mapman

Responses from mapman

Integrated amp: Component weight
Consider any of the current Bel Canto integrated amps. Alternately I am a fan of the Rogue Pharoah. Or if an all in 1 integrated has appeal Cambridge Evo 150 might cut it or beefier NAD M33 with built in DSP might check all the boxes.   
Do different speaker stands can really make a big sound improvement?
It happens but not always so as is usually the case: it depends. The devil is always in the details when it comes to application of science and technology. Generalized deductions can easily get you in trouble.  
Do high dollar mono blocks truly improve the Sound Quality over the mid tier amps
With a focus on downsizing and having moved to Class D several years back, I have no practical interest in large heavy power guzzling amps anymore. That’s just me. To each their own. Especially when it comes to what look and sound happens to float... 
Is It Worh Modding An Amp
If you have to ask then probably not.   
Do high dollar mono blocks truly improve the Sound Quality over the mid tier amps
Those are good amps. Cost alone means nothing. You can always change if you don’t like the amps for whatever reason: to try newer technology or a different design, a different visual look/aesthetic, measured performance, or whatever you please. Th... 
McIntosh Sonus Faber love affair, alternatives?
I've heard Rogue do extremely well with SF along with Audio Research as  mentioned.    Sans tubes, I'd suggest Bel Canto as an alternate to  Mac.  My humble Bel Canto c5i paired with Sonus  Faber Concerto Domus is an absolute pleasure to listen ... 
You're not a true audiophile unless...
…you like being called an “audiophile”  
Can a power amp have too much power, risking damage to a speaker?
Not a good match.  Don’t do it.   
"I love it when a plan comes together!!!"
Building around one of the best speakers available always helps. 🏆  
Best speaker brands for transient response
I’ve always found ATC to be a very unique, zippy kind of sound.  Is that transient response?  
Humour
What did the stylus say to the record?   Groovy baby, yeah!  
AI-Written Stereophile Articles
It’s very easy to find out what AI thinks about hifi topics. Just download an app like Poe and ask away. No need to wait for Stereophile to cover your topic of interest. Warning: Your life may never be the same again!  
AI-Written Stereophile Articles
AI done right is good for certain things. They tend more to be objective not subjective things. So in the case of hifi audio I could see using AI to help get facts straight in a product review. It may even be possible for AI to provide an accurat... 
AI-Written Stereophile Articles
Well naturally I asked AI. The definitive answer: “ Unfortunately, I do not have any definitive information about whether AI systems write articles for Stereophile magazine. Stereophile is an audio equipment and music review publication, but the... 
Aftermarket fuse to tame a bright system?
No.