arkprof

Responses from arkprof

Best Integrated Amp Of All Times?
The "best" integrated amp ... the one I have now, as this is it ... no more after this one. I want to go out, er ... "get out," thinking that I couldn't have done any better, given desired and necessary limitations, of course!Almarro A318B ... hoo... 
Personal amp evolution
Radio Shack something (late 60s)Kenwood KA7002 int amp (early/mid 70s)other stuff (mid/late 80s)Adcom amp and preamp (very early 90s)Musical Fidelity A2 integrated (late 90s)Classé 101 & 151 integrateds (99-02)Pass Aleph amps (several)(03-05)P... 
Which components knocked you out on first listen?
I first listened to Martin-Logans in 1994 and immediately bought a pair of Aerius-i speakers, since I couldn't afford anything beyond that price point. A number of different speakers followed during the next 12 years (eg, B&W, Tylers, Thiel), ... 
If Money Were No Object... A Fantasy Question
If money is NOT an impediment, then once in a while just hire a nice jazz combo to do some live music for you and some friends. Could it get any better than that? 
What is your most beautiful component?
I agree with Doug Schroeder ... the Pathos Classic One MkII looks clean, simple, and stunning ... lots of thought went into this amp. I owned one for 6 months or so and hated to part with it, but it wasn't a good match with my speakers ... and I m... 
Cain & Cain Abby , placement ,care and phase plugs
Enjoyed reading comments by Rene and Jalanc regarding the Abbys. I've got SuperAbbys and one Bailey and, after 44 years of owning all kinds of audio gear, I can honestly say that the Cains are by far the most enjoyable and rewarding speakers I've ... 
Last night at Chapman Audio Systems
I understand your enthusiasm and indeed have experienced what you describe, or at least I think so. Sadly, I'm not sure I've ever experienced bad audio, or at least I don't think so. I do know, however, that removing a component from Nirvana and p... 
SACD/DVD-A/ETC
I sold my Shanling T200 after 6 months ... great player, but the quality of the recordings ... VERY DISAPPOINTING. I only owned 45 discs, but only 7 or 8 of them were clearly superior to standard CDs. Just not worth the extra expense. 
Mixed Results from My Hifi
Go buy a cheesy Pioneer or Radio Shack "audio system," pop in your favorite disappointing CDs, and then sit back and let the "magic" happen. By the way, I'd recommend having a wine or two while you're at it.No other way to fix this problem. 
wadia making mistake?
SACD can sound VERY good, but too many of the discs available are miserably average in recording quality and can barely compete with high-quality standard CDs. Just as bad, the prices for SACDs are typically far too high. This is why I gave up on ... 
Most achingly-beautiful music
If you want to be amazed by real-time 6- and 12-string guitar musicianship ... no other instruments involved ... you MUST pick up "Deviations" by Dominic Frasca ... a true keeper that you'll play over and over ... and never tire from listening 
Does your system always sound good?
I KNOW that my system can sound wonderful, but the variables are 1) the mood I'm in, for whatever reason, and 2) the quality of the CDs I purchase. That being said, a glass of merlot or sauvignon blanc will always help matters! 
Definition of Local Dealer
Live in Nowhereville, USA, and the notion of "local dealer" of necessity becomes very fluid ... mine happen to be located, at this moment, in CA, MI, PA, IA, WA, CO, IL, and KY 
Best Live Shows 2006 ?
the Tommy Castro Band ... Calif group, two-fisted blues that'll knock you over ... great live group 
My Yamamoto A-08s has arrived....Yay.
Myron ... you mean you were able to pick up a used 08? Maybe I misunderstand. Wouldn't be the first time. Maybe you could post some thoughts comparing the two Yamamotos when you've allowed the -08s to flex its muscles for a while. Now, that would ...