jfuquay
Responses from jfuquay
| Integrated amp with preamp tubes I really like my Rogue Sphinx, because I really really like my Magnepans. You get the picture: speakers first. But I also think you’re seeing more of this combo of a tube input stage and ss output for power. The Rogue Pharaoh is the next level up ... | |
| Got Innuous, now a DAC I have the same Innuos Zen Mk3, also from The Music Room, and run it through a PS Audio Directstream DAC. I use USB that first goes through a Matrix Audio x-SPDIF2 that has an IIS output the DAC can use. You can probably get the Directstream Mk1 f... | |
| Adding a tube amp is a good idea? @corelli The amp is an Elekit 8200R from Tube Depot. It’s supposed to arrive today. It comes with JJ 6L6GC power tubes and the usual 12AU7 inputs. A guy in our local audio club built Elekit’s 300B kit - went all in with the WE tubes and other upg... | |
| Adding a tube amp is a good idea? I certainly hope so because I’m about to build a little 6L6 tube amp for my 95db speakers. I’ve driven them with small Pass DIY Class A SS amps. They have such a sweet sound, but now I want to hear what tubes do. I’m told 6L6 tubes are particularl... | |
| As good or better than Magnepan 3.7i I’m also a Maggie guy. As I’ve listened to speakers at dealers and at gatherings of my local audio club, I have to say I find most cone speakers don’t push my buttons. I did, however, just hear the PS Audio Aspen 5, which has a ribbon tweeter. The... | |
| BEST SPEAKER THAT COMES TO LIFE AT LOW LISTENING LEVELS One of Devore’s Orangutan series might fit the bill. I sat down to listen to I think the O93 version at my local audio store and was impressed. Very lively and a nice overall sound. | |
| ??? What Is The MOST Expensive System You Ever Heard ??? What Was Your Opinion ??? I’ve heard some great systems at my local audiophiles club — I suppose the most expensive was likely a member’s setup featuring a full stack of CH Precision amplification, but hey, I don’t ask — the most memorable experience came at a local deale... | |
| Any audiophile use computer (MacBook) as your audio streaming source? I use Audirvāna to play files up to 256 DSD on a recent model Mac Mini with SSD drive and 8 GB memory, stripped down just for music. It feeds a PS Audio Directstream DAC via usb thru an I2S unit. I have tried the Pro-Ject Stream Box, which gets ra... | |
| dac recommendations for turntable listener? Ha!, I was going to suggest the Directstream MK1 closeout sale, and then I see you didn’t like it, and then I see the change with a different room and setup. Truly, this is a subjective experience and synergy matters. Everything’s connected. | |
| How cheap can you go and still be happy with the sound? I really like my living room setup, intended for casual but satisfying listening that has minimal visual/esthetic impact. It uses a Teac A-H01 class D integrated amp, Magnepan MMGW speakers, Martin Logan 300 sub and — wait for it — Apple AirPort E... | |
| For the love of...kits? The kits from diyAudio are excellent. Step by step illustrated instructions for many amps and preamps. Most are Pass/First Watt designs generously shared with the diy community. And if you have the online forums if you run into trouble. I did my f... | |
| How important is the efficiency of a speaker to you? I think a very reasonable argument can be made for low-power amps, along the lines of “the less you mess with the signal, the better.” So assuming you select a well-designed amp, you simply find a speaker that pairs well with it. I have a couple o... | |
| Can you provide context on First Watt? I think you’re on the right track with high-sensitivity speakers for low-volume listening. Whenever I hear a speaker with a cone tweeter I like it’s often a highly efficient speaker, like a DeVore Orangutan. Also, you sound like a careful listener... | |
| Does a particular musician’s songwriting and artistry speak to you above all others? Joni Mitchell is a poet. Hard to top in my world. And Mark Knopfler is just a wonder on his instrument. | |
| At what price is one considered an Audiophile. It’s a state of mind, not state of wallet. If you listen thoughtfully and critically, I’d say you’re there. |