stereohans

Responses from stereohans

Whats playing on your system today?
The italian singer Alice - "Elisir" (1997) with special guest Curt Cress at the drums. Vinyl in good shape a friend gave me when reducing his collection of +20.000 records. 
Best cheap integrated amp
You even could think small and get a Marantz HD-AMP1. The built-in DAC is capable even to decode hires files so you could sell your existing DAC. The Marantz has a fine and decent sound and you can rely on stable 50 wpc power. Keep the phono pre a... 
How many people here generally buy used?
Sometimes used equipment is the only way to fulfill dreams you dreamt years ago. When I was at university I became conditioned by those Mark Levinson ads to be found on the first pages of hifi magazines. But as a student you cannot afford machines... 
Should I use RCA cables or Digital cables for interconnects
The Ruby has one of the best DACs ever built into a CD player. You should pair it with a much better integrated amp or a preamp/amp combination to unveil its sound potential. A Ruby is an affordable sibling of the 10 flagship series by Marantz. So... 
Audioquest or Kimber kable.
As someone who lives in Germany, american cable manufacturers were "terra incognita" for me. When I configured a vintage system with Mark Levinson components and Infinity speakers I felt there should also be cables made in the USA. Thanks to Audio... 
Very small room! Help me with monitor speakers
You should also consider Dynaudio speakers. I had the Fourty for about three months. A monitor sized box that sounded like a big one after a month of "burning in". Very high resolution, stunning colors, deep and wide soundstage and very clear defi... 
Lifespan of amps and preamps?
Addendum: I myself am into vintage for a long time. It can get you a lot of listening pleasure, but it can also cost you a lot of money for maintenance and repair. So think twice before buying "golden oldies"...So long, Hans 
Lifespan of amps and preamps?
Never change a running system... But if you want to get an upgrade, you can also have a deeper look on used (but not vintage) equipment. Many of the high end gems I got over the last years were used but in great shape. Never forget that also louds... 
End of the World system
40 Miles with loads of equipment on my back? Then 99 percent of that high end trash is out of reach. So I would try to get what is playing "Wonders" by the Piano Guys at this very moment while I'm writing this: Marantz' Musical Link HD-AMP1 and HD... 
SACD Player--Do you use it and feel you'd replace it if it broke?
I'm in SACD since it started in the early 2000s and own today a collection of over 3500 SACDs - both hybrid and single layer (SACD only). If the player is high end you can notice a difference - more detail, more tonal colours, especially more spac... 
What is your favorite system for an Office or a Secondary System
P.S. And the integrated headphone amp is stellar! 
What is your favorite system for an Office or a Secondary System
Tested system: Marantz HD-AMP1 plus HD-CD1 plus Kef LS50. Warm, detailed, sportive sound. Around 2700 Euros in Germany. Plays everything from CD to HiRes files via PC, is small and reliable. You may even load a USB stick with files and play it wit...