soix

Responses from soix

iPhone/iPad good as a source, or get a streamer?
Yeah I’m not using the DAC in the phone so I suppose this is more a question of the best way to stream music and how much improvement using a streamer wired to my router would make.  
Von Schweikert speakers
I haven’t heard VS speakers in years, but they’ve always impressed me with their neutral and natural sound along with excellent imaging/soundstage that I put on par with some of my faves including Joseph Audio, Vandersteen, ProAc, Nola, and Usher.... 
should I bother putting a DAC inbetween MacBook Pro and AudioEngine A5+??
I guess it’d depend greatly on the quality of the Youtube recordings.  I’d be skeptical of that, but if they’re decent and you’re as sick as the rest of us here I’d definitely give it a try.  Given your computer is inherently a very noisy source, ... 
DAC upgrade?
The guy at soundnews.net does nice reviews IMO and has reviewed both as well as the A22 and may have even done some comparisons between them.  Again, I do believe you’ll get some improvements, but changing DACs isn’t like changing speakers so whet... 
Best upgrade for cd player?
Get a good DAC.  That’ll give you more of an improvement than pumping more $ into an Oppo that’s out of business — good luck when you have a problem.  What’s your budget? 
Help with upgrade from Marantz 6011
I’d keep the Marantz (it’s probably fine for HT duties) and buy a good stereo integrated amp and incorporate that into the system.  By hooking the 6011’s front L/R preamp outs to an unused input on the integrated (or HT bypass if it has it) and th... 
DAC upgrade?
I’d think you’d need to move up to something like a Gustard A18 ($560) to start hearing significant improvements — and that’s just a semi-educated guess — but as a casual listener I’m not sure it’d be worth it and probably best to just stay put fo... 
Digital upgrade help
What specific improvements are you looking to achieve with the new DAC? 
Starting a 2 Channel System from the Top of the Rabit Hole
Incorporating a dedicated stereo preamp into your system (very easy to do BTW) and adding a couple decent subs while leaving your Rotel in place will completely transform both your 2-channel and HT performance IMHO (and are probably the most cost ... 
Help with upgrade from Marantz 6011
Do you listen to multichannel music or is critical listening more 2-channel? 
Help! Receiver or preamp? Im overwhelmed...
I have a Rotel prepro, and if you like the sound you’re getting now I wouldn’t recommend Marantz, which has a very different sound profile with a softer and less detailed treble but a fuller, richer midrange.  If you’d like to keep the basic sonic... 
Help! Receiver or preamp? Im overwhelmed...
What’s your budget? 
Starting a 2 Channel System from the Top of the Rabit Hole
Backing up for a second, what kind of 2-channel sound improvements are you looking for? 
What tests would you like all speaker reviewers to do for their reviews?
I’d like to see an impedance graph that covers the entire frequency range.  This “Nominal Impedance” number that’s commonly quoted is next to useless IMO, and impedance levels and frequencies are critical to know in choosing the proper amp.  
Why wont speaker companies publish their measurements?
Most listeners are not trained. They dont have the skills or knowledge of an expert like me to know what the hell they are listening for. Priceless, from Qaudio.