catama

Responses from catama

Walking Into A Brick & Mortar High End Audio Store
I want to know where you guys go to "waste" the salesmen's time, because I went into two B&M audio stores in San Francisco and Berkeley and could not get anyone in either place to talk to me, much less try to sell me anything. And, I was there... 
Biasing tubes/tube gear
Whenever you change the power tubes and every year to make sure it isn't off. If your amp is auto biasing or fixed bias, then you don't have to. 
Best phono preamp under $500?
Bellari VP130 
Mods/repairs in San Frncisco Bay Area
L&M in Daly CitySoundwell in BerkeleyGene Gerrior in SFHouse of Music in SF 
Advent Model 300 tuner/receiver
Sound of the Wood modifies these units for use as high end phono preamps. The phono section is rated quite high. The tuner is also very sensitive and accurate. Output is low (about 15 WPC) and they were made on the cheap in Mexico, so they don't s... 
PRIMA LUNA owners, what power tube are you using?
I use Genalex KT77's in my Prologue One. Very happy with them. Tried KT66's, but was not impressed with them. 
amp repair in san francisco bay area ML 335
I can vouch for L&M Electronics in Daly City. They repaired a Scott 299A integrated tube amp and a McIntoxh MX-100 tube preamp that I took to them. They are not the warmest people you will encounter, but their work is excellent and warrantied.... 
Used turntable market
I've purchased five used TT's, three of which were shipped to me by the sellers. Of the three that were shipped, two arrived in perfect condition and one was slightly damaged. The other two TT's were local pickups. 
Character of the McIntosh MX110 Preamplifier
Try replacing the 6U8 tubes in the preamp section. These tubes control a large part of the unit's sound. I found NOS RCA's worked best for me. Next you could roll the 12AX7's. I like the stock telefunkens that came with mine, but if you're seeking... 
An integrated with a good phono
PrimaLuna Prologue tube integrated with the phono option. Marriage made in heaven with your de capo's. 
Primaluna prologue 2 based system upgrade
Try a pair of Reference 3A mm de capo speakers. I have them paired to a Prologue One and think the synergy is top notch. You get full imaging and the 'disappearing speaker' effect. Placement is critical and room acoustics have to be good, but if y... 
Goodtube integrated
Have PrimaLuna and Cayin tube gear. Can recommend both very highly. Manley gear is very highly rated, as is Rogue. Never had issues with my Cayin A88T integrated. Bought it used four years ago and still going strong. PrimaLuna may be the best bang... 
Spade connection size for McIntosh MC2155 Amp
Signal cable makes speaker cables with smaller spade connectors for older amps. I use their cables on my Scott 299. Should be the same size for your Mac. 
Phono preamp for old Thorens / new Marantz
used Bellari VP129. I've got one if you're interested. 
Prima Luna PL1
Reference 3A mm de capos