Blodgett Desktop Audio Upgrade ~ SMSL GaN PA200 Class-D Amp & Reignited NHT SB1s 01Sep26

Blodgett Desktop Audio... I've never had a speaker setup for the Blodgett Desktop; it's always been headphones only. This had made sense with even open air headphones bugging other house members. My headphone system there is stellar Schiit Mjolnir2, Schiit Gungnir MB, and Mr Speakers EtherC Flow closed plannar magnetics or Sennheiser 600 open cans. Nonetheless, I like speakers better in general these days so why not toss a pair below my monitor for near-field listening in the study. I'll just need to pick my listening times properly.

GaN FET Class-D... I am watching the progress in the power, efficiency, and quality of "chip amp" audio amplifiers. I've owned, and used, and sold, and mothballed many of these inexpensive and efficient amps over time. These included Toppings, NADs, PopAmps, and other brands of "Class-D (digital)" amps and they were OK but nothing compared to my finer transistor or tube gear of classic linear amplification circuit designs. But I'm intrigued with the latest high speed class D variants in gallium nitride (GaN); they are even more efficient, even clearer & flatter, and still not expensive or large.

Class-D PWM Amplifiers... These convert analog audio input into high-frequency pulses using a technique called pulse-width modulation (PWM). Transistors (MOSFETs and increasingly GaN FETs) switch between power rails creating a pulse train (versus classic transistor amps using linear gain techniques). A low-pass filter is applied to eliminate very high frequencies and EMI from output. Efficiency is increased substantially in employing transistors fully on or fully off, 100%. Switching amps have been around since the 1930s but only relatively recently have gained the quality and performance status sought by audiophiles and music pros.

Mid-Fi Class-D... My dive on the category yielded numerous entries from $70 - $7000. The high end is not for me and I can't believe they'd be worth it compared to comparably priced classic SET, Class A or Class AB designs, much less SET tube designs for home audio. Many good products are raw boards for integration with powered speakers or in plate forms for PA systems, but I wanted a boxed variant. And, I prefer a unit with a pre-amp for volume control. The entry-level is littered with Chinese gear of varying sonic and reliability levels but one needs a bump in price to get GaN FETs and higher quality. After reviewing SMSL, Hypex, Purifi, atma-sphere, Nord, Buckeye, Crown, and others I decided on the Chinese entry-power level SMSL PA200. It's GaN stereo with 85W/ch into 8Ω with "no" THD for ~$400. Awesome on paper, and the reviews were 4.8/5.0 stars.

Install & 1st Impressions... The amp arrived quickly from Amazon. I'd retrieved a pair of "retired" NHT SB1 bookshelf speakers from the Nest that I repurposed to be the near-field transducers for this updated desktop system. Viola; it was all quickly installed and cooking. The audio path employs source flac files spun from my server through macOS via JRiver MC (or YouTube vids), then through my fine Gungjir R2R Multibit DAC over USB, and onto the SP200 amp from SE-out (single ended) via unbalanced RCA cabling; the last run to the speakers is via 16 gauge zip cord terminated with banana jacks. Listening demonstrated wanting low end so I need to work on a sub, but down to 100Hz it was stellar. Else the Blodgett Desk system is really clean and true and fun. Of course I measured the system raw at this point; measurements are taken @ listening position ~3ft away @ 1.5x the mains separation. 

Subwoofer Trial... I own a closed SVS SB 1000 subwoofer deployed in the Blodgett Fam Rm theater. I borrowed it for a trial with the NHT SB1 mains for a 2.1 system to fill the low end. One failing of the SMSL PA200 is the lack of a sub-out... to solve this I added a combiner to the 2nd SE-Out of the Gungjir DAC. I did not optimize the sub location; I just plopped it on the floor beneath my desk. I tuned it a smidge and this is the Blodgett Desk Audio 2.1 SPL sweep. I twidled the sub crossover & output volume for good integration. So much nicer. The full range 2.1 off the Gungjir MB DAC is nice but I wanted to see if I could smooth out some peaks.

EQ Baby... I found other aberrations, beyond lack of low end, in the 2.0 sweep and so employed my miniDSP 2x4HD to flatten for the speakers and the room. I rue the moment I converted my sweet R2R built analog back into 24bit/48KHz via USB in the miniDSP, but I did. Raw was good, DSP EQ was maybe better. Time will tell. I eliminated the Gungjir MB and used the miniDSP directly via USB from macOS, as DAC and PEQ, and drive both the mains and the sub exclusively from the miniDSP, with less perturbations and fine results. I measured again with REW, then created PEQ/biquad filters and saved the file ~ I loaded the file into proper slots in the miniDSP. Here are the Gungjir raw (orange) and miniDSP EQed (green) final integrated sweeps. Nice, a new fine mid-fi audio, system is born.

