnr-60dbfs.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Jitter: </b>Remember that when you measure something, you are measuring the entire measuring equipment chain. So what I'm measuring here is USB -> Musiland Monitor 01 USD -> SPDIF -> LJM CS4398.<br />
<br />
The best part is - LJM CS4398 uses only a CS8416 and nothing else for the digital side (unless you count the DAC chip), and the DAC's external/internal connectors are not 75<span class="st">Ω</span>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs5fOwTmAOcrptl3pXVobCIV7z6qcTTo0z7uCzANHtp1OGB_yeOnVho91hCk1fORhQRu7HQ7T1WE8vf0YxCOj0yI4Pd6J2pzgiu-GrqQucZRBDyweYT5dznOsdmVCwXTNCcN9IATONLAj/s1600/cs4398-thdn-jitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs5fOwTmAOcrptl3pXVobCIV7z6qcTTo0z7uCzANHtp1OGB_yeOnVho91hCk1fORhQRu7HQ7T1WE8vf0YxCOj0yI4Pd6J2pzgiu-GrqQucZRBDyweYT5dznOsdmVCwXTNCcN9IATONLAj/s400/cs4398-thdn-jitter.png" width="400" /></a></div>wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-57805906639723649172012-03-31T14:17:00.000+08:002012-03-31T14:17:14.877+08:00Xonar Essence STX measured current draw on molex connector5V: 0.48A<br />
12V: 0.20A<br />
<br />
1) Each rail is measured while the other is left unconnected. It is possible that current draw might be higher if both rails are connected.<br />
2) Does not include power drawn from PCI-E slot.<br />
<br />
Hmm, why do I need this info? ;)<br />
<br />
And did I say STX? ;)wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-84433931054153109652012-03-24T21:08:00.001+08:002012-03-24T21:08:34.547+08:00Badly-designed cheap product strikes againI opened up this portable speaker with the intention of converting into a passive one,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1f9_8hp2iUN348RXrpBaPzEAzOqbioJFKcac_RUMJQu__a9aWarKWCLx-OwTlQtwJhprNr_zKtif-0UQiR68PXV8zxoWRaZQR1oYg57Z0WjgkJ-AvbfMxnKTfE4wtwqt2kxJ4MNwAlub/s1600/bad-design-speaker-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1f9_8hp2iUN348RXrpBaPzEAzOqbioJFKcac_RUMJQu__a9aWarKWCLx-OwTlQtwJhprNr_zKtif-0UQiR68PXV8zxoWRaZQR1oYg57Z0WjgkJ-AvbfMxnKTfE4wtwqt2kxJ4MNwAlub/s400/bad-design-speaker-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It is a mono speaker that accepts 3.5mm stereo input. I couldn't see clearly the different solder joints for the red and white input wires, so I looked at the bottom of the PCB,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYZG1YICWuIAlktNRfCQKd1C1WBqmMniqVv78X_AiFdFhViGF2-MhBT39jzrzbPhkHAmuNp0cJ6pAmWPFTGnyWyAJFYpbNAt6J7aeh2H4016x2zvBwKUwqQNSlVVp3yUuoH291wwTpE3a/s1600/bad-design-speaker-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYZG1YICWuIAlktNRfCQKd1C1WBqmMniqVv78X_AiFdFhViGF2-MhBT39jzrzbPhkHAmuNp0cJ6pAmWPFTGnyWyAJFYpbNAt6J7aeh2H4016x2zvBwKUwqQNSlVVp3yUuoH291wwTpE3a/s400/bad-design-speaker-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And I realized that I didn't see wrong, the red and white wires are indeed connected together. A quick check by the meter confirms it to be the case.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGq4grTPUkiGAEHrew9YZ3ngak-8WC98tuyWs5C7WRTAI3tN7xJbwFQFyCngcBAQE_cnaR3GtiSAlXa4aOi5VajFhOulK7T2s7bMQf2xTBd8Uz63-GXx4H_D355kS3j7xqAtqxVHXMaW3/s1600/bad-design-speaker-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGq4grTPUkiGAEHrew9YZ3ngak-8WC98tuyWs5C7WRTAI3tN7xJbwFQFyCngcBAQE_cnaR3GtiSAlXa4aOi5VajFhOulK7T2s7bMQf2xTBd8Uz63-GXx4H_D355kS3j7xqAtqxVHXMaW3/s400/bad-design-speaker-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Pardon the zero error of the cheap meter.<br />
<br />
