adg101

Responses from adg101

Will a New Amp Sound Better Than My ML333?
Keep your amp as it sounds it’s running great and guessing the extensive work done was likely the caps, which is what the 300 series are known for. The amp may last you another twenty five years. If you’re looking to upgrade, speakers will always ... 
DACs that do well without a preamp
RME ADI fs2 with Teddy Pardo linear power supply. I use this and don’t miss either of my preamps, which are a ModWright LS36.5 and Sonic Frontiers Line 2 SE. Been running direct and have not gone back but will be here soon to compare in more depth... 
Amps replacement
Even though your Dunlavy’s are efficient you still need some muscle to get the bottom end and fullness. Owned a pair Dunlavy’s way back in the day and just were not for me, that being said I would stay with an amp more on the warm side than cool. ... 
Theta Data Basic Transport Repair
Hi bama214 Yeah I bought the gear shortly after first posting and the drawer works great but still get the error so my guess the laser is dead. I don’t think the Jay’s Audio transport uses the CDM9 Pro as Philips stopped making that drive along t... 
ARC REF 3 vs Modwright 36.5 DM
Be surprised if the OP isn’t already running balance from either preamp to one amp or the other. I also have the M/W but not with the DM. Not to get into a fuse debate but I changed them out and am happy with the improvement although subtle. Many ... 
To preamp or not to preamp. That is the question.
Not heard a Node 2i but own a Vault 2 which probably sounds close enough. The Bluesound is a fine device for the money but the DAC is the weak link. On its own I would not recommend bypassing a really good preamp. If you’re considering a preamp I ... 
Pre Amp for a PA-7?
Your budget is around $1000? In that era I’d look at an Audio Research LS3 if you’re looking to stay with solid state. Never heard a PA7 but know the PA5. Later LS3’s has a remote option but don’t come up too often as the the option was $500. Very... 
Looking for a DAC under 2k
Another for the RME ADI-2 fs. It’s a fine DAC on its own with the stock switch power supply, but throw on linear power supply and it really pulls ahead. I run mine with a Teddy Pardo PS, balanced out using as a preamp direct to my power amp. No de... 
Cables to settle brightness
Agree not to use cables as tone controls, system and speakers may becoming too revealing for poor recordings and plug amp directly into wall. If you don’t have dedicated circuits start there, room acoustics if that’s an option and play with speake... 
Wilson tiny tots
Agree not the right speaker for what you’re looking to do, with limited experience and budget. Would suggest selling the Wilsons and just do a full Sonos system. In the end you’ll be happy. Other option, still sell the Wilson's and look for a Mara... 
PS PowerPlant power cables
I use a WyWires Juice II Platinum HC (high current version) and I find it does make a difference on my P10. Is it night and day difference? No, but it is noticeable and every little bit here and there adds up. Probably going to depend a lot on how... 
Upgrade from my Audio Research LS7 to a remote control model?
Owned a LS7 when it first came out and honestly I didn’t care for it. ARC didn’t make the LS7 long and remembered the LS8 followed very soon and that one didn’t last long either. Went through a few preamps later and settle for sometime on a ModWri... 
sbooster upgrade for Lumin D2 worth it?
$800 seems steep for an SBooster but maybe in CAD that is the rate. Look into Teddy Pardo. I’m sure they have a LPS that works as well. If you email them they’ll let you know.  
Amp Internal Wire
What piece of equipment are you looking to rewire? If you’re not sure what wire to use, do you feel confident to solder and rewire equipment? In the past for real short leads such as from a board to rca jacks on the rear panel I used to use Wonder... 
Does a DAC need a large/strong power supply?
Someone else mentioned the RME ADI 2fs DAC with its SMPS, and although it does sound really good stock, adding a Teddy Pardo LS (also mentioned by someone else) does improve things. On the RME it added some weight and expanded the stage.