howie

Responses from howie

Review of Dartzeel NHB-108 Amplifier
Great post JaFox. I'm struggling between warmth and neutrality myself. :DSirspeedy, that's why it is always recommended that one stay off the boards after their purchases. We all get the upgrade bugs. 
Upgrade the speakers or upgrade the receiver?
The Paradigm Studio 60s are much more capable than you know. I had a Pioneer Elite 49tx driving my 60s V.1 and for the same money on separate amp and preamp, the difference was night and day. The receiver does offer good value driving your surroun... 
Manley Snappers ... good tube monos?
Yes the Snappers are very good amps and are an excellent value. They're one of the most powerful tube amps for the money. They're solid performers. 
Review of Dartzeel NHB-108 Amplifier
I guess I'm someone who prefers to lean towards politically correctness. So when I see a strong statement that is so obviously subjective, I prefer to have it clarified. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with personal opinion. But whenever I read ... 
Review of Dartzeel NHB-108 Amplifier
Hooper, didn't you hear the Kharmas at Frank P's house before you went ahead and bought the Midi-Exquisites sight unseen? And the Kharmas (at least the ones I've heard) are absolutely NOT lifeless and undynamic, but perhaps only to YOUR tastes and... 
PMC Owners your opinions
Freakygreek, I've personally chose to work backwards by buying my ideal speakers first and then the amps. I am out of funds right now, so I have yet to upgrade my source. I am of the opinion that the "sweetspot" for digital source is at a much low... 
Tell me about your Jena Labs Symphonys
Redkiwi, I still have not added the SCs so I can't really tell you. I'm using SCs that are by itself fuller sounding with more of a bite to them. Many people have told me that the sound comes together when using a full set of Jena Labs cables so t... 
PMC Owners your opinions
I found the IB1s bass to be a bit too punchy (as if it's forced out) for my tastes, and the IB2s, which I have not heard, are supposely smoother sounding. Since you're looking at tube pres and in general, smooth sounding cdps, I'm guessing you're ... 
PMC Owners your opinions
Since there's only one reply, I'll share with you my thoughts. I auditioned the IB1s and MB2s extensively, mostly with Bryston 7B SSTs. This might not be the answer you are looking for, but a good source is a good source. I auditioned the speakers... 
Review of Dartzeel NHB-108 Amplifier
Cinematic Systems, I believe that every component and every cable colours the sound at least a little bit. Everything has a "sonic signature". In my experience, the sweetspot makes a huge difference, particularly when hearing for transient attacks... 
Review of Dartzeel NHB-108 Amplifier
speakerdude, why wouldn't I assume that five listeners were auditioning/comparing cables simultaneously? I'm guessing that you think my assumptions are wrong? I simply posed a question to Cinematic System in regards to something that was unclear t... 
Review of Dartzeel NHB-108 Amplifier
Cinematic Systems, wouldn't the five witnesses be sitting outside of the sweetspot? Or is your sweetspot that wide? 
Pass Labs X2.5 - vs. - Placette Active Preamps
I would love to hear comparisons between a balanced active and a single ended active Placette. I am convinced that balanced would be better, but man, a balanced active Placette is mega bucks! 
Tenor 300- How reliable???
I do not have a pair of 300s. I have a 150 and so far it has been reliable. If you're buying new, I wouldn't be worried about it at all, if buying used, that'll depend on whether the owner has had any problems with it like any other gear. Anyhow, ... 
Love it, or Hate it ? (wood trim)
As I have learned, besides being subjective it is highly dependent on your room decor. Too much wood in your room can look tacky especially when the wood colours don't match well. If your room is light-coloured contemporary look with no wood in yo...