Blodgett Net Update ~ Finally Xfinity Connected; Results Are Mixed 27Aug26

Service Experience... I contracted Comcast in late Jul26 for internet service and after having never found a line into the COAX house panel for my self-install, after some hours on the phone and with a useless "AI Assistant," an outside guy pulled another line. This is all because of observations HERE. The alert he'd be coming was one day after arrival ~ Kala was surprised. I returned to COS and hooked up the XB10 modem they'd sent and I got nothing ~ activation is only possible via an app on a phone (what?) and my LEDs just flashed no signal. I called and worked through the AI chat bot again and ultimately landed a HUMAN chatter. In an additional hour I was able to convince her that I needed a tech call ~ so we scheduled it 3 days out. I was bombarded with confirmations and obligations for the dispatch (who had to be where, etc). Despite confirming texts on the day of and time of the appointment - NO ONE FROM XFINITY SHOWED ALL DAY but howdy I was here all day - Kala reminded me why I dumped them last time. After another two days of negotiating with AI bots, one's only inbound choice, finally a human intervened and my situation (and angst) were seemingly comprehended; another physical tech appointment was established 3 days out. He arrived and we tussled as it was quickly determined I had no signal at the house termination ~ the prior call pulled new COAX and terminated on my side but did not connect it to the Xfinity pedestal. Why not and why didn't Comcast know the finish status of the job and their physical plant? I am flabbergasted that my account records with parse-able chat records and diags from central do not yield understanding or progress at anticipated pace. Each tech is fine but the integrated system of service is bad. Ugh. So back to today's tech call: he arrived on time with the right tester and connected my run to the pedestal ~ we have signal! He eliminated all of my diplexers (combiners-dividers allowing over-the-air (OTA) UHF/VHF and lower frequencies to co-exist on the same coax); this is fair enough for a clean test of Xfinity's ATM/QAM service for broadband. My XB10 from Comcast still would not connect! He replaced the modem down to an XB8 version which finally connected inside the house! Though... there were exchanges about the efficacy of many moves as we sorted our way through the house and it's COAX connectivity. So, without diplexer capabiltiy I now have an new high bandwidth broadband internet connection but "no" OTA connections for my TVs to receive the six key OTA HD signals from Cheyenne Mtn. Hmmm. There were many attempts to have me expose my internal WiFi or network to the tech's app but in the end, to close the job, I said I would complete activation. Too, at this point of even exposing my name to Xfinity, my cell spam and text spam has increased ~10X today; they specifically are telling me how great they are; selling my vibe are ya babe? Suitably completing the circle ~ it is impossible to supply righteous feedback to Xfinity ~ dark patters lead to obtuse no-wheres... good for you fucknuts. I'm online now but seek to escalate my concerns and alter my net to reduce your intrusions. Why do I need to feel this way; why do I need to change out after moments under service? Golly you are abhorrent in so many ways.

Network Reconfiguration... After dismissing the technician via talks with his supervisor (he was fine and got it working) I ultimately reconfigured the internal COAX and Cat5E networks. Unfortunately we do not have a modern wiring closet for either COAX routing, and the only Cat5E runs that exist are stuff I installed after the fact. I only have 2 COAX runs from the exterior box to other primary "TV spots" @ Blodgett, the Fam Rm and the Theater Rm. My Ethernet runs only from the lower level office to my upper study and from the lower level office to the Blodgett Theater. After a dive on reliable circuits for diplexing VHF/UHF (30MHz-3GHz) with DOCSIS 3.1 (54MHz-204MHz), either expense or interference got in the way. So, I segregated the COAX net with one end getting Xfinity and one end getting OTA. But dang it... there is no location @ Blodgett where I can get both a great Cat5e connection AND the OTA COAX connection (without diplexing) ~ and frankly this is key for my use of HomeRun receivers converting OTA (COAX) to Ethernet streams for my Plex server to consume and create live streams for remote use efficiently, or for my DIY HDR. I could blow through a concrete wall but I don't wanna.

Wrangling Xfinity... My un-diplexed network is "up" with one TV area getting OTA and the other getting Xfinity. Sure, wireless is available everywhere and I updated the Blodgett AP to WiFi 6E so there are not a lot of sacrifices at the end of the day. My best and most secure net design separated the Xfinity gateway from my in-home WiFi. I shut down the all the radios on the "gateway" ~ though I need to confirm this a wireless RF analyzer yet. If one doesn't carefully unsubscribe from Xfinity hot spots and eliminate all your personal WiFi networks as well, Xfinity will know "all" and sell that data to brokers. I'm aghast I let Xfinity be DHCP server for my entire network, despite the separation of gateway and wireless AP duties. They probably do network discovery algos as well, and sell this information - I know they will parse every unencrypted DNS ask unless I hide it, or search if they can get it anyway... I am just sad where privacy and "net neutrality" has degraded toward. More importantly at this point is security, and I think I am on decent footing. I may yet replace AP firmware, or "de-router" the Xfinity modem. This may be only V1 of my net redesign as I can imagine moving routing as well to the current "AP" and replacing Xfinity with a 3rd party DOCSIS 3.1 modem, while the router/AP becomes open source firmware. I can't imagine the unwashed getting any of these things right.

