mesch

Responses from mesch

Conceptual Framework for Identifying System Bottlenecks
You did well cb117! 
Your first system and your journey...
Though I did own a couple of the all in one TT systems prior, my1st actual system, purchased in 1970, was Dual1219 w/ Sure V15 type II, Sansui AU-555 integrated, Pioneer 63dx speakers, Teac  4010s R2R.  
Damping Plates
@lowrider57 which base type do use on your Edensound brass damping discs. I would want to keep than from sliding on surface of any component with exposed tubes.   
Integrated tube amp with usb dac advice please
I agree with the idea of purchasing a separate DAC. How much of your budget should be allocated to the DAC depends...How are you going to use the USB input? What other sources are you going to use?  
Damping Plates
On equipment with contiguous top plates (no exposed tubes)  I spray painted 2.5 and 5 lb. bar bell weights and glued a thin cork sheet under. The brass damping weight mentioned by lowrider look nice and come with cork or some type elastomer base. ... 
Smooth sounding integrated
Music Direct has a Marantz 7006 on their open box sale. 
Pros and cons of vintage Dynaco ST-70
As for the original matching preamp there is a Dynaco Pas 3 for sale here on AG. If one owns a ST-70 one can have Ralph of Atma-Sphere refurbish it. I did with mine and am happy. 
Cambridge CXC: Help finding a small, programmable remote?
My only complaint about the remote is that, as George stated, the button are on the bottom. I can ignore the others. 
best low priced bookshelf speakers
Never a better time to purchase inexpensive speakers. Many quality choices out there. If I were looking for under $200 I would steer towards the Wharfdale or Elac suggestions. The Pioneer BS21 or 22 should go for under $100. The outlaw receiver co... 
Looking for a integrated DAC/AMP to power my Elac UF5's < $1500
I prefer to own line level integrated amplifiers. Provides greater flexibility for source components and, as mentioned by soix, isolation from noise generated by digital components, as well as isolation for high gain, low voltage phonostages.  
Smooth sounding integrated
Upscale Audio was/are selling the Music Fidelity model 2si for $599. At that price very hard to beat.  
Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?
I am not one to speak about what is the best buy for any cable. I do know that without them my system sounds a little dull :). To me a reasonable expenditure for a cable might be up to 10% of the cost of the two components to be connected. There a... 
Help in deciding USB cable
Ghulamr, sorry but I haven't any experience with the listed cables. I have beed researching Black cat cables, more so the ICs and speaker types. I agree with you that USB cables make a difference. It seems that it is how that 'difference' plays in... 
Received my Schiit Modi 3 yesterday....
I am with soix, try the coax cable if your player has that output. 
Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?
I use a Audioquest VDM-5 coax between my CXC and Audio Mirror DAC. I also use the Glass toslink cable mentioned above by loomisjohnson. It connects my DVD player to the same DAC. Another quality glass toslink is made by Lifatec. Though more expens...