jrapp

Responses from jrapp

750$ Intel NUC vs $6000 Aurender N200: I don't hear the difference
In terms of your problem logging in to Qobuz, your firewall may be blocking their site. I’ve had this problem and had to have Netgear tech support unblock it in my Nighthawk Wifi 6 router. My thoughts are that with a tube based DAC you probably wo... 
Sorry, it’s not me, it’s you?
I think we've all "been there, done that"  at one time or another. I recently purchased some speakers for a 2 channel setup in my bedroom. I was seeking "near audiophile"  grade Polks because I did not want to make the financial commitment of the ... 
Advice on CD transport
You might give an Emotiva ERC 4 a try. I had one for awhile before going to a combination server, ripper, and network device.  I used the ERC 4 with and external DAC by Benchmark even though it's internal DAC is more than adequate. Emotiva does ha... 
Versatile, non-fatiguing speakers for a small room under $1500 used or new: advice needed!
I decided to get rid of my Samsung sound bar and do an audiophile grade 2 channel system in my 12x 16 bedroom. I chose the Martin Logan Motion 20s. (about $800) These recently discontinued speakers sound identical to their replacements the Motion ... 
Been away for a while, need some help
If you want to buy a great streamer that is also a great cd player and ripper along with an excellent Dac and server (when you add an optional solid state drive)  and Roon ready endpoint take a look at the Cocktail Audio X45. It's also a preamp so... 
M900U vs the world
Ferrari makes great cars, however not everyone can afford to drive a Ferrari so they must get their pleasure from driving a Toyota. Nowadays with today's advanced technologies leveling the playing field driving a Toyota is not an unpleasant experi... 
Next upgrade for my analog source
I used to own a Lyra Argo i which is (or rather was) a step up from the Delos. My preamp was a Rega IOS (predecessor to AURA) which is a pricey but very clean and quiet phono stage. I found the IOS was the only preamp of several I tried that had s... 
Cocktail Audio's New and latest X50pro Audiophile Music Streamer/server...Any Love?
I have an X35 which uses the same everything except has a slighly lower grade ESS dac chip. It;’s far from bad. a agree with the people who disliked the old app, I find the new one just issued to be workable although not Roon like. What really mak... 
New TT for ~$1500
I've read this post with a smile on my face and decided I really must throw my 2 cents in even though it only serves to reinforce what has been said several times before.  Years back I had a Technics 1200 MK 2 (purchased new) which I played with a... 
How important is a preamp for purely digital sources?
I know that but integrateds were not the subject of this discussion. preamp (s) are. When considering how important a preamp is (subject of discussion) and its effects on digital sources one must not forget the IC part of the equation. Years ago I... 
How important is a preamp for purely digital sources?
There is another aspect to this entire discussion that has not been touched upon. While a preamp may be technically perfect and not enhance or degrade the sound there are two more links added to the chain with an external preamp that need to be co... 
Maggie owners (past, present, future) what do (did) you love and or dislike about them?
I am a Maggie owner (past,present, future). If you go to the Magnepan website and look at the 3.7i section the second picture down shows a system with a pair of Red 3.7i ; that IS my system. The 3.7i are the third pair of Maggies I have owned thro... 
Phono stage for my system?
ChaksterWe all know you are right, but enjoy the debate anyway! 
Phono stage for my system?
I’ll second Noromance’s (and Technic, we were both writing simultaneously)  suggestion on the Schiit Mani, it’s undeniably amazing. However, I’d spend an extra $25 on a Nagaoka 110 which runs circles around my 2M Blue in an honest a/b. The Naga is... 
Magnepans or...Martin Logan
OKHaving owned both Martin Logan Summits and various versions of Maggies through the years I would say that the Magnapan 1.7i at about $2K plus shipping will outperform the Entry level ML stats. They will also be easier and less costly to ship. Th...