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ja_kub_sz

Responses from ja_kub_sz

Does listening to music increase your IQ?
Intelligence?... Not so sure.Imagination... Possibly?Personal savings... Absolutely not! 
Streamer/DAC+integrated vs All in one?
I have no idea what I'm doing for cables (just use so/so ones) other then a $150 usb audio cable from my Zenith, and a Gustard i2S cable from my Matrix to my DAC, and XLR cables when I can run them, lasting making my own speaker level connections ... 
Streamer/DAC+integrated vs All in one?
I'll be 100% honest I just got into HiFi at the beginning of the year when my wife got me a record player, but I went the buying all individual source components route and feel a little bit over my head. I do like the idea of some of these all-in-... 
Class D amps seem poised to take over. Then what?
I just got the Technics SU-G700 and love it, but I feel it's an acquired taste.I'm not 100% sold on the class D vs ??? Debate (don't know enough), but I was really tempted to get the SU-R1000, and am in love with the SU-G700. It sounds great, but ... 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
Okay... Here was my set up and here was my listening soundtrack.Rotel 1590MK2Innuos Zenith (USB) -> Gustard X26 Pro (XLR) -> Rotel 1590 MKII (XLR pre out) -> Azur 851w power amp -> Kef LS50 Meta's and lube 12b subwoofer (line out).Camb... 
What Integrated Amp do You use
Technics SU-G700 (and loving it!)This was kinda a surprise find for me. I was looking for a preamp to replace my Cambridge Audio Azur 851a (paired with the Gustard X26 Pro), but after trying the new Rotel 1590 MK2 I was so disappointed with how it... 
How are most audiophiles going from streamers to DACS
I'm going...Innios Zenith -> USB to Matrix X SPDIF 2 (with separate LPS) -> i2S to Gustard X26 Pro DACFigured for digital i2S would be a good wat to go.I'm happy with it. 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
I was contemplating a NAD preamp, but didn't like the look 😆 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
Honestly I didn't order other preamps.My intergrated amp really sounds good, so I'm gonna give two others a try (all in the same price point).My thinking is... If I spend $300 in return shipping but end up keeping my Azur 851a I saved myself 2k.So... 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
I ordered two other units to try out, and we'll see.Gonna have a 4 way shoot out winner take all. I just need a little time with the Rotel and then give the old iAmp a try again and see.I've been working so much lately I finally got to listen to l... 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
@douglas_schroeder That's a great article, and sadly I was trying for months to track down a Azur 851e, but sadly they're impossible to come across and I lost out on bidding on a used one that sold for over $2,200 and was many years old.But yeah, ... 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
@vladedelman and @hshifiThanks for the help! DAC volume is low, my streamer and preamp are managing the volume controls (Rotel at 50% volume and Zenith/Squeeze Box doing the rest), honestly I really agree with you all on letting it warm up and nee... 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
@sns @oldhvymec @yyzsantabarbara Thanks for the suggestions! Never thought about leaving it on.I too want a preamp (or integrated amp) as opposed to just running my DAC to an amp. 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
@ghdprentice So you're not a believer in the "there's no preamp like no preamp" saying?I laughed when my buddy said it, but I'm kinda wondering myself with this one. 
New Preamplifier Testing (Poor sound)
All good points, as far as "break in time" I only have a 60 day window to try and return. So that I'm kinda limited on.1. DAC to amp and compare (cut out preamp).2. Try RCA connections to pre and power amp.3. Bust out the old integrated amp again ...