ghdprentice
Responses from ghdprentice
Does using XLR cables (double voltage output) mean I can use lower powered amplifiers? While I am not an expert the electrical aspects. I have tested and converted to XLR. Also have a lot of experience in high end audio. The simple answer is no not really. If you switch from single ended to XLR and don’t change the volume control it... | |
Phono preamp for new Klimax LP12 The Klimax comes with a phono stage. I didn’t get it (the included one) because I already have a Audio Research Reference 3 phono stage. The contemporary LP12 is an outstanding turntable… beautiful, functional, musical and detailed. I traded my VP... | |
Excellent Speakers for Classical Music - $2,000 USD Budget I owned ribbon and electrostatic for most of my life… always pursuing that ethereal magic. I got season tickets for the symphony about ten years ago and have attended religiously since, 7th row center. Separately, but as a result of the connection... | |
All Benchmark System Question I would not recommend getting a combined streamer / DAC since if you wish to upgrade one you end up swapping the other. Provided you are serious about your pursuit. I think your current equipment confirms you are. Each component is a critical one ... | |
All Benchmark System Question You connect your streamer directly to your network, either by eternet cable or buy a wifi extender. You plug the extender next to your equipment and plug a short Ethernet cable into that. You can get a little extender that plugs into the wall like... | |
preamp vs amp: relative effect on sound? The preamp is further up the signal path and therefore has a greater influence. So, while the right answer is always it depends because it is a system and components are different. But say maybe 65 / 35 pre / amp for thinking about it. But if you ... | |
All Benchmark System Question Definitely start with the source then. See if you can borrow one of the less expensive Aurender Streamers. The difference will be jaw dropping. Also try Qobuz streaming service… free for a month. I started digital streaming about 15 years ago… inc... | |
Why are equipment racks so expensive? @axpert. Are the $1/2M Wilson speakers worth it? I think so. They do things no other speakers do. Truly incredible… as they should be. Why, do you have some experience owning some and feel like you got taken? | |
All Benchmark System Question In my experience you can venture a bit too far in the too detailed / analytical direction and that all recordings will sound better with better less analytical component(s) more musical. I would start at the signal source, if that is harsh and col... | |
Old Amps that can still Kick Butt I understand people feeling nostalgic. That is all this is. Young hormone filled people get emotionally attached to people, events, music and sounds. If old equipment, in general, sounded better than new high end equipment, then the price on the o... | |
Stylus Cleaning Rituals I clean all incoming records with 1) Last Power Cleaner, then 2) my VPI vacuum record cleaner and treat with Last Preservative. Typically I will listen to it once or twice before putting into my collection of over 2,000 albums. I listen to about o... | |
Very small, warm and dynamic speakers I can definitely recommend Totem Mite speakers. I have a pair in my office... the are very high quality and simply gorgeous wood finish. The image extremely well and are natural sounding and punchy for their size. I also have a wee matching subwoo... | |
Why are equipment racks so expensive? You certainly must do your research, but high quality audio racks can be considered a component. Not if you have $500 components, but if you have $10K or higher.... and particularly on turntables and tube equipment. They must be rock solid... many... | |
Old digital that still kicks butt Old digital sounding good? Seriously? I certainly have not been exposed to everything... but I have followed the industry and bought high end digital since the beginning. A few years ago I found my Nakamichi CD player... I must have listened to it... | |
Old Amps that can still Kick Butt This certainly has not been my experience. Starting in about 1980 when I took out my first loan to buy the then new revolutionary Pass designed Threshold 500. Then 20 years later after auditioning many amps and bought a Pass x350, which in every r... |