verdantaudio

Responses from verdantaudio

Why don’t tube amps sound like tubes anymore?
Agreed.  If you are going to go through the effort of buying a tube amp that is going to be more expensive and deliver less power than a similarly priced SS, what is the point if it sounds solid state?  I read and article, probably in stereophile,... 
Ported versus sealed speakers: is one type better?
Depends on total speaker design and each designer takes a different approach.  Wilson, Wilson Benesh and Vivid port.  Magico and YG do not.  One thing that is common to Magico and YG is they are both aluminum.  Not sure if that has anything to do ... 
stand-mount speakers for classical music
The M-150 sounds neutral to a hair forward.  Amazingly detailed but with a speaker that has a forward sound profile, this could get bright and painful very quickly.  My Blackthorn is 1-2dB forward above 2.2khz.  Sounds wonderful with a Marantz int... 
DAC/Pre-Amp Upgrade, R2R or Delta Sigma?
I would look at an FPGA DAC like the Chord Hugo TT2 or a DAVE.  My personal preference and would say they are better than anything I have heard other than Esoteric or dCS stacks.  I became a Chord dealer I like them so much.   
Balanced But Not Fully Balanced
Not necessarily.  Look at Musical Fidelity M8xi.  That is a fully balanced unit which is a true dual mono amp and even has separate power supplies for the two side of the amp and the XLRs are paired right next to each other.  It's a design choice ... 
stand-mount speakers for classical music
I have a Micromega M-150 in on trade.  Unbelievable amp but I think some of the reccos above are not taking into account the sound profile of the amp with those speakers.  I can think of one or two that would make me want to take an ice pick to my... 
New speakers and guidance
I use Eton drivers in my speakers.  I LOVE them.  Mixed with the right tube amplification, that tweeter will shine like the sun.   LTA would be a wonderful match.  I have been blown away by how good those amps sound and how cool they run.  David B... 
Wich is better
Parasound is a great value and punches above its weight due to being made in Taiwan.  I generally find Parasound to be competent but unexciting.  PS Audio is made in USA and is a more recent design.  I like the tube input stage as that gives flexi... 
What Percentage Off Would You Expect to Discount For Open Box Amp with Blemish
I am a retailer and I deal in some used, discontinued and refurbished goods.  Box is open should be a 10-15% discount if it is in flawless condition. With a blemish...well it depends on the blemish.  If it is on the faceplate and is highly noticea... 
Parasound vs Musical Fidelity, please give me your perspective!!!
These two companies couldn't compete more directly.  They are virtual substitutes on several products.  I find the Musical Fidelity to be more musical and engaging while the Parasound is supremely competent, but unexciting.  In this price range, y... 
Upgrade
Rogue RP7 with a Musical Fidelity M6s PRX.  For new gear, on your budget I think that would be pretty fabulous.   
Upgrade
I agree with the other folks here who mentioned a sub.  I would look at adding a very refined, sealed sub.  JL or REL make outstanding subs.  This will help deliver a bigger sound stage on a lot of tracks as you will improve accuracy and frequency... 
Solid state amp to replace my Audio Research Ref 150 amp
A thought and I am sure no one has mentioned this...have you considered a Chord Ultima 6?  It delivers plenty of power for your needs.  It will still get hot when driven hard but the switching power supply helps keep the temp below 120 degrees mos... 
Streaming Tidal from an Apple tv 4k box?
No idea but I am going to download the Tidal App on both my Apple TVs.  Thanks for sharing! 
Basic Digital Audio Setup Advice
I signed up for Roon software and moved from a PC based system to the Nucleus+.  It made a HUGE difference.  There is so much else going on in a PC.  System monitoring and all sorts of stuff that you don't realize. Having a simple, dedicated devic...