big_greg

Responses from big_greg

dumb question, streaming music to a preamp?
Bluesound just came out with the Node 2i.  It's $499, but you may be able to pick up the previous Node 2 for quite a bit less now.  I just ordered one for $200 from my local dealer who took some in on trade.  I should have it in a few days and pla... 
Spotify vs. Apple Music vs. Google Play vs. Tidal: Which is Best
I've never tried Spotify so can't say that Tidal is "better", but I chose Tidal because of the availability of Master quality albums.  I do almost all my Tidal listening on decent systems and can hear noticeable differences in sound quality when c... 
How are you hearing no difference?
Everything I've switched up in my systems has sounded different in some way, the exception perhaps being cables.  Sources, amps, preamps, turntables, cartridges, DACs, etc. have all sounded different in some way.  Speakers of course have the most ... 
Amsued To Death - Roger Waters CD
I went through a period where I was upset about Pink Floyd breaking up and did not care what Roger Waters was doing, so I missed this when it came out.  I was in Portland at Echo Audio and the owner Kurt used a vinyl copy to demo a $100K system th... 
Help Choosing Headphone Amp for Audeze LCD-2
I would add the  Sony TA-ZH1ES to your list.  The Sony works great as a pre-amp and has a great DAC and a lot of options for outputs.The LCD-2 sound good with every amp I've tried them with.  They are very good headphones, but perhaps not resol... 
Have you ever downgraded deliberately?
I don't think I've "downgraded" my system, but have recently swapped out some more expensive gear for more "basic" components and been very happy with the changes I made.In my digital system I had a Peachtree Nova 300 integrated that I replaced wi... 
Integrated Amp Recommendation
I'd get a 2nd opinion on the repairs first, especially if you like that unit.  I have owned a couple of Peachtree's integrateds (the Grand X1 and Nova 300).  If you need a lot of power and a lot of bells and whistles (DAC, headphone amp, HTPB, pho... 
Making a difficult decision
I own a Peachtree Nova 300.  It's a great sounding piece and well made.  I used it with efficient Klipsch speakers, but it has enough power to drive almost any speakers.  As mentioned, it is Class D so can be smaller and lighter.  I can't speak to... 
klipsch heresy 1 versus zu omen mk2
No experience with the Zu, but another upgrade option for your Heresy I speakers is to upgrade or replace the crossovers and tweeter with replacements from Bob Crites.  I did this to mine recently and am very happy with the results.  The parts in ... 
TIDAL Desktop Application or Chrome Browser?
I know these three letters are controversial, but if you want to listen in "Master" quality (MQA) I don't think Chrome supports that.  I use the desktop app. 
WHAT WAS THE BEST SYSTEM YOU EVER HEARD AND WHY WAS IT?
@aolmrd1241 thanks for the link, I wasn't aware of that.  We were listening to vinyl, but I assume the playback media doesn't matter since the effect was produced by the recording technology.  I bought the vinyl afterwards as well as the CD/Bluray... 
WHAT WAS THE BEST SYSTEM YOU EVER HEARD AND WHY WAS IT?
I was at Echo Audio in Portland last summer and it was a slow day (there was a parade that shut down the downtown area).  The owner, Kurt had a pair of  Dan D'Agostino Momentum M400 monoblocks set up with a  Pro-Ject Xtension 10 as the source go... 
Cannot do 5.1 then does 3.1 make a difference or just stick to 2.1?
Your AV processor should give you options for defining how many speakers you're using and will distribute the sound accordingly.  You should be OK with 2.1.  What you can "live with" is up to you.  I am old enough to remember the days where having... 
Best vintage DD turntables from the 70's and 80's?
I'm not sure I'd call it the "best", but when I was looking for a turntable with auto shut off, I found a Realistic Lab 440.  It's a very nice table and fully automatic.  It was a little fussy when I first got it, but the shop I bought it from wen... 
Best phone preamp for around $500?
Take a look at the Jolida JD9.  I had a Pro-Ject Tube Box II (I have no experience with the other Pro-ject units you mentioned) and the JD9 put it to shame.  The JD9 offers a huge amount of loading and gain settings and will grow with you if you d...