unsound

Responses from unsound

How important is the pre-amp?
Addendum; Another consideration would be to include volume controls at the input of the amplifiers (this would probably require remote control) so that full output would be driving the full length of the cables. And yet another consideration woul... 
How much does power amplifier really matter comparing to other hi-fi components?
Matching amps to speakers is a critical consideration. Depending on the 1. CD player / DAC and the 3. Power-amp compatibility;  the 2. Pre-amp might be superfluous. 
How important is the pre-amp?
As far as “standards” go; it would seem to me that if amplifier manufacturers would adapt a standard for single ended input sensitivity of say between 2 V (CD) and 2.2 V (HDCD) and a balanced input of between 4 V and 4.4 V for full power output, i... 
How many watts??
 If I may add to ^ @liquidsound 's post.  Other considerations include room gain, which most will appreciate as an apparent increase in volume for a given power output. And that many loudspeaker's sensitivity is rated as 2.83V/1M rather than 1W/1M... 
Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max
conrad-Johnson MF series ss amps. 
Collective letter s to Stereophile
A follow up; while I don’t remember or doubt the validity of @grooves negative review, for a while there, Stereophile came to look like a Musical Fidelity catalog.  FWIW, I never found any of their gear appealing. 
Class A into Class AB
@pjcoughter, I believe the meters were intended to entertain not mislead. I would hazard a guess that if asked, Nelson Pass would readily admit as much. 
Class A into Class AB
The meters on home audio gear are almost never calibrated and more often than not mislead rather than inform. 
Are Pre-Amps necessary?
Some DACs with volume controls have balanced outputs. 
Are Pre-Amps necessary?
^ This will only inform you as to how it works in your system(s).  Not necessarily as a general rule. Ideally you’ll have a DAC with extra available bits for volume attenuation, with a voltage output that matches the input sensitivity of your ampl... 
Are Pre-Amps necessary?
This has been covered here on Audiogon many times before, again; it depends on the system. 
Class A into Class AB
Re: the Threshold 500’s.  Claimed 20 output devices per channel, for 250 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms with about 20% of that being Class A,  the Class AB power output could steadily double down into 4 Ohms, but while doing so the Class A output w... 
Seeking recommendations about material, design, makers of low-lying rack for gear
Make sure you have enough depth, yet short the shelves in relationship to the support posts, which will help relieve connector stress and look a lot better, and scalloping those rear shelves will will assist in cable management. Make shelves a min... 
Need a new FM Receiver that works very well
I don’t think manufacturers are investigating much into their FM tuners anymore. The ones commonly offered might just be there to fill out the line.One can get a top quality vintage piece and have it refreshed for that kind of money. 
Need a new FM Receiver that works very well
Location, location, location. Depending on where you are receiving your desired signals will determine what matters most, such as sensitivity or selectivity. Understanding Updated FM Tuner Specs, March 1973 Popular Electronics - RF Cafe