gary_c

Responses from gary_c

Will increasing speaker cable AWG make a difference in sound quality?
Depending on the amplifier and speakers, a larger speaker cable (lower gauge number) can improve the damping factor of the amplifier, which improves grip on the speakers. As to why/how a cable can effect sound quality, the construction of the cabl... 
Forum Updates 11/24/2021
@tammyholt , Thanks for the update, and getting the single line break to work. Will the SHIFT+ENTER combination be mentioned to those creating a listing? This was a major inconvenience, so glad to see it resolved, but not sure how this will be co... 
RCA interconnect recommendation
@decooney  Yes, I have owned the GR and GC IC at the same time (and also GR, GC, and Hexlink Golden 5C speaker cables). I had a slight preference for the GC IC in my system. The GR IC was very good (perhaps more clear and balanced overall), but t... 
RCA interconnect recommendation
I forgot to mention that I haven't tried the AZ Silver Ref II; was leary of silver at the time. Soix has an interesting point about trying it, if you like the MR II.  
RCA interconnect recommendation
@smaarch1 , I agree with the AZ Matrix Reference II being very good, especially for the money. If you like it, you will probably also like the Cardas Golden Cross or Golden Reference, although someone else had a different opinion. I went from AZ ... 
Vinyl guy seeking recommendation for a top level cd player
OP asked for CD player recommendations, and half the gallery goes off into the weeds as usual. 
Vinyl guy seeking recommendation for a top level cd player
@billstevenson,Although you said that you don't need a separate DAC at the moment, keep in mind that many CD players have a digital input and can be used as a standalone DAC, in case you desire that flexibility in the future.I have a Simaudio Supe... 
Considering an integrated
@markpao,I'm not a TT or tube user, so unable to provide input on your question regarding phono stage issues.My only input is to be careful if considering a move from tubes to SS, or vice versa. If you have developed a strong liking for one, then ... 
Vandersteen Treo CT or Proac D48R
@danbnjshore,Nice combo!Hard to move to something different once you develop a preference for ProAc. 
Fraud and scam, how many of you are victims?
No issues for me, for sales and purchases through Audiogon. I have also used Canuck Audio Mart for a speaker purchase, and no issues there either.I strongly prefer Audiogon when buying, and from someone with excellent feedback and transaction coun... 
Pet Peeve -- why do headphone companies make the LEFT and RIGHT symbols so hard to locate
Or we combine the first response with one of the more recent responses, and place fruit labels on the headphones. Done, no need for any takeover. What is so hard about marking with nail polish or stickers. Also a capital crime: small stickers ... 
Pet Peeve -- why do headphone companies make the LEFT and RIGHT symbols so hard to locate
Why do the manufacturers make these important labels so small and hard to find? Aesthetics? Arrogance? Lack of human factor design skills? All consumer-facing companies have a group (two groups) devoted to this (UX and ID) to provide input on a... 
So how can a great system solve less than great recordings
@jumia, Poorer older quality cooms from a qobuz stream.  Is older stuff handled well by qobuz? I'm not a streamer, so can't help on this.That's an entirely different subject (new thread?), in terms of streaming services, high-res vs. xxx, and th... 
Can an integrated amp be used as a power amp
@atorres53, The Hegel has a pre out, so yes it can be used as a preamplifier. I also confirmed with Hegel.I looked at a photo of the H390 tonight and saw the Line Level Outputs for use as preamp and DAC. Too bad there isn't an Analog Out in a... 
So how can a great system solve less than great recordings
OP, you mentioned "album" but didn't clearly state whether your poorer recordings are on vinyl, CD, or streaming (unless I missed it).I believe there are threads here related to finding better versions when streaming, as a means of avoiding the po...