hcalland

Responses from hcalland

Is Pre-Amp needed
I started a debate on this forum several years ago about the advantages and disadvantages of a preamp. I even took my preamp out of my system for awhile. I was searching for a clean and pure single, so I thought. Like many have reported here, one ... 
Why so many used focals?
I have a smaller listening room and recently purchased a pair of Sopra No. 1 monitors. I drive them with a pair of Cary Audio V12i tube monoblocs. They sound wonderful to my ears; more transparent than any speaker I have heard, with tight and full... 
Soundsmith Progression: MIMC Star > Sussurro Mk II
@slaw I have no idea what that key is for. I was wondering as well, but just put it in the nice box, and put it away, It doesn’t appear to be a thumb drive.  
Soundsmith Progression: MIMC Star > Sussurro Mk II
I have been listening now for one week, and it’s a nice sounding cartridge. I am comparing it to my Kleos and Koetsu Urushi Black. I would say it falls in the middle of both.  
Soundsmith Progression: MIMC Star > Sussurro Mk II
I just ordered a Sussurro Mk II. Will share my thoughts once it’s had time to break in. I just couldn’t resist the discount price. Nearly 50% off of retail, and I have always wanted a higher end Soundsmith. Had the Carmen and Boheme. I will probab... 
Lyra Kleos vs Koetsu Urushi
@mulveling Oh well, I took the plunge and ordered the Kleos today. I want the option to listen to my records analytically, and the Kleos will do that in spaces I hope. The Koetsu is pleasing beyond words and will stay on the VPI. The Kleos will re... 
Lyra Kleos vs Koetsu Urushi
I own a Koetsu Urushi matched with a Classic II VPI JMW 10.5 inch Tonearm. I use a Bob’s Device SUT set at 1:20, matched with a Conrad Johnson TEA2 high gain phono amp. These components were personally recommended to me by the manufacturers of all... 
Which HEAD-AMP: Audeze, Burson, Marantz?
Hello - have you purchased your headphone amp yet? I am in the same position. Have a pair of Audeze XC cans and want to buy a dedicated headphone amp.  I was thinking the Audeze Deckard would be a good match.thanksHerb 
Lumin D1, has anyone heard it?
Good choice Glory. You will never look back. For me the ease of operating and daily use of my LUMIN has been a godsend. The sound quality it really still nicer than anything digital I have heard out there. And while it's not analogue, the sound qu... 
Accidentally dropped Benz cartridge on moving acrylic platter for my VPI Scout
You can always inspect the stylus with a magnifying glass. If it's damage you will certainly know from visual inspection. However, if there was no degradation in sound, you are fine. I once dropped a Miyajima mono cartridge on my platter while mou... 
Decided to change my cd player, suggestions please?
Skip the CD player and go straight to a hi-rez music server and service if you don't want to rip your collection of CDs. You will never look back.  
Now it's subs
I too rejected adding a subwoofer to my system until my dealer introduced me to a JL Fathom 110. One of the best improvements I could have made. I don't actually hear the JL while listening. It just blends into the system. It's plugged directly in... 
Sanity test before you start this hobby
Audio is one of the many things that keep me sane. And the money I spend on it; I could do worse things with it. Besides, my mom always told me; you can't take it with you, but you could leave it for your kids to do insane things with it.  
Miyajima Zero hum?
I just matched my Miyajima Zero with a Graham 2.2 ceramic Tonearm and Soundsmith MCP-2 phono amp, and it's as quiet as a mouse. Absolutely black background. I always felt a solid state phono amp would work better with this cartridge.  
Miyajima Zero hum?
I match my Miyajima Zero with a SME V tonearm and Cary Audio phono amp, and it's dead quiet. I have had low hum problems, but either changed out the cable or phono amp. I have used a PS Audio phono amp with great success as well.