philgo01

Responses from philgo01

Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k
So many options out there...   I ended up with the Rogers Hi Fidelity integrated for way under $6K !!!  It's a SET AMP, Class A, can replace between KT88 and EL34's auto bias.  Low power though, like no more than 10 wpc...  My other choice would ... 
DAC Compatible with PS Audio SACD Transport
Any of the Denafrips DAC that has I2S would be my go-to DAC... I belive it is all configurable. as I2S pinouts are not standardized.  Alvin Chee of Vinshine audio is a great guy to work with.   BTW, I am under the impression that PSAudio's SACD ... 
Expensive Dac to keep or cheaper and change overtime
@grahams248 One word of caution with PSAudio DACsis its I2S pinouts are not configurable which means to play DSD layer of SACDs, you have to have PSAudio’s transport. There are DSD capable DACs with I2S (over HDMI, over RJ45 etc) that are configur... 
Why is everyone so down on MQA?
I am a firm believer in letting the free market decide.... eventually those that have poor value propositions will just disappear !  It's capitalism at its best.   
When someone tells you it's a $40,000 amp, does it sound better?
It is so subjective....  Double Blind testing is the only fair way of doing an honest assessment so as to eliminate any biases.    
Schiit Audio
Email responses can take a few days...  Great value at amazing price points, and Made in the USA !  Ticks all the right boxes for me.    
Which sounds better: I2S or Coax.
My understanding of I2S especially for SACD playback is there is no industry standard hence some manufactures of I2S capable DACs built in some configurability of their I2S pinouts (in this case, I think HDMI).  SACD DSD playback with I2S seems so... 
MoFi controversy
Consumers felt that MoFi was not transparent and the fact that they charge $125 for what is essentially a digitally sourced pressing is what rubs people the wrong way. I have no dog in this fight. I get all my high quality records from Analogue Pr... 
worth the jump to Cornwall IV's from Forte IV's?
Check out Andrew Robinson's channel on Youtube on this very topic:    
So I bought the Willsenton R-800i
I've always wondered about after sale support from the likes Wlllsenton, Cayin, and multiple seemingly well regarded amps that don't have wide distribution in the USA.   That's the major reason I stayed away from them.  
Class D Integrated Amplifier Recommendations.
  I am thrilled with my Marantz Model 30 integrated amp.  Stereophile has a nice review and is a "2021, 2022 Recommended Class A" ...  Now my setup includes an A/B switch  (One Little Bear) that allows me to select this Class D amp OR a Class A... 
Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?
I never understood $100K amps, $250K speakers, $50K streamers.. Yet, I am totally ok with it. It's called capitalism..  The market will sort itself out in the long run !    
Best streamer for a returning audio guy
Bluesound is supposed to be very well regarded at a fair price.  I am waiting for their update to the Vault 2i and I like to rip all my CDs too.  I use Amazon Music as my streaming service which means having streamers that work with Amazon Music n... 
I2s DSD
My understanding (no first hand experience though) is if your SACD transport has I2S using HDMI type of connector, it will only work with the same branded DSD capable DAC that also has I2S using HDMI ...e.g. PS Audio SACD transport to PSAudio DAC ... 
SACD repair?
I have a 20+ year old SONY CD/SACD carousel type of player. On SACD Hybrid discs, it only reads the CD Layer. On SACD only layer discs, it still reads SACD !!! Decided against any repair and bought me a nice Marantz SACD30n SACD network player.  H...