cerrot

Responses from cerrot

Transporter vs Ayre CX-7e
My error. The 7 is cd only, and, yes, I was comparing the sacd to the redbook layer (didn't know until now). My apologies (also on the models - I am referring to the 5 series and the 7 series of the Ayre CD players). I did listen to the transport ... 
Benchmark DAC-1, Lavry DA10, Altmann Attraction
Apology accepted, and I appreciate your taking the time to post.  
Transporter vs Ayre CX-7e
I also enjoy the convenience of having music on a hard drive to play hour long playlists on my squeezebox, though, as I have said, not up to par (to me) for critical listening. (I did come up with an excellent work-around, though-I have an Alesis ... 
Newbe PC audio
Musicman, The Saffire is a great little rig. I'm perplexed why the majority here are going USB rather than firewire. 
Transporter vs Ayre CX-7e
The Ayer is clearly better. The CX-5 even more so. The properties you mentioned are much of what Ayre CD players are known for. Keep in mind, the Transporter does blow away the music hall, but the Ayre does blow away the transporter. The transport... 
Benchmark DAC-1, Lavry DA10, Altmann Attraction
I haven't been fooled into anything and I'm not reporting anything to benchmark engineers, nor do I appreciate your sarcastic remark. I know what I hear. I was merely reporting it. There are many posts which call the Benchmark analytical and steri... 
Benchmark DAC-1, Lavry DA10, Altmann Attraction
I absolutely agree with the above two posters on the benchmark and power cords. I also use Python helix Vx and the upgrade was enormous. Also use Tara Labs RSC Air One IC's and that, with the PC (into Hydra 8) made it sound very, very nice. 
Newbe PC audio
Sorry-one more issue. USB is very poor for PC audio. Go the firewire route-a world of difference. 
Newbe PC audio
I have found the benchmark to be not sterile or analytical at all with very good power cabes, power conditioner and interconnets. I know spending a grand each on both PC and IC on a 1,000 dac isn't for everyone, it does make it sound quite nice. 
Sell Hi-Fi and invest in stock market?
Market hasn't bottomed out yet. I said 3 years ago it was overinflated and would be down to 7500. (Not to pat myself on the back, but also told my associates about the mortgage issues we currently face). Having had hit 7500 Thursday, now I se 6000... 
Pass, Bryston, Audio Research, or McIntosh?
Maggies & Tubes. My buddy had the Atmaspheres and loved it. 
Shakti Stones Do they actuall work guys.
Once I put the stone back on the hydra, it snapped right into place. The system was running for a few hours so it took no time at all. 
Shakti Stones Do they actuall work guys.
I have had three stones installed for a year - one on each amp and one on my Hydra. Couldn't really say they made a difference until I took a stone off the Hydra and placd it on my cd player. I had forgotten I had made this change and when I liste... 
Which Digital processor/equalizer ?
It wasn't obselete when I bought it. Its been in my closet for 4 years. You can't put a $600 oponenet (the 2496 is $300) in a $70,000 system and expect it to be a benefit. Sorry-I'm now a purist. Shortest path between source and speakers for me. 
has anyone tried ultrabit platinum on their cds
I have been using it on my main rig now for almost two weeks and am very taken back by what it does. Larger soundstage and better focus, and seems like more resolution (not to sound like the reviews, but...). At first I didn't think I would use it...