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pdreher

Responses from pdreher

What piece(s) of equipment would you most like to try?
Aqua DACs. 
solid state amp power
Recommend you keep your integrated (for now) and buy a used pair of Harbeth M-40.1's.   Despite the 40.1's low efficiency rating, they have a benign impedance curve and are relatively easy to drive.  The 40.1's are a major step up in sound quality... 
Looking for an upgrate from Cronus Magnum
Agree with plan A.  I've always found I regret going from a tube amp to SS. 
Jeff Rowlands Amp and Dac vs. VAC amp and DAC
VAC hands down.   
Auralic Aries users
After almost two frustrating weeks of working through bugs and waiting for the support team to get back to me, I threw in the towel and returned the Aries.  I've since moved on to a Music Vault Diamond music server.  Outstanding sound, outstanding... 
Auralic aires / aires mini
I tried the Aries for about a week, but was unable to get it to work.  You need to have a 5G wireless network from what I've read.   I'd look elsewhere... Squeezebox Touch & Sonos are proven platforms that work.    
Mc 2301 amps
I've owned the MC 275 and it was pretty cool running and made no noticeable impact to the room temperature.    The same can be said for three VAC tube amps I've owned.   Part of it will depend on your room size.  Suggest you call McIntosh or Audio... 
Dynaudio Sappires vs Focal Sopra 2's
I've heard the Sapphire and thought they were okay... and while I have not heard the Focal's, they have the advantage over the Dyn's in being fairly efficient, making them suitable for use with moderate powered tube amps.  The Sopra's do appear to... 
Looking for a Network Music Player
The Squeezebox Touch, while no longer in production, can be had for approx. $350.  They can't be beat for the price.  I tried the Aurelic Aries, but was unable to get it to work... so I returned it 1 week later. 
New Luxman DA-06 doesnt sound so great. Will it get better?
I have the US version DA-06 and it sounds great! 
Tube rolling VAC 160i SE
The big Harbeth's do better with neutral tubes IME.  Can't speak for the 12AU7's, but I always found NOS Mullard CV 4004's to be a nice neutral tube.     
Auralic Aries users
I just pulled the trigger on an Aries & Luxman DA-06 DAC linked by a Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cable. 
what pre-amps to try
Aesthetix Calypso with NOS tubes can be found used within your budget. 
Tried Dynaudio Sapphires with Moon 330A + 330p - very disappointing
Back when I had Dyn C4's I tried Sim W6 monoblocks and, like you, was very disappointed.  I will not own Simaudio again. 
The one component that you wish you had not bought
Musical Fidelity NuVista M3 integrated.  All bling, no substance.Simaudio W6 monoblocks.  Build quality was poor and the sound was hard to explain, but I didn't like it.