hk_fan

Responses from hk_fan

Ayre KX-5/20 & VX-5/20 v AX-5 Twenty
I've heard both of the systems you are considering, but not at the same time and not with your Kef's so it's very difficult to provide meaningful feedback for you... however, I remember being impressed with the Ayre integrated.From my memory it of... 
AQ Diamond USB Cable with Ayre QB-9 DSD?
There is only one way to find out.  Music Direct has a 30 day return policy so you can try it out without risk.I recently added this cable between my Mac Mini and my QB-9 DSD and the improvements were incredible in my opinion. 
Ayre QB9 Dac . Upgrade to the new QB20. Vs competition In the $4-5k range or less
I have been told by someone that I trust that the Twenty version of the QB-9 is as good as the QX-5.. he owns both.  I am due to have mine upgraded in about 2 weeks and will report back. 
ARC LS 26 and Nagra
@big_greg is spot on.  The LS26 is anything but tubey sounding, which goes for just about anything with the 6H30 in it IMO. 
Pass Labs Power amps choices
The XA is where you REALLY want to be IMO. 
Whats on your turntable tonight?
DMB - Live at Continental Airlines Arena 
Most organic / real / analogue sounding DAC (ideally with Volume Control) for $1500??????
Another vote for the Ayre QB-9.  It still holds it's own against much pricier DACs. 
A speaker audio journey over: Classic Audio Loudspeakers T1.5 Reference = End game
I've heard these at RMAF driven by Atmasphere electronics and it was by far my favorite room.  Congratulations!  If i had the space and money I would likely recreate that system and live happily ever after. 
What are the top 3 USB cables being used today in reference systems?
Another vote for the AQ Diamond USB.  I'm using it between my Mac Mini and my Ayre QB-9 and it's staggeringly good.  I did a few blind comparisons with the wife and she was afraid to give me her opinion.  Finally she told me that the Diamond (whic... 
Recommendations for fast sounding cables
I'm in the - get another SS amp crowd.  Good luck with getting the magic you're looking for.  This is part of the fun/frustration of this ridiculous hobby.  :) 
Best speakers for max. $3000?
The Aerial 10T is very difficult to beat and falls into your price point. 
Wilson Alexia 2
I've heard Wilson with ARC Ref gear many times at shows and it's a fantastic combination. 
Should I fix it and sell it or sell it as is? Mark Levinson No. 331
Fix it and keep it 
Ayre KV-5 Twenty or Parasound JC 1
I think you have your answer.  :) 
Ayre KV-5 Twenty or Parasound JC 1
Are the JC1's brand new?  They do take quite a while to break-in so even if you were to try them they won't be at their best for several weeks from my experience.  So even if you were to take the effort to set them up you won't get the true flavor...