mahler123

Responses from mahler123

New Transport? / Streamer? / CD Player?
OP  I get the feeling from reading your post that you would be more comfortable staying with CDs and not going the streamer mode.  A few observations:1) Regarding SQ, there is no inherent reason why streaming vs CD replay should vary in quality.  ... 
Looking for a good amp and speaker combo
You may want to consider some room correction software, particularly with your hearing issues.  I have used Anthem RC (with their AVR) and Dirac (as a separate add on in my 2 channel) and they are pretty similar.  You can make a zillion different ... 
Amazon Music and Bluesound Node 2i
  I use Qobuz and haven’t tried Amazon.  I do find the integration with the Blue OS app clunky.  The favorites, playlists, etc don’t carry over.  Not the case with Cambridge Audio app.  Also the Cambridge is a Chromecast device so now I just use t... 
Poor Customer Service
The best Customer Service is one that isn’t required.  Perusing this thread reveals a preponderance of complaints about streamers.  Since streamers are glorified computers , and therefore subject to all of the same network issues all IT has, this ... 
Your experience/thought on best sounding SACD/CD Player for 1,500 or less
The answer in that price range used to be Oppo.  I also have a Pioneer Elite Universal player that cost $1K but it is no longer available in the States.  In that price range I would look at Marantz and Yamaha  
Best Way to Upgrade Digital
Oh, geez, does anyone really want to reanimate the CD vs Vinyl argument?  
Best Way to Upgrade Digital
“HD Quality “ as used by the streaming services can be confusing.  Many of them are using the term for Redbook CD Quality recordings.  Amazon and Apple are particularly guilty of this.  Audiophiles think of High Resolution as 24/96 minimum.Would I... 
Best Way to Upgrade Digital
You absolutely can rip files to the external hard drive.  You just designate the HD as the ultimate destination for the files to be stored.  If you decide to go that route you need a ripping program such as dbPoweramp or Exact Audio Copy.  Make su... 
Ethernet and USB cables
I’m not a cable guy, but I do try to go a few steps up the ladder from standard computer peripherals.  I think most of the improvements in cables come from those first few steps and then you are into diminishing returns.  Personally I don’t hear a... 
Best Way to Upgrade Digital
Not much you can do about changes in technology, but you already have a decent DAC with the Benchmark and player in the Bluesound Node.  The Node has a DAC as well, it isn’t terrible, you should compare it to the Benchmark if you haven’t already. ... 
Best new musical flooring for flooded basement
I have faux hardwood floor laminate in my basement which I think was an improvement over the previous concrete 
why do so many discussions turn contentious?
There better on line sites, but there are also worse, as far as behavior.  It is reflective of society as a whole.  I remember being horrified when the Jerry Springer show was in its heyday.  There are now several generations who have been raised ... 
My first streamer- what spidf cable to use?
I use a SPDIF cable from Audio Advisor, their house brand Pangea.  It cost about $30 and when I compared it to an older Audioquest cable that was more than $100 I couldn’t perceive enough of a difference to fret over. 
DAC/ Streamer - to upgrade or not to upgrade?
I am unfamiliar with all of the equipment mentioned.  My prejudice would be that any Roku device can be improved by a dedicated streamer.  Specifying a budget would be helpful.  Another question is whether you would be amenable to a combination st... 
New Streamer Transport
Dr helzer re: Brystonif you use Roon do you still have to bother with Manic Moose?  I sold off the BDP-3 because I couldn’t stand using it