dinosore

Responses from dinosore

This is good Schiit...
I also have a Node 2i with a Denafrips Ares II.  I almost went with the Schiit Bifrost or Gungnir, but chose the Ares based on the vast number of reviews that described a sound signature that I thought I would like better. While the Node's DAC is... 
Help Me Learn WHY My Recent Upgrade Was Successful
I agree; probably all of the above.  I'm not familiar with radio.garden, but the sound quality of the Radio Paradise streams is outstanding.  A lot of folks think it sounds better than streaming Tidal or Qobuz.  
Bluesound Powernode
I have a Powernode 2 in a second system, and I think it is a solid recommendation for a "small, simple" system.  First, it is a good sounding unit.  Second, the BluOS interface is very well sorted and user-friendly. I have mine mated to Elac Debu... 
How much does your system retail for?
System #1 about $10,000 all in.   System #2 a little under $2,000. The latter is in the man-cave and therefore is the system I spend more time with.  Although modest by high-end standards, I spent a lot of time with speaker positioning and a few... 
Interested in finding a NAIM dealer on the east coast.
The Audio Store in Newington, CT carries Naim.  Not sure if they have what you're looking for, but they've done a good job maintaining inventory during the supply chain problems. https://www.theaudiostore.com/  
Hi-res streaming-apple music
I don't believe there is any way to stream Apple Music in hi-res to your stereo system.  Air Play is limited to 16/44.  I don't know of any third-party streamers that handle Apple Music (well, Sonos has Apple Music, but not hi-res).   I think you... 
Maggie 1.7i's lack detail. Ideas?
The advice above from jji666 is spot on.  
Best cheap $200 ish speaker stands with free shipping ???
I have the Pangea DS400 stands in a second system (from Audio Advisor), filled with pea gravel.  Very stable and good looking, but they are a little above your budget at $249.  The Monoliths from Monoprice look similar and seem to be highly regard... 
Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming
I tried the FMC-optical-FMC tweak in my second system in my basement - nothing more than a Powernode driving Elac Debut Reference speakers.  The improvement was startling.  More air and detail, and improved dynamics.  While this system was always ... 
upgrade rec from meridian 508.24
I have a 508.20 with the factory upgrade to 24-bit. I rarely used it for the past few years as I have been streaming and using a Meridian Director DAC (which sounds nearly identical to the 508, perhaps a tad better). This past Christmas, my wife w... 
Apple iPad music streamer
The obvious benefit is that with a streamer you no longer must have your iPad tethered to your system (assuming your streamer provides an app that you can use on your iPad to control it).   Sound quality?  What DAC are you currently using, and do... 
easy listening for small/medium bright room
Tinnitus?  Lots of things can set it off, like loud noises, caffeine, alcohol, stress, etc. Mine comes and goes, and while I don't think listening to my stereo sets it off (I really don't play it loud) I do think I can set it off with headphones. ... 
Oh Ye of Little Format
Sounds tedious.  I hope there was a lot of alcohol involved.  
Best CD player from this list
I just retired my Meridian 508.24 and I think the sound quality still holds up pretty well today. However, that model is nearly 25 years old and I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you were able to get it dirt cheap.  I doubt you can get parts ... 
Static electricity affecting sound reproduction. Please help!!
Years ago, before I remodeled my family room and removed the wall-to-wall carpeting, I had a bad problem with static electricity.  I would get a huge shock when I touched my preamp and the unit's auto-muting circuit would kick in and the unit woul...