gthrush1

Responses from gthrush1

Gain for Moving Coil Cartridges
With a 0.4 mV output cartridge, you'd need about three times the value you suggested. I have owned several cartridges with this gain value, and I've always found 60 dB a good match.There is no simple rule-of-thumb. It really depends on your listen... 
Upsampling / Oversampling DAC
While I'm asking about DACs, I also wonder if there is one that will decode DVD-A, SACD (two-channel AND multi-channel), HDCD, etc. in addition to the up-and-over sampling? 
Have you ever broken the needle?
I use a medical hemostat to connect the cartridge clips. HIGHLY recommended...Regarding the current status of your cartridge, you can probably send it to the manufacturer to be rebuilt. In this case, there's nothing to do but suck it up and spend ... 
Are You An Audiophile Or A Music Lover?
I'd give up the system and keep the music collection. Then, I'd sell the boombox on Ebay (assume proceeds are ~$75). Finally, I'd hit the yard sales and find a vintage tube receiver with phono stage for $40, an abused Rega P2 for $25, and an Optim... 
better gear, worse recordings
I have experienced this as well. My take on it is a bit different than those stated thus far, though.I think the goal of an audio system should be to reproduce EXACTLY what has been recorded. If you assemble a high-resolution system, you will clea... 
amp/pre/speaker recommendations 10K used
Accuphase DP-75v CD player -> variable output directly into -> ATC Active 10 monitors 
Does Avergae CD Player + DAC = Average Sound?
You certainly CAN go the route you suggest, with reasonable quality. I really think that for the price of a decent external DAC and digital cable though, you probably can find a new CD player that will yield excellent results.I think the Audio Ref... 
What are some excellent mid -priced tuners?
All of the Magnum Dynalab products are very good. Keep in mind, though, that most audiophiles overlook and compromise the most important part of an FM source -- the antenna.It is worth the effort to climb up into your attic and install a quality Y... 
VTA for Discovery cartridge
Why not ask the US distributor, Musical Surroundings? 
19th Nervous Breakdown...
Basis 1400 turntable = $1400 retailGraham Robin tonearm = $800 retailBenz ACE (0.4 mV output) cartridge = $550 retailMS Phonomena phono preamplifier = $600 retailTOTAL = $3340 retailIf you buy this whole package from an authorized MS dealer, you c... 
Best Sounding used amplifier under 1000???
B&K EX442 power amplifier can be had for $400 - $500 used. It's 200 wpc into 8 Ohms, provides plenty of current, and it has balanced inputs and a detachable power cord.You can get a B&K Pro-10 preamplifier for about $400 used to finish off... 
Best Kept Speaker Secret?
Westlake Lc4.75 Pro. Retail new is $999. Many, many studios use these to monitor the recording process.If it's good enough for the guys recording your records, it's more than enough to playback.These are the ultimate in resolution. Perfect for a s... 
Cigar Smell...How to get out of Maggies??
There are two problems here, and the one you mention is the least important of the two.#1 Any kind of smoke will leave a greasy film on membranes found in electrostatics and ribbons. In my opinion, this is VERY likely to render the panels worthles... 
Best preamp for Dynaco 70: Tube, SS, or passive?
Why not pair it up with its obvious mate? One of the Dyna PAS preamplifier units should do nicely. 
A great SS preamp with separate power supply
If you want something that will "match the best tube preamp", then why not buy the best tube preamplifer your budget will allow. If you want tube sound, then buying anything solid-state will be a disappointment.