stuartk

Responses from stuartk

Affordable interconnect for warm system
TVAD, I tried the IC3-SE first. 
Efficient floorstndrs. to reach above furniture
Shadorne,I appreciate your description of the advantages/disadvantages of horn speakers. As I have very little flexibility re: placement, it sounds as though they might not be the best choice.Thanks for your input. 
Efficient floorstndrs. to reach above furniture
Shadorne, I should've clarified that ideally, I'd prefer to keep my Creek and just swap out speakers. Thanks to all who suggested speakers-- I will start to research recommendations The Zu's are very appealing, due to their return policy, but will... 
Efficient floorstndrs. to reach above furniture
Robr45, I need about 30 inches 
Efficient floorstndrs. to reach above furniture
Shadome, it appears, from a quick search of used gear on audiogon, that what you suggest would greatly exceed my budget. Jaybo, do you have any particular speakers in mind? 
How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?
Dcstep, I've been told that Alan Yun, Silverline audio speaker designer, particularly recommended Belles ... at least until he began building his own amps! My dealer is just now starting to carry Belles (I will be his first Belles buyer) and was u... 
How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?
Wow! Seems this thread has now entered the realm of philosophy! Naturally, the following question arises: If a component goes through a break-in process but audiophiles are too busy debating whether break-in is "real" to pay attention... then what... 
How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?
Well, I have to admit that I'm totally confused at this point. All of this disagreement re: breaking-in would seem insignificant if it weren't for the fact that audio gear is so expensive. Perhaps the safest route is simply to only purchase used g... 
How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?
Whoaru99, I couldn't comment-- I haven't owned enough new gear to have formed a strong opinion. 
How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?
Robr45, I experienced a dramatic change with my Creek 5350 se-- far beyond what I was expecting, actually. So I guess that experience puts me firmly in the "believer" camp. Rleff, I will do as you suggest. Thanks! 
How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?
OK, that's encouraging, Musicslug. I realize this is very much a newbie question, so I appreciate your taking the time to respond. 
Reliability of tubes/ Belles 150A vs Jolida 801A?
Hey, Avguygeorge; there's no "bad" to forgive! I would buy a used Reference 150 in a second if I felt freee to do that, but this dealer has, like I said, spent ALOT of time with me. So we are in agreement. 
Reliability of tubes/ Belles 150A vs Jolida 801A?
Avguygeorge, I have to admit that I hadn't ever heard anyone refer to the Hotrod as a "toy" before... I suppose it all depends upon one's perspective. The fact is, I'm committed to buying the amp and pre-amp new from a small local dealer who has s... 
Reliability of tubes/ Belles 150A vs Jolida 801A?
Bmr2a, I appreciate the suggestion, but I'm going to stick with ss; if I'm not mistaken, the 2.5 is a tubed preamp. 
Reliability of tubes/ Belles 150A vs Jolida 801A?
Tvad, that's great news! And thanks to you and everyone else for helping me sort this out.