Why you can never 'win' with Mana

[merlin]

Originally posted by The Devil
Merlin, yes it still is properly set up.

Are you sure James? Have you tuned it using the Shirt Lift method (I don't think this is in the instructions) If you haven't, then you really have never heard just what a Cosmic is capable of.

 

[The Devil]

I assume you are attempting humour Merlin. Close!

 

[Marco]

Some Mana users know what else is out there...

Merlin said:

But surely James you would like to find out just how good it could sound on something like the Pagode, a stand many have replaced their Mana with because of it's clear superiority.

Merlin, as you may remember from a discussion we had a while back about ones knowledge of other hi-fi kit apart from Naim and Mana, I told you that Pagode was my favourite support after Mana. Do you remember? I also highly rate Aavik. People forget sometimes there are some Mana users out there who've had quite a bit of experience with other racks, too!

Anyway, so yes the Pagode is an excellent rack, but from my experience, it still isn't in the same ballpark as Mana: nowhere near it. I found it a bit like Hutter, only clearer. It doesn't, however, impose too much of its character on the music. It's probably one of the most 'neutral' sounding racks out there, in my opinion. However, Mana offers something else different entirely because its construction addresses known areas of sound degradation unlike anything else.

Marco.

 

[Steven Toy]

There is such an enormous difference between the benefit achieved using Mana set up absolutely spot-on as published by me, after James Jong, on the Mana forum this summer (if it didn't make any difference I wouldn't have bothered to publish it, and the difference was confirmed by some other long-term Mana users) and the effect that sub-optimally set up Mana has.

The self appointed Mana setup guru speaks...

The ones heard were set up using The John Watson (who's he? ) method not the Satan-Jong method.

 

[The Devil]

A good thing you'll never hear mine, Steven. You wouldn't want all your cosy preconceptions swept away, would you?

The set-up breakthrough was James Jong's, not mine. A very bright bloke.

 

[merlin]

Originally posted by The Devil
I assume you are attempting humour Merlin. Close!

Why do you assume that James? I can't understand people who write off products despite not knowing how to set them up properly.

I'm deadly serious and I can only assume that if you still believe that Mana is in any way better than the likes of Ash and Finite Element, then you simply haven't listened to them set up properly. You would be amazed James really, I can show you if you like!

However, Mana offers something else different entirely because its construction addresses known areas of sound degradation unlike anything else.

I think the minions are stirring Tony. Marco waded in with the above which I assume is meant in all seriousness. So, again without my tongue on my cheek, could you explain exactly how Marco?

 

[The Devil]

OK, I like a challenge Merlin. Come and listen, then if you are not completely blown away, tell/show me how to set up the Ash rack, and we will compare.... PM me, I'm serious.

 

[merlin]

Sadly James, I get very little spare time and would struggle to justify using any of it up on a trip to Scotand (home of the friendly call centre). A great shame that you are not closer otherwise I would be round tomorrow to help you with your Ash Designs rack.

Anyway, so yes the Pagode is an excellent rack, but from my experience, it still isn't in the same ballpark as Mana: nowhere near it.

Again Marco's been at the Nitromors. Marco, have you heard a Pagode properly setup and tensioned correctly for individual components?

 

[Steven Toy]

A good thing you'll never hear mine, Steven. You wouldn't want all your cosy preconceptions swept away, would you?

You have this cosy preconception that I'd like it. I know someone who didn't terribly, and I like his system.

Different strokes etc.

 

[Marco]

Originally posted by merlin

I can't understand people who write off products despite not knowing how to set them up properly.

Merlin, we are in total agreement! That's exactly what I think about people who've tried Mana, couldn't get it to work optimally (for whatever reason), and then proceed to say it's 'shite'

I think the minions are stirring Tony.

Minion? You don't know me very well yet, do you?

Marco waded in with the above which I assume is meant in all seriousness. So, again without my tongue on my cheek, could you explain exactly how.

That's probably worth an essay all on its own (it's been tried many times before elsewhere), and this isn't the time or place. Merlin, try looking closely at its construction for clues and try to work it out for yourself...

Marco.

 

[Marco]

Originally posted by merlin

Again Marco's been at the Nitromors. Marco, have you heard a Pagode properly setup and tensioned correctly for individual components?

Merlin, let's put it this way: I know as much about the Pagode as you do about Mana

Marco.

 

[merlin]

Originally posted by Marco
Merlin, let's put it this way: I know as much about the Pagode as you do about Mana

Marco.

In which case Marco, how can you be so sure of it's superiority?

 

[Marco]

In which case Marco, how can you be so sure of it's superiority?

The same way you are so sure the Pagode is superior to Mana

Marco.

 

[Steven Toy]

Too much absolutism going on here. I can think of one particular application where Mana would clearly be superior, but in others it may be another rack that delivers the musical goods better. Does this Pagoda thingy play the tune?

 

[cookiemonster]

does
doesn't
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doesn't

sausages

does
doesn't
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[Steven Toy]

Marco,

You have a private message on this forum.

 

[Marco]

Originally posted by Steven Toy

Too much absolutism going on here.

Steve, I agree. But I know you're perceptive enough to have sussed the point I'm making

I can think of one particular application where Mana would clearly be superior...

How about one particular application where you know Mana is clearly superior? And one you'll soon get to know even better. Bring your cosy misconceptions (or whatever) with you.

Does this Pagoda thingy play the tune?

Yes, I believe so, but only if you're inside one and you're playing Nitin Sawhney

Marco.

 

[merlin]

Originally posted by Marco
The same way you are so sure the Pagode is superior to Mana

Marco.

But please forgive me here Marco, I'm not the guy who started all this with such ridiculous statements as:

Michael, by way of an example, would you say you categorically disliked, say, Spaghetti Bolognaise, if you suspected you had never tasted the real thing as known by Italians?

And I am not the one doing the preaching here, although maybe the irony is over the head of a typical lay preacher.

 

[notaclue]

Look, fellas. If there's one thing I have learnt in life it is that there are NO prizes awarded for having the best hi-fi support unit...

At least...until now!

Yes, I will make a lovely 'I have the best Hi-Fi Support' certificate AND badge for the winner so the stakes are getting pretty damn high now!

 

[merlin]

Originally posted by notaclue
Look, fellas. If there's one thing I have learnt in life it is that there are NO prizes awarded for having the best hi-fi support unit...

Ooh now you've gone and done it!

That comment just shows how little you know about the world of Mana