mikemeeks

Responses from mikemeeks

Why is everyone so down on MQA?
My observations on MQA: 1. I’ve heard it thru a couple of different DACs.  Until I heard it thru a dCS Bartok, I didn’t think MQA amounted to much.  I generally preferred high bit rate PCM on Qobuz.  But the Bartok changed my mind.  I now general... 
Aurender
I can't speak the the I2S issues raised by the OP, but with regard to the AES/EBU interface being limited to 192khz/24 bits, that is because that is the limit according to the AES/EBU specification.  Due to this limit, Dual AES was developed to su... 
Recommendations and thoughts for end game speakers and amps
@ronboco Regarding your question about listening to the Aviors with other amps - I originally was using a Levinson 585 with the Aviors.  On my previous speakers (Focal Kanta 2s) it was fine.  However, it had some weaknesses that the Rockports reve... 
Recommendations and thoughts for end game speakers and amps
I recently moved up to Rockport Avior IIs and a Gryphon Diablo 300.  It is an excellent combination, as the Aviors like an amp that can deliver lots of current.  Both the Aviors and the Diablo are excellent throughout the frequency range with no r... 
To Stream or Not to Stream
I started a few years ago with an Aurender N100 and the internal Dac in my integrated.  I started with Tidal, and eventually added Qobuz to get an even wider variety of music.  The sound quality is excellent, and having access to such a range of m... 
What Integrated Amp do You use
Just stepped up to a Gryphon Diablo 300.  Sounds amazing.  I was floored by how much better is was than my previous Levinson 585.  Maybe my last amp, because to go past this has a very big price tag. 
Gryphon Mephisto
Was lucky enough to get to listen to a pair of Mephisto Solos driving a pair of Wilson XVXs for a few hours a couple of months back.  Based on that, I can definitely say you are in for some very fine sound.  Congratulations! 
Mac vs streamer.
I originally intended to use a MacBook Pro as my streaming source.  After I had put together my system, I decided to compare my MacBook Pro, along with the iFi reclocker and cable I was using, to the Aurender N100 my dealer had been recommending. ... 
Tidal vs Quobuz
I subscribe to both Tidal and Qobuz.  At the time I added Qobuz, my system only supported first level MQA unfold.  I found I generally, but not always, preferred Qobuz high-res to to Tidal.  However, I recently added a DAC (the dCS Bartok) which h... 
Levinson 585 and MQA
I also have a 585 and subscribe to both Tidal and Qobuz.  I use an Aurender N10, so I can perform the first level of MQA unfold with the N10.  With this setup, I found I generally preferred the Qobuz hires versions to Tidal MQA, although the diffe... 
Point of higher priced streamer?
Like many on this thread, I started off thinking that high priced streamers were a solution in search of a problem.  I deal with a lot of networking equipment, some running at 100Gb/sec.  Surely a simple laptop can easily drive digital music over ... 
Transparent cables Recalibration prices out of this world
There seems to be some misunderstanding about the purpose of Transparent’s cable recalibration.  There is no need for periodic recalibration.  The purpose of the calibration or recalibration is to match the output impedance of your amplifier.  So ... 
Rockport owners.
I recently upgraded to a pair of Rockport Avior IIs.  I spent a long afternoon listening to them before purchasing them.  What struck me was the detailed but smooth midrange - vocals were almost spooky.  If I closed my eyes, it sounded like the si... 
Amp repair cost — is this right?
I've been down this road.  I had a pair of Levinson No.20 amps (over 20 years old) that both failed due to capacitor issues.  I contacted one of the shops that does both warranty service for Levinson and works on older units.  The person I talked ... 
Integrated brand choice -- Simaudio, Hegel or Mark Levinson?
I’m using a Levinson 585 to drive a pair of Focal Kanta 2s.  Very nice combination - pretty neutral, with just a touch of sweetness in the midrange.  What I especially like is that I can listen to and enjoy all my music - even average or somewhat ...