takashic

Responses from takashic

High resolution digital is dead. The best DAC's killed it.
…But that was a digression from the original topic...but not really.  CDs that are read properly will not be as adulterated by the error correction algorithm that is present in all CD players, so red book CDs can sound truly awesome.  This was the... 
High resolution digital is dead. The best DAC's killed it.
Ever since the beginning of (consumer) digital audio, there has been an ongoing debate over DAC's, analog vs. digital, etc. The original design intent for CDs has, over the last several years, been almost realized - a quantum leap over the earlier... 
Nakamichi Cassette Decks
The styling preferences are really a matter of opinion...to each their own taste, as they say.  I was impressed enough back then to buy both, although I primarily purchased the Dragon on the basis of performance.  The heads on both decks have very... 
Nakamichi Cassette Decks
I agree.  The 700ZXL looks WAY better than the Dragon - and the LX series took their styling cues (the dark charcoal/black with brushed aluminum finish) from the 700ZXL.  Sonically, I am considering selling the Dragon off "as-is" and restoring the... 
Calling for opinions on Escalante Fremonts
Escalante Design speakers, both the Fremonts and the Pinyons, were among the most musical transducers I have ever experienced. It is truly a shame that the company is no longer around (for a variety of reasons, but that is a discussion for anot... 
Nakamichi Cassette Decks
I hear you, blueranger...there's nothing like hearing a top quality cassette tape (or reel to reel).  I opted for the 700ZXL because the Dragon had not yet been introduced, and the 1000ZXL looked like a piece of military gear, with the sliders and... 
Nakamichi Cassette Decks
I am floored at the length of this thread!  This says a lot about Naks in general...although I haven't used mine in years, I still remember vividly the differences in the top end Naks and the others, along with other manufacturers' machines.  Alth... 
Esoteric X-03 does it kill the DV-50 in cd quality
I have owned both, and while the DV-50 is an excellent unit, there is a substantial difference between the two players. The X-03 provides a more solid image, and fleshes out the midrange with more detail and presence; and there is considerably mor... 
High End Monitors
I have heard the Escalante Design Pinyons both with, and without a subwoofer. I actually have a pair in one of my systems. The overall sound is better than the Talons (not surprising, since they were designed by the same person - but the Pinyons r... 
B&W Nautilus 802D, Wilson Sophia 2, or others?
Hello Rhljazz,Have you tried listening to the Escalante Design Fremonts? They go for around $20K a pair, are 93dB efficient, can handle 1000 watts all day, and present an extremely amplifier friendly load. All that wouldn't mean a thing if they di... 
Revel GEM or Wilson Cub 2 ?
Even though it is not one of the choices offered, I would agree with the Escalante Design Pinyons. They are incredible, even though they went through a price increase in November 2006. I own a pair of Pinyons, and am always blown away by the amoun... 
Marigo Labs Signature 3-D stabilizer.
I just returned from CES 2007 where I met Ron, the creator of the Marigo Labs Signature 3-D Stabilizer. In the KR Audio room, which had their new "Kronzilla" 50wpc SET amp teamed up with a pair of Escalante Design Fremonts, using an Esoteric X-01 ... 
Calling for opinions on Escalante Fremonts
First, I would like to point out how incredibly refreshing it is to see threads that don't flat out insult other manufacturers, dealers, or people. It is a BIG change from some other threads that I've read, and I hope this continues. Also, even th... 
New Loudspeakers
Cmach,Sorry for the delay in response -- I've been doing other "life" stuff, and hadn't checked the thread...The Escalante Design Pinyons, as can be expected from being monitors, image extremely well. Beyond that, however, they also present an ext... 
The best speaker you ever heard?
To AnacrusisI'm not so sure I agree with the statement about speakers varying the least. Being mechanical devices, they would tend to vary the most, at least to my ears. However, I agree that the amplifiers DO matter, and to a great extent, since ...