mike_in_nc

Responses from mike_in_nc

XLR cables from preamp to powered bass amp in speaker? (Legacy Focus XD.)
Yeah, Benchmark is not about to sell junk.    
XLR cables from preamp to powered bass amp in speaker? (Legacy Focus XD.)
Though I’ve tried some, I have never found it necessary to use expensive XLR interconnects. They were no better than -- some worse than -- simple mic cables made with Mogami W2549 and Neutrik connectors. The need for fancy wires would be even les... 
What's your favorite lyric from a song?
When you believe in things that you don't understand, Then you suffer, Superstition ain't the way. -and- Although your mind's opaque Try thinking more if just for your own sake. (First by Stevie Wonder, second by the Beatles) Never heard anoth... 
Streamer for mostly Qobuz with volume control
I’m quite happy with my Auralic Aries G1, which has a digital volume control. However, I’ve never used the volume control, so I don’t know that my satisfaction means much to you. Any digital volume control reduces dynamic range. If the volume att... 
Is Forte Free Agent still good for Newsgroups?
My experience was the same. ISPs have dropped newsgroups, as the bandwidth was large from the few customers who used them. Usenet, I am afraid, is a remnant of the Internet of earlier decades. People have moved on to various fora: Facebook (ugh!),... 
Ultimate stereo nightmare
I agree with @kota1 . At some point, it’s better to simplify (and SimpliFi is a good resource). Do you really use all those components, or is it just "nice" to have them? When (if not now) does "can’t deal with all this" outweigh "nice"? Well, wh... 
Digital source & management dilema
@kletter1mann - In my post above, I focused on DAC-Preamps that also have DRC (digital room compensation) and sub integration. Those features can be really helpful if you want extended, smooth bass in most rooms. As others have said, many other D... 
Digital source & management dilema
I have been using an STR preamp for nearly four years now and think it’s an excellent unit, especially if you want DRC and/or subwoofer integration. A friend, after hearing my system, went out and bought one. One alternative is the miniDSP SHD. W... 
Qobuz dropping rights to my favorites. A pox on their house.
Sometimes when this happens, I find that a newer release of the same album has become available. It's worth checking.  
Did you ever buy too much bass?
I always have used subs in conjunction with crossovers, including LP for subs and HP for mains. Given level adjustments and room compensation, I can always make the subs undetectable (except for more solid bass). Recently, I added 2 more subs. Af... 
DAC recommendations
You might keep the Topping and add an equalizer to your system. It’s amazing how changing the tonal balance can change the whole character of the sound. In terms of sound quality, the Schiit Loki Max is outstanding IME.  
This may be of interest to some...
For the vast majority of us who work hard and play be the rules, it doesn’t matter one bit how the IRS is going to "crack down" as it won’t effect us at all. As for those who cheat the system, meaning the rest of us are paying for them, I hope th... 
Why are so many people spending so much money to build “perfect” streaming system?
Complicated and expensive Really, compared to LP playback? That involves cartridge, arm, table, pre-preamp, preamp, and so on? Alignment, leveling, VTA adjustment, un-warping, record cleaning, stabilizing, avoidance of feedback from mechanical ... 
going from 2 subs > 4 subs
What I experienced when going from 2 subs to 4 was the ability to better fill measured dips in the frequency response. However, that was not particularly audible. What was audible (as pointed out by @fuzztone) was the smoother bass response across... 
Amazon music vs Qobuz
Amazon (on Windows, anyway) Works only through default sound drivers Hard or impossible to get through a Roon or DLNA system Very large catalog Low cost Qobuz Works through ASIO or WASAPI Exclusive sound drivers, which gives best sound ...