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ericba

Responses from ericba

Room setting: new amp or new speakers?
There are two schools of thinking. Speakers first or Source first. From 30 years experience with different systems there is not only one way to do it. I tried both approaches but I got best results starting with speakers. Matching it to the sound ... 
Will an Amp change improve my system ?
I have the 30,2 40th anniversary (almost the same as the XD) and matched it with a Pass Labs XA25. It is a match made in heaven. Don't know about your room size but, it is plenty for mine of 20x12. If you want some info about the combo, please che... 
After 20 years, in the market for a power amp
I have a Pass Labs XA25 pure class A and extremely happy with it. Very transparent with tad warm presence. Easy to match with different speakers. It is a reference amp for many audio reviewers. Likely the last component I would change. Coda may be... 
Downsizing from tower to bookshelf
If you are considering the Harbeth P3ESR XD why not go a bit further to the Harbeth M30.2 XD? I have a similar size room and the M30 are fantastic. A bit more presence, great holographic and a mid-range that is second to none for any bookshelf und... 
Current or Previous Harbeth Owners…
If I may add. Agree with other comments about stands. The Ton Tragers are without a doubt the best match with Harbeths. They make quite a difference because they allow full resonance of the cabinets. They make the Harbeths sing. Worth the investme... 
Current or Previous Harbeth Owners…
I own a pair of M30.2 40th anniversary. I have listened to some other speakers since I got them 4 years ago. Afraid to lose that outstanding midrange and soundstage that is so superb with vocals. This speaker is so easy to listen to with its neutr... 
Any regrets in selling gear?
I bought a Rega P10 turntable last year. A beautiful demo from the merchant . As soon as I plugged it in, I knew that it was not for me. My old Heybrook TT2 upgraded with an Alphason HRS-100 sounded better overall . Luckily I was able to sell it ... 
New room needs new speakers, I need your help
Another vote for Harbeth. My room dimensions are similar. The 30.2 XD (in my case 40th anniversary) are fantastic. Easy listening , outstanding for vocals . Much bettethan the HL5+ XD for vocals and soundstage IMHO. You need to plan a budget for s... 
Is Rega the easiest turntable to set up....
Rega tables are likely the best plug and play, particularly if you buy their cart. It is tricky however with other carts as some don’t have VTA adjustments. I must agree with some of the comments. It would not be my only criteria with a 4k$ budget... 
Who knew?
I have not compared the Arko to the Ekos SE. I preferred to go with the newer technology. I think it is better value for the price than he Ekos, but this is my opinion. I would not be surprised that Linn replaces the Ekos to keep pace with higher ... 
Who knew?
The LP 12 remains a great TT but like anything else it has to keep up with the evolution of technology. I was lucky enough to get one that had been upgraded with Kore, Trempolin, Cirkus and Lingo3 by a 20 year Linn specialist. It replaced Hans dow... 
???YOUR Personal Favorite???Why???
As mentioned earlier, I went and auditioned the Fleetwood Deville. Very good, but still prefer my Harbeth 30.2 40th for the price. Also heard the Devore O96 at the same time. While not a bookshelf, these speakers are truly amazing, regardless if y... 
???What's The LEAST Expensive "End Game"Amplifier You've Ever Heard???
The Pass Labs XA25 is one of the most 'transparent' amps and a reference for many reviewers. Audiophiliac, Stereophile, Absolute Sound. I have one paired to Harbeth 30.2 40th and it is a match made in heaven. Last week i was auditioning speakers a... 
Time for a new cartridge
Another vote for the Umami Blue. Check the many reviews, including on Youtube with Absolute Sound.  
???YOUR Personal Favorite???Why???
I love my a Harbeth 30.2 40th anniversary. Impressive tonal accuracy and organic sound, particularly for midrange. May be not the best given price range. But tough to beat for price value. May be close to the best under 10k. Makes reviewers annual...