jc4659

Responses from jc4659

New transport or repair CD player
Yes, I have cleaned the laser lens many times.  
New transport or repair CD player
The player had been updated by an authorized tech to 24 bit many years ago. Not sure if this matters regarding the new optical laser lens pickup. @kingsleuy Here's a new observation that suggests it might not be the laser??  If I play a CD that i... 
New transport or repair CD player
@dinosore I am currently using the Musetec DA 005 DAC which replaced an Ayre Codex which was also very good. The Meridian player is still competitive!  
For Vandersteen owners & lovers: Which other brands do you like?
+1 @erik_squires  If you would consider buying used, what about a well cared for pair of 5A's?  If only considering new then I'd wait until I had the funds for Quatros. I am using Verity Audio Parsifal Encores and agree with many of the suggestio... 
GREAT NEWS! The Coda Technology new #16 amplifier will arrive this week
@jaymark I have recently learned of the SPL Elector preamp and was wondering how well it would pair with a Pass X350.5 amp. Your lake house set up sounds similar? My current pre, an Ayre K-1xe, is really good but the gain is a bit high for the Pas... 
Pass labs upgrade path
@jjss49 Thanks for that analysis! I really should get out and listen to the newer versions of preamps from both companies. It's been awhile!  
Pass labs upgrade path
Over the years I have owned both ARC (LS-3B, LS-16, Ref 2mkII) and C-J (PV-5) and they have a very different sound.  I actually preferred the C-J sound.  The PV-5 was a great preamp but the ARC preamps might pair better with Pass amps.  
Pass labs upgrade path
@laaudionut That Coda Model 16 looks like one helluva an amplifier.  It's still a beast like the Pass 350.5 I now use but what did you gain going to the Coda and was it worth it?  
Pass labs upgrade path
@laaudionut Were you running single ended into your Pass amps from the Motherlode or did you have Aric provide you with balanced inputs and outputs?  
Pass labs upgrade path
@yogiboy Yes, switching to the single ended outputs of the ayre pre should help but those are currently being used to drive a subwoofer. The above pre suggestions have me intrigued!  
Pass labs upgrade path
I am running an Ayre K-1xe into my Pass X350.5 but the Ayre has too much gain and I'm rarely listening with the volume above 9:00. I was wondering if the Pass xp-22 is a sideways move at best from the Ayre since the K-1xe was a great preamp in its... 
Best audiophile earwax removal system?
I use 3% hydrogen peroxide. You can actually hear it foaming up as it dissolves the wax. Wondering if the poster above using 70% hydrogen peroxide is confusing it with 70% isopropanol? Seems kind of strong to be using in your ears but if it works,... 
Streamer
@thegm How is the streamer working out for you so far? I will be looking for one soon and trying to get a handle on a variety of streamers. The one you have is up there in price so I would expect it to be competitive with the likes of Aurender.  
Speakers on carpet over concrete
I would guess that most brick and mortar audio shops have their speakers set up on carpet over concrete but they may not use spikes because they are always moving gear around.  I think that as long as I can't move or rock the speakers I'll leave t... 
Speakers on carpet over concrete
Thank you all for some excellent options.  I didn't think the bass would vibrate the house due to the mass of the floor.  I'll start with the cheaper options like hockey pucks.