maxx2man

Responses from maxx2man

What solid state dac is similar to Ayre CX-5e?
there are 2 dacs you should definitely check out that are in your price range. Both the Berkeley Audio Alpha Dac and the Weiss Engineering Minerva are getting rave reviews and are approx 5 grand each. the guys who designed the Berkeley were respon... 
New Focal Grande Utopia EM
darren,the new Grand Utopia EM lists for $180,000. they haven't released the replacement for the Nova yet. 
Question on Emm labs Dac6 vs Dac6e
guidocorona,the dcs puccini is a one box design. when you say "dcs stack", do you mean the paganini? 
Wilson MAXX 2 vs Watt Puppy 8
samuel,nice job describing the differences. i'm just not sure i understand your last line:"Maxx2=True to life Watt7/8 life-like.." 
Thinking of upgrading speakers, any suggestions?
i would think a used pair of wilson sophias would fit all of your parameters. both the series 1 and 2 have impressive dynamics and are very well balanced across the frequency range. with quality electronics you'll get very accurate timbral structu... 
Any insight with the Berkeley Alpha DAC ..??
i think the Berkeley is the best sounding digital i've heard running directly into the amps. however, in my system i still prefer using my Blowtorch preamp. my guess is that only the finest preamps could best the Alpha dac direct. fyi, when using ... 
dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra
anybody had a chance to compare the Playback Designs with the Berkeley Audio Alpha Dac on redbook? 
Wilson sophia typically found with solid state
i've heard the sophias sound brilliant with the VTL S-400 stereo amp - and also the new VTL 450 monos. both were paired with VTL pre-amps (7.5 & 6.5). the sophias also sound superb with the MBL 9007 monos. 
Any insight with the Berkeley Alpha DAC ..??
it costs $5,000 US. this dac is capable of converting PCM from redbook up to 24/192. i've spent most of my time listening to CDs, and couldn't be happier with it's translucent resolution and timbral accuracy. there's an overall coherency from top ... 
Any insight with the Berkeley Alpha DAC ..??
i'm using it on redbook with a nagra as the transport. it's connected by a tara labs zero aes ic. incredible!! 
Designer Hall of Fame
ed meitner - emm labs, bidat, etc.- digital whiz! 
dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra
where is the playback designs manufactured? also, who is the designer? 
dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra
when i started this thread, i was looking for opinions of these players' ability to play redbook - not sacd. 
dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra
the Chord Red Reference got the highest rating EVER from hi-fi choice. hasn't anyone heard it? 
dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra
when you say further up the dcs line - do you mean the paganini and scarlatti? i'd like to know how much better the paganini is vs the puccini. also, i'm looking for resolution and transparency - not added on warmth.