kevinkwann

Responses from kevinkwann

Preamp Recommendations Lamm, Ayre K-1x, BAT 31SE
So speakerdude says all youre hearing is the limitations of your amp and source and Rushton says you can't get any more transparent to the sound of the amp by bypassing the preamp meaning all youre hearing is the source and the amp.Nice work Rusht... 
Thiel 7.2: amps suggestions please
Yeah, what does Thiel know anyway? They use Krell but I'm sure it's just a coincidence. Good idea: stick with the Pass. The Krell would sound better, a lot better, but yeah, stick with the Pass. 
Any experience with TAD speakers ?
"Tube amps are mostly needed - we do need some distortion and TAD do not offer much of that in their speakers."This statement indicates a fundamental lack of understanding about not only tubes and the way they sound, but about audio in general. 
Power cord for Meitner DAC & Philips Transport?
I have found that the best thing to do with these particular devices is plug them into an AC outlet. I tried leaving them unplugged once and they would not even work. Returning the power cords and plugs to the AC outlet cured the problem completely. 
Any body hear the new improved Merlins at CES?
Brooks-- the DAC they used was an Audio Note/Ken Stevens DAC 3 Signature. It’s waaaaay beyond Audio Note’s stock converters from any series. They are rare, they are expensive and they are like nothing else on earth. Put it this way-- I wish I had ... 
Merlin VSM-M or VSM-MX vs. Kharma CRM3.2 series
"I had the opportunity to hear the 3.2's with Lamm electronics and felt it was easily among the most musically involving systems at the show."I really do believe most audiophiles have lost touch with what has to be considered the reference point f... 
Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.
Hi Bobby. I'm not a Merlin owner. I'm merely a Merlin admirer. I'm always amazed when I hear good things about speakers that cost far more, Rockports being a good example, but that don't have nearly the capability. The Rockports I've heard (Hyperi... 
Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.
I just re-read your post, Bobby. D'OH! I will endeavor to improve my reading skills. In any case, fwiw, I think your VSM speakersare among the most transparent and dynamic onbox speakers on earth. Those who "think" the Sound Labs can achieve anywh... 
Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.
Bobby, you said, "This greatly reduced an energy storage issue which John Atkinson picked up on in his tests."This begs the question: Why did it take a reviewer to pick up on this problem for you to discover and correct it? You mention a program o... 
Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.
I agree with you Zaikesman regarding Jim and RC. The more we hear from RC the better as far as I'm concerned.As to your second point, I was implying nothing. What I said was clear and speaks for itself. Speakers that get the dynamic contrasts of m... 
Krell amplifier with Hales speakers?
These speakers are not inherently bright. Your electronics are not able to drive them properly and your speaker is telling you that very clearly. 
Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.
"Kevinkwann, to each his own and the Rockports tell me more about my designs than anything else I have access to.....I bet you won't like the set of speakers I have just traded a preamp for, Sound Lab M-1s..."Hi Rcrump. If the Rockports tell you m... 
Tenor Hybrid v. VTL MB-450 Sig.
Rcrump it is obvious you have good ears as your comments about the Merlins are quite accurate. That's why your admiration of the Rockport sound is so confusing. They've always had a certain lifelessness/deadness about them that is very hard to ove... 
Krell amplifier with Hales speakers?
CAT JL2 much much better than Krell for this very very hard to drive speaker. 
Wadia 861 basic vs The Dodson DA-218
"I am lost as to the best CD player."Why do you need the best cd player? Do you have the best system? Do you have the best music? Are you the best listener? Well?