phild

Responses from phild

Why aren't all CDs created equally?
Hi Warren...I don't think all pop/rock engineers have "tin ears", but fidelity and resolution is not the main goal of most of them. They're after a "sound" and recording quality is not often a priority. Some really don't know and don't care...othe... 
Nick Cave fans?
Hi Cpdunn99...Yep, I meant is as a backhanded compliment. I'd kill to be a 5th rate Richard Thompson! :-) I think Richard Thompson is one of the most amazing, dynamic live acts and his albums are usually pretty great too. I called Nick Cave second... 
Balanced or Unbalanced, which way to go?
I *think* I know what you're asking...The only way you could use the Cary straight to the amp would be if it had a high enough output to drive the amps, and either the amps or the Cary would have to have some sort of a volume control. It would inv... 
Nick Cave fans?
I saw his "acoustic" No More Shall We Part tour. The band was Nick on grand piano, a bass player, a drummer (?? I think??), and whatshisface from The Dirty 3 on violin. I never saw a Bad Seeds show, but I was impressed by the dynamics and power of... 
Balanced or Unbalanced, which way to go?
It all depends on the design of your amp and preamp. I found a balanced/XLR between my pre and amp to be very positive as far as resolution goes. I think it sounds better in every way (and both my digital and analog sources are single-ended). The ... 
Stones and Beatles MFSL CD's?
Hey Henry...good for you. I'm glad they sound good, but they're still bootlegs, they are not taken from the original masters, and they have nothing to do with MFSL. $40 per CD is a little too much for bootlegs...especially when the entire catalog ... 
Pioneer Elite DV-C36 as a transport, or get CDP?
Hi Lkdog,Maybe others could offer some more info, but I would *guess* that your $400-$500 would be best spent on modifications for your Pioneer (it's probably not really enought to buy a great DAC or one box CDP, digital cable, etc). The upgrade p... 
Mosfets: The way to go for SS amplification?
Hi Jayme,I wouldn't get hung up on the technical details if I were you. Yes...MOSFETS can sound great in a great design, but a poorly designed MOSFET amp can sound awful. The same is true for balanced circuitry and all other aspect of audio design... 
Pioneer Elite DV-C36 as a transport, or get CDP?
I have an outboard DAC and I found that two older CDPs made better sounding transports than my Pioneer Elite DV-05 (the model that the DV36 replaced??). There is a ton of additional circuitry (video, etc) in a DVD player that's not in a CD player,... 
$1,500 to spend on a tubed full function pre
A used Counterpoint SA-5000, if you can find one. The Audible Illusions pre's may also fit that description. 
The Flaming Lips are Go Manifesto
Hey guys, great posts! (and yes...big bonus points for no bitch fights)I think I fall somewhere in the middle on the Lips. I've never really thought they were as good as their press, but I've always enjoyed them to some extent. I can listen to the... 
$2K to spend on used SS linestage, but which?
You'll never get the tube sound from an SS pre, but the Pass Aleph P is one SS pre that fits the bill for most of your other requirements.I would highly recommend trying whatever SS pre for awhile before you sell your old fave. I've heard that CJ ... 
Mission 780 good value?
I'm not positive if this is still the case, but most Mission speakers used to be front-ported and designed to be placed 8" from the rear wall. That could be an advantage in near wall or corner placement.That said, all will sound different and it r... 
Sony SCAD Stopped WOrking
Yep...it's a Sony allright. 
Digital Optical Cables - how important is brand?
Hi LKdog...I've certainly seen mentions of Cousin Dupree on AA before. People seem to recommend him as a good source for cheap DIY cables. The Bolder cable I have is Belden 1695a based, but uses Eichman RCA's, not Canare (though they have, and do ...