mike4597

Responses from mike4597

Suggestions for a holographic preamp?
The comment by Soix about holographic imaging was exactly what I had in mind when I made my comment about the Rogue RP-7 and RP-9 preamps.   i have also heard good things about the Backert preamps in this regard.  
Low powered integrated recommendation
I recently purchased a Rega Brio to use in a second system; I am using the amp with some much older 84 db efficiency speakers—early 1990w Infinity Modulus satellites with EMIT tweeters, so I opted for the 50 wpc Brio over the 30 wpc Io model.  I a... 
Infinity IRS Beta Servo Control Unit help
I once had (1980s) a pair of RSIIb’s—a mere shadow of the IRS, but they were wonderful.  They were seriously damaged in an Army move in 1992.  As the wife wanted more space, I went to the Modulus satellites with Servo sub, which I replaced only a ... 
Suggestions for a holographic preamp?
I have gotten excellent three-dimensional reproduction of sound from my system, which includes a Rogue Audio RP-7 tube preamp.  I have read a couple of reviews of the RP-9 that say it is an improvement over what the reviews thought was the excelle... 
Bi-amping question - XLR out split
The Rogue Audio RP-7 (and RP-9, I believe) has dual XLR outputs, and I am using the second set for my dual subwoofers with cables about 12' and 22' long.THe addition of the subs made a huge difference in my system.  
Your first concert was to see who and when?
Fall 1962, Peter, Paul, & Mary, with a young comedian as an opener, a guy who did this “Noah” routine, Bill Cosby.  He was funny, and PP&M were very dynamic and simply superb.  
Old SS amps
In 1979, I purchased a McIntosh MC2120 power amp for $800, if I recall correctly, from which I graduated to Odyssey monobloc amps in early 2024.  The 2120 was in use the entire 45 years, less one month in the early 2000s for a refurb, which includ... 
Phono pre amp
Schiit products are solid for the price.  If you are willing to spend a bit more, Lounge Audio LCR MKIII is an excellent phono preamp, starting at about $420.  The SQ I am getting from my Thorens TD 126 MKII and Audio-Technica cartridge is simply ... 
DAC suggestions?
As others have suggested, I would remove the Mac from the system and go for separates for the DAC and streamer.  Some have suggested an Innuos streamer, and I have a Stream 1 with Phoenix USB output on order, although your budget says go with one ... 
How competitive are you with your system?
Well, I do not see myself in competition with others but, rather, trying to achieve the best sound quality at the cost level I can afford.  Some can spend more than me, some can spend less, but I think the joy or satisfaction comes from being able... 
Need Ideas on speaker cables
I would definitely look at Silversmith Fidelium.  Had a major impact on my system of Rogue RP-7 preamp, Odyssey mono bloc amps, and Fyne F-702 speakers.  I was astounded by the improvement, previously thinking cables could make a “modest” differen... 
Preamp question - Cary Clone
I have found my Rogue RP-7 (12AU7 tubes) preamp to be superb.  I started with an RP-1 but wanted to go balanced and found that the RP-7 was indeed a marked upgrade in sound quality.  
the gateway product that turned you into an audiophile
I cited my Infinity RSIIbs, but I must go much further back than that.  In the mid-1950s, my Dad owned a TV shop, and he also sold record players.  I saved my money from paper routes and working in the TV shop and purchased a Zenith “portable” rec... 
which power cable and USB cable for my Innous Zenith Mk3?
I have no experience with the Zenith—although I have ordered a Stream 1, but I have found Ice Age Audio power cables to be excellent products.  I cannot say that they “transformed my system to a higher plane,” but they are well built and both of m... 
the gateway product that turned you into an audiophile
Mine was a pair of Infinity RSIIb speakers, which led me to seek better amplifiers, which led me to seek a better preamplifier, which led me to …. And here I am almost a half century later with what I think is a decent system that produces, IMHO, ...