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pdreher

Responses from pdreher

Rogue 99 pre vs. BAT vk30
Can't speak to the Rogue, but previously owned the BAT VK30 and was disappointed with the sound (grainy and mechanical sounding), however the build quality and appearance of BAT gear is top shelf. I highly recommend the Aesthetix Calypso with NOS ... 
Amp Suggestions for Harbeth C7es3
Come on... you know you want to go to the darkside... try some tubes! Cary SLI 80 in triode mode would sound heavenly with your musical tastes and small room. Other well respected tube integrateds to consider:- ARS Sonum Filarmonia- Leben (take yo... 
My Final Choices For New Amp - Need Your Help
Of the group you mentioned, I'd be leaning towards either the BAT or the Music Reference. Personally, my experience with the McIntosh MC275MKV with upgraded tubes was very, very favorable... and the amp has plenty of oomph and runs cool. The stock... 
Dali helicon 800 mk2 or Harbeth 7 for luxman 550 a
Given that the Helicon 800's are full range and retail for approx. $7K, I suggest you get closer to comparing apples to apples and compare your Helicons to the Harbeth Super HL5's. The Super HL5's should work with both your Luxman and Cayin amps a... 
ARC VSi60 vs Ayon Spirit II/III
Out of the two, I would definitely go with the ARC. Audio Research has withstood the test of time, has good resale value, a great support network and will likely still be in business 10 years from now. I own and recommend the McIntosh MA2275. This... 
8 ohm speaker that sounds like sonus faber
I'm using the Harbeth M-40.1's with a 75WPC integrated. They sell for $12K retail or $8K used. Harbeth's are known for being warm, smooth and musical, much like Sonus Faber. There's a like-new pair listed right now for $7,800. 
McIntosh 2102 versus 2275, which is better for LT?
I'm thinking you should be considering either the MC275 MKV paired with your C28 or the MA2275. I've owned the MC275 MKV and currently own the MA2275. Personally, while I found the MC275 to sound more like the stereotypical tube amp, I prefer the ... 
Would you pay to listen?
I've heard a system that I estimated to have a retail value in excess of $300K. I found it to be disappointing and a huge waste of money. 
McIntosh Tube or Solid State - what way to go?
I've owned mostly solid state amps (ROTEL, YBA, Plinius, BAT, Forte and a Pathos hybrid integrated) until last April when I tried a McIntosh MC275 MKV tube amp. It was the best amp I had ever had by a lg. margin. Regretably, I sold it to try a sim... 
How to shop for speakers?
I agree with Inna... you should seriously consider used speakers. Then if you are not satisfied or want to try another flavor you can move up, lateral or down with little financial loss. BTW, as a previous Dynaudio C4 & Mac MC275 owner, I can ... 
First tube integrated amp
budget, what speakers are you using, what kind of music do you listen to??? 
tube or ss tuner
I love tubes and use them in my amplification and CDP, but actually prefer the sound quality of my vintage Sansui TU919 over my previous Magnum Dynalab MD-108 with NOS tubes. So I'd say one is not necessarily better than the other when it comes to... 
Devore vs Harbeth
I can't speak to the DeVore's, but I think the notion that Harbeth's need to be driven with a high powered solid state amp is not accurate. I've driven my Harbeth M-40.1's with the following:1. Plinius SA-102 (class A SS @ 125 WPC)2. Musical Fidel... 
Recommend an integrated amp for my Harbeth 40.1's
Well I'm on day two with my MA2275 that I bought from AudioClassics. I did not waste any time with the new set of stock tubes that they included, and instead, immediately installed a fresh quad of Gold Lion reissue KT88's and NOS Telefunken smooth... 
Integrated for Sonus Faber Guarmeri Memento??
I've read in several forums that McIntosh is a synergistic match with Sonus Faber. I just rec'd the all tubed McIntosh MA2275 to which I've added upgraded tubes and it sounds stellar! Not sure if 75 WPC is optimal for the memento's 4 ohm min. impe...