jasonsim

Responses from jasonsim

Need New amp or integrated...have some options
Mark Levinson 5805 or 5803 integrated used. You could also look for a used Luxman L-505uxII. These are awesome integrateds that you can live a lifetime with.   
What is a good all around high quality speaker to purchase?
If you have a $20k budget for just speakers, I would be looking used. There is a huge selection well under that price point that would be amazing. I’d be considering Sonus Faber floor standers. They just sound and look beautiful (if looks are impo... 
Mark Levinson 5805, quality of dac
@bob52r  Did you ever figure this out.  I recently purchased a 5805 and love it!  So good sound and the DAC is really good!  I have a new Mac mini M2 connected to the USB input on the DAC.  Use Roon core on the Mac mini and it sounds amazingly good!  
ultrasound record cleaning machine damaged my records
@pfmaudio  You should have contacted the good folks at the CableCo and explained your issue with the pump on the Autodesk.  I did that a few years ago when my pump broke and they upgraded me to the newest model for $1500.  Not sure, but think that... 
Wharfedale - Reva/Diamond
@leemaze Any thoughts and/or comments on your experience with the Evo 4.4s?  I've been considering upgrading my Reva 3's.    
A decent integrated amp under 2K ...
I can recommend the Cambridge Audio CXA80 or CXA81. It has wonderful amounts of power and is super quiet. Plus I found a used one for $500.    The built in DAC is not all that great, so I use a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC.     
6000 dollars CD player
Why not look for a used Esoteric SACD player.  I use a K-05 and love it.  I don't have many SACDs, but it plays regular CDs fantastically!  You will be happy with the fit and finish, I promise.  Else, I would just go with a Marantz transport or so... 
Phonostage recommendations under $3K
I can only recommend Sutherland and Zesto phono stages.  The 20/20 with LPS is well within budget.  If you can scrap together more; I'd recommend the Little Loco for your low-output MC cartridge.  No messing with settings as this unit is transimpe... 
Buying a DAC when you can't try it first
I would second what most are saying.  Don't cheep out on the DAC.  Personally, I would have just gone with something like a PS Audio DirectStream Junior.  It has a built in streamer and wonderful paired with Roon.  The warm sound that it produces,... 
Transparent Ultra or Super?
I think you can purchase directly from Transparent. Of course Audio Advice in the Triangle. I have also purchased from Paragon Sight & Sound. They sometimes have deals on used cables. Otherwise I’d look on Audiogon and USA Audiomart. Might fin... 
Looking for new speakers
This might have already been covered, but do you have another source besides the turntable?  CD player or streamer to hookup to the Luxman 509x and check, if the same distortions are heard on same tracks?that is what I would do before getting new ... 
Esoteric SACD player owners, do you use the built in DAC or an external DAC and why?
Thanks. Had the chance to do some A/B tests. While the DAC in the K-05 is great, I think the DirectStream Junior DAC is superior in certain aspects. Better midrange and bass. The K-05 is a bit better on the top end. This must be how they were desi... 
Transparent Ultra or Super?
Thanks @no_money .  That's what I was looking for.  I think Ultra MM2 are still very good in terms of being able to reveal what's deep in the music.   
Transparent Ultra or Super?
Thanks for the answers. I have ultra MusicWave MM2 upstairs and they have always sounded great. Have not compared to the Gen5 plus MusicWave. Maybe I should do that. Would gen5 super be better than the ultra MM2?  I called Transparent and they sai... 
Esoteric SACD player owners, do you use the built in DAC or an external DAC and why?
Thanks! The K-01X is much higher than my K-05. I haven’t been using it much, since adding a PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC. The DirectStream has auto input switching and makes it easy to go from TV to network streamer. Plus it has a remote to tu...