128x128

goheelz

Responses from goheelz

AXPONA 2017 Protocol
The MBL demo at AXPONA is popular for good reason, even if you'd never want to look at those loudspeakers for one minute in your own home.  On the other hand, the Marten Coltrane loudspeaker demo was phenomenal.  Expensive, but worth a listen.  Th... 
Please Critique my Setup and Recommend Upgrade(s)
Eventually, you're going to want more and better amplification. I'd start with better amp or speakers.  Later on, you can pick your "final" speakers for your listening room, but I'd recommend going for better power now, with the Elacs, just to ill... 
After a (weeks) worth of listening...
Julien Baker, "Funeral Pyre" (7" single).  
HAP-Z1ES compared to OPPO 205D
HAP-Z1ES streams Spotify and can also accommodate a minimum of 1 TB of music storage. 
New Sony HAP-Z1ES Firmware Out Today
@davehg Interesting to hear about the perceived improvement after the latest firmware.  I recently updated firmware as well, although I did not A/B the sound quality, presuming there would be only functionality updates, not sound updates.  I will ... 
Ripping to Sony HAP-Z1ES
I haven't found any advantage to ripping CDs direct via USB connection to the HAP-Z1es.  It's certainly no faster, and not really more convenient.  If you like AIFF 16 bit rips (as do I), try out some high-rez DSD recordings . . . 
An upgrade a long time overdue
Maybe create a system page with photo?  This way the community can see what you're dealing with in more detail. 
Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) Platforms
Is there a turntable involved?  A system description would allow your question to be placed in better context. Otherwise, the mystery will continue. 
Best value record cleaner/cleaning system
On the other hand, you can trust @meadowman ^^ and his Okki recommendation.  I'm pretty sure he sold me the VPI record cleaner years ago. Thanks, Mike! 
Best value record cleaner/cleaning system
I recommend the VPI 16.5 record cleaner.  Not the cheapest solution out there, but it's mighty reliable.  Thousands of records cleaned, and it's still going very strong 15 years later.  The downside: it's not quiet, so it really needs to live away... 
$5,000 to spend for analog front end - advice please...:)
Shopping used might get you to your goal, but maybe your budget is kind of low.  Which is fine, because more funds may change your outlook going forward.  You know too much to be satisfied with less, as your comments indicated.  VPI is a pretty ob... 
Is it too bright or is it high resolution?
Let me guess: you listen to mostly to digital music? Vinyl won't sound that way nearly as much.Also: Maybe think about a preamplifier that has tone controls?  Spousal happiness is pretty important, especially when it's time to upgrade.  The audio ... 
Importing files to iMac
@sbank No idea whether the Sony HAP-Z1ES can handle ripped SACDs.  But it handles DSD downloads pretty well.  Who needs to mess with physical disks at this point, short of archiving?  I've already put my CDs onto the Sony internal drive, and I ain... 
Q for owners of Sony HAP-Z1ES
I found the USB-connected CD ripping to be very slow, using Mac external drive direct into the HAP-Z1ES. OK in a pinch, but not a good method for general use, in my experience.  
Looking to build a system for under $5k
In general, I'd advise thinking about the long term. Ask: will I always be in the upstairs room with smallish dimensions? This might change your approach somewhat.For what you describe, I'd go this way. Prices are approximate, presuming you'd shop...