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audiojan

Responses from audiojan

Budget phono stage under $100, cheap but refined, does it exist?
You should be able to find a used NAD PP2 for that price. It's decent (not great, but you get what you pay for). 
New TT, current Clearaudio...
@jperry That's actually a really interesting idea! I could just upgrade the table I have to make it better. Never thought about that as an option. 
Different types of cable for bi-wire
I would highly recommend using the same cable for both, or at least same manufacturer and in similar quality. There’s subtle difference (and sometimes more than subtle) between different cables and manufacturers and you will hear that as a disconn... 
What preamp creates the largest soundstage?
CAT SL-1, Audio Research Ref5 & 6, Aesthetix Rhea & Rhea Signature, any Shindo Lab.Prima Luna Dialogue is not a bad preamp, just not in the same league as the ones above. 
What preamp creates the largest soundstage?
Hmm... since there's no way to recommend a pre-amp without knowing the power amp (synergy is crucial!) you're not going to get very good information.Or you can pick any good preamp and hope for the best. 
Cardas Audio Service Quality
I have opposite experience. From the time they receive it for retermination to the time I have the tracking# for the return has never exceeded 4 days. 
Pass Labs - 350.8 stereo vs. 260.8 monos
If you can get one if Pass XA Amps, absolutions go with that. The class A amps are absolutely stunning and MUCH more powerful than the rating suggests. 
Used Market Savings vs. The Dealer Experience
Many dealers do take trade-in so it’s not unthinkable that you can assemble the system you want for just a bit more than used (the dealer does need a margin to stay in business) 
Jumpers for Verity Parsifal Encore
Satori makes much more sense and they’re going to be better 
worth adding blue ray?
Absolutely worth it, but I don't know if I would get a blu-ray player today... I would get a UHD player instead to be a bit more future proof. Unfortunately OPPO has decided to stop selling their blu-ray players, which is a crying shame, but it is... 
Too much of a good thing...
@jea48 Yes, power cables are 10awg.I don't have a 20 amp circuit, but it is a dedicated 15amp line with a standard (i.e. nothing special) outlet. 
Home Theater System (Speakers)
Power Sound Audio has some great speakers for HT, add one of their subwoofers and you'll have a very competent HT system. 
Beware of SACD Transports -- they probably will not work with your favorite DAC
PS Audio DirectStream transport to the DS Dac only sends DSD data over the I2S connection (which is NOT an HDMI connection, even though the cables are the same) 
Speakers with the most detailed midrange? (non-ESL/planar)
Thiel CS3.7's are pretty decent. Personally, I like Audio Physic (from the Joachim Gerhardt era), they tend to be very clean and clear in the midrange. 
Too much of a good thing...
@jea48 No, I do not have those, but I did try some other cables (basic stock cables from other amps) and it made it worse.