vthokie83

Responses from vthokie83

Suggestions for Preamp Tubes
Amperex 6922s or 7308s are by far my favorite, but they can be really expensive for a pair.....but they can be magical. Reach out to Brent Jessee https://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm he keeps a great stock, and gives great advice.....and stands be... 
A life sentence!!!
My Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, showed me how much a great tube preamp can elevate an entire system.....and it's a beautiful to look at as well  
Audio companies in the mirror
Thiel, I've loved and hated 4 different pairs......incredible when perfect, but a pain in the butt when not. Still can't get rid of my CS 2.3s though  
Upscale Audio is up front with customers
I've had great interactions over the phone, but arrogance once at Axpona.....but that was around the whole Fyne Audio/Tannoy situation, so maybe understandable  
F-XLR to M-RCA recommendations
Contact Pine Tree Audio, they make excellent cables at affordable costs; and probably have no problem making a custom cable  
Upcoming Trip
+++++1 for the Sony WH-1000XM4 $250 on Amazon, or the WH-1000XM5 $325 on Amanzon. I just came back from New Zealand and Australia with almost 20 flight combos each way, and they performed flawlessly. I prefer the XM4s as the bass is more natural a... 
Tubes and less sensitive speakers
I have no personal experience with the Sanders Magtech amps (other than reputation), but they are manufactured by CODA, and that is never a bad scenario  
a rant
I agree with the idea that my audio journey is a hobby, and for the time being, I get great pleasure in learning from and engaging with the hobby; and that means spending money. I am not retired and can afford what I spend on audio, and for now th... 
Anyone knows reputable places in Europe and Canada to buy NOS tubes from?
I only buy from Brent Jessee in the US, but I do know he ships to Canada and Europe. Best tube selection, great advice, and extremely knowledgeable https://www.audiotubes.com/order.htm  
The DAC Scam - Almost everyone believes the hype
The video creator is an idiot, and I hate point blank statements like that, without inspection.....either for or against. I have tried about 13 or so DACs in my system, with my components, with my ears. All of them made audible differences, some ... 
I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.
toontrader Axpona really is a great experience, it's audio focused only, and the exhibitor list is a who's who of the speaker world (and integrated amps). You will get months if not years research done in a couple of days.....make sure to be ther... 
One box solution
Silverfoxvtx1800 First off, sorry to hear of your situation. Second, that is a nice system you've assembled. I agree that I'd find someone to buy/sell it, you, and donate the cash if you wish......you'll make a bigger contribution to humanity th... 
Best $10-15K bookshelf speaker?
Well if you're now considering towers, that opens up a whole new batch of great speakers.....recommendations so far were for bookshelfs  
Best $10-15K bookshelf speaker?
TAD ME-1, Alta Alyssa, Sonus Faber Guarneri G5 or Electa Amator, Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 Graphene.....not a miss in the bunch  
What's the weakest link in my stereo set up? I live in a townhome, so limited on space.
I'd agree with the recommendation for room acoustics, there are very attractive diffusers and absorption panels these days......they even can use your own pictures or art for panels. Give GIK acoustics a call, have your room dimensions handy, and...