strateahed

Responses from strateahed

Please recommend for my next upgrade
Correction from my previous post: Cryogenics International treats up to eight (8) pounds for $75.Now back to OP request regarding "biggest bang for the buck" AND $500 budget. The question seems to be "where can I spend this amount and extract the ... 
Please recommend for my next upgrade
If you haven't already, rolling to a better tube in the Maverick will get some definite improvement. I have that unit in my office system with a NOS GE 5670 ... pretty sweet. Not sure about the Oppo SE. I auditioned that unit and IMHO it fell a li... 
Blue ray and cd player combined?
Another option is to get the basic (non-SE) version of the Oppo BDP-83 and have Dan Wright (Modwright) modify it. Check archives and web for more info. 
is a center channel really necessary??
Forgot to mention ... similar to Bjpd57a1, MCH for SACD is run External Direct, with no signal processing., 
is a center channel really necessary??
So far we've only talked about 5.1 in a movie application. What about multichannel SACD? IMHO, ya gotta have the center to create most coherent sound wall across the front in MCH. I have my system set-up for 2CH, with HT bypass => AH tube buffe... 
Best Online Music Retailers
Acoustic Sounds my favorite for vinyl online, and for locating SACD titles. It's well organized for search purposes. Once title located, Amazon to audition online, then purchase "used" if possible. Got some great deals like this. Also Amazon for o... 
Excellent affordable cables and interconnects.
Dracule1, yes I compared the LAT IC-200's (which are still in service) to the Straley Oxygen Free Copper IC (which I have sold). These are comparably priced ... the LAT slightly more(~$300). In my system, the LAT's are more musical. Each offer tri... 
Excellent affordable cables and interconnects.
In terms of both IC and speaker cables, I have tried or currently own: LAT International, Anti-cables, Signal, Audio Art, Straley Reality, Morrow Audio, Blue Jeans, and Cobalt. My choice for speakers - Gregg Straley Reality; and after conducting m... 
Where does your user name come from?
"Straight Ahead" Jazz ... my favorite. 
Blue ray player with good audio
Knghifi, that is impressive. Not to hijack the thread, but did you get the MW mod for the vanilla BDP-83 or the SE version? I've exchanged a few emails with Dan, but not a whole lot of hands-on feedback out there yet. Thanks. 
ipod connection to home audio system
For about $100, take a look at the Audioengine W2 wireless device. Google it, and search the archives here for more info. This thing works surprisingly well. 
Desktop Tubes
.... forgot to mention USB capability to PC. I'm using Kimber USB cable ($50) with great results. 
Desktop Tubes
I was in the exact same place 3 or 4 months ago; and found a great solution. It's a very versatile DAC/Pre-amp combo. It has an iPod input and serves as a headphone amp too. Plus it's $200 direct from China. Got it off EBay. I swapped out the stoc... 
best small combo jazz recordings on vinyl
I agree with Gsm18439 regarding "Waltz for Debby" LP (which I also own); also try Bill Evans' "Moon Beams". Great recording, nice cuts ... very well done all around. For vocals, consider Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane. The Romantic Jazz Trio on ... 
Solo Violin...suggestions.
Try Julia Fischer - J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin; and here's a cello suggestion - Janos Starker, Bach: Suites for Solo Cello; Sonatas in G&D Major (be sure to get the Mercury Living Presence version). Good luck and happy lis...