mike_in_nc
Responses from mike_in_nc
| Why audio streamers are so much more expensive than video streamers? Audio streamers seem overpriced to me, too. I've heard very good performance from cheap ones built around a Raspberry Pi. There is an element of Veblen goods in pricing of much audio gear with high-end aspirations. Then, audio gear often is overbu... | |
| DAC for dummies Assuming it’s the same DAC card, I’d put it into the integrated, rather than the player. The reason is that anything with moving parts (i.e., the CD transport) will likely fail before a purely electronic integrated amp. Also, as you get more digit... | |
| Nirvana sued over "Nevermind" cover photo Spencer Eldon is an actual young man, and like the rest of us, his emotions may not be consistent or logical. Though I don’t see the image as child pornography, I’m not surprised it’s screwed with his head over the years. Should he get a cut? As a... | |
| Digital upgrade: new disc player or better streamer? IMO, the key point is the DAC -- whether that's located in a player, streamer, or free-standing. Get the best DAC you can (listen to some, if possible), and you'll be on the right track. | |
| Moon 280D best computer setup I do not have that particular unit (the 280D), but in the last 10 years I have used the original MiND and half a dozen other streamers and also run audio files straight from computers with JRiver to USB DACs. IMO, in a really good system, the soun... | |
| Room vs. Gear vs. time of life, ...and you? @jusam--I’m 72, and my most memorable system is the one I have now. Finally, I’ve got a good quiet room . . . not ideally sized, but constructed for the purpose and better acoustically than most I’ve had or heard. I’m reasonably happy with the gea... | |
| Importance of a power conditioners versus surge protector I second what @cleeds says. If the aluminum wiring hasn't been evaluated yet by a professional electrician, it's a high priority to get that done. | |
| Should I try XLR? Balanced (XLR) cables add value only if the components on both ends support them. In that case, they offer better connectors, less chance of potentially catastrophic hum from touching a live cable end, greater resistance to EMI/RFI, and less likel... | |
| ISO: Quality XLR Cables If you are in the US, here is a reliable vendor whom I’ve used half a dozen times.I recommend Mogami 2549 with gold Neutrik XLRs.If your environment has a great deal of electromagnetic interference, you might prefer Mogami 2534 or Gothan GAC-4/1, ... | |
| Accuphase EQ, JVS and the challenges of the intermediate audiophile The Accuphase is fascinating not just for what it does, but for how it’s configured. There is no volume control, very few inputs, and I’m not sure if it even has convenient source switching. With its ADC and DAC, it seems designed to go between pr... | |
| NAD M33 and which speakers? If the PuriFi implementation in the NAD is anything like the one available through Apollon and other assembly houses, the M33 should do fine with any speaker that you like. The PuriFi amps are load invariant and interact less with speakers than ju... | |
| Class D amps that are superior to all or most? >> Anthem STR another good one I have heard and recall. <<That is class AB, not D. | |
| I am no longer getting MQA? You may need to change the settings of the Aries to MQA Pass-Through ON, under Streamer Settings.https://support.auralic.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000190254-The-Streamer-Menu | |
| Quality outlets for non-audio +1 to @jea48 comments. In particular, what is important is that the outlets be spec grade (usually so labeled) rather than contractor grade (often unlabeled). Contractor grade are the ones you can buy at Home Depot for 35c each. They don't last. T... | |
| Total System Gain Question The gain of the preamp is, I would expect, specified at maximum. So it will be less as you turn the volume down.The gain of the power amp is typical of power amps I have used, as is the sensitivity of your speakers. I would think this would be fin... |