bobgates

Responses from bobgates

i'm looking for a dull 12ax7 and 12au7, ideas?
I like the Electro-Harmonix 12AX7s and 12AU7s. Wouldn't exactly describe them as "dull" but they are very musical. 
Krell KAV-400xi or Bryston B100 SST ?
Krell KAV-400xi hands down. 
Want to replace Vandersteen 1C's with better spk
I've owned the Vandersteen 1Cs and the Theil 2.3s in the past and now use the Source speakers. In my opinion the Source 8.1 is a big improvement over the 1Cs and the 2.3s. http://www.sourcespeaker.com/ 
CD player modifications
Audphil1- thanks very much for the information on the TRT Dynamicaps. 
CD player modifications
Thanks Mike; I'll look into the Mundorf Supreme. 
Best tube integrated under 1500 new or used
A used DK Design is a nice sounding integrated; sometimes they show up for $1500 or less. 
Cheap tweaks...What would YOU reccomend?
3 Isol-Pads directly under the CD player and amp, or better yet, Isol-Pads stacked 2 high directly under the CD player and amp). 
CD player modifications
Gmood1 - looks interesting. 
Best tube integrated under 1500 new or used
A used Cary SLI-80. 
Best tube integrated under 1500 new or used
I like the Qinpu A-1.0X 
Any NEW jazz blues / soul jazz artists....
I recently picked up a CD called the Crosshart Jazz Experience that I like very much; these are a couple of very talented young jazz musicians, Ryan Cross on upright bass and Lorca Hart on drums. Three exceptional pianists and two superb sax playe... 
CD player modifications
Thanks Newmanoc - I will look at those. 
I love my Vandersteen's but . . . . . . . .
I had the original Vandersteen 2s and found that the Von Schweikert VR4s were more dynamic and provided a larger and more dimensional soundstage. 
Review: Shanling CD-S100 Mk II CD Player
I bought a Shanling S-100 Mk II recently and like it better than my old Consonance CD-120. Being able to go directly into the power amp is another plus. 
Best Integrated Amp Of All Times?
The Qinpu A-8000 is probably the best sounding integrated I've heard to date; works well with a wide variety of speakers too.