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beernut

Responses from beernut

Everything matter in the audio chain. Tests prove it!
The room and listening environment have more influence in the sound than cables ever will. You can't fix poor acoustics and/or poor speaker placement with band aids.  
Can someone help me pick out my first speakers?
Many good choices listed above and more options available if you go used which typically takes returns out of the equation however. Choice depends on your tastes and what you are going to drive them with. Elacs are nice but like a bit of juice. Kl... 
Your experience in "in their day" brands/components that you remember foundly?
Marantz 2225 receiver, Dual 1225 TT with Shure M95ED cartridge and JBL L-110 speakers....  
Recommend an Entry Level Turntable (And maybe an integrated Amp)
Agreed, upgrade the integrated. Look at the Audiolab 6000A. Fully featured, wonderful sound, reasonable and a nice built in phono section. My fave except for maybe the Parasound Int. I would say don't cheat on the cartridge either. I see a lot of ... 
One box do it all
I'd look for a used Parasound Halo Int, everything but the streaming and great sound quality to boot. Nice built in dac, solid phono section, plenty of current. Truly a jack of all trades. Add a Bluesound Node2i and you are off and running, er lis... 
Recommended cheaper vintage SS Integrated Amps?
Not sure what defines "cheaper" these days but from what I see most vintage pieces worth their salt have steep price tags. As mentioned, many systems were based around receivers as well. The Marantz 22XX series are well respected and nice sounding... 
Magnepan LRS- what amp should i consider? (sub $2,000)
I also had a very good experience with a Wyred STA-500 I think it was. Class D but sounded quite good and plenty of juice... 
Magnepan LRS- what amp should i consider? (sub $2,000)
I currently feed my LRS's with a Parasound Hint Integrated. As mentioned above, a sweet combo. It has plenty of current, John Curl design and is a virtual Swiss Army knife of an amp. I decided to consolidate gear awhile back using the Halo INT as ... 
Class D for a Tube Lover
Try a Rogue Sphinx. Class D paired with a tube pre-amp section. Fits your budget nicely and sound real fine. I owned 2 and really liked them. Very basic analog amps that are made in the USA with a great reputation.  
Better Integrated Amp?
You have been given some excellent advise and choices above. I second the Yamaha options as well rounded and full featured integrated amps. The Rega Brio is minimalist but sounds great and has a better phono section. Cambridge CXA series is nice a... 
Internal DAC vs stand alone DAC.....
That’s an interesting angle to the issue! 
What is the most FUN pair of speakers you've ever had and why?
Great thread. I second the Klipsch Forte III. Really had the boogie factor. I will also say my Klipsch Heresy III were fun as well. Alas, life throws us curve balls and things change. I'd take the Forte III's back in a heartbeat.. 
Speakers for audio and home theater
Interesting question and some good suggestions. I am one who believes that there are speakers geared towards home theater that are not necessarily very musical. That is sell the sizzle and not accuracy. The Klipsch floor standers come to mind, ver... 
Upgrade DAC for an Oppo BDP103
Thanks for the replies! Well considered.... 
Any tweaks I'm missing?
That might be the most extensive list of "tweaks" I have ever seen. What is it you are trying to fix? This has always amazed me, why would a well thought out and set up system need all of these tiny little adjustments? Different isn't always bette...