ericjcabrera

Responses from ericjcabrera

Tube Preamp with Solid State Amp?
My Cayin H80A does justice to the notion of a tube pre driving ss power albeit in a ’hybrid integrated’. And I have also discovered rolling those preamp tubes makes significant differences, confirming for me how good or bad an effect the tube pre ... 
DAC chips
To my ears, I would describe the Burr Brown in my Denon as well as my Cayin as 'Chocolate'; the ESS Sabre in my Oppo like 'Vanilla'. They sound different; but is one superior to the other, I would say no. I haven't tasted the AK so cannot comment,... 
Using two small bookshelf speakers as a center channel
Which Paradigms were you thinking, just their smallest book shelf? It’s been a while since I had Paradigm but they seem to keep their house sound, which I like for HT. So yes, I would think any of their small bookshelves depending on your budget &... 
Are ferrites effective for cabling?
All my power cables are PS Audio & have 'ferrite impregnated jacket'. I find them very effective with noise reduction / elimination, although some have commented that they render the sound 'dark'. I actually prefer a 'dark' sound anyway - my '... 
Using two small bookshelf speakers as a center channel
Steve,What Denon do you have? I have an AVR5700 I run 2.0 with full range speakers & it is quite good at rendering the phantom center. (If you haven’t tried already.) Otherwise I don’t see why not having the bookshelves side by side for a ’bal... 
Sound and vibration control
oddiofylAuralex isolation platforms work even better....Agreed; I use SubDude under my subwoofer & GrAmMa under my mains. System is on wood flooring with a three foot crawl space beneath. Immediate improvement over the entire frequency spectru... 
Sumiko Blackbird Cartridge
I used to have it mounted to a VPI Classic / JMW, but have since moved on, no longer own the TT. I still remember how much I enjoyed the music from it. I hung onto the Blackbird never giving much thought after selling the TT. Just wondering if it ... 
Sumiko Blackbird Cartridge
Was about to generate a new post, but saw this one in my search:I have a Sumiko Blackbird with what may be a broken wire too. One channel if I remember correctly the left is silent. Any idea if this can be repaired & if so, how much it would c... 
Is anyone aware of a 2 channel preamp....
Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo ReceiverNot a preamp exclusively, but appears to have the features you are looking for, albeit in a 'receiver':https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2160.html 
Technics vs. Focal
Not having listened to either & judging by specs alone, I would tend to lean more towards the Focal.Technics SB-C700:Frequency Range 40 Hz - 100 kHz (-16 dB), 45 Hz - 80 kHz (-10 dB) / Sound Pressure Level 85 dB / 2.83 V (m)Focal Aria 906:Freq... 
External DAC connection
use your TV to de-embed. Run HDMI into it, and then use the optical digital output to your benchmarkThe only problem with that is A/V sync; at least for me, it was out of sync. I can't remember, however, which was delayed; audio or video 
External DAC connection
Neither of those multiple connections appear to be utilizing the AV7701’s DAC since you state the final connection is to one of the analog inputs of the AV7701.Why not instead keep it simple; connect Apple TV via HDMI into one of the AV7701 HDMI i... 
Attention Manufacturers: What I want is a TINY HT processor!
Outlaw Audio Model 976 7.2 HDMI AV Surround Processor:https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/976.html 
Anyone have experience with a Schiit Wyrd decrapifier?
After reading up on the Schiit Wyrd, it just may do the trick; however:What USB cable do you have connected? I had a similar issue with my MacBook Pro connected to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface; (essentially a DAC, albeit Pro Audio). Di... 
12AU7 Genalex or Psvane for Cayin Hybrid Integrated H80A
milpai,Are you tube rolling too? My experience with Genalex Gold Lions have been very positive; hope you have the same experience. I have not yet pulled the trigger on Psvane's; they may not be what I am after. I may just go for the Brimar's only ...