helomech

Responses from helomech

Streamer Advice
Just get a WiiM Ultra. No need for anything more unless you have a crazy expensive system. Speakers are the weak link in 99.5% of systems (by a longshot), not the streamer’s power supply.  When shopping a streamer the most important consideration... 
The DAC Scam - Almost everyone believes the hype
I’ve owned multi-thousand dollar DACs but these days I use the $400 Topping E70 Velvet.    IME, there is no point in using an expensive DAC unless, perhaps, your system is anchored by >$20K speakers. Speakers are the weak link in the vast majo... 
Axxess Forte 1 Review
The Forté 1 is the first and only class D amp I’ve auditioned that actually impressed, so much so that I bought one. Not surprisingly, it seems to pair best with Børresen speakers. Still trying to figure out how to get a wifi dongle to work with ... 
This Might Not Exist, Any reasonably priced, smaller speakers with 100db Sensitivity?
Sensitivity has nothing to do with speaker quality contrary to a popular misconception. The advantages of high sensitivity are merely that the speaker comes “alive” (more dynamic) at lower volumes and they can be used with low-power tube amps, for... 
KEF R3 META or Dynaudio Special 40?
These will absolutely trounce either of those speaker options:   https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/copy-satori-ara-2-way-speaker-kit-pair-with-cabinets-2694/  
HELIOS Speaker Kit
I just today finished building the Textreme version of this speaker. I ordered the kit through Madisound (drivers/crossovers) and the birch flat packs from Speaker Hardware.  This build was a challenge, primarily because the biscuit cuts of the s... 
Pure Silver Wire
Only cable maker I know that offers solid pure silver cables is Timbre Audio.   
The best opening act you've ever seen & heard?
Tesla in 2014.   
MoFi Sourcepoint 888 Speakers
@roxy54  Yeah that Scanspeak tweeter in the Kismets is widely regarded as one of the best available at any price.   Andrew Jones designs some nice speakers for sure.   
SPEAKERS THAT SOUND ALIVE & DYNAMIC AT LOW LISTENING LEVELS
Horn loaded woofers or speakers with big mid-bass peaks in their response. The ideal low-level speaker would probably have both. I’ve already suggested Borresens, but consider models like the Volti Razz or Rival.   
MoFi Sourcepoint 888 Speakers
This is honestly surprising given the quality of drivers in your Kismet Reference speakers, lack of midbass punch withstanding.  At least when it comes to cabinet build, the MoFis look professionally done unlike (cough) some other brands.       
Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
Quicksilver  
R2R next? Don't like ESS
I’ve owned dacs from many brands including Denafrips, Line Magnetic, Topping, Questyle, Electrocompaniet, Eversolo, Parasound, Musical Fidelity, SMSL and Chord. Multiple models from some of these brands. And I’ve experienced/heard many more than t... 
How can they not effect the sound
Small dents are inconsequential but large ones can certainly degrade the wave launch. Regardless, it’s surprising how many audiophiles manage to put large dents in their speaker cones/domes. Like, respect your gear.   
soft dome versus hard dome tweeters
Those who denigrate hard domes and lump them all into the same category haven’t heard any quality ones. A good quality beryllium, diamond or carbon tweeter will outperform nearly any soft dome and sound less fatiguing in the process. Even the $300...