joekapahulu

Responses from joekapahulu

Amp Repair
Have used GM before for a few repairs. All were done well. Pricing was fair and packaging for shipping (to HI ) was well done. YMMV  
Need a new Class AB SS integrated...$2-3k due to hurricane
@yogiboy I dont care about the passive preamp but the lack of a remote is a deal killer. I thought they had one but I will have to check with Frank. I already had my eye on Gene Rubin cause he has 2 or 3 amps I potentially liked. @auroravengeance... 
Another "Best" amplifier Question.
I have Kef R300s which were the predecessor to the R3. I have driven them with a Marantz PM8005 very well for years in a large room. I auditioned the amp switching between the R300s and the LS50s and went with the former due to better bottom end. ... 
Marantz pm8006 vs Denon PMA-1700NE for combined home theatre and music room
Having had the PM8006 and the Yamaha at my house for awhile, I personally preferred the Marantz. To me it was more musical and had the benefit of good tone controls when you wanted them including separate midrange or the capacity to run direct wit... 
Integrated Amp Shopping Decisions
Belles Aria is excellent and a step above a number of the amps you mention like the Rogue. Dave Belles has been around for years and is an engineer first and businessman second. His stuff is first rate in engineering and parts and build quality. R... 
Review: Marantz PM8004 Amplifier
Bought a PM8005 based on this review and an audition. Great amp still in use in 2nd system 6 years later. I think the 8006 is the latest version.  
Recs for small footprint integrated amp (<= 14 inches W) min 30 WRMS
Thanks for all the responses. Friend of a friend is lending me a mInt to try from Wyred so we will see how that goes.  
Which portable audio player supports the most digital formats?
Look for an LG v30 60 or G7 thinq phone. Excellent dac and sound. Discontinued so you can get it cheap. I used my G7 as an Ipod replacement. Has SD slot and hp jack.  
Recs for small footprint integrated amp (<= 14 inches W) min 30 WRMS
Thx for all the feedback. Oddly, I had been reading about the LSA for a few weeks for another system simply cuz I never had tubes!. Size likely would not work here unless I can move things around and it couold be really hot too. Will research the ... 
Anyone dislike Ohm Walsh speakers?
I have owned W2-100s3 for about 14 yrs. Originally bought original W2s online in MA then sent to John to upgrade before shipping to me in HI. I previously owned Ohm C3s.I also own Kef R3s, Spendor LS3/5, JBL L110, Rogers LS3/5. The Ohms are my fav... 
Best Basic CD Player (no SACD, USB, etc.)
Fellow  old dude with 3k Cds. I have 3 players running in different systems. Marantz ND8006 CDP with streaming fx about $900 from Audio Advisor 3 years ago. Been great, good sound, dac can be used outboard with pc and streaming fxlity. Second, Son... 
Dual mono integrated amps
Belles Aria Dual Mono integrated is designed with that logic in mind. I believe the higher end Signature and Virtuoso also follow that model. I have heard the full line and they are amazing. Belles also puts out a dual monoblock product and a sepa... 
ATI 4000
Have an 1502 also that goes into the stack for 6 months of the year in rotation. Have had it for a number of years and been happy with its sound and durability and power. It is a different experience from my McIntosh MC250, less warm, more guts an... 
Does anyone know the detailed specs of the new Belles Virtuoso?
Listened to the 3 main Belles integrateds at John R shop in NJ in 11-2021. I was very impressed by all 3 amps (pre dual Mono intro) but felt the Signature was the sweet spot in terms of performance vs cost. ALL sounded great playing thru a pair of... 
My first tube integrated: which one to get?
Was in the same place a few years ago and decided to try a tube preamp with my Mac MC250 which is tubish sounding. Got a budget Chinese tube pre from YS Audio/Audio Expressions and a CJ PV 10. Both were eye openers and really increased my enjoymen...