vanson1

Responses from vanson1

NODE as just a streamer / Airplay device
Agree that the Bluesound Node has some of the most robust and user friendly stable user interface around. For the digital side, the difference between streamer is minimal but the difference a DAC makes is great. Put your money there. I upgraded s... 
Does a turntable make a DRAMATIC difference?
Somehow records sound better to us humans.  However they are not true to the original recording.  Limited bandwidth, crosstalk, distortion.    But Somehow we humans like the it, just like tube amplifiers.   
Most Extensive State-of-the-Art DAC Survey Ever!
Transfer of money.  99.9% of people don't care.  
Is this a audioquest cable counterfeit fake?
If it's too good to be true,  it usually is.   
Shakti Stone
There's a lot of magical devices out there.  Most of them magically put money from one party to another.   
Upsizing Capacitors
Measure the capacitors with a good lcr meter to see if they have degraded due to age  Replace if they are more than 10% low. Otherwise leave them be.   
What is the best non-conditioning surge protector
If you live in an area where lighting occurs,  get an electrician to install a surge protector at your mains.   Cheap investment and protection for your entire home.   
2-3k budget - adding DAC/Server to Bluesound Node?
Nothing wrong with the node but the DAC is not the best.  Get a good external DAC and sit back and enjoy.  The node software is very stable and easy to use and supports many apps.  Try radio paradise and Tunein. Tuning gives you access to thou... 
Parasound HCA-1500 or alternative
I love the old HCA series amplifiers.  I have a couple that I bought used and recapped the power supply but don't know if they really needed it even after 20 years.  I have a 50 year old mcintosh 2300 that was starting to exhibit power supply hum... 
Mono block Preamp
Preamp use small voltages and thier purpose is volume control and input selection and maybe a phono stage.    Crosstalk would be the only purpose of monobloc pre.   Two volume controls would be the disadvantage.  Two chassis and double the pr... 
a better interconnect cable
Beldin wire for speaker cables with locking banana plugs. I like making my own cables in order to minimize excess length.  Wire has capacitance so minimizing length helps.  How much of this is truly audible is not for me to tell.     
Qobuz or Apple Music?
I agree with everyone.  Tidal,  Qubuz,  radio paradise.  They all sound great.  Bluesound probably has the best user friendly app. Can be used with NAD devices as well. .   I find that tidal has the best ability to create and discover new music... 
Cd transport
It's the conversion from digital to analog where the magic makes the biggest difference.       
Mad Scientist Graphene Contact Enhancer
I know when I make a tweak my system sounds better.  Then I find something new to tweak and it sounds better again.  With enough tweaks,  it might someday sound great.   
Cable curmudgeon
If you ask this forum which cable is best you get multiple options.  There is no one answer as people like the one they currently use but are always looking for a better one.  This tells me that there is no one best cable or people would tend to...