whipsaw

Responses from whipsaw

Help me build up a jazz album collection. Can you suggest a must have album?
@wsrrsw You’re welcome. Mingus’ albums were typically very well recorded, and his music is terrific. And yes, I do the same!  
Help me build up a jazz album collection. Can you suggest a must have album?
Many excellent suggestions already, but with one qualification, I'll add a few that haven't been mentioned. The qualification is that I listen to CDs and Hi-Red streaming, not LPs. But as the master recording is the key, these should all be avail... 
No one talks about Purist Audio Design cables.
FWIW, which may be very little, I had a negative reaction to a pair of Purist Audio Design Aqueous 20th Anniversary speaker cables that I purchased (and quickly re-sold) on the used market. It may have had something to do with system, but I went b... 
The best opening act you've ever seen & heard?
Al Jarreau opening for George Benson in the '70s, when I was in high school. subsequently saw him a number of times in small venues in Chicago, before he hit the big time. What a talent!  
Movie/film suggestions.
@bdp24  Thank you. I agree with the others that you mentioned, as well. All excellent films, and I especially like Tender Mercies. Another that springs to mind is The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, starring, and directed by Tommy Lee Jones.  
Movie/film suggestions.
I tend to gravitate towards foreign films, and primarily dramas. A fair percentage might be considered "art" films, and/or off-beat, especially in contrast to mainstream films. This is a list of many of my favorites, and if you notice any that you... 
Upgrading the Aqua La Scala MKII DAC to the new La Scala MK3?
I've been using a Mk II for 2 1/2 years, and am firmly in the camp of believing that the upgrade would represent diminishing returns. To be clear, I am very happy that the DAC is modular, and that it provides upgrade options, but at the same time,... 
IsoAcoustics GAIA
Yes. I use them with my stand-mounted Fink Team KIM speakers, and to similarly good effect. Aside from tightening up the base, the reduction in "smearing", which was previously unnoticeable, has had a very positive effect. No harshness whatsoever... 
CEC Belt Drive CD Transports vs Jay's Audio CD Transports
I have been using a CEC TL5 for some time, and find it to be solid, and very well-designed. It sounds excellent in my system. Customer service is excellent (I swapped remotes). The fact that the belt can be replaced easily is also a big plus, in m... 
Borresen X3 vs Harbeth 40.2 -- my impressions
While I can't comment directly on the comparison, I do have a few thoughts. First, @arafiq deserves high marks for his original post. If only all reviews and comparisons were so well constructed, and sensitively produced! That doesn't mean, of co... 
Discrete R2r With Tube Output
I own the Aqua LaScala that @audiotroy mentioned. It is an outstanding DAC, and while expensive, the modular design insures that any repairs or future upgrades should be cost-effective.  
Diffusers: under what circumstances might they help when placed behind speakers?
Thanks Erik. I have no complaints relating to clarity, but am thinking more along the lines possibly enhancing the depth of the soundstage.  
Credenza or media stand for hiding away equipment
When I lived in the U.S., I used a Salamander Design product, and it was superb. Very similar to this one: Salamander Design  
Transport Recommendations
I bought a used CEC TL-5, and have been very happy with it. Excellent customer service as well.   It replaced a MOON 260T.  
Circle Labs A200 Integrated amplifier review - It will appeal to both tube and SS lovers……
Thanks! I've never heard Fyne audio speakers, but they seem to be well-regarded.