ethannnn

Responses from ethannnn

Has anyone heard the Ref 3?
Oneobgyn, your poor experience with the L2 was unfortunately my fault. One of the XLRs I brought over and had been using turned out to be faulty causing a significant compromise to the sound. When we listened to your Ref 3, Vahallas were used bypa... 
Audio Research Ref 3 Opinions
That's very surprising. Although I didn't like the Svetlana 6550c, I wouldn't call the sound veiled to the extent of having speakers blanketed. Something doesn't seem quite right. Although I prefer the Genalex or GEC KT88, the difference was not t... 
VAC Ren II, VAC Phi, or ARC Ref 3?
Hi Oneobgyn, I dont know what the problem was but I was never able to resolve it. Perhaps it didn't have enough gain for my system. I didn't notice a hissing issue with your system but I think your dac has more gain than my phono/cartridge combo. 
Lamm Hybrid amplifier owners: 2 questions for you
The best PC I've found on these amps are the Jena Labs One which retail for $1800. Second choice would be the Elrod Signatue 3. Around $500 used, I would assume Elrod EPS 3 to be good a good match. For tubes, the Amperex 6922 PQ white lable made i... 
VAC Ren II, VAC Phi, or ARC Ref 3?
Interesting, I'll have to troubleshoot what is causing this. 
Has anyone heard the Ref 3?
KT88s and 6550s are usually compatible in the same circuit. The hiss existed before and after changing tubes. This pre really sounds quite a bit better with the Genalex in my opinion. 
Has anyone heard the Ref 3?
I would agree the Ref 3 is significant upgrade to the Ref 2. The Ref 3 is less colored, more transparent and gets out of the way of music more. Owners of the Ref 3 can get another improvement by replacing the stock Svetlana 6550c tube with a NOS G... 
VAC Ren II, VAC Phi, or ARC Ref 3?
Does anyone notice a hiss in their system with the Ref 3? I noticed this with some of their earlier preamps. In my system, I can hear over the surface noise of LPs. Do other tube preamps have this issue? 
Lamm LP2 and WE417A tubes
Herman, I can send you my spare set of WE 417a tubes to try if you'd like. Although I didn't do extensive a/b comparisons, I believe the WE to be slightly more refined presenting a smoother sound with similar tonality. It wasn't a huge improvement... 
Opinions on the Cary 211 tube amp
That's very promising. Is there a big difference between the Anniversary model and the earlier versions? As I recall, the earlier versions were rated at 200 watts or more. Is there a reason why the newer model has a reduction in power? 
Mcintosh-Bad customer service?
Just some minor clarifications, Mcintosh will force you to put their non transferable warranty policy on Ebay regardless of how it was purchased, including AUTHORIZED dealers. Their view is, they are protecting second hand buyers. Another view is,... 
Direct TV causing hum in audio system
Thanks for all your input. I think I'll start by grounding the dish to the same location as my power outlets. One thing that worried me, as I move the cable coming down from the dish, it occassionally sparked when touching other component. Is this... 
Bach Matthaus Passion
I've got those on my wish list now. Any recommendations for Organ music? I noticed Bach has several and I'd like to hear what an organ sounds like on my system. The composer does not have to be Bach.Thanks, 
Bach Matthaus Passion
Thanks Gregm, I was lucky to find a copy of Matthaus Passion from Archiv at my local record shop (The Analog Room) for $9 and it sounds amazing! I have the Teldec recording on cd and will never listen to it again. I asked about your recommendation... 
Opera recommendations on vinyl
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll use it to go record shopping this weekend in San Franciso/Berkeley. If there are any other recommendations, please let me know!