Performance Assessment... I've not done a stress test over time on the Xfinity infrastructure. Results in Wildernest showed big congestion issues there. But here are the before on Century Link, the after on Xfinity on my WiFi6 AP, and after wired on a 1Gbps link on Xfinity performance characteristics of the new net @ Blodgett. Bandwidth is vastly improved and latency is substantially weaker... latency REALLY counts and is noticeable... I lost 50% in response time in adopting Xfinity (for now). Big pipes are fine but most initiated access (a new page) to the net is slower by 50%!

I cloned my prior WiFi characteristics/IDs when setting the new kit. That is for convenience. Perhaps I also should reset/change all that too. Hmmm.

Blodgett Kitchen Remodel ~ Better Late Than Never: Craftsman Cherry & Keen Appliances Replace Early American White Melamine 01May26-25Aug26

Before ~ During ~ After... We waited 'till tariffs are up and we are oldish. NP; better late than never. The new Blodgett kitchen is awesome. From early American white melamine cabinetry and 20+yr old GE Monogram appliances to our favored craftsman-styled, custom solid cherry cabinetry, special Wolf & SubZero appliances, alabaster lighting, and other accoutrements. Here are: the design, the before, the during (demo daze), and the after images.

Allure Design... It's been a long process even to begin. We evaluated a half dozen companies and in late '25 then independently hired Allure Design directly. Amber & Lexi formed their first independent company (but with plenty of verified qualifications from prior employers) and we were a very early client. We worked hard on a design with Amber especially and were excited at the result. Their design package was excellent and a reference document for us throughout the project. Frankly Allure was pretty surprised at my level of involvement and 'help,' being male and all, especially one with a view on color. Kala & I both like craftsman/mission styling and have used it in other aspects of Blodgett; Amber understood and helped find the right aesthetic and pieces; if we said 'change' she listened, except on valences... hmmm. We chose custom solid cherry cabinetry with accented ecru backsplash pieces and a simple craft styling with plain doors with stiles. Many cabinets and foot kicks feature baseboards in matching material, some with nice furniture bases. We added dark Belvedere quartzite leather counter tops and a polished piece of same for Kala's desk. Fixtures are black onyx Frank Lloyd Wright inspired designs from Brizio on a cinder colored composite material 2 hole sink (but with black onyx drain pieces). Simple handles are the same throughout. The backsplash is porcelain stars & crosses. We extended our previous choice of alabaster lighting for two new pendants in the kitchen: a drop over the sink and a linear piece over the island. We kept the breakfast nook and topped the built-in seating with cherry accents; Amber identified keen natural & architectural fabrics for the nook and window coverings (which I forced a bit in order to be Levelor Roman shades compatible with my IoT powered blinds system). We retained the hardwood floors and wall colors. Amber coordinated upholstery with a custom house using our (her) chosen fabrics completely aligned with the craft aesthetic. Thanks Amber.

Bear Creek... We bid out our design to a number of general contractors/project managers. We not only evaluated price of course but also experience and references, as well as interviews. Ultimately Bear Ck won the job and our general, a co-owner, is Steve; we signed a fixed price agreement in Apr26 on a great and comprehensive proposal aligned well with our spec & design. He is an administrative demon and brought in a number of great sub-contractors to vet his winning proposal, then executed. Demolition, drywall, ceiling float, lighting, Planet Granite, 3 Cks cabinetry, electrical, plumbing, floor mods, finishing, painting, cleaning, charity pickup, and else were on "the juggler's speed-dial." Sure we finished later than hoped but Steve guided all the way and assured a quality end product. Plus, he had references directly from satisfied customers who are good friends of ours. It's notable that we slammed on the initial proposal and very little "extra expense" was incurred from his oversight and our initial discussions. Thanks Steve.

3 Creeks... Steve suggested 3 Creeks for custom cabinetry and we met Mike & Carlos a couple of times and approved. Their bid to Steve was new but knowledgeable and effectively priced, especially in the face of my continual ask for custom cabinetry and a perfected install. Michael came with high end references and an infectious upbeat attitude and behavior. We did have our "design & measure while you saw" moments but who hasn't? Thanks Michael.

