sunset_ranch

Responses from sunset_ranch

ARCAM + WILSON Sophia review
I've had many different Components and Cables hooked-up to my Sophias over the past 3-years, and they have always sounded great - that great sound does however improve substantially when you move up to reference-grade components - then the Sophias... 
Pass Labs XP-10 & XP-20 preamps
"The Absolute Sound" magazine just published a thorough review of the PASS XP20 (& XA160.5) in their current April/May issue. The Reviewer claimed both components to be among the best available and bought both! PASS has knocked-the-cover-off-t... 
Preamp recommendations up to $2000
A second vote for the PASS X1 or X2.5 - both are excellent neutral sounding well-built fully balanced Preamps. - with great customer service from PASS as well. Worth checking out... 
Wilson Sophia2s demand better than AYRE V5xe, so..
The current PASS Stereo Amplifiers have a very good synergy with Wilson Audio Speakers and are within your budget. The X250.5 and X350.5 work very well with the Sophia. I would recommend an audition if possible - "Reno HiFi" offers "at Home demos"... 
how much would you say a good set up cost
I agree with Elite - that to the many professionals (executives, Doctors, lawyers, etc.) that use this site, $30K is not an extravagant amount to spend on a good “new” Stereo System, but is rather quite realistic. I too agree with Jax2 that outsid... 
What's a good upgrade from a Krell 300cd cd player
A friend of mine moved from the 300cd (after 6-yrs.) to the SACD Standard and is very happy with the upgrade, it was a big improvement in all areas, plus it also plays SACDs. I've owned an SACD Standard since 2004, and have been very happy with it... 
Pass, Mac, or Anthem
Another vote for the PASS X250.5 or X350.5 - I currently have a X250.5 in my System, and it is the best SS Stereo Amplifier that I have owned. I also have had the McIntosh Amp. and B&W Speakers. The current PASS models are wonderful sounding A... 
Krell SACD, DVD Standard, Showcase, KAV 280CD
I would pass on the KAV-280cd based on age (too old now), plus the Showcase DVD sounds nearly identical on CD and you pick-up DVD. The SACD Standard (any version) is the best CD Player of the bunch, with the DVD Standard as a close second. Both ar... 
Best Integrated Amp? Help...
I heard a very impressive demo. of a KRELL KAV-400xi powering a pair of B&W 803Ds. This is where I would start, with an 800VA Toroidal Transformer, the Krell is a little powerhouse on an Integrated, with a long-time "Stereophile Class A" rating. 
Has anybody used Krell HTS7.1 entirely as 2 CH pre
I'd go with a Krell KAV-280p Preamplifier for your set-up over the HTS. The KAV Pre has much technology from the excellent KCT Pre, since it was designed a couple of yrs. later. Maybe 85%+ of the KCT's sound when run-in balanced mode. You could pi... 
Best Preamp for a Krell FPB ?
The current Krell KAV-280p Preamp. sounds great with the FPB Amplifiers, when connected in balanced mode (neither are CAST). The KCT offers little sonic improvement over the 280p in balanced-mode, with the FPB-200 or -300 Amps., based on what I ha... 
Cambridge 840C, YES it is as good as the reviews
Yes, from my listening experience, the Ayre CX-7e is a step-above the CA 840c. Based on opinions expressed on this website (and others), this appears to be a widely accepted point of view.The Sony SCD-XA9000ES at $3K is another excellent choice (i... 
Cambridge 840C, YES it is as good as the reviews
Mdconnelly:Yes, I agree with your comments regarding the CA 840c and the TAS review. I have recently heard quite a few sub-$5K CD Players, that in my opinion, come very close to the performance of near cost-no-object CD Players, that rightly deser... 
Cambridge 840C, YES it is as good as the reviews
I ab'd this CD Player against the Krell SACD Standard at Spearit Sound and it wasn't even close. Compared to the Krell it sounded like what it is "a good mid-fi CD Player". I also ab'd it against the Esoteric SA-10, again no contest, though closer... 
Upgrade suggestions from BAT VK-300xSE
I'm leaning towards the BAT VK-31SE (good deals on out-going model) & BAT VK-250, which I will demo. this week, though it won't be cheap at $12K-retail (2X the cost of my VK-300xSE). I'd rather not mix-and-match pre-amps & amps. Manufactur...