clio09

Responses from clio09

Starting from Scratch -Please Help Pick 1 out of 3
I used Audikinesis Jazz Modules with my VAC setup. Kevin Hayes uses Kingsound speakers. I believe he paired the Phi 200 with them at one of the past RMAF shows. You could email him and ask for speaker suggestions. He is a great guy to deal with. 
DIY Amp Preamp building
I believe the M-60 is available as a kit again. Other sources for kits are Hagerman and K&K Audio. 
Slagle AVC Modules & Lightspeed Attenuator
I think there are a couple LDR passive preamps out there with remote and multiple inputs. The names escape me at the moment though.As for DIYing one perhaps the remote John Chapman sells could be put to use with a Lightspeed type design. Actually ... 
12' x 14' room; $10k budget for speakers; help
Duke's post is well worth noting and his speakers are well worth considering.BTW - I use his speakers and have used them in various sized rooms, one slightly bigger than yours.I remember him coming by once and he was amazed at how I had his speake... 
Starting from Scratch -Please Help Pick 1 out of 3
VAC will deliver the goods. They do have a signature or house sound, and the components you have specifically identified are well respected in the industry and among hobbyists. I played all types of music with my VAC gear and was never disappointe... 
Starting from Scratch -Please Help Pick 1 out of 3
Having owned VAC gear I would lean towards #1. You will get nice system synergy and a good dose of the VAC house sound. The speaker choice would be DeVore, but in addition to the Nines I would seriously consider the Orangutan.System #3 is interest... 
Which loudspeakers work best close to back wall?
The Audiokinesis speakers are quite flexible due to their adjustable rear port. I have put my pair close to the wall with great results. If need be I have plugs that can seal the port as well. Very reasonably priced as well. 
12' x 14' room; $10k budget for speakers; help
If you will be in the DC area try to visit Deja Vu Audio in McLean, VA. Vu has a nice selection of equipment and speakers including Audio Note. Great shop to hang out and listen. 
Variable gain preamp ?
It would depend on the amp and the efficiency of your speakers, as well as the ouput voltage of your source (most digital sources are 2V but some are not). The more sensitive your amp is the more gain it has. The more efficient your speakers are t... 
Speakers to consider around 5k used?
Where do you live? Perhaps some audiophiles near you will invite you over for a listen. I've been known to bring speakers over to an audiophiles home on occasion. Duke at Audiokinesis drove a pair of speakers to me, a nine hour trek, and let me au... 
CD Transport?
CEC TL-51X would be a good choice and under $1000 used. 
do it yourself fans..........
If you are very serious about learning and potentially doing DIY projects you may get some good advice here, but you should go over to Audio Asylum and post there. They have a lot more propeller heads over there who will be more than happy to offe... 
Importance of line stage pre--Who Knew?
I'll admit VansEvers was on to something with the resonance tuning using wood. Somewhere I still have his paper on the various types of wood and their resonance frequencies. His power block was one of the very few conditioning units I liked. Wish ... 
Importance of line stage pre--Who Knew?
Plato, not necessarily poo-pooing power regeneration (I tried these products in my system so I do not consider myself close minded on the subject) but just your comment and the idea that this, along with cabling and chassis diffusion, is what is r... 
Importance of line stage pre--Who Knew?
With tubes, the sins are mainly of omission meaning that they generally roll treble, round fast transients, and muddle things a bit in even the best designs. This makes the sound more "musical" at the expense of removing musical information, nuanc...