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taww

Responses from taww

The vanishing stereo rack
This is definitely a niche concept and not the "norm" or usual arrangement.  Wide range adoption of the "vanishing stereo rack" will be unusual and or futuristic. I love dedicated gear as much as anyone, and I am literally negotiating with my... 
My last Integrated Amp: $5-10,000?
(Also FWIW, my first choice integrated for my next system is the Gryphon Diablo 120 but that is also because it works exceptionally well with my favored speakers.)   
My last Integrated Amp: $5-10,000?
Many terrific suggestions here, the only (obvious) thing I’ll add is your choice of amp will narrow the selection of speakers that are best suited to your system and tastes, so it’s good to factor what your starting point speaker will be. I don’t ... 
For classical music lovers best amp for large orchestral forces?
Hi @roxy1927 - a lot of good suggestions here and I’m not sure the amp is the source of compression, but the obvious upgrade is a bigger Pass amp. Even the smallest of the XA line, the XA30.8, should provide more headroom but if you favor realisti... 
AUDIOVECTOR SPEAKERS
For less expensive solid state, I know quite a few owners who are happy with Sugden. Luxman and Accuphase also a couple that can work well - basically fuller-bodied solid state. Lower power Class A is a great way to take advantage of the relativel... 
AUDIOVECTOR SPEAKERS
@captainsteve congrats on the R6 order! For solid state, Gryphon is one of the best with Audiovector, especially Diablo 300 or Antileon EVO. Before moving to Gryphon, Audiovector often used Naim amplification. Pass also a great match - had excelle... 
Considering the Pro-ject Box CD RS2 Transport ? You might want to read this, first.
Fascinated to try the RS2 now… I had heard the performance was pretty special. I’m currently evaluating the PS Audio PerfectWave SACD (Marantz SACD M-3 transport) and will have a review out in the coming weeks. I have a Cambridge CXC v2 on hand as... 
DAC That Punches Above Its Price Point
Another vote for RME ADI-2. Quite close to my PS Audio DirectStream, gets even closer with an upgraded PSU. Much more transparent than the Ayre Codex I purchased as a backup to the PSA when it went for service. The Ayre left me counting the days t... 
Got a Node 2i, what's next?
Congrats on the Node 2i! While I don’t have one, I’ve bought PowerNodes for (granted not very audiophile) family and friends based on the reviews alone and they are really happy with them. Another vote for RME ADI-2 if you can swing it. Really exc... 
Which amplifier should i buy
I second the Gryphon Diablo 300 recommendation with a leaner, more “critical” speaker like Magico. I suspect it may work better than the Gryphon Essence which is an incredible amp but may sound a little light with Magico.  
Best skiinny floorstanders
Sorry, missed the comment about room size. The R 3 is super capable and dynamic but it might be a stretch with that much volume. R 6 would be up to the task, but that’s 3x the money. But FWIW I’m considering the R 3 for a 13x26” open space with 12... 
Best skiinny floorstanders
I think Audiovector R 3 Arreté is worth a look, especially coming from an electrostatic. Extremely fast and clean while being balanced and musical. I would call it neither warm nor lean, but rather quite neutral, which will make it somewhat sensit... 
What makes speaker's sound big?
In the car business there's a saying "there's no replacement for displacement" and while there are lots of technologically advanced turbo-4 engines these days that feel much closer to a bigger engine than their 2-liter displacements, a big engine ... 
Integrated amp suggestions.
Gryphon Diablo 300 is pretty stellar and worth a listen if you have the opportunity. I was going to “upgrade” my Pass separates to the Diablo until I decided to splurge on Gryphon separates. The descriptions of Ayre sound above are interesting and... 
Best Speakers for a small Nearfield room, budget at most $10000 (used is also ok)
> Used Merlin TSM monitors.@vinylvalet had TSM's for 16 years and they're indeed great but I don't know about such a small room. OP said they need to put them near the corners, TSM's do better spaced closer together (they start to sound very le...