hoopster

Responses from hoopster

TT mat suggestions...
Thanks for all the responses! Those with Achromat experience, do you have the 3mm or the 5mm? The Music Direct guy I spoke with says the 5mm is signifacantly better. Stringreen, I am not familiar with the antimat, who sells it? I have tube gear an... 
budget tube preamp dilema
I have both a TAD-150 Signature and a CJ PV-10, both are excellent tubed preamps for the money. As was mentioned, there is a TAD 150 for sell here at a reasonable price (I have no connection to the seller). I have had both in my main system at tim... 
The best speaker on the used market for $1000.00
Vandersteen 2c would make a great scratching post for the cat...You have good prospects already on your list. Another consideration would be if you ever wanted to go with tube amps you might consider something that is not a difficult load. BTW, I ... 
budget Cables / Interconnects recommendations?
I will give another vote for Signal Cable. Easy one stop shopping, reasonable prices and very good resale if you find something later you like better. 
Solid integrated pre amp for beginner?
As Narrod suggests, 70's era equipment is your best bet in the $100 price range. If you don't care for the tuner section I would suggest a Yamaha CA-600 to 800 integrated amp. For receivers, a Yamaha CR-600 to 800 series or a Harmon Kardon 730 (if... 
Upgrading from NAD 521bee--need soundstage
I think your reasoning is sound and you are looking at some of the best suspects in your stated price range. I do not agree with Mechans comments in these ways: 1) I own a Music Hall CD 25.2 (stock) and an Arcam CD23. They are not in the same leag... 
Unhappy with tubes so which transistor amp?
A Steve McCormack modded DNA-225 or even a non modded DNA-500 may do the trick for you. I have the DNA-125 and I love it with a tubed pre and eventually will have it modded by Steve. I believe a tubed pre with either of these amps would give you m... 
Anyone heard of T +A Theory and Application
Yes, a friend has both the amp and preamp you mention along with their SACD player. Very nice with his Dynaudio speakers. I have a TAD-150 pre that we inserted into his rig just for kicks and to use the phono stage to listen to albums. I expected ... 
Please suggest serene, restful jazz recordings
Gdoodle,Can't believe I left out "Beyond the Missouri Sky", great call.Pbb,Once our friend Exagarazo gets a hold of some of these maybe he will quit listening at background music and start feeling it...all who love good jazz had to be initiated! 
Please suggest serene, restful jazz recordings
Bill Evans Trio-Waltz for Debbie;Live at the Village Vanguard; and MoonbeamsDave Brubeck-Late Night Brubeck and The CrossingCharlie Haden and Kenny Barron-Night in the CityStan Getz-Cafe MontmartreJim Brock-Tropic Affair (Latiny but smooth)Getz/Gi... 
McCormack DNA-1 vs Odyssey Stratus vs Marsh 400
You may be able to find a nice McCormack DNA-125 for under $1K unless you need the extra power. I highly recommend the 125. 
12AX7 vs. 5751
Typically you can use 5751s where 12ax7s are called for. The 5751s having less gain just gives your volume control a little more flexibility, ie you can turn your volume control without a little adjustment giving you a big volume increase as 12ax7... 
Jolida 502A - Other owners, what speakers?
Here is a bit of an off the wall suggestion for you: Sound Dynamics 300ti. These are great speakers that image well and sound fantastic. I have a pair in my BR system that I am currently driving with a 30wpc tube amp and a tubed pre. They are 4 oh... 
Upgrading a CJ PV-10A
My thanks to all. I will give Bill a call. 
Arcam fmj cd33
Here are a couple of links for you:http://www.stereophile.com/cdplayers/704arcam/index5.htmlhttp://www.enjoythemusic.com/Magazine/equipment/1003/arcamfmjcd33t.htmThe Stereophile article explains the differences. I could not find the review where t...