Specialty Appliance... We also, largely independently, chose new appliances throughout the new kitchen. We went directly to Specialty in COS; Bryce is our account owner. We really only looked at top shelf and pretty quickly eliminated induction cooktops. We cook good stuff and are used to gas, so we stuck with that. We did leave a 220v hookup in the island in case any future owners want different. We kindof believe grandfathered gas might be a premium in the future. Among the top 6 brands the Wolf stood out for us ~ I forced an upgrade from cooktop to range-top. SubZero is the fridge ~ Kala forced the external ice & water dispenser. Best microwave (our designer left it out of original design) was a drawer style Samsung for us. I asked for a bread products drawer after having too many spoil or their wrappers burned on the toaster-over. Bosche was a quiet and well-ranked dishwasher. We reused our new-ish disposal and Insta-Hot dispenser but with keen matching hardware. The appliances were installed by Specialty as well. These are stock pics for now... installed looks later.

Shades Anew... I handled the shades and Steve "helped" install five new motorized and remote controlled shades. We had a few small size issues which we overcame with clever solutions. Sparky also had run 5 new low voltage runs with transformers to each of the motorized shades in the nook and in the corner to keep the shades charged always... great add and an unusual request for Steve I expect. I programmed the limits and standard position of all the shades. Now all the shades in the kitchen and family room are motorized and controlled easily by a single remote on 4 separate channels.

Blodgett Kitchen Final... Did I say it took ~4 months? We are finicky and our contractors were too so details and finish mattered. It was longish but worthwhile. I'm not gonna go through all the design & build processes, nor the material selection stuff, nor the incremental choices we made. The end product is sweet and basically just what we wanted. We even have a knee-touch to open garbage & recyclables drawer, a special spot for our wok-grate for the range, and the bread drawer for a baker greater than me. Part of my objective was to remove stuff from the counters, and we did ~ but I must say Kala did all the work to parse the utensils into their spots. Thanks Kala. Here are a few pics from the final remodeled Blodgett kitchen.

 

MA Aug26 ~ The Algo Offered Me 'Random' Downloads & I Declined 23Aug26

There have been some seminal events and obscure occurrences this month in music for me. Foremost ~ Phoebe dropped a full album for the first time in many years... she was reviewed by the WSJ and all over the net; she expressed 1st with a keen "Lost Boys" music video and followed with the LP ultimately; she plans a fall stadium tour. I won't go to stadiums ~ I have the Dillon Amp, the best place to listen to the best in America. What about the album eval, mostly for me it's her writing ~ her dad died in '23 and it's all raw here... so good. Sure there's struggles with love too and darkish images as I want her to provide. I really like the compiled catalog from her time away from solo performing ~ I probably always will. I didn't buy till she dropped it all, but then ~ absolutely. Ethereal often but there are unneeded tweaks on her voice offered (like AbbyH) for darkness/weirdness. Thank you; I've been waiting years.

Too... dropping full soon again is Wagging, the Asheville writer, grabbing life from a cool spot she respected through a nasty flood. The OG EP was a pop grabber and this is more slammer, still recorded in Asheville. Give me even more.

Spectacular Nicole Atkins rarely reveals, but is known to me for sure with stunning sultry delivery. Sheesh, I have to offer an OV, given timing.

Scary Pockets is back! Awesome...

• "Give It Up" ft Lila Ford Jul26
• "No Harm No Foul" ft Hohnen Ford Aug26

    

 

 

Welles & Ratboys Concert @ Dillon Amp ~ Great Show On A Nice Night 15Aug26

The bands were fabulous on a clear and beautiful evening in Summit. I started well as I was 5th in the queue to enter and met some fine folks while we waited. Very oddly though, once in early after grabbing a center seat in front of the sound man as typical, an older woman came and blasphemously berated me for a couple of minutes ~ she was tired of white guys seemingly. I looked to her team of a half doz who shook heads and shrugged. I moved away back a row and it didn't reoccur. 

The Ratboys appeared on time to open the show. They're an indie rock band from Chicago whom I've followed for a while. Plenty of touring live content from radio studios. They are fronted by Julia Steiner on lead vocals and flying V rhythm, with searing playing at lead from her partner, Dave Sagan. I bought tix to this show mainly to see the Ratboys. The entire band is rock solid and their set was excellent. They played a lot from the latest album, their 6th, 'Singing To An Empty Chair' ~ I especially wanted to hear their recent protest song "Burn It Down" and they played it, with some regular encouragement from me. I'm really glad I came out again to the Dillon Amp ~ sound and performance were great.

Jesse Welles was not known well to me but now I am a fan. The Ozark kid opened solo on acoustic and vocals with 5 great songs. Dylan/Prine-like social observations and protests... his voice is fine but his songwriting is next level. Then the entire Welles band came out and he continued the vein on rock & roll electric arrangements. It was very good.

I made some friends in the crowd... great show with new friends.