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mazian

Responses from mazian

Denon 3910 vs Maranz ud 7007 as players of SACD discs
I have a Denon 3910 modified by John Tucker as an Exemplar. It is quite ancient now and I have replaced the laser and the tubes but it still holds its own against any universal player I have heard but I have not compared it to the Marantz.  
Streamer question
Getting a streamer with a decent app is difficult. After going through 4 streamers without getting anywhere near what I wanted from an app I had to bite the bullet and sign up to Roon. While it can be complicated finding your way around what Roon ... 
What to expect if I import an amp and preamp from a Japan seller via US eBay
A quality step down transformer will make no audible difference to the sound. But as someone mentioned if the amps are Accuphase it is not difficult to convert to US voltage.  It's the same with some other non US manufacturers.  
DAC as pre amp
@soix  My DAC has at least twice the signal boost of the preamp and I have tried using the DAC to biamp directly to the speakers with acceptable results. However like others I find using a preamp gives a richer sound but there is not a lot in it a... 
What percentage of digital vs. analog?
I'm amazed that vinyl addicts seem oblivious to the clicks and pops that are inherent in vinyl records. IMHO clicks and pops are not an integral part of music and any medium that eliminates them is to be applauded.  
Which Would You Choose?
You speakers are in an entirely different class to the rest of your equipment and you probably need to think of upgrading almost everything not just a power amp.  Actually IMHO your power amp is the last thing you need to replace.  
Roon and Streaming Services
If you don't want to pay for both Tidal and Qobuz soundiiz is the way to go. Transfer your albums etc from Tidal to Qobuz and then cancel Tidal. When you integrate Qobuz with Roon your transfered albums will be accessible on Roon as well as Qobuz.  
Have you found your "End-Game" speakers yet? I have. And it feels so good!!!
At 83 years old I doubt I will be moving on from my recently acquired Sonus Faber Sonetto V speakers.  
Best RCA interconnect up to ~$100?
Chinese clone Nordost Odin Gold difficult to beat and under $100 on Aliexpress. That is if you can live with what many see as an ethical dilemma.  
Is Aurender N10 still a good option
I had, or should I say still have an N10, but have recently replaced it with a used Antipodes DX3. The main reason was the crap Aurender app, especially if you mainly stream classical and a decision to go with Roon. As you probably know Aurender d... 
Anyone else suffering with Qobuz tonight
Qobuz has been fine using the Qobuz app but with Roon I have had problems. Sometimes it connects and plays OK but at other times it won't connect.  
How to make the Focal Kanta No. 2 speakers sing?
I've never owned Focal speakers but have heard them demonstrated at dealers and at shows. These include Kantas and Sopras and what I heard aligns with your experience that they sounded bright and thin and very much in your face. So my conclusion i... 
Ground Loop?
I had similar problem with a preamp. The solution was purchasing an isolation transformer.   
Streamer with decent app
Plenty of decent streamers many of which have been mentioned here. However a decent app is another issue altogether.  If you are a classical music listener Roon is the only app which gets it almost right. Apps from Aurender, Auralic, Elac or Cambr... 
Tracking down a hum.
Possibly a ground loop. The only safe way to fix it that I know is to get an isolation device like an isolation transformer.