soix

Responses from soix

New streamer
I think you should add Innuos to your list.  Excellent streamers and customer support, and their Sense app gets top marks for both sound and usability.  Here’s a used Zen Mk3 that’s in your budget, and it’s also got a cd drive and onboard storage ... 
Integrated amplifier for Martin Logan Ethos
Really depends on what sound characteristics/improvements you’re looking for, and several of the amps you listed sound very different from one another. Also, the DAC is very important and I’d advocate for buying a standalone DAC if you really want... 
can subwoofers make things worse?
@sudnh Note he did not say SVS was a one-note boom sub and said it was capable of doing bass tonality.  In general are they as good as REL or Rythmik in that area, no.  But neither are they a one-note boom box as you imply.  That he lumps JL Audio... 
Best sounding headphones you have owned?
@yyzsantabarbara Why did you sell your SR1a ‘phones?  
Why do I prefer R2R over Chip based DAC's?
If I was you I’d look at something like the Musician Draco R2R DAC, which apparently gets very close to my pricier Pegasus (see below), and pair it with a Linear Tube Audio MZ2 amp with linear power supply that can be found used for around $1300. ... 
XLR to RCA conversion
Maybe a longer-term solution, it seems a bit of a shame you’re running a fully-balanced preamp into a single-ended amp.  If I’m you I’d be saving up for a good fully-balanced amp from the likes of Atmasphere, ARC, VAC, etc.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.  
Room Setup/Tuning/Compensation War Stories
Depending on the speaker, plugging the ports can change their tonality.  I tried it with mine and didn’t work, but it’s cheap to try.  I used cotton or rolled-up tube socks.  
50 ways to leave your lover
50 ways gets all the press among drummers, but Steve was doing this stuff way before. Check out Jim Croce’s “workin at the car wash blues”. Great track by Steve, also with a marching band style. @chayro Sorry, but no. Just…no. There’s no compar... 
Add Chord Cutest (DAC) to Bluesound Node or purchase HiFi Rose RS150BDAC
If it fits your sound profile, I’d suggest giving this Musician Pegasus a good look.  You could add their Pisces D2D that’d allow you to use i2S for a very nice performance bump and add an external power supply for the Node all for about the same ... 
Recommendations for a 1-2k used amp?
I think Van Alstine is a great recommendation given what you’re looking for.  Since you seem to like the ARC sound I’ll throw this out there as well… https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb7ijj-audio-research-d-200-solid-state Best of luck.  
Estelon's AURA Speaker Arrives at Reviewer/Artist Greg Petan's NYC Loft, Part 1!
Looking forward to hearing more.  I’m from the NYC area and can’t even imagine what that apartment is worth.  
Audio Mirror WAVE tube based line-stage is one of StereoTimes 2023 Most wanted Components
Thanks Terry.  Look forward to reading it.  I forget, have you ever reviewed any of the AM DACs?  
Add Chord Cutest (DAC) to Bluesound Node or purchase HiFi Rose RS150BDAC
I think you’re on the right track as long as the Qutest offers the sound qualities you’re looking for.  The other thing I’d do is upgrade to an exterior linear power supply as many Node users report big improvements from that.  I’d think between t... 
Ipad pro + Ethymotic Er4 SR, brilliant
I still highly doubt the DAC/amp in the iPad is superior to something like the Dragonfly Red or Cobalt, but as long as you’re enjoying it that’s all that matters.  
In Wall Speakers recommendations
Wisdom Audio is a cut above everything but not sure what their price points are — probably more than you wanna spend I’d guess.