aball

Responses from aball

American-made integrated tube amplifiers
I've seen Chinese tube amps go up in smoke as well. But the fact is that tube amps aren't cheap to make correctly and the US labor costs are horribly high. There are American options that are worthy in the $1500 range but you'll probably have to s... 
McIntosh C2300
I know people who buy from dealers out of state, although they drive to pick up the components in person.... I don't know if that makes a difference or not.Arthur 
Cayin A-88t vs. Almarro A318B
With your speakers, I wouldn't consider the A318B unless you only listen at low volumes. I don't think it will have enough power to properly drive your speakers at realistic levels. That alone will make the 88T the obvious choice IMO.Arthur 
Has anyone ever cried listening to your system
I often get watery eyes, goose bumps on my arms, and chills up my neck when listening to my stereo.Arthur 
McIntosh C41
I've compared the C41 and C42 head-to-head in the same system and the C42 definitely is more transparent. The speakers were B&W N802 and the source was an Oracle 1500mk2. The C41 lacks dynamic snap in comparison, sounding kind of slow and unin... 
Possibile new Integreated recomendation
The McIntosh MA6500. Powerful, smooth, nuanced and dynamic. It was hands-down better than a Classe CA200 + Cary SLP98 in the system comprised of Revel F30 speakers and 1072 cdp.... Arthur 
Trade offs?
I used to find that many of my CDs were poorly recorded. Then through many system iterations, support changes and tube changes, I have arrived at a system that makes music no matter what. I can still easily tell which CDs are well recorded and whi... 
Footers - isolation or resonance draining
It depends on the piece of gear as to which you need. You either have to deal with internally-generated vibrations (like from a large power transformer inside a component) or externally-generated vibrations (like those coming from a speaker, throu... 
Warmer CD sound sought - MCD 301 or 500 or REF CD7
That is wonderful! As I said, it is the best I've heard. Congratulations on making such a fine choice!Arthur 
What Brand of Kt66/6l6 tube was used in VTL MB-80s
Yes, there are distinct differences between KT66 and 6L6GC. The 6L6 are warmer and softer - the KT66 more detailed and dynamic. Which is better depends on the rest of your system and personal tastes.There are really only two versions of the tubes ... 
Warmer CD sound sought - MCD 301 or 500 or REF CD7
My CD collection will outlast any hard drive and I will always need something to play them. Investing in a great CD player is an obvious choice for many, including you and me. Twenty years ago people were saying LPs were disappearing and that turn... 
Are contact treatments worth the money?
Science hasn't answered all of the universe's questions, last I checked. My ears tell me that Walker silver paste improves the sound without a doubt. An improvement in transparency was immediately obvious after treating my MC240. I then did the re... 
What is the Best Integrated tube amp you heard
Jadis DA88S with Apertura Tanagra.Arthur 
My MC275 has a clueless sound-change...
I don't think your problem has anything to do with tubes. Sounds to me like what you are hearing is a support change. The mechanical characteristics of the shelves in most racks are totally different between the bottom and top shelves because of t... 
ESS Technology sabre32
The McIntosh MCD500 uses this DAC.Arthur