bigkidz

Responses from bigkidz

Tube sound is not about warmth. It's about correct presentation.
a good tube amp design does not have to sound "warm" at all.  That is the old type of thinking based upon what you have heard in your experience.  BUT there are tube amps that are fast, dynamic, have great sonics that are not warm sounding. Happy... 
What’s the most underrated used Audio Research gear?
@bpoletti - you hit the nail on the head.  PLUS once you upgrade them, they improve tremendously!    
Speakers 10 years old or older that can compete with todays best,
To be honest, mot people have not maxed out the potential of their systems.  The components most people use are inferior to what they can be using to improve the sound in their systems.  We get to hear some many systems and components weekly and p... 
At what price is one considered an Audiophile.
one cents!  
CD/ SACD advice needed
Laser probably needs to be changed  also you can upgrade the power supply for much better sound We have done plenty of CDPs with great results.      
CEC CD Transports on eBay: Are they fake?
They are not fake.  The wires inside from what I remember are easy to swap out to convert the voltage to US although you will not get a warranty with the Japanese units.  
budget diy tube preamp beating many expensive preamps... problem with my system?
it can be because of some system matching issues. You also do not explain where there are sonic difference that you prefer compared to the other units.  
New R2R DAC
@mountz the winner is based on what sonic comparisons?  Bass, mids, treble, soundstage, separation. clarity, etc.  That would be helpful to others trying to make a decision on a DAC. All of the DACs are good quality DACs that all have something t... 
Tracking down a hum.
Good suggestions but I agree with boomerbillone probably a capacitor if the tube swapping does not solve your issue.  
CD Transport
@leog2015 - the nu[prime was just OK.  The Sim was good but there were better older units that out performed it but it was still very nice. The CEC units are very good.  I did not prefer the TL5 as much.  The model 2 with the 2 belt system was ve... 
CD Transport
For those who feel CD transports do not sound different, I invite you to our listening room where we have Audiomeca Mephisto II,  Metronome, Marantz, Cary, and a bunch of streamers to compare with your own ears. You are limiting your search to CD... 
Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?
It depends on what you are looking for in sound quality.  I would love to design a Class D amplifier that outperforms our Class A mono blocs but so far we cannot.  No even close.  BUT sound quality depends on the design, implementation and parts q... 
DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER
@randyh - I sugge34st having your current preamp upgraded to another level with better parts.  That will get you to another level without searching for something to replace it. PLUS the better parts will not be in the typical preamp you will be sw... 
DAC DIRECT IN TO AMPLIFIER OR TO PREAMPLIFIER
Comes down to the quality of the component.  In general as you point out, most DACs do not have a quality output.  BUT a poor preamp can also have an impact on sound quality.  So you need to experiment in your system to see what works best.   Ha... 
Which to keep! Pick one of these two soeakers
The sonics you are describing have a lot to do with your equipment. Happy Listening.