dawgcatching

Responses from dawgcatching

Basic 2-channel A/V setup: Analog or HDMI?
Okay, thanks! Unfortunately, I think my VSE mods disabled the DVD playback feature on my unit! I will have to get another non-modded unit. It shouldn't be hard, they seem to be available for $200 and plentiful. 
Tyler Decade D1s
My D1's have around 200 hours on them, and are really moving from "good" to "extremely impressive", at least in my system. These have some of the most accurate bass I have heard (it doesn't sound big, just tight, just how a double bass sounds in r... 
90db, 7ohm speakers: tube amp recommendations?
I was told the minimum impedance is around 7ohm, nominal is 8ohm, with a flat curve that is "easy to drive". I haven't seen specs on them, but from listening so far, they are driven very well with my little 125wpc SS amp, whereas my previous speak... 
Advice on a nice integrated is needed
I have owned the Karan KA-I 180 (most current model) and it was superb. Definitely I would put that on your list over the McIntosh. I also would second (third) the VAC unit. 
Help with Tyler speakers, considering the windmere
Haven't heard the Windmere, but the word on it says very full speaker and slightly warm (I owned the Linbrooks, which was smaller but similar sonically). With that said, the new Tyler Decade line is a big step up in terms of detail and soundstage,... 
Does anyone or does everyone pay retail price?
I would pay retail (or buy a demo unit) if I wanted to demo the unit at home, and especially if it was a high demand unit with high resale value (such as McIntosh or Audio Research). Like many audiophiles, I like to try different things, and deale... 
A great linestage/preamp "makes" a great system
I definitely found that a great linestage was the key to my system. Trying around 6 units that retailed between $3k and $6K, I finally found the one that sang and opened everything up. Trying different amps with the same "good, but not perfect" li... 
Anyone running a solid state preamp and tube amp?
Newbee, Thanks for the link. Some helpful info there. I will give it a try for sure. 
Solid State Version of Tube McIntosh C220
If you are using McCormack amps, skip the McIntosh preamps and go straight to a modded SMC audio unit. The ALD-1 with Gold+ upgrades is much more transparent, extended, clear, yet musical when compared to the C220: you won't equal it unless you st... 
Tyler Decade D1s
How big is your room? I hope I didn't make a mistake getting the D1's over the D2's. My room is a 15x24, 9 foot ceilings, attached to a rear hallway. 
Tyler Decade D2s: review
I disagree with the tube/solid state characterizations in general. They might have been accurate 20 years ago, but today we have tubes that sound dry, and SS that sounds very full and musical. I have a feeling that a more accurate assessment is th... 
Review: McCormack DNA-125 Amplifier
Thanks Steve for the follow up. I managed to get my hands on an ALD-1 revision Gold, and it stepped up the system's performance yet again. The sound is even more full, with a wider soundstage and more clarity. With this amp/preamp combo, the usual... 
Best solid state amp under 1k
I liked my McCormack DNA-125: stock it was a very good buy at $800. Down the line, throw $1500 of SMC Audio mods into it and it becomes one of the very best SS amps out there. 
Modded CD Player or Stock CD Player?
Yeah, you will get more resolution the better your system gets. If you get that Level 7 mod, you probably won't have a "limiting" CDP until the rest of your system is worth $30-50k. I haven't demoed a bunch of other CDP's at home (the one I did de... 
Tyler Decade D2s: review
Why tubes only? Is there some specific reason you are recommending that, or are you saying "tube-like sound" which could mean better SS pieces as well? My SS preamp (McCormack ALD-1 w/Gold+ upgrades) sounds more musical than my tube preamp (Modwri...