rmdmoore

Responses from rmdmoore

Integrated Amplifier for Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolution
My feeling is when it comes to these things, you'll never know a good match until you try it. Some great amps have been mentioned here but I'd add one to the list: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb62ag-modwright-kwh-225i-stereo-tube-hybrid-in... 
Upgrading preamp. Best for under $1K
I'd also recommend a Rogue RP-1 used. I had one and it took 3 upgrades to get something that sounded better. If you keep your eye out you should be able to snag one for 1k or so on the used market.   
Old CD player back from the dead—prompting many questions!
So the California audio labs stuff was always interesting to me. They were really modded name brand players and where a lot of the mods were was in the DAC if memory serves me. Mike Moffat, now of Schiit, was the brains behind cal audio labs. If I... 
Help me choose an Audio Research preamp/line stage (Please?)
I have quattros and while the ARC stuff is definitely good it all suffers from use of global negative feedback. Also amps and preamps eeds to match well. I tried an ARC ref 3 in my system when I had Rogue m180s and it sounded awful; tinny and thin... 
Simple question, probably stupid
I have always found that tubes do get better with "burn in time". As others have said and as Brent Jesse who is my go to for NOS tubes says you have 2 options: leave the amps on for the desired period of time, no signal needed or just burn them in... 
List some of your favorite live Jazz recordings
Lots of good stuff here. My favorite would be: Wynton Kelly trio featuring wes Montgomery, live at the half note This album just swings so damn hard. I dare you to not tap your foot along.   
What speaker could safely be ordered without hearing it first?
The speakers you choose will have the single greatest impact on what your system sounds like. Last time I brought speakers for my main system, I drove 3.5 hours to listen first. Yes, your room will make a difference, yes, your other components wil... 
Is simpler better?
For me, a preamplifier is vital. Not only does it serve as my "switch" for different sources (analog vs. digital sources) but it provides a small amount of gain and, aside from the speakers, does the most to define the sound of the system. The wro... 
Thoughts About Turntable Upgrades
What I'd say is that if you have a truly great sounding digital front end, that it will be expensive to get your analog side sounding as good. The other side of that though is that if you take the time and make the investment your analog front end... 
Tube Preamp, uses 6sn7/6sl7. With or Without Phono; With or Without Remote Volume,
I have the above mentioned ls100 from ModWright and can say it's a fantastic preamp. I had a don Sachs and prefer this.   
High end speakers at low volume
I think one of the biggest limiting factors for you is how close the speakers have to be to the wall, 25cm is not far. Most speakers. Need a meter or so to breathe properly and make good bass. I see the Vandersteen treo is on your list. I'd recomm... 
Probably a dumb question
https://kahlaudio.com/ This guy sells an assortment of used gear. He sometimes gets super high end stuff but you gotta keep your eye out.   
Moving on a sailboat - bookshelf speakers?
+1 bkeske The Vandersteen VLR woods/CT. Designed for exactly that purpose. The 60 hi current watts made by the amp you mentioned should be enough to drive them. I have the older version of this speaker at my mountain house and am driving them wit... 
Integrated suggestions
I really feel like ModWright is often overlooked. Their current model pre is out of your price range, even used, but there's one of their older for sale on the other site. I've been. Extremely happy with my LS100 preamp from them. Truly boutique p... 
How does one pick in this situation?
Take a trip to a place that has the speakers you want to listen to. Yes, it will cost some money that you'd prefer to put towards the speakers but it's worth it in the end if you end up with the right speakers after only one try.