dougthebiker

Responses from dougthebiker

The molecular level explanation of "cable burn-in"
Who knows why, but trust your ears. If you can't tell the difference between cheap and expensive cables, your system isn't very resolving or you've got the speakers in the wrong place.  
I am about to embark on my next upgrade journey
It all starts at the source. You're not getting the best out of your system with a laptop at the beginning of the chain.  Get a real streamer.  
What next?
You’re where I was 6 years ago, great speakers, crappy front end.  Buy a used Innuos Zen Mk3 and a decent DAC like a used Schiit Yggy.  They’ll make you happy!  
Battle of the Open Baffles
I belong to a large metro area audio club and I have not heard any other club member’s system sound better than my GR Research NX-Otica open baffles. Paired with a 300B tube amp, they are heaven on earth.  
New DAC with streamer
You’re thinking like I was before I started experimenting with new DACs and new server streamers. Your phone is the weak link in the chain.  The Ps Audio is an ok DAC.  I’ve heard it sound great in $250k systems.  Getting a quality server streame... 
Are cable “upgrades” just as likely to make your system sound worse?
Choosing cables is all about synergy with your room (#1) and your equipment (#2). When I decide to upgrade a cable, I usually test out 4 or 5 (returnable) cables before choosing.  Give them all at least 100 hours of break-in time and test them wi... 
Pictures at an Exhibition
If you’d like to hear a sonically spectacular version, Jean Guillou transcribed it for organ and it was recorded on the Dorian label.  It will give your subs a workout.  I love it.  
Upgrading my streaming/digital system- what would make the most sense?
If the Grimm is beyond your budget, I would recommend the Innuos Pulse.  If you need it to be a server, too, the Innuos Zenith Mk3 would probably make you very happy.  
Upgrading my streaming/digital system- what would make the most sense?
The closest contender was the Innuos Pulsar.  Also tried the T+A MA 200 which was a bit edgy in the treble no matter what I paired it with.  The EVO 432 Aeon was almost as refined as the Pulsar.  Nothing else was much better than my old Innuos Zen... 
Upgrading my streaming/digital system- what would make the most sense?
Everyone is giving you their personal experience here, but you have to wonder how many ran controlled experiments, changing just one variable at a time, listening to the same set of test tracks that cover most/all important aspects of sound qualit... 
Wondering if anyone can identify the speaker in this screen grab
Definitely Avalons.  I used to have a pair of Avalon Ascents that were about that size, but Eidolon Diamonds is more likely - more recent.  
Intg Amps: Hegel 590 vs NAD M33 Masters vs Gryphon Diablo 120
I’ve had 3 Gryphon amps.  There’s no contest here assuming the Gryphon is in good condition.  
Please recommend decoupling footers for DAC
I’ve got an extremely revealing system as well.  If you don’t want to spring for Townshend, the next best thing and far cheaper are Nobsound springs.  I put the heavy duty ones under my rack and the light duty ones under each component.   You ca... 
SET Lovers, what's the one solid state amp you love(d)?
My Gryphon Reference One monoblocks.  The I decided not to own any equipment I couldn’t move without a forklift.  
Cardas vs Cardas vs Shunyata interconnects
IMO, all cables and all gear need about 200 hours (constant playing for 8 days) before they are near their best.  I put a cheap Chinese amp in my system to save my expensive tubes while that’s going on.