meiwan

Responses from meiwan

Bass and Treble Dials
two reasons come to mind. One, as you suggest, is that less in the signal path is better. Two, base and treble controls really only work at one frequency each so they are not a very good adjustment. One assumes if you are the designer of a high en... 
Starting Out in PC Audio
I think the typical set up is usb out to dac, rca from dac to amp. Not sure what you had in mind - where is the pre-amp in your plan.? I assume the audioengine speakers are powered so they have the power amp part. The computer sound card as a pre-... 
Bi wire with one set of speaker terminals?
You can buy bi-wire speaker cable - one termination on the amp end, 2 on the speaker end. Kimber 8TC is a popular choice, but pretty much every cable can come that way.Not sure you'll see much of a difference over one wire and good jumpers anyway.... 
New CDP or new DAC?
At this stage you are probably better off going the DAC route - it will allow you to use the NAD as a transport, but also allow you to explore computer based music. For linking to the NAD coax is best. Likely a lot cheaper than replacing the whole... 
Difference between New and Old Amp WPC ratings....
There are 2 issues here. The first is power ratings generally. Quality amps old or new generally quote real world power ratings. Most of the current Japanese based stuff inflate their power ratings by quoting a figure at a single frequency, so the... 
need cable advice, MBL + Bryston + ARC system
I found synergistic research works really well with ARC and bryston. Pricey but nice. 
What can you tell me about Focus Audio?
I owned a pair of FC6's - the entry model bookshelf. Uses a high quality ring tweeter which is very nice. Otherwise I found them fairly ordinary.If you buy them plan to keep them, they are almost impossible to sell used given they are not well kno... 
Tin Can Sound?
Unless there is some problem with the settings, it's likely just the sound card in your computer. Typically they are not very good. That's why a lot of people are going to an outboard DAC to bypass the internal sound card. And certainly the speake... 
Preferred Audio Output, USB or 3.5mm?
I'm using USB from my mac to the DAC. I also tried the headphone jack with a toslink cable to mini rca jack (the mac outputs optical from the headphone jack). Not really much difference. In either case an asynchronous dac will deal with any jitter... 
Be-718 owners, what sub are you using?
You need something fast and tight, so look to a closed box design. The smaller JL Audio or Rel products would go nicely. Not sure if MJ acoustics is available in the US - that's what I'm using. MJ Ref 100 mkII 
Small bottom to mid level home theatre
I'm sure others might disagree, but in-wall speakers are not the greatest for the money. I understand their typical markup is 200%. You might look at a very small sub-satellite set up such as the Totem dreamcatcher system or the one from Focal JM ... 
Ayre AX-7e to switch to Naim Supernait
I've had some experience with the Nait XS which should have a similar sonic character. Sorry, not a Naim guy. For the extra cost between the 2, you might look at going with a DAC or server. The Ayre is a nice piece. I wouldn't look at Naim unless ... 
Mid-Fi Integrated Amps?
Definitely look at Creek Destiny (2), Exposure 3010s (2). Both are over your budget new but can be had used for what you are willing to pay. The PSB's will thank you.If you want new, have a look at the Creek Evolution 5350 and the Exposure 2010s2. 
Which Integrated for Magnepan MG-12?
I've just gone through an extensive integrated amp hunt (including most of the models you've listed). I settled on an Exposure 3010s2. My speakers are a tough drive like your Maggies. You might want to add it to your list. I'd place it on par with... 
System Synergy
I support most of the suggestions so far. Clearly it's a process starting back to front. But also, I think synergy is really putting together a system that gets the most out of each component. Yes, in the end you have to like it and we all have di...