kennyc

Responses from kennyc

A reasonably priced DAC upgrade from Schiit Gumby
+1 used Denafrips Pontus or Schiit Yggy - a definite step up in sonics  
Need help picking a new DAC
Maybe best to wait until you audition the Chord Qutest, then tell us what you like/dislike. It would give us a baseline on which direction to go. Also, a budget would be very helpful. Make sure you put enough break-in time for the QuTest before ev... 
ARE AUDIOPHILES OVERLY SENSITIVE BY NATURE?FEELINGS AND OPINIONS?
@mahgister  You are a gem on this forum.  Your generous support of others in this hobby is commendable and heartwarming.  Thanks for your insights. True, one does not have to spend significant $ to get transparency, but knowing what to get is fr... 
ARE AUDIOPHILES OVERLY SENSITIVE BY NATURE?FEELINGS AND OPINIONS?
I wonder if typically naysayers have lack of exposure to very transparent high-end sonics for comparison, therefore in their experience they don’t discern the differences. Usually very transparent audio chains are somewhat costly, and my impressio... 
ARE AUDIOPHILES OVERLY SENSITIVE BY NATURE?FEELINGS AND OPINIONS?
@calvinj  There are often a few layers that drive dissension. Most would agree that we each have unique : Hearing abilities  audio chains power quality ambient noise floors room conditions Therefore our perceptions are different However... 
Equalizer in a Hi Fi system
Answer: whatever pleases “you” Some don’t like the idea of adding anything extra in the audio chain from the belief that it can only degrade the signal.  Others may value the adjustability more, and some cannot discern the subjective significant ... 
How to make the Focal Kanta No. 2 speakers sing?
….immersive audio..,,, I think the jury is out.  And if you’re capable with audio software you don’t have to buy an expensive component (like the BACCH-SP)—you can purchase the XTC filter to run on your iOS music computer, whatever that is. ... 
Electronics for Harbeths -- $5-10K
OP , I suggest go for a Hegel. If you are unsatisfied then report back later why. It would give us a sonic reference point to your tastes and we may be able to steer you towards a more pleasing options.  Other choices we have to guess what ”you” l... 
Electronics for Harbeths -- $5-10K
OP - this is simply copied from another agoner post, I’ve not verified anything:   That is a bit unfair. Shaw (Alan - Harbeth speaker designer) has talked about why he likes Hegel:   My position on Hegel is abundantly clear. It is the only hif... 
Electronics for Harbeths -- $5-10K
OP- your initial rejection of Hegel seemed odd since that is a fairly well known synergistic combo.  The optional DAC is very good also.  While some discussions say that the sonic uptick for the H590 over the H390 is minor and not worth it, the ne... 
W4S DAC
W4S is still sonically competitive at its price point. While digital audio tech is still progressing with newer chips or better engineering, whether it’s worth spending more is a subjective call.    
Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing
@jmfawdofile There are very few audiophile streamer+DAC combos in a single box, so your choices are extremely limited. Most have separate streamers apart from the DAC. Perhaps a used Bartok? Seems to be in the $10-13k range.  Another option is ... 
Should I graduate to floor standers or will larger bookshelves suffice?
 I’ve always had a soft spot for stand mounts. Me too.  Although I prefer and own floor standers for maximum  fidelity, space and time, and budget permitting I'd like to explore stand mounts: Mofi PointSource 10 - demoed and big Andrew Jones... 
Should I graduate to floor standers or will larger bookshelves suffice?
@jonasandezekiel Can you keep both, or maybe hang onto both for awhile while you compare sonic presentations? Seems very educational, and fun.    
Is it worth it? DAC question
Seems incompatible- The Bluesound Node manual shows RCA, COAX, and Optical outs, while the iFi Zen DAC manual only has USB input. Maybe similar to different species, it’s impossible for reproduction ;)