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ihcho

Responses from ihcho

Upper Level Vintage DD Strenghts and Weaknesses
I got HA1000 from an original owner who had kept it in mint condition, and actually it sounds pretty good. I have Allnic H1202 and Live! MC-10 SUT, and yes, indeed they sound better than HA1000, but not day and night difference on my system. Othe... 
Upper Level Vintage DD Strenghts and Weaknesses
@neonknight  I have DP80 with DK100 and DA401 arm with DL303. I use it with HA1000. I like it very much, and I decided to have DK2300 and DP75 from Japan. I will use DA309 and DL103R. I still need to get another arm. Maybe I will get DA307. I will... 
Tube Preamp - What to buy?
Herron Audio VTSP-3A-R03. It does not have a phono. Check for it at US Audio Mart.Audible Illusions M3B would be nice too. It has MM phono, but does not have a remote. 
Amp/Preamp comparisons - Plinius vs Herron, Audible Illusions vs Allnic vs Herron
Right. I had Plinius CD LAD preamp, and it was also underwhelming. The built in phono of M16P is pretty good though. 
Amp/Preamp comparisons - Plinius vs Herron, Audible Illusions vs Allnic vs Herron
I think Plinius SA102 is a better amp than SA100 mk3.plinius’ unit doesn’t belong in this conversation... it is not in the same league Are you saying that Plinius is inferior or superior? If it is inferior, Hegel M1A would be a clear upgrade.May... 
Recommendations for speakers that sound great at lower volume levels.
My Harbeth C7 sound a bit better than my Gershman Grand Avant Garde at low level volume.However, at high volume level, Gershman sound much better.At late night, I used to listen to C7. 
What is the most important component to consider while building a new system?
Another way of view: The order of cost for each component from most expensive to least expensive.1. Speaker2. Amp (power + pre)3. Source (turntable/CD player)4. CablesThat is how I spent for my components.  
Best used TT for under $1k?
There is no such thing as the best used at under $1000.There are many, as suggested.I would recommend Denon DP75. It sells at around $1000, mostly from Japan.https://www.ebay.com/itm/154475447440?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&... 
Step up transformer or upgrade phono preamp?
I have three MC phono setups:MAGI Phonomenal phono pre + Live! MC-10 MC SUTMAGI Phonomenal phono pre + Denon HA-1000Allnic H1202MAGI has two phono inputs.MAGI + LIve! is just as good as Allnic.  Denon sounds a bit inferior to the other two.If I... 
How long can preamp tubes last?
Depends.My PrimaLuna Dialogue premium preamp tubes would last forever (like 10,000 hours), but my Audible Illusions M3B preamp tubes would last much less, about 2,000 (?) hours.  I prefer the sound of Audible Illusions over PrimaLuna.  
Refurbish Fidelity Research Tonearms
I don't want to hijack the thread, but how good is FR54 compared to FR64? FR64 and of course FR66 are a way out of my budget. However there are many FR54s available at around $300. 
Impulse Records: Music, Message And The Moment
I got the records.They are pretty good. Compared to some of original Impulse records I have, I like the original better. It should be no brainer.Its quality is better than most reissue records and new Jazz records I bought recently. 
Impulse Records: Music, Message And The Moment
Thanks for your input.I also think the quality may vary.I don't think this release will sound as good as the original pressings, but if it is close, it's good enough.I also clean new records with my ultrasonic cleaner. Anyway, I will give a try on... 
How much difference does a phono preamp really make?
Try Allnic H1202. It will work quite well with $500 ~ $1000 MM or MC cartridges. 
My Apologies to Miller Carbon
Shouldn't class A amp shut off after no signal for a long period?At least my Plinius SA102 turns back to class AB from class A after 30 min or so.My solid state preamp has a standby switch so I seldom turn it off unless I go for vacation or someth...