vinylvalet

Responses from vinylvalet

How much power for Merlin VSM speakers?
Great speakers. Congratulations. 
DAC Shootout Starts This Weekend
Very well done. Thanks. 
Is the Manley Steelhead still relevant?
For a balanced phono stage in this price range, I would recommend an audition of Zesto Audio products.I believe their Andros Deluxe II would compete favorably with the Steelhead. 
Jupiter Copper Foil, Paper & Wax Cap Versus Jensen Cap 0.10uF 630Vdc Copper Foil Ceramic
Excellent thread. Thanks to all. 
DAC Shootout Starts This Weekend
I believe Terry London of Stereo Times now prefers the Audio Note UK DAC 3.1/II (twice the price) to the Bricasti M3.I have heard neither. 
Rank the top reference DACs you've heard
Audio Note R-2R DACs should be on this list. 
MM Cartridge Recommendation
A big advantage with SoundSmith other than excellent sound quality for the money is that the rebuild cost is only 20% of retail. I know of no other cartridge manufacturer that comes anywhere close. 
List your breakthrough products that you’ve discovered on this audiophile Journey.
I love exploring music of all genres. Roon/Qobuz changed my life in this regard. I guess you sometimes can teach a dog new tricks. 
Listening Descriptor Chart
Outstanding. Thank you! 
Panamax Power Conditioner: Keep or Upgrade
I like the PowerStation; IMHO the best option in its price range. I have several in secondary systems and in the recording studio.For my main stereo where I don't have cost constraints, I use the Puritan Audio Labs PSM156. 
300b INTEGRATED AMP Suggestions
I enjoyed building the Elekit TU-8600S 300B Tube Amplifier Kit ($1995). As always, I added a number of my own refinements. The result was outstanding sound quality for the money compared my reference 300B monos.The downside is only one input and n... 
Manley Chinook to Aesthetix Rhea Signature?
The Chinook is a great phono stage for the money. Yes, the Herron is better. I had to spend a lot more to better the Herron.Sorry, I have not heard any Aesthetix products. In that price range, I would suggest auditioning a Zesto Audio phono stage. 
Tube testers
uTracer3 for $247 vs Amplitrex for $2760 (as of yesterday). I don't think it has anything to do with fun, simply budget. You pay a hefty premium for convenience. 
Tube testers
Transcendent Sound made an excellent tube tester kit; discontinued many years ago but if you can find a working unit used, I highly recommend it.With that said, I hope to replace it with an Amplitrex unit, hopefully one day soon.For a whole lot le... 
Sophia Electric is not honest
My personal experience with Sophia Electric has also been negative.