ag3__

Responses from ag3__

Any experience of Valvet Audio E2se amplifier?
Anyone comment on the Valvet e2se relative to a FW F7 ?  
Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?
@thyname In terms of the topic of this thread - it's hard to say which contributes more to the sound (DAC/streamer).  It's sort of a chicken and egg scenario, a better DAC will help, but without a streamer to unlock it, you won't get the most out ... 
Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?
Just plugged in my SOtM SMS 200 Neo (~ 600 CAD).  Suffice to phenomenal gains !TLDR: 20k system will realize very strong gains from using a hifi streamer vs basic computer.  For background - my system is worth about ~ 20k:- Basic Computer- SU-1 KT... 
Demo'ing Class A amps, Appreciation Suggestions from those who recently been there
Edit: didn't read the thread but seems you made a good decision !--I’ve got a pair of the newer tannoy eatons. For low powered SS I’ve tried the XA25 (current amp) and several FW models (F7 and SIT3). The SIT3 isn’t a good match imo. I really like... 
Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?
Been looking to finally add a dedicated streamer to my set up. I'm starting small with the SotM SMS 200 Neo. During my research - there's a massive thread on the new Sonore OpticalModule and quite a bit of feedback noting the improvement of feedin... 
Rockna Wavelight thoughts?
I've got an entry level Wavedream (single ended version). Put it head to head with a Holo Spring 2 KTE and the Yggy. Bested both quite easily.Great liquid sound with dense tone. PRAT and transient speed a major highlight of the product. Quick, fir... 
Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?
Running LTA pre with various Pass/FW amps, similar to @keithc.  Highly recommendedLTA adds some spaciousness and rhythm, overall very subtle tube touch. Every now and then I like a tube power amp, but over the long term I gravitate towards what ss... 
Pure Class A SS vs Tube Amp
Running a pair of Tannoy’s with the XA25, driven by a LTA microZOTL pre. Fantastic sound. Speakers aren’t nearly as efficient as the Klipsch and I’ve got juice for days. Preferred the XA25 to the LTA Ultralinear, but just personal preference. Both... 
Best DAC - Preamp Combo $5 to $10K Budget
Second for the Rockna.  Phenomenal piece of equipment. 
Streamers with I2S connectivity
2nd for Musical Pristina.  While I haven't heard it, it's been at the top of my radar.  They've built the whole streamer around i2s (HDMI).I've got a Rockna Wavedream base model 
LTA Ultralinear vs Pass Labs XA25
I've got both right now driving a pair of Tannoy Eaton's (89/8). LTA reference pre in front w/ a Rockna Wavedream DAC. Can't go wrong with either. I personally prefer the XA25. More detail, faster, more spacious, dense images. Extremely transparen... 
Cube Audio Nenuphar Single Driver Speaker (10 inch) TQWT Enclosure
Anyone have a detailed comparison between the mini and the full size (i.e. the 8" neo vs the 10" neo ?). Obviously a little less on the lows but what else is similar/different ?If I can get away with 90% of the bass for a bit cheaper I'd lean towa... 
Point of diminishing return for a DAC
I'm a firm believer in spending a good chunk of your budget on the digital front end. Good clocks + reduced jitter + w/e other mumbo jumbo is happening = improvements in PRaT, low end tonality, reduced sibilance, better staging, holographic imagin... 
Point of diminishing return for a DAC
Just my 2c.I've had the Yggy, Holo 2 KTE, and now the Rockna base model.  I've been able to compare them all back to back and the Rockna is the clear winner.  From an MSRP standpoint - the Rockna is ~ 2.5x the price of the other two.  Is it 2.5x a... 
Tannoy Prestige Stirling
I've got a pair of Tannoy Eaton's and love them. As stated - the Tannoy's are very unforgving of upstream components - even cables. In the realm of digital - a good DAC/Streamer is a must otherwise the highs can be unforgiving. Proper set up can m...