helomech

Responses from helomech

2017 ‘Keeper’ speakers under - $25K
Spendor SP100R2 
Curved and Straight Tonearms
@nandric,How does that apply to straight tonearms? Because of the slightest weight bias on one side of the cartridge end?  
Looking for input: Best material for mid range cone
@russ751,How can the Kipods be any good when made of such an antiquated material? Don't you know that good speaker drivers require super exotic composite materials, the more exotic the better......😂 
Curved and Straight Tonearms
There's no real advantage to curved arms. TT manufacturers began making them because the convenience of removable headshells allow for quick cartridge swaps and easy setting of the offset angle. The advantage is the ability to place the cartridge ... 
speakers
I've never a heard a brighter pair of speakers than the Golden Ear Triton One. I listened to Pink Floyd and Dire Straits  albums on these, paired to a McIntosh amp at my local dealer. I apologize for offending GE owners, but never have I heard suc... 
Need advice about upgrading speakers ( it might be the last one i own).
sunnyjim,It's true that sometimes our friends know what's best for us. The LS3/6 is about equivalent in size to the Harbeth SHL5, much larger than the LS3/5a, but I can understand your aversion to the overall look, they don't qualify as show piece... 
B&W 805D3 - Amp recommendation (Peachtree, Parasound, Hegel or Schiit?)
Stelo,Just like SS, some tube amps command a fortune but it's not necessary to spend a fortune for great quality and performance. Just a few to consider: The Raven Audio Nighthawk, Cayin A88T, Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, Line Magnetic (various). Al... 
B&W 805D3 - Amp recommendation (Peachtree, Parasound, Hegel or Schiit?)
No interest in tube amps? I ask because I own the Halo integrated, I also own some 88db sensitive stand mounters and I also own a tube integrated. A good tube integrated will outperform the Halo in most situations. The Halo can drive almost any sp... 
Need advice about upgrading speakers ( it might be the last one i own).
I've come to the conclusion that asking others for speaker advice is somewhat like asking others to recommend a wife. There's a mind boggling number of brands out there and all have their fan boys. But what the hell, I'll throw my recommendation i... 
Looking for vintage system suggestions (maranta, klipsch, etc...)
I think a nicely restored vintage receiver would serve you well.That being said, you might consider a new or lightly used Yamaha integrated amp. Their new integrateds retain much of the tonal qualities of their classic 70s models, and are no slouc... 
Looking for vintage system suggestions (maranta, klipsch, etc...)
I agree that Heresy IIIs would be a fine choice. These are a good candidate if you're in a medium sized room, especially if you have to place your speakers near the forward wall. They are not harsh or brittle on the top end when paired with a qual... 
2017 Honest Cabling that doesn’t promote bankruptcy
16 gauge Monster XP Navajo White 14 gauge Rohs compliant cable at local hardware store, approximately $0.60 per foot. 12 gauge Monoprice cable All these examples are solid copper, not CCA.Pick gauge size according to run length.Use the money you s... 
Looking for input: Best material for mid range cone
Poly cones can have huge variances in tonal qualities, just as other materials can.The Poly cones of my Epos Epics sound different from those of my Spendors, which sound different from those of Harbeth. Polycarbonate has derivatives, similar to me... 
Integrated Amp Upgrade-itis hitting....
You might add the upper tier Yamahas to your list, maybe the A-S2100. They sound great, look great and have impeccable finish. 50 lbs of good ol' class AB MOSFET grunt. I have yet to hear an integrated amp that produces more accurate piano and str... 
5 meter Speaker Cable Recommendation - flexibility important
You can get 50' of off-white Monster XP for about $50, and some locking banana plugs off Amazon.The cable is very flexible and easily hidden. Oh, almost forgot the mandatory audiophile description: it has excellent highs, warm silky mids, and deep...