bigboltz

Responses from bigboltz

The best separates between $2500-3000. Moving on from the original Rogue Sphinx Intg..
Quicksilver Audio 
Speaker cable lengths doe it matter they are not equal???
Speaker cable length wont matter, especially when the diff is only a few feet 
tube monoblocks and preamp recommendations
Harle,i ran my Quicksilver mono amps with a Quicksilver Full Function preamp.   It's a nice pre and built like a tank.   I just feel like the Atmasphere sounds better in every way.  At least in my system and in my listening room.   I can't imagine... 
tube monoblocks and preamp recommendations
Another vote for Quicksilver. I use Silver Monos(90 watts) with an Atmasphere UV-1 preamp. Great sound and under your budget.   
Researching Preamps
rogerabbit-  I'm glad you mentioned that. As much as I love tubes, I've recently discovered that I like SS phono stages better. Especially in my price range. The Musical Surroundings Phenomena2 offers much better bass slam and focus than both the ... 
Researching Preamps
I had the Quicksilver Full Function pre for a few years paired with Quicksilver monos. I enjoyed it and it was a big step up from the vintage pre it replaced.Pretty good phono stage. Should be able to find one in the 1k range. I recently got an At... 
$1600. preamp
Atma Sphere UV-1.   In that price range, you can get one with a phono stage.  It blew away my Quicksilver pre, though I use it with Quickie silver monos.   
Your single favorite component
An Atma-Sphere UV-1 tube pre. But not just any UV-1...this was the original prototype. It is hand wired point to point and signed by Ralph Karsten and marked as serial #1. Besides the great sound, the uniqueness really appeals to me.  Truly a one-... 
Solid state amp to replace my Audio Research Ref 150 amp
Surprised that nobody recommended McCormack.  My favorite solid state.  And won't break the bank.  
Stylus cleaner
Sound smith recommends dabbing into a bit of blue tack.