mapman

Responses from mapman

ARE SUPER EXPENSIVE STREAMERS REALLY WORTH IT
Whenever one purchases something super expensive and decides to keep it, that pretty much indicates it was deemed "worth it". Unless of course one is simply stuck with the purchase. Now what happens a year or two later? Keep or sell for a loss? T... 
Shameless Poll: Pearl vs Ohm vs Zu
Well in general, consider this: 1) My Avatar and I own 3 pair of Ohm speakers 2) Zu has never won me over though whatever model was being demoed at CAF last year was the best Zu I have heard. 3) don’t think I ever heard Pearl Regardless, three... 
ACTUAL MUSICAL SOUND VS. MEASUREMENTS
Arrogance bad.  Measurements good.  Two different things.   
«Today’s Lyrics Are Pathetically Bad» Rick Beato
Maybe the stress of the next 4 years will produce better lyrics although frankly I would prefer lower cost of living peacefully achieved as promised. I will not allow myself to be distracted from what was promised.  
Trends in value of vintage / used audio equipment?
My impression is that fancy  item vintage prices were outrageously way up in recent years in many cases but that limited market has settled and prices have come back to earth somewhat of late.    
Should I replace my 20-year-old Hovland Radia Amp?
@thecarpathian I can’t think of many ganfet integrated amps but I’m sure those will come. I’ll be looking. The small size and weight of the Class D Audio model is a big reason I considered it after having gone to the Cambridge integrated prior.  
Should I replace my 20-year-old Hovland Radia Amp?
This review of the older model helped convince me to try the newer.     I agree with the reviewers assessment in the sound categories rated.  Very helpful!   Class D Audio GaN amp review      
Should I replace my 20-year-old Hovland Radia Amp?
@thecarpathian Check specific model #. Older and newer models look similar. I got the the Premium GaN 6.5 which is the latest. Used may be a good buy just older. GaN amps are still relatively new so I would expect improvements as newer models come... 
Should I replace my 20-year-old Hovland Radia Amp?
@thecarpathian are you running Ganfet these days? I added latest Class D audio GanFet model last month. Very impressed! Class D Audio Ganfet  
Should I replace my 20-year-old Hovland Radia Amp?
GanFet + Sonus Faber = a definite winner.   
Thoughts on Speakers for a Small Audio/Video Room
Ideally, I’d go with smaller monitors and a separate sub to better be able to adjust bass levels in the small room. Applying DSp/room correction as needed should also be considered. I use KEF ls50 meta + sub in similar tight quarters. THese are a... 
Favorite scream in rock?
James Brown hands down...no contest. The scream master! Second place to Ian Gillan as Jesus and in many a Deep Purple tune: "Perfect Strangers" for example. James LeBrie with Dream Theater did a very impressive cover on their "A Change of Seasons... 
«Today’s Lyrics Are Pathetically Bad» Rick Beato
In 2024, several songs have been critically appraised for their impactful lyrics. Here are some notable examples: 1. **"Anti Hero" by Taylor Swift**: This song has been highlighted for its introspective lyrics that resonate with themes of vulnera... 
«Today’s Lyrics Are Pathetically Bad» Rick Beato
One example of pathetically bad lyrics from a song in the 1950s is "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen. The song is notorious for its repetitive and nonsensical lyrics, which primarily consist of variations on the phrase "bird is the word" and other si... 
Whats playing on your system today?
Awesome.