phd

Responses from phd

Can anyone comment on the Audio Mirror Pp1 Preamp?
Undertow, I did view your system, very nice! When you upgraded the caps, did you do it yourself because it looks like a very fine job? Anyway I checked my PP1 and there are no 12AU7s shipped with it (as Matrix mentioned), just what is printed on t... 
Levinson 20.5 monos - Time for a Refurb?
Cipherjuris, that is alot of money. Have you considered putting the money towards new mono blocks/ different technology, maybe the Nuforce 9s or are you determined to refurbish the Levinsons? If you are, thats excellent as well. An example only, I... 
Can anyone comment on the Audio Mirror Pp1 Preamp?
Just picked up the Audio Mirror PP1, an incredible value. Makes you wonder if it will ever be necessary to spend more to upgrade it. 
Solid state; when would you use tubes?
Just add a tube preamp for now, that way all your sources will benefit from tubes. Do your research as to which tube preamp will make a good match to your power amp. See what others have to say (Audiogon forums etc.), consult the amp's mfg for the... 
Levinson 20.5 monos - Time for a Refurb?
Cipherjuris, since that is the case, it will be to your advantage to call Levinson and go from there. Let us know what they have to say. 
Levinson 20.5 monos - Time for a Refurb?
I too agree with Beemer, if it works don't fix it! I know alot of folks would say after ten years its time to replace them caps, especially on pure class A amps. But I would guess that it would depend on how often in them ten years they are on/pla... 
differences between tube and solid state designs
Jayarr, well said & how true in regards to tubes offering a 3 dimensional soundstage. Average solid state can be 2D and some of the better at best can offer 2.5D. Although I prefer solid state amplification coupled with a tube preamp, I have s... 
differences between tube and solid state designs
Biomimetic, I agree with you that the benefits of tubes far outweigh their shortcomings. To this day I have always felt the need to have tubes somewhere in my system. Once done the music becomes more involving & enjoyable. However I have encou... 
differences between tube and solid state designs
My experience with tube power amps is somewhat limited (having more experience with tube preamps) but none-the-less my take is & agree with Mrtennis that some of the newer tube designs do sound more like very good solid state with a higher noi... 
"Burn-In" quietly?
Stevecham, well put my friend! I don't think it's old school at all to suggest the journey should be savored. For example when I pack up the motorhome for a trip, getting there is most of the fun. Anyway my system is on most of the time, even when... 
"Burn-In" quietly?
It is not worth the risk of burning up the amp to burn it in! I agree with Swampwalker & 1markr, some amps especially tube do not like being operated without a load. As much as it is an inconvenience to continously play music through gear for ... 
Pick your poison...2-channel or multi?
CDwallace, I agree. We all find our poison in the end as you have mentioned. 
Pick your poison...2-channel or multi?
Cdwallace, I'm not offended at all with comments & your general opinion of audiophiles or where you stand on multichannel verus two channel. The forums are full of opinions including mine. There was a thread started some time ago about what au... 
Pick your poison...2-channel or multi?
In addition some of you are buying into more channels is better than less when time has proven that two channels for music is superior. I am not surprised since some local hifi dealers reserve more room for multichannel products then they do for t... 
Pick your poison...2-channel or multi?
It is my opinion you are not an audiophile if your not a two channel guy, period. Multichannel is for movies, nothing more, nothing less. I use a quality surround sound receiver for movies and it does a darn good job there but it sucks for music. ...