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jastralfu

Responses from jastralfu

Old phones as streaming sources
So I went to the Apple Store and bought the lightning to USB A connector and hooked up an old iPhone 8 that I had lying around.  I thought it sounded alright.  Can it be bettered?  Yes by a lot, but it was better than decent.  There was a noticeab... 
Meitner Ma3 Streaming vs Aurender
Any reason you are limiting yourself to a Meitner DAC? If not, consider the N200 and some other brand of DAC. There are a ton of great DACs at the price point you are looking to spend. @drubin mentioned a few. There’s also Chord,Holo May, Denafrip... 
SVS Subwoofer Connection
I agree with @yogiboy.  Also if you connect the way you describe you might be running thru a high pass filter in the sub out to your mains.  
Meitner Ma3 Streaming vs Aurender
Not heard either of these but wondering why you would choose both?  If you choose an Aurender as a source and want a Meitner DAC then get just a Meitner DAC without the streaming.  Or pick up the Meitner Ma3 or an Aurender A200 or A20 (which would... 
Is R.E.M. underrated by new music nerds?
@simao same here, just like most, if not all here, music is associated with a time and place. As much as it brings back memories, I'm certain I would still like it if I heard it for the first time today, it's just really good music.  I had never h... 
Is R.E.M. underrated by new music nerds?
@simao I love Jane’s Addiction.  They didn’t get the credit they deserved imo but I don’t really care cause I think they’re great and they always seem to make it into a playlist or two of mine.  
McIntosh C52 to C53?
I wouldn’t spend money on the C53 just for the DA2 module.  You’d get better mileage out of spending that money on a separate DAC.  Keep the N10 and C52 and buy a DAC.  You could get an outstanding one for the price of a C53.  
Songs you use when auditioning gear
@blue-magoo Ok Computer is a great album.  I just spun up Jellyfish Spilt Milk that’s on the list from your link.  I haven’t listened to that album in ages.  
Songs you use when auditioning gear
@veerossi love Marcus Miller.  Amazing bassist, both tracks you mentioned sound outstanding.  
Songs you use when auditioning gear
@troutstreamnm definitely Yes and ELP.  Starship Trooper is a great song to use as is From the Beginning.     @signaforce absolutely so many great suggestions.  I’m having trouble keeping up with them!  
on the cheap
Sorry about that I was part pulling this thread way off track.  Bluesound Vault would work as would the Innuos ZENmini Mk3.  Not sure what inexpensive is to you though as the Vault is $1400 and the Innuos is $2400-$3000 but you can find used for $... 
on the cheap
Wi-Fi is layer 2 as well. I don’t think there is a difference of opinion about whether Ethernet or Wi-Fi works, it was a question of whether Ethernet refers to a wired protocol vice a wireless one.  Ethernet is wired, Wi-Fi is wireless.  Wi-Fi use... 
Advice regarding separate DAC purchase
One last thing, the DAC1 module is a decent DAC and, if you don’t want to spend money on a new one, is more than capable.  Streaming is a fantastic way to listen to and discover new music.  
Advice regarding separate DAC purchase
The Pontus is not a lateral move but, given the investment level you spent on the integrated, something in the $4-$5k range will likely serve you better.  If that is not economically feasible the Pontus is definitely several steps up from the DAC1... 
Seeking Honest Opinions: Your Experience with McIntosh Audio Gear
I own the MA8900 integrated amp which I love.  As far as directly answering your questions: Sound Quality: I would describe my system likely on the slightly warm side of neutral but with plenty of detail.  It has a wide, tall and deep soundstag...