larryi
Responses from larryi
| Whizzer cone drivers It is mostly about the implementation. Have you heard any of the Charney Audio speakers using such drivers? These are surprisingly complete, smooth, and well balanced systems. I like systems using such drivers as wide range drivers in multi-way... | |
| Ideal power cord lengths? Long enough to stretch from the outlet to the component is ideal. Shorter than this improves noise level—system would be dead quiet—but, I find the system will also sound lifeless. | |
| Best SET power amp below $5,000 There is a lot to like about companies like Decware--they are generous with sharing designs and engaging with their customers, their construction is pretty solid, and prices are quite reasonable. But, the two amps of theirs that I heard I simply d... | |
| Best SET power amp below $5,000 There really has been no new development in SET design or components in the past 20 years, so, if you are thinking that a new model will embody better technology, that is NOT the case. If you factor in inflation, you might in fact be moving in th... | |
| Mcintosh MC275 alternatives? That is an interesting, and somewhat incomplete set of criteria--what about price? Why, by the way, those tube types, do you have a large stash of those tubes or are there amps you heard that employ those tubes that you particularly like, and if s... | |
| Best SET power amp below $5,000 I don't know of many under $5,000 SET amps, except the Elekit 300b amps. It comes either assembled or as a kit. I saw the instructions to the kit and the instructions are quite good and clear so I think anyone can build it if they have a little ... | |
| What are songs where people or instruments sound closer to you? Cheeky recordings are particularly good at delivering a natural sound stage. For example, listen to Rebecca Pidgeon singing “Spanish Harlem.” Another outstanding example of soundstaging is Natalie Merchant singing “Peppery Man” with backing voca... | |
| What is the “World’s Best Cartridge”? One more thing about field coil cartridges--the Audio Note cartridge got quite hot; I did not dare to touch the Denon 103 modified to be a field coil cartridge, so I don't know if it too gets hot. There are other somewhat exotic designs out there... | |
| What is the “World’s Best Cartridge”? Maybe, but I know some people with Thorens 124 or Garrard 301 or 401 tables and top Koetsus. A local dealer put together a $1.5 million system with a reconditioned 124 and Koetsu Blue Lace. | |
| What is the “World’s Best Cartridge”? Raul, On several occasions I heard A system I am familiar with that had a replacement solid state power supply in it while it’s regular tungar tube power supply was being worked on or was out on loan to someone else. Both times I commented on th... | |
| What is the “World’s Best Cartridge”? Wow, lots of different subjects being covered here, and all of them are interesting. For the matter of using Quad 57 speakers, I personally like them, regardless of their shortcomings. I've heard the Dave Slagle stacked Quads and dedicated tube... | |
| How many transistors are enough? Erik_Squires gave you a good summary of the advantages of multiple transistors. Another advantage is that, for any given output, each transistor can be run more gently which will improve longevity. There is a possible downside to parallel, multi... | |
| What is your take on high efficient speakers vs. low efficient speakers? SET amps are silly if you use them in the wrong system, or, if you get cheaply built crap that stint on the quality of the output transformer and other critical components (because they are simple in design, some mistakenly think they can spend le... | |
| Amplifier Longevity Question This is a tough question. Solid state gear is quite reliable and rarely have problems, but, when some transistors go, they cannot be replaced and the amp is toast. Tube gear is more prone to failure, but older classic tube gear can be repaired a... | |
| What is your take on high efficient speakers vs. low efficient speakers? While it may not be optimal, I’ve heard large horn systems in some really small rooms that sounded very good. Check out Japanese audio magazines and you will see large horns in tiny Japanese apartments. Japanese people are very considerate and w... |