hickamore

Responses from hickamore

Does raising speaker cables off the floor really make a big difference?
Running bi-wire cables along the top of the baseboard sure looks better. Whether it improves the sound I can't be sure. Definitely doesn't hurt, so just do it for cosmetic reasons and believe it sounds better if you're so inclined. Nobody can prov... 
Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
On some devices, 6dB better. Or so they say. 
Phonostage/preamp recommendations. Parasound JC3 Jr.?
Start at 90% of the best for 9% of the price. Cambridge Duo. 
Why no “Break in” period?
Definitely something more than subjective acclimatization, albeit with no objective confirmation method. When a process unravels over time before your ears, with all other variables (local power demands, ambient atmospheres, etc.) controlled by re... 
Need advice
If Hi-Fi Heaven hasn't yet sold my old (but perfect) Wharfedale EVO2-40s, priced I think at $850, you might love them. Elegantly stylish in rosewood with all accessories including white gloves, highly musical, a bargain even at their original reta... 
Herbies Pucks floor spike protectors...
Put Herbie's giant pucks under spikes of Legacy Signature SE on suspended hardwood (parquet) floor. Sound appears more open than when on rubber feet, though this is preliminary and more positioning experiments are needed. Fortunately the pucks all... 
Is the source the CD Transport or the DAC?
One could certainly "impact" the sound of a system by chopping a cable or two. But if one wanted to improve, brighten, deepen, clarify, resolve, open, intensify, or otherwise modify the sound, the previous answers would likely help.  
Do speaker cables need a burn in period?
The scariness of real people in high places: "Our threat lies not in the will to power, but in the urge to obey." Audiogon safety zone! 
Do speaker cables need a burn in period?
Virgin Morrow cables"don't immediately suck and then magically become fabulous, although they do seem to improve a bit."  Mine cost <10% of equivalent Morrows, and they DO immediately suck (uncertain about the magic to come). So I'm thinking ma... 
Do speaker cables need a burn in period?
The newbie guesses that the next time a woman peeks into this forum will be the first time. 
Do speaker cables need a burn in period?
Aha, thanks. Do you think the burn-in CD mentioned by some here will speed the process? Apparently it costs only $20 as against $1K+ for Cable Cooker. I do leave FM radio playing during most waking hours: analog tuner, tuned to NPR, which includes... 
Do speaker cables need a burn in period?
A most entertaining and illuminating thread here. Decided to bi-wire my speakers. Bought some new, high-ish end cables for the purpose. Well, they sound wretched: shrill on top, muddy on bottom, with a vacancy in the middle where all the sweet thi...