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philkoan

Responses from philkoan

The best speaker cables you’ve had
This topic has been discussed many times. You have a pair of $30K mono amps and a pair of $50K speakers, So adding a couple of $2K speaker cables makes your combination more excellent and makes you feel better. The margin of an amp is less than th... 
What's the best and/or favorite piece of equipment you've owned? And do you still own it?
Nakamichi Dragon 
Amp repair cost — is this right?
I need to write a book of all cases that I have dealt with repair shops in the last 40 years. Here are just a few typical cases in my real life. A jumbo TV failed to turn on that costs $500 to replace a pair of $9 chips. Refrigerator company charg... 
Best "Bang for the Buck" you have owned?
OPPO UDP205 
I blew up my receiver. Now what?
How can you plug a 110V device into a 220V outlet be cause the plugs are different. Second, I'm pretty sure that the power supply is toasted. Unfortunately, power supply is one of the expensive part in your receive. Only the manufacturer may have ... 
Best CD player under $2000
I would also suggest Marantz SA-11S3 used for around $2K. 
1st SACD Purchase
It came out in 2017. It doesn't play 4K Blu-ray. It doesn't support HDR10. It doesn't have 7-channel RCA out. Comparing to OPPO205, it isn't even close. McIntosh is good in making Amplifiers, Pre-amplifiers and integrate Amplifiers, and that's it.... 
Emotiva not so good
I use the Emo XPA-3, XPA-5 for surround and ceiling speakers, XPA1L for center speaker, and Mac MC452 for front speakers. The Emo speakers are clean to handle surround speakers with no issue.  
Disappointing On Mcintosh......help
If you think Parasound A21 is better McIntosh MC452, buy the Parasound amp. End of story.  
Need under $1500 preamp for my system
Preamp is no longer a "must have" component in today audio system because only vinyl and tape are only two remaining sources. In short, a DAC has been replacing a preamp. There are many "rarely used" high end preamps on the eBay with very good pri... 
confused and don't know what to do
Starting with a pair of B&W 804D is definitely a wrong move. In addition, the "must have" of a 5.1 system is a sub, which is not practical if you live in an apartment. B&W Diamond speakers need a hefty amplifier to drive them, and the cost... 
Audio Rack Selection
If you choose a wooden audio rack, go to a local woodworker and talk to him. You show him a picture and specific dimensions you want then ask him the board footage for the material. Go to this website to choose the wood and order online.https:... 
How much discount typically for a new MC275 to expect from a dealer?
I can't tell you the name of the dealer here. They have always given me 10% and no sales tax because the state they are in is tax free. If you buy 2 pieces, you will get 15% on the second one.  
Why No McIntosh Recommendations?
You see recommendation from users. McIntosh users don't have time to tell people how good the gears they own are. More importantly, McIntosh gears are expensive that keep 99% of people away.  I listen Cassette tapes, Cds and other digital sources ... 
Do McIntosh dealers give discount on new models?
I bought the Mc MX 160 with 10% discount and the Mc MC452 with 25% discount. 10% discount is minimum for most Mc items.