ahendler

Responses from ahendler

rca vs xlr interconnect
You should try it both ways. Some people like the sound of balanced equipment connected single ended 
My 1st tube amp: transformer buzz audible 15 feet?
If this is a new unit and the shop is local tell them you want a replacement. You should not hear any buzz coming from the transformer. Do try a cheater plug which will lift the groundAlso you could bring the unit to the dealer, hook it up and see... 
EMM DCC2-SE or Sony 5400ES for HiRez downloads?
The sony only plays discs. You would have to burn your downloads to a CD-R to play on the Sony. Don't know anything about the EMM 
SONY SCD-1 CD/SACD Player
It probably has a bad sled motor. Common problem. I have a 777 that I have not repaired. There is a Sony service center that will fix it. I think it is $279 but you have to ship it. 
Longer XLR Runs
The general thinking is long interconnects and short speaker cables. you should not suffer a loss in quality doing what you propose 
Tube Research Labs Dude vs. Shindo Labs preamps
Just to mention that the ShindoAuriges line stage is under $3000 new. I have the Auriges with the mm phono stage and it is wonderful at $4500 
Self-powered speakers: any good?
ATC powered speakers are very good and quite expensive 
Woofer sucking in and out
You are getting rumble in your turntable setup. It could be an isolation problem or poor setup. It also could be microphonics in the phono stage. Try tube dampers on your phono stage 
2 Tubes in processor should both glow the same
No problem. your answers are over on Audio Asylum where you also posted 
Static and popping sound from my new apollo
Sounds like the same problem the Oppo players have had. Have you called Rega about the problem? They may have a solution for you 
MM cartridge comparable to a Benz L2
The Ortofon 2M Bronze at $400 is very nice 
JVC XRCDs -- your experience?
I would say that some of the remastered RCA Living presence classical recordings can be on the bright side. I feel that RCA's own remastered SACD's of these recordings are better. Sorry I don't have access to titles right now 
JVC XRCDs -- your experience?
You have to be careful. They do not always get the original masters. I also found some XRCDs to be on the brite side. Then tere is the cost issueAlan 
To mod or not to mod a Sony SCD1
Had an unmodded 777 for ten years. When it went bad got a 5400es. The 5400 is much better than the 777 or scd-1 especially on redbook. Also you can get the 5400 modded if you want. You can get a new 5400 for $1100 but I don't feel any need to mod ... 
Tube Research Labs Dude vs. Shindo Labs preamps
I have heard many preamps in my time but unfortunately have not heard the "Dude" I own a Shindo Auriges with phone stage and it is simply the best, by far preamp, I have ever heard. If you love the sound of a live musical experience the Shindo bri...