mike_in_nc

Responses from mike_in_nc

Anthem STR or Lyngdorf TDAI 2170?
I would urge anyone interested in DSP preamps to try the units in their own system. I have found published reviews unsatisfactory, usually cursory and misleading. I own an Anthem STR Preamp & think its DSP and overall sound are very good indee... 
coaxial/spdif to usb converter
What do you mean by "affordable"?  I have a friend whose whole system cost $600; another spent multiples of that on a power cord.A Mutec MC-3+USB would do the job. If you can find one, they run about US $650 used. But if you want to try before buy... 
Is the buyer responsible to cover the cost of a return?
Things do happen in shipping. It's happened to me, as a seller, and it does put you in a terrible position. 
Why do Classical CDs sound less Alive/Real/Present ?
Some classical recordings are really bad -- shrill violins, and not very natural in general. However, some can be quite good. Try a few recordings on the BIS label, especially those with Ingo Petry as the recording engineer or producer. (He is a g... 
Vinyl “Pops & Clicks” eliminators
I heard the SugarCube gear demonstrated in their room at AXPONA. The speakers used were Janszen Carmelitas, excellent electrostatic hybrids and extremely revealing. If I still had an analog system, I'd make sure the SugarCube was part of it. I thi... 
Ethernet Cables -- where do they matter most?
Everything is important, but some things are more important than others. In my experience, most important are speakers, speaker positioning, listener positioning, and room acoustics. Next is the electronic gear (sources and amplifiers). Far behind... 
Is it even possible to set up a system in 12x12 room?
You might consider setting up the system on the diagonal. Will the couch fit that way?  I know of several users who get better results that way in square rooms.Nice to have a 9-foot ceiling! 
Bryston or Aragon
I love my Bryston 4B3, but it’s 3 generations newer than the 4BST your son is considering. I also loved my old Bryston 14BSST (one generation). Unfortunately, I haven’t heard the ST, but it sure had a good rep. And Bryston service is legendary.On ... 
Is it safe to buy from Audiogon sellers?
There is always some risk buying from a stranger. Examining feedback scores can cut down the risk, as can buying from those with extensive feedback or buying from a dealer with a long-established business. I always use PayPal or pay with a credit ... 
Tell us about your acoustic treatments
For the low frequencies, I've used mainly absorptive bass traps. When I looked into tuned traps (GIK Scopus traps), I thought they were too difficult, as you have to get the frequency exactly right, and if that frequency is > 100 Hz, the traps ... 
Tell us about your acoustic treatments
For me, it was “wow, this completely transformed the low end and was more than worth every dollar spent.” It made more difference to the sound in my old room than spending 3x the money on speakers. And the new room, being well sealed and in the ba... 
Tell us about your acoustic treatments
@kgveteran : I did measure decay time, but I haven’t done it for a while. The main improvement that bass traps give, IMO, is reduction of bass decay time.Dropbox link to early graph. 
Tell us about your acoustic treatments
GIT soffit traps in rear cornersASC tower traps in front cornersASC half-rounds, GIK A6 Alpha panels, and one Vicoustic DC2 diffuser on front wallVicoustic DC2 diffusers on side walls near the speakers (which have side-firing ambiance tweeters)ASC... 
... WHAT POWER CORD(S) ARE PLAYING IN YOU SYSTEM TODAY?
I got these for my electrostatic speakers. I picked them because the color blends into the carpet. 
Do we really need anything greater than 24/96? Opinions?
In recording and mastering, very possibly. For home reproduction, no.