larryi
Responses from larryi
| best preamp ever - cost is no object Fcrowder,Does the Einstein use separate input tubes for each input instead of just switching inputs and running everything through the same amplification path? If so, that would allow someone to customize tube choice for each source component, but... | |
| SS Pre Recommendation Why would a solid state preamp necessarily be the answer. While some do have somewhat big and mushy bottom ends, that is not always the case. I find that you lose a bit of what one looks for in tube gear by using a solid state linestage (large, op... | |
| How should you treat your tubes? Raquel,That is interesting information from a manufacturer. But, how would one keep the small tubes (input, driver, phase splitter) of a power amp, like the VAC 140/140, on while the output tubes are not on? Does it have some sort of standby featu... | |
| How should you treat your tubes? For a stretch of an hour or two, I would not turn off either, certainly not the preamp anyway.Beyond that kind of time, a lot of different considerations come into play. Not only is the life of the tube at issue. Heat can damage other components, ... | |
| TV's... what does the typical audiophile have? 70" Qualia -- Utilizes Sony's SXRD version of LCoS technology. | |
| HIGH output MC verses High MC??? Hi Chazzbo,I agree with you that, to some extent, the which-is-better issue has to do with price range. There are not too many above $2,000 MM cartridges, and a lot of lower-priced MCs can sound a bit rough and strident. I can see why someone woul... | |
| HIGH output MC verses High MC??? Hi Lithojoe,I personally don't know of many MM designs that have sound comparable to, or better than, good MC cartridges. Most MM cartridges sound muddy, opaque and lacking in microdynamics. The one notable exception is the Decca London Reference,... | |
| Powering up a SET amp after 6 months in storage Six months is hardly a long time to be idle. I would just remove and reinsert the tubes (or better, clean the tube pins and the socket) to assure good contact and then power the amp up.The concern with long-term storage has mostly to do with elect... | |
| Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which? Hi Downunder,I have not heard the Ref. 3 in my own system, but, I've heard it at shows and dealerships. It is much less analytical, dry and lean sounding than prior ARC linestages (other ARC linestages sounded more "solid state" than almost any so... | |
| Looking for compilation suggestions In addition to the wide ranging, eclectic kind of compilations, I have heard historic compilations that are really good. My favorites are the 10 CD collection of the Atlantic Label's R&B, and the rock & roll compilations that came in three... | |
| Quad 2905 amp matching I heard the 2905s being driven by 12 watts of pushpull triode power. They sounded terrific. Like any good speaker, the quality of watts delivered matters, not just quantity. This is not a head-banger speaker anyway, so the emphasis should be on th... | |
| Looking for compilation suggestions The Leonard Cohen cover album I have is titled "I'm Your Fan." It includes a fantastic cover of "First We Take Manhattan" by R.E.M.Another cover group I like is Nouvelle Vague. One album has interesting covers of "Guns of Brixton," "Making Plans f... | |
| considering a Maplenoll Redcarerra,Amazing, but you are following the same path I have been on. I had a Mapenoll for about three months before I got rid of it. I got a Well Tempered too. It is pretty much a foolproof table, except, I had a few flying insects attracted to... | |
| considering a Maplenoll I had a Maplenoll which utilized a very cheap, double piston fish tank air pump to supply the air for the arm and the main platter bearing. The pump simply could not do the job. After less than an hour of operation, the air pressure would drop and... | |
| Leaving DAC on all the time OK? Raquel, Good points, as far as general advice. All my tube gear has tube rectification so I don't worry as much about turn on issues. I suppose the best thing to do is consult the manufacturer. Some linestages are quite hard on their tubes (old Co... |