curriemt11

Responses from curriemt11

Best Integrated, period.
I received my new VAC Phi Beta 110i yesterday. Apart from the PITA of lugging the bulky 100 lb main unit upstairs to my listening room, installation was a snap.A few initial comments:1) From a functional standpoint, and for my particular circumsta... 
Best Integrated, period.
Hi Larry,I've had several conversations with Kevin Hayes just lately. Couldn't ask for a nicer, more helpful individual. With regard to Jim Thiel, I met him while attending university in Lexington. This was in 1980 when he was just starting out. G... 
What amp / int. amp would you still like to try?
VAC still makes one integrated called the Alpha, housed in a sort of Avatar-like case but containing the latest and greatest from their current lineup. Not sure of the price, but fully loaded I expect it approaches $20K.I too wonder why they don't... 
What amp / int. amp would you still like to try?
> what is it that you hope to improve on regarding the Atmosphere?Quite frankly, I’m hoping that the VAC will be the equal of the Atma-Sphere. The S-30 is a great amp. My reasons for going to the VAC integrated are not sonic ones.> …it's fai... 
Best Integrated, period.
I've just purchased what I hope is the 'best' (for my system) - the very last VAC Phi Beta 110i. This was intended for Kevin Hayes' personal use, but he decided to go with his new separates. It's being tested at VAC and will be delivered next week. 
What amp / int. amp would you still like to try?
Well, given the first two replies, I feel that I must comment. I am in the process of selling my amp (Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk III) and preamp (Messenger) and purchasing the VAC Phi Beta (directly from VAC...the last one ever produced). 
Best 3 tube preamps under $18000?
The Messenger preamp is the finest I've owned and/or auditioned. Disclaimer: mine is up for auction, but NOT for sonic reasons, I assure you. 
Atma Sphere S30 amp
Glory, congratulations on your S-30 purchase. It's a great amp. I suspect that if a lot of the flea power owners had the opportunity to try it in their systems, they would never look back.Like Clio09, I own Audiokinesis speakers (Planetarium Betas... 
Berkeley Alpha DAC vs Theta Gen VIII and stuff...
You won't regret the decision to buy the Alpha. It's a great piece of gear. I'll offer up one slight - and certainly controversial - issue.> ...directly to my krell fpb600c and use the volume control in the dac. this seems to be the way it soun... 
Interaction with music server while listening?
Hi Ral,Either way, actually. The netbook itself is very small and light, so it can go nearly anywhere. Likewise, the trackball is not placement critical. My seats are three across, with the prime listening position in the center, of course. I gene... 
Interaction with music server while listening?
I have the Music Vault Diamond. The netbook, paired with a wireless trackball, has proven to be an excellent solution. 
Review: Music Vault Diamond Transport
Hi Dan,My pleasure, and thanks. I am using a separate preamp (The Messenger), for two reasons. The critical one is that I am still using LPs as a primary source and must have a phono stage. Secondly - and I'm well aware that this is more controver... 
Zero Feedback: Atmasphere vs. BAT
Well, I can confirm that the combination of the Atma-Sphere S-30 and the Audiokinesis Planetarium Beta is superb. I assume this would extend to the Jazz Modules as well. I live near Houston, which certainly gives New Orleans a serious run for its ... 
Berkeley DAC into preamp or amp ?
Ral - sorry, I should have mentioned that. Moderately high volumes were in the 50 range. I noticed no deterioration of the sound at lower levels, but then again, I rarely listen at those volumes. 
Berkeley DAC into preamp or amp ?
I recently tried the Berkeley running directly into the amp. My experience has been that such a setup always flattens the depth dimension of the soundstage, and this was no exception. In my opinion, any minor improvements over an excellent preamp ...