128x128

sbank

Responses from sbank

Mom and pop garage audiophile caliber gear
Eastern Electric Minimax preamp is creating a lot of buzz. Search the archives... 
Soundstage and the effect of the rear wall
I agree with Elevick, but want to emphasize that getting great sound isn't always the most practical. Speaker placement is the most important issue relative to almost any tweak/isolation move you might make. To know for sure, try borrowing some de... 
Pass Aleph 1.2 monos- do they have any 'soul'?
When I heard the 1.2s w/B&W 802s, they showed less of the typical ss steeliness, that Rayhall mentions above, than most other ss amps, but still fall short IMHO to many of the better tube amps as far as "soul" goes. Only other ss I've heard ex... 
VTL ST-80 EL 34 Feedback and experience
I used to own one, about 8 years ago. It was my first tube power amp. It was easy enough to bias, utilitarian in appearance and sounded pretty good driving my Alon IIs. I later replaced it with a Sunfire amp to try to get more bottom end control o... 
Small size tube amps...any recommendations??
A ten pound beast using all small tubes. Fabulous sounding that destroys my previous tube amps from:Cary, VTL & Air Tight. Hard to find to demo, harder to get, even harder to find used...If you're ever near Philly you're welcome to hear mine. ... 
Ever gone from seperates to an integrated?
Yes, I have; and back to separates. The Air Tight ATM-1 is a stereo amp that has 2 inputs and a switch between them, but no active preamp stage...It was fairly low-powered at 35w, but beat head-to-head a combo of Krell monoblocks/Krell preamp when... 
which type of sink for record washing
More important to upgrade the drying rack from the $0.99 Kmart rack to the $1.29 Target one. But seriously, one with nice spacing and rods that allow you to load records on without scratching on the rack, and let any drips fall through without lan... 
Say it aint so--- Teres quality question
Guys, this is what it's all about. Honest conversation, concern & community. Lurking through this thread, any analog enthusiast is bound to pick up some knowledge, I sure did. As one happy to survive 8th grade Woodshop with a "B", and no inter... 
Cleaning LP...how much fluid is enough/too much?
Search the archives for post on this topic by Albertporter. His method has been recommended by many here...Clearly explained too.Albert is one of the most knowledgeable and helpful posters you'll find here in the analog forum. Spencer 
Aerial Acoustics 7B and Best Amplifier Pairing
I've used a Sunfire Cinema Grand to great effect driving 7Bs, CC3 & SR3s. I am a big fan of the Pass Labs amps, and think they could be a match. Could be a too warm combo for some. To my ears, the Macs I've heard are not in the same league as ... 
What ss amp/cables to use w/ARC SP9 MKIII preamp
I used to run a Krell KSA50 with an SP9II, too grainy & bright, and wasn't too satisfying for long.Heard plenty of good comments on the Belles, but nothing firsthand.The Pass Labs Aleph series(e.g. Aleph5), BEL(see old TAS raves) , and Sunfire... 
amp-preamp considerations.
In many cases, you will lose the tube benefits by forgoing the chance to use a tube pre. As for heat concerns, tube preamps use small tubes and generate very little heat compared to tube power amps. Almost all have the tubes inside a chasis.Premie... 
A Suggestion for Spacedeck Users
4yanx,This is the most exciting post I've read in months! As you might recall, I also have a Spacedeck/spacearm/501 II combo, and I also recently added a Boston mat. I've been using the plinth atop a Neuance shelf, Neuance on DH Jumbo cones(recomm... 
Joule Preamp Opinions?
Glad to hear your comments, Markxiii. My LA150 is on the way! If it helps my system as much as the new Berning amp, I'm gonna be happy...Bigkidz, I'll post after I get it going and have a chance to listen for a while. 
Recomendation for speakers BEST for Piano?
Quad ESL 63 or 988! Midrange to die for. Won't play super loud, won't do bottom octave bass, but other than that tough to beat. Reference on voice/piano/acoustic instruments for many reviewers for 25+ years...Tube-friendly and fairly easy to drive.