dawgcatching

Responses from dawgcatching

Modded CD Player or Stock CD Player?
yeah, that has been my experience on most of the electronics. Also, there is a difference between just "mods" and "upgrades". Having a designed upgrade route is key. If you look at upgrading used units, the cost really isn't that bad: probably no ... 
Modded CD Player or Stock CD Player?
Nmuntean,Well, the background is quieter (I went from level 4+ to 6, I believe) frequency extremes are more present, the player is fuller, not quite as "digital" and overall more realistic. It is hard to say exactly the full extent of the upgrades... 
Review: McCormack DNA-125 Amplifier
Figured I would follow up a bit more. I finally found a great preamp for this amp, and boy, did it make a huge difference. Went with the Modwright Signature 9.0 with Tung-Sol tubes and a Sylvania rectifier. Prior, I had in the system an Eastern El... 
Does preamp w/Power Supply need a good Power Cord?
Thanks for the response. Got an Oyaide, wow! Sounds great across the spectrum: big upgrade in soundstaging, bass, and detail. Heading over to Tokyo in a couple of months, will probably bring back some goodies! They can be a had a bit cheaper over ... 
The Economy.. will hi end audio mfgs lower prices?
I think quality at a certain price point, rather than items costing 3x as much for that extra 2% in performance, are going to be where the markets will be strong. People like us will still be spending money on gear, but it may not be as much as be... 
McCormack DNA500 and DNA2
Well, 2 days listening to the Modwright 9.0 Signature w/NOS Tung Sol and Sylvania recitifer, and it sounds like a perfect match for the DNA-125 rev. Gold. This is probably the best I have heard this amplifier sound. Huge soundstage, very natural a... 
Integrated Amp - Looking to replace my amp & pre
Just sold my Karan KA i-180 (due to downsizing for financial reasons) and can't recommend it highly enough. Assuming you like tons of power and a musical, tube-like presentation with a huge soundstage and incredible detail. Mine was a current mode... 
McCormack DNA500 and DNA2
I have a Modwright Signature 9.0 w/NOS tubes I am putting into my system today. I will let you know how it meshes with the DNA-125. 
McCormack DNA500 and DNA2
On a somewhat related note: What is the better unit, DNA-125 Platinum or DNA-500? This is, assuming of course, that you don't have current-hungry speakers that drop into the low impedance range. Have been looking my DNA-125 upgraded down the line ... 
Review: McCormack DNA-125 Amplifier
Another update: I had the chance to hear the DNA-125 Gold on a less demanding speaker, and I think the difference between the Herron and DNA-125 is less in terms of sound quality and more in terms of current capability. The Herron delivers double ... 
Amp for Soliloquy 5.3i floor standing speaker?
I had a 6.3, and agree: no tubes! The amp will sound pretty fat. Tried AES Sixpacs with little luck. I ran my McCormack DNA-125 and it sounded very full, but still detailed. Probably either a lean tube sound, or a good SS amp is best. And, they ne... 
Amp rec for AR REF3/CD7, & SF Auditor M's/REL B2
If the DarTZeel is that good of a match, hunt down a Karan amp. I saw a KA S180 listed here for sale. Having recently owned a late-model Karan amp, I can't say enough good things about their units. They would still be a good value at 2x the price.... 
New amp or new cd player?
Definitely get a better source! But, as mentioned above, if your cables aren't up to snuff, you aren't getting the most out of your system. I had a Consonance Reference 2.2 (6H30 tubed CDP) which sell for around $700 used: a very decent unit. I th... 
Big Karan amps
As this has turned, more or less, into a Karan love fest....I recently put a KA i-180 (recent model, 18-months old) into my system. All I can say is "wow!". Easily beat, 2 different sets of well-regarded $11,000 separates in my system (Herron M1/1... 
Any comments on the deHavilland UltraVerve preamp?
No, I haven't heard any of those. What I did have in my system over the past 2 months were the ARC LS26, Classe CP-700, Herron VTSP-1a/166, and the Ultraverve. The LS26 is probably the comparison you are interested in: the LS26 was a little less w...