kennyc

Responses from kennyc

Musical subwoofer under $2000
Rel “S” on sale $400 off At Cable Company here  
Musical subwoofer under $2000
@sparksgja Usually "musical" means enjoying the music as a whole but can also be at the expense of detail and accuracy. What you are looking for is an "articulate" subwoofer where the bottom notes sound like real instruments and not a boomy mess... 
Preamp for First Watt F7
@j_andrews -never thought if asking the manufacturer to adjust the impedance to better match - thanks for the tip  
Preamp for First Watt F7
In case I decided to go with a First Watt amp, I noted the “Van Alstine Transcendence RB 10 tube preamp + First Watt F8” was reported as a great combo by another forum member  
Ultimate Turntable search...OMA K5 or ?
@mikelavigne after you mentioned the Esoteric T1, I subsequently read MF recent review here. Looks like my end-game target as I favor multi arms, thanks for the tip.  
Any normal size speakers that sound like Volti
but want to keep most of Volti horn sound.. Volti Razz or Rival, but make sure the size of the Rivals are acceptable. I choose my Volti Rival for their very high sensitivity and linear neutrality, a difficult combo to find. The Pearl and Rockp... 
Preamp vs DAC vs Streamer
Yes, I agree my DAC is now my weakest link. Thanks  @signaforce - let us know when you're ready to update your DAC.  We'll be happy to spend YOUR money :)   Joking aside, there is vast knowledge of DACs on this forum at all price points.    
Phono preamp, all suggestions welcome
a list phono-preamps I compiled a few years back up to $1k (cheaper is used): Make    Model     Price  Schiit    Mani     $129  Parasound    zphono     $150  Rega    Fono Mini A2D     $175  Hagerman Audio Labs    Bugle2 - Phono Preamp     $189  M... 
Looking for a great phono pre-amp in the $1000 or less range
A list I compiled from positive reviews: Make    Model     Price  Schiit    Mani     $129  Parasound    zphono     $150  Rega    Fono Mini A2D     $175  Hagerman Audio Labs    Bugle2 - Phono Preamp     $189  Music Fidelity    V90-LPS     $230  Ca... 
Tips for Auditioning equipment for low or zero expense
Lending equipment to a stranger- all risk is on the lender with no leverage to get it back.  Seems the OP is asking someone else to take the risk for his benefit only.  
LS50 vs R11/7/5 Meta
Years ago I demoed the LS50 (before meta) vs Kef R700. To me they sounded similar but the R700 has a deeper extension.  Since then, the R700 has been replaced with the R7. If the OP likes his LS50, maybe a used R700, R900, or the newer R7.  
Hegel H390 DAC
T+A DAC 200 would be my choice at the $7k level. Lampizator Baltic 4 also sonically punches above it’s price point also but with a warmer tube presentation- can tube roll to adjust sound.  
Optical Phono Cartridges
I’ve been debating on getting a DS Audio cartridge, but you’ll need to purchase an equalizer which raises the cost.  So I’ve been eyeing several DS carts maybe coupled with EMM Labs Meitner DS-EQ1 equalizer.   
Recommendation Tube Integrated
Bat VK80i 55/55wpc tube  
What was the best (most impactful) piece of new equipment to hit the market in 2023?
The Linn DSM/2 with the Organik DAC upgrade, which I purchased after this 2023 review here. Prior to this, I was struggling trying to buy a top sounding DAC within my budget that can match my quality analog chain’s satisfaction level.