cbw723

Responses from cbw723

Not so Easy to Skip the Preamp?
I'm a little confused. Is your setup like this?:Computer->Hagtech->DAC5->DEQ2496->A500->SpeakersIf so, what role does the DEQ2496 play? 
Is this the END of DAYS for the high end CD player
Good luck, Bill. As with everything else in audio, it may take some finessing to get the sound you like, but I think once you do, you'll love the instant access to all of your (digital) music.If you are going with a Mac Mini, you'll find informati... 
Fun Little Project for improving Dynamics
Sebrof, the problem with your argument is that it applies to almost everything we audiophiles do to improve our systems. "I tried a new speaker/amp/preamp/DAC/speaker cable/interconnect/power cord/what-have-you and it made my system sound better/w... 
Not so Easy to Skip the Preamp?
I assume you have tested all of the components individually in other systems and they are all working properly? If so, then what computer type are you using and what playback program? Have you checked that the computer output to the Hagtech, and t... 
How popular is Wire Transfer.....
I agree that PayPal and feedback are good ways to minimize, but not eliminate, risk. So is communication with the seller (the more common scammer, IME). If something seems off about the person, move on.One thing to watch out for (especially on eBa... 
Best sounding PC for adudio may vary
Steve, I notice that your Off Ramp has I2S output. It's a different connector than the W4S uses, but can they be made compatible? 
Empirical Audio Off-Ramp V4 Ultraclock + Monolith
How did you get V4 of the Off Ramp? I only see V3 on Empirical's web site. 
Is this the END of DAYS for the high end CD player
I, too, lament the passing of the local record/CD shop. While ordering online is convenient and cheap, it just isn't as satisfying as browsing a really good record store. It's too bad the big chains came along and killed the local shops before dyi... 
Is this the END of DAYS for the high end CD player
Grannyring, the computer is unlikely to have a big impact on sound quality as long as it meets certain minimum performance standards (though there are things you can do to make your computer "sound better"). So, yes, there are cheaper ways to go t... 
Is this the END of DAYS for the high end CD player
I think that most of the bigger manufacturers of audiophile CD players will likely discontinue them within the next few years. There will likely remain a few boutique brands for years to come, but the advantages of computer audio are simply too gr... 
Blind Shoot-out in San Diego -- 5 CD Players
Wow. Just wow.I really appreciate the participation of manufacturers on these forums. I think they can add information about their products and their approach to design, and that benefits all of us greatly. But the internecine squabbling I'm seein... 
Blind Shoot-out in San Diego -- 5 CD Players
12-26-10: AplhifiThe NWO player used for this particular shootout sounds worse than a boombox compared to the current NWO-M so, in my opinion, it does not really matter what you have done or will do to the EMM box.This might be true, but the state... 
Blind Shoot-out in San Diego -- 5 CD Players
Sabai, yes, component performance can be very system specific, and I think many of us have had the experience of needing to re-tune a system after adding a new component. But it is difficult to imagine a blind testing scenario where one could twea... 
Blind Shoot-out in San Diego -- 5 CD Players
Sabai, I agree that head-to-head comparisons of equipment can be helpful, and doing blind tests is the most objective way to perform the tests. I don't believe that more variables needed to be introduced (plugs, wires, etc.), though more music sel... 
Who's Enjoying the Pure Music App Besides Me??
I've been using PM for a few weeks an like it a lot. I did not notice a huge improvement in sound, though. Perhaps some improvement, but not huge (Amarra didn't do much for me either.) (Equipment: dedicated 4GB Mac Mini, Ayre QB-9 DAC, Parasound H...