emtrey

Responses from emtrey

How much does a DAC do the more expensive it is?
  audiom3 80 posts 03-06-2023 at 04:41pm  A little update on my A/B comparison between a PS Audio DS DAC Mk1 ($6800) and an Ayre Codex ($1800 new?) w/ both being fed by an iFi Neo Stream (I²S to DSD and USB to Codex).  I was using Roon, as I a... 
Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC
On the upgrade, Highs dramatically better, system has more bass with same speakers, and the soundstage is very , very well defined. Did take a while to dial in speaker positioning considering the definition of the soundstage.  Finally decided I ... 
Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC
I found the QX-5/20 to be a game changer in my system even before the update, I did buy it used rather than waiting for a QX-8 (my original choice) as I was hoping to stay around 5-6K. Once is saw the used Qx-5/20, I just bought it. My dealer ca... 
Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC
For those owners of the Ayre QX-5/20,  look into the USB-2 upgrade if USB is your favored connection. I had my DAC updated recently while my system was down due to moving to a new home. Its a significant upgrade to an already outstanding product... 
Mark Levinson Reliability
I had old school Levinson equipment 380S, 390S, 335 amp.  All great in their day. But, when they need repair, very restrictive ( limited factory repair depots) now and very, very expensive. I saw a thread on here a while ago that to reburbish a C... 
Amplifier brand/designer with the most unique and consistent “house sound?”
Ayre..Agree totally with Eric Squires.quoting ERIC " Not sure  I can be as articulate tonight as I have been in the past, but to my ears the Ayre amps seem to darken the room, as if they could suck the noise out of it and leave you with less of yo... 
Roon 1.8
Has the ability to reorder aa playlist disappeared? I did it the old way and it worked once but that was all.  Not even sure how/why the first try worked. 
Remarkably better sound possible with just 1 system component change?
DAC.   Game changer. 
Who else is using old cables/interconnects, and is happy?
I still have all but one of my original Transparent cables. All reference level but about 25 years old.  I did trade up to a new Synergistic primary interconnect from my original designer reference to take advantage of their trade up program.  Mad... 
Mark Levinson 39 Drawer problem
I don't know for sure but I have heard they will not sell parts to anyone so you are at their mercy.   I would not spend too much fixing it.  That drawer setup is prone to problems.I saw one bill bill to fix a 390s for $2200.  I sold mine for $2500. 
Mark Levinson 39 Drawer problem
 I no longer have  it around since I  Included all the manuals etc when I sold my 390S .  I did find this on Audiogon---this should be your first thing to attempt. I have a 390S that is now my backup (since I jumped on the AR CD7/8 bandwagon) and ... 
Mark Levinson 39 Drawer problem
re calibrate the drawer.   It’s either that or a bad  eprom  ( hopefully the former)  
Mark Levinson 30.5 DAC vs. current DACs?
I owned a ML 390S CD processor for over 20 years.  Fine  piece of equipment with very good sound and very reliable except for the erratic drawer function of the transport.I am sure its still quite viable in today's market at more reasonable pricin... 
Higher End DACs
Ayre QX-5 /twenty or QX/8  depending on budget deserve consideration.A little pricey but QX/5 was a game changer for me.DCS has very well respected DACs  and priced accordingly. 
Synergies in music and amp combinations?
Diana Krall sounds "in the room" via my Ayre DAC/Boulder amp /ML pre-ampWhether she is a Porsche because she is a singer, not sure. Her recording quality is awesome. ( I have often found the Verve label to have top notch recordings)The way she sou...