sudnh

Responses from sudnh

Streaming recommendations
Get an ifi zen streamer and use coax connection.    ifi zen using coax is unbeatable at its price point. The ifi zen can be found pretty inexpensive used.    Don’t do usb on the ifi zen. Usb is lackluster on the ifi zen.    Also get a linear po... 
Best Receiver for “Mid-Fi” System?
With focal speakers pls don’t limit them with mid fi gear the likes of denon and marantz (unless a 20 year old marantz).    get a used Arcam or Cambridge Audio or rotel or anthem or rega AVR amp and be at entry level high end.   
Is it possible to really know what you're doing?
Similar experience/journey.    what really helped educate my ears was being part of a small group of fellow audiophiles and regular listening sessions at each others houses and we were all going thru different gear as upgrades or just on loan to ... 
Vinyl Warm Up Time
Very typical and once you start hearing the difference one has to play filler records to get the system warmed.    i hear this warm up on the digital side as well and I will start playing music 1/2 hr before I sit down for serious listening.   
Need Ideas on speaker cables
Try Ataudio cables from Aliexpress.  I don’t recommend their silver coated ones. Very detailed but edgy.  But their copper cables are really nice and I am coming from Cardas Clear.    dunno how they are so cheap.  these folks have their hands on... 
Why most $3000 and lower DAC’s sound almost identical
All this typing and not a single word towards the analogue amp in every DAC that also has a huge impact on sound 🙄 (or power supply, etc).    Your “theory” is myopic and doesn’t show you have really done listening.   
Does other Audiogon members' opinion carry any weight for you ?
Yes here and there.  Found ‘not common’ sources for quiet LPS, good cables, tweaks, etc.  Great insights and eloquence in some posts.   
Are streamers digitally enhanced?
@dogearedaudio big ++ and 👍🏽👍🏽 for laying it out right!!  
Are streamers digitally enhanced?
Unfortunately your “studio engineer” friend doesn’t know much.    streamers that output less electrical noise in the digital output will sound better.    adding a quiet power supply to a streamer (or a better power cable if it’s built in) will r... 
B&W 802D1 - How can I tame the brightness?
You don’t say what the rest of your gear is.    b&w’s are highly revealing of components that add noise and distort highs.  you likely need better gear especially better cables.   
Klyne Audio Arts System 7 line stage
My reply may be too late for you but klyne audio rebuilt my preamp last year (2024) and I talked with Stan.   
Toslink optical cables: Audioquest Optilink 3 vs Glass?
You can borrow the wireworld glass cable from thecableco.com for a small fee.    once you borrow it and try it your fee will be applied to the purchase like mine did.    yes good optical glass cables sound better. You won’t notice unless you hav... 
Shakti Stone
These work but you need a mid level or better high end audio system to hear the effects of what the metal does for electrical/magnetic fields.    I have one under my pass amp where the toroidal transformer is. The amp is on a raised stand. Movin... 
"audiophiles listen to their equipment"
I do know “audiophiles” who only listen to a same small set of tracks.    I am always looking for new music. Returning to familiar/favorite music when new gear pops in.  Always great when new gear brings out new details in favorite music.   
2 Channel system sounds weak and lackluster
Untreated room!?!?!  🤣   As a test hang some blankets on all the walls, including and especially behind the speakers and listen again.    You’re welcome!