mesch

Responses from mesch

Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade
You are welcome. Given that you don't need a USB input your options for a DACs increases, many high quality older used ones go up for sale much below original retail. 
Ever sit down to listen and just say wow?
Greg, yes it is fun to share some 'wow' with music lover friends. Mike 
Help choosing Marantz integrated amp upgrade
I agree with auxinput, however one thought might be to explore the speaker market prior to purchasing a amplifier. Then you can select one based on power requirement of the speaker. What digital outputs does your streamer have?  
Ever sit down to listen and just say wow?
Many times! It is what makes putting the effort into developing a system worth it.  
Current NAD integrated amps, what are your impressions?
I look forward to your report. I just received a 356BEE yesterday and will check it out today and report back as to what I think compared to the 326BEE.  
Looking for an inexpensive Blue ray player
My player came today. So far, so good. I made have paid a little more than I should have, however our local Best Buy did not have this model.  
Best speakers under $500? Fire away!
I own a set of the B&W 685s. I have been driveing them with the NAD 326BEE. Recently purchased the 356BEE to provide a little more power. Do not believe the 3020 is a good match for them. 
Best speakers under $500? Fire away!
I believe the Wharfdale 10.2 is on sale by Music Direct. Better than the 10.1s for your size room.  I believe easier to drive than the Elac B6, which is otherwise a easy recommendation at it's price.Again, once one gets past the speaker/amplifier ... 
Best speakers under $500? Fire away!
+1 paraneer. The power requirement is what I was eluding to and should have expanded on with my post. There are many quality speakers in the $500 price range, few of them will be at their best with 20 wpc. Too many have overstated sensitivity rati... 
Jumpers for Integrated Amps: What are you guys using?
I do know that Creek makes a  phono card that can be inserted in place of the Aux input. I don't know wether insertion of a SHORT IC would make an improvement with this integrated, however can't believe it would hurt to try. In this case we are ta... 
Best speakers under $500? Fire away!
I am thinking that your Klipsch speakers are very easy to drive making them a good match with your integrated. In what size room are you placing this system, and how loud do you play it?  
Vincent SV-500 Hybrid Integrated Amp
Not familiar with the SV-500. However had a SV-226 (100wpc 8 ohm, 200wpc 4 ohm) hybrid and wish I never sold it. Great sounding amp, dynamic, smooth treble, great soundstage. 
Jumpers for Integrated Amps: What are you guys using?
I understand, that should a integrated have pre out and amp in connected by a jumper, it doesn't make a difference regarding replacing the jumper with a short interconnect (do believe 'short' to be a greater operative with a passive though). I was... 
Specific Pre-Amp advice
Must agree it is easier to buy than to sale, kinda like house shopping these days. Best to know what you truly want prior to purchase. Good luck in your search. 
Specific Pre-Amp advice
Darkstar1, I understood, and did not mean to sound like I was 'talking down' as I believe you have rolled more equipment through your system(s) than I. I was only supporting a active tube pre route over a passive pre one for obtaining your goals.