fred60

Responses from fred60

6000 dollars CD player
Sorry-- both PS Audio's new Perfectwave SACD product, and their Directstream Memory product (no longer available new) are TRANSPORTS, not players.  Just wanted to make that clear.  You need a DAC with both transports.  Jays Audio CDT2 Mk3 and the ... 
6000 dollars CD player
I would seriously consider a brand new release-- the PS Audio Perfectwave SACD player.  Haven't heard it, but they say that it's a big step up from their previous Directstream Memory Player.  It's $6500, but you can trade in old equipment for up t... 
Speaker upgrade
Used pair of Raidho D-3.1's.  You will never want another speaker again. 
I Was Considering Active, Then I Watched This ...
Actives not for me after my experience with a powered sub.  Granted the sub is 13 years old, but it is a Paradigm Sub 12 that cost $2499 new.  Worked great until it just stopped.  Plugged into a surge protector and wired to a Marantz Pre/Pro that ... 
If you could, what live performances would you enjoy re-living?
So many...Genesis The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway NYC's Academy of Music Dec. 7th 1974; The Grateful Dead Nassau Coliseum Sept. 8th 1973; The Grateful Dead Palladium NYC April 30th 1977; The Grateful Dead Palladium May 4th, 1977; The Grateful Dead ... 
What's your favorite boutique speaker maker
Sonner Audio.  Fantastic speakers.  To my ears, his standmount Allegro was the best in show at the NY Audio Show a couple years back.  Gunny is also a great guy. 
Integrated brand choice -- Simaudio, Hegel or Mark Levinson?
Matching with your speakers is most important of all.  I have a Hegel H360 and absolutely love it, matching really well with my Raidho's.  Try to get opinions of those that own Focal's or speakers that you are thinking of upgrading to-- that's my ... 
~$15K floorstanders: opinions sought
You have to try to find some Raidho's to audition.  Any of them.  The D2.1, or the XT-2 are in your price range.  I've been to numerous shows over the years, and to my ears, Raidho makes the best sounding speaker on the planet. Borresson has moved... 
Live CD Recommendations
Recommendations here are for the sound quality AND the quality of the artist.  I have hundreds of CD's and these are among the best of in terms of sound quality:Absolute must if you like the Grateful Dead: May 1977 "Get Shown the Light", a compila... 
Best CD player under $2000
I have no experience with the player, but given the manufacturer and its reputation, I would check out the Denafrips Avatar.  They have bought thousands of the CD laser mechanism, just in case the transport mechanism fails.  Around $1700.https://w... 
Hegel H390, Lyngdorf TDAI 3400, or Naim Nova for my B&W 802D2 speakers?
I own the Hegel H360 and it sounds fantastic.  Like the H390, also 250wX2 @8ohms.  And reviews say that the H390 is an upgrade vs the H360.  You will not be disappointed with the H390.  To me, the sound is not "thin" at all!  Speakers like the B&a... 
Best used integrated under $5k
I own a Hegel H360 and it's fantastic.  I would try to find a dealer willing to sell you a H390 for $4500, which I think that you can find.  Best integrated on the planet! 
Looking for an integrated amp around 4000 to 5000.
Hegel H390.  I have a Hegel H360 and it is outstanding.  I hear that the H390 is even better (have not demoed).  Retails for $6000 but you can get it brand new for under $5000.  I have not heard a better amp under $10K.  Musical, and grips the mus... 
Most recordings you own by a single artist, group, or composer
Grateful Dead by a country mile.  I bought the 73-CD Europe 72 Box Set.  I own probably 400 GD CD's.  Out of a collection of about 1000 CD's in total.  All I need to do now is to digitize the entire collection so that I can choose the best version... 
Friend needs advice for $8,000 system
I'd highly recommend a Hegel H190 integrated amp to go with the Maggies.  Fantastic sound, all the power you'll need.  If you need confirmation, go to Audio Excellence in Canada for youtube videos and see what they say re: Hegel amps and Maggies.