mike_in_nc

Responses from mike_in_nc

Need setup help - MyTek Manhattan II and Subs
A JL Audio CR-1? 
What is the best audiophile speaker for a tiny square room?
@chungjh - I understand about the psychological effect of huge speakers. That is one reason I rejected some and chose the Janszen Valentinas. They are not large, and I feel more comfortable in my room than with huge speakers looming over me. But o... 
Does it matter the wire gauge used in interconnects?
I’d recommend a high-quality specialist cable, like Mogami W2549. 
Ultimate Rips to DSD in 2021 - Price, Effort and File Sizes No Object
The RME unit will convert TO DSD? That would be unusual. 
What is the best audiophile speaker for a tiny square room?
Beware of vendors who tell you that other people’s products don’t work. There is a huge conflict of interest there.If heat is the big issue, are thermionic valves really the answer? Not all SS amps run hot. The Pass Labs ones do, but the newest ("... 
Streamers sans DAC?
Some that are more than $1500:Auralic Aries G1 or G2Bricasti M5The Auralic Aries models are notable because they have excellent DSP, so can be used to address bass peaks digitally. They also can play CDs from an attached USB optical drive or files... 
Streamers sans DAC?
Budget? 
Repair Or Replace Sub
I use an Anthem STR also. In my system, it tends to roll off the sub slowly, which smooths FR of the mains in the octave above the crossover frequency. One reason that works is that the JL Audio Fathom is cleaner than most subs above the usual sub... 
Pass XA 25 or Bryston 3B3?
For what it's worth, I owned an Adcom 555 decades ago and have a 4B3 now. You will hear and appreciate the difference, the "cubed" series being some of Bryston's most mellow amps -- softer sounding than my beloved 14BSST of years ago, but detailed... 
Biggest "pleasant surprise" components you have owned?
Marsh Sound Design A400S stereo amp, 200 wpc, bought used seven years ago for about 40% of the new price. It sounds really great and has served daily in my desktop system with a pair of Harbeth P3ESR.Allo DigiOne SPDIF output card for the Raspberr... 
Lumin T2 or Matrix Audio Element X
I'm using an Auralic Aries G1 with a Bryston BDA-2 right now. That combination would definitely meet the call for "open and detailed" but it's not a single-box solution. 
Whats your favourite track to play to the non hi-fi visitor?
I’ve got several short tracks I can use as demos. My favorite is "Die Nacht" from this album: Schubert Male Choruses, BIS 1033. The naturalness of the sound, space, and dynamics always gets to people. Usually, there are a few moments of silence be... 
Repair Or Replace Sub
Sorry, with my bad eyes, I missed that you had blown the cone! The $400 I paid was for fixing electronics only. 
Lumin T2 or Matrix Audio Element X
I have not heard either but am familiar with the firms' reputations. As to your question, my impression is that implementation (engineering) is more important than the chip. Both vendors are known for excellent implementations. Both are Asian firm... 
Repair Or Replace Sub
I sent one of those (F112 v1) to JL for repair in March of this year. The fee was $400 + one-way freight. They have, or at least had, a flat-fee repair service.If you are in the US, it seems odd that you are being quoted $900. You may want to chec...