dmichael

Responses from dmichael

Ayre K-5xe preamp? How close to K-1xe?
I think you be very happy with this setup. I also think if you could borrow the V5xe and insert in place of your Linn amps you will be very impressed. The V5x is very transparent and throws a really wide tall and deep soundstage. I'd reccommend ho... 
Best amp for ipod
There really is no best amp, just what amp is best for you, which takes into consideration what types of music you like, how loud you like to listen, what type of sound do you prefer i.e bright/dark, punchy/laid-back. I personally like the SR-71 b... 
Anyone compare the Pass X-250 vs Sim W-5??
I heard both in different systems. Both are very musical with barely noticable weaknesses. If there is one weakness that you may notice is a tendency towards dryness (they both have it, but the W5 is slightly less dry). Both amps represent excelle... 
Best Used Solid State Amp for less than $5000?
I own the Ayre V-5x - and I second Noble110's reccomendation, it is a wonderful amp, but you may also want to check out the SimAudio W5. I think both of these amps can be had around $3200 used, purchased new, the W5 is $5k (I think) and the Ayre i... 
Rowland 201 mono's, has anyone heard them?
My question is this; If the 201 is borrowing technology from the 301/302 amps, then why are the 201's so small (physically) in comparison to the 301? Or, in other words why would the 301 have to be so huge(physically) in comparison to the 201's? L... 
Theta Dreadnaught---I have arrived at HiFi Heaven
I got the following quote from Theta's website;"To design their first power amplifier, Theta enlisted the services of Charles Hansen of Ayre Acoustics, whose designs were refined and turned from a concept into a construction design by Theta engine... 
Hovland hp-100 remote in the future?
Does it have Balanced XLR inputs/outputs? That would be on my wish list besides the remote of course. 
Hovland hp-100 remote in the future?
I read a report of the Stereophile HES 2003 show on Audio Asylum that mentions a room with the Hovland HP-200. If that is not a typo, maybe a hint that a new model pre-amp(probably with remote and theatre bypass)is imminent. Nothing listed on Hovl... 
Synergistic amp with Contour 1.8MKII ..
Back on 5/16/03, I stated that "the V-5x leans to the cold side of neutral ever so slightly". I take that back because in the last 2 weeks I have been running this amp 24/7 and I estimate that is now has about 450 hours on it. My original criticis... 
Any reviews or buzz on Ayre k-5x preamp?
No reviews yet that I am aware of but take a look at Avalon's website. They have a link to CES 2003, where their Eidolons partnered with Ayre K-5, V-5x, CX-7 and Cardas were voted best of show. I have a K-3x and its extremely musical, as is the V-... 
Anybody hear of Jack Johnson?
Love this guy's music. I can't find a bad song on either of his 2 recordings. I can listen to these over and over again without getting sick of them. To the issues of good/bad recording, I find that some aspects are very good and some are not so g... 
B&W N803 versus Dynaudio Contour 3.4
Lucynbarney - please take this as constructive critisizim. I have made many audio buying decisions putting greater weight on aestethics versus pure performance. My experience is that most of the time I regretted my choice when aestethics ruled my ... 
B&W N803 versus Dynaudio Contour 3.4
Lucynbarney - I find it interesting that you would describe any Dynaudio product more metallic than N803's. My ears tell me the exact polar opposite. It's worth noting that it could be the associated equipment and/or setup introducing a metal or a... 
Synergistic amp with Contour 1.8MKII ..
I have Contour 1.8mkII, although I have not heard Plinuis with it, many have recommended the brand, most often the SA100 or better yet SA250. I have also heard positive feedback regarding the Plinius Integrateds. I recently purchased Ayre electron... 
Dynaudio 1.3SE question
I do not remember which model REL I listened to. It was probably the strata, but I can't say for sure. It was combined with the 1.3(non-se). Again, I did not like the combination. I have read here in another recent thread that the B&W805N inte...