soix

Responses from soix

Class A\B or D for summer months (vs Class A)
If I was you I’d strongly consider this Valvet Class A amp that’s well within your budget. It doesn’t run very hot due to its relatively low output power but should still have no problem at all driving your speakers. Could be the best of both worl... 
DDC Comparisons
Oh crap, please disregard my prior recommendation on the U18.  I meant all else being equal I’d take the SU6 over the Iris. 🙄😖  I’m not familiar with the U18 but highly doubt I’d take it over an Iris.  Sorry for my confusion.   
DDC Comparisons
I bought a used Iris for $400 and got a significant performance increase with my Musician Pegasus DAC using the i2S connection. On paper it seems like the U18 might be a slight step up but I’ve no idea how much better it sounds especially if you’r... 
Got Innuous, now a DAC
If you go with the Pontus know that down the road for not much $$$ you could get a used Iris DDC and get a significant performance bump.  I got a used Iris for $400 and the improvements far outweighed the cost.  Best of luck.   
Class A\B or D for summer months (vs Class A)
The Atmasphere GaN amp was designed by a foremost tube amp designer and can be found used on hifishark in your price range if you’re patient.  Best of luck.   
Such Great help before. Maybe some more help now
I’d be tempted to try a tube phono stage and listen to some Volti speakers just to see, but otherwise if you’re happy just sit back and enjoy.   
Which inexpensive speaker cables...
Pine tree was too expensive...   Looks like the Etherial, Visceral, and Muscular would all be <$200   Did you call them? https://sites.google.com/view/pine-tree-audio/speaker-cables/speaker-cables  
Class A\B or D for summer months (vs Class A)
What’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?  
Which inexpensive speaker cables...
Pine Tree Audio offers high-value cables that have gotten good feedback here, and the owner seems to be very helpful in providing good suggestions if you tell him specifically what you’re looking for.  Best of luck.  https://sites.google.com/view... 
Bryston?
Hard to believe their latest cubed amps came out about nine years!!! ago so not much new to talk about since their amps are by far their most popular products. They more recently introduced a higher-end (for them) preamp that seemed to land with a... 
Bluesound Node help
@hifi_lc  Congrats on realizing the significant improvements even a budget streamer can bring over a PC.  I experienced the same adding an iFi Zen Stream w/ their iPowerX power supply.  You probably already know, but adding an external LPS from th... 
Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?
The Unison Unico hybrid integrateds are worth looking into given what you’re looking for, and this seller offers a 30-day return policy, which is really nice.  Of course there’s always the used market.  https://soundapproach.com/search/?q=unison%2... 
looking for bookshelves - Another usual boring speaker discussion
Given the speakers will only be about 12” from the wall I’d avoid rear-ported speakers. The Usher Mini-X is front ported, uses their best diamond tweeter also used in their $40k flagship speakers, are extremely well built and look gorgeous, and at... 
Getting a Divorce and can now buy floor standing speakers
Howard Stern’s advice to Chuck Norris while he was going through his difficult divorce years ago — “You know why divorce is so expensive?  Because it’s worth it!”  Can’t help thinking this is even more true for audiophiles.   
Bluesound Node versions SQ
so when a young 20-something coworker, who has backed into this hobby via home theater asks me questions contemplating a purchase, if I can’t give him a valid "why" something should sound better, they might just decide to stick with Bluetooth, an...