fred60

Responses from fred60

Which inexpensive speaker cables...
I would check out Audio Advisor or The Cable Co. They have many choices available under $200, like Analysis Plus, Audioquest, Kimber and Cardas.  If you subscribe to Audio Advisor or Music Direct, they both will occasionally offer significant disc... 
Where do I go from here?
IMO I would try to audition the new Heresy's-- if you love the sound, you might like the upgrade to the latest version.  And I have not heard the Eversolo A6, but from what I've read, you could probably do better for the same price.  GL!  
DIY Spekon Cable For Rel
Why not just buy a cable that is made for subs? I bought a Kimber Kable Cadence cable that works just fine, and is reasonably priced.  2 meters with WBT connects is around $225 at the Cable Company.  WBT's are great.  But if you want just RCA conn... 
My All Time Christmas Song
Another great Christmas song:  "A Christmas Song" by Jethro Tull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCxCaK83pOo    
Integrated Amplifier Recommendations Needed
Hegel 160 is 150 watts per channel, more than enough for your JBL’s. Keep in mind that the more power, the better the control over your speakers, i.e. better bass control. Used, you can find the Hegel 160 for $1500-2000. IMO a great choice.  
Hegel H120 or H190
Try the Hegel H360 used.  
ATC active vs. passive
Active vs passive-- keep in mind that the amp inside the speaker will probably not last that long.  If you want to potentially keep your speakers for decades, then I would go with passive.  I'm not saying that the internal amp will die in a decade... 
SACD Players
I've been looking at SACD for a long time, wasn't sure which way to go.  For now, I've settled on the McIntosh 8950 and the MCT500.  Full disclosure, I have not heard either yet.  For me, it would make sense to use both McIntosh pieces so that you... 
Choose between McIntosh MA9000 used vs MA8950 new
Keep in mind that on the 8950, when McIntosh upgrades their DAC to a "DA3", then you can easily swap out the DA2 for the DA3. Not sure if you can do that with the 9000.    
For SACD fans only
@tweak1 Thanks, will definitely check out the Shanling SCD 1.3.  
Can anyone identify this equipment?
Why not just reach out to him on social media and ask him?  He must have some presence online.  He might respond.  
For SACD fans only
audiotroy-- yes I heard about that.  Only issue for me is that the original retail price in Japan for the K-05XD in yen translates to about $8K.  And for some reason Esoteric decided to list it for $12K in the US.  That is too much.  The K-03XD is... 
For SACD fans only
tomcarr-- thanks for the idea.  What I like about the McIntosh 8950 integrated is that the DAC can be upgraded when McIntosh upgrades their DAC-- it can be swapped out via the back of the unit.  They call it a "Digital Audio Module" currently they... 
For SACD fans only
I hear the the XD versions are far better than previous iterations.  I've looked at K-03XD used.  Thanks for the thought.    
For SACD fans only
jfant- I still haven't upgraded!  I was waiting for the Esoteric K-05XD to come out (it took a lot longer than I thought) and when it did, they priced it at $12K, above the $8K that I thought it was going to price at (because the yen/dollar conver...