jastralfu
Responses from jastralfu
| 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... | |
| on the cheap I did a bit more reading and I take back my previous assertion. Ethernet is a wired protocol, wi-fi is a wireless protocol. @mahler123 the definitions you stated are the correct definitions and have always been. Once the data makes it to the netwo... | |
| Advice regarding separate DAC purchase @gjohns i have the MA8900 as well and I use a Hermes DDC connected to a Pontus II 12th Anniversary DAC. I find it to be much better than the DAC1 module in soundstage, imaging, smoothness with increased detail, transients and decay (pretty much ev... | |
| Do you trust your ears more than measurements? When I read the subject line my initial response was I trust my ears. Then I read @hilde45 comment and I reconsidered. I trust my ears and not strictly measurements. However, listening and then taking measurements in my room allowed me to make... | |
| on the cheap @mahler123 have to agree with @panzrwagn Ethernet is a protocol for transmitting data. Language may change but that doesn’t change the definition of Ethernet just cause folks decide to speak incorrectly about it. See IEEE 802.3 set of standards. N... | |
| Songs you use when auditioning gear @deecee I haven't gone thru your entire list yet but I did spin up Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, great recordings! | |
| Songs you use when auditioning gear @hikerneil Love Over Gold is a fantastic album! | |
| Songs you use when auditioning gear @drmuso I stream mostly and the streaming versions of the two albums sound similar to what @soix describes. The CDs I’ve ripped to my local SSD sound the same as well. Maybe I should get a turntable and start spinning records, sounds like I’m mi... | |
| Long USB cable recommendation I run a 5 meter AudioQuest Cinnamon USB from my laptop to my DDC. I have no issues with drop out or ground loops. I’ve not noticed any qualitative difference between the, admittedly, ridiculously long USB and a much shorter one, 1 meter I think. I... | |
| Songs you use when auditioning gear @bipod72 listening to tracks across the musical spectrum you listen to is a good point. I think I sometimes get too focused on a particular song and don’t think enough about that sometimes. | |
| Songs you use when auditioning gear @jji666 RATM Renegades of Funk reminds me that Metallica Sad But True is a great song to test bass control, the bass guitar in that song can cause all kinds of problems if the amp and speakers can’t handle it. | |
| Songs you use when auditioning gear @kraftwerkturbo definitely Flight of the Cosmic Hippo! Dire Straits and Driver’s Seat are excellent as well. |