jandj

Responses from jandj

BAT phono card
The BAT phono-card is better than you might think. You would have to spend a lot more than 500.00 to get better phono sound. I have the VK30 and think that the phono is great. Better phono improvements will best be spent on tables, cart., or arms.... 
best 6DJ8 tube?
The Bugle Boy is a very good tube if you can find them. The amperex Bugle boys are very dynamic, not as lush as the mullard however. The sovtek 6922, and svetlana 6NIP are also good choices and cheap. They all work well with the ARC preamps. Jeff 
Best female vocals on CD
Diana Krall, Holly Cole, and Sara Brightman are all great. I would add to this distinguished list Rickie Lee Jones for her album "POP POP" which is outstanding. In the classical arena I would list Kathleen Battle for her "Live at Carnegie Hall" CD... 
Straight Wire "Maestro"
I have used the Maestro between a Bryston 4BST, and Nestorovic 5ASMKIV speakers and found them to work well. The bass was a little softer, but the midrange was right on. The highs were lightly rolled, but not too much so. i have also heard them be...