ghdprentice

Responses from ghdprentice

Is bass the most important frequency band?
Musical enjoyment is a highly personal thing. Bass is a good place to start with a new set of speakers, yes. But you are implying that it is of greater overall importance. That is where it gets personal.What I was looking for first in my pursuit o... 
Node2i to Aurender N100SC…WoW!
Yep, I went IPad -> PC, Auralic Aries G2 -> Aurender N100 -> Aurender N10->  Aurender WE20se… all big steps up. 
Ethernet and USB cables
I systematically evaluated USB cables for my ~$7K former headphone system and ultimately settled on some $500 USB. This was cost effective use of the funds for what I could hear. My dealer / friend that I trust completely said the biggest differen... 
Best Way to Upgrade Digital
I ripped my 2,000 CDs over a period of years. Then upgraded my streamer and no longer listen to my CDs or ripped CDs. Copying files from a CD allows them to be streamed (ripping). So, this is basically making them available to a streamer. So if yo... 
Which amp would you choose and why - Pass Labs XA-25 or First Watt F8?
I would not be too quick to accept that massive power is always better. I have owned massive amps (i.e., Pass x350) in the past. Headroom is nice, but the grace and Beauty of an XA isn’t there. If your objective is loud and slam, or powering plana... 
SF Amati vs Serafino...?
I own Amati Traditional and would highly recommend them. They are outstanding speakers for air, musicality and bass.  
Best new musical flooring for flooded basement
Interesting recommendations. I would have chose a thick pad and high grade carpeting.  
High end high quality int. amp for low level listening
I don’t think I would consider changing unless I was going to buy in the $8 - 10K range. At best you will get similar sound, at worst not nearly as good. I 
Auditioning headphones (ethically)?
I personally think not. There is noise and activity all over.there is the demand to quickly decide. None of these things work I]in your favor. But as arts cut, ok. 
DAC/ Streamer - to upgrade or not to upgrade?
I would like to offer some helpful advice, it is a bit difficult when discussing a Roku… not really known as a streamer for audio. I suspect no one has used such a budget oriented streamer. I have streamed using iPods, iPhones, iPads, PCs, and fin... 
Best Way To Maximize Preamp Tube Life?
The more I think about it. The more I think they are such an asset that tube life just should not be a concern. With at least 3,000 hours it’s just not worth worrying about. If your a person that thinks about these things, then replace when it is ... 
Mark Levinson 39 or Wadia 830 for direct to amp?
Wadia… but that is because I actively like the sound of Wadia and actively do not like the house sound of Mark Levinson (too sterile). 
Does Expert Music Streamer Outrun CD Player?
@edcyn. “I think the thing I most love about streaming is the sheer variety of material on offer. It doesn’t matter that I already have several thousand LPs, collected over the decades. When I cue up Idagio or Qobuz, my two current streaming sites... 
Does Expert Music Streamer Outrun CD Player?
I have a really good streamer and a mediocre internet provider. I have not had to play non-streamed info for many months. I think it is a high buffer in the streamer. I may struggle with getting my iPad to work, but my Aurender streamer always wor... 
What process do you use to purchase cables?
I think some dealers try and do a pretty good job of being relatively unbiased. You have to know them.  But there are practically an infinite number of cable companies and they can only carry a few. Then there is the problem of territories. On goo...