bondmanp

Responses from bondmanp

When less is more...10 reasons to own Thorens
I am presently limited to MM or HOMC by my preamp. I have two arm wands, one with an Ortofon OM-30 Super, and one with a Denon DL-160 HOMC. The Ortofon tracks a little better, but the Denon offers a wider soundstage, more detail retrieval, and is ... 
McIntosh MC240 w/ Emotiva XP3 - Recommended
I also have an "asymetrical" configuration in my combo 2-channel/HT system (in which I also have an Oppo 93, BTW). It has never been an issue, provided the channel balances are properly set. Even when listening to MCH SACDs, I have not been bother... 
What about power for Vandersteen 2 speakers?
Ditto everyone else, with the caveat that if you find you are pushing the volume setting up very high on the lower-powered YBA, be careful you are not clipping the amp, which is what Richard was warning about. 
Question: DAC too hot & want to add sub
The problem with using a subwoofer's internal crossovers is that they are often an afterthought; an accomodation for consumers who lack a sub-out RCA jack or an AVR with built in crossovers. The quality can be poor, and remember, the entire audio ... 
When less is more...10 reasons to own Thorens
Yes Dean - I have had my TD 166MkII modded (but not the arm, which is all-original), and the performance has been brought up to another level. I owned it 26 years in full stock form, before the mod, and after the mod, I have no interest in TT shop... 
Thorens TD 166 MK II Suspension?
I have a TD-166Mk II I bought new in 1984 (when I thought turntables would dissappear - HAH!). I actually like the over-sized spindle, since many LPs have over-sized center-holes. And yes, the suspension is bouncy. It can be leveled and adjusted w... 
Great lost lps...the 80s....synth pop and others..
I sure do remember Ministry before they went thrash. I have that first LP (EP?), and many of their later albums. I actually like the thrash stuff better - incredible energy. 
Is McIntosh a stepping stone into HI/FI?
About a year ago I dipped my toe into the McIntosh pool with a used C220 preamp. This replaced a C-J PV10 preamp that I liked a lot, but lacked some of the control flexibility (especially the range of the balance control) to work in my rig. I coul... 
Speakers free of grain, glare and steel?
I've heard Merlin VSMs do high-hats and brushes very, very well. All the qualities you seek, plus a delicious delicacy to the sound that is rare and unforgettable. Note that the Merlins I heard were upgraded to a more recent version, and the elect... 
Stereo Imaging
My rig is a 2-channel/HT combo, but the 2-channel sources run a detour around the multi-channel gear. When I had a large SD RPTV with my center atop it, that illusion happened constantly when listening to stereo sources. Now, with a plasma, and ce... 
Rogue Metis vs. Emotiva USP-1
One note: If you are using your subwoofer's internal high- and/or low- pass cross-overs, you are filtering the signal from the Rogue through what may be an inferior cross-over vs. the cross-over built into the Emotiva. My point is, it's not a very... 
Speakers free of grain, glare and steel?
I second what Mapman said. In your price range, look at the Ohm Walsh 1000. Make sure your room is not too big for them. IME with the 2000s (all the Ohm Walsh speakers are voiced identically), there is no etch, no listening fatigue. Simply fantast... 
NuVision or Panasonic or Samsung flat screen?
Bought a Panasonic 55" Plasma in April. So far, I am very pleased with the picture quality, but I am an audiophile, not a videophile. 
CA Azur 840E preamp or Vincent SA-T8 for MC402 ?
Your price range, give or take a few bucks, might fetch you a nice used McIntosh C220 preamp. I own this preamp, and like it a lot. $80 worth of Mullard reissue 12AX7 tubes brought the sonics up a big notch, too. Check this site, and also reliable... 
Ohm Walsh 3/3000 upgrade comments.......
Finsup - As I posted on another Ohm thread, my basement floor is very uneven (poured concrete). It is covered with commercial carpeting, no padding. Although John Strohbeen was emphatic about the walsh series being designed to sit flat on the floo...