jwillox

Responses from jwillox

Looking for a more up-to-date streamer
PS Audio Airlens is certified for Qubuz Connect now - last email I got was priced at $1500 https://www.psaudio.com/products/airlens  
the gateway product that turned you into an audiophile
mid 70s Altec bi-amped speakers with SAE preamp, modest turntable and I can't remember the cart. Direct to Disc recording really hooked me, and the rest is not history yet. Added a Nakamichi LX-7 cassette. Moved to Seattle in '85, cot the deck ... 
Best Receiver for “Mid-Fi” System?
I see a lot of the mainstay receivers, and that's OK. I also see a lot of commentary on your speakers and what it may take to drive them properly... A: Get a honking receiver! Remember they all say. "xxx power, 2 channels driven. B: get a decen... 
whatsbestforum - what's going on
“That is not the case and it is an incorrect assumption, @jwillox  The WBF is not a typical money hungry site (at all)and we would never do something like that. This all has to do with spammers and keeping them from infiltrating the site. Nothing... 
whatsbestforum - what's going on
You made the cardinal sin of positing a product link to something they don’t get $ from when you click their product link.  I have only once looked at the site, so I have no dog in this fight.    
Sound quality differences in streamers
Definitely. I had tested a Bluesound  and then got a Lumin D2 (a little older now) - very pronounced and wonderfull differences.  
Vinyl Care
Some great recommendations so far.    I tried the RD, and found it lacking.  I ended with a Pro-Ject vacuum unit.  Wet application with stock brush is lacking, but I got a stuffer brush form another big brand (can’t remember), and feel I can disl... 
What is a "reference" system?
It all depends I what you are “referring to”.  so you live high-volume outdoor venues, intimate jazz clubs, large auditoriums.  can your system reproduce this in your living/music room?   if so, then you can say, “I have a reference system”. 😉  
SACD Player/Transport Choices
PS Audio fits  call them and ask for a person well- versed on the topic.   
Looking for a more solid-feeling turntable (and maybe a new preamp)
Don’t let the “heavier is better” marketing get you.   the turntable is a great table.  Take a look/eval at the Audio Technica ART-20 - $3k or so its the follow-up based in the ART9xi with an iron core.  beautiful presentation with plenty bottom ... 
Turntable to Phono to Pre connections
My Phono Pre has both outputs, usable concurrently. I use the XLR to my Preamp, and the RCA feeds a headphone amp. This allows be to listen while the preamp is in use by other sources, or in bypass mode for TV and streaming video.  
High Performance Moving Iron Cartridge Candidates?
Taken a look at Audio Technica ART9xi - not much iron to move, but a massive magnet structure, and SLC stylus profile. Simply wonderful sounding, and very high output: Apparently replaced by the ART20: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartr... 
Help me build up a jazz album collection. Can you suggest a must have album?
Many greats mentioned thus far! I would add the Jazz Crusaders, with later name of The Crusaders. Their evolution has quite an arc of styles, and I highly recommend any album in this mix. Bob James has quite a body of work and is a major collabo... 
The best opening act you've ever seen & heard?
Bonnie Raitt with Keb’ Mo’ What a great concert here in Seattle, at the Paramont. when I was way younger… Iron Butterfly opened by Guess Who.  
Subs?
fastfreight +1 I have a nice 10” Rel (T/9i that works so well, I’ve not needed to shop further.  when integrated properly they pressurize the room without making their presence known, by directionality nor boominess.