dunkmeister

Responses from dunkmeister

Dbx lps
Nautilus issued of a number of titles that were half speed masters that were dbx encoded (Allmans at the Fillmore, Moodys Threshold, Clapton One Night, Heart S/T to name a few). You do need to play them with the decoder. You can still find them he... 
HDCD music suggestions???
the first three Cars records have been re-released in HDCD and so have the Roxy Music records. There is a Doors box set (one of many) that is recorded in HDCD. I can't remember the name of the set but it provides the discs in mini-LP sleeves. 
Speaker Technology over the last 10 years
IMO you have to answer that by comparing advances across speakers at equivalent price points then and now. I think designers have a very good picture of frequency response and depending on the sound they are going for will be forever tweaking driv... 
New DAc for old CDP?
Sounds like I am about where you are as far as level of equipment but I would say I am more like 50-50 when it comes to vinyl vs cd listening. I have a DAC, in fact I have a couple of them and I would say a DAC will close the gap but isn't going t... 
Konfounding Kinks
I totally agree with much that has been said. From the early days of Lola and You Really Got Me to later on with Everbody's in Showbiz and Give the People What They Want they were always plowing new ground. Very underrated. 
Help Me Justify Recent MMF7 purchase
I agree with much that has been said the MMF-7 is a fine unit give it awhile and if you still feel something is missing look at a cartridge upgrade. 
is the mac c22 preamp as good as modern preamps?
I have never owned a C22 but I did own a C26 and I have to say that I heard a marked improvement when I upgraded to mid 90's technology and I am not talking top end technology just a well reviewed mid priced Acurus RL-11. 
first time vinyl
IMO given your stated budget and the need for a phono pre I would start low (but not cheap) by buying used and working your way up as your ear dictates. If you don't have one, a good record cleaning system is a must. I have the VPI 16.5 a good sol... 
I would appreciate some speaker suggestions
I run KEF 105.2's and even after running many other and newer speakers I keep coming back to that sound. So what change? If you lack the bass you are looking for add in a good subwoofer and I agree with one of the earlier posts look at an amp upgr... 
Company loyalty- What has been your favorite?
Two companies come to my mind when I consider quality/sound, price and service. Grado - A little "Mom and Pop" as far as letting you know when you will get something back but they go the extra mile. Channel Island- I had read many positive comment... 
Best CD player $500 or less used
A number of good choices have been mentioned but I would include the Cambridge Audio 640 C, both versions I and II. Obviously version I is going to save you a little more cash and version II is going to give you some upgrades in the D/A converter. 
Is music quality moving away from the "audiophile"
while the trend is not universal in my experience the quality of recorded music is headed away from audiophile quality in order to cater to the ipod users and downloaders. 
Is there a truly musical multiple CD player?
I have a Rotel RCC-1055 multi-disc player. It is a good solid player that decodes HDCD. If it doesn't quite "sing" you can use it as multi-disc transport by running it through a quality DAC. 
Any Grado Warranty/Service Issues?
I can only add to what has been said. Though they are somewhat of a throwback as far as tracking and responding, I have have had nothing but positive interactions with them. 
Kef 104/2 Replacements
Why leave KEF? Maybe your present 104/2's will cost too much to repair but there are some great replacements on the market. I owned a pair of the original 105's when they first came out and selling them was one of my big regrets. I now own pairs o...