soix

Responses from soix

New buy, no return policy
In this case apparently the dealer had a demo model on the floor that the OP was able to hear so there was no need to use new speakers for the OP to be able to hear them at home.  The dealer missed out on a $20k or so payday.  Good call. 🙄  
Bad idea?
Used cables are your friend.  These are excellent cables for only $425 shipping included and no cutting required.  If they don’t work out you can turn around and sell them for little/no loss so very low risk to try. https://www.usaudiomart.com/de... 
New buy, no return policy
I know the salespeople make their money from sales and I always feel for them when it doesn’t work out.  Do not feel bad.  You more than did your part and they just refused to do theirs and got exactly what they deserved — nothing.  The arrogan... 
Considering switching to XLR cables,
What are you using for speaker cables, digital cables, power cords, and power conditioning just because all that matters?  While I’ve read nice things about the upper level KS cables the Fascination is at best mixed, which is I think what you’re w... 
I need some advice
For a streamer I’d recommend Innuos or Aurender for ease of use, reliability, sound quality, and customer support.  The Innuos Pulse is $3800 and the Aurender N200 is $6300.  For a DAC the Denafrips Pontus 15th is $2000 but I’d also get their Herm... 
Considering a New Tube Pre-amp
What improvements and sound characteristics are you looking for, what’s your budget, where do you live and are you looking for new or used?    
I need some advice
At the price of the Mooon 891 I’d be looking at separates unless you’re extremely space constrained or really want the convenience of one box.  Being beholden to one manufacturer’s streamer, DAC, and preamp is a big commitment for three critical c... 
Trade thoughts
What sound characteristics are most important to you and what specific improvements are you looking for?  
Considering a New Tube Pre-amp
Those are different sounding preamps.  This depends on what specific sound characteristics and improvements you’re looking for.   
New buy, no return policy
The TMR pair is a no brainer to me.  Much cheaper and you can return them and TMR is local?  Done.  And if your dealer isn’t offering you to borrow his demo pair at home for speakers at that price then they don’t deserve your business IMHO.   
What might pair well with a combined Laiv Harmony uDDC and Laiv DAC?
You should know iFi streamers can be very glitchy and their customer support is basically non existent.  I had a very frustrating connection issue with my Zen Stream that I couldn’t get resolved through their extremely lame online support “system,... 
Replacement/upgrade for Bluesound and Chord Mojo 2 streamer/external DAC combo
To stay near your budget I’d recommend this Musician Pegasus R2R DAC (I own it) and LHY linear power supply for the Node.  The Pegasus will give you natural tone and great detail and bass along with excellent imaging and a spacious 3D soundstage, ... 
Replacement/upgrade for Bluesound and Chord Mojo 2 streamer/external DAC combo
What’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?   
Considering switching to XLR cables,
What specific improvements are you looking for?  Without that critical info this is just a total crapshoot.   
Narrowing line stage search Conrad Johnson ET-6 SE VS. Backart Labs 1.4 Rhuma Extreme
Have you compared those two line stage preamps that the OP is asking about? @yogiboy  No, have you compared those two specific preamps?  Very few if any have and sounds like you’ve only heard the base Rhumba, which by your reasoning wouldn’t ...