celtic66

Responses from celtic66

Audio using home computer
Peter,I really don't mean to whizz on your barbeque, but this is incompatible. I'm not being snobbish, just know and understand what downloaded music sounds like in comparison to well recorded source. If you go this route, certain upgrades need be... 
VTL IT-85 or Mcintosh MA6500
Stick with the VTL. Unless Mac has made a significant turnaround I'm not aware of, it's hands down VTL is more musical. 
Mom wants a shelf system or laptop speakers..
Second the Onkyo CS 210 $170 delivered, dump speaks for Mission m70 listed new on A'gon for $90 or Pardigm Atoms, so I count $180. Unscrew the top, drill 4 holes and mount under cupboards. 
Best Choice for Docking Station for an IPOD
Bose, expensive for what it is? Really?! Arrrgggghhhh!!!!!Cello, I just recommended an Onkyo CS 210 shelf system to a friend for use with his iPOD. $170 shipping included and you are in. Consider replacing the stock speakers and speaker cable with... 
Nakamichi Cassette Decks
Nak is King in their better models. Pick a favorite tape formulation and have the deck tweaked internally to that tape with full mechanical alignment and be on your way. 
Rogers LS3/5 or Reference 2A De Capo i
Carol,You still will not match the vocal/piano midrange, however the DeCapo is quite competent and far more dynamic. It will disappear much like the Rogers. They prefer tubes and more power than you would think with their efficiency rating. Flea w... 
help building a new system on a budget...
Second the Jolida 1301. Rarely found used. Mites are great, own a pair. Cheap Toshiba DVD/CD player mated with DAC works. Used Assemblage 1.0 or Adcom 600 $125Jolida 250Mites 300Toshiba 50DAC 125Cables/IC 50(Signal C.)Sp. stands 50 825 
integrated amp for totem dreamcatcher monitors
Manley Stingray will make these sing. 
TDK SA-X or Maxell XLII-S which is best?
Didn't answer your question, did they. The housing construction is superior on the Maxell as is the tape structure. TDK is decent enough but will throw oxides onto the heads more readily.Also, if you want to do this right have a tech internally tw... 
Cables for a high-school newbie
Signal Cables. 
Any opinions on PS Audio Power Plants
Do any of you have jobs? 
CD...then the SACD...all over again
Vinyl version, Nautilus vinyl version, MoFi vinyl version, MoFi cassette version, Direct to Disc vinyl version, 45 RPM Crystal Records vinyl version, Elcassette, DAT version, CD redbook version, Philips DCC version, MoFi remastered CD version, MoF... 
Small size monitor suggestions
ATCs are great, however very critical of front end and inefficient. Spendors are great musically and forgiving of front end flaws. Axioms are best value. 
NPR blues program
Mpence,Thank you. It was Blues Before Sunrise. Paul Thorn is amazing. New find. 
Best vintage receivers for FM?
Luxman 1120A, exceptional tuner and better sounding preamp/power than almost any of the pieces mentioned above. I've owned many of them. You may find a slightly better tuner, but not the combination.