ghdprentice
Responses from ghdprentice
tube or solid state phono amp with a tube integrated amplifier? One of the first and best choices I have made was to add a tubed phono stage to my system. The order I added tubed components was preamp, phono stage, cd / DAC, and finally amp. Each step added musicality and emotional connection I have never been... | |
Bad recordings and high end audio OP I am 69. When I was about your age I upgraded my system. In part because it was time and I didn’t think I would be able to afford upgrades in retirement. I was really happy that I did because I immediately began enjoying my system at a much hi... | |
Auditioning headphones (ethically)? You ask a good question. To answer it from my point of view, it is absolutely not ethical to purchase multiple sets of headphones with the intent to return all but one. That is not the intent of the companies that offer this policy and it constitu... | |
First headphones and amp combo? Sennheiser headphones are great. I have had many pair over the decades. One comment is that the source and amplification are critical in having great sound. Typically I will have a ratio of 3x or more in electronics to headphone cost. You have to ... | |
Streamer vs. new mac mini for 2 channel system I cannot speak about the Lumin. However after fiddling with Macs an PCs as streamers / transports for over ten years my streaming end was grossly inferior until I purchases a good dedicated streamer. I just didn’t understand how it could make a bi... | |
Auditioning headphones (ethically)? I always research the heck out of them and make my best choice. I am normally buy 2x or 3x in cost so they always sound like a big improvement for my first purchase at a new level. I listen to them for many months before wanting to adding another ... | |
New TT, Arm and MC Cartridge My condolences and respect. You have the best possible attitude I can think of.I am not familiar with the equipment you chose. When I was in the market to replace my VIP, I think the memory of the legendary Linn came to mind for me. Research showe... | |
Linn Sondek LP-12 tonearm recommendations? I have an Akito now. I have had the turntable for about a year (Akurate). I have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge. Overall I am very impressed with the performance (VPI for a couple decades). I will probably upgrade to a Ekos arm soon, not fo... | |
Alternate Recommendation to a Naim for CM9 S2 I would look into Schiit. For instance the RAGNAROK integrated amp. I have a lot of experience with their DACs and a bit with their head amps. They produce phenomenal budget gear that competes with stuff typically two or three times their cost. Th... | |
300b INTEGRATED AMP Suggestions I went looking for a 300b amplifier for my headphone system. I am a big fan of Woo Amps and have owned two. After a lot of research I bought a WA-5LE and upgraded all the tubes to highest level. I was very happy what amp did for my headphone syste... | |
So where should the tubes be? I hadn’t really thought about the number of tubes in my equipment. The number is 34. They add up. Phono stage 8, preamp 8, DAC 6, amp 12. Also, the more tubes the better it has sounded. | |
Amp recommendation -- McIntosh, Luxman, Yamaha Luxman | |
replace Mcintosh with Luxman The M900u from the reviews sound like an awesome amp. | |
Wait time after record cleaning I clean / vacuum, apply Last preservative and play. I haven’t noticed any gunk on my stylist. I’ve never done a study. I’ve never noticed a correlation with better sound and when I have cleaned and not gotten to -laying the next day. But it would ... | |
How important is it to have identical speaker cable length? Truly great sounding systems come from fanatic attention to details. The little stuff adds up to be of major importance if you are working towards a truly great sounding system. You can get good sound out of a system made up of really good synergi... |