smatsui

Responses from smatsui

Streamers and their Fuses
I’ve had my W20SE for about 1-1/2 years in my basement system and a Grimm Audio MU1 in my living room system.  I believe in the benefits of fuses but I’m surprised that it would benefit the sound quality of a W20SE due to its audio circuitry runni... 
What's your favorite $5-7000 turntable?
Rega P10 is my choice in that price range.  I've had mine for almost 2 years and it's a fantastic turntable.  Before the P10, I had its predecessor the RP10.  The P10 is quieter than the RP10 and it has many small but meaningful improvements.  I a... 
wanting to take a digital step
I have 2 streaming systems in 2 different systems in my home.   One is wired and the other uses a WiFi extender wired to the streamer.  Both systems use very high end streamers, Aurender W20SE (wired) and the Grimm Audio MU1 (WiFi extender).  I al... 
Michael Fremer leaves Analog Planet
Does anyone know when MF will join TAS?  In my latest issue of TAS, September 2022, he's not listed as a writer.  
New Rega P10 setup
@crustycoot, I agree.  I don't see how a dealer could make such a big mistake.  Sounds shady to me.  
My experience with the First Watt F7
@roxy54, what speakers were you driving with the F7?  I've never owned a First Watt or a Pass Labs amp but I've been tempted to try one for my Cornwall IVs.  
New Rega P10 setup
@marktheshark, usually Rega offers a nice discount on the Apheta 3 (factory installed) through their authorized dealers when you purchase a P10.  I assume you're buying the open box P10 from an authorized Rega dealer.   The dealer may be willing t... 
New Rega P10 setup
I have an upgraded 25 year anniversary Linn LP12 (I'm the original owner) with Radikal power supply, KEEL subchassis, Ekos SE arm and Akiva MC cartridge.  I also have a Rega P10 with Apheta 3 cartridge.  The turntables are in different systems and... 
Speaker polyamory -- or, stories about getting a second set to alternate with your primary
I have Harbeth M40.1 speakers in my main floor system.  In the basement system, I switch between Klipsch Cornwall IVs and Sterling Broadcast LS3/6 mounted on Skylan stands.  I'm thinking of getting a pair of Magnepans 3.7 for a 3rd speaker in the ... 
Choosing Headphones up to 1700 USD
The one downside to ZMF headphones is quite often you'll have to wait for 2-3 months for the headphone to be made.  Their headphones are in high demand and there's always a waiting list.  The wait is worth it imo.  
Choosing Headphones up to 1700 USD
I'm surprised no one has mentioned ZMF headphones.  The Aeolus is $1199 and it has beautiful hand finished wood cups.  They have punchy bass and excellent mids and highs.  A lot of ZMF owners like tube amps but solid state amps will do very well. ... 
Turntable advice
Buy a Rega P6 with a factory installed Rega cartridge. It’ll take about 15-20 minutes to unbox, level, set the tracking force, set the anti-skate adjustment and start playing records. No worries about azimuth, zenith, vertical tracking angle; etc.... 
Which would you choose for good sounding tube preamp for an audiophile new to tubes.
I 2nd crustycoot's recommendation of the AVA FET Valve CF all tube preamp.  I've had nothing but tube preamps in my system for the last 30 years including a Conrad Johnson PV11, Audible Illusions Modulus 3 and later the 3A, Convergent Audio Techno... 
$3-5K speakers to match Rockna/Enleum
@orrman, I have a very similar set up to yours.  I own the Enleum 23R and my system consists of a Aurender W20SE, Holo May KTE, Rega P10, and Luxman EQ-500 phono stage.  My speakers are the Klipsch Cornwall IVs at $6600 MSRP.  Yes, I know that is ... 
Deal Fellow REL Owners
I use a Signal Cable Magic Power Cord and I use their Speakon cable to connect my REL S5 to my amp.  This has worked well for me.  All my other power cords in my system are Triode Wire Labs.