johnto

Responses from johnto

What's the best integrated amp in the $1500-$2000 range?
Surprised no one has mentioned the Parasound integrated has about everything and is John Curl designed. It should be available used within your budget. 
Cheap starter system for kids
Check U Turn audio for tt. If pre is needed they sell them built in or stand alone  
Suggestions to match a pair of speakers to Pass Labs XA25?
Lots of reviews on this amp check what speakers the reviewers are listening to and which sound you are looking for. Good luck. 
Little Richard RIP
The true father of high energy R&R. An amazing performer and influencer of everything to come. RIP. 
Looking for an integrated amp around 4000 to 5000.
Seconds on Parasound gives you everything that you need and John Curl designed. 
Suggestions for $2k budget
I would suggest a used pair of Maggie 1.7i and a subwoofer, these should be available within your budget. Whatever you do try to get some listening time in with various speakers (maybe difficult at this time) and spend time reading reviews. I list... 
Rock concerts
Led Zeppelin with the MC5 and Johnny Winter Boston Garden 69The Faces on the Boston Common are are my favs followed by George Harrison Boston Garden and the Who for the concert that wasn't when Moon passed out at the drums concert was rescheduled ... 
Preamp with Phono $3-5k range
Check the Ayre p5xe, I'm enjoying it with my Soundsmith cartridge and Pass equipment. It's in your price range and shows up used from time to time. 
Most amusing album or song titles
Almost any Mother's LP will have an amusing title and song names. 
Audio reviews: too many analogies, never simple, but most of all, never clear.
I enjoy the reviewer talking about the music they are listening to, I've discovered some excellent recordings that way that I can actually afford. Agree that most of the equipment reviewed costs way to much, heck I'd be paying a grandchild's colle... 
Need help replacing my beloved Magnepan....
What in the new space would prohibit the use of our 1.7i, is there any way you could move them against the wall when not listening. Although the LRS is touted as a great speaker will it really save that much space. I would try to stay with what I ... 
My Demo results: I feel like I'm at a frustrating block in my speaker journey
Have you listened to Maggie's. I spent many months auditioning speakers in stores and others homes once I heard the 1.7 with sub I knew that was it. I have since moved up the line to the 3 in 7i. 
Cartridge advice
I'm using a Carmen with the VPI Aries Scout and enjoy it greatly. I did have to purchase extra weight to add to the headshell but they are available for about $10 shipped on eBay. 
Amp for Magnaplanar 1.7i
I had the Parasound Halo Integrated 5 and it matched terrifically with the Maggie 1.7i , I would think any of their amps of equivalent power would be just as amazing.  Being John Curl designed you probably won't find better in the price range. The... 
Can speakers be stored in a garage?
It may depend on where you live, I certainly wouldn't in New England if they had any value.