sfar

Responses from sfar

A good inexpensive integrated for Totem Sttaf's
The Audio Refinement Complete is within your price range used and is a wonderful integrated. Here's one review from Soundstage and there are a number of others online. A typical used price is around $500. 
Would an Audiofile really download music?
It's the most efficient way I've found to discover music I might like but would otherwise never hear. Another excellent source for at least some types of music is emusic.com.It's subscription based and inexpensive, provides samples, and delivers r... 
iMac - iTunes problem
An update on fixing the problem:After the original fix in which I deleted both iTunes preference files I began to use iTunes again, including changing settings in the software equalizer. The problem returned. This time I deleted only the equalizer... 
Canare 4S11 Star Quad cables for speaker
You aren't going to get any agreement here about whether any particular cable is good, or even whether cable makes any sonic difference, but the Canare Star Quad cables are worth exploring for some very practical reasons.There is a range of sizes,... 
Easy to Drive Bookshelf Monitor?
I have the ProAc Response One's and am extremely happy with them. Most of their life with me they've been driven by a 50-watt Audio Refinement Complete but I've also driven them with a reworked Sonic Impact digital t-amp that puts out 6 watts. You... 
Sony STR-DE598 as a Rotel replacement - :-
I agree that you should open the Rotel and check the fuses before you write it off. I replaced two fuses in a Rotel integrated just last weekend after a speaker short blew out one channel and then I (stupidly) switched the speaker leads trying to ... 
iMac - iTunes problem
Jayboard, dumping the preference file worked! Thanks a lot. Back when I was running systems under OS 9, tossing the preferences file was almost routine when troubleshooting any application problem but it had never come up for me under OS X and it ... 
A blood oath among Audiogonistas
RosstamanI apologize if you were offended by my original post. It was intended to be humorous, and most people seem to have taken it that way, but it did have a serious point, as well. Writing in all caps has two immediate effects and both of them... 
iMac - iTunes problem
JayboardYou're right, playing the songs directly through the QuickTime player eliminates the problem. The sound is quite different, much cleaner. I really would appreciate your advice about the software issue. 
Any comments on Sony/BMG's new hidden virus on the
Sony backed down. Here's the Associated Press story, with links at the bottom that detail how to detect and remove the Sony software. 
Any comments on Sony/BMG's new hidden virus on the
This is from today's 'SiliconValley.com' newsletter, 'Good Morning, Silicon Valley' by John Paczkowski:"Sony BMG's digital rights management fiasco has snowballed into a backlash certain to give the company's PR team nightmares for years to come. ... 
Affordable Power for Thiel CS 2.0s
I agree with the suggestion about considering McCormack. I used a DNA 0.5 Deluxe with Thiel 2.2's and, while the Thiels were still a little bright for my taste, the sound was considerably warmer than with the Parasound amp I'd had before. There ar... 
Watch out for your Paypal Account
These 'phishing' schemes are extremely common and you'll likely see them masquerading as any number of well-known institutions, eBay, Wells Fargo, Bank of American, PayPal, essentially any company that might have access to some of your money if yo... 
Extension cords
Another DIY option would be to start with a Hubbell 4 Plex outlet mounted in the matching box with your choice of plug and cable at whatever length you need. Like this:Hubbell 4 Plex 
Best lines in a song
"Was that a raindrop or a tear in your eye,Were you drying your nails or waving goodbye?"Tom Waits - 2:19