mcondo

Responses from mcondo

The Weekend
RE: the Weeknd, I had no idea what the songs or lyrics were at halftime but yesterday my 4 year old grandson asked Siri to play Weeknd, and my daughter really likes him. It's a generational thing - us oldsters just aren't tuned into todays music. ... 
What is a good base for speakers
Funny russ69..  btw - re: the 3 point solution I have run YBA gear for a long time and they have 3 point feet. How could I have forgotten that! 
Killer used integrated for <$500?
Thanks, time for some break in. Search for some ProAc D-2's or Tablette 10 continues.  
Killer used integrated for <$500?
OP here, went with the open box Marantz pm6006. Price was great, easy breezy purchase from Music Direct. Received in 1 day. We'll see how it performs in my second system which uses my vintage ADS L710's (for now) and Sony BluRay/CD/Sacd player.. T... 
Killer used integrated for <$500?
hshifi, I've been to Holm - thanks for the reminder. My son has a Rega Brio 2000 that he is happy with, I'll take look at their lines. 
Killer used integrated for <$500?
OP here. Wow, great suggestions. To clarify a couple issues: using the word "killer" was only meant to identify amps that perform well above their price point. I know performance will not be the same as the big rig upstairs. Second, speakers will ... 
Best smooth vocal jazz albums with flugelhorn/ trumpet/ saxophone accompaniment
I'm not sure where I even got the cut but Chris Botti plays with Natalie Merchant on the song "Wonder". It is a live recording and one of the best live recordings I have. Maybe another member can ID the album/performance it came from. The end of t... 
Your top movie or tv show soundtracks (emotional)?
I made a playlist of the songs from Netflix's The Queens's Gambit - awesome 60's pop for the most part. Mostly just a fun listen as the recordings are inconsistent. Peggy Lee, Georgie Fame excellent - Monkees not so much.  
...take 1 CD LP or 1 digital music recording to test a new audiophile friend's system...
Unless you are into hard rock or fusion style jazz, I would take Alison Krauss and Union Station live CD. Stunning SQ, lots of all the audiophile qualities we strive for. Musicianship is superb and her voice will test many a system for purity. SAC... 
Insurance - your experiences
Ex claims guy here. Your equipment and vinyl should be covered (up to your policy limits) under a "normal" HO policy (SF, Allstate, Geico,etc). In case of a covered loss Replacement cost comments are correct but you will need to "help" the adjuste... 
Which SACDs?
The really good ones are expensive and hard to find. I would be on the lookout for:Alison Krauss and Union Station LiveJohn Hiatt Master of Disaster (skip track 1)Dolly Parton Little SparrowMuddy Waters Folk SingerJimmy Reed at Carnegie HallAll 3 ... 
What songs/albums/artists actually sound worse when played through audiophile systems?
Arcade Fire comes to mind. Great live, unlistenable on cd. 
Basic anti vibration? Cones vs pods? Is there "good enough solution"?
A good enough solution for me was Herbies sliders under my Proac d15's. No adverse effect and you can easily move your speakers around. I've had vibrapods but they seem to work better on amps, etc vs. speakers. Always wanted to try more advanced f... 
Good Stereo Speakers for outside use during BBQs, evening pot luck dinners etc
Bruce, are you anywhere near Chicago - looking to find a good home for some Niles OS -20's I don't have a need for since we moved. 
CD Treatment
My experience with CD treatments (I've tried several) is not that they improve the sound of a fresh disc - they are better at removing the "digital hash" on CD's that over time have become magnetized, dirty, or whatever. You can hear the hash. Als...