oldears

Responses from oldears

Audio Technica AT-0C9ML/ll Repair
I highly recommend Andy Chong at PhonoCartridgeRetipping.He saved my AT-OC9 with a new wire for reasonable $. 
Hubbell 5362. Anyone try this outlet?
I use, under recommendation from a long time audio dealer, the Hubbell HBL5262 outlet. This is the 15A version. He insists that unless you are truly using 20 plugs, that this version will provide better electrical contact to the 15A plug blades. 
What's in your CDP tonight? the minority report
Tony Overwater "Op" (hybrid SACD) by Turtle Records tribute recording to Oscar Pettiford made in Holland 
When a Reviewer "likes" something
I agree with the comments of Tdaudio. The value of the reviews has gone downhill for the last 20 years.TAS is now very suspect as being industry "shills". I am amazed by the stable of "long-term loans" listed as review equipment. I wonder what cab... 
Phono interconnect under $500 used
I am happy with the Silver Dragon phono cable from moonaudio.com in Raleigh. It is custom made to your length and connections from ~$200 to 350. 
Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD
I like the DSD version. The smaller ensemble is like the "sports car" version of Beethoven with better acceleration and handling, not so ponderous.But, I checked the 44.1/16b layer and it is not as smooth and spacious. YMMV 
Pre/Amp/Int for Vandersteen 2ce Sig II for +/-$3k
I recommend an Oppo 105 using the balanced output with Neglex 2534 cables. Look for a transistor amp, class A/AB with a real power supply, and made by a company still in business. It should weigh at least 40 lbs. There are several for sale on audi... 
Words From the Wise
1. Its hard to spend enough on equipment to compensate for a poor listening area.(ie don't spend a ton of money unless you have a good space)2. Spend the time required to position speakers and equipment properly.3.Buy used equipment or demos from ... 
Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD
You may wish to try the Beethoven cycle on Sony/DG with Paavo Jarvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. This are hybrid SACDs recorded in DSD, recently reviewed in the absolute sound issue 226. This is a chamber sized orchestra, maybe not ... 
Pass Aleph P versions
Send your question to Pass Labs. Desmond Harrington or Wayne Colburn (the designer) will precisely answer you questions. 
Best preamp 2k or under, new or used
Pass Labs X2.5 
Cable repair question
Check with moon-audio.com. They did a great job on speaker cable retermination for me. I recently puchased a Silver Dragon tonearm cable and their workmanship is excellent. 
Turntable speed accuracy
I have checked my VOM with the Rives test CD and it reads +_ 1 hz at frequescies from 1000 to 3150 hz, so I think I will buy the Ultimate Analog Test LP to cross-check my strobe disk. I also happen to have an old dual trace scope, so I should also... 
Oppo BDP-95
Be careful to go into the Oppo menu and lower the gain when you switch to variable volume control BEFORE you connect it directly to your amps! I prefered my preamp volume control, but it is easy to try to see which you prefer. If your present prea... 
Please critique my Delphi set up, bass not right
I recomend that you read the references to setting VTA in the Slindie Rabco arm post.