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kr4

Responses from kr4

Audioquest Earth interconnect review
I am using* three 10m Earth interconnects for connection between my AR MP1 and B&W 800D2s. My findings mirror yours including the issues with the XLRs.*Actually, not right now because the whole system is down for room renovations. 
Is dedicated PreAmp with Oppo 105 needed?
That's a mixed bag. The Classe 600 is ancient by prepro standards. The same can be said of any Theta CB that would fit your budget. The Onkyo/Integras are OK. The Herron is stereo only. Of the pack, I would go with the Anthem D2 if it is a somewha... 
Is dedicated PreAmp with Oppo 105 needed?
The ModWright SWL 9.0 SE is only two channel. 
Is dedicated PreAmp with Oppo 105 needed?
Look at the NuForce AVP-18. 
Best multichannel amp for quality stereo listening
I do not know if the Peachtree Nova has a HT Bypass input but that is the best way to integrate your two goals. If it does, get a decent modern AVR with L/R line level outputs. That way the main speakers function as L/R for the HT operations and t... 
Sony SCD-XA-5400 ES DAC Match
Looks like it does everything but I have no other knowledge of it. 
Stepping up to the next level ? HT and Music
I know of no similar preamps, with or without tubes. 
Sony SCD-XA-5400 ES DAC Match
1. The digital (coax, optical) output is only from CDs, not SACDs.2. The only HD digital output from SACD is via HDMI. I do not know of any HDMI-input DAC in that price-range, only prepros. 
Stepping up to the next level ? HT and Music
1. You can get equal/better results with the Classe PEQ but you have to work much harder for it. You would have to buy a measurement/analysis system (REW, XTZ, etc.) and a calibrated microphone, hook them up to a PC and learn how to measure and ca... 
Stepping up to the next level ? HT and Music
The biggest contributors to the sound are the speakers (I am unfamiliar with yours) and the room and you should examine those items first. What is lacking now?As for a better prepro, note that the SP800 and the newer Sigma-SSP do have room correct... 
AV Rant
I'll pass on this one. 
AV Rant
Never heard of it. (And you don't provide a link.) 
Equalizers - Graphiic, Parametric & Channel Balance
I suggest that you look at the relatively inexpensive miniDSP devices. 
Cable Box Digital 5.1 converted to Digital Stereo
First, the signals are stereo as Dolby 2.0, so the conversion needed is to PCM 2.0.Second, it is questionable whether these signals will benefit much (if at all) from the use of a good external DAC.Third, if your cable box has HDMI output, you can... 
DSpeaker Anti mode 2.0 Dual Core
Description and comments here:http://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-57