Would it have cost them too much to include two more resistors? Luckily I haven't connected it to a headphone amp, or I'd be even more mad if something of mine did spoil.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8579244640653193982.post-2837012828630691172012-03-24T00:28:00.007+08:002012-03-24T11:14:28.570+08:00Zhaolu D1.3 headphone amp section RMAA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGphNsfrjxNRz4fFiYEhe_oCuB3nE5iCCo6kQJuSymw-wBNjzzFF14mpxIeC59iID6MhScHUrKRUS-KHSTcYgJwWfarTcax5i8UN8Nm0wKMT71CGBEknBhAcr9UECm9cs3cRli0EpbNS4_/s1600/zhaolu-d13-amp-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGphNsfrjxNRz4fFiYEhe_oCuB3nE5iCCo6kQJuSymw-wBNjzzFF14mpxIeC59iID6MhScHUrKRUS-KHSTcYgJwWfarTcax5i8UN8Nm0wKMT71CGBEknBhAcr9UECm9cs3cRli0EpbNS4_/s400/zhaolu-d13-amp-photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Because why not.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Xonar DX @ 80/100<br />
For unloaded and 300Ω load: Output volume = 1.85V<br />
For 16Ω load: Output volume = 0.7V<br />
Max output power into 16Ω = 30mW<br />
Output impedance @ 0.7V into 16Ω: Less than 0.4Ω<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTdyXJ1pjjOEIdv2jOo8-nHAuuwyRb9RLGdjEBXlCBN3HqkUII-CyvVbhklvuWYBcF8d-Api1IUyYaoIzprLlst3pdvGNPq6E4w-7bsnIoWFC8L_vtfm_4TwcpddJFE5uQ6AcWUjaDxr5/s1600/zhaolu-d13-amp-rmaa-summary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTdyXJ1pjjOEIdv2jOo8-nHAuuwyRb9RLGdjEBXlCBN3HqkUII-CyvVbhklvuWYBcF8d-Api1IUyYaoIzprLlst3pdvGNPq6E4w-7bsnIoWFC8L_vtfm_4TwcpddJFE5uQ6AcWUjaDxr5/s400/zhaolu-d13-amp-rmaa-summary.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Important note:</b></u><br />
The 7kHz and 21kHz noise of my setup is again present. Also present is 50Hz and 150Hz coming from my network switch's power adapter which I was too lazy to turn off. Also present is a ~80Hz and ~240Hz noise coming from I don't know where. All these noise contributed to the noise level and lowered the amp's measured performance, so please manually look at the graphs for a more accurate picture.<br />
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<u>Detailed RMAA results</u><br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/zhaolud13/Zhaolu%20D1_3%20amp%20unloaded.htm">Zhaolu D1.3 amp unloaded</a><br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/zhaolud13/Zhaolu%20D1_3%20amp%20300%20ohm.htm">Zhaolu D1.3 amp 300 ohm</a><br />
<a href="http://wwenze.atwebpages.com/rmaa/zhaolud13/Zhaolu%20D1_3%20amp%2016%20ohm.htm">Zhaolu D1.3 amp 16 ohm</a><br />
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One thing I learnt from measuring different amplifiers, it is that it is common for properly-designed amps to have good performance. Here we are looking at <0.001% THD @ 1.85V into 300Ω and higher loads, and IMD that is pretty decent too and screwed by the noise, which from my experience adds to the IMD numbers (and THD if it is a multiple of 1kHz). If you compare the noise and THD graphs, you'll find that the tallest peaks share the same frequencies.<br />
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Noise level of -100dB. If you disregard the 50Hz/80Hz/7kHz noise and their harmonics we might be getting -110dB. Still, noise that exists is noise that exists, regardless of the setup. A good equipment should be more noise-immune. Plus I'm using the power supply that is supposed to be used with the amp so this is indeed the amp's performance.<br />
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Crosstalk into unloaded and 300Ω is good (relative to noise level) but IMO can be better. Crosstalk into 16Ω is relatively decent. Power into 16Ω is a tad low for a desktop amp but that is to be expected from an amp powered by NE5532 and nothing else.wwenzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13100352671039674940noreply@blogger.com0