djfst

Responses from djfst

How do tube manufacturers like VAC get 55 watts per KT88 where others get only 30-35?
normie57,Didn't know if you were still interested in the VAC 200 IQ, but one just one up on audiomart at a great deal.  Any updates?  Keep us posted. 
thinking of switching from conrad johnson......
If you look at VAC - look at the 200 Signature iQ.  Wouldn't mess around with the Phi 200 or 300 models.  The Sig IQ has all the punch and dynamics of solid state will offer, but with the body and fullness of tubes.  The ease of tube rolling with ... 
best speakers what do you think
You're not comparing speakers in the similar price range.  If you're going to compare Sonus Faber to Focal 1038 be, you need to be comparing the Olympica 3's with them.   I heard both the Olympica and 1038 in the same system and favored the Olympi... 
getting into vinyl
For a first rig, if possible, I'd try to get a VPI Scout Jr.  One can be on sale for around the $1000.   For a versatile phono preamp, I'd go with the Lehman Audio Black Cube for around $400.  That will serve you well for a while.  The dealer I wo... 
TurnTable Quest
I personally would recommend the VPI Scout or Prime depending on the budget, but I work with a dealer who sells a couple different brands (one is VPI), so he may be able to compare them for you.  This may give a better impression of how tables com... 
Speakers with warm treble and good bass
Two immediately come to mind:Sonus Faber (I own the Olympica 3 and definitely fit your description)Tannoy 
EAR Acute Classic - has anyone heard or tried it
I will be placing an order for the Acute Classic in the near future (hopefully in the next month).  There has been some issues with the DAC 4 and using DSD - it is pretty temperamental and has a loud pop when going from DSD to PCM tracks (that was... 
Cart Recommendations
Demoing is going to be really hard.  This is why I bought the Paua from my dealer, knowing I'd sell it in a week.  i wanted to hear the sound in my system, which is all that really matters.  My dealer actually put the Paua up for sale on audiogon ... 
Cart Recommendations
Best of luck, theothergreg.  There is a lot of good options out there. 
Cart Recommendations
I think an upgraded cart would bring more performance than the tonearm upgrade, but this is debatable. Not sure what your budget is, but  my vote would be a Soundsmith Paua (if funds allow), Ortofon Cadenza, or Transfiguration ( a little more aggr... 
Cart Recommendations
theothergregg, I have a friend who has a VPI HRX table has owned the cadenza bronze, the kiseki purple heart, and now a Transfiguration Proteus (his reference cartridge). Also comments on the Transfiguration Axia below.  Here are some of his comme... 
Cart Recommendations
There are two carts immediately come to mind with those sonic characteristics and that match well with VPI tables: 1) Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and 2) Soundsmith Paua.The Paua will be a bit smoother but has a more realistic presentation with unbeliev... 
Do they make a quiet great sounding phono pre amp??
I know the Zesto Andros is really quiet, which I own and is fantastic in terms of noise for a tube phono pre.  But even a used one will probably be around $3500 (retail is $4700).  I can give you my dealer's name to see if he can give you a good p... 
Cartridge help: Ortofon Cadenza vs. Soundsmith Paua
I demoed the Transfiguration Axia from my dealer in my system, but ultimately decided to order the Soundsmith Paua.  I'm currently breaking it in.  Thanks for all the suggestions and help. 
Why do I keep torturing myself with remasters?
Analogue Productions & Speakers Corner are quality reissues.  other wise, stick to originals or at the very least, reissues by the same company that pressed the original (though that is a bit risky).  Sometimes you have no choice on hard to fi...