dodgealum

Responses from dodgealum

About to audition Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Grand Reference - advice?
JM--In my experience the Aerials do need power--lots of it. I heard them twice at a local dealer many years ago. First time completely underwhelmed with a medium power tube amp. Second time was a completely different experience with high wattage s... 
Separates or Integrated? What makes more sense?
It may be that the challenge with IA’s is finding one with a preamplification section as good as what can be had in a proportionally priced line stage. I’m told it is often the preamp in the IA that is the weak link and degrades the sound enough t... 
Last Preamp? Could The Search Finally Be Over?
Sorry guys just seeing the recent activity on this thread. I’ve since he’d the Herron updated to R03 status (the end point for the 3A series) which provided some subtle sonic benefits. I chose not to post the brands of the other line stages becaus... 
Seriously considering tube preamp…opinions?
To stay within budget you would need to buy used. I think retail is around $6500. You may want to call Keith he sometimes has trades or other ways of working with you on price. Be careful though—once you talk to him you will want to join the famil... 
Seriously considering tube preamp…opinions?
VTSP 3A (R03) I think Keith sells 10 times the number of phonostages than linestages (I have both) but the line stage is just as spectacular as the much praised VTPH-2a 
Seriously considering tube preamp…opinions?
If your goal is to try tubes and want a bulletproof piece with unrivaled customer support then see if you can find a Herron. Lights out performer—way better than any of the ARC or Modwright line stages I tried. Not very “tubey” sounding though—jus... 
Quad ESLs - I have some questions
Can't help you with the old versus new Quad comparison but totally get why you fell in love. I remember hearing a pair of 63s many years ago and being awestruck at the purity of the sound. The Quads aren't for everyone or every room so tread caref... 
best phono stage under 10k
sax--I would echo millercarbon here. The Herron is a fabulous stage and Keith is incredibly generous helping his clients sort out technical challenges of the kind you mention. Read some of the posts from his loyal clients and give him a call to ta... 
Herron VTPH-2A or Manley Chinook mk II phonostage
Haven’t compared but another Herron fan here. Also, if you are thinking turntable check out the new Sempersonus TE-2. Just ordered mine after selling my VPI. If you are at all interested in a modern idler/type drive TT that will take any arm up to... 
LTA Ultralinear vs Pass Labs XA25
As an extremely happy owner of the Ultralinear LTA I’d say Pass. The LTA UL was designed specifically to work magic with high efficiency designs like Al’s Ulysses and my Apollo’s. With speakers of this type it is off the charts. But matching amp a... 
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice
@barts the third is “Sentimental Reasons” listen to her sing the opening line of “When You Wish Upon a Star” or the closing line of “Goodbye” off “What’s New” what a talent! 
Charisma Audio Cartridges
Since my OP I have had the opportunity to speak with Bernard Li at Charisma Audio and to hear his new Signature One cartridge at High Water Sound in NYC. Jeff Catalano at HWS was kind enough to set the Signature One up for me on his reference TW A... 
Origin Live Arm in NYC Area
@millercarbon I watched the SS videos and read what Peter posted on the website. My takeaway is that azimuth matters and he wishes more tonearm designers included the ability to adjust this in their designs. He also suggests that SS does more to e... 
Origin Live Arm in NYC Area
Appreciate the reply. The Raven is no longer offered with a continuous run. Apparently Thomas got to many back for repair when folks mishandled the cable and damaged the interface at the base of the arm—one point for the OL. However, not sure I am... 
Reference Full Function Tube Preamplifier
+1 vinylvalet the Herron is short on the bling factor but offers reference caliber sound particularly in areas of timing, neutrality, functionality and quietness.