thriftyaudio
Responses from thriftyaudio
| DAC recommendation for DSD input @mintakax The advice you have received is all excellent. I was in a similar position and looked at several of the ones recommended here. I found the Tambaqui less 'musical' than I wanted, but it was nearly my choice. The T+A 200 was another almost... | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) Thanks for your response @yyzsantabarbara . I tried a fiber conversion roughly 18 months ago and found it slightly inferior to USB into an Eversolo. I also tried I2S into a PS Audio DAC and was disappointed with the results. My conversion connec... | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) @bluethinker I agree. I have reached out to them regarding a couple things. Never problems, just curious questions, and their responses have been timely, pleasant, and extremely helpful. If I wasn't so happy with my Pass XA-25 and my Bricasti DAC,... | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) @yyzsantabarbara Thanks for the question. I always value your observations. The LTA with just the base tubes was an improvement over the LA4. May have lost a touch of the high end, but on the whole the details were essentially the same with impro... | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) @sls883 May try the Ray Select 12SN7 tubes. | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) @sls883 LTA sent 6SN7. I have only used the tubes LTA shipped. This whole tube thing is new to me. | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) @sls883 LTA sent the Ray Reserve and the Gold Lion. They were part of the holiday special pricing. The RR tubes are big, but fit in my system. They poke out the top. The holes are quite large on mine. Ask LTA. I am sure they would help. | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) @sls883 Thanks for following up. The folks at LTA are correct with the Ray Reserve and the Gold Lion tubes being a step up, or three, over the stock tubes. The RR tubes were a huge upgrade and I was already pleased with the improved listening fun... | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) Installed the Gold Lion tubes a few days ago and let the system adjust. Performed the critical listening test tonight. I was expecting little or no improvement. The first few passive listening sessions were a bit of a disappointment. Started off ... | |
| R2R next? Don't like ESS Schiit Bifrost 2/64 is decent and only $600 here https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650169946-schiit-audio-bifrost-264-version-black/ . Don't like the click between songs when the transfer rate changes. PS Audio DirectStream Mk1 can be found... | |
| Benchmark LA4 vs Linear Audio Tube microZOTL Preamplifier (Level 2) I have listened to the Ray Reserve tubes for the past week. The improvement I heard from the LA4 to the LTA MicroZOTL was matched by the improvement with the RR. Still waiting for the Gold Lion to arrive. It sounds like LTA will be offering Ray Se... | |
| Retirement integrated amp for a “fiscal conservative”…..Part 1: I have a plan Take a look at a Pass Labs INT-25 or INT-60. Used would save you lot of money. | |
| Got Innuous, now a DAC I would suggest one of the Schiit DACs. I had a Bifrost 2/64 and liked it a lot. PS Audio was decent too. The team at the Music Room could help identify a nice fit for your system. | |
| Which inexpensive speaker cables... I have had great luck with Pine Tree Audio USB cables. I would expect their speaker cables would be comparable. I use WBC speaker cable and interconnects (XLR and RCA). Here is a 20' run that might work for you. https://www.amazon.com/WORLDS-B... | |
| Tube Sound With Equalization? I sold my Benchmark and got a LTA MicroZOTL Level 2. Thought I would keep the Benchmark and switch out, but after hearing the MicroZOTL for a week decided to sell the LA4. Waiting to try some upgraded tubes from LTA for even more improvement. |