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My Experience with Dave from Audio Doctor NJ

First off, let me say that I am a novice when it comes to digital music setups. I started this thread looking for advice on my next purchase:  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/trying-to-decide-on-my-next-purchase/post?postid=1580061#1580...

I am considering buying a NAD 50.2.  I received a very helpful response from Dave at Audio Doctor in NJ.  Helpful, because it offered me what seems to be a better alternative, in my price range, the Innous Zenith.  I did some quick research and was impressed with what I read.  Anyone who can, please chime in on their experience with a  Innous Zenith MKII.

A couple of hours later I received a phone call from Dave.  We discussed many topics such as the pro's and con's of the NAD 50.2 versus the Innous Zenith, and things that I could do to improve my listening experience. He asked me why I chose to use a NAD 12/NAD 22 v2 with a pair of Tannoy 8 dcti speakers because they don't pair well, and he's right.  Some music sounds really awesome, but sometimes the highs are too bright and some transitions are too much "in your face."  

He recommended several speaker brands that would pair better with my setup, such as a pair of Legacy Focus SE offered by another dealer on agon, or Legacy Caliber speakers.  He also recommend tube amps or integrated amps that would pair well with my Tannoy speakers.  We spent about 30 minutes discussing other digital music considerations, leaving me with a lot of useful food for thought, as well as, helping me understand more of the complexities of building a good (enough) digital music system.   I truly appreciated his advice and desire to help me make an informed decision no matter what I purchase.  

Now, I wasn't born yesterday so I was a bit surprised that he recommended I reach out to another dealer regarding the Legacy speakers - even though he sells them.  I also appreciate that he did not try to sell me anything.  A lot of people sell the products/equipment I'm looking for - but caring customer service is hard to find.  I've yet to purchase anything from Audio Doctor, but they will definitely be on my short list when I finally decide.  
128x128oldschool1948
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oldschool1948 OP
500 posts
 
@thyname. I purchased my demo Zenith and WireWorld cables from Command Performance AV.  Good group of guys.

@ctsooner.  Why WAV?  What’s the benefit?
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Are you on this group?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/842934835855916/

@oldschool1948
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Guys, I run AQ cabling throughout my system. I have the WEL TOTL balanced interconnects.  All power cords are Hurricane.  I own a Diamond USB cable which is very very good and underrated I feel.  I'm going to sell off the Niagara balanced and Water balanced as I don't use them anymore.  That said, I have found that the top Wireworld ethernet cables are DAMN good.  I've yet to audition any others that are better.  I also like the new Wire world optical cables  they use a better fiber than the others do that I've had in the system to try.  I use two, because of the EMO medical filter I use.  I also use a dedicated LPS for the cable router that is directly behind the rack.  It's made a substantial difference for the better.  my DAC is built into my Memory Player server right now, but we are going to take it out and make it a two box unit.  Then we will make a custom cable to connect it.  Not sure how they want to do that.  It's fun to be able to help them dial in their product, lol.  It's already special but will be great once we get hit all set up and figure out a few things.  So excited.

I'm going to be part of a new MS study and they will fly me to NIH in Bethesda a couple of times a year and I want to go to some of the stores down there.  I've been to a few in the past, but not in many years.

WAV....?????  Dpont' know why. No clue, but I play the same track in FLAC and then WAV and my wife can tell.  More relaxed and more micro detail.  Not huge by any means.  Just ask Steve Nugent who is Empirical Audio and makes one of the best DACS you can buy for around 13k I think.  I used to own his top DAC before this new one.  

Mark who designed Laufer Techniques says the same thing.  I have yet to play both for folks and not have them say they like WAV a bit better.  Remember, that this is in my system or systems I've heard 
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
500 posts
 
@thyname.  I don’t use social media at all.  It’s just not my thing.

@ctsooner. The Zenith can rip to WAV or FLAC, I ripped my entire CD library to FLAC.  I’ll have to rip a couple to WAV to see if I can hear a difference.  Would converting FLAC to WAV cause any loss of fidelity?

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I don't know if it would or not.  I just let folks do their thing and I listen, lol.  With the MS, I can't even move my speakers.  Have to use a neighbor or most of the time a fellow hi fi friend, lol.  Johnny Rutan at Audio Connection came over to set mine up and other than a small move to dial them in, I haven't done much.  He's very very good at setting up any speaker and was worth the price paid, lol....I live pretty far away and it's a fulllllll day for him.
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