drmuso

Responses from drmuso

Old SS amps
My Classé Audio DR-9 amps are over 35 yrs. old and functioning fine.  They came with a lifetime warranty.  Try to get one of those these days.  I expect they were built to last.  They are Class AB, so never get as hot as Class A amps, so that also... 
Native DSD versus DoP
I'm not sure how to quantify the differences I have heard streaming 24/192 vs. playing an SACD in DSD.  They are subtle.  One difference I noticed was in playing "The Priest" from Joni Mitchell's Ladies of the Canyon, her guitar was set further ba... 
What's ideal size for a listening room?
@emergingsoul   You mention that the larger room is "open."  If it is open on one long wall and not the other (as is my listening room), you’re apt to get the best results with panel speakers--they lessen side reflections, compared to box speakers... 
Are you operating in the correct SPL window for high-fidelity listening?
I play guitar and have played in and  attended enough performances, both acoustic and electric, to have a good sense of the volume level of live music of different sorts. With serious listening to acoustic music I generally try to match the level... 
Thoughts on using the DAC in my oppo 205 with a CD Transport.
I'll second the recommendation of a Denafrips R2R type DAC.  I have both the Ares II and the Venus 15.  At your price range you could do very well with a used Pontus II or 12.  Many consider this the sweet spot in the Denafrips range.   My Venus ... 
Bluesound node confusion
I've used a Bluesound Node 130 for several years with a system that some here would say deserves a much more expensive streamer.  I did add an external power supply and use an external DAC, and it sounds very good.  The BluOS app is one of the bet... 
HOW can components be so expensive, and yet customer service is so bad.
Even after Denafrips stopped being represented by Vinshine Audio, they have been responsive to me via email regarding some minor technical difficulties with a DAC.  There is a time-zone gap, but if I contact them late at night, I may get a return ... 
Qobuz Connect Launched Yesterday
@moonwatcher  Count me among those who don't quite understand the virtue of Qobuz Connect for my gear.  I can already have Qobuz continue to play through my BluOS app even if I turn off my iPhone.  
Denny Dias
@yoyoyaya Thank you so much for drawing attention to this interview.  As a guitarist and record maker myself (as well as a SD fan), I found it fascinating in ways that most listeners might not.  I learned more about Steely Dan than I'd ever learne... 
OT: Espresso machines
I can second the DeLonghi espresso machine in the reasonably-priced category.  I also have one of their dehumdifiers that has lasted much longer than Chinese-made ones. I use a La Pavoni burr grinder to grind espresso beans.  It's loud, but works... 
How Much to Spend on Turntable, Cart., Phono Pre
I would suggest looking for a used SOTA Star Sapphire turntable.  They're bargains, and you can use the $$$ you save on the rest of the analog system.  They have great isolation, and once you've used a TT with a vacuum hold-down platter, you won't... 
Critical listening and altered states
I hadn't joined AG when this thread was started, or I would have contributed then. To address the OP's issue, I have not used substances for critical listening, although I enjoy their ASCs for pleasure listening.  One issue for critical listening... 
Cable Quest
I can second the recommendation of Morrow cables.  I replaced Cardas Hexlink speaker cables and van den Hul Thunderlink preamp to amp interconnects with their SP6 speaker cable and MA4 interconnects.  Heard more transparency, mainly.  My system is... 
Best Holographic Speakers ~$7k per pair
@julesg13th  I haven't heard the box speakers others have mentioned. I have long been a fan of panel speakers, however.  I owned Magneplanar 3.xs and upgraded to the Apogee Duetta IIs that I still use.  A consideration that none have mentioned i... 
Vinyl Care
@twangy57  tI think Music Direct may stock anti-static guns, maybe even the Zerostat.  You might also look on eBay--there may be used ones there.  Just make sure there's a return privilege in case it doesn't work.  You can hear, feel and even sme...