mesch

Responses from mesch

Your Favorite AC Outlets
Al, great response! With minor edits for specificity your response would be appropriate in a number of threads in this forum. 
B&K preamps Pro 5, CS 117 verses Hafler DH 110
Owned a Pro-10 from 1985-2010. Sold it here on AG for $225 when it was time for a new system. Never a problem and sounded great with MM/LOMC capability. 
Size matters- recommend small system or component
I believe in the NAD D3020 recommendation. A friend of mine ordered one and I will get a chance to hear it. Reviews are positive, for what that is worth. A small footprint all in one box (DAC and integrated amp). A disk player or server would be r... 
CD won't Rip
Of some 400+ CDs I have ripped, only 2 were not accepted by a disk drive. Both of these would play in a disk player. Don't know why. 
Redbook CD Is Not Dead
Most of my collection is CD based. Most of my recent purchases have been CDs, few SACDs. I think it is a shame that at the time when quality CD players are available at all budget levels, the medium has become out of favor (not for me). Higher bit... 
Line Magnetic LM-502CA DAC & Alternatives...
You seem to like the sound with tube output stage. Very few DACs under $2000 have this. Peachtree audio comes to mind. Good advice from Ghasley. 
Schiit Bifrost plus ESI Juli or Bifrost USB
Given that you use a PC (I use MAC) and your source will consist of ripped CDs and internet radio, then you might go with the soundcard and the non-usb DAC option. With the soundcard you will only need a digital cable and not both digital and USB.... 
what is my system's weakest link?
I've been watching this thread and almost responded a couple times. I see much good advice without general consensus. You like your speakers, so I would keep them. Many posters have indicated that power may be limiting to get the most out of them.... 
Ways to improve DAC performance???
The M2Tech Hiface USB/SPDIF converter plugs directly into the USB port thus avoiding need for USB cable. They retail for around $200, often come up used on AG for about $110. Another option is the Music Fidelity V-Link. 
Schiit Bifrost plus ESI Juli or Bifrost USB
I have been using a M2Tech Hiface which plugs directly into USB port thus avoiding need for USB cable. Have just purchased a used Audiophellio2 with power supply. Haven't received it yet, should have it in play next week. I used the hiface with a ... 
Schiit Bifrost plus ESI Juli or Bifrost USB
Seems to me that your chosen option should work out well for you. I use the USB/ SPDIF route. Feel it is better than using onboard USB in inexpensive DACs. The Juli@ should also be an improvement. No experience with one however. Enjoy! 
Schiit Bifrost plus ESI Juli or Bifrost USB
The bitfrost costs $350 w/o USB or $450 w/ usb. Is this your budget or are considering a greater budget? 
Best tube preamp with remote under $2000 used
Springbok, I own a Fusion and enjoy it very much. Please let us know what you think of the MK2 version. 
noob DAC question
I understand your desire to use a CD player. I use my disk player often. To answer your original post, buying a CD player with a coaxial digital input will save you from having to buy a separate DAC. If I was going to buy a CD player this would be... 
Advice for new Integrated amp please.
I am not sure the Sphinx would tame the brightness as would the Cronus. I have heard the Tritons with tube amplification and very much enjoyed. Call Mark at Rouge and speak to him about this. He is great to work with.