ghdprentice

Responses from ghdprentice

Recommendation for phono stage
Used Audio Research PH or REF, Conrad Johnson, or Zesto. The highest level and most recent you can afford.  You can't go wrong with any of these. Very highest build quality and sonics.   
Send in the Clowns
Yep, like reviewing a performance car without driving it.   
How long should high quality speakers last?
I would not even think about this issue for about twenty years. I would examine the woofers edges for deterioration of the tape between mount and cones. Nothing wrong with examining it early. I bought four 800 Series B&W speakers and ended up ... 
How many times can u visit a hifi store before it annoys the store if u plan on a purchase
Completely dependent on the store and your personality.   
Qobuz vs Tidal
I disagree about it being marketing hype. While I am sure the there are lots of examples of not great sounding albums. When I have compared a regular album, redbook streamed and audiophile pressing with high def streaming in general I have found t... 
Buying used audio equipment in peron in Canada
Anything to declare is the question you will be asked. I don’t think I have ever said yes... as I never brought anything back. But I assume as long as you don’t lie there will be paperwork to fill out and money to be paid. I sent my bicycle to Ca... 
Question about Break in of Weiss DAC 204
You need to run a signal through it. I always make sure the signal runs start to finish. I always run with  a Streamer, DAC and preamp, amp and speakers... so the signal starts and is carried through and output. I can't guarantee this is required,... 
Power supply to modem make a difference?
It depends on the quality of your streamer. Good quality streamers isolate the signal from the modem/router or extender. Cheap ones do not.   
Preamp Sibilance?
Well, definitely start with breaking. Get 200 hours in and note the improvement. If that gets you close, then more. My equipment needs over 600 hours for full breakin.    
Audio Research LS28/SE, Ref 5/SE … what do you like better?
Well you are definitely shopping in the right camp. I have owned a Reference 5SE for many years, I now own a 6SE and have a friend whom I helped select a ls28se. First, I don’t think you will go wrong either way. But.. I would go with the Ref 5S... 
Which tubes to buy
I have an ARC Reference 160s as well. My preference is to get the tubes from Audio Research... because they extensively test them and I want to support this great company. I have a spare quad of power tubes I bought from Upscale just in case I nee... 
Presto Music Tsuyoshi Yamamoto hi res download
+1 to Tsuyoshi. I have been a fan for many years.  
Spatial Audio Raven Preamp
@phono2024 Congratulations on your new equipment. Thank you for your report. It is great to hear when someone is very happy with their new equipment and the music it produces.  
Do I need a headphone or speaker to appreciate high-end DACs?
Either.  
Maybe critical listening skills are bad?
I agree that A/B short term listening skills can get in the way of choosing good speakers. This strategy can easily work against you. By moving your minds eye (ear) around the sound stage you are evaluating things like detail, transients of one fr...