celtic66

Responses from celtic66

Old tube amp?
Dynaco. There are always several completely restored and modified ST-70s for sale at very reasonable prices. Absolutely killer amps with these upgrades and for $700-900 a steal. 
The most important word of advise?
Listen to everything in your home environment. 
Cheapest system you could ever stand to listen to
I'm listening to it right now while on medical contract. NAD L-40 with Scandyna Micro Pod speakers. Very nice midrange, a little bass. Very listenable. 
Good beginner tube amp suggestions
Not been a Jolida fan for years until recently, the 1301 for $350 retail is very decent and with upgrade tubes even better. 
Continuation Best Small budget speakers for girlfr
Paradigm Atoms, PSB Alphas, Axiom M3Ts. 
What is a preamp?
Dave,Optimally a preamp would only switch sources and control volume without addition or subtraction to the signal. However, by simple virtue of a signal passing though another device there will be degradation and timbre change. This is subjective... 
Ultra - smooth bookshelves $500 or under
Mission M72, Ruark. 
Recommendations for best most efficient speakers
Must agree with the misnomer reference. Tube gear when designed correctly carry a very nice punch and can drive well even inefficient loads. Why do you think they build 200 wpc monoblocks? Please get this out of your head.I took my VTL Tiny Triode... 
Good budget cables?
I find Signal Cable tough to beat. Very decent sound for reasonable $s. Excellent construction. 
Top 5 recievers of the 70's and 80's ????
Hands down the Luxman 1120A. Sorry, but I've either owned or listened to much of what is talked about in the previous posts and for musicality, power, tuner section, phono section, it's Luxman. Still easily valid today against most equipment. 
Extreme low budget amp w phono & "reputation"?
Know you said new. But used you can find an original Rega Brio integrated with phono for about $250-300. Great amp. 
Coincident Triumph vs. Zu Druid
Own the Coincident Triumph TRS Signature and they are accurate and with great musical texture. Listen to acoustic jazz, blues and celtic. They are particularly good with vocals and acoustic instruments. Very quick attack. Image well and provide ex... 
m22 vs. atom
Okay. First go to Office Max and spend $1.50 on blue poster tack as the Blu Tac is grossly over priced. Second. I've owned Paradigm Atoms and Axiom. You've done fine. Good trick is to open them up and pack the corners with rope caulking from Home ... 
Very inexpensive speakers for a 2nd system
Mission M 72. This is a very overlooked speaker. 
Best Audiophile Dealer in Greater Portland OR
Echo Hifi, Stereotypes.