mike4597

Responses from mike4597

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, ... 
Phono Stage - The great analog tragedy
While not truly "reference quality," I am using a Lounge Audio Gold phono stage with my Rogue RP-7 Tube preamp and Odyssey SS mono bloc power amps driving Fyne F-702 speakers, and the sound is remarkable, with excellent tonal qualities, supeprrb v... 
Thoughts on using the DAC in my oppo 205 with a CD Transport.
I am using an NAD 568 CD Player as a transport with my Schiit Audio Gungnir 2 DAC, and the sound reproduction compared to using the DAC internal to the NAD 568 is significantly improved in terms of tonal quality and three-dimensionality.  I could ... 
Tube Pre-amp Suggestions.
Quoting the OP: “it seems the Rogues don’t have balanced inputs, but the Schiits do.”   my Rogue RP-7 has two sets each of balanced outputs AND balanced inputs.  On their website, if you click on the Preamplifiers picture and then on the. RP-7,... 
Tube Pre-amp Suggestions.
Not sure of your price range, but I have had a Rogue Audio RP-7 preamp for about three years that I think is wonderful.  Multiple balanced and RCA outputs, remote,  theater mode, and wonderful sound quality with my other equipment—Fyne F-702 speak... 
Best Holographic Speakers ~$7k per pair
IMO, you will be pleased with the Fynes, as am I with my F-702s (not the newer SP model).  The imaging is simply superb, and I found further significant improvements in imaging and soundstage by adding two subs and switching to Silversmith Fideliu... 
New preamplifier - Backert Rhumba Extreme, Aesthetix Calypso Signature, Ayre KX5 Twenty
I recommend adding either Rogue Audio’s  RP-7 or RP-9 to your list.  I originally had an RP-1, but the upgrade to RP-7 was well worth the expense in terms of sound quality.  Both have been reviewed, and Rogue Audio produces their products in Penns... 
New preamplifier - Backert Rhumba Extreme, Aesthetix Calypso Signature, Ayre KX5 Twenty
I recommend adding either Rogue Audio’s  RP-7 or RP-9 to your list.  I originally had an RP-1, but the upgrade to RP-7 was well worth the expense in terms of sound quality.  Both have been reviewed, and Rogue Audio produces their products in Penns... 
Matching a amplifier to speakers
Take a look at Odyssey Audio.  Klaus makes some very good amplifiers.  I replaced my Rogue Audio 100 wpc tube amp with two 200 watt monobloc amps, and the improvement was quite significant—I consider these amplifiers to be “keepers.”   Odyssey off... 
Best Holographic Speakers ~$7k per pair
+1 on the Fynes.  I have the F702–which I purchased before a sharp price increase, and I believe the 502 SP is somewhat similar and the SP line is made in Scotland.  I am extremely pleased with the Fynes, as they give me an incredible sound stage,... 
Looking for a new DAC
+1 on the Schiit Gungnir 2; I replaced my Bifrost 2/64, and the improvement in sound quality was instantly noticeable. Excellent imaging/localization of instruments and voices and superb tonal qualities.  Add to that: Reasonably priced, made here ... 
Seeking a Tube preamplifier
Like you, I had a Rogue Audio RP-1, but I then moved to an RP-7 for a marked improvement in sound quality.   Your budget, however, would allow for an RP-9 from Rogue Audio.  Having red the very few r Jews of the RP-9, I am considering having Rogue...