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nwres

Responses from nwres

What to expect if I import an amp and preamp from a Japan seller via US eBay
Bought a Luxman integrated from Japan. Listening to it now, sounds as wonderful as it should. I bought from Buyee Japan, my second purchase. Only paid about an extra $200 for shipping and import etc. A proper step down will not degrade the sound. ... 
Linlai KT88 experience?
@donsachs, have you had a chance to listen to the KT88-'s yet?  
HT Receivers Compared
What are you using the AVR for? Important to know. For Home Theatre they should be similar. Which is what sales reps will be thinking about when try and compare them. For two channel music there will be differences, but none of the AVR's will prov... 
Integrated amplifier for Fritz Speakers
At $1500 you should consider used. Sugden A21 integrated may work nicely. Well reviewed and lots of tube like qualities.  
Marantz vs. Oppo or Theta
For HT duty only, the Marantz will be great. Had one and now a Denon for HT. Same company, similar HT performance. And all the modern software/firmware to manage modern HT sound decoding is a plus.  
$300-$500 Cartridge for Thorens TD-1601 Turntable
My experience has been very similar to @knotscott in regards to Nagaoka vs Grado. I own and enjoy the Nag MP-500 and the Nag 50th Anniversary JT-80 BK. Both are wonderful sounding. I have not heard the MP-200, but based on reviews, it should be cl... 
Vandersteen & Denon AVR-X4700H
I have the X4700H that I use for HT duty only. I have tried its music capabilities. The speaker I used in these test session was more efficient (90 db) and a more linear load (8 Ohm with minimal dips in impedance) than the Vandys you have. Techn... 
External DAC?
Yes, DAC's matter and you can improve the sound to your liking with proper selection. Some will give you a wider more open soundstage, some will tame harsh recordings, some will sound different, but not necessarily better. I would search this site... 
Asking for members blessings on Nagaoka MP 300 purchase
I have the MP 500, have not heard the 300. But for a little extra you will never say what if. Amazing detail, wonderful separation. Perhaps the best bargain in analog.  
Ultrasonic record cleaners
I use the Vevor ultrasonic cleaner. With a 3V PS for the spin. This gives me a little over 1 minute rotation. And my solution is TRITON X-100 , HEPASTAT 256, ALCOHOL (IPA) and Purified water. With a Purified water rinse. Great results with "normal... 
Upgrading Bluesound Node power supply with PD Creative (Hans B. reviews on Youtube)
Another PD Creative / Node 2i user here. Wonderful improvement over stock. I use an SBooster to power the board. This feeds a modified MHDT Orchid with a 7308 tube. No desire to upgrade.  
Re. Marantz Receiver Capacitors
Sometimes they expand with age and begin to bulge and the tops look somewhat rounded. These would be bad. But the age of these caps should be replaced regardless. Better safe than sorry.  
Beginner home theater setup questions...
Hard to go too wrong with your HT setup. You could spend a lot more than the SVS speakers that @Soix recommended or the Klipsch and not realize much extra enjoyment in an HT setup. I am inclined to agree, though I have not heard them, that the SVS... 
What is a good turntable preamp under $500?
Check out Hagerman phono stages.  
2-3k budget - adding DAC/Server to Bluesound Node?
Upgrade your Node first. The Node can be improved by a good margin by upgrading the internal power supply with a PD Creative board - https://pd-cf.com/.../bluesound-node-2-2i-upgrade-low.../ I power this board with a SBooster LPS. Takes the node ...