chayro

Responses from chayro

How too clean top/sides of black metal on McIntosh units
Residual Oil Remover.  ROR for short.  Made for camera lenses but works on anything I've ever tried it on, although I haven't tried it on painted surfaces.   
The very best sound: Direct to Disc
I'm glad someone remembered Umbrella.  The recordings with the Toronto Chamber Orchestra are some of the best recordings I've heard, from both a sonic and musical perspective.   
Your first “high end” system
DCM Time Windows, AGI preamp, Marshall Leach amplifier, Technics 1200 tt with Denon 103d MC cart.  Also had a Teac reel to reel with Dolby, but I can't remember the model number.  It was a nice system. Don't know exactly when I had it because I ca... 
Phono Stage for a VPI Prime Scout
Well, you did a smart thing.  Start modestly and establish a baseline for your ears so you can better judge things going forward.  I do remember when I had my tube box, changing the tubes to Black Sables from Tube Depot made a substantial improvem... 
Phono Stage for a VPI Prime Scout
I would suggest a different approach.  Since you are just stepping into the water, I think you might consider purchasing something like a Pro-ject Tube Box2 for $400 and listen to it for a year or so to get a better handle on analog in general.  T... 
Anyway to use the DAC in an integrated cd player with an outboard transport?
I have never heard of anybody ever modifying a unit to add a digital input to a unit that didn't have one.  I guess anything can be done, but my guess is that it is not cost effective.  Maybe you can just live without hearing the last tracks on so... 
Anyway to use the DAC in an integrated cd player with an outboard transport?
If the player has a digital input, purchase a stand-alone transport like the Cambridge CXC and a digital cable - plug the output of the transport to the digital input of the CD player and it should work. That’s it. BTW, CXC transports are availabl... 
Rogue Audio Sphinx V3
Can't speak about Rogue, but if you're looking for a system improvement,, when I owned the Tube Box it improved significantly by replacing the tubes with Black Sable offered by Tube Depot.  Worth a try if you haven't replaced them yet.   
CD Transports
The Audiolab did get a great online review.  I picked up one of the CXCs on Ebay for about $300.  I see the have the new V2s for $350.  I think the Audiolab is $550.  Unless you compare back to back you can never know which is better, but if you'r... 
Monitors and speaker stamds?
I have found that different speakers sounded best with different mounting methods.  My Harbeths hated being secured tightly to the stands and worked best on spikes or some other hard interface, while my Operas functioned best when secured tightly ... 
Why no interest in reel to reel if you're looking for the ultimate sound?
From what I have seen, the prices range from $300-$600 per tape. That alone will keep the number of audiophiles to a minimum. Additionally, tapes take up a lot of room, which is a huge consideration for some. At one of the shows, Peter Qvortrup fr... 
Better amp or better tubes?
From your post, it seems that you have decided that the tubes and/or the amp is what is causing your desire to upgrade.  I think you should look at your whole system.  I recall once going into a dealer absolutely convinced that I needed a better o... 
CD Treatment
I recall that the Mapleshade Micro-Smooth made a big difference.  You buff the disk with some mildly abrasive polish, about the consistency of toothpaste.  I remember being very pleased with the results, but I don't have the patience or inclinatio... 
Give Satanic Majesties A Chance
I felt like both of you - I knew I hated it, so I didn't bother listening.  Until today.  Things change.  Now - I KNOW I hate Dark Side of the Moon.  Maybe I'll try that tomorrow.   
Headphones $600 or less
Be careful - I just saw an interview with Pete Townsend (the Who) who said he lost his hearing from listening too loudly at home with headphones, not from the sound on stage.  I don't know if he's right, but that's what he said.  That said, the Op...