gdnrbob

Responses from gdnrbob

Buying Used Equipment on the Internet
@aamiransari , I, restarted my audio journey 10 years ago, when I finally had some money to spend on a decent stereo. I found Audiogon and it’s marketplace, as well as US Audio Market. I might have been lucky, but I have had good experiences wit... 
Innuous Phoenix net
The Phoenix is a good addition if you want more 'definition/clarity' in your system.   In order to make a well based response, I'd need to know what your system is comprised of.   Lacking that info, I will say that the Phoenix Net will provide... 
Ayre QX-5 Twenty
Though I don't own a QX-5, I do/have owned the Codex, QB-9 Twenty. Both perform well above their price point, IMHO. As to why they use what they use, I would suggest contacting them directly. Ariel or Ryan will probably respond. There are a bunc... 
Innuos owners. Chime in
I am an AQ guy. So, AQ Diamond for USB. AQ Storm Series for Power cords. Very happy with the results. B  
Innuos Network Isolation Switch and Reclocker (Phoenix)
In the time that has elapsed since my earlier post, I have been informed by John Rutan (Audioconnection), that the Innuos PhoenixNet is worth the cost as it is provides a very significant sound quality improvement. I've been looking for a used on... 
Atma-Sphere MA 2s for Dummies (by a dummy)
Nice review @mijostyn , I own the MA-1's and they are my winter amps for my Vandy Treo's. Ralph is a stand up guy and as we can see from your experience, totally committed to providing top notch service. I bought the Atma Class D amps, and tria... 
speaker recommendations for Ayre V-5xe?
Ayre and Vandy's are a great match. In your budget, a pair of Treo's or Quatro's used, would be great choices. As Joey pointed out John Rutan (Audioconnection) would be a very good source for information, as he is very familiar with many brands (... 
Can I Trust The Music Room's Product Description?
From my limited experience, TMR is a stand up organization. If you have an issue, I am sure they will try to resolve it. As far as knowing when it was manufactured, well, you are buying a used product, and at a discount with a resellers guarantee... 
Who has been an "Insider" with Audiogon?
I had it, and dropped it after a month. Bob  
RCA to XLR (Anthem MRX to dan d'agostino progression)
I would just spring for a pair of Jensen RCA-XLR Transformers so you don't have issues with grounding.- I have no experience with Anthem or D'Agostino, and don't know how their equipment is grounded. If both are using the AES 47 standard, then the... 
Audioquest Dragon ZERO vs Transparent Opus
My big bugaboo with Transparent is their price new, vs the hit you take should you try to sell them. I also have little respect for their 'Network' boxes. And, yes, I have owned Transparent speaker cables. To me, the new cables from AQ by Garth P... 
Innuos as Core and Streamer for digital solution w Roon
I tried Aurender, but ended up going with the Innuos. Zen Mini MK3, and Zen 3 are in my systems. Both work perfectly with Roon. Like most things digital, going up the ladder means improved resolution. But, if you are constrained by finances, the... 
Subwoofer
The only single sub that I would consider is the Vandersteen Sub 3. I has an internal graphic equalizer, so you can tune it to the room. Unfortunately, not as inexpensive as other routes, but you get what you pay for.-Especially when you consider... 
Best Amplifier & Speakers combo?
IMHO, if you want a future proof combo.  Buy the Vandersteen VLR bookshelf with a Belles Aria Integrated.  Albeit, a little more than your budget, but, you'll have a very capable system that can be upgraded as funds allow. These little speakers... 
speaker delivery
I used UShip for a pair of Vandy 3a sigs. It was a good experience. Hopefully, you have the original packing. B