whart

Responses from whart

Returned to Albums/ Vinyl after 30 years
The fun part of vinyl, in addition to listening, is the research on pressings. You'd be shocked at the qualitative difference between two otherwise 'identical' records, whether comparing contemporaneous old pressings from different mastering engin... 
Your most disappointing purchase or audition?
The longer I have been doing this, the more I realize that the gear is just a means to an end. Once you have a fairly 'mature' system that is dialed in, and have dealt with the basics, like 'mains' power, room acoustics and set-up, so much is depe... 
Where for a tube-newb to start?
Brownsfan- you were one of the active participants in that thread I was referring to about the search for a new, readily available rectifier. 
Where for a tube-newb to start?
One of the challenges is to find new tubes that have the character of the grail vintage tubes. There is a thread elsewhere here on Audiogon about the rectifier the OP wants info on- and various comparisons among users who have tried different new ... 
Where for a tube-newb to start?
Tand- I'm not sure, apart from old issues of the Tube Valley? magazine, maybe Glass Audio, mentioned above, that you'll find much in the way of scientific comparisons of tubes. There are tube data sheets for many tubes that are available for old t... 
Where for a tube-newb to start?
If your question is what is the characteristic sound of particular brand/year tubes in each of these tube categories, there's lot's of anecotal info on the web if you simply run a search using the tube type. I have 'rolled' various tubes in differ... 
Seeking more 3d imaging, deeper/wider soundstage
Minorl: I think I understand the context of your request for titles of 'reference' recordings but I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective, FWIW. After years in what I would call an 'audiophile bubble,' listening to records that sounded ... 
Why not magnetic tapes in stead of vinyl records?
The reason I have not added tape playback to my system is not the cost of the hardware, it's the cost of the source material. I suppose if I had access to high quality transfers from master tapes, I'd jump right in. 
Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
There is an interesting piece about what separates mediocre dealers from good dealers from superb dealers written by Jim Smith on the site for High Fidelity Report. Based on the criteria that Jim describes, I'd say that only a fraction of dealers ... 
Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
To echo Charyo's remark, I think we all owe each other a little respect. I come on this forum, either to get information, or to provide it when I can. I'm not a PC type person, but I was the one who called out CZ on his remark, and from what I gat... 
Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
Crarivey is now making physical threats. Nice. 
Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
My suspicion about the Guitar Center is that if you wanted to play a real 59 'burst (presumably at the LA store, not some outlet in the 'burbs) rather than a new, 'production' guitar, you might have to run the gauntlet. CZ- nice, offensive and unn... 
Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
I think it depends on your expectations. If you just show up at a store and expect to demo a particular combo of gear that isn't already set up, you aren't likely to get the time and attention that you need. For starters, the owner or salesperson ... 
Best live albums from 1970's college days
This is a great thread. I love well recorded live albums, and it reminds me of many i haven't heard in years. 
Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
P.S.: FWIW, I would rarely just walk into a dealer 'cold'; instead, i would call ahead, usually try to talk to an owner, and tell them I'm thinking of visiting, make it clear that I am serious but not necessarily coming in to write a check on the ...