128x128

bgross

Responses from bgross

Need a big favor picking a preamp
There's a Nagra PL-L on the other site for $6K. Its a piece I'd LOVE to someday own. Was an $11K linestage in 2010. Goals,...  
Best Amplifier for LS3/5a
I used a Tandberg 3012A integrated with a 15ohm set of Chartwells - it was fabulous.  
Best Options For A Tubed Preamp - $2500 Or Less, Preferably Used To Maximize Value
+1 for the Audible Illusions, Modulus 3A. I see a couple over on the "other site" for $2K +/- a few bucks. Buy from a reputable dealer. GL  
DAC RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE
I really like the Synthesis, Roma 69 & Line Magnetic tube DACs. I use an older LM 502ca and rolled in some high-end 12au7s & rectifier tubes - its ridiculously great and better sounding than anything I’ve experienced for upwards of $5-$6K.... 
Tube preamp match with Solid Stare amp
Aesthetix Calypso would be my suggestion. I've used mine with Chord, Ayer & Plinius amps with much success. No phono but, find a good preowned one, plug in your choice of phono pres and stay under the $6K cap. Just my opinion... 
Recommendation Tube Integrated
Octave Audio, V40 SE - upgrade the tubes w/HQ NOS 12ax7 & 6922 and pick your poison for KT88, KT90 or 6550. Amazing integrated and can sneak it all in with tube upgrade for about $6K. Toss in a Black Box offboard power supply for another $1500... 
Nagra, PL-L
I did not however, my god, what a phenomenal piece of equipment. Gave it some strong thought but in the end ityr Nagra was a lot of money and I just couldn't justify it right now. The owner sold it soon after I returned it so, I dodged that Swiss ... 
Lumin Hifi Rose or Aurender
Lumin to Line Magnetic DAC via Audience, AU 24e digital coax with Oyade Neo CAT 7 Ethernet cable - that's my streaming rig and its's most excellent  
Is There Just One Single Album That Does It For You, Completely? Just One.
There are more than a couple for me but lately it's been Steve Earle, El Corazon. Its recorded well and has a twangy vibe with a sophisticated lyric contrast. I encourage others to give it a spin.   
Dealers with excellent listening rooms?
That Nashua, NH area has some of the finest audio shops on the EC. Fidelis, (drool) and AVT have some impressive gear and are really nice peeps but, if you have the chance, you should try and visit Holt Hill Audio. They have an amazing loft in an ... 
Integrated for TAD ME1: Luxman, Accuphase or Soulnote?
Accuphase - Luxman - Soulnote in that order... not models, just brand pecking order. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary go hear an Audia Flight, FLS 10. It might very well be what you're looking for. Just my opinion.  
Tune of the Day
Johnny Jenkins, "Sick And Tired" off Ton-Ton Macoute! - slick & funky  
Nice vintage $2k Turntable, cartridge, and phono stage
Luxman PD-121 Table, ADC LMF-1 Arm, Rega Exact 2 Cart , Lounge Audio LCR Gold Phono Pre - this is exactly what I use and was all purchased pre-owned in extraordinary condition for just under $2K. Its a VERY great playing/sounding rig and on looks ... 
Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing
I have a pretty modest setup with Lumin, U1 Mini w/S-Booster off board power supply into a Line Magnetic, LM502ca Tube DAC & using an Audience, AU24 Digital Coax Cable to connect them. Also use an Ethernet commection to the Lumin. I've listene... 
Horns with good timbre and tonality?
Anyone heard of Heretic speakers? Saw on instigram the place in Mass now selling them. Look like old Altec but w/Tannoy type concentric drivers. Cool as all hell but wonder if they can be anyway near the big Tannoys I heard there a few weeks back....