mike_in_nc

Responses from mike_in_nc

Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender
Read the reviews on any extenders carefully too though, as I've had really mixed experiences far worse than audio quality. Years ago, I tried several powerline extenders and none of them was any good at all. I suppose they might work if both en... 
Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender
I have heard recommendations against a mesh network for audio, as if the connection switches from one node to another, there could be dropouts. I have no experience with that myself, but it seems plausible. So maybe a WiFi extender would be better... 
Classical piano solo—Your one favorite performance and recording
I can’t pick just one, but perhaps something by Yevgeny Sudbin on BIS. If you like Scarlatti on the piano, his is excellent (and I usually prefer harpsichord in this). If not, his Medtner and Rachmaninoff album also is excellent.  
Disappearing Jazz?
There is tons of jazz out there on CD and streaming services. Some (but not all) of it requires stretching one’s tastes. That’s not easy to do in middle age and beyond -- but it can bring a lot of musical pleasure, and I think it’s got to help the... 
Open Baffle Experience
FWIW, I've heard @jaytor 's system (maybe with the old subs) and thought it was among the very best I've heard, including some costing far more. It's clear to me that, if designed and set up carefully, OB systems can be really outstanding.  
Balanced vs. Single Ended Interconnects
It’s not a choice between Monoprice and (overpriced, IMO) audiophile cables. As @audphile1 suggested, Blue Jeans can supply very nice cables, or you can get cables of Mogami W2549 and Neutrik connectors made up by pro audio shops or from Worlds Be... 
Get out and listen!
Totally agree. And Row L center is a great spot in most halls I've been in. Far enough back for the music to blend (and avoid craning your neck) and still with great sight lines and dynamics.  
Van Alstine pre-amplifiers
I have no experience with AVA preamps, but did own one of their amps for a while (FET Valve 400R). It was really excellent. I found AVA easy to deal with and no-BS.  
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder ... to me, he is beyond categories. Anyone who hasn’t listened (carefully) to Songs in the Key of Live and Talking Book is missing works of musical history, US history, and beauty.  
Aurender N20
Great to hear you are enjoying it so much!  
Audiolab 6000N going Gapless - FINALLY
Glad to hear it sounds great. That's what I expected from Audiolab.  
Experienced only: What have you done with room correction?
I’ve used TacT, Dirac, and Anthem. A few things: DRC can be fantastic, especially when using digital xovers for subs. It can smooth bass response, and the good products can also remove excess brightness if you tell them to. The better the digi... 
Audiolab 6000N going Gapless - FINALLY
I think that any stream renderer not supporting gapless playback is badly broken. So yes, an important step for the product.  
Room correction room system vs ears….
A lot of good advice has been offered so far. One additional point: automatic DSP systems are powerful but don’t always come up with the result you will like best. (I use an Anthem STR Preamp with Anthem’s ARC to help smooth bass response in my ba... 
DAC Input Topology
Like @jasonbourne52 , 1. " I felt for a long time that the LP beat the CD. More listening has reversed this! The inherently higher noise floor, inner groove tracking problems, dynamic range limits and summed bass are serious restrictions of LP pl...