andrei_nz

Responses from andrei_nz

McIntosh -- good for show, not for sound, says dealer
Not good for show.  They are ugly.  Pointless gothic script.  They are worse than ugly.  
Evaluating Classical Music Albums
1. By and large Studio is to be preferred over Live.   2. There are many orchestral recordings in 60s that are great.  This was a time of great optimism in Europe and it comes out in the playing.  This typically means that you have to go for LP. ... 
Appreciate Some Dac Advice
Matrix Audio.  https://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/318.html Chi-Fi but the whole enchilada.   Case: check - CNC machining. Chip: Check - ESS 9038 best off the shelf chip out there. Connections: Check - all options (I use I2S) Sound: Check... 
Beautiful Music That Reduce You To Tears
Sibelius: The Death of Melisande (Title says it all) Strauss: I'm Abendrot (Literally 'sunset') Elgar: The Intermezzo from his Crown of India suite.  (Very tender) Schubert: Die Leierman.  (Soul crushing) Mahler: Adagietto.  (Used in films suc... 
Cartridge recommedations
Good thread.  I am also looking for a new cart and money is tight.  AT, Hana, and ZYX are on my radar.  I am not allergic to MM and Nagaoka also on the radar.    
Do I need a subwoofer?
By and large a sub is a good idea.  Most 'full range' speakers are not quite full range.  However, consider that many people run stand mounts happily.  To my way of thinking either get a good sub or just run with what you have. Two (or more) subs... 
Tube Vs. SS Preamps
Hi Greg. Been there and done that. First up: interplay between price and quality.  Not a difficult concept in itself but it gets a bit more complicated with the variable of tube vs SS.  That is to say it is more difficult - and thereby more expen... 
HiFi vs MidFi
Hi bigtexlate to respond but ok.Hi-fi High Fidelity ... we are living in a golden age of High Fidelity.  The "mid-fi' stuff is just fine.  It is more than just fine.  The thing is this:  There is some music and what is the meaning of that music?  ... 
Why the hate for mcintosh amps?
Hardly ever heard them.  I imagine they sound good but they look so pretentions.  If you wear several rings and large gold chain they may fit in a lounge that has velvet paintings of cigar smoking, sombrero wearing, pistol toting Mexicans. 
Turntable versus tonearm versus cartridge: which is MOST important?
Normally one would expect the cartridge to be the most important.  After all it is a transducer - the others being microphones and loudspeakers.However it is the turntable that is the most important.  First, there are speed issues.  This is expens... 
why do so many discussions turn contentious?
Best topic.  There is a kind of 'Americanism' involved.  This comes from a political society that has an A -vs- B mentality that is inherently confrontational. 
Upgrade my CD player or futile effort?
Done deal!Ordered the R2R Denafrips Ares IICouldn't have done it without you guys input. Don't forget that you can still service your CD player.(1) Clean the contacts with a contact cleaner.(2) Check to see that it is level.(3) Aftermarket Feet t... 
DAC general question
I agree with  jjss49.  I would only add that the quality of components can also make a difference. 
A MEMBER IN NEED OF SUPPORT
Best wishes from New Zealand to david_ten and his family.   
Analog Upgrade - Where to start?
1. Direct Drive.  2. Phono Stage based on an LCR network.