soix

Responses from soix

Bookshelf speakers for small room
I’ll just throw out a combo of a DENAFRIPS Venus ll DAC, Raven Audio Blackhawk ll tube integrated, and Joseph Audio Prism or Pulsar speakers. BTW, you might also consider Hifiman Arya headphones as they may come closest to matching your HD800’s so... 
Who else is using old cables/interconnects, and is happy?
I'm skeptical though that cables matter muchWell @tk21, with so many cable companies selling direct these days with generous trial periods it’s certainly not too hard to find out if you’re right, so why not try?  You might be surprised.    
DAC's with volume control question
I had a Bel Canto DAC3 in my system a while back and I couldn’t tell the difference using it as a preamp vs. my Bryston BP6, which was shocking to me.  The Gustard A22 might also be worth looking at as the guy at Soundnews.net found it to have a g... 
Bookshelf speakers for small room
Budget?  What sound characteristics are most important to you? 
Joseph Audio dealer in the northeast?
It would be nice if they’d publish a list of these dealers, especially since there don’t seem to be too many of them out there.  Seriously, what’s with the secrecy?  Maybe you can ask Jeff when you speak with him, but when people who want to hear ... 
Who else is using old cables/interconnects, and is happy?
Acoustic Zen Silver Reference interconnects and Satori shotgun bi-wire speaker cables have been constants in my system for about 20 years — yikes!!! — despite others making brief appearances and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.  
McCormack REV B upgrades. Better than a new amp?
Unfortunately the caps by far are not the biggest problem.  McAmps of that age have input boards that are now failing, which is fatal because there’s no repair for it so the amp is basically toast and requires a total rebuild.  You can speak with ... 
Pass Labs vs. Sugden
Clayton Audio is lesser known but makes very highly regarded Class-A amps that you may also want to explore.  There’s also Plinius.  FWIW.  
Holographic, 3D Solid State Amp under $6k
The Clayton Audio S100 would be a great Pass substitute as it’s also Class A, and it has a convenient Hi/Lo bias switch so you can leave it on without heating the room or assaulting your electric bill.  Best of luck.  
Replacement for 802 D3s
I’d cross the Paradigms and Revels off your list if the 802s are too bright, and it’s hard to fathom the Harbeth looking at home in a modern decor.  I think Sonus Faber is a good one to pursue as well as the Sasha, and the Rockport Avior ll should... 
Which integrated amp to match with 803 D3
Lots of excellent choices. What sound characteristics are most important to you and what’s your budget? 
iPhone/iPad good as a source, or get a streamer?
Thanks @calvinandhobbes.  Just curious what DAC you’re using and what kind of improvements you got with the Pro-ject?  I assume you were using the Apple Camera Adapter out of the iPhone?  Thanks again.  
Chord DACs .. who has moved across to them from R-2R based DACs ?
Just to add to @jjss49 that, like all DAC architectures, R2R DACs too have their sonic variations within the type.  There are tubed and non-tubed, and oversampling and NOS types, both of which (among other things) can have a significant impact par... 
Yamaha vs Rotel
Yamaha will have best build (and probably parts) quality by far and will have a warmer, fuller and more robust sound.  I’d put the Cambridge and Rotel more in the “white wine” sonic category, and both have had their share of reliability problems w... 
Looking for a ‘’No braine’r Integrated amplifier under 7500 or so
I honestly can’t conceive of spending that much on an amp without knowing what speakers I’m going to use.  Maybe I’m just built different.  Best of luck.