anton99

Responses from anton99

SQ vs. Music
Love how millercarbon put it. And I'm still new enough to the world of high quality equipment that I'm trying to find the balance. I will put something on just because it sounds fabulous and bask in the glory. And I'll pass on a recording because ... 
Recommendations for modern integrated with tone & balance controls other than Mcintosh
Surprised to see no mention of Belles. A couple integrated amps are now available, and his gear is very well regarded. I have the Aria integrated and love it. I also use the Schiit Loki. On some recordings it works wonders, and fiddling around it ... 
Best upgrade for cd player?
Agree with richdirector. The Audiolab does what a transport is supposed to do; with my Neko Audio D100 MKII DAC, it sings. Better than with the Chord 2Qute DAC I had previously. Read on the Neko site on why it sounds so rich and warm. 
Jaw Dropping Improvement?
I run my Node 2i through the Neko Audio D100 MK II (into a Belles Aria integrated amp). The friend who sold it to me to replace the Chord 2Qute said this would pair beautifully with the Belles, and he was right. It's perfect for the streamer.You c... 
Artists you feel you can rely on, buy any new album unheard.
Another vote for Bob Dylan, including the Bootleg SeriesEden AtwoodStacey KentGillian WelchOrchestra Baobab 
The anachronistic CD Transport? And do I really need one.
I've been using the Audiolab 6000CDT with a Neko Audio D100 MKII DAC and have nothing but good things to say about the rig. I read a lot of reviews and forums before settling on the Audiolab, whose main competition seems to be the Cambridge. When ... 
Whats this for?
My Belles Aria integrated has a tiny screw that fastens the volume knob to the thing-y that turns (sorry for the lack of precision). It is tightened by a tiny key.  
Schiit order issue - anyone receiving shipments?
Acoustic Sounds is having a world of difficulty getting a couple records to me. I’ve been told twice that my order—a revised order due to an earlier item being backordered for quite some time—is being processed in the warehouse.Everything, apart f... 
DAC's Made in the USA
Neko Audio D100 Mk II. I think it's on sale for $1000 (normally $1500). Has coax and optical. Sounds great with my Belles Aria integrated. A "warmer" sound profile. It may not be the most stylish box, but it's a very nice piece.And the guy who mak... 
what happened to the Belles website ?????
If you call, David Sr. usually answers, and he'll talk with you and answer questions. I bought the Aria integrated a short time ago and needed some advice on something, and he was very friendly and informative. I suspect he'd be more than willing ... 
How can music be sad?
snilf—I think opposing cultural influence and objectivity is unnecessary. My example, and your response, suggests that such an either/or is too simple. I wasn't talking about Japanese composers, musicians, and students as much as listeners. How do... 
How can music be sad?
To snilf:It's a good question to ponder, the universal nature of music, or its cultural specificity. The Bach phenomena in Japan is interesting in this regard. A 17th-century German Lutheran composer whose very cultural-specific music somehow beco... 
How can music be sad?
Great question. Taking a different approach from Schopenhauer, the older idea of the music of the spheres is suggestive, especially when brought into the conversation that some musicologists are having about universal music. Does our music, and ev... 
Music streamers
Another vote for Bluesound Node 2i. $450 on sale, connect to a better DAC, and there you are. Easy to use, small profile so easy to place, and it does everything it should. One of the smartest purchases I've made. 
Name a few albums which helped determine your musical tastes
"Quadrophenia" and "Who's Next""Frampton Comes Alive""Got to Get You Into My Life" (45)"Dark Side of the Moon""War" and "Live at Red Rocks"; but especially "The Unforgettable FireMozart, Clarinet and Oboe Concertos, L'Oiseau-LyreMozart, Serenades ...