newbee

Responses from newbee

Adding Tone Controls?
There is absolutely no valid reason not to use an equalizer, or a set of tone controls, IF you put it in the tape loop of your pre-amp. Judging by the effort you have already made to get quality sound, I think you would be disappointed if you just... 
Best beer
I feared I was become a craft beer snob. I'm saved. Last night in a resturant where there was little choice I tried a Sam Adams Larger. A great beer with Chinese for sure, pizza next. Just 'sipping' beer I don't know yet. 
I Take My Music Seriously
Amoungst my hobbies I include, and continue to enjoy, audio. It is fun. But it is not essential by a long shot.Music is entirely different, it is essential to my well being. Most every day. I love music itself, but I also consider obtaining an und... 
Power Cords - Just Say Yes
Re DS's bit about 'cheapness' being a detriment, IMHO this is a classic pitch to embarass vunerable folks into spending their money. I mean who wants to think themselves a cheapskate. Personally I save that for how rich people tip service people, ... 
Power Cords - Just Say Yes
Mapman, Good thought. Personally I really don't care how anyone spends their money or what they believe so long as they don't spend my money or censor my beliefs. But, while I'm at it - Douglas_Schroeder's comment above about success coming to tho... 
I've been gifted a pair of Thiel CS2s
With the budget you are working I think your money would be far better spend if you focused on getting a good integrated amp. Probably a SS one. The problem is with Thiel speakers in general, and certainly the ones I drove (not your), SS amps can ... 
What is my weak est link...? Suggestions please.
Viridian, Harshly stated but on point I think. :-)Abp, Were I in your place I would focus all my attention on getting a full range speaker I had listened to and could build my system around. Speakers first, amp second, sources/pre amp, and lastly ... 
How big of a difference do amps make?
McPherson, Sounds like a good plan, getting a tubed amp for your Merlins. I've not heard the Thor so I can't comment further about that but it has a good reputation. I also agree with getting the 8004, it has gotten high marks as well. In fact I w... 
Perfectionist Audio
Onhwy61, the pleasure and goal for many may well be driving a sports car on a winding road on a pretty day (with the top down, and why not have a pretty blond next to you as well for this fantasy), but consider it is all for not if you don't have ... 
How big of a difference do amps make?
Csontos, that may be so but I think it is too bad if it is so. In a given system if I start looking for sonic changes with the speakers I always look at sources and ancillaries first. But having anticipated what you suggest I only use tube amps wh... 
How to choose the kind of cables for your system?
FWIW cables do make a differfence but how much depends on a lot of things but especially your expectations and your listening skills balanced with your check book balance.What I would do is to buy some inexpensive cables which are a high value, so... 
How big of a difference do amps make?
Steveaudio hits the nail on the head. What are you doing with a 'cheap' cdp and thinking about a better (or different) amp. I have little doubt that the Thor will sound better, but why bother if you really can make a much bigger change with a new ... 
I've been gifted a pair of Thiel CS2s
Mrfarnham, a few questions:1) What do you need in a pre-amp. Just a line stage? Remote? etc2) What are your sources? How many do you have?3) Sonically speaking do you have any expectations? Warm - neutral - cool?4) Will you house all your stuff in... 
Perfectionist Audio
AFAIK, the 'perfectionism' you refer to really occurred with the advent of TAS's and Stereophile's promotion of the 'subjective' review in which they attached personal opinions to everything, in the guise of being objective, professional, and accu... 
High End Hi-Fi like Drugs
Handyhman, FWIW I grew up with vinyl using some fairly decent stuff but not SOTA. In the mid 80's I added a CDP to my ARC amp/pre-amp, Oracle/Grace or Accuphase, & Thiels/Quads. It was horrible. I probably owned no more than 6 CDs for the next...