don_c55

Responses from don_c55

Adjusting SRA using macro lens vs microscope
Read this article for setting SRA!http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/1240.html 
Best ARC tube amps for classical music?
You also may like Quicksiver amps. They have individually biased output tubes instead of "Exact" matched sets like most ARC amps. Matched output tube are a pain IMO. The D79 has individual bias but is old and rare.Quicksilver has just as good a re... 
Adjusting SRA using macro lens vs microscope
I have used a magnifying glass, and a comparison to an index card that has a vertical line and 92 degree line on it.You have to "squint" for a hour, and have a micromiter headheight adjustment(like some VPI arms). But you can get close!This gives ... 
best solid state preamp from Audio Research?
All the solid state ARC preamps can be beat by other brands in the same price range!ARC preamp design expertise is in tube or tube/FET hybrid preamps! 
Pass Labs Xono vs. Aesthetix Rhea
The Aesthetix like most all tube phono stages is noisy with very low output (.2 to .3mV) cartridges.The Xono has state of the art low noise, and high gain (up to 76 dB). Also has more resistance loading steps, and range than any other phono stage,... 
Pass XA60.5's or Cary CAD 500 MB for Maggie 1.7?
I have Magnepan 3.6's driven by an Ampzilla 2000 (200 wpc @4 ohms) in a 16 x 8 x 24' room and have more than enough power.The Pass lab power amps work great with Magnepans. The Xa60.5 is very expensive, perhaps you should also look at the X150.5.I... 
Maggies MGII's - Questions, thoughts
I owned the MG IIa's from 1978 to 1987 when I went to the MG IIIa's. Used the MGIIIa's until 2004 when I went to 3.6's.I liked the midrange on the IIa's better than the IIIa's ( they were also more coherent), but they do not go as low or high as t... 
Mint Protractor for VPI JMW 12.6 tonearm
Just use the stock VPI alignment protractor.The VPI gives minimum offset error across the "entire" side of the record, unlike other protractors, and yields the best sound IMO!Harry knows best, even though there is disagreement around arm alignment... 
SONY XA5400ES - Preliminary Observations
The main problem with the Sony 5400 is that it is no longer made, and soon, repair parts such as the laser block will no longer be available. Also Sony repair service is poor (the repair people are idiots).It is possible, but rare, to find an new ... 
The Hub: In Defense of Audiophilia
I think the main problem is the fact that the music listened to by today's young audience is so poorly recorded, that it sounds much better on ear buds and iPods, than it does on a good quality High End system.Today's younger audience simply does ... 
Amplifiers:A Keeper for Life. Do you know of one ?
Son of Ampzilla 2000.At 100 wpc (200 @ 4 ohms, 400 wpc @ 2 ohms),beats out any other (under $5000) power amp, SS, tube, or hybrid I have heard in over 40 years! 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
The original post, and the number of followup posts, are absurdly long, and the answer is obvious to any experienced audiophile.Virtually all, properly set up MC cartridges (with good associated phono stages), beat, hands down, virtually all MM ca... 
Mac Mini Power Supply
I am surprised a linear power supply made any difference at all! 
Rogers LS3/5a question
They have very good midrange, but a "bumped up" bass response.The Rogers Ls3/5 is a "classic" small room speaker. Do not over drive them with too much power! About 50 watts max. Most all solid state amps will drive them well. They also work well w... 
son of Ampzilla
It is an excellent power amp. Holds it's own with today's amps!