stevehuff

Responses from stevehuff

dcs bartok vs DENAFRIPS TERMINATOR-PLUS
I have heard the Terminator II, PLUS and now 12th Anniversary along with the DCS Lina and Clock combo which is very similar to the Bartok. There is no real winner between the PLUS or 12th Terminator and the DCS. The Denafrips will be about low no... 
Best kept secret in AC line filtering conditioning
The PSM 156 is in my system now. I recently removed a PS Audio P20 and before that had a Niagara 1200 and then 3000. The 156 is the only one that stopped transformer buzzing from a couple of my amps. Taking it in and out is quite dramatic as our p... 
Is the Cary SLP-05 still relavant?
The SLP05 is the best pre-amp I have heard (has the ultimate upgrade). For me, it beat out several pre-amps, even one that retails for $9k more. It's not only a work of art, it has a sound that is very addictive. Added a NOS Mullard Rectifier and ... 
DAC Merry Go 'Round- why I stopped at Weiss
I was also enamored with the Weiss DAC after testing DAC's from Nagra, Chord (Dave), Terminator II, Bartok and many others. It's what I decided to stick with for my reference as well. Nothing else sounded quite like it.  My review... http://ww... 
Rank the top reference DACs you've heard
I have had the following DAC's in my system for evaluation.  1. DCS Bartok 2. Chord Dave (with and without M Scaler) 3. PS Audio DirectStream  4. Chord Qutest (with and without M Scaler) 5. Lampizator Amber 3 6. Chord TT2 (with and without M... 
Disappointment with Pass Labs - I'm looking for something else
Cornwall III's can sound dull, muted and warm with many amps/preamps. The new IV is much more alive, lively and sharp. I love my pass gear with Heresy IV and LaScala. Gorgeous, huge soundstage and sweetness that tames the highs of these speakers. ... 
Pass Labs Int 25 vs Int 60
Just an update. I have had many amps in for review over the last few months and the INT-25 is still tops in my book for a few reasons. I have an INT-250, INT-25, XP-10 and XA 60.8's, a couple of Tube integrated, a Schiit Freya + and Aegir. I have ... 
Looking to buy a quality integrated $10,000 budget.
Im late to the party but for anyone interested... I have LaScala AL5's and have tried:Pass Labs INT-250 (15 Watts Class A)Pass Labs XA60.8 Mono (ALL Class A)Cary SLI 80HSYamaha 1200Pass Labs INT-60Naim AtomWillsenton R8 Tube AmpLuxman 590 AXIIThe ... 
Recommend a dac that contributes to system for tight bass
Ive had a Chord Qutest for a long while and I keep going back to it even though I try many different dacs from time to time. I will say the Qutest is one of the DAC’s that gave me the deepest, biggest and tightest bass. It’s also warm leaning in m... 
Line Magnetic 845 Premium or Pass Labs INT-60?
I have a Pass INT-25 powering a set of Dynaudio Heritage Specials which are rated at 85DB and 4 ohms. I also use it to power Klipsch Heresy IV's. I used to own the older LM 845 219ia. I love both amps but without question would go for the Pass Lab... 
Moving up from a Node 2i
I have a Lumin U1 Mini and a Node 2i here used as a streamer into a Chord Qutest. I also used to own a Zen Mini MKIII. All three sound exactly the same used as a streamer. No difference. The DAC makes the difference much more than any transport/st... 
Klipsch Heresy 4?
I did not replace my H4's. I actually have two sets. I review audio, and have for many many years. I get in a lot of gear, so some stays, some goes. Those that stay are special to me. The H4's are special to me. Listening right now as I write this... 
Pass Labs Int 25 vs Int 60
Also, the int-25, for me, has the all out best bass performance of any integrated I’ve had. Bests the Luxman and any others I’ve had. Makes the naim pieces sound thin. But the magic lies in the mids with the 25 and Heresy.  Nothing harsh about it ... 
Pass Labs Int 25 vs Int 60
My review:https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2021/01/22/the-pass-labs-int-25-integrated-amplifier-review-the-sweet...I use the 25 with Klipsch Heresy IV, chord Qutest DAC, Chord Mscaler, and a simple blue sound node 2i (dig out to chord). Nordost Blue... 
What Class A is better? SUGDEN FPA-4 or PASS LABS XA-25
I have tried out a Sugden A21SE and a Pass Labs INT-25. I kept the Pass Labs. The Sugden is nice, and the Pass is nice. I felt the Pass was a better product, though more expensive so it should be. For me, sounded better and was built with a true h...