jimmyblues1959

Responses from jimmyblues1959

Were you an audiophile in the 1980s and 1990s?
In the 1980's,  I began my journey in Hi-End  audio with an original Rega Planar 2, a Belles I amplifier,  Belles I preamplifier,  and a pair of 15 ohm teak Rogers LS3/5A's.   It was a very musical system that I still remember fondly to this very ... 
CD TRANSPORT THAT MAKES AN AUDIBLE DIFFERENCE
I use an Onkyo C7030 as a transport with an Audio By Van Alstine Insight multibit dac.  IMHO the combination sounds quite good. Bought the C7030 new and the AVA used for a total cost of about $500..   
Were you an audiophile in the 1980s and 1990s?
IMHO,   both Gordon and Harry played a valuable role in contributing to the betterment of audio products and most certainly the creation of the Hi-End audio industry that exists today.  I think we can also thank Julian Hirsch of Hirsch Houck Labs ... 
Kenwood KA-8100 integrated Amp
Yes,  this old Japanese gear from the 1970's was  built to last.  I also have a Marantz  2230 receiver that I received from my parents as a 16th Birthday gift in the mid 1970's.  Another time capsule that's been sitting in a cabinet for the past 4... 
Kenwood KA 8100 as a pre amp?
Using my KA8100 as a preamp with a pair of Antique Sound Lab Wave 25 tube mono blocks,  and it sounds quite good.  Have had the KA-8100 since 1978 when I purchased it new.  It really is a nice piece of gear.    
Kenwood KA-8100 integrated Amp
Bought my Kenwood KA8100 new in 1978.  Used it for about 5 years of light use, then gave it to my folks to use in a living room system where it sat in an enclosed cabinet for the last 40 years.  I doubt that it has more than 100 hours on it since ... 
How hot is hot when moving from class a/b to to a or tubes?
My last pure class A speaker amplifier was a 1987 Classe Audio DR3 VHC. It was designed by David Reich (hence the DR prefix). The VHC stood for very high current. The amplifier was a work of art that weighed in at just over 100 pounds. It cost cl... 
What's the best EL84 amp?
+1 on the Leak Stereo 20. Had one in the mid 1990’s and used it to run a pair of 15 OHM Rogers LS3/5A’s. System was a Naim CDI, Nac 72/Hicap/ Nap 250. Used to alternate between the Nap 250 and Leak Stereo 20. The Stereo 20 really synergized nicely... 
How long do speakers last?
As for the question regarding how long speakers can last, I have a pair of 40 + year old KEF Reference Series Model 101 British monitors, as well as a pair of original Linn Kans from 1987 that are still going strong. I also have a 50 year old pair... 
Linn Audio
I remember listening to a Linn Naim system back in the mid 1980’s that was quite impressive. I liked it so much that I eventually put a system together based on some of their gear. However, I got caught up in gear cycling via the original Audiomar... 
Takedown of pricey servers, streamers OCD HiFi guy
I’ve been using Amazon Fire tablets for streaming audio for a few years now. My Amazon Fire HD10 and Fire7 sound great with the outboard dacs and headphone amps that I use them with. As such, I see no need to upgrade to a more expensive server, wh... 
CD or Streaming... am I missing out?
Streaming just makes sense.  Especially since an inexpensive tablet can be used for quality streaming via a quality outboard dac and headphone amplifier.  I use Amazon Fire HD10s and a Fire 7 for streaming audio, and am amazed at how good high qua... 
Building new system starting with power amp. What would you choose ?
A pair of Classe DR3 VHC amplifiers used in monoblock configuration gives 100 wattsof Class A power per channel.  These were designed to drive the notoriously inefficientApogee Scintilla at its 1 ohm setting.  A used pair of DR3 VHC's should cost ... 
Schiit order issue - anyone receiving shipments?
Bought an Asgard 2 on 12/22.  It shipped on 12/22 and arrived on 12/24.  I paid for FedEx ground.  Schiit upgraded to two day at their expense.  They're great like that.  Best of luck with your order.  
2021 audio system wish list
Having a DNA Starlett built to add to my headphone system. 😊