soix

Responses from soix

Harbeth vs Vandersteen vs Sonner
Never heard Sonner, but as @twoleftears mentioned, Harbeth and Vandersteen are very different animals.  Harbeth will generally sound more rich and midrange centric where Vandersteen will sound more detailed — some will say more “neutral” — with su... 
Very bright SC and IC with coherence in imaging, soundstaging and timing
Lots of requirements, lots of limitations, fighting physics, not much $. Bad combo. If you specify your amp, source, and tubes and wires you’re currently using it would help significantly in generating more useful recommendations here. Taking a sh... 
Recommendations on a big 3 way bookshelf - new or vintage - speakers, have stands 17" high
Budget? 
Music Player Suggestion
I use my iPhone or iPad with Apple Camera Adapter and Audioquest Dragonfly Red and sounds pretty darn good, for whatever that’s worth.  
Qobuz Term of Service
Don’t overthink it.  Qobuz is great.  You can always just unsubscribe, but I doubt you will.  Just enjoy.  
Goldenear Triton One R vs. PSB T3. vs. Spendor D7...
BTW, the D9s are $11,500 and the Profiles are $7k.  Maybe you’re thinking of the JA Perspectives? 
Time for a new DAC?
Yup, buy a used Node 2i and give Qobuz a try — you won’t be disappointed and probably find your DAC is perfectly fine.  I switched from Tidal to Qobuz and would not go back FWIW.  
Wisdom of buying high priced digital gear (given new advancements underway)
I think it’d be worthwhile to buy a better streamer used to see what kind of improvement you get.  If it’s “meh” just sell it for little loss, but those who’ve upgraded from the Node to the likes of Innuos, Lumin, etc. seem to say pretty consisten... 
Budget Integrated for Aerial Acoustics 6Ts
There’s a NuPrime IDA-8 integrated on US Audio Mart for $650 that at least won’t insult the Aerials. There’s also the PS Audio Sprout 100 for $699 new that offers a very small footprint, wood veneer, and an onboard DAC and phono pre.  I’m guessing... 
best-sounding class D amp?
@noble100 just reminded me of D-Sonic amps (6Moons review).  I confess I’ve not heard them, but reviews indicate they punch way above their weight and have characteristics that please both SS and tube aficionados.  Their M3a-800S stereo amp is goo... 
Goldenear Triton One R vs. PSB T3. vs. Spendor D7...
The Profiles cost the same as the D9's and the Revels that got "Best Speaker" on Stereophile.Ah, I’m clearly wrong then.  Sorry I even mentioned the Profiles.  
Speaker match for Chord DAVE and D'Agostino Progression Integrated
Nice electronics.  With your sized room, price range, and preferences I’d highly recommend putting Joseph Audio Pearls on your list to audition.  Best of luck.  
Goldenear Triton One R vs. PSB T3. vs. Spendor D7...
The Profiles are very similar in size and weight to the D7.2 and look to go about 10Hz deeper in bass at -2dB.   
to my ears digital audio does not sound natural? something is wrong!
I don’t really understand what you did from your description, but the first recording sounds like a typical flat, gray, lifeless MP3 track while the second sounds like a more dimensional, cleaner, clearer 16/44 recording.  Not even close in my book.  
Audio GD XA150 Monoblocks
Does seem like a lot of earth-hating amp for the $ though relative to the likes of Pass, Clayton, Gryphon, Boulder, etc.  I hope he at least puts a low-bias switch on this monster. @noble100 — thanks a ton for reminding me of the D-Sonic amps.  Th...