rpf

Responses from rpf

Review: Ridge Street Audio Alethius Copper Speaker cable
A follow-up. I've upgraded my interconnects to Kubala-Sosna Emotions and Expressions, which unlike the VH Audio Spectrums, are stranded wire. I really like the Spectrums and still think they're a great value but the KS are significantly better (an... 
Personal Preamp Evolution.
McIntosh MA 5100 integrated in the seventies. Sold everything and was out of the hobby for more than a decade. Creek integrated around '91. Arcam Alpha 9 integrated in the late '90s.Conrad Johnson PV14, then upgraded to Series 2.CJ Premier 17LS, t... 
Love it, or Hate it ? (wood trim)
I like fine wood panels or casing, ex., Unison Research, Dodd Audio (I own the Dodd Mono 50s which have wood face, rear and side panels: curly maple in my pieces).Check out the new Response Audio Musica Bella series. All wood casings in a variety ... 
Compare: Modwright LS 36.5 & Audio Research LS26
I should have noted that to roll a GZ37 or GZ32 in the single box 36.5 - unlike the Dual Mono unit - requires a moving the tube socket to line up with a DM top if you don't want to run it with the top off. Modwright will probably do this at a reas... 
Compare: Modwright LS 36.5 & Audio Research LS26
I haven't heard the LS26 but I own the 36.5 (single box) and had the Ref 3 in my system for a few days. Both are great linestages with different strengths. I'm not sure which unit I would prefer over the long haul although the Ref 3 with about 250... 
Cary 303/300 or Musical Fidelity A5 with Mac gear?
I prefer the A5 over the Cary. The latter overemphasizes the bass. The tube rectified Modwright Sig.Truth Sony 9100 (which I own) is far better than either: more resolution, dimensionality and extension. 
Ayre K-3X or Aesthetix Calypso? with a
Haven't heard the Ayre or the new Calypso. Either Modwright linestage, however, is better than the original Calypso: more extended and neutral with better control, transparency and soundstaging. My prejudice is for a tube linestage with a SS amp. 
whats a more detailed preamp
Modwright 9.0SE (tube rectified) or, preferably, the LS 36.5 (which I own, had the 9.0 previously). Excellent combination with CJ amps (also owned) and the 36.5 is on the level of the Act 2. 
5U4 tubes
Yes, a number of current pieces use it. It's related to the GZ37. Check out www.tubeworld.com for more info. 
Anyone try decoupling speakers from the room?
I use Symposium Ultra platforms under my 3 way speakers (even though I have carpet over a concrete floor on grade). I prefer it to spikes. The bass is tighter and clearer and the midrange is more focused. Also worked better with my old Vandy 2CIs ... 
Shootout: AMR CD-77 vs. AR CD7 vs. Wadia 581se
Since everyone else is complaining, I will state that I enjoyed reading your comments. Obviously there were limitations to the auditioning process but there almost always is. Getting three such players into one's own setup is extremely difficult: ... 
The everyday use of a tube amp
I have the Dodd Mono 50s (which I love) and often run them 10 hours a day. They are a Class A/B design with a standby switch and they do not run particularly hot. The tubes used are very inexpensive: the output tubes (of which there are only two t... 
AFTER THE MUSICAL FIDELITY A5.......
Forgot that I had the Ayre CX 7e in my system also.I listenend to the Cary 303-300 and the MF A5 at a dealer's and thought the latter was better. None of them have the resolution or dimensionality of the Modwright. 
AFTER THE MUSICAL FIDELITY A5.......
Modwright Signature Truth Sony 9100 with tube rectification. Detailed, accurate and musical. Large soundstage, well defined imaging, and harmonically true with good decay. Bettered the Audio Logic 24MXL and Northstar DACs, and the Lector CDP7T an... 
Has anyone updated Senn HD650 cable?
Yes, I tried the Cardas which was an improvement but found the Moon Audio Blue Dragon V2, and later, the Black Dragon significantly better. The Cardas, like many of their wiring has a lower midrange, upper bass hump. The Moon cables were more bala...