markaray

Responses from markaray

what is the best, least costly DAC...?
I tried the v-dac with better power supply and a matrix mini-i. I was surprised that in my system the matrix was a definite step up, ymmv 
Help with bookshelfs
I had both the VR-1 and quad 12L, I much preferred the quad because it was more musical and better soundstage, since then moved to active version even better, ymmv 
Some of the best pre amps used for $600 or less
musical fidelity a3cr, hard to find cause they usually sell quick at $600 or under 
best pre-amp new or used for under $500?
IRD purist, I have owned one twice because i regretted selling it, there was one here for under $400 STEAL. I now have musical fidelity a3cr which is GREAT for around $600-700oh sorry no remote, look for a musical fidelty 
my quick take on Matrix mini-i dac
YES you can use as preamp it has balanced and single end analog out. I do not use as pre as I really like the MF pre. this is a versatile dac. pre & headphone amp, also great for a desktop system w active speakers 
Upgrade from Quad 11L?
Ive had 12L 22L and 12Lactive for me active is the way to go. If I can just recommend one HUGE tweak.... difractionbegone pads WILL improve you sound a great deal. I am just a happy customerhttp://www.diffractionbegone.com/ check out the reviewsTh... 
Tekton Kat's Meow
I have not heard these, however I have owned some tekton fostex based speakers (as part of surround sound in home theater) Eric is a great guy and does great quality work. I live in Utah so easy for me to visit. He has said he would bring a pair o... 
Preamp suggestion for Quad 12L actives
i have used ird purist and just inserted a musical fidelity a3cr with great results, you can get one of these used for around $600. i love the 12 active, get a pair of diffractionbegone felt pads for tweeter and hear the soundstage depth and width... 
any + experience with CD disc modification ?
try the millenium carbon disc, I found it worthwhile and a step up from Herbies black hole, cost a lot more though 
Best Powered Monitors
I had mackie 824 in home stereo enviornment. Did a lot of things well, but after awhile I had less desire to go listen and enjoy. Now I am very happy with quad 12L active. They seem to translate on a more emotional level if that makes any sense. I... 
CD Mats -- do they work? Are they dangerous?
I used the herbies black hole and then millennium carbon fiber. I never play a cd anymore without the carbon fiber mat, worth the $ Herbies was an improvement, and the carbon fiber another step up 
Review: : M-CD Mat :The Millennium CD Mat: Tweak
I just got one a couple of days ago and WOW, very nice improvement. It really helps the music just be in the room and get the speakers out of the way, if that makes any senseget one, great $100 upgrade 
Best bookshelf monitor under $1000 new or used.
quad 12L active, biamped, electronic crossover. NO amp expense, highly reviewed quad l series, less than $1000. I have personally commpared to many other speakers and is my speaker of choice at the moment 
Seeking Warm Towers - under $1500.
Rotarius, I call the quad warm based on my listening experience in my room, as always ymmv.To compare speakers I have owned over the years, I could oversimplify certain speakers the following way and classify with: warm/neutral/coolNHT 2.5i coolVo... 
Seeking Warm Towers - under $1500.
Go listen check out quad 21L or 22L