tlieb

Responses from tlieb

Fluids for VPI cleaner -- any horror stories?
Thanks, all. I think I'll finish up the Torumat, then maybe try Record Research. 
MC Cartridge upgrade from Grado reference?
I had pretty much the same rig as you (since upgraded to TNT HR5), and found the Benz Ruby a very nice upgrade. Like the Grado, warm and inviting, but with loads of detail. You can get it for $2,000 with ANY trade-in (e.g., any old, cheap cartridg... 
Best 200 watt x 5 amp for the money?
The new ATI 3000 series amps look pretty awesome. Word is sound quality is going to be amazingly high for the price.http://www.ati-amp.com/at3000.html 
Opinion of Avalon Speakers or Alternataives
I heard all of these at CES in January. The Kharma 3.2s were incredible, but they were playing with $130k in associated equipment. The Eidolon Diamonds were very close in sound quality, running off $10k in Ayre equipment (in fact, Michael Fremer m... 
Solid-state preamp with tube power amp
Actually, this is the setup being used by Tom Evans Audio Design in their ultra-fi gear. They argue that ss is most critical at the preamp level, since tube noise overwhelms the tiny signals there. The preamp just won HiFi+ product of the year; th... 
Edge NL-10 Amp
They're probably the best solid state amps made. I've heard them, the Halcros, etc., and the Edge amps just rise to the top. Even solid-state haters like Carl Marchisotto of Alon are just floored by them. 
Accuphase cdp direct guys:
You should check into Edge. Their amps mate well with Accuphase and are only single ended -- they claim performance suffers in balanced mode. 
which Holly Cole?
"Dark Dear Heart" is by far my favorite, as well as that of several friends. 
Convert Me
I'll strongly second the Aries, JMW and SDS (though I am quite happy with my Grado The Reference cartridge). I got a nearly mint complete Aries setup with flywheel -- I'd recommend it -- and extended dustcover for $3,100 on Audiogon; I've seen the... 
best amps new and used for Infinity RSIIb speakers
ARC VT-100 (I have the Mk. 2) is magical with the RS-1bs: liquid, huge, airy soundstage. They were originally designed with Conrad Johnson tube gear, BTW. 
PS Audio PP is adding noise to AC lines
I just noticed the same problem with a secondary stereo. My main system is on a dedicated line. I've written to PS Audio and will post their response here. 
Audio Research Reference-1 reviews
I upgraded from an SP9-Mk 2 to the Ref One Mk 2 about a year ago, and the change was dramatic. It's a very lively preamp that throws a huge soundstage. Listening is always involving and never fatiguing. I'm not sure about it being the perfect matc...