ghdprentice

Responses from ghdprentice

Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?
I suspect the real answer to the question is like every other question in high end audio: it depends. It depends on the quality of your streamer, router, modem, interconnects and downstream equipment. For me the answer is no, I needed no special n... 
How much “suspension of disbelief do you need?”
@danager    Over the decades I have increasingly been dissatisfied with electrified concerts. I now stick to acoustic symphonic and unamplified jazz. Otherwise my system sounds better.   
Vinyl Newbie - So Many Questions!
I can’t help with the turntable, but that is a really cheap phono stage. A really high quality phono stage is really critical. My first Phonostage was a really highly rated $200 one, it was junk. Until I got to the $2,000 category it didn’t sound ... 
Describe your preference in a single sentence
Musicality.  
your first system-
@kennyc    Clearly you have put a lot of research into that system… it should be a very detailed and revealing system.   
Audio Research Refernce 75se
Sure sounds like a transformer buzzing☹️. Bummer, I would pass. But that model is such a tremendous amp… I really recommend finding another. That is the kind of product that can change your audio life and  every purchase in the future… in a good w... 
How much “suspension of disbelief do you need?”
I close my eyes and fall into the soundstage.    I guess only when in evaluation mode do I compare. In between upgrade cycles I do the above.  
your first system-
Yes… progress.   I think my first system was centered around a Marantz 2040 integrated amp (I still have it), Philips turntable… and I don’t remember the speakers… 1972… I’m guessing $500… same as one semester of tuition. Every few years my sys... 
ARC Reference 6 Paired with Cary Monoblock Amps?
I love my ARC 160s…  
Do you find that different cable manufacturers do certain types of cables better?
I have to agree that the among the very best in transparent interconnects and speaker cable… if you want neutral, is Transparent. But, you have to want neutral. The only power cord that was not as good on my equipment was the amp… and to be honest... 
Traveling equipment reviews?
Well if you get out to the Portland Oregon area, give me a holler.. N95+ required.   Hey, that is not that far from Elizabethtown. Love that movie. I’m originally from The Chicago area.  
Traveling equipment reviews?
Where do you live?   It strikes me as you did a pretty good job of assembling an initial system.    The pandemic will eventually end.    My audio guy will accept appointments. Use N95 or better masks. Listen to,the best he has.., in each liste... 
Naim?
A $35K amp can definitely be worth it… I guess mine was $22K and well worth it. The only way to find out is to read professional reviews and to listen to it… with components you understand.   Having said that, Naim has never appealed to me. To m... 
Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?
@mapman    Pithy.  
Improving my Preamp
Hum should be non existent for and good tubed anything. Always max out your expenditures on a preamp. It is the real centerpiece and sets the tone of your system. Audio Research Reference +++ Really detailed, musical and natural. Built to last a l...