gdnrbob

Responses from gdnrbob

What are the best loudspeakers under $4000 to re-create lifelike piano
A lot will depend upon the equipment driving your speakers.For me, a pair of Vandersteen Treo's with 2wq subs paired with Atma-Sphere amp and pre made for a very sweet combination.(Using an Ayre Codex and streaming Spotify, mostly).Full, clear, de... 
D'Agostino vs. Ayre
@tomic601 Well, you aren't the only one. That is how I got a pair of MX-R's.I can't help but wonder if the OP had used a set of Zero Autoformers with the Atma amps, he might have not made a switch...In any case, I am glad he enjoys the D'Agostino ... 
Vandersteen Treo Speaker Cable Suggestions
I was initially going to buy the CastleRock's, but Johnny said the GO-4 would be just as good.I really hate spending more on cables than I possibly can.@audionoobie, The GO-4's are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to those damned Transp... 
Vandersteen Treo Speaker Cable Suggestions
Johnny Rutan, and Mr. V. are AQ fans.I run my Treo's with AQ Rockefeller, but I had Johnny make a set of GO-4 which I will install once I get my kooky system together (long story).The Rockefellers replaced a set of Transparent-one of my most expen... 
Shahinian Obelisk vs VandersteenTreo
What preamp are you considering, should you replace the CJ?I have to say that since you changed tubes, you probably should give it a good 4-500 hours to settle in.Bob 
Newbee building a retro sound system from scratch. DCM speakers
I remember them in the '80's. I liked them a lot, but like twoleftears, I was broke.Regarding your question, you will need a DAC to translate the digital signal to analog.May I recommend an Ayre Codex?You can get them used for $1500 or so.Also, Sc... 
Amps or Speakers which one to upgrade next
I agree with Nycjlee and restate my comment to go back to John Rutan and get his take on this.You've gotten lots of good responses, but I think that having Johnny will provide you with the best information for your situation.I need to go and liste... 
New Vandersteens or something else?
@OP. Are you near any dealers/major cities? Even if not, I would try to make a weekend trip to listen to as many of the speaker manufacturers you are interested in, as possible. Just give the dealers a 'heads up' that you are coming so that they c... 
Ayre QB-9 DSD or Codex?
I second the Codex.Though I haven't heard the QB-9, I am hesitant to spend a lot on a DAC, as technology changes so rapidly with this item.The nice thing about Ayre is that they offer upgrades.In my opinion, the Ayre Codex is on par with the Schii... 
New Vandersteens or something else?
I would opt for a pair of Treo’s. They are a significant upgrade from the 2’s in terms of technology. There have been a few Quatro’s for sale (used) recently that weren’t much more than the Treo’s, which is significant, because you get the integra... 
Shahinian Obelisk vs VandersteenTreo
That is great to hear-pun intended.Are you going to switch out the preamp?B 
Streaming Services - do they do everything?
@ghosthouse You owe it to yourself to go up the Schiit line.The Yggy offer even more detail than the Gungy. I don’t know how they do it, but they do. The closest I can find to the Yggy is an Ayre Codex. B 
Annoying sounds from cars at stop light
@OP  I went to Cornell, so Strunk and White were mandatory...Sad to admit, I own a '16 TTS and the B&O soundsystem is one of the most pathetic creations ever built. To think, for a fraction of the cost, I could have a stereo that can reproduce... 
Amps or Speakers which one to upgrade next
@tomstruck,I heard the Aesthetic at Johnny's (Atlas?, I believe), with a pair of ProAc's (don't know the model), and was very impressed.I think you should post your question to him.I would trust his opinion implicitly.B 
Streaming Services - do they do everything?
Great post Ghosthouse!I might give Tidal another shot this winter when I get my main system put together. Maybe they have improved their classical section.B