rgd

Responses from rgd

What affordable amp should go w/ magnepan 1.6?
Bryston 4B-ST can be found here for easily under your $1500 target. Matched up to am decent preamp (I've had great luck matching Bryston amps to tube preamps)it will be a super amp for the Maggies. 
Review: Emm Labs DCC2 DA converter
Can you only imagine how many 2 channel dacs Ed would sell if he produced just a 2 channel dac in its own chassis assuming that it's price would reflect its now reduced complexity...BTW, great read Tireguy! 
Bryston 14B SST vs Rowland 12's for N802's?
I can't speak to a comparison betwee nthe Rowlands and a 14B-SST but I can advise that moving from a 4B-SST to the 14 was a huge leap forwards. The people @ Bryston will advise that all their SST amps sound the same and its only a speaker's power ... 
Maple Audio Works Ambience I.C.
Sherod - while less than a glowing review in contrast the Inner Ear did like maple's Tranquillity speaker cables so its all about synergy. One man's treasure...As for that review in particular... Did you happen to look at the other equipment revie... 
Review: Maple Audio Works Ambiance Interconnect
you can check out some of the info at Maple's website (www.mapleaudio.com) or cut and paste this link about the Ambiance cable.http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_4/audio-cable-shootout-part-1-12-2000.html 
Bryston 4B-ST, Magnepan 1.6QR, suggest a preamp.
There are a few choices out there but I'll throw an inexpensive one your way - Rogue Magnum 66 ca nbe bought as a linestage with remote or with phono (but not both) for around $750 used. I had one with a 4B-ST and it was rather nice. But if around... 
What's Better - Denon 2900 or Sony NS999es? Why?
Panasonic does DVD-Audio but not SACD... 
Marantz SA8260 plus Scott Nixon Tube Dac
SACD info is only relayed through the analog outputs on your Marantz player not through the coax or optical output that you would use to send it to the Nixon DAC. Therefore you cannot get a the "tube sound" from SACD with your existing gear. 
Review: Philips Philips DVD-963SA CD Player
About that BG cap. I had a friend install one for me about 30 playing time hours ago and right off the bat I really didn't think there was any change. I was willing myself to hear something new, something clearer, really didn't know what to expect... 
Reference Monitor Recommendations Help-Please
Another vote for Ty's speakers. Owned the Ref Monitors and now own the Linbrooks. Amps were 4B-ST and then 4B-SST on both the Ref Monitors. The bigger Bryston squeezed out a little more bass. The Linbrooks will give you a better low end and while ... 
Bryston vs McCormack, any thoughts???
I think you'd be quite happy with either setup and I'm speaking of keep the gear from the same manufacturer together. Not that mixing them up wouldn't prove out OK but there usually is a synergy when it comes to separates from the same builder and... 
New Sony NS999ES is in.
Ben - drop by one of her Majesty's former colonies where you can get a decent beer this side of the Atlantic he says as he zips up his asbestos suit... 
marantz sa-1 mods
check out ww.referenceaudiomods.com. They did a SA-1 some time ago which was reported to rival the best set-up out there. They are not cheap but reputed to offer big time mods. 
HDCD & SACD
Lindemann D680 from Germany. Not sure if its still available in US. Much more expensive (>$7K) than the Denon 5900 ($1.6K)and only does cd, no DVD-A nor DVD. 
Tube pre amp suggestions for my Bryston 3BST
Rogue Magnum 66 or if you can make the leap to a Magnum 99 you'll be in heaven. Have married 3 Rogues to 3 Bryston amps with much success!!!