johnto

Responses from johnto

Blu-ray to RCA or Balanced
Benchmark makes xlr to rca cables think the are about $34 for a single 3' cable. 
Amp for nee LRS Maggies
I had a Parasound Hint with Maggie 1.7 speakers that was musical magic, you may want to look for one used, should fall into your price zone. 
5A Vandersteen
Always nice to hear from the manufacturer.As to the op's near affordable, for whom, most can't put that much down for a home or will buy 3 cars for that amount. I think that's one of the problems with audio, it's becoming a hobby of exclusion due ... 
Newbie looking for speakers
Agree with Maggie's but I would go used on 1.7i about $1300 add a Parasound Hint again about $1600 used great sound at an unbeatable price. You can add a sub later if you wish. 
Can you recommend a small (in size) Amplifier 150 -250 W Power per channel
Second on Parasound great equipment for the $. 
VAC 160i SE vs Audio Research GSi75
Sometimes if you call a manufacturer they can hook you up with someone near that will give you an audition. Good luck in the search 
What is they best album out there for showing off the sound quality of your system.
Almost any direct to disc record 
Speakers under $50k that rival $200k+ speakers?
If you have the space the Magnepan 30.7 at $30k is hard to beat. 
Anybody out there re-cantilever their cartridge with a Soundsmith Contact Line diamond ?
I had the entry level rebuild done on a Sumiko BPE 3 it came back sounding amazing. 
Salk Sound Owners
Sometimes if you get in touch with the manufacturer they will get in touch with buyers in your area to set up an audition. Salk also has their own section over at audiocircle you would probably get a response there. Good luck 
DIFFICULT PROBLEM WITH A REPAIR SERVICE-
Why not also name( shame) him here on on other audio forums. 
Can someone help me decide between an amp and an integrated amp?
Hi not sure which Maggie's you intend to purchase and have no experience with the amps you mentioned but I did use a Parasound integrated with 1.7i and the sound was amazing.I guess separates or integiverated just depends on the best available dea... 
Looking for phono preamp recommendations
I using the the Ayre P5-xe phono with Pass XP10 and Pass 250.8 with great results. The Ayre has both XLR and rca ins and outs.You can find good prices on used units. 
Cartridge Recommendation for VPI Prime
I'm using a SS Carmen 2 on a VPI Aries and couldn't be happier with all aspects from deep bass to tje highest highs agree with other poster's the problem must be elsewhere unleds stylus is worn or dirty. 
Besides Aja and zeppelin pressings, what others are demo level recordings?
Just listening to the Butterfield Blues Band live very nice sounding and a great soundstage.