bgross
Responses from bgross
| 30 to 50 watts seems to be all I desire Had big amps in the past, Perreaux, Krell, etc. but now go tubing with a 30 Watt Triode/60 Ultra-linear Cary piece. Can't see myself ever going back unless I absolutely fall in love (again) with a power hungry speaker. System symmetry is paramount... | |
| Best CD player from this list +1 on the Simaudio... I have a Moon "Nova" and it’s so good it replaced my Linn, Ikemi. Twin internal Burr Brown DACs - truly a magical piece. Not sure your budget but pre-owned maybe around $7-$800+/-. I’d search out a good used one. Just my opin... | |
| Line Stage Preamps that blew you away $2500 Edition Find a used Sonic Frontiers, SFL-1 for under a grand and play around with tubes - will shock you. Spend a little more and get a Manley, Shrimp. Have 1st hand experience with both of these playing tube amps and SS. Each are equally rewarding. Both ... | |
| Best Integrated that you've heard under $5k Recently heard an Octave Audio, V40 tube integrated at a shop just outside Boston while the OA rep was there. Going back to to hear it again as I can't get it out of my head. I've got some pretty solid gear but this amp was super rich, powerful an... | |
| Who are the Stand Up Guy's and Gals in this Audio Industry? Guys at Elac and Lounge Audio... they each have excellent CS. Both have service centers in CA and repaired & rebuilt products I own at zero cost to me. Even paid shipping to and from Boston & the two units were out of warranty as well. No ... | |
| Top 3 songs to evaluate a system @hilde45 - we’re on the same wavelength... Shelby Lynne’s "Just a Little Lovin" cover to cover is a benchmark whenever I’m giving new gear a twirl. My mother used to play Dusty "Live in Memphis" on her Mac/Thorens/AR rig till the wheels fell off! ... | |
| Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max @Hilde45 - Hi, so I use a Bel Canto S300 with my Manley Shrimp tube linestage.... it's just fabulous in every way. Tightens upmy kit in the digital space and is pure magic in analog applications. I have two and would sell one for $800. It is, in m... | |
| Experience with Cary CAD 808, "Rocket 88" Hi - glad you like your Rocket 88... I have since swapped out a couple of other components and its performance has now proven even better. Sonic Frontiers (wonderful linestage) replaced by a Manley Shrimp & Rega DAC replaced by a Line Magnetic... | |
| "Power Cords-More Recent" Have been down the power cord rabbit hole... not like some on here but have had a few from PS Audio & Audioquest. On a buddies recommendation I bought a couple of Audience, "Power Chords" and have never looked back. Really only tried to talk m... | |
| Simaudio, MOON, Neo MiND Ended up sending the 230v Singapore market MiND back to the tool bag who sold it to me. Bought a lightly used Elac Discovery for $250. Sent it to Elac in CA and they totally went through and upgraded it for ZERO dollars... even paid for shipping t... | |
| What’s the best tube for a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 preamp Look, get a couple different tubes, give them each a twirl and sit back and enjoy; It's really terrific piece. I've since moved to a different pre but I find it no great upgrade over the SFL-1. New piece has more tubes and a different presentation... | |
| Everybody’s Top 5 - Vinyl David Bowie - Live at The Tower, PhiladelphiaR.E.M. - Life's Rich PagentRolling Stones - Stickey FingersCowboy Junkies - The Trinity SessionMassive Attack- Mezzanine*Honorable Mention: Bob Mould - Workbook & Free - Fire And Water | |
| What’s the best tube for a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 preamp $500 is a steal for an SFL-1 - good for you. It’s a wonderful pre with the right tube to match your speakers and setup. Not really a JJ fan but I’m glad it’s working well for you. I never tried one in this pre. Not surprised by the Brimar but it’s... | |
| Recommendations for speakers that sound great at lower volume levels. +1 on the LS3/5a... had an 11ohm set of Rogers from the mid 80s and just loved them. Wish I still had them... playing a set of Equation "7" these days that are just incredible in my kit. Listen late night in a dead quiet room and paired with a Car... | |
| Rega DAC ? The Rega DAC is a terrific piece. I found it performed MUCH better than the built in DAC in the Node 2i (I don’t necessarily buy the MQA difference) and was more analog sounding acrosss its filter range albeit not any great differences one vs the ... |