westcoastaudiophile

Responses from westcoastaudiophile

Balanced vs RCA preamps
@68pete "Just because you have balanced input and out puts does not mean the unit is full balanced!” +1 XLR isn’t only balancing solution possible! I designed “balanced interconnect” by adding out and in fully isolating ground transformers, typ 5... 
Balanced vs RCA preamps
Balanced interface is superior to single ended, not matched impedance RCA (or DIN) one, because: 1) truly balanced (not pseudo) interface has common mode noise rejection, which eliminates / reduces noise between two connected devices chassis / gn... 
Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
there will no be SQ impact, just pick the right device! there are many transformers between your outlet and high-kV power station already installed! why do you need step-up to get 100V ac, typo? I use multiple low loss / leakage Nissyo TP-811 for ... 
A cable too perfect?
@gp4jesus +1 - most interconnect issues can be resolved with simple maintenance, incl. de-ox-ing and cleaning contacts, checking cable wires to contact connections, etc..  
Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
@nightfall "I would love a CL38uC, but in checking, they go for $3500-4k!” in JP used cl38uc pre goes for less than $2k.. ebay offers start at $2.8k, incl. shipping (lowest I’ve seen n years): https://www.ebay.com/itm/156670112426.. buying used tu... 
A Question: What makes for Good Vinyl?
"the studio engineer, the recording, the label, the pressing" Wait, what’s about MUSICIANS? LOL it was my pleasure to work on live music sound projects with Jon Ericson, one of Rush engineers..  
Turntable Mats for Technics Grand Class, "G" Series
“….Denon DP80 mat is superior to the Technics mats?" technics mats have less contact area to the vinyl record surface comparing to dp80. also technics mat's pattern does not work well with additional weight.. also, rubber itself seems is a bit fi... 
Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?
@nightfall Luxman CL38uC, or older CL36u  
Turntable Mats for Technics Grand Class, "G" Series
Too bad Technics lost their mojo on mats for high-end TTs! Currently I use Denon DP-80 mat (NOS) on my SL1200GAE.. second to it is SFTG172-01 / RGS0010, original Technics.   
Do military/industrial tubes sound better than regular ones ?
"they should  theoretically sound better” only with tangible sound feedback btw spkrs and tubes, otherwise there shouldn't be big difference, other than aging/storage/etc conditions spec.   
Impedance - The most ignored and useful measurement tool
@erik_squires +1 (again) “I was only posting this to show how an important tool can help audiophiles diagnose their problems.. thanks for pointing to the simple tool to check speakers!  my intension was to emphasize on PA system (amp+cable+spkr)... 
Impedance - The most ignored and useful measurement tool
@erik_squires +1 "You’d be surprised how many speakers have a woofer or tweeter that has stopped working but the listeners don’t even realize it. “ I will be not! speakers impedance is good start, but it will not tell us whole story! whole amp+c... 
Do military/industrial tubes sound better than regular ones ?
@inna "Do military/industrial tubes sound better than regular ones ?”  they don’t! typ. MIL and Industry standards have higher shock-vibe, temperatures spec to comply!   
Pass....Accuphase....or......
"Class A means the output device or devices never go into cutoff.” - definition is correct! push-pull A class amps have bias to cover max current for loads, supported by class a! if load is lower than nominal, one of devices indeed goes into cuto... 
A cable too perfect?
@kennyc "I’m still undecided about getting a cable cooker. Many says improvements. Some cook their cables periodically. " is cable cooking recipe included with those? LOL