blainer55

Responses from blainer55

BlueSound Stinks(!), anyone?
Your story is so much different than ours.We started with a Node 2i, hooked up to my (ahem) Marantz AV receiver. Control was great through my PC, my Android phone, and my wife's ipad. My wife, not as much of a techie, really liked it. Then we adde... 
Think fast: What would you take?
A friend here in north bay San Francisco lost his home a few years ago. He said he wished he'd taken Christmas ornaments with him.  I had original family artwork and heirlooms packed up, but we were fine.  So scary, so hard to figure things out on... 
Built a DIY butcher block and iron pipe rack over the weekend
Home Depot has butcher blocks at reasonable prices.  I did something similar for a garage workbench.  My wife thought it overkill, I thought it awesome.  And easy.  
Need helpful recommendations for next two purchases
I recently jumped into streaming with a Node 2i and a Tidal prescription. Got my wife on board when we figured out the Node can 'tune' (stream) local radio stations as well. The learning curve was pretty easy - I'm controlling with a computer, or ... 
Amp Pairing for Aerial Acoustics 6Ts.
Rega Brio?It fits the compact, simple, and moderate pricing criteria. But I don't have specifics on match to your sweet speakers. 
Is there a magic formula for spending on components in a system
To me, speakers have the biggest impact and variation on sound. So, about 1/2 on speakers, then work out the rest from there. 
You know you are an Audiophile when:
You shop for a new house and the first thing you look at is how and where to set up the sound system...and if there is a suitable room. 
Best small, desktop speakers, $500 or under (new or used)
I have a pair of powered studio speakers on my desktop next to the monitor. Adam Audio A5xThese were highly recommended by my son. He is a professional musician who uses these for mixing...and sheer enjoyment. I have not been disappointed! Used th... 
Diminishing Returns
For me the KEF R series, Focal ARIA, and Revel Performa series tend to hit a sweet spot for value nirvana.  Or PSB Synchrony used. 
10K system
Hmm...thinking what I might wantSpeakers: Focal Aria / Revel Performa / Kef R7 (R700) floorstandersSubs:  2 JL Audio E110Integrated amp: Parasound HaloStreamer: Bluesound Node 2iHave fun! 
If you had to start all over again in this day and age
I would do what Kren0006 suggested.  I'm almost to retirement, and I just got my first streamer and HI res streaming service.  Now I wonder why I waited so long!  I can get music however I want it: Playlists, albums, genres, etc.  Half your money ... 
Suggestions for $2k budget
I recently saw new Martin Logan 60XTi's in that price range.  I really liked them in a store demo, but I think a new model is coming.But then I got some used KEF R700's for a bit less.  I really like the sound and imaging of these.  I believe the ... 
Most recordings you own by a single artist, group, or composer
Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin come to mind - limited by the number of albums they put out. I do have a 20 disc collection of Grateful Dead... 
It happened again tonight
Saw the Wall in a large format theater in San Francisco when it was new. Great sound system, Wild video.  Ah...the days... 
Should I be able to hear a 4Hz difference in my speakers?
And how much music is really down in the 30 Hz?  Some experience with live sound suggests less than we think.But I really like my speakers that can hit 20Hz, margin for the music that gets close.