jgiacalo

Responses from jgiacalo

Interconnects Needed/ Recommenditions?
I'll second the Blue Jeans Cable recommendation. Great cables at a very moderate price. 
McIntosh vs. Thor
The MC275 is a stunning amp and actually kicks out about 90 WPC in stereo mode - Totally smoked my 300 WPC Bryston 4BST. I have no trouble driving my 89Db speakers to loud levels in a 15x20x8 room with no distortion. It is warm but not overly so, ... 
LEAD SHOT OR NOT?
ABSOLUTELY!!!! Otherwise you will miss the full potential of this speaker.Use 40-50 lbs per speaker and you will notice a dramatic difference- tighter, more powerful bass and a generally more dynamic speaker. You can find lead shot reasonably pric... 
Want to replace Vandersteen 1C's with better spk
Try to listen to a pair of Von Schweikert VR2s. Used, they are in your peice range. I like them a lot better than my Vandy 2CEs. Much better highs, mids and bass, more detailed and more dynamic. 
Humidity question - please try to answer...
I thouhgt it was straightforward:higher humidity = denser air = better sound transmissionOr am I missing some fundamental physical laws here? 
Isolation Theory Question
I'm certainly no expert. But from what I've read - and experimented with conciderably - it seems that rubbery devices (like vibrapods) seek to absorb vibrations and solid devices (like cones, wood blocks, etc.) attempt to dissapate vibrations. I d... 
I love my Vandersteen's but . . . . . . . .
No question, here. The VSA VR4JRs. I have them matched with Mac equipment and the combination is musical, magical and dynamic; and, rilly, rilly big! Our musical tastes are very similar. I've had the Vandy 2CEs and IMHO the VR4JRs smoke them; they... 
Dumb question about Speaker Positioning
I second Newbee's response. IMHO a really good 2-channel setup - two good speakers, well placed and backed up by good electronics - obviates the need for additional speakers; with the possible exception of a well integrated subwoofer. 
tube linestage suggestions
Rogue 66; quite nice. A few available here on A'Gon. Check out reviews and Discussion threads. 
Best table to Expect To Find at a Garage Sale
I picked up a pristine Thorens TD160 at a garage sale last year for $10 that with $30 worth of tweaks smoked my Music Hall MMF5. 
"Best" RCA IC's USED OR NEW LESS THAN $225
Analysis Plus Copper Oval 
What pre to use with Vons and Bryston 2B-SST?
A used Rogue Audio 66 or 99 preamp (Magnum versions) are a very good match with Vons and Bryston. I ran them for a while and thought they sounded great! 
Ok....Audiogoners: need some tube amp ideas
McIntosh MC275. No contest. 
Which is best American Amp in $1500-2000 range?
Another vote for both the Rogue and McIntosh integrated amps 
upgrade suggestions please
Another vote for the Von Schweikert VR2s. An outstanding dynamic and musical speaker with deep, tight bass.