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pdreher

Responses from pdreher

VAC 30/70...pick your pre?
I recently purchased a pair of 30/70's and have it paired with an Aesthetix Calypso Signature.   Over the last 9 years or so, I've used either the standard Calypso or my current Calypso Signature with four different VAC amps:  30/30, 70/70 Signatu... 
Has anyone considered rebuying a speaker you once owned??
I'm on my 2nd pair of Harbeth M-40.1's. 
Harbeth Love and your experiences
I'm on my second pair of 40.1's and had an 18 month stint with SHL5's.    While I like the SHL5, the 40.1's are special and I have no plans to try anything else. 
Help choosing integrated
Ditto Waltersalas recommendation on a quality tube integrated (Leben, VAC and Line Magnetic are good choices).  If tubes aren't an option, I'd be looking at class A solid state amps from Accuphase and Luxman.  The Gryphon is also a great option, b... 
from Harbeth 30.1 to SHL5+, an upgrade or lateral move?
Unless you are ready to step up to 40.1's, I'd keep the 30.1's and get a decent subwoofer, as that will get you closer to the 40.1 sound than buying SHL5+.  I've owned the SHL5's (non + version), and am now on my second pair of 40.1's, which I lov... 
Best standalone music server?
Neal from Sound Science makes a great product with personalized service just a phone call away.   He logs into the Music Vaults remotely, sets everything up, trouble shoots and trains owners on proper use of his products. 
Why are Harbeth speakers expensive while its drivers are not.
I'm a Harbeth lemming.  They just sound right to me. 
Harbeth & VAC combo
Here's my experience with Harbeth and VAC:Harbeth M-40.1's with Renaissance 30/30 MKIII had the best midrange I have ever experienced, but the bass was a bit loose and wooly.  Female vocals and jazz are outstanding with this amp, but classical wit... 
Line Magnetic 219ia vs Mc225
While I have no experience with Line Magnetic integrateds, I have tried numerous 6SN7's in several VAC amplifiers and a two different Modwright digital sources.   While I wanted to love NOS Tung Sol's, I found them a bit hot sounding on top.  The ... 
Comparison between Antipodes DS, Naim Unitiserve and Music Vault Diamond.
I have a Music Vault Diamond from 2013 and love it.  Neal from Sound Science provides personal service and takes the guess work out of computer audio.  I have mine paired with a Luxman DA-06 DAC and the sound quality is better than any CDP I had o... 
Advice on a preamp
Used Aesthetix Calypso Signature, if you can find one.  I started with the Calypso, mistakenly strayed... found a used Calypso Signature about 3 years ago and have no intentions of trying anything different. 
Daedalus Athena
I owned the Daedalus Ulysses a few years back.  It was a nice speaker with exceptional hardwood cabinets.   Initially I found them to be very flat and dull sounding, but after running them through a rigorous break-in at high volume they finally op... 
Electronics for Harbeth, Especially Monitor 40 series
I have 40.1's and I've tried many amps and integrateds.    Tube amps are superior in my experience.  Rankings as follows:VAC PHI 200 (current amp)VAC 70/70 Signature (130 pound beast, great on vocals and jazz)McIntosh MC275 MKV (fun, gutsy classic... 
Dynaudio C1 compared to Harbeth Super HL5 plus?
I've previously owned C2's and C4's but prefer the Harbeth M-40.1's to both by a wide margin... not even close IME.   I've also owned the original SHL5's and prefer them to the C2, but not the C4.  Haven't heard the C1, but I'd be surprised if I'd... 
Lampizator Music KOMPUTER or MusicVault or MemoryPlayer64???
I'm a satisfied Music Vault owner.  Neal is very helpful and great to work with.