cjmc8

Responses from cjmc8

How will I know when a Krell KSA-80b needs to be recapped?
The hotter an amp runs the faster the caps will deteriorate. If you have owned it since new you can guess how many hours are on it. If not things like heat-sinks turning from black to purple or even lighter would show lots of hot hours. A tech can... 
Should I Switch Preamps?
I am still using a motif mc8 made by cj in the late 80’s. Really the only solid state preamp I have heard that does the tube sound well. I have heard later ones are quieter and more detailed. You need to listen before you buy. Have a fun journey. 
Your Nominations: Top Phono Stages under $1,000
Luxman makes several standalone phono stages that sound very good. I use an E-200 and find it sounds excellent and will work in nearly any application with almost all cartridges. You don't see them used that often but they are under a grand when y... 
I need a good Preamp
Top level Luxman has gotten great reviews. I have their phono pre and like it very much. I would go listen to one. 
How much gain is needed in a Phono Preamp for a 0.2 to 0.3mv low output moving coil?
Dynavector or Ortofon MC. The best you can reasonably afford. You will be set for years. As I recall the LOMC versions of each are 0.30mV++++ for both. 
High End Amp Price Collapse musings
Good luck with that! 
My final table , hopefully !
I would recommend the VPI Classic (1). They can be had new for around $2500 and sound even better than the reviews written about them. I would pair it with a Dynavector 20X2 either low or high output and just listen to music. With that said I want...