noodlyarm

Responses from noodlyarm

A life sentence!!!
That would by my 35 yr old Xstatic EC/X full range electrostatic speakers built by Jason Daniels with Brazilian Cherry & Italian Marble frames by Jim Gittings. I keep trying them against other speakers and I’ve never found anything else I like... 
$3500 floor standing speakers used. What would be your choice ?
+1 for Totem.   Tremendous value and all around excellent speakers.   Super easy to drive.   Might look at the Bison Towers or similar.  
Do you listen to your music with your eyes open or closed or a combination of both?
Eyes open when I'm just playing music. Eyes closed and glasses off when I’m listening critically. As per others, I think I can listen better without the visual distraction. My room has lots of windows, so lights on or off doesn’t really matter.  
Tampa Audio Expo 2025
I went to the Tampa Audio Fest/Expo on Friday.   Lots of rooms and moderately crowded, but no overcrowded.   I was mostly able to get right into any room and get a good listening seat. Like any event like this, it's overwhelming and marginally co... 
If you HAD to purchase a used (over 4 years old) DAC, what would it be?
+1 for the T+A DAC 200.   I have one and am delighted with it.   However, I think it’s only 4yrs old; wouldn’t meet the OP’s premise….  Great DAC though.  
All-in-One units for retiring audiophile & music lovers in 2025, say what?
I have both the Krell K300i and the NAD M33 Masters integrated/all-in-one amps.   I quite like them both for different reasons.   The Krell is luscious, powerful, smooth, and all around very pleasant.   It needs an external streamer, but that’s fa... 
Solid state amp that tube fan can be happy with?
I travelled a similar path.   For my ears, I found the NAD class D amps to be extremely quick and detailed, but lacked the tube warmth I love.   Krell was the answer for me.   I love the Krell sound as it is like tubes yet has more authoritative a... 
Power amplifier longevity… thoughts?
I suggest you try a newer but used Krell.   The newer ones with the iBias technology are wonderful, stable, powerful, and sound simply like music.  
Need Opinions for Different Cable Manufacturers/Cable Designs
My experience with cables is that they can make a really noticeable difference, but I don' think I'd classify that difference as "vast". I will say that one cable that sounds great in one system may sound horrible in another.   I love my GR-Resea... 
Electrostatics and tubes
I've been a stat fan for nearly 40 years.   I find the pairing of electrostats and tubes to be magic.   Electrostats are typically 91-92dB efficient, so you don't need a ton of power.   You should have plenty and those VTAs are sweet. I'm not a f... 
Spades vs. Banana plugs ??
Locking low mass banana plugs for me.   Locking is important as it improves the connection and makes them less likely to get pulled out.  I use the WBT-0610Cu bananas.   I understand their newer version is better, but I’ve not tried them.  
DAC options to consider for Innuos streamer
Hello, I also use the Innuos Zen Mini Mk3 as a streamer running Sense via USB into my T+A Dac200 then into my Krell gear. I am quite happy with this chain, but I am considering changing from USB to I2S just to see if/how it is different. My prior... 
PrimaLuna dialogue hp
I owned a PrimaLuna HP Dialogue integrated amp.   It was excellent, but not a good match for my speakers.   The amp was very well built and as long as it was well cared for, you should be fine with a 10 year old model.   Kevin Deal (Upscale Audio)... 
It Pegged the Needle on My "BS Meter". Now, I'm A Believer. Ever Happen to You?
Hmm, I was not aware of that trick, but it doesn't surprise me.   In our case, we did not use the Monster Cable demo box, we just had roughly equal lengths of Monster Cable and compared that the zipcord speaker wire.   We just moved cables around.... 
It Pegged the Needle on My "BS Meter". Now, I'm A Believer. Ever Happen to You?
In the late ‘70’s I was working for Water Street Stereo, in Santa Cruz, CA.   I’d been out on vacation and when I came back we had in a spool of speaker wire from a company named Monster Cable.   My colleagues were raving about it.   I cried BS.  ...