ghdprentice

Responses from ghdprentice

Does USB cable length make a diference?
Not in my experience. The quality of the interconnect. I spent about ten years upgrading my headphone system from basic PC and iPod then streamer to high end headphone amps. The quality of the interconnect made a very big difference but not the le... 
What's the weakest link in my stereo set up? I live in a townhome, so limited on space.
Air Matrix, sounds about right. I trust these guys. Over twenty years ago I used to call up and talk to the founder. Since then he died and his brother took over (last I heard). I suspect the Air Matrix Cryo may be worth it... but I have not tried... 
Fine tuning the system. Where do you start and how do you proceed ?
Components, speaker wire, amp power cord, interconnects, power cords, detailed positioning, acoustic treatments, vibration control.   
Guidance
There is not end to the improvements you can make. They can be in small increments or big jumps. But it isn’t as simple as plunking money down. You have to have some knowledge of where you want to go and key variables in the components and system.... 
I’m considering upgrading my speakers internal wiring
Why don't you call him up and ask if he thinks that is a good idea.    You have fully broken them in and know exactly what they sound like? If not make sure you have at least 500 hours on them and many of those listening. Cardas is likely to sou... 
Turntables currently considered top of the range. Do you know what they are ?
Linn. But there are many top turntables not British., Clear Audio - Germany AirForce US AMG - Germany  
Special Forty?
Thanks for your story. How many hours on the speakers? @freediver +1 I have been helping a friend of mine put together an audio system and he finished purchasing components about a year ago and then he set out to set it up. Small room 12’ by 18’... 
What's the weakest link in my stereo set up? I live in a townhome, so limited on space.
So, if are talking about  speaker cable, for instance, the Q-10 looks like a good choice. In general, your Focal speakers are going to be a little hot on the top end, so you don’t want to get too fast and detailed. I’d stay in the middle to warm ... 
Why did you purchase the equipment you have and what do you like most about it?
The answer spans fifty years and would require a book. It is the culmination of fifty years of learning, listening and investing. What I like most about it is the way it sounds... although it looks great as well. Photos under my userid.  
Six DAC Comparison
I look at it like this: there are probably a hundred variable involved in sound quality that the human ear / mind can perceive and only ten or so have measurements. So there is enormous room for variability. We are only measuring the big stuff. T... 
Is there usually a dramatic difference between $5k and $10k cartridges ?
OP, I agree that this proportion, in general, makes the most sense. That is about what I have and am waiting to for the right time to make the jump. However, a couple of my friends have put a $12K cartridge on a ~ $10K table / arm and ~$10K pho... 
What's the weakest link in my stereo set up? I live in a townhome, so limited on space.
OP, I recommend DHLabs interconnects and cables as a reasonable cost quality interconnect. I have these around a quality connectors when I get a new piece of equipment and want to spend the first six months with the new component, getting it brok... 
Sonus Faber Amati Tradition or Serafino G2
If you're going to spend that initially on speaker cables, I recommend DHLabs.    Also, in a year or two when everything is final and broken in, consider something better. I am using Transparent Ultra Gen 6 on mine. If the tonal balance is perfe... 
What exactly is ROON?
@sls883 +1 Roon adds a comprehensive music exploration and management tool to streaming at the cost of complexity, and sometimes sound quality and added cost. Unless you are interested in mostly exploring music (as opposed to listening), and pl... 
Best Exercise To Improve Capability Of Handling Heavy Amps
I am now 73 with a bad back. Moving heavy amps... not long ago I owned a 150 lb amp and moving it is simple. You use your brain. You break down what you must accomplish and then use leverage, gravity... and typically sliders and maybe a hand truck...