mesch

Responses from mesch

DAC for CD transport
Congrats on your purchase. Thanks for getting back to us. 
Seeking advice/tips on improving sound quality
If the goal is to improve the sound from your main system at the source to your preamp I suggest a playback program such as mentioned here and purchasing a used DAC.I use Pure Music program and PM allows a 15 day trial period. There are many other... 
Looking to build a system for under $5k
My 1st suggestion is to purchase a copy of "The Complete Guide to High End Audio" by Robert Harley. Begin with reading the first couple chapters.Have you heard the Vandersteen 1Ci speakers? I agree they are a good candidate for your proposed syste... 
Warm Sounding Preamp Suggestions
I believe I would replace the receiver with a tube pre.    
Emotiva usp 1 pre-amp
All has to do with the gain of the units in question and the attenuation spectrum of the volume control. Not all volume controls attenuate evenly across the sweep. It is best when volume controls are used higher up as long as max volume desired is... 
How does high-pass filter requirement affect system decisions?
I also use the Pangea cables, 9 & 14 se. 
Connecting Speaker Cables to Dynaco ST-70
Jetter, I did not mean to through you off by mentioning that I used these adaptors for bananas. I knew they could be used for bananas, spades, or bare wires. Sorry. I also used these for older speakers with small screw terminals. 
100 - 125.00 RCA, and coax recommendations please
Music Direct is (was) selling Audioquest Diamondback or King Cobra ICs at 1/2 half retail. Well made cables. 
Connecting Speaker Cables to Dynaco ST-70
+1 dekay. I bought the adaptors for banana plugs. Work well on my ST-70. 
Need Some Answers Building My First Home Audio System, and using Cornwalls
I should add that I sincerely hope your 'hum' issue is solved and you find yourself happy with your NAD integrated. I believe you have put together a very nice system based on a gift pair of classic speakers.Please keep us posted. 
Recommendations for used CD player
I should add that I also got back into audio, putting together a new system once retired.  
Recommendations for used CD player
I once owned the DL III. Good DAC for the money. However the USB input was not asynchronous. I used it with a USB/SPDIF converter. I sold it because I needed 2 coax inputs as I also wanted to include a transport.Cambridge Audio makes a transport t... 
Need Some Answers Building My First Home Audio System, and using Cornwalls
I use tone defeat, less in the signal path.I leave soft clipping off however it depends on how hard one drives the amplifier stage. Try it both ways and decide.  
Recommendations for used CD player
I agree that an external DAC would be the way to go. Use the DVD player as transport. There is a SCHiit Bitfrost w/uber analog upgrade for sale here on AG, $290 I believe. Since you don't require USB input, you could search for an older very high ... 
Need Some Answers Building My First Home Audio System, and using Cornwalls
Yes, you will need 4 pairs. Isolate amp to a separate outlet on a different circuit.Does 'hum' occur with input to aux disconnected?I would not consider another amplifier until your 'hum' issue is resolved.