melm

Responses from melm

Denafrips Pontus vs LKS vs Gustard
Interesting that you would mention your support directly from the Asian maker.  I have also been impressed with the email support form LKS's Jinbo who has excellent English skills.  He walked me through the USB set-up with JRiver.  Even more impre... 
Denafrips Pontus vs LKS vs Gustard
Please let us know how you like the DAC.You're quite right about high value in the output of these small Asian companies.  Holo Spring is unusual in having an American rep/dealer.  It must inspire some confidence in a buyer. 
Denafrips Pontus vs LKS vs Gustard
Based on my experience with the LKS and all that I have read about it and the others (in several languages) I think you're absolutely right.Problem is, of course, is that they are few and far between so the likelihood of comparisons is almost nil.... 
Oppo 205 and external DAC?
What's wrong with the Oppo's unbalanced outs?  If you use an external DAC, you will not use the analog output of the Oppo, balanced or unbalanced. You will use the digital out, likely spdif. You will use the analog output of the DAC. If you have o... 
SACD/CD player update
I also have an Oppo 105 and would never consider a mod. First of all, if you mod you will never get anywhere near your money back if you sell. And what is the life expectancy of a disk player anyway? Modwright mods begin at $2500. (Apparently Ric ... 
Why Isnt Techincs 1200 Considered Audiophile?
The Technics is one of a number of audio components that measures well (by certain industry approved standards) and sounds, well, not so good.  The quick answer is that means you're not measuring the important stuff.  With a light platter the cons... 
VPI ADS Versus SDS
The controllers clean up or reconstruct the AC signal, regulate it as to frequency and lower the voltage.  My experience is that they provide a degree of improvement and clarity to the sound much as does the addition of a flywheel or a heavier pla... 
Audio-Technica ART 7
@soundermn Having bought from an authorized US dealer, do you know what the re-tipping charge is from Audio Technica?  Is that done in the US? 
Audio-Technica ART 7
To sell as "New" on ebay a product must be:"A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store."My cartridge purchases from 2ju... 
VPI ADS Versus SDS
IIRC those pages are written by Bill Carlin who designed and used to manufacture the Falcon/Eagle/Roadrunner. 
Audio-Technica ART 7
The source of gray market products is easy.  As lewm has written, " I bought it in Tokyo. There is no advantage to buying in Tokyo; price was about the same as eBay. 2juki has a good reputation; I would not hesitate to buy from him."So a dealer ... 
Audio-Technica ART 7
Based upon my own experience with the ART-9 playing classical music I agree with lewm that the distinctions made by AT between the two cartridges and the music they can play well are a lot of PR BS.  Which is not to deny that they may be different... 
VPI ADS Versus SDS
A movement from an SDS to an ADS is not an "upgrade." They both are designed to do about the same thing and with the same level of quality. Unfortunately the ADS has been found by many users to be noisy, that is, to produce a vibration that can be... 
Audio-Technica ART 7
@chakster,You sound like a broken record. I purchased my Art-9 from 2juki and it is perfect. So too was the Shelter I bought years before. Dozens of audiophiles posting on multiple sites have reported the same over the years. Juki has a 100% posit... 
Has Anyone Auditioned an LKS MH-DA004 DAC?
Correction:  In my post above I incorrectly named the small Chinese Company that designs and manufactures the LKS DACs.  It is Mu Sheng Electronics (沐声电子).