noodlyarm

Responses from noodlyarm

Power amplifier longevity… thoughts?
I suggest you try a newer but used Krell.   The newer ones with the iBias technology are wonderful, stable, powerful, and sound simply like music.  
Need Opinions for Different Cable Manufacturers/Cable Designs
My experience with cables is that they can make a really noticeable difference, but I don' think I'd classify that difference as "vast". I will say that one cable that sounds great in one system may sound horrible in another.   I love my GR-Resea... 
Electrostatics and tubes
I've been a stat fan for nearly 40 years.   I find the pairing of electrostats and tubes to be magic.   Electrostats are typically 91-92dB efficient, so you don't need a ton of power.   You should have plenty and those VTAs are sweet. I'm not a f... 
Spades vs. Banana plugs ??
Locking low mass banana plugs for me.   Locking is important as it improves the connection and makes them less likely to get pulled out.  I use the WBT-0610Cu bananas.   I understand their newer version is better, but I’ve not tried them.  
DAC options to consider for Innuos streamer
Hello, I also use the Innuos Zen Mini Mk3 as a streamer running Sense via USB into my T+A Dac200 then into my Krell gear. I am quite happy with this chain, but I am considering changing from USB to I2S just to see if/how it is different. My prior... 
PrimaLuna dialogue hp
I owned a PrimaLuna HP Dialogue integrated amp.   It was excellent, but not a good match for my speakers.   The amp was very well built and as long as it was well cared for, you should be fine with a 10 year old model.   Kevin Deal (Upscale Audio)... 
It Pegged the Needle on My "BS Meter". Now, I'm A Believer. Ever Happen to You?
Hmm, I was not aware of that trick, but it doesn't surprise me.   In our case, we did not use the Monster Cable demo box, we just had roughly equal lengths of Monster Cable and compared that the zipcord speaker wire.   We just moved cables around.... 
It Pegged the Needle on My "BS Meter". Now, I'm A Believer. Ever Happen to You?
In the late ‘70’s I was working for Water Street Stereo, in Santa Cruz, CA.   I’d been out on vacation and when I came back we had in a spool of speaker wire from a company named Monster Cable.   My colleagues were raving about it.   I cried BS.  ... 
Anyone at home at Krell?
I recently (about a month ago) received my repaired K300i back from them.   I have always found them slow to respond, but they do respond.   Sometime a phone call worked better than email... I really love the match of Krell to both my Xstatic EC/... 
Solid State Power Amps
You might consider Krell.   Their 300 XD or the 175 XD should pair well and work wonderfully with your Sopras.   I am a big fan of the Krell sound, which I describe as powerful/tightly controlled bass, slightly warm musical mids, and articulate hi... 
Non-fatiguing speakers in $10K range?
Hello,   in the Seattle area you might look to Olson’s HiFi in Lynnwood.   Ben and his team have great ears, offer meaningful advice, and have a lot of stock.   They are also very accommodating.  www.olsonshifi.com.   i am not associated with ... 
300B or 2a3 SET Class A for Heretic Model A?
I’ve run 845 SET amps (Antique Sound Labs, USA) and been very satisfied with their 27watts per channel.   Very quit, lovely midrange, tight powerful bass and extended highs.   Great imagine and overall tonal quality.   They matched well with my el... 
Coda #8, Pass XA25, or Schiit Tyr to replace PS Audio M700
You might want to give the Krell amps an audition.   I use them in my electrostatic rig for some of the same reasons you cite.   I’ve got the K300i integrated, but for you the XD125 or 175 Duo should work nicely.   To my ears the Krells have a tub... 
Loud pop/screech when powering on amp
+1 on the leaky capacitor.   I had the same problem on an old USA Antique Sound Labs 845 tube amp.   The culprit was one of the capacitors, but I don’t recall which one.   I just had them change all of them out.   Then I sold that amp, not because... 
Are You A Disciplined Audiophile?
In my listening experience, component break-in is a real thing.   I sent my Krell K300i back to the factory for service and upon return it sounded like crap.   Tight, recessed midrange, no bass slam, rolled off/squeeky highs.   Yuk.   I just let i...