arafiq

Responses from arafiq

Help fine-tune my speaker search
+1 on Fritz. High quality parts and extremely well made cabinets. I have the Fritz Carrera BE speakers in my second system and I feel they have the right balance between providing details but also retaining some warmth. Think something that sits i... 
Class D Amplification Announcement
@jjss49 Yes, I definitely intend to reach out to Alberto when I’m close to making a decision. The problem is that currently I have an integrated amp (Audio Hungary Qualiton a50i), so getting an AGD amp can only happen after I have also acquired a ... 
Are the KEF Blade/Blade 2 Metas a Significant Upgrade from Blade?
+1 @steve59  Some of these guys are legends … only in their minds 😃  
Pair of Rel S510’s or Carbon Special’s?
OP was particularly asking for comparisons and feedback for two specific REL models. That's why some of us stayed within the parameters of the initial ask. It doesn't mean we believe that REL is the only game in town. Anyways, I still feel that d... 
Class D Amplification Announcement
@jjss49 and @twoleftears : Thank you for sharing your impressions of AGD products. I'm very intrigued and will definitely reach out to AGD once I'm ready to make a move. I think the combination of a tube linestage and AGD Audion or Tempo is someth... 
Tekton haters and bashers you just got a new target!
Cabinets suck but I don't listen to the "cabinets." Believe me, you do :)  
Pair of Rel S510’s or Carbon Special’s?
I say, buy the most expensive REL you can afford. Of course, bass quantity is important, but IMO the most important quality of a music-focused sub (like REL) is speed. The drivers have to be very quick and must start and stop on a dime. Based on ... 
Need recommendations for a streamer
If source is not gonna be combined DAC, don’t waste your money with more expensive servers, at the end all sends 0 and 1s to DAC. Haha! I was waiting for the '0s and 1s' argument to show up. Applying the same logic, why invest in a nice DAC or ... 
Class D Amplification Announcement
Tubes are making a rebound as millenials and genzers flex their economic muscle in seeking retro tech like fine turntables and tube amps (I recently purchased a McIntosh MA252 hybrid and put in Golden Lion Russian tubes--sweet for a 2nd office sy... 
Class D Amplification Announcement
@jjss49 Really appreciate the detailed response. If I didn't know any better, I would have said "too good to be true." :) But since I'm well aware of your experience and expertise, I have to say that this is a ringing endorsement of AGD.  A few d... 
Which Ethernet filter?
FWIW, I used to own a Sonore opticalRendu which was using fiber optic conversion. It was really good, but my current combination of Eno + Innuos Zenith is more natural sounding as @lalitk mentioned in his post. I don't think optical is best by def... 
Need recommendations for a streamer
Thanks, @ghasley . I didn't realize that AES/EBU is a balanced design. I always thought that although you can use an XLR cable but it's not truly balanced.  
Naim 5si integrated?? The reviews are good but is it still current in performance
@sunnyjim Completely agree with the ’listen before you buy’ mantra. Although, it is getting very difficult, if not impossible, in today’s environment. Either way, I was offering my experience having compared Naim and Kinki in my own system. IMO,... 
Need recommendations for a streamer
Another great option is Innuos Zen MK3. It doesn't support wireless, but as audphile1 mentioned, there are ways around it. I also have a Terminator II and it is paired with Innuos Zen's bigger brother -- Innuos Zenith MK3. I love this combo!  
Need recommendations for a streamer
I don't understand what OP means by 'balanced output' into a DAC. Also, why are you excluding streamers with good DACs? You can always bypass it if need be. If the OP can loosen some of the requirements, Hifi Rose RS250 is a good option that has ...