mike_in_nc

Responses from mike_in_nc

Why is it so good?
ALAC is as good a format as anything. Some renderers (players) do better with uncompressed WAV, but that’s a shortcoming in those renderers, nothing intrinsic to the file types.iTunes, if setup and working right, will send a bit-perfect signal, so... 
Instrument Flight Rules?
I also use the OmniMic. A bit simpler to set up and use than REW, in my experience.But since I own a UMIC-1 (for use with a miniDSP SHD), I’ve installed REW as well, and the parts I have used are quite good. That would be a cheaper combination tha... 
Bryston 7Bsst2 vs Parasound JC1
I haven't heard the Parasounds, but I have heard the Brystons, and they are great amps, in my opinion. 
Bulk XLR cable recommendations
I recommend Mogami W2549. Excellent quality at prices that are not inflated. It may sound different from some boutique cables, but it won't sound worse. 
Interesting Fed Ex encounter...
Last time something like that happened to me, FedEx delivered package anyway. So maybe you’ll get lucky. 
Warm/Forgiving AES/EBU digital cable less then $1000
If the digital cable makes a big difference, you might consider changing your DAC. I used to hear things like that when digital was new, but it’s been decades since I could detect meaningful differences among digital cables, whether AES3 (the new ... 
Informative books about Audio
Jim Smith's Get Better Sound. Unless you are new to audio, I'd advise taking a pass on Robert Harley's book. I seem to be in the minority, but I found almost nothing useful there, and it is hard to separate what is useful from what is just a repet... 
15 ft XLR thoughts (BJC/Mogami etc)
Hey, my OPINION is as good as yours.I tried a pair of $2200 interconnects, and (based on a blind listening panel, many of whom are audio or music professionals) concluded that they did something funny in the treble, and that the $100 Mogami cables... 
interconnect suggestions
Thanks everyone for your input. It’s been very helpful. I feel like this is the most difficult area of this hobby to find value, i.e. price to performance ratio. You’re not kidding! The best-sounding cables I’ve tried have been among the cheapest,... 
15 ft XLR thoughts (BJC/Mogami etc)
I don't think there's a compelling reason not to use the Canare or Belden cable that BJC provides. I wouldn't consider 15 ft a long run for a balanced, shielded cable at line level.The natural alternative would be cables assembled to order from Mo... 
Classe CAM 350 monoblock vs Classe CAM-400 or Bryston 4B3
Timothy,That McIntosh dealer who said you should listen to a product but not in your own home -- nuts!Echo is a local dealer I’ve been happy with. I’m beyond disappointed to hear of your experience.Roger Sanders was great when I auditioned a Magte... 
interconnect suggestions
You will get every answer from "cables don't matter" to people advising you they are the most important part of the system.So here's my take: I have been quite happy with BJC and Mogami cables. When I have compared to more costly ones, the latter ... 
Modest SS amplifier for secondary system
As background, I'm also a fan of Anthem gear (I have an STR Preamp in my main system) and of Curl-influenced amps.In my desktop system, I have a Marsh Sound Design A400s, a model you might consider, if you can find one used. This amp was reviewed ... 
AXPONA 2020 - Cancelled
Good. The structure of an audio show is a near-perfect recipe for spreading infectious respiratory disease. 
Religious music for less than devout
For those who do like jazz, the obvious one is John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme."