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arafiq

Responses from arafiq

What are the best GaN Amplifiers available today?
@yyzsantabarbara I'm surprised you've never heard the Aavik. Last year I purchased the Aavik U-280 integrated amplifier, which is basically Aavik's integrated amp (I-280) and DAC (D-280) in a single chassis. After owning several tube and solid sta... 
Class A integrated amp recommendations
@soix  has given excellent advice. Moving up the JA lineup is your best bet, IMO.  Good luck!  
KEF LS50 Wireless II vs. Harbeth P3esr
Your experience mirrors mine. I owned the Kef LS50 wireless, albeit the first gen, and P3Esr at the same time. The little Harbeths are a very special speaker when fed with the right sources. Not surprised the Kef is not measuring up. I ended up se... 
Thinking of Magnepan ... finally!
@yyzsantabarbara Thanks for sharing your impressions of LRS+. Looks like you're really enjoying the speakers. I almost bought 1.7s from a local seller but we're building an outdoor kitchen so all my audio funds were diverted towards it :( I heard... 
Gustard R26
@sgreg1 I kept the DAC for almost 3 weeks. I believe I put in excess of 150 hours on the DAC. Like I said, I really liked the DAC but the Pontus II just edged it out ever so slightly.  As for streamers, I tried it with the built-in streamer, a Bl... 
Contemplating DEVORE SPEAKERS (and others)....LONG audition report of many speakers
@donquichotte based on what you’re saying above, I feel you should give Joseph Audio Perspective2 a try.   
Rogue Cronus 2 vs 3
I sold my CM 2 to someone. He had Rogue Audio upgrade it to 3. According to this guy, it was a very noticeable difference … with 3 being substantially better than 2. However, I’m basing this on his opinion as I personally didn’t compare the two.  
Gustard R26
@jjss49 I ended up returning the R26 and kept the Pontus II in my second system. Honestly speaking, they were both excellent and I could have lived happily with either one. The R26 had a wider soundstage and better treble. But in the end, I prefer... 
Audio Hungaray Qualiton A50i vs LTA Z40+ Integrated
I too owned and loved the Qualiton a50i. I replaced my Luxman 590AXII with the Qualiton and couldn't be happier. This is one amp I will gladly buy again for my second system when the funds are available. As someone here mentioned, it is powerful, ... 
Innuos as Core and Streamer for digital solution w Roon
Also, I tried the Zen Mini and didn’t find it to much better than the Node.  I would at least try their Zen MK3 if not Zenith. The SQ difference is quite substantial between Zen Mini and Zen.   
Innuos as Core and Streamer for digital solution w Roon
Yes, it will work very nicely as a Roon core provided you dont do a lot of DSP in Roon. I owned the Zenith MK3 and loved it.  While it did Roon quite well but IMO their own Sense software is even better sonically.  you get the best of both worlds ... 
Update on good Ethernet switch
My previous experience with ~$1K switches was rather meh. I tried English Electric 8Switch and EtherRegen and was underwhelmed. I had all but written off switches but a recent experience with the Ansuz power switch and a Telgartner M12 switch (bor... 
Update on good Ethernet switch
Enterprise networks have nothing to do with sound quality and give you exactly zero credibility here. +1 -- Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking when I read the post.   
Klipsch Cornwall IV and Luxman Integrated
I owned the 590AXII and really loved the sound. However, in my opinion, you're better off pairing your Cornwalls with a nice tube amp. The Luxman is more on the neutral side with just a hint of sweetness/warmth. Plus you don't really need that muc... 
Rega Aethos vs Aavik i-180 comparison
I agree with audiotroy's assessment of the Aavik amps. The dark/quiet background it offers is certainly one of the best I've heard to date. The soundstage with, depth, and imaging is quite tube-like and has similar warmth. But unlike tubes, the so...