mike_in_nc

Responses from mike_in_nc

Oregon Audiophiles...
I don't know of meetings in Central OR, but maybe it's time for audionuts there to start something. 
How best to sell my dad's McIntosh integrated amp, CD player speakers?
Yes, I think @mattmiller made two key points:(1) You need the right boxes for this gear. Shipping outlets are not reliable at packing such valuable, specialized, and delicate equipment.(2) McIntosh gear always sells. It is a premium product, and t... 
Why stream?
Most DACs sound a bit different through their difference inputs, and streaming DACs are no exception. Which input will sound better depends not only on the DAC design, but also on the component feeding the DAC and, some say, the cables. So it woul... 
Quality of digital cable from from source to DAC?
There is considerable divergence of opinion on the value of boutique cables when used for USB or Ethernet transmission. Some think they are vital, others find that the extra expense contributes little or nothing. So, I would expect the answers you... 
How best to sell my dad's McIntosh integrated amp, CD player speakers?
I'd sign up for the Audiogon Bluebook for a month to establish value. Then advertise here or a similar place. I find it useful to get units packed, properly, ahead of time, so final weight & dimensions are known so potential buyers can get acc... 
Best speakers to replace Martin Logan CLS
@vuongp : I should mention, the Valentina was previously called zA2.1, so when you research, you might find reviews under the earlier name. Janszen has recently revised the speaker with larger woofers and improved crossover, but that’s not on the ... 
Best speakers to replace Martin Logan CLS
You have some wonderful speakers in your list. Do not overlook the Janszen Valentinas (either active or passive version). These are electrostatics with cone woofers; not too large physically, easy to place, and with great aesthetics. One differenc... 
Streamer + DAC or streamer/dac all in one?
I will second @audiotroy 's first post, the one that says, " the best bang for your buck will be a streamer/dac." (I haven't heard personally the gear mentioned in his second.) In theory at least, fewer boxes, fewer cables, less potential for jit... 
Torus RM20 / BIT20 vs Furman IT reference 20i
ricred1,Some other brand are constantly coming up with new models, which means they get new advertising campaigns and new reviews. I imagine Torus have done some under-the-hood refinement, but the models have remained the same for a long time, and... 
Torus RM20 / BIT20 vs Furman IT reference 20i
This is a bit late, but . . . I recently got an RM20 to feed my Bryston 4B3 and was surprised at the improvement to the sound. More 3D, more relaxing, more consistent from one listening session to another, and (most important to me) some occasiona... 
i'm looking for something that may not exist
Take a little mescaline. 
Recommend service to convert music CDs to high quality digital files
I ripped about 2000 discs with dbpoweramp. It is excellent, as suggested by @jazzman7 . Doing 50-100 discs shouldn't take very long. Unless they are classical and you want to touch up the metadata, you can easily do 20 in a couple of hours or less. 
How good can it get, really? - my stereo sounds amazing!
My suggestion is, enjoy your setup. Stop reading stereo magazines, which are designed to make you want stuff. Stop reading audio bulletin boards, which can cause fear and doubt. Just enjoy the music, and count your money!When you stop enjoying it,... 
Been asked before but... One sub or two?
+1 to @jl35  
Which balanced IC between pre amp and power amp?
Pro audio shops will make up cables to your order from excellent materials at a reasonable price. In my best system, I use balanced cables made by ProAudioLA from Mogami W2549 and gold-plated Neutrik connections. I think a 25’ pair, some years ago...