mesch

Responses from mesch

Building a new system for about 5 grand
Given the info you provided, with digital being the primary source over vinyl, I would:1)Identify a short list of speakers that are not difficult to drive, having a sensitivity of 87dB or greater and true 6-8 ohm impedance. I would allocate $1500-... 
Passive Bookshelf Speaker Selection
I don't doubt that the pairing of the 316BEE with the ELACs makes for good sound for the dollar. However, room size and volume levels have to be considered. I have been a fan of NAD sound, having owned several of their class A/B integrateds. The E... 
Integrated Amp $1200 or less
B_limo, I agree  with the thought of upgrading to a separate DAC and delaying the purchase of a new integrated until more funds are available.  Many on this forum have declared true improvements when upgrading from the DAC within the Node. You hav... 
Integrated Amp $1200 or less
Did not see Hide45s' post at time I just posted. He is correct on my take. I owned the SV-226, considered it the little brother to the more popular SV-236, 100wpc.  
Integrated Amp $1200 or less
Maybe something like a used Pathos Classic Model One, a hybrid tube/SS that delivers 70wpc into 8ohms, 130wpc into 4ohms.  Another option is the Vincent SV-236, also a hybrid having about 2x the power.  I believe your Fritz speakers are fairly eas... 
Passive Bookshelf Speaker Selection
Given the 40wpc of the NAD316BEE and concerns about possible listening fatigue, I would lean towards the PSB or Wharfdale recommendations. Both are relatively easy to drive and polite in the higher frequencies.   
Best DAC for around $2,500 or less
I also have the AM Tubadour and love it.  I would use coax over optical.  
CD Transport to pair with Audio Note DAC 5 - suggestions?
That Denafrips transport does look interesting at that price point. Full array of outputs.  
Best small, desktop speakers, $500 or under (new or used)
Hey, maybe you should keep the Pinnacles. You seem to like them.  
Aric Audio Super 2A3 SET
+1 laaudionut. I bought a preamp from Aric, the Special. Aric was great to deal with and always available for questions.  
Most Musical 6NS7 tube for a Preamp?
Aric audio makes a 6sn7 preamp called the Special which can be ordered with or without a remote. The remote version is $3250 I believe. I own the Special and love it. Should i need to replace my BEL 1001 MK5 I am also considering the Pass XA25.  
Decent preamp
Sorry about the double post, didn't think the 1st went through. 
Decent preamp
The Jolida Fusion is a good recommendation. I have own one for the past 8 years. Used likely would be somewhat over the OP's budget, however. A used Quicksilver would also be nice. 
Decent preamp
The Jolida Fusion preamp is a good recommendation. I own one. Retailed at $1350. Not often found used. My thinking it is worth $700. That is somewhat over the OP's budget. However if one was to be found at the stated budget it would be a good find.  
DAC question, help!
If it were me, and I was happy of the sound coming from my CDP using it's internal DAC I would look for a integrated that does not contain a DAC. Greater choices out there.