soix

Responses from soix

Amps, preamps, and home theater
Oops, forgot to mention an integrated will work too. I'm not too familiar with integrateds so I don't know of any that have HT passthroughs or three channels of amplification. Either way you're definitely limiting your choices severely and may ver... 
Amps, preamps, and home theater
If you want really good 2-channel performance you'll have to get the Denon outta there as both the preamp and amp sections will both significantly limit your system's potential. But the good news is you can keep the Denon to do surround processing... 
BelCanto DACs vs transport/IC quality
If it were me I'd start by trying different digital cables. Maybe something from Acoustic Zen, HMS, or Zcable to start. Given the DAC2 reclocks the signal I'd bet you'll get a much bigger bang for your buck doing that, at least initially. I've fou... 
TACT digital corrections preamps?
Despite my very high level of respect for TacT's room correction I guess I'm not convinced this is the right preamp for my tastes/system. Personally if I were going to use the TacT I'd probably use it only for room correction and continue to use m... 
Thiel cs 2.3 or B&W N803,804?
What was missing for me with the 803s was life in the midrange. Those Kevlar midrange drivers sound a little dry and sterile to my ears, and maybe that's what was missing for you too. Haven't heard the 2.3s, but unless you're willing to do what it... 
Linn's Ninka speaker: Anyone heard it??
People either love Linn speakers or not -- there's very little in between. People who place high value on pace, rhythm, and timing(PRaT) tend to love these speakers, while people who value things such as three-dimensional imaging and soundstage wi... 
Graphic equilizers?
I wouldn't recommend a graphic equalizer. You'd be better off saving that money and putting it toward a new purchase that eliminates the problem at the source rather than covering it up artificially. In addition, you'd be adding another set of cab... 
Looking for a great XLR Digital cable
I've heard good things about HMS, Acoustic Zen, and Zcable, and if I were looking for a digital cable I'd make sure to audition each of these. Also, and I'm not sure if this is appropriate or not as I'm not overly familiar with your components, bu... 
CD Player output to L/R 5.1 input of Pre-Amp
5.1 inputs are almost always analog passthroughs by default and don't digitally process the signal, but I don't know specifically about the Parasound. From what you describe it seems as if there is no digitization taking place through the 5.1 inpu... 
Using a tube amp with a Solid State preamp
These are only generalizations, but in my system I have found solid state preamps to be quieter with better dynamic capabilities than tube preamps. Tube preamps tended to be a little sweeter and more delicate on the top end, sometimes with better ... 
Time coherence - how important and what speakers?
Audiokinesis - Unless I misunderstood your post, Thiel incorporates the tweeter inside the midrange in a concentric design in its 2.3 speakers (and maybe others) and I believe they also use a first order crossover -- so the design does exist. The ... 
To DAC or not to DAC?
Another route would be to have your new Sony player modified by one of the more reputable tweak guys(i.e. Richard Kern, Dan Wright, Ric Schultz, etc.), and you won't have to mess with adding a digital cable into your system or worry as much about ... 
Tube friendly speakers UNDER 1K?
To the above I'd also add Triangle and Silverline. Best of luck. 
Time coherence - how important and what speakers?
Sure time and phase coherence are important, but these are only two aspects of many that go into how a speaker sounds. If a manufacturer achieves time/phase coherence but botches the crossover or driver integration, cabinet, etc. the result will n... 
Linn Ikemi CD Player vs. Other Lower Cost Options
Obviously the Ikemi is a great player, but at this level it becomes almost more a question of taste. If it were me I'd at least take a look at the Electrocompaniet EMC-1 MkII, which is also a smooth and highly-regarded player at about half the pri...