mesch

Responses from mesch

Building a new system for about 5 grand
Ha, 'buying cables of choice' - no brainer. Meant to say buying cables used.  
Dac Suggestions around $500
Since you are looking for a DAC to serve while saving for an upgrade I would buy used. Otherwise maybe continue to use use the Node as is. Interest rates are low now, probably could pay off a loan at less loss than buying one DAC and selling it to... 
Affordable US Made Tube Pre/Power or Integrated Options
Should add that Aric is easy to talk to and will answere any questions you have. Also does some mods on his gear at buyers request.   
Affordable US Made Tube Pre/Power or Integrated Options
Check out the Aric Audio site. I own one of his preamps, the Special.Strongly considering one of his amps. 
Building a new system for about 5 grand
Ok, you already have a TT and phonostage. Great! Leaves greater allocation for speakers and DAC. Buying over time does help to increase budget. I would consider looking into a line level integrated and a separate DAC if thinking about additional d... 
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.