brauser

Responses from brauser

Which has greatest influence?
#1- Speakers#2- Source#3- Preamp#4- Amp#5- Wire/Tweaks/Room etc.This is true provided that all componets are of a reasonable level of quality and the room is of an adequate size! There are exceptions of course. 
ARC CD2 or Bel Canto DAC2 with transport
I would stear away from the ARC CD2 for this reason. The laser mechanism is not being made anymore and ARC is out of parts. Therefore, if you have a problem it may not be able to be repaired. Other than that it's a good plyer for it's vintage, but... 
Are there any Violin or Cello players out there?
I have played the violin/fiddle for over 50 years now. I've always used a conventional acoustic instrument, although I almost bought a Zeta hybrid at one point. The Luis and Clark web site presents some interesting info and at 5K plus for a new vi... 
any + experience with CD disc modification ?
I have done extensive testing with many different tweeks through the years and have come to the conclusion that some work extremely well, some marginally so and some with trade-offs that are not worth the effort. Top shelf tweeks include the follo... 
Review: Densen DeMagic Tweak
I have used the Densen disc as well as the 'Ayre Irrational, But Efficacious!' disc with material results for years. I really could not be without these very effective tweeks!! 
WHAT'S THE BEST SOLID STATE PREAMP FOR $3000 ??
The Jeff Rowland Capri has been recently compared to preamps in the 10K range. I have seen used Capri(s) on AudioGon at the 2K point. An amazing bargain! 
Best Interconnects for ARC gear
ARC use to sell interconnects with the name 'Litz Line'. It was very musical but not on par with the better cables of today. A company with similar sonics, but with SOTA tech is Audio Magic. These are silver cables that seem to synergize with ARC ... 
Jeff Rowland Capri vs Bel Canto Pre3
I have had the Capri in my reference system for about 6 months now and am delighted with it's performance. I cannot compare it to the Bel Canto, but can say with assurance that it outperforms the ARC LS 25II that it replaced. 
Scratch removal before ripping
Bob, I agree with you. If you want to get this type of thing as a package product go to the Mapleshade website. 
Does anyone or does everyone pay retail price?
Standard mark-up in the industry is 40-50%. There's lots of overhead in 'bricks and mortor' stores and audiophiles are very cautious with there purchases. A lot of people have gone into the retail side because they love being a part of the high-en... 
I could cry
Great time to get out of vinyl. This is no doubt some manifestation of INNER ANALOG RAGE!!! P.S. - Reward the cat. 
Which CD player??
A few months ago I bought an EAD Ultradisc 2000. I liked the silver front match to my Rowland gear and decided to give it a try. At this point and after living with it a while, all I can say is that it is the second best high end bargain I've ever... 
A look into classical
Pandora is a great site. You can listen to radio stations on the Internet such as the fine Dallas Classical station WRR. Also, you might want to try a few audiophile classics from Telarc or Columbia Masterworks. Gramophone and BBC Classical magazi... 
mid fi choices NAD vs Adcom vs Rotel ... $400
I have had all three and found them all to be quite amazing at their respective price points. If I had to rate them, however, I would go with 1)Rotel 2)NAD 3)Adcom. 
Richard Gray's Power Company
I had the RGPC 600 along with 400s and the power cords etc. After a lot of listening, tweeking and what have you; I concluded that I was experiencing the same negative elements that were spelled out in Stereophile's review by Fremer. Transformers ...