joekapahulu

Responses from joekapahulu

Mcintosh amplifiers and preamps
Graduated HS as Honors student in1975 and the couple who owned the store I worked at gave me a Mac MA5100 for my graduation playing thru Bose 301s. Over the next few years I changed to Rogers LS speakers and Philips TT. Loved that amp and sound. D... 
San Diego tube amp repair
Mike Zuccaro still repairing gear in SD?  The Audiocraftsman is I believe his company name. If he is working he is excellent  
Recommendations for modern integrated with tone & balance controls other than Mcintosh
Good to hear you are happy with the Lux. I too was looking to upgrade and looking at Belles Aria Signature. However, 2022 stock and bond market declines have put that on the back burner as I am focused more on just maintaining our lifestyle. Never... 
Integrated Amp Suggestions
Marantz PM8006 I run 2 sets of speakers on mine.  
Considering McIntosh MA352
Funny, I have heard lots of positives about this amp and very few negatives...mostly from the "mac is not high end crowd". My answer is to go and listen for yourself. Its your money and your ears. It is worth the time and if it costs a little to t... 
Competitive class D amp suggestions
Listened to a couple different Class D amps last year from Rogue. I thought they were ok played thru Gallo and Dali speakers. I found both models a little bright. I actually enjoyed the CM3 more which is a tube integrated though not particularly t... 
Vintage Integrated Amplifiers With Great Sound
Generally anything vintage that is in good shape and has superior sound will cost you as much if not more than buying modern gear. And, if it is not in great shape then you will end up spending so much on it to bring it up to spec that you again w... 
Belles Aria integrated compared to the Signature
Compared them side by side back in October in NJ thru Vandy Treos. Both very good. My sense was that the Sig delivered more of the same as the Aria but added more refined bass, clear power advantage, increased clarity of music overall and a greate... 
Can someone suggest a lush tube integrated under $3000 used
I would agree on the CJ Cav models. I used a 45 for awhile and it was quite nice with the same kind of music you reference on my 2nd set of speakers, Kef R3s. It was not as good on my primary Ohm Walsh 2s which are more demanding. Still do think a... 
Integrated vs. Separates on a Budget
I noted in your comments you desire a warranty if used. That is not usually the case unless from some dealers in demo units. I think generally a $2-3k integrated will be superior to $1500 or so each separates. There may be some exceptions but you ... 
Tube Preamps that work well with SS amps?
Just curious on this one. I run a Terry DeWick upgraded  McIntosh  MC250 which I like alot powering Ohm Walsh 200S3s with an Acurus RL11 of 12 as pre. I have felt the ss pre could be a weakness and had it upgraded but still wondered if a tube prea... 
Hum on inputs of new Rogue Sphinx v3
Thx. Will try that on next trip.  
SS Budget "Tone" Integrated Amplifiers
Marantz pm 8005 now 8006 is a very good sounding amp for $1000-1100  new, built in Japan Reference factory with 3 year warranty, good current, runs multiple speakers. I have enjoyed one for 5 years.  For $2200, Belles Aria is excellent, neutral, c... 
Loudness - Why has the industry stopped producing amplifiers with this feature any longer?
I listen 80% late at night in my living room beneath the master bedroom. After  too many complaints from my wife I tried Sennheiser HD650 phones. Ok but good for max 1 hour due to declining  comfort. Had an old McIntosh MA5100 with a Loudness swit... 
Belles Aria Signature and other Int Amp recommendation
I listened to both amps plus the Virtuoso for over an hour last month  at Audio Connection thru Vandersteen  Treos. I loved both Arias and am trying  to decide which to buy. I felt the characteristics of the base model were retained and improved i...