tk21
Responses from tk21
| Seriously? Why Buy ARC Ref 6SE? seems Benchmark LA4 is a better choice. My streamer/DAC (a Matrix Element X) has volume control and input selection. I don't use a dedicated preamp between it and my power amp (a Benchmark AHB2). So I'm reading this thread from that perspective. If a good preamp is a "neutral pass thr... | |
| What's the best and/or favorite piece of equipment you've owned? And do you still own it? Probably my Totem Arro loudspeakers. Fantastic imaging, tone/timbre, and bass response especially for the size and price. High Wife Acceptance Factor, too. I still own them but am not using them now. They were a bit undersized for the room and f... | |
| Negotiate good price It's not realistic to expect high-end, brick-and-mortar shops to compete on price with Amazon, eBay, or Audiogon. Still, there may be few ways to get good deals from a HiFi shop. One is by purchasing lightly used demo products. Another is with tra... | |
| Tweaks you got rid of because they were not effective (enough)? IsoAcoustics Gaia footers under Totem Arro loudspeakers.I returned them and bought adjustable outriggers instead. I suspect some of the Gaia rave reviews result simply from raising the height of the speakers a bit. But YMMV. | |
| Does your pet listen to your system? Depends on the music.Yesterday my dog (a Vizsla - Ridgeback cross) seemed to be listening attentively to Delibes. She'll tolerate the Beatles sometimes. Rolling Stones? She's liable to leave the room. The cat seems to be oblivious to everything. ... | |
| Beyond Boutique Speakers Stereophile had at least one article on Janszen loudspeakers(https://www.stereophile.com/content/janszen-and-exasounds-superb-sound) but not a full review. They have no dealers. All orders are directly through David Janszen.Many choices go into (o... | |
| Who are your three favorite female singers? Florence Welch deserves a mention. | |
| Micro position adjustments IMO speaker placement (including distance from the walls, toe in, and rake angle), as well as furnishings, may tend to have a more significant impact than the choice between two good amps or between two good DACs. I'm amazed at some of the photos... | |
| Versatile, non-fatiguing speakers for a small room under $1500 used or new: advice needed! Totem Arro (small floorstanders). Eventually add a small sub such as the Rel T5i or Tzero.The Arros have a reputation for excellent imaging and (for their size) surprisingly good (if not very deep) bass. Even after mass loading with 10 lbs or so ... | |
| What's your favorite boutique speaker maker I love the look of Devore Orangutans. Although they've been growing their dealer network, apparently they still offer a staggering variety of beautiful cabinet finishes. So a customer can specify, say, glossy robin's egg blue for the cabinet side... | |
| What's your favorite boutique speaker maker @ostinatospeakersMy purchasing history spans Bose, Totem, and Janszen speakers. Clearly, Bose is mass market. I don't consider Totem "boutique", even though you'll never see a Totem Acoustics shoppe next to Bose in your local factory outlet mall. ... | |
| Who are your three favorite female singers? Joni Mitchell, along with many others above,plus two I don't see mentioned yet:Suzanne VegaGrace Slick | |
| What's your favorite boutique speaker maker I, too, wondered about what defines "boutique".Janszen qualifies if we're referring to factors such as small production numbers, products built-to-order, distinctive design features, and direct involvement of the owner/CEO in the production and sa... | |
| Speakers Nominal Power handling/Amplifier Your speakers' sensitivity rating means that a mere 1 watt of input will produce 87 dB when measured from 1 meter away under test conditions (in an anechoic space). 87 dB is already pretty loud, but every doubling of distance from the loudspeaker ... | |
| Devore Fidelity Orangutan O/96 I was interested in this loudspeaker (and the O/93) but found it very hard to audition/purchase now (with Covid.) The nearest dealer did not have them in stock (only the Devore Gibbons) and did not seem very motivated to work with me. Even for de... |