ghdprentice
Responses from ghdprentice
| What's A Good Upgrade From A Manley Steelhead? OP, Given the level of nuance we are talking about in Phono stages… I think you have to listen to an Audio Research to make up your own mind. To me they perfectly nail midrange bloom without being “warm” for the sake of warm. I can say that for m... | |
| What to listen for? I would just like to caution folks about detail. I recently auditioned three integrated Amps. The first highlighted detail (Luxman), the second had the detail, but made my foot tap… I couldn’t help but sway with the music (Pass), the third… my ey... | |
| Please help with setting up a streaming system You are in a very good position to start. You want a dedicated streamer. Streamers are like every component in audio… you want the best and compatible piece you can afford. I recommend an Aurender Streamer (Linn streamers are great as well)… I wo... | |
| Linn Sondek Phono Preamp The best Audio research phono stage you can afford. I have a Linn (nearly) Klimax with an Audio Research Reference 3SE phono stage… it sounds even better than the Linn Klimax phono stage. Nothing “warm” about these preamps… just detailed and very ... | |
| Why Are We Breaking Our Brains? Interesting question. Maybe because wine tasting has a check… did you get the region vineyard, and year correct. Although, on the other hand, I suppose “1992 Wilson Watt Puppies”… might constitute a test. Hmmm, I could completely see c... | |
| What to listen for? @tcotruvo I would Rebecca Pidgeon’s recording of Spanish Harlem. I have listened to this cut on a dozen high end systems… in some, her voice makes it sound like she is naked… it sounds like she is thin and almost 2 dimensional… in great syste... | |
| Question about Active Bi-amping OP, New speakers are a great idea for the next upgrade. Speakers really impact the sound of your system, so are worth really investigating. You should audition them. You want speakers that really connect with you. I would recommend listening to: ... | |
| What is the best Turntable/arm & Phono preamp matches for Benz Ebony H cartridge??? Not sure I can recommend a TT / arm. But I would look at used Audio Research preamps at the top of your budget. If you can get an Audio Research PH8 or higher, it will bring out the best of your TT / cartridge. I have owned Audio Research phon... | |
| What's A Good Upgrade From A Manley Steelhead? @drbond Good point. This is particularly important at lower levels of investment… my rule is double the cost or it is likely a sideways step. So, we agree. However, at this level, one must assume a more discerning pallet and a flavor chang... | |
| Tube or solid state @charles1dad …”People simply like what they like.” Very good point. Folks attracted to high end audio do not share a common end point. Some, simply want their system to sound better to them… which, who knows what that means… recreating a colle... | |
| transport/dac vs integrated player Given where we are in the evolution of digital playback you definitely want to stay with separates. CD playing is rapidly being replaced with streaming.. many companies have discontinued manufacturing them. Streaming is rapidly replacing CD transp... | |
| Are Cardas Parsec cables Overkill for Zen Stream? Probably would not help the sound quality. But, you can try. I would recommend Cardas if you try any. They have different tonal balance depending on the level you purchase. So, purchasing a inexpensive Cardas are going to be designed for your comp... | |
| Never heard an amp do this before, ideas? OP, This is not a “tube” problem. Not sure what it is… but this is never problem with high end audio equipment. So, either it is a PrimaLuna problem or a location problem. I would not abstract this to tubes or good quality components. | |
| Macintosch 8950 or parasound a21 MACs are shy in the high frequency / detail, so in this application would be a much better match. They are not neutral but bass / midrange heavy. A good match for the OP. | |
| What's A Good Upgrade From A Manley Steelhead? You have a great turntable and cartridge. You ask a great question. The phono stage has a huge impact on the sound you get from the turntable / cartridge. I would recommend an Audio Research PH-8 or higher…there is a PH-9, Also a level up I have ... |