gdnrbob

Responses from gdnrbob

Slappy here. Been a long time, have some audio source questions.
I would drop Pandora and get Spotify. The sound quality is much, much better.Tidal is a good alternative, but if you like anything other than contemporary music, you probably won't find it on their playlists.B 
Earworms
It was how I got so familiar with classical music.I remember taking tests in high school to the notes of Brahm's 1st piano concerto repeating in my head.Though sometimes it can be a bit distracting.Like listening to the Little Miss America song.ht... 
Store auditioning and then buying on-line from others. How do you feel about it ?
+1 Chazro 
Store auditioning and then buying on-line from others. How do you feel about it ?
Mea Culpa, I heard the Ayre Codex at AudioConnection and bought a used unit here on Agon. I felt bad that I didn't give him a chance to sell me one.In fact I bought all my equipment used- a lot of it from Johnny's customers. I couldn't afford it o... 
D'Agostino vs. Ayre
Mr. V. can be a bit brusque but his heart is in the right place and I value his intuition and knowledge.Be that as it may, I will give the Zero's a try, and post my impressions.This is the fun part of putting together stereo systems.Well, at least... 
Help needed for a skeptic!
+1 for Folkfreak,Buying used is probably the best way to go. At least you move past depreciation and can resell items that don't make the cut.B 
Help needed for a skeptic!
BTW, the YG cables look interesting.I wouldn't mind trying a pair.B 
Help needed for a skeptic!
There are plenty of less cost prohibitive cables on the market.My first choice would be Audioquest.For an even more budget conscience minded choice I would consider Zu Audio. They have lots of marked down cables on Ebay, and relatively priced cabl... 
D'Agostino vs. Ayre
@OP,The Zero Autoformers would have compensated for the low impedance of the speakers. I know Ralph recommends them for older Maggie's which have the same characteristics.Though my Vandy Treo's are fairly easy to drive, I bought a pair of Zero's t... 
The latest and greatest
Few companies survive on the merit of their designs Well, Vandersteen is one of the exceptions.The Model 2 is still in production. Had I not heard it in the '80's, I wouldn't have bought my Treo's.B 
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