joe_b
Responses from joe_b
| A good 2ch preamp? If you want to stay with your amp for now, you may want to try an inexpensive tube preamp. Check out AMC, Antique sound labs, Sound Valves or maybe even a used Dynaco PAS. | |
| 600 used speakers? Used Vandersteen 1's would be a great choice. I have been a long time owner of the 2C (both 2c and 2ce) but would not recommend them unless you are willing to spend some money down the road to drive them appropriately. The Model 1's are a much eas... | |
| Audiophile Changer: Cool or Hopeless Compromise? I needed a changer for background music and occasional critical listening so I purchased an Aiwa XC37M. Before they were discontinued, they sold for about $90. Now, if you can find one, they are probably selling at their list price, which is proba... | |
| power cables? What can I expect? I purchased a new Audio Refinement Complete Int amp in Sept and found that the cord that came with it was not well shielded and was causing interference with my tuner reception. I did not want to spend a lot on a cord and while I was tempted by th... | |
| Best Amp for Vandy 3A's under 3000 Used? I would suggest a higher powered tube amp, at least 90wpc or higher. The Quicksilver Silver 90's or a newer equivalent with an Audible Illusions Preamp would probably work well. | |
| Outboard Processor Question? I have tried a number of different transports and dacs and currently run two systems with digital separates.Firstly, I have found that a jitter reduction device such as the Audio Alchemy DTI Pro will improve the sound of most transports. I also di... | |
| Best speakers for around 1000 I have recently "downsized" my living room system into something that looks better than my old Vandersteen 2ce's. I was prepared to spend up to $3k on speakers and the best things I heard in this price range were Proac Response 1.5. I also liked t... | |
| Integrated for Dad I have an Audio Refinement Complete, but would only recommend using it with a very good front end and not with Kimber speaker cables. Also, it does not have a phono section. Suggest you audition an NAD integrated amp. | |
| Budget DAC As an alternative to the above, I would suggest a used Micromega dac, either the Duo BSII or the Microdac. They are available used for $200-300. These dacs will not offer the last word in resolution, but they sound more musical than the dacs I hav... | |
| Replace Cambridge Audio D500 or add DAC? Suggest you keep the Cambridge as a transport. Add a jitter reduction device (used Audio Alchemy, etc) and dac. For a dac, I would suggest either the Bel Canto, or if you want to save money, find a used Micromega dac. Get some Apogee Digital cable... | |
| LS3/5A vs. LS3/5A Has anyone heard the new LS3/5As currently being manufactured by Stirling Broadcast in the UK? | |
| A reasonable integrated w/ remote - possibly tube? I recently changed from a tube amp to an Audio Refinement Complete and I am reasonably satisfied. However, as good as the ARC sounds, it is not a tube amp. It does not have the bloomy, airy sound of good tubes. It is "good for solid state". I have... | |
| Way ahead with transport / DVD I have not tried a DVD player as a transport but have talked to and read threads from those who have and, unless you need it for movies, a dedicated CD tranport will probably sound better. I have tried several transports for less than $1k and my f... | |
| Best Budget power Cords I am reasonably sure that a poorly shielded power cord can degrade the sound and/or create rfi problems. Beyond that I am not sure what you get when you start playing with different cords.I have recently purchased 2 Volex 14 ga. cords from Newark ... | |
| Bookshelf Speakers For 350 Or Less?? new & used I recently needed to pick up some cheap speakers for both a home theater and 2nd system and would suggest the following:1. B&W DM302 or 3032. B&W DM601 or 602 (these would have to be used to work within your budget)3. Paradigm Titan. Howev... |