medium_grade

Responses from medium_grade

The DAC Scam - Almost everyone believes the hype
How many times is this video going to be posted? Here's the bottom line: take a $200 DAC and then swap out the cheap power supply with a high quality linear one. Notice any difference in the sound? You almost certainly will. Next, if the DAC uses ... 
Building a second, vinyl focused system. Speaker advice needed! (<$10k)
Omega High Output Alnico Monitors. Can't go wrong. Pair them with a matching sub and it will give you everything you want.   
Does your DAC sound better through the S/PDIF or I2S inputs than through USB?
I've tried this using several DACs and I have never heard one in which S/PIDF didn't sound significantly better than USB. I have no idea if it is due to the USB controller, noise from the power provided by the medium or what, but it definitely deg... 
Favorite Tribute Albums?
Where is My Mind: Pixies tribute  For the Masses: Depeche Mode tribute   
Need Recommendation for Coffee Shop
Get a pair of the ELAC Narrow speakers in white. They are stylish, have a nice neutral tone with some fairly decent bass. You can get used sets for as low as $350 or so. It's a fantastic deal.    For amplification, maybe the Schiit Vidar/Saga+ c... 
DAC 'Scam' Vid
The guy clearly doesn't know what he's talking about. Take a cheap DAC. Swap out it's crappy power supply with a nice linear one and tell me if you can't hear a difference. If that DAC has a socketed op amp for its output stage, swap out the op am... 
Building a second, vinyl focused system. Speaker advice needed! (<$10k)
Omega Speakers High Output Alnico Monitors, w/ a matching sub. The drivers have absolutely gorgeous, non-fatiguing tone with a soundstage that is wide and very holographic. They are very efficient and pair extremely well with low powered tube amps... 
Best Holographic Speakers ~$7k per pair
If you want a holographic image, nothing beats a good full range driver. Omega's High Output Alnico Monitors are great. Pair them with one of their subs and the sound leaves nothing to be desired.   
Vinyl playback - lack of bass?
Yeah, I noticed this a while ago so I just keep a Schiit Loki Mini in the final stage of my vinyl setup to give a little bass boost as well as to help correct any less than perfect recordings. It's a really transparent EQ.   
Vinyl playback - lack of bass?
Yeah, I noticed this a while ago so I just keep a Schiit Loki Mini in the final stage of my vinyl setup to give a little bass boost as well as to help correct any less than perfect recordings. It's a really transparent EQ.   
Vinyl playback - lack of bass?
Yeah, I noticed this a while ago so I just keep a Schiit Loki Mini in the final stage of my vinyl setup to give a little bass boost as well as to help correct any less than perfect recordings. It's a really transparent EQ.   
Can you do anything to make power tubes last longer ?
Coconut oil  
Phono stages: Hagerman and Sun Valley 1616 possible giant killers
I actually have both of those phono stages. We should talk.  
Linear Power Supply Recommendations!
Either build one using a Sparkos Audio Power supply board or buy the 12v one from SBooster. Both are game changers.   
Please explain mono
Someone once explained to me that it allows a person to focus more directly on the music and not be distracted by any imaging tricks that stereo is presenting. Not sure I 100% agree with that, but I can certainly see the argument.